Why is it so hard to breathe…?
It was so difficult to move… so hot… so warm…
My lungs strained against a heavy, suffocating weight. Every shallow breath fought for space. Something warm and soft pinned my face forward. Something else pressed firmly from behind and also on top of me.
Then my eyes snapped open.
Meowscarada's plush chest filled my vision. My face was buried against her green fur. Her heartbeat thumped steady under my cheek.
Her arms wrapped around my head in a loose hold. Legs intertwined with mine.
From behind, Lopunny had molded herself to my back. Arms and long ears wrapped around me. Legs tangled with mine in a possessive lock.
Their combined grip was tight. I couldn't shift even an inch. Hands, legs, ears, fur, and cape all coiled around me like a living cocoon.
Right on top of my chest, Kirlia slept curled in a tiny ball. Her small body rose and fell with my trapped breaths.
They were all still deep in dreams. Breathing slow and even. I was trapped in the warm, furry center of the pile.
I stayed perfectly still for a long moment. I listened to their soft exhales.
Then, very carefully, I began to work myself free. Inch by inch. Limb by limb.
Kirlia mumbled and clung tighter. Meowscarada's claws twitched once. Lopunny sighed and hugged harder for a second.
It took several careful minutes. But I finally slipped out. They resettled without fully waking.
I stood beside the bed, rubbing my sternum. "Note to self… never sleep in the middle again."
The morning passed in an easy routine. We did light exercises on the battle ground behind the Pokémon Center.
Mostly stretching and short sprints. Kirlia joined in with us, copying every move enthusiastically.
While she followed along, her big eyes kept drifting toward our outfits. She stared with quiet fascination, head tilting slightly.
From the way her gaze lingered and her little hands tugged at her own simple dress, I could tell exactly what she was thinking.
She wanted an outfit like ours. I smiled and promised her, "I'll get you one soon too?" Her happy voice rang out immediately, bright and clear. "Kirliaaa!"
She was clearly thrilled to be included.
Later I summarized my reports and data I had collected so far. Then I submitted everything through the Pokémon Center's terminal.
By 10 o'clock we hit the Saffron City market. I picked up extra potions, berries, protein bars, and some clothes for Kirlia.
Kirlia rode on my shoulder most of the time.
Meowscarada and Lopunny flanked me. Their tails flicked. They kept a watchful eye on the crowd.
Back at the Center, around 1:33, I spread the map across the table. My team gathered around. Even Kirlia leaned in close, trying to understand like the others.
Meowscarada and Lopunny stood on either side of me. Kirlia nestled in my lap.
I traced the route with my finger. "We're here in Saffron City. This is Lavender Town to the east, quiet, spooky, lots of Ghost-types pokemon"
"But…" my eyes drifted to Kirlia and my Pokémon. "I'm thinking we head south first to Vermilion City. From there we can catch the ferry to Pokémon Land."
"I heard they have an amusement park filled with giant Pokémon, beaches, and lots of fun stuff."
I glanced at Kirlia. She was already vibrating with excitement, eyes huge and sparkling, she deserves something bright and fun after everything.
The others gave happy nods. It would be fun.
I chuckled. "Alright. Everyone ready?"
Their voices joined in a cheerful chorus.
"Nyaaan~…"
"Lopuuun~…"
"Kirliaaa~…"