"Hold on just a second!" Misty snapped, crossing her arms. "You can't just dismiss us like that."

I stood, dusting myself off. "Uh, yeah, I can. Champion perks, remember? Later, suckers!" I turned to walk away, only to feel a hand grab the back of my jacket.

It was Surge, his expression stern. "Young lady, we're not done here."

I groaned. "Ugh, what now? My 'habits' are fine, thank you very much!"

Erika sighed, her voice calm but firm. "Mia, we've all noticed that you've been pushing yourself too hard. Between the sleepless nights, the pills, and the constant stress—"

"I'm fine!" I interrupted, throwing my hands up. "Seriously, you all are overreacting."

Koga raised an eyebrow. "You fell off a wall just now. And you've been seen dozing off during important Champion duties. This isn't fine."

"Right," Blue chimed in, leaning against the wall with his trademark smirk. "You're spiraling, and even I can see it. And I usually don't care about anyone but myself."

"Wow, thanks for the heartwarming support," I shot back, rolling my eyes.

Brock stepped forward, his voice steady. "Mia, no one's here to attack you. We're here because we care. Being Champion is a big responsibility, but you don’t have to carry it all on your own."

I opened my mouth to argue but paused. The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I glanced at the other gym leaders. Even Blue, smug as ever, seemed genuinely concerned.

"Look," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I get it, okay? I know I've been... off lately. But I'll figure it out. I always do."

Misty sighed, shaking her head. "You don’t have to 'figure it out' alone, Mia. Let us help."

Pikachu hopped onto my shoulder, nuzzling my cheek. "Pika pi."

I smiled faintly, scratching Pikachu’s ears. "I don’t know, guys. I’m not really used to... this whole team intervention thing."

"Well, get used to it," Erika said with a small smile. "Because we’re not going anywhere until we know you’re okay."

Surge crossed his arms, nodding. "You’re strong, kid, but even the strongest people need backup sometimes."

I glanced around the room, my chest tightening. For the first time, I realized how much they actually cared. "Alright, alright," I muttered. "I'll... try to take it easy. But no promises, got it?"

Blue smirked. "That's the best we're gonna get, huh? Fine. But if you collapse mid-battle again, don’t say we didn’t warn you."

I blinked. "Wait, again?! Who told you about that?!"

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you thought we wouldn’t find out? Brock was there!"

Brock nodded solemnly. "And it was terrifying."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "You guys are the worst."

"Nope," Erika said lightly. "We’re the best. Now, how about we get some lunch? You’re buying."

"What?!" I shrieked. "I never agreed to—"

"Champion perks," Blue interrupted, grinning. "Your treat. Let’s go."

As the gym leaders laughed and headed for the exit, I followed reluctantly, Pikachu still perched on my shoulder. For the first time in weeks, the weight on my shoulders didn’t feel quite so heavy.