Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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"Liam, what did you just say? There are 151 Pokémon in the Kanto region? That can't be true. You're not just making this up, are you?!"

Professor Oak's expression turned serious, his sharp gaze fixed on Liam, clearly expecting a reasonable explanation.

Liam frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then sighed softly.

"It's true, there are 151. However, people might not have discovered all of them yet, which is why they currently think there are only 141."

Professor Oak's face showed a hint of doubt. He could tell Liam wasn't lying. He also understood how mysterious the Pokémon world was. Discovering one or two new species was plausible, but suddenly adding ten more? That was a bit hard to believe.

"If you're so certain, do you have any evidence to back this up?"

Scientific research relies on evidence. No one would believe a claim just because someone said it.

Professor Oak wanted to see what kind of proof Liam could provide to support his claim that there were 151 Pokémon in the Kanto region.

Liam understood this wasn't the time to hold back. It was time to show a little of what he truly knew.

"Alright, I'll explain."

"Go ahead," said Prof. Oak.

"Professor, you've heard of ancient Pokémon fossils, right?"

Professor Oak furrowed his brow and nodded slightly.

"Yes, I've heard about them. They're fossils left by ancient Pokémon, valuable for studying prehistoric ecosystems. But what does that have to do with anything? Those fossils aren't alive."

Liam shook his head and said softly, "Actually, some of them still are."

"What? That's impossible! Ancient Pokémon went extinct countless years ago! If their species had survived, they would've been discovered by now!"

Professor Oak looked utterly incredulous.

"They simply haven't been found yet. Or perhaps someone discovered them but chose not to share it with the world."

"...Then how do you know about this?" Prof. Oak asked, looking extremely skeptical.

"That's not important, and I honestly can't tell you, even if I wanted to. All I can tell you, Professor, is that I know of at least two places where ancient Pokémon are still alive—an island and a canyon. I can't disclose their exact locations, but they do exist."

Whether it was the island of Kabuto fossils or the ancient Pokémon group in Grampa Canyon, these were treasures that needed protection. Liam didn't want them harmed because of his revelations. If Professor Oak insisted on pressing him for details, Liam was prepared to disappear entirely.

Professor Oak fell silent after hearing this. After a long pause and some contemplation, he finally said, "If they've been dormant for so many years, it's best not to disturb them. I won't ask further. However, since you know about them, you should have proper information about them too. So, could you compile a report on what you know? I'd like to study it."

Relieved by the professor's response, Liam nodded internally, impressed by Professor Oak's compassion for Pokémon. He truly lived up to his reputation. 

Liam knew the revelation of this information could cause a massive stir in the Pokémon world. For Professor Oak to resist that temptation demonstrated his extraordinary character.

"Alright, I'll compile everything I know. I promise not to disappoint you, Professor."

Since it was just information without any tangible evidence, it wouldn't have much practical impact. Even if published, it likely wouldn't be believed. So Liam readily agreed.

"Good. So, how many ancient Pokémon are we talking about?" Prof. Oak asked eagerly.

"Including their evolved forms, there are five."

"Huh? Only five? Then what are the other unknown species?" Prof. Oak asked, a bit confused. 

Liam: "..."

"I can only tell you about three more. Professor, have you ever heard of...ahem, the Legendary Birds?"

Professor Oak looked puzzled. He thought for a moment, vaguely recalling something.

"I think I've read about them somewhere... Oh, right! They were mentioned in some ancient murals and texts. I thought they were just myths. Are they real?" Prof. Oak asked excitedly.

"Yes, the Legendary Birds do exist. I can tell you about them—they are Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos."

Surprised, Professor Oak asked, "Why are you suddenly so forthcoming this time?"

Liam grinned mischievously and shrugged. "Because I know you won't be able to catch them anyway, so it's fine to talk about them."

Professor Oak nearly choked on his own breath. He was the Pokémon League's first Champion, a powerhouse in his own right! Yet Liam dared to doubt his abilities.

Liam quickly clarified, "Haha, I didn't mean you couldn't defeat them. With your skill as the first League Champion of the Kanto region, you could definitely win a fight against them with good strategy. But these Legendary Birds are extremely elusive and tend to dwell in remote, harsh environments. For instance, Articuno inhabits the perpetually frozen Seafoam Islands. Even if you wanted to challenge them, it wouldn't be easy."

For some reason, while Liam hesitated to disturb the endangered ancient Pokémon's rest, he felt no guilt in exposing the Legendary Birds' whereabouts. Perhaps it was his confidence in their strength or the countless times he'd caught them in games.

Although Professor Oak now knew where to find Articuno, he only shivered at the thought. Remembering the frigid climate of the Seafoam Islands, he sighed and gave up.

"I think I'll pass. That place is too cold, and my Dragonite would be at a disadvantage against Ice-types. My Charizard probably wouldn't stand a chance against the Legendary Bird in its home environment either. Maybe if I could fight it in neutral terrain… Sigh.. forget this. I'll leave this task to someone more suited. I think I'd better stick to my research."

Seeing Professor Oak's dejected look, Liam felt a pang of guilt, blaming himself for saying too much and adding to the professor's burdens.

Professor Oak, noticing Liam's remorse, quickly patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

"What's with that face? Do you think I'm upset? Liam, you underestimate me. I was the League's first Champion, after all. I'm not so easily discouraged. Don't overthink it. Look, we're here—I'll introduce you to the Pokémon in my backyard."

The scene ahead suddenly brightened, revealing a sprawling meadow on a hillside.

The lush, green grass was dotted with small ponds, patches of trees, and even a sandy dune.

Various Pokémon roamed happily—Butterfree fluttered overhead in groups, Nidoran couples displayed their affection on the plains, Rattata and Raticate dashed through the grass, their forms occasionally visible. Pidgey and Pidgeotto flitted among the trees, while Spearow watched intently from a perch.

In the ponds, Goldeen and Seaking swam gracefully, while Poliwag and Psyduck played near the shore. A few Krabby idly blew bubbles, and further away, Geodude basked contentedly on the sand dunes.

Everything before Liam's eyes seemed peaceful and beautiful.