Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Professor Oak and Liam didn't linger on the topic of the explosion, quickly shifting the conversation. After exchanging a few polite words, they bid farewell to Delia.

After walking for a few more minutes, they were nearing the Oak residence. Liam could see that Professor Oak was beginning to tremble slightly, which puzzled him.

"Prof. Oak, I know this accident was truly regrettable, but you don't need to be so upset. The most important thing is that everyone's safe. If you explain things properly, I'm sure Auntie Fumiko won't scold you too harshly."

From Liam's perspective, the outcome wasn't so bad. The house had suffered some damage, but the Pokémon and research data inside the lab were unharmed—practically a miracle. 

He glanced at Koffing, who was still dazed and unstable, and quickly returned it to its PokéBall to prevent any more explosions.

Professor Oak sighed softly at Liam's attempt to comfort him and replied with a wry smile.

"I'd actually prefer Fumiko just scolded me outright—it'd be easier to handle. But you don't understand... never mind, you'll see soon enough. Liam, if Fumiko gets a little emotional, you must hold her back for me!"

Liam was startled by Professor Oak's words. Did Auntie Fumiko have a temper? That was… quite… unfortunate. He quickly promised, "Don't worry, Prof. Oak. I'll back you up!"

Professor Oak was so moved he nearly cried. He patted Liam's shoulder enthusiastically. "You're a true comrade!" he thought.

The sun had fully set, and the tranquil town was beginning to light up, tiny points of light dotting the earth like stars in the night sky.

Professor Oak and Liam were nearly home. Just one more turn, and they'd be there. Reassured by Liam's promise, Professor Oak seemed to regain his composure, walking tall and striding confidently—until he suddenly stopped at the next corner.

Puzzled, Liam followed his gaze and quickly realized why Professor Oak had frozen.

Standing at the front gate of the Oak residence was a slender figure, gazing anxiously in their direction. The figure's face was full of worry, but the moment Professor Oak appeared around the corner, the person froze briefly before breaking into a radiant smile. 

Tears welled up in her eyes as she covered her mouth with one hand and ran toward them.

In a flurry of motion, Fumiko threw herself into Professor Oak's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "Waaah! Samuel, why are you only just getting back?! Waaah… Do you know how worried I was? What was that explosion earlier? Waaah… I tried calling you, but you didn't answer! I'm so glad you're okay… Waaah…"

Holding the sobbing Fumiko in his arms, Professor Oak turned to Liam with an embarrassed expression, signaling him to explain the situation and defuse the tension.

Liam was utterly dumbfounded by Auntie Fumiko's tempest of tears. Now he understood why Professor Oak had said he'd prefer a scolding. 

Meeting Professor Oak's pleading gaze, Liam nodded with determination, giving a thumbs-up as if to say, Leave it to me!

Although the gesture confused Professor Oak, Liam's confident look reassured him. Gently pulling Fumiko away, Professor Oak stepped aside to let Liam explain.

"Auntie Fumiko, please don't cry. It's not what you think," Liam began.

Professor Oak nodded earnestly in agreement.

"It was just a small accident."

Professor Oak nodded again.

"Prof. Oak just accidentally blew up the lab."

Professor Oak instinctively nodded but then froze. 

"What?!"

"What?! The lab blew up?! So that explosion was from the lab?! Samuel, are you hurt?! Waaah…" Thunder and rain returned as Fumiko frantically inspected Professor Oak for injuries.

"Nothing—nothing serious! Haha… See? I'm perfectly fine. It's no big deal, really. The lab only suffered some damage, and I've already called a repair crew. They'll start work tomorrow. Don't worry, everything's under control," Professor Oak said with an awkward laugh, shooting a you've ruined me look at Liam.

Liam shrugged with a smirk, silently wondering if Professor Oak would still dare to take reckless risks in the future.

The three entered the house, where Professor Oak ushered the still-sniffling Fumiko upstairs. Liam, noticing the empty dining table, guessed that Auntie Fumiko had been too worried to cook. 

Placing the egg he was carrying carefully on the table, he set down his backpack and headed to the kitchen.

Opening the fridge, Liam took out some ingredients and decided to prepare a meal for the Oak family. Living alone for years had made him a skilled cook, though he rarely put his skills to use out of laziness. 

Tonight, however, he was ready to whip up something special. Chef Liam's reputation was at stake!

Before long, the ingredients were transformed into a table full of delicious dishes. Just as Liam was finishing up, he heard the creak of the stairs. 

Max came down with his usual stern expression. Hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke.

"You're back."

"Yes. Something wrong?" Liam replied.

"...Is he—Dad—okay?" Max asked after some hesitation.

Liam chuckled inwardly. Max really is such a tsundere, he thought. Aloud, he replied, "He's fine—perfectly fine. Right now, he's upstairs comforting Auntie Fumiko."

Relieved, Max let out a small sigh. He glanced at Liam and, after a brief pause, murmured a quiet "thanks" before heading back upstairs.

Liam called after him with a smile, "Dinner will be ready soon—come down to eat!"

Max paused briefly on the stairs, looked back, and gave a small nod before continuing up.

Soon, a grand feast was ready, and Liam, looking proudly at his work, went to call the others. He knocked on both Max's and Professor Oak's doors, letting them know it was time to eat.

Max came down first, clearly surprised by the spread. His gaze toward Liam softened slightly.

Moments later, Professor Oak and Auntie Fumiko came down together. Fumiko, now calm and cheerful, clung affectionately to Professor Oak, whose face was glowing with contentment. It was unclear what had transpired upstairs.

"Wow! Liam, did you make all this? Amazing! It all looks delicious, but I don't think I've seen dishes like these before," Fumiko exclaimed, delighted.

"Hehe, just some hometown recipes I haven't made in a while. I hope you'll like them," Liam replied modestly.

"Haha, enough talk! We've all had a long day, and Liam went to so much effort—let's eat before it gets cold!" Professor Oak laughed, ushering everyone to the table.

And so, a joyful dinner began.