Now that I've edited the first 8 or so chapters, I feel better! Speaking of which, if for some reason there is someone keeping track of this, this chapter includes characters first introduced in the revisions, so it might be a bit confusing contextually.
That's my fault. Haha
Chapter 24 - Idiot
doodle by me :)
Mel double-checked the address she had written on her scythe, then looked back at the dilapidated storefront. A large rusted sign on the front read ‘Jaruzaya Brokerage’ backlit by a bright green light. The windows were grimy and one of the front doors was missing. Mel could make out the back of a pokemon’s head, laying slightly to the side of the open doorway.
“Uh, hello?” Mel called out hopefully. “Are you open?”
The pokemon shifted, turning it’s head to look at Mel. “I guess. Do you have an appointment?”
Mel stared at the mangy Furfrou, wondering if she could get away with lying.
The Furfrou spoke again before Mel could reply. “Trick question, I don’t care. Sit down and wait if you want to see Jaruzaya.” She motioned to the Lurantis with her head. “Come on- you might lose your spot if you stand out there gawking.”
Caught off guard by the Furfrou’s urging, Mel hurried inside, gingerly stepping around the other pokemon. Letting her eyes adjust to the dim room, Mel saw rows of beaten up and broken chairs, along with a single door at the back of the room. A paint-streaked chandelier hung from overhead, ringed with lights except for one broken holder where a lit candle had been inserted. Aside from Mel and the Furfrou, the place was deserted.
“You said I would lose my spot,” Mel said, with a twinge of irritation. She looked down at the Furfrou, who idly glanced back up at her.
“I said ‘might’,” the Furfrou said. “Do you want something to eat while you wait?”
Mel hesitated, expecting another smart answer. “That would be nice,” she finally answered.
The Furfrou laid back down on her side. “Yeah, I’d like something to eat too.”
Mel scowled, sinking into a chair in frustration. To distract herself, she idly stared at a broken clock on the wall opposite of her. The face had been shattered, the numbers rearranged seemingly at random.
“What do you think?” The Furfrou suddenly spoke up, Mel turning back to her. “It’s an art piece I made.” The Furfrou walked over, her expression wistful. “It represents forgotten time.”
Mel examined the clock closer. The numbers were askew, some missing entirely. “I think I get it.”
The Furfrou shuffled around the room, avoiding Mel's gaze. “A-actually, the whole room is an art piece. The uh, the junk is deliberate.”
Mel looked around the room. “That’s actually kind of cool,” the Lurantis said, glancing at the Furfrou. “Sorry, I don’t know much about art.”
“That’s okay!” the Furfrou stammered, “I’m just happy you like it.” The Furfrou paused, staring off into space. “I’m Shogo.” She smiled sheepishly at Mel. “Sorry for being a prick earlier, I’m just used to short tempered business types.”
“Oh. Well, I am here to do business.” Mel shrugged apologetically. “Though I was told to come here.”
“Really?” Shogo looked unconvinced. “You don’t look like much of an entrepreneur.”
“Not yet,” Mel replied. “That’s why I’m here.” She smiled defiantly at Shogo. “I’m Mel by the way.”
Shogo squinted at Mel, unconvinced. “Are you sure you’re in the right place, Mel?”
“I’m-” Mel hesitated.
Why am I even doing this, she thought to herself.
Novegra told me to come here and I just... did. No- I’m not doing this for her, I’m doing it for Arceus.
Shogo tilted her head, watching Mel curiously.
“I’m definitely in the right place,” Mel declared. “So I’ll wait here until Jaruzaya is available.”
Shogo involuntarily stepped back. “I understand,” she replied. Something crossed her face. “Actually, there’s something you should know. Jaruzaya is... he’s not busy at all.”
“What?” Mel briefly glanced over at the door on the other side of the room. “He doesn’t want to see anyone?”
“Not quite,” Shogo said. “Jaruzaya is very- peculiar about his clientele. You’ll understand when you meet him.”
“Right,” Mel said. She processed Shogo’s words a moment later. “Wait, I can go see him?”
“Sure, go on in.” The Furfrou grimaced. “Good luck in there.”
Already walking to the door, Mel stopped in place. “What does that mean?” she asked warily.
Shogo shook her head. “What do you think? The guy is a pain in the neck, so try to stay on his good side.”
“Thanks for the advice.” Mel sighed to herself and passed through the doorway.
>>
The hallways through the door were deceptively long, dimly lit and even more shabby than the entrance. Eventually, Mel came to a large dark room. She couldn’t make out the far end, but she could hear running water from somewhere.
Mel was unnerved, but put on a brave face. “Hello? Jaruzaya? I’m here to uh-” Mel looked at the plate she had been carrying under her arm. “-sell something?”
There was a moment of silence before Mel heard a rumbling.
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you that relationships are built on respect?” A deep voice emanated from somewhere. “You could have addressed me as ‘Mr’. Anyway, hold on a moment while I turn these lights on.”
One after another, large overhead lamps clicked on. The room was even larger than Mel had thought. A huge pool stretched along one side, connected to a massive tank at the end. Square pillars ran along the edge of the room, and the floor was immaculately tiled. From the tank, a large Huntail looked over Mel appraisingly.
“I don’t know you,” Jaruzaya said dismissively, “Regardless, you’re here, so you’ve done something right at least.”
“Oh? Care to tell me what that is?” Mel responded, staring confidently back at the Huntail.
Jaruzaya smiled. “Money is impatient, and so am I. Anyone who is kind or thoughtful enough to wait on me generally isn’t fit for this kind of work.” His tail flicked. “Not to say that that sort of attitude isn’t appreciated. It’s just not someone worth working with.”
Keeping her face carefully blank, Mel nodded. “Your secretary implied this was kind of the case.”
“Ah, Shogo.” Jaruzaya’s expression was pained. “My faithful assistant. She is helpful, but doubtless I wouldn’t need her if I wasn’t-” He gestured at the tank around him. “-so indisposed. Life grants few boons greater than arms and legs. Enough of the chatter though, you have something for me?”
Mel showed Jaruzaya the plate. “How about this.”
“Oh?” His expression was unchanged, but there was an edge to his tone. “And what is that?”
Mel froze in place.
I have no idea what this is. I’ll have to fake it, she thought.
“Do I even need to elaborate?” Mel replied casually, forcing a smile. “I thought you would be too impatient for jokes.”
“Mmm, you’re right,” Jaruzaya said lightly, “What’s your price then?”
Seriously?! Mel was starting to panic, but steeled herself.
I can just come up with a really high price and claim it’s my personal evaluation if he refuses.
“How about- thirteen million?” Mel asked, keeping her expression neutral.
The Huntail was silent. “How would you like it?” he asked eventually. “Direct transfer or tokens?”
Mel nearly fell backwards in surprise from Jaruzaya’s nonchalance. “Tokens if you would,” she said, trying to contain her excitement. That much money would be more than enough to take care of Arceus and then some.
“Right then,” Jaruzaya said, gliding over to the side of the tank to a panel. On the wall next to Mel, a panel opened, revealing a chute. “Just put it in there,” he continued, making a face. “Unwieldy, I know. Another reason for me to curse my watery existence.”
Mel hesitated, then placed the plate in the chute. As it clattered off somewhere, a second panel opened next to it, this one containing a large plate with thirteen coins on it. They were thick and black, with an inscrutable design on them. Mel picked them up, holding them tightly.
“So, as you might have guessed, each one of those is worth a million Cohls,” Jaruzaya said, looking back at Mel. “Isn’t that exciting?”
Mel paused, hearing something odd about the Huntail’s tone. She turned back to see the Huntail close to her, his face nearly pressed against the glass.
“Not bad for what I assume is your first try. But I’d like to offer a few pointers for the future- so you don’t get screwed.”
Mel felt her heart drop.
He knew the entire time, she thought to herself, unable to reply to Jaruzaya.
“So, you started a bit weak, not a very forceful opening,” Jaruzaya said, grinning, “But you made up for it with your attitude. I liked that.” He swam away, making circles in the water. “Then you fell apart making the sale.”
“Yeah?” Mel felt her momentary fear replaced with irritation bordering on anger. “How so?”
“I don’t blame you for your approach, it’s a good fit for informal transactions.” Jaruzaya closed his eyes. “But sometimes you have to know exactly what you’re selling, most importantly of course, for the price.”
Mel’s breath caught in her throat.
“I’d have paid twenty million if you asked,” Jaruzaya said. “Better luck next time! Haha.”
Mel glared at him furiously. “Alright, I admit it, I don’t know exactly what that plate was,” she said, barely suppressing the urge to walk away. “Tell me about it.”
“Sure. But it’ll cost you,” Jaruzaya said. “Just kidding, you’ve helped me out enough already,” he added, seeing Mel’s expression. “This plate is one of many, no one knows the exact number.” He moved closer. “They’re old- extremely old. And they have these... powers? From what I’ve heard, each one is a little different.”
Mel thought back to Arceus changing colors. “I see. So it’s really valuable.”
Jaruzaya looked at Mel curiously. “You really don’t know that much, do you?” He waved his tail. “Anyway, they’re made of an unknown material, and if you know what you’re looking for, you can spot one immediately.”
“How?” Mel asked.
“The plates are practically indestructible,” the Huntail replied, “You can’t even scratch them. But on the front of each is three lines. Very distinct.”
The Lurantis looked at him suspiciously. “What if I just cut a plate and made a forgery?”
Jaruzaya smiled. “They’re more than just rare gemstones. Most of the information I just told you is passed around in exclusive circles.” His expression darkened slightly. “And though it’s been theorized that there’s a whole set, only nine have ever been confirmed, of which three are here in the city.”
Mel felt a chill run through her body.
“How can a nobody like you find someone like me, carrying something like that?” Jaruzaya’s eyes bored into Mel. “Who sent you?”
Mel stared back at the Huntail. “Someone I met recently named Novegra,” she said simply. “She said she wanted to help me and told me to come sell the plate here.”
“The Witch?” Jaruzaya seemed confused. “Why would she give you-” He abruptly turned away from Mel, muttering softly.
Mel looked at the chips she had been given. “I’ll be leaving now,” she said, turning towards the entrance. “Thank you for your... advice.”
“Wait-” Jaruzaya called.
Mel stopped, but didn’t turn to face him. “What?”
The Huntail floated close to the glass, staring at Mel intently. “I’m ignorant as to what circumstances brought you here. But...” The Huntail grinned. “You’re a lot more interesting than most pokemon I deal with. How about you work for me and I teach you about how to make a deal?”
Mel stiffened.
Work for this guy? As if, she thought.
“Unsure? You shouldn’t be,” Jaruzaya said. “The money you made just now? If you play your cards right, you can make that much and more every day.”
“That’s a lot to offer,” Mel said, turning back to Jaruzaya. “What if I use that money in the future to ruin you after you messed with me?”
Jaruzaya floated in place, surprised. Then he began to laugh. “I’d love that! Healthy competition is the backbone of this city.” He smirked. “And I never get tired of crushing overconfident losers.”
“Really? Then you might just be disappointed,” Mel shot back. As she spoke however, she was worried.
That’s a lot of money, she thought.
What would I even do with-
Mel thought of Pasa and everyone else living on the mountain.
“So? Is that a yes or no?” Jaruzaya asked eagerly.
“I’ll do it,” Mel said, positioning herself defiantly in front of the tank. “You’ll regret this.”
“Looking forward to it,” the Huntail replied. “I’ll contact you later to discuss the details.” He looked at Mel’s arm. “I see you have a GSEL. How about sharing numbers?”
“Fine by me,” Mel said. A moment later she heard a ding as her device notified her about Jaruzaya’s information.
“Great, now get out of here,” Jaruzaya said, waving his tail. “I have work to do.”
“Okay,” Mel turned to leave again. “By the way, I’m-”
“Not listening,” the Huntail interrupted, “As I said, relationships are built on respect. As of now, I have none for you. I registered you as ‘Idiot’ in my contacts, you know. Show me what you can do, then we’ll talk.”
Mel suppressed a twinge of anger. “Whatever you say, Mr. Jaruzaya.”
“That’s what I like to hear!”
-------
Mel sighed heavily as she returned to the front room. “I hope I didn’t just get into something I’ll regret,” she murmured to herself.
“You look pretty good,” Shogo said, popping up beside Mel. “Usually whenever someone leaves a meeting with ‘Zaya, they either act like they just won the lottery or they’ve been sentenced to life in prison.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Mel replied, “Thanks for the heads up earlier, Shogo.”
“No problem!” the Furfrou said, beaming. “I usually don’t care, but what did you two talk about?”
“Oh, um-” Mel wasn’t sure how to explain their arrangement.
At that moment however, there was a metallic crackle.
“Shogo? Important changes to note. If you’re not there and you miss this, I’ll dock your pay for next week. Not that you’ll know! Ha.” Jaruzaya’s voice emanated from a speaker somewhere in the ceiling. “I have a new assistant- the Lurantis. She’ll be running the front for part of the week, so work out a schedule between the two of you okay? I know you’ve been asking for days off for a few years now, so here’s your chance! See, I’m not such a bad employer.” There was a pause. “That’s it, be nice to her now!”
There was a click.
Mel shuddered.
This guy is not going to be easy to work with. She turned nervously to the Furfrou. “Uh, that’s what we talked about. Sorry for the sudden changes.”
“Mel...” Shogo turned to the Lurantis. The Furfrou was almost tearing up, a huge smile on her face. “Thank you so much!”
“Eh?” Mel inadvertently stepped back.
“You heard him, I’ve been asking for this for years!” Shogo exclaimed, nearly bouncing up and down. “I’m going to use my days off to go to art school- and just enjoy myself for once.”
“That’s great, Shogo,” Mel replied, “I’m happy I could help.”
“You shouldn’t be,” the Furfrou said quickly, “Jaruzaya is a slave driver. The only reason I haven’t killed him myself is because he pays so well.”
I suppose I should have expected that much, Mel thought, slightly annoyed.
“He asks for a lot of unreasonable things,” Shogo continued, “But I’ll teach you everything there is to dealing with him. Do you have GSEL.”
“Yep.” Mel flashed her armlet.
“I’ll contact you later to work out our schedule,” Shogo said. “Thanks again, Mel!”
“Yeah! Looking forward to working with you too, Shogo.” Mel nodded.
“See you later!”
[][][][][][][][][][][][][]
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”
Pasa didn’t bother looking up. His head was buried in his arms. “I quit the HCU to get away from stress,” he said, his voice muffled. “And here I am, stressed. I might be cursed.”
“Hmm, all that time away has made you a bit of a cynic.”
Pasa looked up at the Yanmega hovering in front of him. “I don’t know, Chocolate, you tell me.” He laughed sadly. “Ha, first time we meet in years and it’s like this.”
Chocolate’s wings buzzed. “The only time you were like this was when one of the officers under your command was in trouble. That’s what I know.”
“You got me there. But it’s a bit different from that. It’s my- daughter.” Pasa shook his head. “I heard from Nea that she was travelling, and I’m a little worried.”
“A little?” Chocolate settled on Pasa’s head, quietly contemplating something. “What is your daughter like?”
“She’s not my real- you know. She’s a Lurantis from the mine.” Pasa winced.
“Oh.” The Yanmega was still. “Your daughter assisted in taking my deputy hostage.”
“She what?” Pasa said in disbelief.
“Nea wouldn’t implicate her, but considering the chain of events, it’s the only thing that could have happened.” Chocolate spoke plainly. “She has insisted on letting the incident slide.”
Pasa groaned. “Blunt as usual. But I- I don’t care about that right now. The most important thing is finding Meiulula, but I don’t know if she’s even in the city.” A strange look crossed his face. “Oh, if you meet her, don’t call her that, just use Mel. She doesn’t like her full name.”
“Noted,” Chocolate replied, “Would you like me to call a search, Pasa?”
“No, I don’t want to waste resources.” Pasa said, dispirited. “All I know is that she’ll be here at some point. She might already be here, but I would hardly know it.”
The Yanmega hovered in the air again, watching the Nidoking silently. “If you raised her, I am confident she will be fine. Is there anything else I can say that would comfort you?”
“Not likely,” Pasa said. “I appreciate it though, Chocolate. I know keeping you here is probably interrupting your work.”
“Hmph.” Chocolate sighed. “Despite what everyone says, I do take breaks, and I do enjoy myself occasionally.”
The Nidoking stood up, stretching. “You don’t need to tell me,” he said. Pasa stared at the ground for a moment. “It’s really nice to see you again though.”
“I feel the same. Maybe while we’re here we can do some work together, like old times.” The Yanmega seemed happy.
“Of course!” The Nidoking smiled. “Don’t worry about me or my problems, I’ll take care of them. Then we can reminisce about the past, or whatever old pokemon do.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Chocolate replied. “If you need help, just ask.”
“Will do, partner.” With a wave, Pasa walked away. Chocolate turned and flew back into the HCU headquarters.
Nearby, another pokemon stalked away, silently running through the conversation it had overheard in it’s head.
[][][][][][][][]
The eavesdropper ducked into an alley, checking over their shoulder briefly. Halfway down the alley, behind a pile of boxes, a Pupitar sat waiting.
“You’re back?” The Pupitar narrowed her eyes at the Watchog.
“Sorry, Postcard. I uh, got too scared to go in.” The Watchog smiled nervously. “I did see some pokemon talking outside though, so I can tell you about that!”
“Come on, Qiyoha,” Postcard said, irritated, “Be serious about this. We’re not just messing around, we’re helping out Una.”
The Watchog shrank under Postcard’s withering gaze. “Urgh, sorry Postcard. I- I don’t want to make Una upset. But those pokemon seemed frightening.”
Postcard’s expression softened. “You’ll be fine, Qiyo. You could beat all of them in a fight if you tried.” The Pupitar rocked from side to side uncomfortably. “You can tell me about the conversation you heard if you want to.”
Qiyoha perked up. “Great! So there were these two talking, and one of them said they were looking for their daughter. But then the other one said that the daughter took someone hostage and they were really confused.”
“Uh huh.” Postcard didn’t seem to be listening.
Qiyoha continued. “Then they talked for a bit about finding her and the Nidoking said he’d go out on his own and-”
“Wait.” Postcard was suddenly alert. “Did you say a Nidoking?”
The Watchog nodded. “There was a Yanmega too! They looked old though.”
“That’s... not good,” Postcard murmured, “Qiyo, do you have Una’s number for those GSEL things we got earlier?”
“Yep! He gave it to me earlier. Here-” Qiyoha leaned over Postcard, holding a little rod. “Where’s yours anyway? I didn’t see where you got it.”
“That’s not important right now, just give me the number!” Postcard said, nearly yelling.
Qiyoha synced the number with Postcard and hurriedly backed away, taking a moment to glance back to make sure no one was watching.
“Did you happen to catch the Nidoking’s name?” Postcard said, looking at Qiyoha.
“Uhh-” the Watchog tapped his chin. “Pasta? No wait, Pasa!”
Postcard cursed loudly, then turned away from Qiyoha to make a call. The Pupitar tried to calm down as a soft ringing sound echoed through her head.
“Hello?” A voice came through.
“Una, it’s me and Qiyoha,” Postcard said. “There’s a problem.”
There was no reply for a moment. “Explain,” Una said simply.
“We were checking the HCU headquarters as you instructed when we saw a Nidoking.” Postcard hesitated. “We were able to confirm that it was Pasa.”
“The Acid Judge...mmmm.” Una spoke slowly. “I always thought that title was overdramatic, even if it’s not undeserved.”
“What do you want us to do?” The Pupitar asked. As she was talking, Qiyoha walked over and began tying her to his back.
“In the past, vengeance would be my order. But such a thing is unnecessary now,” Una said. “He is simply a formidable enemy. Is there anything else you know that could help us?”
“I’m not sure...but-” Postcard put the connection on hold. “Qiyo, which one of them was the one with the daughter?”
“It was the Nidoking,” Qiyoha answered, idly examining a storefront.
Postcard resumed the call. “Pasa has a daughter.”
“Interesting. Do you know the species and their name?”
“Did the Nidoking happen to mention his daughter’s name or species?” Postcard asked the Watchog.
Qiyoha made a face. “Her name was Mel. If I remember correctly, she’s a Lurantis? Not sure what that looks like.”
Postcard relayed the information.
“Good work you two,” Una said, a strange tone in his voice. “I can work with this. I’ll contact you soon with instructions.”
The call ended.
“I thought Una wanted us to raise money,” Qiyoha whined, “Why is he making us run around the city now?”
“Well we probably already have enough money,” Postcard replied, trying to placate the Watchog. “It’s not that bad, Qiyo. Una knows what he’s doing, so we’ll trust him like we always have.”
The Watchog seemed about to protest, but stopped short, nodding. “You’re right. Una always knows what to do.”
“He does,” Postcard said softly. “He does.”
+++++++++++++
Goucie stared at the collection of pictures laid out on the table in front of him. As his eyes flitted between the images, his scowl deepened, until he pushed the pictures away, sighing.
“Heya.” Vanet sauntered up, the Barbaracle slapping the Combusken on the back. “What’s got you worried today, Goucie?” She leaned over him to examine the pictures. “Ooh, efficient. That’s definitely professional work. Who’s the victim?”
“An Eiscue that went by Novegra,” Goucie replied, biting on one of his talons. “She was...a prominent KBA member.”
Vanet frowned. “Ugh, Katabatica? I thought those butchers were long gone.”
The Combusken walked away from the table, laying on the floor. “They were supposed to be. But this isn’t a good sign.”
The Barbaracle laid down next to Goucie on the floor. “What? Did they leave a message or something.”
“Novegra’s death in and of itself is the message,” Goucie said. “Nothing was stolen from the business, and as you saw yourself, it was a professional job.”
Vanet sat up. “What does that mean for us then?”
The Combusken shrugged. “More paperwork. The HCU took care of them last time, so I doubt we’ll do much more than logistical support. I’m just worried about what they’ll do.”
“Did they conclude that KBA was the one who bombed that train station recently?” Vanet asked.
“There wasn’t much to go on from what I’ve heard,” Goucie grumbled, “And I was there when it happened.”
“You were?”
“Well, I was on a train that left as soon as it happened,” Goucie admitted, “And that’s how I...” He stopped, thinking about how he met Arceus and Mallys for the first time and Mel for the second.
“How you met your new friends?” Vanet finished playfully. “I’ve been telling you to go see them, but you keep busying yourself with work.”
“I am busy!” Goucie protested weakly, readjusting himself so he lay on one side. “I wouldn’t imagine that they’d want to see me anyway.”
Vanet walked over and picked the Combusken up, setting him down on his feet. “You don’t know that.” She handed him a slip of paper. “And don’t say you can’t go because you don’t know where they are. I went ahead and asked Mongo, since he owed me a favor.”
“Ngh.” Goucie turned over the paper and read the address. “Fine, I’ll go. Don’t tell anyone I’m out, okay?”
Vanet nodded, grinning. “You got it.”
---
Walking down the street, Goucie idly stared at the ceiling of the city layer above.
I’m pretty sure I saw Vanet ducking into that store, he thought, smiling faintly. Stopping for a snack from a street vendor, the Combusken scanned the street signs, trying to remember where the Yellowtail was.
After some wandering, the looming facade of the hotel came into view. Entering the lobby, he made his way to the staircase. Standing at the bottom, he steeled himself.
They probably don’t remember me. That’s okay, these things happen.
--------------------
“Sooo, you’ll be excited to hear this- I got a job!” Mel exclaimed, smiling proudly.
“Already?!” Arceus bounded forward. “That’s great!”
Mallys nodded in approval. “Good start. How much does it pay though?”
“I’m going to work that out later. But I was able to sell that plate for a bit of money.” Mel grinned deviously.
“A bit?” Mallys looked at Mel suspiciously.
Mel dropped the tokens on the table. Arceus examined them curiously while Mallys leaned back in the chair he was sitting in.
“Er- thirteen?” Arceus said hesitantly.
Mallys made a face. “You’re right, that is a lot.”
“Each token is worth more,” Mel explained. “That’s thirteen million cohls.”
Arceus’ eyes widened. Mallys practically fell out of his chair, the Haxorus scrambling to look at the tokens.
Mel tried to keep a straight face, but burst out laughing. “I’m pretty good, right?” She winked triumphantly at the Haxorus. “How’d you do today.”
Mallys was silent, his face falling. “I’m- sorry about the joke, Mel. You’ve outdone me by a long shot.”
“Yeah? How long?” Mel asked, enjoying the Haxorus’ discomfort.
Mallys sighed. “Truthfully, I’ve never had a job in my life. Today did not go well.”
Mel was about to respond when Arceus interrupted. “You guys both did your best, and that’s good enough for me.” He shot a knowing glance at Mel. “Give him a break, Mel.”
The Lurantis’ exuberance deflated slightly. “Oh um, sorry, Mallys. I got a bit overexcited.”
Mallys smiled faintly. “I would have done the same.”
“I’d rather this not be a competition,” Arceus added, staring at Mel and Mallys disapprovingly. “I won’t have my friends fighting.”
“Sorry, Arceus,” Mel said. “We won’t.” Mallys nodded in agreement.
“I’m watching both of you,” Arceus said, satisfied.
There was a knock at the door. The three of them looked up, no one moving at first. After a few seconds, Mallys walked to the door and opened it. Standing awkwardly in the doorway was Goucie. The Combusken waved.
“Hi,” he said in a small voice. “I just wanted to check in-”
“Hey, Goucie!” Arceus said happily.
“It’s been a few days, hasn’t it,” Mallys said, waving Goucie in with a claw.
Mel waved from behind the two. “Nice to see you,” she called.
Goucie entered the room unsteadily. “It’s great that you guys are alright,” he said. “For a little bit I thought... I thought-” The Combusken turned away, sniffling. “Sorry that I put you all in that situation. It’s all my fault.”
Mallys lowered himself, leaning until he was about at eye level with the Combusken. “You tried to help us, and we got blindsided by circumstances out of our control. I don’t think it’s your fault at all.”
“Plus, it’s over now,” Mel added. “I think it would be better if we all put that behind us.”
“If you want to blame someone, blame Arceus,” Mallys said, pointing behind him. “He’s the one who ran off and ended up on a train in the first place.”
Arceus was about to retort, but stopped in place. “Yeah, it is my fault,” he said sheepishly.
“Ah.” Goucie smiled softly. “Now I feel silly.”
“That happens a lot to all of us,” Arceus said encouragingly, “It’s something you get used to.”
Mallys lifted up the Combusken, setting him down on the bed. “If you’re here, you might as well stay for a while.” He looked up. “We were just talking about Mel’s new job.”
“Really?” Goucie relaxed slightly. “What do you do, if it’s alright for me to ask.”
“Er- I guess I’m kind of an intern and a secretary,” Mel replied uncertainly.
Mallys’ gaze travelled between the tokens on the table and Mel. “Are you sure?” the Haxorus asked. “That seems like a lot of money for something like that.”
Goucie followed the Haxorus’ gaze. “Huh, that is a lot of money.” He thought back to the reports he had been given a few days ago. “Sorry to change the subject, but I heard you guys were brought here by Zekrom?”
“Yep,” Arceus said. “He found us and led us back here. He paid for the room too!”
The Combusken tapped his beak in thought. “So wait, that’s the help Trumme said he would get?”
“How is Trumme?” Arceus asked, wincing as he briefly thought about the Noctowl’s lost wing.
“Last I saw, he was doing well,” Goucie replied. “I didn’t think he’d know someone like Zekrom though.”
Mel shrugged. “I guess we got lucky.”
“Really lucky,” Goucie breathed, “So is this the first time all of you have been to the city?” Receiving nods, he cast a glance at the window. “I hope it’s not too bad. This city can be more trouble than it’s worth sometimes.”
“Hey, Goucie,” Arceus said. “Do you remember when-”
The four of them started reminiscing, laughing and talking over each other excitedly. In the room next door, Vanet stood quietly, her back to the wall. As the group talked, the Barbaracle sighed in relief, walking to the window.
“I told him it would be fine,” she said quietly to herself.
