I slumped into my seat in the audience, arms crossed tightly, trying to shrink into myself. My Pokémon settled around me—Pikachu hopped onto my lap, flicking her tail in mild annoyance. She knew exactly what was about to happen.
And sure enough—Steven, May, Blue, and the others wasted no time.
"Before we continue," Steven said from the stage, voice calm but firm, "I think we need to acknowledge the real reason we’re here today."
I tensed.
Oh no.
"We’re here to celebrate the success of the PML and honor its leaders," he continued, "but more importantly, we’re here to acknowledge Mia—who, despite her best efforts, refuses to acknowledge herself."
I groaned under my breath. Pikachu slapped her forehead with a tiny paw.
"She stopped Team Rocket single-handedly—"
"Technically, my Pokémon did all the work," I cut in loudly. "I was just holding the Poké Balls."
"—while under immense pressure and expectation," Steven continued, ignoring me. "She led a team that defied the odds, and—"
"Led is a strong word," I muttered. "I kinda just existed while everyone else was competent."
May turned around and glared at me from the stage. "Mia, you literally beat every major trainer that challenged you! How do you explain that?"
I shrugged. "Uh… they were tired? Not paying attention? Maybe they tripped? I dunno."
Pikachu groaned, dragging her paws down her face before muttering, "Pika..." but she remained loyal and nodded in agreement.
May pinched the bridge of her nose. "Oh my Arceus."
Leaf stepped forward next, arms crossed. "Mia, you personally defeated some of the strongest trainers in history. You managed to befriend an actual psychic powerhouse—"
"Jynx just likes my vibes," I said dismissively. "Same with Slobro."
" We meant Mewtwo!"
I scoffed. " He's misunderstood."
"You’ve saved countless people from danger," Leaf continued, her patience thinning.
"Accidentally!" I waved my hands. "That was mostly just… luck! Right place, right time!"
"You trained your Pokémon so well that they outclassed even the toughest opponents—"
I flapped a hand. "They train me, honestly. I just follow their lead."
There was a brief silence.
Blue rubbed his temples. "I’m this close to throwing you back onto the stage."
"Try it," I challenged, sinking deeper into my seat. "I’ll just jump off again."
Red, who had been silently watching, finally gave the smallest shake of his head. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel the frustration radiating from him. He wasn’t going to say anything, but I knew exactly what he was thinking:
Mia. Just accept the damn praise for once in your life.
I refused.
The ceremony went on, with each of them taking turns trying to give me credit, and each time, I waved it off like it was nothing. I found every possible excuse, every possible way to downplay it.
It was embarrassing. I didn’t want this.
And worst of all?
They would not stop staring at me.
