Packing Problems

Iris paused as she entered her bedroom again, blinking at the Delta Fairy Lotad who had fallen into her backpack… again. The trainer had only been gone for two minutes, tops, and the little blob of pink had already managed to get in her pack again. She sighed and shook her head, trying not to giggle at the panicked kicking back legs as Lotus tried to correct herself, but her size and seedpod made it near impossible. Iris set down her water bottle and carefully plucked the Pokemon out of her bag and set her down again. 

“I said ‘no’, sweetie. You can’t fit in there.” Iris smiled at the Lotad, who, as usual, had her tongue sticking out in the most adorable little blep possible. Iris scratched at the top of her head gently to show the Pokemon she wasn’t in trouble. Lotus grumbled a little, her eyes shutting as she leaned into the attention. “I know you like fitting in there, but I need to pack, understand?”

“Lotad.” The somewhat monotone response was hard to read, but Lotus didn’t make any moves towards her backpack either. Iris shifted, keeping the Pokemon in her periphery as she worked on sliding her water bottle into its slot on the side. Freshly filled, she was sure it wasn’t going to stay cold for long where they were going. Her and six of her team were going on an adventure, and the rest were going to be babysat by Cerise. All Cerise wanted in return was a souvenir and the expectation that Iris would return the favor when she wanted to make her way to Thunderdale herself, client Pokemon notwithstanding. Iris still wasn’t sure who all she was taking on her trip, but it seemed more and more like Lotus really wanted to go. 

Iris turned and grabbed her small toolkit from the bed stand, and when she turned back, Lotus had already moved closer to the bag, attempting to climb in. She was easily moved aside again, and the woman was finally finished packing. She scooped up her little Delta Pokemon and rounded up the rest of her team.

A quick rundown of who was staying home and anything special that needed mentioning to Cerise and a ride later, Iris stood at the edge of Ethermoor, a scarf wrapped around her mouth and nose to protect against the raging sands. She’d dressed lightly, but tried to keep the basics of desert survival in mind before she’d left home. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and she just knew that Cerise would tell their boyfriend of what she was attempting before too long. It was only fair.

Iris hiked her bag up higher on her shoulders to adjust the weight and held out her hand. Penny wrapped his metallic ribbon-like limbs around her arm as an anchor point, and the woman felt more secure at feeling the weight. She felt safer with at least one of her team out with her, especially if they were crossing a wild area like they were attempting. Sensing her hesitation, Penny tugged at her, tugging them forward, and Iris followed suit, ready to see what was coming on this stint of their adventure.