It's finally time. Iris checks her luggage again, despite going through it three times already. It doesn't really matter though. She'll already be bringing the most important thing of all.

Herself.

Iris twirls in front of the mirror, achieving a perfect fouette. Kyurem probably wouldn't be impressed with just one, so she does nineteen for good measure. One for every year of her life. At the end she tops it off with an attitude derrière just to add a little flair, though there's no one to show. Well, for now at least. A shared body means shared memories, right?

The glow of pride on her face quickly blanches. There are a few memories that she'd rather not have shared….with anyone. But considering the amount of vessels Kyurem has had, maybe it would be used to human awkwardness. Or perhaps the memory sharing is a with-permission sort of thing? She really should have written Shannon more.

A prickle of guilt stabs her heart. While not required, it was generally seen as a good idea for the future vessel to be in contact with the current one. They would be able to give tips about housing Kyurem that weren't generally covered due to either being a bit personal or embarrassing. Iris tugs on a lock her hair. She had been so focused on training! It was vital that a vessel be in good physical shape in order to lessen the health side effects. Iris had even gone as far as begging Drayden to train with Brycen for a few months each year so that she could get used to the cold. That time had certainly made her letter writing lapse a little bit.

Well, it may have been too late to write more letters, but she could try asking in person. At least Iris knew that Kyurem wasn't actively conscious all the time. Everyone needs some alone time after all. She hoped that would be the case. After all, it would be awkward to have those sorts of conversations with Kyurem.

"Iris! Isn't it time for you to go?"

Drayden's voice snaps her out of her thoughts.

"Coming right out!"

Even as the words are leaving her mouth, she's already grabbed her suitcase and is halfway through the doorway. There's no flying on Hydra today, just a four and a half hour bus ride. It's less conspicuous that way. She's in the living room now. Her eyes spot Drayden waiting near the front door.

"All set? Have your pokemon with you just in case?"

"Yup!" Iris playfully rolls her eyes and gestures to her belt bag, pokeballs safe inside.

"Good." His smile softens as he reaches to ruffle her hair. "Have a safe journey, Iris. And don't think that you can leave without some lunch for the road." Drayden gently pushes a wrapped lunchbox into her hands. It's pink, her favorite color, with an elegant dragon scale pattern. The gesture is so sweet, Iris feels a pang of sadness for having to keep the whole vessel thing a secret from him. It's for his safety. The truth about Kyurem is only for those of the Village of Dragons, who are ready to die protecting it. She couldn't possibly extend that burden to him.

She returns his smile the best she can, blinking away the excess moisture that has sprung at the corners of her eyes.

"Thanks Dad."

Carefully storing the lunch in her rucksack, she steps out into the cool weather. The bus stop isn't far thankfully, but she sprints anyway. It turns out to be a good decision, as the bus pulls in just thirty seconds after her arrival. Only two people get on with her. The Village of Dragons isn't exactly a tourist spot.

Iris chooses a window seat. Watching the scenery may help her pass the time as she tries to wrangle in her excitement and nervousness. Just as she's about to get comfortable, someone comes to the seat next to her. She eyes the man curiously. Pale blond hair that's slicked back, save for some strange gravity-defying blue strands. His outfit doesn't seem suited for travel. A semi-formal suit with borders as striking as the blue of his locks.

There's twenty one seats on the bus and only three passengers. Doesn't he want some privacy? She knows she does; however, the man moves slowly. He picks up his luggage one by one, pausing a moment before placing them into the overhead compartment. It would be a bit rude to move now, but some more time for last minute mental preparation would be nice.

"Excuse me, can I get by?"

The man doesn't even look at her, continuing with his comfortable pace. Iris is about to ask again when the bus intercom crackles.

"All passengers please be seated. We are now departing."

Finally the man closes the compartment, his task finished. His eyes flicker towards hers, a calm yellow. A polite smile graces his lips.

"Aren't you going to sit? Standing in a moving vehicle is dangerous."

With a sigh Iris plops herself back into her seat and closes her eyes. Maybe she'll just nap most of the ride. Knowing that nobody is behind her, she reclines her seat as far back as it will go.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're Iris, Drayden's future successor."

Ugh, seriously. She opens her eyes just to find the man looming over her, his face mere inches from hers. His calm voice does not match the intensity of his gaze. Her lips open a bit in shock, breath stuttering for a moment. She doesn't like how his eyes are tracking her movements, flitting from her mouth to her throat.

"Ah. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Colress, a pokemon researcher."

Despite having the courtesy to give his name, his distance remains the same. Iris is not going to endure this the entire bus ride.

"Maybe you should research people more. You're too close."

Finally, Colress moves away to a normal person distance. With another sigh, Iris brings her seat back up. She is not going to sleep next to this guy. He'd probably just watch her the whole time. The thought makes her grimace.

"My apologies. I simply had to make sure I had the right person. I'm looking into the legends of Unova's legendary dragons for a colleague of mine. As a dragon trainer with a connection to the Village of Dragons, you must have some useful information."

"You're already on your way to the village. I don't think I could tell you anything that you wouldn't find out once you get there."

It's a tactful conversation shutdown. Iris has never been more grateful for having a mayor for a dad. He had taught her well.

"There is value in confirming information through multiple sources, though I suppose I can do that with the locals if you are truly unwilling. Perhaps you'll indulge me in my other research."

She blushes a bit, embarrassed that he had seen through her attempt. Wanting to save face, she mutters a brief 'sure.'

"I'm interested in bringing out the power of pokemon, their fullest potential! The bond between pokemon and trainers is a most promising lead. Some say that there are other methods. What do you think?"

Maybe if she answers honestly, he'll be satisfied and leave her alone.

"Of course the bond between pokemon and trainers is important. You can only get so far by yourself. Sometimes all you need is a simple connection."

Iris remembers. The emptiness. The numbness. Her parents were gone. Everyone in the village offered their condolences, tried to comfort her. She could acknowledge it, but she couldn't feel it, even when she tried. Day after day she continued living, and day after day it became more difficult. No goals and only fleeting moments of happiness. It wasn't that she had wanted to die. She was simply tired, too tired to muster the effort.

One day, she had walked into the forest. Step by step, dragging herself to the river. It would be so easy just to slip in, to not have to worry about anything anymore. Iris leaned forward—

"Tini!"

Something vaguely slimy hits her face, making her sputter and stumble back. Wiping off her face, she sees a dratini glaring at her. Throwing a quick glare back, Iris walks a few feet away upstream. She'd made her decision, one for a peaceful sleep. Before she can even get to the edge, it tackles her again, bouncing off her into the water once more. So she goes even further.

It follows her every time. Stops her every time. She throws in feints, pretends to be tired before sprinting to the edge, but it is just slightly faster. The dratini works harder too. Splashing her with water and mud to slow her down. It's almost like a rhythm, and after an hour of this Iris realizes something.

She's having fun and she doesn't want it to end. Her muscles burn and she is drenched in mud, clothes probably forever ruined, but somehow it feels nice. She wonders if the dratini feels the same way.

"Hey!"

It pops its head above the water, giving her a daring stare.

"You may have won today, but I'll be here tomorrow. I'll be faster than you!"

The dratini scoffs, splashing a bit of water her way. The droplets don't even come within a foot of her.

"And…" Iris swallows hard. "I promise I won't try to throw myself into the water, okay?"

"Ini." It nods to make extra sure that Iris understands.

"But I'll still try and touch it! It's impossible if there's no way for me to win, you know."

Nodding once more, it wriggles as if to say 'bring it on.'

"And that connection can grow into something even more powerful as you bring out the best in each other."

"Yes! I win today!" Iris sticks out her tongue at Peach (now named due to her 'peachy' attitude), who wiggles in indignation.

The game was now thirty attempts per day, and she had touched the river sixteen times. She was finally getting better at hiding her tells. It had been no wonder that Peach knew which direction she was coming from. The dragging of her feet and her gasping breaths made it easy to hear.

The next day, Iris strolls up confidently to the river. Her breathing is getting better, able to hold steady even as she pushes her body harder.

"I'm here."

"Drati."

Peach surfaces and flexes her tail. With the greeting out of the way, Iris darts to the left. Peach swims fast, ready to meet her as their paths converge.

"Gotcha!"

Pushing hard off of her left foot, she makes a sharp turn to her right. The water is just inches from her fingers. A sudden jolt courses through her body. Her muscles spasm and she drops into the mud. It takes a few minutes until she can speak.

"No way! You learned Thunder Wave?!"

"Tini!"

Peach looks smug, giving Iris a smile with her teeth on full display. Shaking as much mud as she can off of her clothes, she smiles back.

"You know what? I think it's your win today."

Peach tilts her head, confused. They had just gotten started.

"Learning a move is a big thing. We should celebrate. I'll get some treats!"

She stumbles back as Peach wraps around her, cooing happily. Her joyful wiggles make Iris laugh.

"You don't get all the treats though. I deserve some too! Remember how I won for the first time yesterday?"

"Ini."

Between the both of them, they ate an entire apple pie that night.

"And before you know it, you've both become something amazing!"

She beams as the warmth of her memories soothe her. That's right. If she could bond with Peach even at the lowest time of her life, she can get through all the awkward moments with Kyurem.

"Interesting. There's some real passion in your answer. It's not as stilted as some of the other trainers I've interviewed."

Colress hums thoughtfully, committing her face to memory. She'll be a wonderful test subject.