" Well, Red. Your sister beat the Elite Four." Blue said as he, Red and Leaf stood in front of the Indigo Plateau. " How'd you feel?"

" She also beat Blue at the Silph Co, and me when we were in the cave to get Mewtwo. Even when her Pokemon were more inexperienced than mine!"

Red shrugged.

" What do you mean?!" Blue exclaimed. " Didn't you hear right? Your. Sister. Beat. The. Elite. Four."

Leaf was going to say something when they all heard me scream, " REEEEDD!"

Red turned to see me, tears streaming from my face. He didn't hesitate to hug me as I rammed into his arms.

" What happened??" Blue asked as he knelt down.

" Red?"

Red looked down at me.

" Do you think I've become arrogant after I became Champion?"

They all froze.

The silence was deafening. Red held me tightly, his usually calm face showing the faintest trace of concern. Blue and Leaf exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to handle my sudden outburst.

"Arrogant?" Leaf finally broke the silence, her voice soft and careful. "Why would you think that, Mia?"

I pulled away from Red slightly, wiping my tears on my sleeve. "Everyone keeps saying it! All the trainers I’ve beaten—they act like I’m some kind of monster! Like I’m just rubbing it in their faces. But I’m not! I just wanted to prove I could do it! That I’m strong, like you guys!" My voice cracked, and fresh tears threatened to spill.

Blue sighed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Look, kid... some people are always gonna be sore losers. Especially when they lose to someone younger or less experienced. It’s not about you being arrogant—it’s about them not being able to handle defeat."

"But they’re not wrong, are they?" I mumbled, staring at the ground. "I’ve been so focused on winning, on being the best… I didn’t think about how they felt. Maybe I am arrogant."

Red shook his head firmly, stepping back to look me in the eyes. He didn’t say a word—he didn’t need to. His expression said it all: That’s not true.

Leaf crouched down beside me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Mia, being confident in yourself and your team isn’t the same as being arrogant. You worked hard to get where you are. You’re strong, and you should be proud of that. If some people can’t see that, it’s their problem—not yours."

I sniffled, looking between them. "You really think so?"

"Of course," Blue said, crossing his arms. "And for the record, you’re probably the least arrogant Champion I’ve ever seen. You’re standing here crying about what other people think instead of gloating about your wins. If that’s not proof, I don’t know what is."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Thanks, Blue."

"Don’t mention it," he said, though his smirk suggested he’d be bringing this up later to tease me. "Besides, Red’s your brother. If anyone knows what it’s like to be quiet and humble, it’s him."

Red rolled his eyes but gave a small, approving nod.

Leaf stood up, brushing off her skirt. "Now, how about we celebrate your victory instead of worrying about what other people think? You’ve earned it, Mia."

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah… okay. But can we make sure it’s low-key? No big parties or anything."

Blue groaned dramatically. "What? No giant parade? No fireworks? You’re killing me, kid."

"Low-key," I repeated firmly, though I couldn’t help but laugh at his exaggerated reaction.

As we started walking away from the Indigo Plateau, Red slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. He didn’t say anything, but the warmth of his support was all I needed.

Maybe I wasn’t perfect. Maybe I’d made mistakes along the way. But I wasn’t arrogant—I was just me. And that was enough.