"IVYSAUR, LET'S GO HOME," I announced dramatically, storming off down Pewter Gym's winding corridors. My Pokémon followed in a slightly awkward procession, Ivysaur plodding dutifully beside me while Pikachu perched on my shoulder, casting concerned glances at my fuming expression.

"Saur," Ivysaur muttered, shaking his head as if he were the responsible adult in this situation.

I huffed. "What? I do have a lot on my plate! They don’t know what it’s like being champion at my age. All those battles, the constant expectations… And now they want to lecture me about habits?!"

Pikachu gave a small squeak, nudging my cheek.

"Not now, Pika. I'm venting," I said, waving her off.

By the time we reached the edge of Pewter City, I had mostly cooled down. That was until I turned to find the gym leaders had followed me. All of them.

"You've got to be kidding me," I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Do none of you have jobs to do? Or gyms to run?"

Misty crossed her arms, glaring at me. "We’re not leaving until you listen to us, Mia. You’ve been acting reckless ever since you became champion, and it’s worrying everyone. Even your Pokémon are concerned."

I glanced at my team. Pikachu looked away sheepishly, and Ivysaur pretended to be very interested in the dirt beneath his paws.

"Et tu, guys?" I muttered.

Brock stepped forward, his voice unusually stern. "Mia, being champion doesn’t mean you have to carry everything on your own. It’s okay to lean on others."

"Yeah," Lt. Surge added. "We’re just worried about you, kid. Skipping sleep, popping pills, climbing rock walls like you’re indestructible—it’s not healthy."

Erika nodded softly. "We’re not trying to criticize you, Mia. We just want to help."

Their words struck a nerve, but I folded my arms stubbornly. "I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got everything under control. Really."

"Mia," Koga said, his tone cutting through the air like one of his poison darts. "You fell from a rock wall earlier and brushed it off like it was nothing. That’s not control. That’s recklessness."

I opened my mouth to argue but was interrupted by a sharp, disapproving cry from Pikachu.

"PIKA!"

I stared at her, stunned. Pikachu rarely scolded me.

Even Ivysaur chimed in with a solemn, "Saur..."

"Fine!" I finally snapped, throwing my arms up in defeat. "You win! What do you want me to do? Take a nap? Go on a vacation? Quit being champion?"

Misty shook her head. "No one’s asking you to quit, Mia. But maybe start taking better care of yourself? You’re only human."

"Yeah, kid," Surge said. "Even champions need a break."

For the first time in the entire conversation, I felt a pang of guilt. They weren’t trying to undermine me. They were just… worried.

"Alright, alright," I mumbled. "I’ll… try to do better. No promises, but I’ll try."

The gym leaders exchanged relieved smiles.

"And maybe…" I added hesitantly, "you could help me out sometimes? Like, I dunno, take on a few challengers for me or something?"

Brock grinned. "Deal."

"Good," I said, adjusting my bag. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home to sleep for a week. Ivysaur, Pikachu—let’s roll."

As we walked off, I glanced at Pikachu, who gave me a satisfied nod.

"Fine, Pika. You were right. Happy now?"

"Pika!" she chirped, and for the first time that day, I couldn’t help but laugh.