Kai's morning began with the crushing sensation of a mountain pressing against his chest.
His eyes flew open. He gasped, unable to move, limbs pinned to the bed by an invisible force. Panic sparked, then dulled when he heard a familiar giggle.
"Oh, good," Naia said cheerfully. "You're finally awake."
Kai groaned. "What… what the hell?"
She stood near the doorway, fingers lazily twirling as a shimmering distortion shimmered in the air around him. "I was curious just how heavy a sleeper you are. I started small. Then increased the pressure in increments. You're up to... let's see… two and a half elephants? Maybe three? How do you even manage not to die?"
"Naia!" he barked.
The pressure vanished all at once, and he sat up coughing, rubbing his ribs.
"That could've killed me," he grumbled.
"Pfft. You're fine. You're strong. And awake. Mission accomplished."
"You're insane."
"Mm-hmm. Get dressed. We've got a date."
Kai blinked. "A… what? Oh, yeah."
