Late March, aboard a flight from Japan to Dubai.
Almond Eye sat by the window, practically pressed against it, staring unblinkingly at the dreamlike sea of clouds outside.
Her face was brimming with irrepressible excitement, and her words came out like a rapid-fire barrage as she endlessly talked about how it felt to fly for the first time.
"Wow, the clouds are so beautiful!
"Trainer, Senior Little Kita, did you know? I was so excited from last night on that I couldn't sleep. I kept imagining what it would feel like to be on a plane.
"I never thought that from this high up, the clouds would look like a huge expanse of soft cotton candy. It feels like I could reach out and grab them—they're amazing!"
As she spoke, she stretched out her hand as though trying to touch the clouds, her eyes full of novelty and delight.
Kitasan Black sat beside her, equally excited. She gently patted Almond Eye on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Yeah, I never thought I'd get the chance to go abroad like this.
"Whenever I flew before, it was either to go on trips with Grandpa and the others, or traveling with Diamond-chan and the rest. But this is the first time I've ever taken a plane for training and study.
"This Journey will definitely be especially meaningful!" As she spoke, she turned her gaze toward the window as well, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Almond Eye nodded repeatedly as she listened, looking like a cheerful little bird.
Then, as though she had suddenly remembered something, she curiously turned to Anjing Zhen in the aisle seat. Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "So, Trainer, can we really stay at the Burj Al Arab Hotel when we get there?
"I heard it's