Four year old me was sitting on the couch in the living room reviewing the test score I got from the Pokemon Quiz.
I froze when I saw the results.
12/25.
My eyes widened, and instinct took over.
Next thing I know I was in eight year old Blue's lap, pounding his chest weakly and sobbing about how I wouldn't be a good Pokemon Trainer.
Blue blinked as I climbed right into his lap out of nowhere, tears already welling in my eyes. "H-Hey! Mia?! What—?"
Before he could finish, I was already pounding on his chest with my tiny fists, voice cracking between sobs.
"I—I got twelve!" I wailed. "Twelve outta twenty-five! That’s failing! I can’t—I can’t be a Pokémon Trainer if I’m stupid!"
Blue’s arms went around me without thinking, holding me still so I didn’t hurt myself. "Whoa, whoa, slow down! Breathe, okay? Breathe."
I sniffled hard, little fingers still clutching his shirt. "I—I’m not smart enough... I’m gonna be the worst trainer ever! What if Pikachu hates me?! What if all Pokémon hate me?! What if—"
"Mia." Blue’s voice cut in firm, not mean, just enough to make me stop rambling.
I hiccupped. "...What?"
He held me a little tighter. "You’re four. You’re not supposed to ace the quiz. I didn’t ace it when I was four. Red didn’t. No one does."
I sniffed again, quieter now. "...You didn’t?"
Blue smirked a little. "I think I got eleven. So you beat me. Don’t tell Gramps."
I blinked. My tears slowed. "...Really?"
"Yup," he said, poking my forehead gently. "And you know what? You’re already a great trainer. You know why?"
I stared at him, confused.
"Because you care. A lot. Way too much, maybe, but that's better than not caring at all. Pokémon like trainers who care. That’s more important than knowing what type beats what."
I looked down. "...Even if I mess up?"
"Especially when you mess up." He smiled, brushing a tear off my cheek with his thumb. "You’re gonna make mistakes. That’s how you learn. I still mess up sometimes. Don’t tell anyone that either."
I giggled, just a little. "Okay..."
"Good." He poked my forehead again. "Now, how ‘bout we go raid the fridge and I help you with the quiz questions? I know where Gramps hides the cookies."
I gasped. "Really?!"
Blue winked. "Yup. But only Champions-in-training get to know. You in?"
I nodded hard, hugging him tight. "I’m in!"
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