Even though time is of the essence, Kyurem falters. Should it start with the apology or the warning? Either should be fine, right? Both topics will have to be discussed anyway. But what if she just ignores it? Iris had endured being ignored and brushed off for most of the day. Giving a bit of comeuppance in return wouldn't be unheard of...

As it ponders, Iris strolls over to the fridge and opens the freezer door. With a simple flick, the ice maker ceases its whirring. She lets her hand hover over the ice tray. The chill drips off her fingertips, pooling into dozens of clear crystal tears. Iris's hand pulls away, but her gaze remains firm. The ice morphs obediently, settling into tidy cubes. Satisfied, she lets them drop and mingle with the others.

The freezer door closes with a quiet thud. Touching her fingers to her cheeks and feeling nothing but her own warmth, Iris grins. She's in the middle of turning around when—

-Iris, I am sorry.-

Kyurem pipes up. Unlike before, it's fully present. Its voice rumbles with tremors of regret, and its waves of guilt crash against her. Iris stumbles, barely avoiding a collision with the kitchen table. Her right hand manages to catch on the edge on the counter, gripping it with paling knuckles. It's the only part of her body holding her up as her knees buckle and shake. Tears pool and overflow at the corners of her eyes, and breaths become sobs.

-I have caused you nothing but grief, and in my effort to alleviate it, I have invited even more. Know this! From now on, I vow to stay by your side. I will protect you from all that mean you harm. I vow to give you happiness. To undo all the pain I have brought you!-

Wracked from Kyurem's emotions and words, she sways dangerously. Her fingers start to slip.

[Urk! Kyurem, reel it in a bit! I can't process this all at once!]

The emotions recede sheepishly, and Iris can actually stand again. She shakes the soreness out of her right hand, mopping away tears with her left. What could have prompted such a dramatic declaration?

[Is this about you being all distant earlier?]

-Partially, yes. On the last day at Shannon's, I realized how much more you had been burdened with. My past vessels always had the benefit of a community. Places, people they could go to confide in and relax. But you do not have such a blessing. You did not even have a choice about this, in a way. I wanted to give you some sort of normalcy. I thought that if I made it as though I was not present, you would be happier. You would not have a living reminder of your troubles hanging around.-

Iris pales.

[You heard those thoughts?!]

-I am ashamed to admit that eavesdropping would be a more accurate word. I wanted to know if you liked me.-

Kyurem tries to stifle its embarrassment. Something like that is what humans would consider needy. At its age, it shouldn't need such affirmation. It should feel confident in itself, not so easily swayed by what others think. Yet, it yearns for it, to be wanted, to be liked, to be a companion. An endless repetition of the past...

[And you couldn't just ask because…?]

-It was the only way to be certain.-

There's a period of silence. It stretches so long that Kyurem truly fears that she now hates it. Before Kyurem can focus on her feelings to check, Iris starts to laugh. The force of it shakes her, and she has to brace herself using the counter again.

[Wow. You are kinda insecure.]

This was not a reaction that Kyurem had anticipated. Those thoughts had not been meant for its ears and it had listened in just for its own satisfaction. It broke the last semblance of privacy Iris had. Anger would be far more reasonable. Lost, all it can do is ask questions.

-That is considered humorous?-

Her laughter settles, but a strange smile still remains.

[It's weird, but I'm a bit relieved. You were built up to be this god when I was a kid, which, I mean, makes sense considering your origins. So I worked hard to be the ideal vessel for you. Maintaining my physical condition. Confronting my fear of ice. Stuff like that. Then when I actually met you, you kinda fit that image, acting all wise and composed. And there was the whole freaky memory trip. I got to see your genuine past self, but your present self just kept to that mentor role. Seeing this part of you is pretty humanizing.]

Pushing herself away from the counter, Iris heads toward the living room and plops onto the couch. Even after having to command from the sidelines, she had to stand the whole time. Her legs deserve a break. Plus, getting to just talk without it being some necessary vessel thing is nice.

[And thanks for worrying about me. When you hid away, I wasn't really sure what to think. It's good to know that you care.]

Iris curls into the corner of the couch, smile softening. Kyurem remains stupefied.

-You are taking this well.-

She giggles.

[Well, let's say that, despite it's late start, it's been a pretty good day. I'm in a forgiving mood.]

Thoughts of Colress bubble up to the surface, his looks, voice, and social grace very much idealized. Kyurem fails to contain its cringe.

[Pfffft! Don't tell me that stuff like crushes skeeves you out. I'm sure you've had vessels that have even gotten married, right?]

-It is not the concept that makes me uncomfortable. It is the person in question.-

Iris shifts into a more upright position, an amused expression on her face. Is Kyurem the overprotective type? That's...sort of endearing. A puff of laughter escapes, clear even behind the hand that rises to hide it.

[You mean Colress?]

Kyurem allows its feelings of urgency and uneasiness to leak out. They smother the lighthearted mood, and she frowns. But before she can protest, Kyurem cries out.

-That man is dangerous! Please, let me show you my memories!-

Anxiety of her own starts to form and churn in her gut. If Kyurem really feels this strongly about this, shouldn't she listen? It could be overreacting, but there's only one way to know for sure.

[Fine. Show me.]

The world blurs, and the living room disappears.


The chime of a message rings, coinciding with the end of Kyurem's memories. Her Xtransiever glows, drawing her attention to the four numbers that represent the time. It's a welcome distraction from what she had just witnessed.

18:14

It hadn't been that late when she'd come back in from training, and the conversation with Kyurem couldn't have been that long.

Then it hits her.

[Memories take time to share...]

-You never noticed?-

Iris shakes her head.

[There weren't any clocks in Shannon's basement. And it's not like I was paying attention to my Xtransciever at the time.]

-It is possible to share memories within an instant; however, it is quite...unpleasant. Vessels tend to find my method is preferable.-

[Good to know.]

The last thought is sent absentmindedly, another question coming to mind. She swivels her head, eyes landing on the shoe rack near the front door. Drayden's shoes are still absent.

[That could have been bad. Dad wouldn't react well to finding me disassociating on the couch. Still. He's later than usual.]

Iris taps on the screen. Maybe the message is from him. It opens and she freezes, her mouth suddenly dry.

Iris,

I very much enjoyed my time with you today. You are truly an exceptional trainer!

Thus, I would like to meet with you again. Would dinner tomorrow night at 18:30 be acceptable?

-Yours truly,

Colress

The recently learned reality rears its ugly head. Her breathing grows rapid, and bile rises in her throat. The warm feelings of her altered memories and the horrified feelings of the truth clash like oil and water. Iris hugs herself and finds that she's actually shaking.

-Iris…-

Kyurem lets its sympathy flow, but it does little to soothe the brewing storm of emotions. As a Gym Leader, she was no stranger to admirers. Some were simple fans, cheering her on. Some were more obsessive, collecting every scrap of information they could gleam from interviews and matches for their own private reasons. At worst, there had been a few stalkers, only enough to count on one hand, but even they did not stoop to such a level of violation.

[What am I going to do?]

She even mutters the words out loud like a mantra. Why her? Why this? This is the kind of thing you read about in the news, horrified and sympathetic, but at a safe distance, never thinking that it could happen to you. But now it has, and she's completely unprepared. The thud of her heart pounds like thunder, while her racing blood brings the rain.

-Are the police not an option?-

It's a feeble suggestion, but surely the most logical. Iris shakes her head furiously.

[It's a crime involving the mind! They'll need to check for any tampering, which means they'll have to shift through my memories. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you why that would be bad.]

-I...did not consider...-

Guilt and sadness pool and pulse, low and steady ripples that span wide.

-Sorry. Even now I am still bringing you grief.-

Strangely, the throb of it is calming, easy to fall into. Its waters run deep and ever expanding. She lets it lap at her, pull her in until she's drowning. Surrounded by Kyurem's emotions, Iris is cut off from her own. The panic is gone, giving her clarity.

[This...this isn't your fault. It's his...And you said it yourself earlier, right? You won't hide anymore. You'll stay by my side and protect me.]

Iris exhales, breath steadying. Her arms drop to her side.

[Just like I'll protect you. We won't run away. We'll get through this together!]

The storm lightens, letting a new emotion shine through. A tiny kernel of warmth emerges, a mere glint of determination in the darkness, but it's enough. Iris stands up. Kyurem rallies too, ready to act.

-Yes! I swear it! As the former Original Dragon, Kyurem!-

Iris runs back through the kitchen, bursting out into the backyard. Her pokemon will need to be in the know about this. Kyurem can defend her mind, but who knows what other pokemon Colress has. She'll need some physical defense just in case. She gathers them in a circle at the edge of the pool and begins. Even Cadenza growls and roars as Iris tells them of Colress's trickery. They listen intently, tense as Iris explains her plan.

"I may not be able to tell the police about the mind manipulation, but I can make a case for stalking. From what I remember, Colress is persistent. If I reject him tonight, he'll probably keep trying. I just have to just make sure I log everything. It'll be a bit of a waiting game. I plan to have at least two of you on me at all times. I know pokeballs aren't the funnest places to be, so I'll swap you guys out every few days. Is that okay?"

Tanami and Hydra nod solemnly. Cadenza trills, nuzzling its head against Iris's cheek. Not to be left out, Labrys pulls its trainer into a hug. Over her scaly shoulder, Iris watches as Nettle makes a rough drawing of Colress's face. It's snuffed away as both Nettle and Peach stomp on it, both puffing out their chests menacingly. Tears of happiness spring in the corners of her eyes and she laughs.

"Thanks. You guys are the best!"

They huddle around her in an attempt at a group hug, which is honestly more of a group snuggle. An unintentional growl gurgles up from an embarrassed Labrys. Ah. That's right.

"It's dinner time isn't it?"

With another short laugh, Iris breaks away. She walks over to the now dry buckets and stacks them. Once her pokemon are fed, she should begin prepping her own dinner as well. As she hefts the buckets onto the bottom of the cart, she slows, having to take another breath. Her hands pull back, a slight tremor running through them. The rush of bravery she felt when making her plan is already beginning to fade. Purposefully, Iris shoves any thoughts of Colress to the back of her mind.

"Dinner. It's time to make dinner."

Iris grips the handle of the cart tightly, attempting to will away the signs of her residual fear. Her muscles contract, taut with effort. Staring ahead at the door, she repeats those words.

It'll be nice, relaxing even. For two weeks, someone else has cooked all her meals. Getting to make her own again would be refreshing. On the dregs of an exhale, she gives herself one last reassurance.

"I'm safe here."

She thinks of her team, of Drayden, of Kyurem. Like a key clicking into a lock, the reassurance becomes certainty. Her hold on the cart slackens, tension banished. With steady steps, a smile finds its way onto her face, and she wheels the cart inside.


Tuesday it is not, but tacos cannot be limited to one day of the week. The seasoned beef simmers on low heat. Vegetables are chopped and sorted. Cheese grated. Soft shell tortillas sit on a plate, ready to be heated. The only part left to make is the guacamole. Iris could make that too, but Drayden usually does a better job. Nothing to do but wait. Iris decides to make some conversation.

[I feel like I kinda wasted an opportunity here. Instead of making ice cubes, I could have done something cooler. Something like forming ice blades and chopping everything that way.]

-It would have been a decent control-based exercise. Seeing if you could chop only the vegetable and not all the way through the cutting board and counter.-

[Crap. I didn't really think about that possibility. I mean my control is pretty good, but I should probably try it outside next time to be safe...Aw wait! People might see!...Hmmmm...Maybe if I set up a canvas tent in the backyard and took one of our older cutting boards out there. Ah! I'd need a folding table too…]

-This is becoming quite the complicated set up. How about starting smaller?-

Kyurem directs her attention to the bowl of fruit on the counter.

-Throw a grape into the air and try slicing it in half. This way you do not have to worry about damaging any preparation surfaces. You will also be able to work on your hand-eye coordination.-

[And a grape won't make as much mess like a tomato or orange would! Alright! Let's give it a shot!]

Plucking a few grapes out of the bunch and into a bowl, Iris walks to the middle of the kitchen.

[Plenty of space. Check!]

With a careful exhale, she lets the cold out. It swirls in a frosty mist at her fingertips before heeding its master and converging into her desired form. The knife is a simple kitchen knife, unadorned handle and all. Iris inspects it, making it rotate at all angles, before humming in disapproval.

"I can do better than this."

The knife shatters into thousands of icy granules. They float into the sink, following the guidance of her eyes. A quick rush of water is all it takes to wash them down the drain. She starts over. It takes a little longer, but this new knife is beautiful.

A santoku style blade of clear ice floats in front of her. Tilting it in the light, she can see her name, sparkling in an elegant signature. The handle is engraved with vines, leaves, and the flowers of her namesake.

[Knife. Check!]

She's about to start when Kyurem interjects.

-I did not see anything wrong with your first knife.-

[It didn't have enough aesthetic appeal.]

-Is that really important?-

Iris almost looks offended.

[Yes! It is important! That's it! Once Dad gets home and we can eat, I'm going to make two tacos. One gorgeous, could-be-a-model taco. And one ugly, no-love-was-put-into-this taco. You'll see which one reigns superior!]

It takes a moment to process her passion.

-If you insist.-

[Oh, I do insist!]

Right as she thinks that, Iris tosses a grape into the air. A scintillating line flashes past in an instant. The grape falls onto the table, seemingly intact. A mere second later, its top sloughs off with a tiny 'plop.' Iris squats down, eyeing the pieces.

-A straight cut, but you sliced off a third rather than cleaving it into perfect halves.-

Iris frowns a bit, and throws another. It comes down, revealing another third slice.

-You are cutting too early. Be patient.-

She nods and exhales, releasing any tension in her shoulders. As the next grape sails toward the ceiling, she waits. At the peak of its ascent, barely a foot away from the lightbulb, she strikes! Thoroughly severed, the halves drop. She holds them up to her face for Kyurem's judgement, a smile already taking form.

-Very good, but can you replicate it?-

[Let's find out!]

They continue until all the grapes are gone and the knife is marred by the flecks of grape juice that have frozen to it. Iris beams proudly, happy with her 86% success rate. She lets the knife knife float to eye level, ready to dispose of it just like the first.

-Iris, please wait. I have a suggestion.-

She pauses, quirking a brow.

-Gather the grape pieces into the bowl again. You can turn the knife to fine shards like before.-

[Okay.]

-Now use some ice to make a container for the grapes. It would be a shame to damage your dishware. The ice shards will go in as well. Then make sure that they are fully enclosed.-

[I think I get what you're putting out. You're having me make a sort of manual blender, aren't you?]

-Close. The goal here is shaved ice. One of my past vessels was exceptionally fond of the treat. He would make it almost every night.-

A warmth springs into her cheeks and flows down her back in a smoothing wave. Kyurem must have really liked him. She chuckles.

[Putting your powers to good use I see. Sounds better than making ice cubes. I should continue his legacy.]

With a wave of the hand, ice slips underneath the grapes and solidifies. Then it lifts up into the air right as Iris starts building the edges. Before she closes the final gap, she ushers in the shards. Preparation complete, she closes it, making a perfect sphere. Miming the press of a button, Iris sends the shards into a frenzied vortex. It's like the world's most hyperactive snowglobe.

Bringing the sphere closer to the bowl, Iris cracks it like an egg. The contents sprinkle down in a shimmer of white, green, and purple. The remains of the sphere are pulverized and sentenced to the sink as Iris places the shaved ice into the freezer. No dessert before dinner!

She takes a seat, satisfied.

[Thanks for the idea Kyurem. I haven't had shaved ice in a while. Heh. Tacos and shaved ice on the same night...They're two of my favorites!]

-I am glad I could offer a suggestion to your liking.-

Iris rests her head into her arms, eyelids drooping. It's getting late. Geez, how long is he going to take. Stifling a yawn, she resumes her conversation with Kyurem.

[Hey Kyurem? Do you have any favorite foods?]

-I share my vessel's senses, so my favorite foods would align with yours. It has been centuries since I have been able to taste anything using my own sense of taste. I am...not sure if I even remember...-

[Oh…]

As factual as they are, a keen longing and sadness line its words. Quickly, Kyurem brushes it off.

-Worry not! I am excited to experience these tacos and the joy that they bring you!-

Iris frowns. But before she can think more about it, the front door opens.

"Iris. I'm home!"

Drayden walks in with a yawn. Taking in the enticing scent of spices and the almost assembled taco bar, he ruffles Iris's hair.

"Did you at least leave something for me to help with?"

Iris points to the avocados resting on the counter.

"You're on guac duty."

"When am I not on guac duty?"

It's a complaint made in jest. Humming, Drayden takes off his gloves and soaps up his hands. Iris fires back bluntly, trying to land her own lighthearted jab.

"When you start coming home normal late, and not super late."

"Such is the life of a mayor."

Drayden murmurs it nonchalantly enough, but his eyes and mouth shift downwards. He makes the guacamole quietly. The sound of the fork hitting the sides of the bowl becomes the only sound between them. By the time he takes a seat across from her, an apologetic look is clear to see, etched onto his face.

"I'm sorry about today Iris. As soon as you get back, it seems I'm as busy as ever. You looked distracted during lunch today. I didn't have time then, but I have time now. Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Iris furrows her brow, but the memory is hazy and vague, as if it happened years ago rather than this afternoon. Stalling for time, she busies herself with taco assembly. She spoons in a bit of everything. Lettuce. Beef. Cheese. Onions. Now tomatoes. All she remembers is that Colress had bought them takeout.

Colress.

Iris stiffens. His thumb grazes over her fingers, causing her to shiver. The movement is deliberate, teasing, and expectant. Pale eyes take it all in, as knowing as his laughter.

There's a splatter of something cold and wet on her fingers. As she looks down, her face burns red, like the tomatoes she's dropped. Muttering a quick apology, she mops up the spill with a napkin before gingerly setting the spoon back into its bowl.

"Iris? Are you okay?"

Concern is written all over his face, and Iris is hit with the urge to tell him about Colress. But she doesn't have any solid evidence, at least, not any evidence she can give without compromising the secret of Kyurem. She swallows the words threatening to rise in her throat and gives a shaky smile.

"I'm fine, just exhausted. I did some extra training to make up for my late start."

Drayden looks unconvinced. It might be best to admit a small bit of truth to make it more convincing.

"I pushed myself too hard during training and fainted."

His mouth opens, a scolding imminent.

"Don't worry though! Colress made sure that I was okay."

She manages to force out that last part, the taste of the sentence all too bitter. A restless energy thrums under her skin, screaming. She'll have to respond to him tonight, after dinner. What will happen then? What will he do next? Will she be able to tell anyone about it? Will—

Iris digs her nails into her palm, forcing the panic back with pain. Now that Colress is back in the front of her mind, she might as well make the most of it. Information. The more information she has, the better.

"How did you meet him anyway?"

With a sigh, Drayden accepts the change of topic. Iris pushing herself too hard wasn't anything new. And if he were to lecture her now, it would be the third time. Some things are only learned through experience.

"He visited the gym about a week ago. His thesis sounded intriguing and his references were solid, so I figured it would be a good opportunity to show how the Opelucid Gym is different from the ones in Blackthorn and Hammerlocke."

[He has solid references? Really?]

-I am also incredulous.-

Her thoughts must show on her face because Drayden continues.

"He's earned quite a few accolades from other regions. His most recent work was for the Aether Foundation in Alola. Their lead scientist, Faba, had nothing but praise to say. Don't worry Iris. Colress isn't like those self-proclaimed researchers that the National Gymquirer has tried to send over."

"I see."

The conversation dies down as they finally start eating.

Looks like Drayden had misinterpreted her concern. Iris eats quietly, digesting the new information. Colress seems to be pretty famous in the pokemon researcher world, rather than some random eccentric. That could be troublesome.

Finishing her dinner, she heads up to her room.


Fresh from the shower and in pajamas, Iris sits in bed, staring at her Xtransciever. Her fingers hover over the screen. Kyurem flares its presence, its power. It will be there every step of the way. She feels a little braver.

[Thanks. And also sorry. I just realized as I was taking a shower that I forgot about the taco thing. During dinner I just started thinking about Colress and couldn't stop...]

-There is no need to apologize. We will share other meals. Thus, there will be plenty of opportunities to educate me on the value of aesthetic appeal.-

[Heh. That's true.]

Turning her attention back towards her written words, Iris bites her lip. It's a simple rejection, sort and to-the-point. Editing isn't necessary, but that's not what she's worried about. Once she sends this, who knows how he'll respond. She can only hope it will be something she can log. Something that will show his disturbing nature.

With one last exhale, Iris lets it fly.


His Xtransceiver lights up, paired with a shill ring that could break through even the deepest of concentrations. Colress pauses, setting his tools aside. Tugging off a thick work glove, he uses the newly bare hand to open the message on the touchscreen.

No thank you.

Not the ideal response, but it's not necessarily a negative one. As Drayden's apprentice, it's understandable that she would be busy. The fact doesn't stop his mouth from ticking into a frown. He needs her as soon as possible. His reply is instant.

Perhaps another day then?

The dots at the corner of the screen keep starting and stopping. Seconds stretch into minutes. Just what is she taking so long to type? He huffs, tapping his fingers on the table discordantly. It's been hours since he sent his first message, and now he has to wait even more. What an unkind person. Finally, the screen lights up with new text.

That would also be a 'no.'

Sorry Colress, but I have no romantic interest in you.

Please stay away from me.

Colress stares at the strange message, mind whirring. The response is contrary to her reactions from earlier. Could it be? Does she know about Beheeyem's manipulation? He pales, fingers stilling abruptly.

No! She can't be lost to him! He won't give up on such a promising trainer! And he won't sulk all the way back to that pitiful village for answers. Unlike those inhospitable, tight-lipped elders, Iris is an open book. All it takes is a bit of the right stimulus, and the emotions shine, bright and clear upon her face. It makes observation, and more importantly manipulation, all too easy.

He turns her words over and over again in his head until his mind snags on something, a realization, a bit of hope. Why no mention of his pursuit of the Original Dragon, or its husk, Kyurem? He needs more confirmation.

So you know what I did after you fainted?

Tell me, did you manage to recover your memories as well?

Colress doesn't have to wait long for her reply this time.

What else did you do to me?!

Ah. So she does know about the rewrite, but she hasn't recovered her memories. Why hasn't she called the police? Crimes of the mind are considered to be most heinous. By all means, he should have a team breaking down his door right now, yet….

Colress smiles, gazing at his Xtransceiver.

"Is what you're hiding really so secret that you can't even let the police have a look? How exhilarating!"

If only he could travel through the screen and be there in person. There's just no satisfying substitute for observing his test subjects up close. Every emotion, every reaction exposed for him to see, to influence! Unfortunately, it seems that Iris will be avoiding him from now on, but that's okay. If she won't come to him, he'll come to her. Other than that minor modification, the rest of the plan still holds.

Colress turns back toward his latest invention. Just a few more tweaks, and then onto testing. Humming as he works, he wonders if Iris will appreciate its genius. It's something made just for her after all.

"There will be no running. There will be no hiding. I won't even let you protest. Myth will become reality! And as for what will happen after that—! I can't wait to see what possibilities are born!"

Tomorrow will certainly be an auspicious day!


Author's Notes: I finally finished this chapter! The longest to date! I tried a different writing process this time because I tend to get excited and rush toward plot points. Usually I write linearly, which means if I get stuck on a part, I won't write anything else until I get past it. But now I'm liberally using placeholders so that I can move on to other scenes and return later. It's really helpful! By procrastinating on finishing one scene, I'd flesh out another, haha.

I hope you all like it!