" You know, Mia.... I've always felt like I've needed to look after you, ever since we were little. But now I see you're the one protecting me. It's.... Frustrating. The boy's supposed to protect the girl, a-"

I cut Gary off by just hugging him. " Stop, Gary." I sobbed. " I'm just happy you're alive."

Gary stiffened at first, clearly caught off guard, but then his arms wrapped tightly around me. His voice softened. "Mia... I didn’t mean to upset you. I just—" 

I pulled back slightly, looking him in the eyes, tears streaming down my face. "You didn’t upset me, Gary. You’ve always been my rock, the one I look up to. I'm just so glad Team Rocket didn't hurt you."

Red and Blue came running to us. " Team Rocket's beat." Blue said as they stopped in front of us. " Is he okay?*

I smiled at my brother's best friend. " Uh huh. He's alive. That's all that matters."

" Pika Pika piiii!" Pikachu exclaimed happily.

I looked at my shoulder. " Yeah. It is a big relief, isn't it Pikachu?"

" Chuuuuu."

Red sighed. " Why did they kidnap-"

" Pikachu." I stated simply. " Pikachu is special. Mainly because she may or may not have the ability to generate 10,000 volts of electricity." I said, making the last part very quick.

Blue blinked, clearly processing my words. “Wait, what? Did you just say your Pikachu can generate 10,000 volts?”

I nodded casually, stroking Pikachu’s head. “Yep. That’s why Team Rocket wanted her. She’s not just any Pikachu—she’s one of a kind.”

Red ran a hand through his hair, looking stressed. “That’s... not exactly comforting, Mia. No wonder Team Rocket keeps targeting you two. A Pikachu like that is a goldmine for them.”

Gary finally stepped forward, his arm protectively resting on my shoulder. “Well, they’re not getting her. Not as long as we’re here.” His tone was firm, and I could feel the determination radiating from him.

I smiled at him, then turned to Red. “It’s not just Pikachu they’re after, though. It’s always been more than that. They know Pikachu and I are a team. They figure if they can get one of us, the other will follow.”

Blue frowned. “Yeah, but they didn’t count on you being a total powerhouse. I heard what you did to Giovanni. You really yeeted him?”

I grinned sheepishly. “Well… yeah. I mean, he kind of had it coming.”

Red groaned. “Mia, you’ve got to stop throwing people! It’s not exactly subtle.”

Gary smirked. “Subtlety isn’t her style, Red. Besides, it worked.”

“Exactly!” I said, crossing my arms. “And now Pikachu’s safe, Team Rocket’s on the run, and Giovanni’s probably nursing a bruised ego. Win-win!”

Pikachu let out a cheerful “Pika pi!” in agreement, jumping onto my shoulder and nuzzling my cheek.

Red sighed again but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “Fine. Just… maybe tone it down next time? We don’t need every villain out there gunning for you.”

Blue clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Relax, Red. Mia’s tougher than she looks. She’s got this.”

I nodded confidently. “Exactly. And besides, I’m not alone. I’ve got all of you. And Pikachu. And Growlie.”

“Heyo!” Growlie barked, wagging his tail as he trotted over to join us.

Gary chuckled, squeezing my shoulder. “And you’ve got me. Always.”

I looked up at him, my heart swelling with gratitude. “And I’ve got you,” I said softly. “That’s all I need.”

" WHAT ABOUT MEEEEE?!"

I groaned. " YOU TOO ASH."