Gary’s grip on my hand tightened as he stared at me, his face a mix of panic and frustration. “Mia, you’ve been eating what?!”

I blinked, tilting my head. “I just said—pain relievers, muscle cramp stuff, and whatever you guys use to stay awake during intense battles. It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal?” Gary’s voice cracked as he pulled me into a tight hug. “Mimi, do you even know what you’re doing to yourself?”

I shrugged, patting his back nonchalantly. “I mean… not really? But I feel fine, so it’s okay, right?”

“No, it’s not okay!” Lorelei exclaimed, her hands gripping the back of a chair so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Mia, this isn’t about feeling fine in the moment. You’re putting your body through serious stress, and it could have long-term consequences!”

Bruno paced back and forth, his hands on his hips. “She’s a kid! How did she even get her hands on this stuff?”

“She said some of it was prescribed to us,” Greta muttered, her voice tinged with guilt. “Mia, did you steal our medications?”

I gasped, offended. “Steal? No way! I just… borrowed them. And I left a note!”

Lance pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly as if trying to keep his composure. “Borrowing medication is not a thing, Mia. That’s illegal—and dangerous!”

Gary pulled back from the hug just enough to glare at me, though his hands were still firmly on my shoulders. “Mimi, why didn’t you tell someone you were struggling? Me, Professor Oak, anyone?”

I sighed, leaning my head against his chest. “Because I didn’t want to look weak, okay? Everyone talks about how amazing you are, how strong the Elite Four are, and how I’m just some kid who’s trying to keep up. I thought if I could push through it, no one would notice…”

Gary’s face softened, and he rested his chin on my head. “Mimi, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You’re already amazing. But this? This isn’t the way to do it.”

Oak stepped forward, his expression unusually stern. “Mia, you’re only ten years old. Your body is still developing, and these substances could have irreversible effects. We’ll need to get you checked by a doctor immediately.”

I yawned again, snuggling closer to Gary. “I don’t get why you’re all so worried. It’s not like I’m dying or anything.”

“You could have!” Lance snapped, slamming his hands on the table. “Do you even realize how much damage these medications can do when mixed together? And at your age? You’re lucky to be standing right now!”

“Pika…” Pikachu nudged me gently, looking up at me with wide, concerned eyes.

I scratched her head with a small smile. “See? Pikachu thinks I’m fine.”

Gary groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Mia, Pikachu isn’t a doctor!”

“Neither are you,” I shot back with a smirk.

Greta stifled a laugh, though her eyes were still filled with concern. “She’s got a point, Gary.”

Gary groaned louder. “Not helping, Greta!”

Lorelei crouched down to my level, her voice calm but firm. “Mia, sweetie, we’re not mad at you. We’re scared. You mean a lot to all of us, and seeing you like this—it’s terrifying.”

I glanced around at their worried faces, finally starting to feel the weight of their concern. “You guys… really care that much?”

“Of course, we do,” Bruno said, his booming voice uncharacteristically gentle. “You’re like family to us, kid.”

I glanced up at Gary, who nodded firmly. “You’re not just some random trainer, Mimi. You’re my Mimi.”

I felt my cheeks heat up and buried my face in his chest to hide my embarrassment. “Okay, okay, I get it. No more pills. Happy?”

“Not until we get you to a doctor,” Oak insisted.

“And make sure you’re not hiding anything else,” Lance added with a pointed look.

I groaned dramatically. “You guys are such worrywarts. Fine, I’ll go see a doctor. But I’m telling you, I’m fine.”

As the adults continued to fuss over me, Gary hugged me tighter, his voice soft in my ear. “You scared me, Mimi. Don’t do that again, okay?”

I nodded, resting my head against his shoulder. “Okay, Gary. I promise.”

For the first time that day, the room began to calm, though the worry in their eyes didn’t fade.