Chapter 5
Melor and Louis disappeared up the stairs while in deep conversation, ignorant to the world around them. Had either been more perceptive, the trickle of falling dust could have been seen on the other side of the room. A small hole grew wider as a set of clawed paws shredded through the rocky wall until a large drillbur pulled her way through. Shaking off the grit, she looked about the room to help get her bearings.
“Yup, this is the place. See, I toldja I’d get you here.” Her attitude was poorly received by her companions as a second drillbur entered, followed by Stanley. The vigoroth crossed his arm, snorting his discontent.
“At least one of you’s worth your word,” Stanley said. “So I guess I’ll hafta thank you, Pauline. You and Gerald here can dig somethin’ fierce, but only one of you has any sense of direction it seems.”
The other drillbur appeared nonplussed at the statement. Gerald carried onward into the room, ignoring the other two while he eyed the artifacts that were held there. A large plate on the ground caught his attention. Picking it up, the ancient platter was embossed with all manner of mythical pokemon. Gerald couldn’t even begin to guess what they all were - he never paid much attention. With a shrug, he put it up on a nearby table only to knock it back down with the edge of his claws. The plate shattered on impact, making all three intruders freeze. After a minute of nothing, they lightened up some.
“Gerald, quit foolin’ around,” Stanley whispered. “They just got out of here, and that synth is probably still upstairs. I don’t want our snoopin’ to get their attention. Now focus!”
The drillbur nodded through a terrified smile, taking steps to look around again for anything incriminating. Stanley and Pauline began their search as well, the former nervously glancing at the stairwell every minute. If that noise drew the metang’s attention, they were finished.
Ransacking the basement was a breeze. The trio searched for anything they could find on Melor with little regard to what they found, all while hardly avoiding another noisy mess. Stanley tossed aside one thing after another, his temper flaring up as the minutes ticked by and nothing was turning up. How was he supposed to prove his point now.
“Hey Stanley!” Pauline’s voice drew the vigoroth’s attention. Joining the drillbur, he found her looking through a pile of strange objects. She held a hollow disc in her claws, flipping it over as she inspected the odd device. It beeped in response to being handled, causing her to drop the disc in alarm. As it smacked the stony floor, the trio drew in a collective breath. It was only when the object sat there quietly they began to let their guards down and search yet again.
“Stupid synth gadget,” Stanley mumbled, kicking the disc aside.
More things were dredged up that did little to attract their interest. Strange books in a language they’d never seen. More metallic objects of unknown purpose, though none of them appeared to work. Stanley grew bored of it all. This was clearly not getting him anywhere closer to proving Melor was a threat. Maybe if one of the doodads worked, a weapon could be an easy appeal to the town. And then he saw the note, wrinkled and fallen onto Melor's bedding. Picking up the paper, Stanley scoured over the brief letter. A grin spread widely across his face. He waved the page to get the others’ attention.
“I think we got what we came for. This synth is a murderer! They admit it here!” Stanley jabbed the page with a claw, tearing it slightly. He winced and cradled it in response, realizing now just how fragile the note was.
“You two know what we gotta do. We need to get Basil, and quickly."
“But Basil just got home from the Alphapeligo,” objected Pauline. “He’s going to be pissed if we take him away from his family!”
“And he might not have one if he doesn’t take care of this problem!” Stanley hissed in Pauline’s face. He gripped the note tighter and shoved his way past the siblings. Time was of the essence. Arguing with them was only going to make it worse. The drillbur swapped pained expressions, but neither objected again. They ran to catch up with Stanley, trusting he was right.
The sturdy door to the house nearly fell off of its hinges as Stanley pounded furiously on it. He knew it was about suppertime, yet another dangerous game to play with Basil. But this was far more consequential than a meal.
“Basil, open up! I’ve got something dire!”
The door flung out of the frame with a crash. A toned magmar stood in its place, his body nearly filling out the width of the doorway. With arms crossed and flames above casting a shadow over his face, the Peacekeeper known as Basil made an intimidating impression. Pauline and Gerald ducked away from his glare, all too happy to leave Stanley on his own.
“Stanley? Should have known. You realize what hour it is?” Basil coolly asked.
Stanley’s face twitched. He suddenly had lost his nerve in the face of the leering magmar. Struggling for words, he shakily held up the letter he had stolen.
“I found this,” he said. “The new librarian in town, they’re not one of us. You know those old legends of the armored god and his legion? That pokemon is living proof, I swear it. Had all sortsa strange gizmos and ancient whats-its. And based on this, I can be sure they’ll kill us all if we don’t act.”
Basil snatched the paper from Stanley, noting as flecks of it fell away. He sneered his discontent, but knew this was all part of the job. He scoured the note, quietly letting each word settle in until he finished. His eyes then rose to look at his visitors, their depths traced with skepticism.
“What trash is this?” he asked. Stanley made an uncertain sound and took a step away. The vigoroth was feeling plenty of heat from the magmar in the moment, and it was making him sweat more than a little uncomfortably.
“It’s what I said. It’s a confessional from that synth librarian. And they’re running from past crimes in our very town!”
“Are you guys talkin’ ‘bout the new librarian, Melor?”
Thomas slipped past his father, staring up at Stanley with large eyes. Stanley sneered at the child, but before he could tell the boy off, Basil put a hand out to his son. Crouching down, the magmar clearly had his interest piqued by this development.
“You’ve met this pokemon before?” Thomas bobbed his head in a nod.
“Yeah! They got me and my friends cool books! I’ve never seen a pokemon like em before, but they’re really smart and really nice. Even though they said they killed someone but I don’t think they’re bad because you woulda put them away already, huh?”
Stanley and the drillbur siblings made faces at Thomas’ innocent chatter. Basil held a hand up to silence them before they could even begin. Having their interjection was the last thing he needed right now.
Basil drew in a deep breath. “I need you to be honest with me. Can you do that, Thomas?”
“Mm hmm!”
“Good boy,” Basil said. “Now when you say this pokemon - Melor, was it? When you say he killed someone, do you know who or when? Did he tell you anything else?”
Thomas’ scrunched his face as he thought back to his interactions with Melor. He’d been so taken by the strange pokemon’s appearance and knowledgeabilty, nearly everything else had been secondary. But their conversation had stood out enough to make an impression on the small child, minimal as it was.
Stanley crossed his arms impatiently. His snout flickered with creases while he waited for Thomas to answer his father, but his patience wore thin. Either the kid knew or didn’t know, and every second wasted was another he believed Melor could be plotting disaster
“He said he hurt others a long time ago. But he said he didn’t like that. I think he wanted to make up for it. He seemed too nice to be a bad guy.”
“A damned liar is what he is!” Stanley finally cut in. He’d had enough of Thomas and more than enough waiting. He felt like no one else was taking him seriously. As if he was the last sane pokemon in town. Were none of them taught history? The drillbur at his feet backed off, both wanting to avoid being close in case things got nasty.
Basil stood back up. He thanked a stammering Thomas, then shooed the child back inside. The magby ran off, and a soft door shut told Basil his son went back to his room. Good. He had a job to do, and with his visitor’s behavior it would only get worse for his son to be involved. His glower dared Stanley to make any sort of move while he formulated the next steps.
“Where does this ‘Melor’ live? I can’t turn a blind eye to my son, or you for that matter. Anyone can lie to a child. And if he’s what you say he is, then I have a responsibility to take action. A murderer once can always murder again, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been.” He took a deep breath, igniting his head to warm up for what was to come.
“I would know.”
Melor returned to their quarters in the library basement. After seeing Louis and Mary off, locking up for the night, and making sure they didn’t miss anything else in the library, they were certainly ready to call it a night. Anything to wipe the day away. The calm stillness of the building had been rather inviting in a way, helping the metang to further filter out their thoughts. Stanley was still weighing heavily on their conscience. The vigoroth’s distrust was the exact thing they’d been fearing would catch up to them after so many years on the road. It had been so long since the last time anyone had confronted them so fervently. Perhaps it was karma, a reminder that they would never escape who they really are.
Something thudded underneath one of the tables, knocking a few books to the sandy basement floor. Melor swung to the side, their eyes wide. Was someone there? Did Stanley come back to attack them alone?
“Whoever you are, come out now,” Melor commanded. After a few moments of silence, they acted. Mustering a portion of mental energy, they thrust the table toward the ceiling. A few more books and pages fell into dusty heaps, but as the silt cleared Melor could see the huddled forms of a few smaller pokemon. Among their fearful eyes was a recognizable magby. Melor’s harsh gaze softened upon realizing Thomas was there. And with him, the zigzagoon and azurill from earlier. The sting of shame was instant. The children were cowering in fear, and Melor was the very source of it.
The table gently found its place back on solid ground. Melor meanwhile took a slow path around the perimeter, arms stretched out to show no ill intent. They heard one of the kids start to sniffle. How did one handle children again? Melor sighed inwardly. Of all the ways and times to need to know how to behave around kids, this was the last situation they wanted to find themselves in.
“I’m sorry. I mean no harm, little ones.” Melor said, their eyes softening as they rounded the corner on the terrified tykes. Thomas hugged a zigzagoon and azurill tightly. Melor recognized them as Millie and Asa from earlier. It was clear none of the trio that had found their way in had found their voice after watching Melor’s display of power. Melor sighed at this, dropping closer to the ground. They lay there for a moment, eyes closed as they thought over the next step.
“We didn’t meanta…”
Melor opened their eyes at Thomas’ familiar voice as it trailed off. Were it any other pokemon Melor may have chastised them for at least entering the library off-hours and hiding like this. Especially with all of the artifacts and technology they were keeping preserved, Melor thought with an additional grimace.
“All is forgiven,” Melor told the kids. “I’m the one who is sorry. I thought it may have been burglars.”
They chuckled. Anything to lighten the fear on their faces. Thomas’ death grip on the other two relaxed, allowing his tagalongs to breathe easier. Millie was the first to speak up as she shuffled her feet, kicking up more sand.
“It was Thomas’ idea…”
“Shuttup, Millie!” Thomas whined and batted at her bristly tail. Millie offered only a pained expression in response.
“Yeah, Thomas said we had to come get you,” the azurill continued. “Somethin’ about saving you or somethin’?”
“Shuttup, Asa!”
The light in Melor’s eyes drained just as fast as it had come back. This did not bode well. Pointing at Asa, they went straight to the point.
“Why am I in danger?” Thomas perked up, pushing Asa aside who yelled an offended sounding ‘hey’ in response.
“My daddy got visited by Stanley tonight.”
Melor could feel their eyes widen.
“Stanley said you killed other pokemon and wanted my daddy to come after you.”
The pulse in their circuits began to quicken.
“They asked me about ya. I said whatcha told me and said ya aren’t bad and ya changed. I said I believe ya, too.”
Everything felt on fire. The metal cage of their body made Melor feel trapped. Like that misdreavus, waiting for its execution so long ago.
“So we ran to tell ya. Daddy’s coming with Stanley.”
Centuries of life and panic was not a familiar emotion. Melor always had things under control. But this? No, it was a mistake to have settled down. It was a mistake to have trusted anyone. This was absolutely retribution for their sins, they just knew it. Stanley somehow convinced a Peacekeeper to come here. What kind of proof did he find? Melor had close calls with Peacekeepers before. They didn’t act without cause. So what had Stanley done to get Thomas’ father to come out this way? And another thing.
“If they’re coming, why are you three here? You couldn’t possibly have found your way here without your father’s notice.” Melor directed it to all three, but specifically Thomas.
“We went through the hole,” Thomas said with a shrug.
“What hole?”
“That one.”
Melor was drawn by the bouncing Asa’s call. The azurill was bobbing his head towards the far end of the basement. In the lower light of the room, it wasn’t quite so clear to see. But now that Melor was paying attention, they could see the change with full clarity. A small hole was carved out of the wall. It must have been big enough for the three children to get here without issue. How had Melor missed such a major alteration? The mere thought of the oversight was enough to overheat their circuits. The tension was downright palpable to the children as Melor quietly floated over to inspect it. Wordlessly, metal claws impacted the wall above with such ferocity it brought the hole to collapse in on itself.
The kids shrank into one another at the display. It was scarier than any adult they knew getting upset. At least then they knew what was to come. Melor was still relatively new- would they lash out?
“Thomas,” Melor spoke with a frosty tone. “How long does it normally take you to get here from your house?”
“Uh…half an hour?”
“How long has it been since Stanley left your house with your father?”
“I uh, I dunno? I ran out the back before they left.”
It didn’t take two brains to realize the danger they were in. Melor swung back to the children, their eyes rapidly transitioning from evoking calm fury to raw terror. There wasn’t any time to spare. Floating back to the entry to the basement, Melor ran through what needed to be done.
“I’m going to confront them. With any luck, they won’t realize you three came here. But I need you three to stay here, stay quiet, and do not come after me. Do we have an understanding?”
All three of the children hesitated, but it didn’t take long for all three to offer mutters of agreement. It was enough for Melor to be satisfied, at least. They zoomed down and looked among the three kids, sighing. It was a situation of their own doing, but Melor felt responsible for getting them involved.
“Thank you for the warning. I’ll handle your father, Thomas. And Stanley.” Thomas tried to speak up, only to be quickly hushed.
“I will not hurt either of them - that is a promise. I told you, remember? I regret harming the pokemon I met before. I will not lay a claw on anyone.”
Millie looked distressed. Waving a paw to get Melor’s attention, she began to whine. “But what if you die?”
This gave Melor pause. Of course they’d considered the possibility. Death had been on their mind for centuries by this point, the specter looming over every time they’d been chased out of town. This was just another opportunity for death to rear its head. Another chance to gamble and see if this long journey would finally end. And after everything, would that really be so bad?
“I won’t die,” Melor said, betraying their thoughts. “I still have to help run this place, don’t I?”
Melor warmly smiled at the kids before leaving them in the basement. They followed the stairwell back to the main floor of the library, contemplating what may come. So what if this was the end? In a way, it would be justice long deserved. A way for those who were hurt to get back at them. A way to rid the world of the last synth. What could be more justified than that?
As they traversed the columns of bookshelves, a loud bang at the front alerted Melor of their expected visitors’ arrival. Sucking down the pit of dread welling up, Melor rushed to the entrance. Gently pushed the door open, they were greeted by two guests. Staring at the first directly, Melor met the fiery eyes of a magmar - clearly Thomas’ father. He stood imposingly overhead, eyes ablaze with a calm, indifferent smolder. He had his hands at his hips, with one resting on a bright, leather pouch that was wrapped around his waist. Beside him stood the sneering Stanley, who wasted no time in throwing accusations.
“See, he was waiting for us!” Stanley howled. Melor noticed as two drillbur scuttled back from his feet, the two moles looking awfully terrified of the raging Stanley. A passing thought realized they must have been the source of the hole. One mystery solved at least.
Melor returned their gaze to the magmar. Slipping through the door, they closed it behind as they offered a claw to the visiting Peacekeeper.
“You must be Thomas’ father,” Melor spoke cordially, smiling despite the fear that was swelling up from within. “And how can I help you this evening?”
“You can call me Basil,” the magmar said in response. He gripped Melor’s claw and shook, simultaneously giving a curt nod to the librarian. Melor felt the heat of his hand course up their arm, despite not feeling the heat from hovering so close by. It was impressive, if not terrifying, the level of control Basil had over his flames. They hoped he would exhibit a similar level of control when it came to this confrontation.
“Basil, then,” Melor said. “How may I help you and Stanley? The library closed for the night. I imagine this is not meant to be a simple visit for books.”
“You’re damn right it isn’t!” Stanley yelled. Melor idly watched Stanley throw his fists down in a threatening manner. One of the drillbur looked to pull back on his ankle, but stopped themselves. It seemed they knew the vigoroth’s temper was not something to be trifled with, especially once he was this far gone
“Stanley, shut up.” Basil said with a groan. He rubbed his face before returning to Melor. Only then did the heat seem to intensify. If Melor didn’t know any better, they’d swear they were beginning to sweat.
“Melor, was it? Strange name. What kind of pokemon are you, again? Can’t say I’m familiar in all of my travels.” Basil tapped his chin thoughtfully.
“Metang. We are a rare sort. Presumed extinct.” Melor didn’t lie, but it felt better to play coy for the moment. There was no need to give his visitors reason to go on the offensive. Basil seemed satisfied, only making a thoughtful noise before continuing.
“You’d be correct though - this isn’t a courtesy call. I’m here because Stanley has reported some concerning evidence that I wanted to clarify with you. Being a Peacekeeper, it’s my job to investigate matters that may be a threat to the peace. So I want to start with a simple question: are you a threat to the pokemon of Vivid Meadow, Melor?”
“No.”
It was an instantaneous answer. Melor didn’t need to rehearse it. They didn’t need to second guess themselves. It was the truth, despite their mistakes. Despite their self-loathing. They were here for a reason, as a resurgent emotion of hope reminded them. To bring harm to others again would be antithetical. It would go against everything they had been striving for all of those years since meeting Hermes. What was it they had said all of those years ago? To bridge the gap? Working a day job making nice with everyone who forgot what synths were wouldn’t do that. It was through pokemon like Stanley or Basil where the work needed to be done. This was the time to see it through.
“Liar!” Stanley shrieked, lashing out as claws scratched against Melor’s hardened skin. They didn’t so much as flinch at the assault, but the ringing resonated strongly through their body. Basil stepped in, his calm demeanor dropping long enough to put Stanley in his place.
“You do not touch him, do you hear me?” Basil roared. “As far as I and the law are concerned, you are pushing your luck tonight, Stanley! Attack him unprompted again and you’ll be enjoying a change of scenery for the next year!”
Basil returned his attention to Melor. Shaking off the snarl, the magmar passively rolled his hand along as he spoke. “So you came to this town under what pretense? No debauchery? No revolution? No murder? I want to hear it from your mouth why you are here.”
“I am here to,” Melor paused. Did they need to explain it all? Or was a simpler explanation to suffice? No, they knew the truth was necessary. It was owed. They had to stop hiding, no matter what the consequences were.
“I am here because I wanted to atone for the past and find my place. A place I can belong once more, where I can make things right. Where others can learn from my past.”
“Well now this is interesting. Atone for what, I wonder? My son told me you might just be a murderer. And Stanley came to my house earlier with a note I can only assume you wrote - because neither Stanley nor the drillbur twins are that legible in their handwriting.”
Melor’s eyes widened. This was news to them. The fear began to rise yet again, quickening the pace of their heart. They couldn’t possibly have that note, it was put away was it not? A nagging sense told Melor that was not the case.
They did not need to worry for long. Basil pulled from his pouch an ancient piece of paper which seemed ready to disintegrate at any moment. More of it fell away from the edges as he brought it to Melor’s eyes. The glow from Basil’s body was more than enough to read the worn text. It was a letter all too familiar to Melor, and seeing it in Basil’s hands made the situation far more dire than anticipated.
“That..,” Melor began before trailing off. Their voice was lost, struggling to find a way to explain it. Of course to them, it was obvious what the letter meant. But out of context? It could be damning.
“Where is that child now?” Basil asked quietly. “Did you end up killing them, too? Did they ever find out who you were? Actually, let’s backtrack a minute here.”
Basil stepped back, waving his hands as he weaved together his interrogation. It was all part of the game, he and Melor both knew it. “The village you helped slaughter - where is it? I want to look into this with Union so we can give this a proper investigation. Find the rest of the perpetrators you worked with.”
“I did not work with them,” Melor objected. “I made a grave mistake and sold them what should have been protection, but I used it as a weapon.”
Stanley scoffed loudly, earning a warning glare from Basil. The magmar crossed his arms, and Melor could see his burning tail swish more impatiently. The heat began to turn up, forcing Stanley, Pauline, and Gerald to shuffle away. Melor stood strong against the discomfort, even as they felt the pressure mount.
“So let’s say you’re being honest. Answer the rest of my questions. Where is the village? And where is the child?”
Melor shuddered under the burning questions. They knew Basil wouldn’t buy the truth, what point was there to tell it? Yet it felt necessary at this time. They had to stop running from the past.
“The village is gone. Likely rotted to dust by now.” Melor dryly laughed, their voice sounding like grating metal. It was enough to make the others in attendance wince.
“The child? Probably long dead. And no, I didn’t kill him. But I can’t see him being around after a few thousand years. But what do I know about ghosts? I’m just a synth after all, I don’t know the first thing about you organics. I’m just struggling, trying to survive in a world that hated me for eons. Can you even imagine what that is like, Basil?”
“I don’t live in a fairy tale, Melor,” Basil said in irritation. “You honestly think I’d believe that? Synths don’t exist.”
“Then what am I?” Melor’s voice rose. They brought their eyes to Basil’s level, glaring back at the magmar in defiance. “Am I a fairy tale? A boogeyman to tell your kids what to hide from every night? Or am I like everyone else? Someone who made horrific mistakes and committed good deeds. A life just as morally complex as every other pokemon in this world - that’s what I am.”
Basil’s eyes darkened like the blackest of coals. “Do not bring my child any more into this than you already have, Melor. You’ve made things far more difficult with him than it needed to be.”
“Because it’s my job! I tend to the library, I help those who visit! Thomas is an inquisitive child, a bright mind who wants to know more! He was one of the first pokemon to ask me about my past and not toss me aside like scrap metal, second only to Mary and Louis!”
Melor felt an inner voice telling them to stop, but the time had long passed. Stanley had forced their hand, and if a confrontation with Basil was what it took, then so be it. Basil appeared to have different plans in mind. The gears were turning, and their sense of justice was about to clash with Melor’s desire for vindication.
“My son did the right thing and told me your wrongdoings. And if Louis and Mary are housing a wanted pokemon, by all definitions they are aiding to your crimes.”
Melor’s eyes widened. They faltered, leaning into the library’s doors. This was not going the way they had wanted it to go. This was quickly becoming something far worse.
“Don’t bring them into this, I beg of you.”
“You did that yourself, Melor,” Basil stated indifferently. Melor noticed he seemed distracted now, his gaze distant. As the flickering flames atop his head grew into a fierce blaze, Melor once again felt the fear grip their heart. This was it. Basil was here to enact their role as judge, jury, and executioner, something Melor had long feared may come with a close encounter with Union.
“You have left me with no choice. Melor, for your crimes against pokemon, I sentence you to death. But first, and perhaps more importantly, we put an end to any of your machinations.”
“What are you talking about?” Melor asked quietly. They snapped their head at the sound of Stanley’s snickering. The vigoroth was positively gleeful as he danced his victory. It was a sight that made Melor feel sick to their very core.
“Your little toys! The gizmos, the traps, the weapons, the books, everything you brought with your damned existence! That’s what he’s talking about!” Realization dawned on Melor.
“No, wait! Stop!” Melor shouted. But it was already too late. Magmar’s flames bore through the air overhead, a blazing breath that shimmered the dark, evening air around it and made Melor drop to the ground in pain. The fire spread through Basil’s masterful control, arcing and widening to envelop the entire front face of the building while leaving little more than scorched grass immediately around it. At any other time it would be awe-inspiring. In this instance, it was horrifying.
Before the metang could do anything, they felt a pair of arms pull back on their own, holding them to the ground. Melor heard Stanley’s irritating laughter from behind, the vigoroth practically euphoric as they watched Basil’s flames engulf more of the library.
“Just think,” Stanley jeered in a hushed voice. “In just a short time, your wicked influence will be gone. And you won’t be far behind.”
Melor’s eyes wordlessly watched the blaze intensify. It was far too close. It made them feel like they were on the verge of being smelted. But the pain was second to the terror of what was transpiring inside. Thomas, Millie, and Asa were still in there. They had no idea what was happening while they stayed downstairs where he told them. And in an ironic twist to it all, it was Melor who trapped them. It was enough to make them want to scream. The smoke would probably be noticeable soon enough in the basement. And the only way they’d have to escape now would be to go upstairs and find an exit. But three likely terrified young children, navigating out of the library through smoke and flames? Thomas may be alright, with his species’ natural affinity for fire, but the children with him would be doomed.
A second fire seemed to ignite, this time from within. Despite the intensity of the crackling flames in front of them. Despite the taunts from Stanley. Despite knowing Basil would not hesitate to hold back. Melor felt a push rise up from within, the energy forcing its way out and all around. Stanley was thrown off in a yelp, the vigoroth landing in a tumbled over heap a few feet away. Melor could hear even Basil grunt as the magmar was pushed backwards. Rising up defiantly, they swiveled until they could face their aggressors. Stanley was still dazed, angrily shouting as the two drillbur made hassled attempts to help him up.
Basil however returned to the offensive, rushing towards Melor with a bellow. Melor had only a split second to throw up a barrier before Basil jumped into a somersault, his body burning alight with flames in a dazzling spiral that collided with the barrier. Gritting against the impact, Melor kept their arms up to hold back against the attack. The heat only intensified as Basil’s body spiraled even faster against the psychic wall, increasing the heat to the point Melor saw their claws begin to glow a light red. The burning soon became too much, and so Basil’s attack broke through the wall and slammed into Melor. The flames scorched their body upon impact, and with their focus broken Melor careened into the burning doors of the library, splintering them apart.
Dazed, Melor shakily opened their eyes to see the world on fire around them. The walls within the building were smoking, with some spots already falling apart. The ceiling above was ablaze in a hellish mixture of red and orange, casting the building in its glow while debris fell left and right. Pieces of charred wood bounced off of their body, scattering in showers of sparks. They threw up another barrier, helping to provide some amount of filtration through the smoke as well. Still, they needed to move. As they struggled to get going, they could feel their body protest. They’d not fought in quite some time, and to receive a hit like that from someone of Basil’s caliber was devastating. It felt like parts of their body had almost melted from the impact, and that wasn’t even factoring the constant burning that seemed to be all across their front. But they knew if they didn’t grit through the pain, the pain to come would feel far worse.
“Where are you going, Melor?” Basil’s voice boomed from the entrance. Melor didn’t listen; they didn’t have time to spare. They made a run for it, heaving their body deeper into shelves that ignited left and right, their contents the perfect kindling for Basil’s onslaught of flames. A blast of fire singed Melor’s back, eliciting a harsh yell from the metang.
“You idiot, I’m saving your son!” Melor screamed, giving only one bloodshot glare back before forcing their way towards the other end of the building. Whether Basil heard it or not, it didn’t seem to affect the result. Another jet of flames burst from the left, just missing Melor. It seemed Basil wasn’t interested in going in any further. They likely knew the fire alone would slow Melor down. This was a pokemon far more interested in the hunt. And Melor was the prey.
Putting up another barrier around them only provided the slightest of reliefs. The air was still uncomfortably warm, and while the smoke didn’t bother them, Melor still found the threat of flames from behind and burning debris overhead enough to be worrisome. They moved quickly, tracing the path back to the stairwell. Smoke was pouring through the building by then, and another jet of flames to the western end told Melor enough that Basil was taking his time. A Peacekeeper in action was a terrifying thing indeed, and if this taught Melor anything about their assailant, it was this: Basil was a strong believer in a scorched earth approach.
Melor flew down the stairs, grateful that it seemed the smoke was thinning as they descended. Perhaps the children might be okay, at least for now. The hard part would be getting them out safely. As the metang entered the basement room, they looked about. No sign of the kids.
“Thomas? Millie? Asa?” They called after the children, fearing the worst. A thud under one of the far tables was a welcome relief to that. The bouncing Asa was the first thing Melor could spy, the little Azurill’s ears peeking over the edge every second or so. Following the bobbing, a sigh of ease came from the pained metang as they caught sight of the three children shuffling their way out from under the table. Concern and fear was etched into each of their expressions, as to be expected given the situation. Most likely from the smoke that was filtering in, though Melor could tell the shape they were in didn’t help, either.
“Oh come now, don’t look at me like that,” Melor said weakly.
“But you’re hurt,” Millie protested. The little zigzagoon scampered closer, wincing as she looked at the scorch marks across Melor’s body. Asa wasn’t far behind her, but Melor couldn’t help notice Thomas was slow to come closer. They lifted their eyes to the magby’s, but they couldn’t quite place the emotions in him. Fear, anger, or perhaps somewhere in between?
“Daddy did that.” It wasn’t a question at all. Not that Melor expected it would be. Thomas may have been young, but he wasn’t stupid. No point in trying to hide it from the boy.
“Yes. Yes he did.” Melor grimaced painfully, still feeling the searing pain arc from one end of their body to the other.
“Are you gonna fight him?”
“No. No I will not.”
Thomas seemed to be satisfied, but Melor could still see the magby was troubled by the situation. Melor wouldn’t doubt if the child didn’t believe them. But it was as they had already reasoned, this was fate’s retribution. If today was the day they were to fall, then so be it. A few millennia alone was enough life. But they couldn’t let that happen just yet.
“Alright you three, we need to move. The building is burning, and every second we waste is more time for smoke and flames to make our escape even more difficult. Are you ready to move?”
Asa was the first to speak up. “But we’ll get burned!”
“You won’t be burned,” Melor replied in a soothing voice. “I will protect all three of you. You simply need to stay close.”
“You promise?” Thomas quietly asked. “No one will get hurt?”
Melor stared at him. He knew what the boy meant. It was a brief pause before they nodded, putting up the barrier around them and the children. “No one will get hurt.”
Getting up the stairs was hardly a problem. Smoke was growing thicker by now, but the children were low enough to the ground it wasn’t as much of a hazard. The more important piece was ensuring they could get out without Basil getting in the way. Melor recalled there was a back exit to the east. Could they reach it and slip out?
“Mr. Melor? I’m scared.” Millie’s terrified voice reached Melor from below, and the metang paused. They had to maintain focus, but they couldn’t leave the children to suffer. Peering down, Melor waved a hand encouragingly to the children.
“Just stay right under me. It will still be hot, but it won’t last forever. The flames won’t hurt any of you - I promise. Just stay right under me, okay? One step at a time.”
Melor hovered towards the east side, hugging the back wall which had yet to fully ignite yet. Flames from the shelves across the aisle licked outward, flaring wildly as they seemed to reach out for more fuel from them. Melor stayed firmly moving in one direction, offering encouraging words to the kids below as sparks popped from burning shelves and falling timbers crashed unseen. Once or twice a child nearly bolted, but Melor kept both hands available to protect the children. One to support the barrier, and one to support the trio.
“Almost there, I think I can see it ahead.” Melor encouraged them onwards, pushing through the choking smoke to the exit. But as they neared the end, Melor could feel their hopes dashed. The doors were nowhere to be found under what looked like an immense amount of rubble. Splintered shelves and large supports blockaded any way further, and as far as Melor could tell, blocking the exit entirely. Sure they could take the time to pull all of the debris out of the way, but the weight and sheer amount would take time and focus. And with the kids they were trying to keep out of the smoke and flames, that was not an option they could take.
“Change of plans,” Melor said to the protests of the children beneath them. “We have to go out the front. I can’t move this without putting you three at risk.”
“You promise?” Thomas asked. Melor could tell from his voice how terrified the boy was. And something told them it wasn’t from the fire.
“I promise,” Melor replied. They couldn’t explain it. Why would they go so far to protect three children they hardly knew? But the image of the Odim from so long ago seemed to flash into their mind as they navigated the burning aisles. Of course. They were always this soft. Just as Stannum had cared for the younger Cuprous. This was their nature, to nurture. They were never the murderer they thought they were. For the kids, Melor could never bring harm. Protection just felt naturally wired into their circuits. And so help them, they would see these kids to safety.
The fires burned so much hotter now than before. Melor could feel the heat practically bake them under the forcefield. The kids were being troopers despite their terror, that was certain. They shuffled along, keeping pace with Melor even as the flames whirled all around and their bodies coughed at the smoke that managed to seep through. Occasionally more debris would fall in the way, but it didn’t take much to get around. The kids would shriek of course, but they followed Melor’s guide nonetheless. Was this what it meant to be trusted? They didn’t know if they truly deserved it from these kids, but given the circumstances, was there much of a choice?
What came as the biggest surprise was Basil’s absence. Where did he go? It set Melor in a state of unease. Was he going to set an ambush as they tried to leave the building? Or was he waiting outside to arrest him in a weakened state? The Peacekeeper likely reasoned either Melor would melt within the fire, or leave and be brought in. They were sure Basil and Stanley would be pleased to take them in alive.
“Almost there. A few more steps now.” Encouraging the children onward, Melor could see the dark of the late evening sky through the open doorway. Or at least, as well as they could see through the smoke that poured out the exit into the open air. Following the flow, it was an instant relief as the heat let up. Cooler air washed over Melor and the children once they stepped through the burning entrance and into freedom. And all at once, all hell broke loose.
Melor let down the barrier, allowing the kids to make a run from the building and to safety. Before they could enjoy the peace of knowing the children were safe, Basil’s clawed hand reached from the side and gripped onto their horn. Heat painfully radiated from the contact, forcing Melor to blearily blink. They couldn’t think straight. The intensity of the heat was too much to even consider reacting. Not that Basil gave them a chance.
The magmar threw Melor over the shoulder, releasing their horn and sending the metang crashing into the earth. Grass burned away with each stomp as Basil stormed after Melor, kicking them while they were down. Melor only groaned in pain, unable to offer any retaliation.
“Why was my son in there? Were you holding him hostage? Answer me!” Basil’s rage was on full display as flame poured from his tail and head. A fiery fist planted itself into Melor’s underside, launching them even further away from the library. Melor landed with a pained sound, crying out as they struggled to pick themselves back up.
“You’ve got it all wrong,” Melor croaked. They struggled to get back up. Their entire body felt heavier than usual, and things felt wrong. The fires must have damaged them in more ways than one. And it was about to get a lot worse if Basil kept this up.
“Then why was my son there? He was at home when I left! Did you kidnap him?” Basil lifted Melor up by the horn, eliciting another groan from them. Heat poured in once more, making it even harder to respond.
“He came by himself with his friends,” Melor slowly gasped out the words, feeling their horn burn even hotter in Basil’s grasp. “They came to warn me about Stanley. And you.”
It was beginning to feel like the horn was melting. Basil refused to let go, his heat intensifying. All hints of formality from his arrival were gone. This was strictly business as usual. No, the burning gaze said this was far worse. Stanley’s accusations kickstarted a wildfire in Basil, and now Melor wasn’t sure if they could quell it with reason. Perhaps this was fate after all.
Melor closed their eyes as Basil roared, throwing them back into the ground. Laying there in a broken pile, Melor opted not to move as flames and punches wore at their metal frame. They felt so tired now. It would simply be easier to give up now. Atoning for the past, making a change to be better, finding a place to belong, all such pipe dreams. Hermes had been correct. They really were insane.
“Daddy?”
The familiar voice of Thomas brought the assault to a stop. Melor weakly looked over to see the magby walking closer with great trepidation. A whistling sound hurtled through the air before Basil cried out in pain. Melor could see movement behind Thomas now. A lot of movement. Through all of the pain and bleary vision, it was just now apparent they had an audience. Behind Thomas was a whole crowd of pokemon from town, young and old, all watching aghast at what was unfolding. Some were running to put out the library, others tending to the kids. Mary’s heaving form could just be made out in the front, looking like she’d exerted herself some. Did she throw something?
“Bad move, Mary,” Basil said, his flames reigniting. “Assaulting a Peacekeeper on the job doesn’t fly. Not that I wasn't planning to pay you and your hubby a visit tonight for harboring this sorry excuse for a pokemon.”
Melor felt another kick to their side. Thomas screamed loudly. Basil barked back. Melor could have sworn they heard Stanley screaming his own murderous desires within the rising tide of chatter against the crackling flames of the fires behind them. It was enough to want to end it. Melor closed their eyes. Just let it be over already.
“He saved us! He’s helped us!” Thomas could be heard shouting. Small voices under the shouts made Melor only assume Asa and Millie had joined in. Basil didn’t seem to back down however.
“He’s a wanted pokemon! You said so yourself, Thomas - he’s a murderer!”
“No he’s not! He’s not a bad pokemon! He just wants to help!”
Oh Thomas. It was true though. They were a murderer. Time healed many wounds, but not the lives lost indirectly by their hands. This was justice being served.
“They are not a murderer. They’re different now, they’ve made mistakes, but they are not the same pokemon they were all of those years ago. How could you even begin to hold something against a pokemon when it happened centuries ago?”
That was Mary’s voice again. Melor felt an inward smile despite it all. She’d probably stick up for them through the bitter end. Louis, too, even if the marowak wasn’t as bold as his wife. At least someone believed in them.
“Don’t listen to them! They’re all accomplices trying to put us at ease! I’m telling you, this ‘Melor’ is going to kill us all! He’s a menace! He’s a synth!”
And that had to be Stanley again, raving mad. It wasn’t much of a surprise at this point. Melor should have known the vigoroth would do anything to bring their end. They wondered if he would ever change his mind.
“If that were the case, don’t you know we’d have thrown them out?” Louis could be heard arguing with Stanley now. “Melor spoke to us candidly. Showed us everything - more than you could ever understand - and believed not only that Mary and I trusted him, but that they could trust us. The fear and uncertainty in their eyes that day was not simply something a pokemon fakes.”
“Enough!” Basil shouted. “I don’t care what this Melor is or isn’t. Stanley brought incriminating documents written by Melor claiming they had killed pokemon in the past. They admitted it themselves. By every right I have as the Peacekeeper of Vivid Meadow, I am allowed to treat them as the threat the evidence claims they are.”
“And what of the testimony that says otherwise?” A new voice, smooth and assured, broke through. Basil and the rest of the audience were hushed by this so quickly it was alarming. Melor’s eyes opened, darting around to get a look. They didn’t recognize this one. But they clearly commanded authority if even Basil and Stanley were shutting up.
“Louis and Mary are two of the most respected members of our community. I’ve heard their take. We were actually meeting this evening to discuss this Melor fellow and his place in our little community.” the voice continued. A soft set of thumping legs could be heard coming nearer, until finally Melor could see a large crawdaunt come into view. The crustacean pokemon seemed unenthused to be there, but content to idly stroll up to Basil and where Melor lay.
“Mayor Marley. I didn’t mean to get you involved in this mess.” Basil sounded surprised by Marley’s presence, but there was something else to it. Melor could only guess the Peacekeeper was more than a little frustrated to have been stopped.
“And yet, here I am,” Marley responded with a painfully unamused voice. She scuttled closer, taking a closer look at Melor’s prone form. Melor didn’t have the energy to even respond, simply blinking slowly as Marley’s eyes began to narrow.
“Didn’t think synths existed. Guess some fairy tales have a kernel of truth after all.” Marley sighed.
“Just rest easy, old one. I’ll address this.”
“Mayor Marley, if you please,” Basil said. “I was accosting this criminal for endangering my son and his friends, and for crimes he committed before even arriving here. Is that not within my jurisdiction?”
“Your jurisdiction only goes so far as what I allow. It’s best that you remember that detail, Basil. But yes, I did hear you before. Melor has been a vital member of our community and the library since his arrival. Whether he was running from his past or seeking to atone, I’ve seen and heard nothing to suggest this pokemon is anywhere close to the threat you or Stanley claim. And the biggest threat they came under tonight? All because of you.”
“Mayor I can prove it!” Stanley screamed rabidly. Marley lashed back, her face contorting until Stanley backed down in terror.
“Until you can prove when you can shut up, I don’t want to hear another word from your mouth, Stanley!”
Marley continued, returning her attention to Basil.
“You claim he kidnapped your son and his friends and held them hostage. However from my perspective here, and from what the children were shouting only minutes ago, Melor saved them. Now I’ve heard of victims sympathizing with their captors, but Melor is a little too new to gain that kind of influence, don’t you think?”
“Well,” Basil stammered, his face beginning to grow hot. “They’re just kids. They don’t know what the adult world is like. How adults can be.”
“And I think it’s better they don’t,” Marley retorted. “But even ‘just kids’ can see through deception, especially when it comes to trust. I don’t believe for a second these kids, your son especially, would defend this pokemon’s life if they didn’t truly believe there was value to it.”
“Mayor Marley, with all due respect, you’re out of line.”
“No, Basil. You’ve gone and crossed the line. Assaulting an innocent, burning down a valuable public service and someone’s home at that, and throwing accusations without even involving myself or the rest of the town’s leadership. I’ve spoken to those who have congregated here and not a soul has ever suggested this Melor is a problem. And with his employers’ testimonies, and your own son’s claims? You may have the backing of your title, but that street of accountability goes both ways.”
Basil faltered. His flames went out, and his knees began to shake. “Mayor Marley, please. I was just doing my job.”
“And I’m doing mine. I’ll be sending mail to Union tomorrow for your immediate termination.”
Marley turned and left Basil with his thoughts. The magmar dropped to his knees in disbelief as Thomas cautiously walked up, patting his father on the side. The magby didn’t stay long however, as he followed in the mayor’s footsteps towards Melor’s body.
“Melor, I have an apology I owe you,” Marley began to say. Her eyes drooped solemnly, looking for any response from Melor. The metang lay there, still too exhausted. Only gasps of pain could be heard as they fought to stay conscious.
“No, I suppose there’s a time and a place. We need emergency care for him immediately, someone call the medical ward! They’ve got an urgent patient to take care of!”
Thomas crept up between them. The magby laid a small hand on Melor’s horn, gingerly touching where his father had melted it. The boy was traumatized by the experience, but still he stood by. Melor’s eyes heavily lifted back open at the contact. It was painful, but it was welcome.
“Good. You’re okay.” Melor rasped, their voice fluctuating. “Millie and Asa good to go as well?”
“Yeah. Yeah.” Thomas whimpered as he tried to collect himself. “You’re not gonna die, right? I don’t want you to die.”
A harsh, pained laugh broke through at the question. “I don’t know if it’s right for me to live anymore, Thomas.”
“But you gotta! I wanna hear stories of your past! I wanna know what you saw!”
He paused, huffing to catch his breath. Melor looked amused while the magby struggled to speak up again. “And you gotta find us more fun pop-up books to read!”
Melor closed their eyes as the pain began to flare up again. “Alright Thomas, alright. You’re a tough customer, but maybe I’ll pull through. For more stories, of all sorts.”
Marley’s voice piped up again, but Melor couldn’t make out what she said. A mix of other voices blurred together, and soon faded as Melor steadily lost consciousness.
As they dreamed, Melor saw the litwick child, Odim, from so long ago. Only now, they were a lampent, yet still they wore the scarf Melor gave them. It looked ragged, worn, and dingy. The lampent hovered side to side, reminding them of Hermes’ unique movement. It was all so familiar, uncannily so.
“So what, am I dead?” Melor asked the phantom. It certainly felt like that must be the case. The lampent tottered about, their voice high as they hummed through their thoughts. It was just the two of them, alone in a featureless void. Even the pain Melor had felt prior had gone away here. Strange as it all was, Melor found the visitor far more of a bother.
“No. At least, not yet. You sure cut it close though. Didn’t even fight back. Didn’t Genesect give you a sense of self-preservation?”
“That’s beside the point. I was willing to die for my transgressions. You of all pokemon should know that.”
“Oh yes, I suppose I should!” The lampent said with a smile. “You really did quite a good deed back then. And in a way, history repeats itself. Why is that?”
Melor stared at the lampent, unsure of their angle. Why was it appearing now of all times? Why not just leave them to die?
“Oh come on now, just answer the question. It’s more fun that way when pokemon do.”
Melor narrowed their eyes. “You’re not the Omid I knew, are you? Who are you?”
The lampent bobbed around, his arms flailing freely in a manic kind of display. Unnerving was perhaps the best way Melor could describe it. Even for a ghost, the movements weren’t natural.
“Oh aren’t you perceptive! Genesect really had an eye for design. You guys are sharp! And I’m not just talking blades and points!”
The lampent smiled widely, the flame within it breaking into a stretched, painful looking grin. It wasn’t just unsettling, it was downright demented. And yet he continued to speak, distressing Melor even more.
“But you are right - I’m not that litwick. I simply chose this as a means to observe you. Something familiar, you could say. Now then! Why does history repeat for you? Why would a child of Genesect go out of their way to save the children of Arceus?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do.” Melor said without hesitation. “Life is precious no matter who made it.”
“What of the lives you contributed to an untimely end? You were awfully interested in their demise.”
“I was…almost a different pokemon at the time. I felt resentful for being alone and being hated for simply existing, so I lashed out in ways I felt justified. They were wrong, and the event that orphaned ‘you’ was my wake up call. Revolting does not begin to describe the emotions built up from my actions.”
Melor huffed. They wanted to turn away from this specter, but they were compelled to keep going. They needed to get this off of their chest. “Do you want to know why I didn’t fight back against Basil? Because I didn’t want to cause another child to lose their family. I didn’t want anyone else to go through the loneliness I suffered for those centuries. I regret everything. Every transgression, every wicked thought. What is this, my conscience having a crisis while I’m on the verge of death? Am I on trial with Arceus themself? Just smite me again like you did to Stannum!”
The lampent’s smile shrank, but at once felt more genuine. His movements calmed, and he gave a gentle nod to Melor. “So you saw yourself in a way. You feel a kinship with those children you’ve met, a desire to protect. That’s good. Wonderful, even! You may have a place in this world yet. A request from me then? Keep up that work. Even though the world may have mostly forgotten what happened, you haven’t. Neither have we. Don’t hold it against yourself, but continue to do the healing you’re doing. Make amends for your soul. Teach your history. Show there is a place for pokemon of all creators to share a world. I think good things may come of it.”
He turned around and began to float away from Melor. He stopped however, as if something came back to memory. “Oh and, by the way. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear this: he’s still alive. I think he’d like to see you sometime. Sorry to have used him like this, but it felt fitting.”
The lampent shimmered and disappeared. Melor could have sworn they saw a few black shapes disperse from the body, but it was so fast there was no way to be sure. All at once though, their eyes grew heavy once again. The exhaustion from earlier hit with renewed intensity, as did the blazing pain from their injuries. It was enough to make them want to die all over again, but the words of the lampent stuck fast in Melor’s head. Maybe it was worth sticking around, seeing things through. At least for a while longer.
The next time Melor awoke, they found themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. The small room was cramped and bare, but the soft light of day shined through a window behind them.
Groaning, Melor made an attempt to get up. Acute jolts of pain shot through their body and put an end to that immediately. The metallic grinding of their body was nearly painful to even hear, most likely a result of the intense heat from Basil, Melor thought. The aching pain was enough to make them wish they were dead after all.
“Oh dear me!” A low voice cried out. Melor caught movement out of the corner of their eyes. Entering into the room came a shuffling Indeedee, the male carrying a tray of balms and topical sedatives. He appeared surprised, and Melor could only imagine why.
“And here we expected you to be out for far longer with injuries like those. Quite a resilient fellow, aren't you?”
“Thank my creator,” Melor said with a harsh laugh.
“Yes I suppose they did!” The Indeedee cheerfully began to remove bandages, reapplying everything before covering with additional bandages. Melor resisted the urge to hiss in pain, but it was over before they knew it. The nurse looked over his handiwork and went on his way.
“I'll let everyone know,” he said on the way out. “You have a number of others waiting for your recovery. But you let me know if it gets to be too much.”
Melor could only imagine Mary and Louis were worried sick. As memories of the fire returned, a greater concern came to mind. What were they doing if the building had burned? And all over Melor. They closed their eyes, solemnly reflecting on what had transpired. It was certainly all their fault. No doubt they didn't have a job any longer. Perhaps it would be time to hit the road yet again.
Odim, or rather the false Odim, came to mind at this. The phantom was insistent that Melor was on the right path. But the entire encounter was nothing more than a hallucination from being on the verge of death…right?
The sound of a group of footsteps interrupted Melor’s ponderings. Arriving into the room were not just Mary and Louis, but a third pokemon. Melor couldn't quite see at first, but the shiny red carapace of a crawdaunt gradually stood over the other two.
“It seems our troubled librarian is awake,” the crawdaunt said with a hint of amusement. Melor struggled to recall her name, just remembering she had been there to stop Basil in his tracks. That she held so much power to stop a pokemon like that without even raising a stop a Peacekeeper without even raising a claw was a terror to behold. Melor felt a need to tread carefully around her.
“So I am,” Melor said, then added. “I wish I weren't.”
“You hush! Don't think you can just leave without saying any kind of goodbye!” Mary said. Of course, Melor should have known. The marowak couple would have been beside themselves if they had passed.
“Sorry, Mary, Louis.”
“As you ought to be. Had us both worried to death!”
“She didn't sleep at all for two days,” Louis said, grinning. “I had to pry her out of her because she thought you weren't about to make it.”
Melor smile fondly. “I appreciate the care. Even if I don't know I truly deserve it.”
A second thought, and they frowned.
“The library…is it gone?”
“You're up for how long and your instinct is to ask about the library rather than care that you're alive? Unbelievable.” Mary scoffed, crossing her arms. Louis sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.
“The fire crew and some additional volunteers saved what they could. The building was lost. Many of the books and scrolls, too. The further back things were, the better they fared. So thankfully it wasn't a total loss.”
It was a welcome relief to hear there was some salvaging the knowledge within. Still, that which was lost might be more difficult to replace. Something about that pained Melor. It was better than what could have happened if the children didn't make it.
“Melor, I never did get to properly thank you, much less meet you before,” the crawdaunt spoke up again. “I'm Marley, the mayor of this town. I heard all about you from these two, including your history. We like to vet and keep tabs on those who come and go from our town - forgive me for the discrete action - but you can never be too sure. We had met that night to properly learn about you from your employers. We had wanted to bring you to share your experiences, but it seems Basil got to you first. My sincerest apologies, that was my first mistake.”
Melor grunted as they shifted, trying to get a better look at the somber face of Marley.
“My second was letting Stanley run amok. He's been an ongoing issue, but we believed he was ultimately harmless. Invading someone's home and attempting to have them murdered over paranoid ramblings, no matter what your history, is unacceptable. We're keeping a much better eye on him now. And I don't think you'll have to worry much about Stanley again.”
“He's not imprisoned, is he?” Melor asked.
“House arrest, more like it. And then he gets to rebuild the library. Did you know he worked construction? Very good masonry with proper direction.”
Marley laughed lightly at the implication, something that both troubles Melor but they did find amusement to it all. They looked at the marowak couple, uncertain.
“And you two are okay with this?”
“Only if you are,” Louis said. Mary jumped in as well.
“Stanley is a problem, but we think if given the opportunity, he might learn. But we don't want to put you into an awkward position either. So if you're against it, you simply say the word.”
It was troubling, but there was something that stuck out. A second chance for Stanley was a chance to grow. To learn. Melor would be a hypocrite to say the vigoroth didn't deserve that. Despite the fire in their heart saying not to trust him and to wish the very worst, Melor knew it would fix nothing. And if it didn't work? The three pokemon present were testament enough they would be protected, safe, and accepted in the community.
Teaching the history and learning to grow alongside others was what they wanted to begin with. And if that could start with someone who detested their very existence? Perhaps there could be hope for anyone. It wouldn't happen overnight, and Melor didn't think they could start for some time still. But this chance may be a positive for everyone.
“Give me some time,” Melor said. “The idea worries me. I don't know if I can trust Stanley to not try this again. I couldn't begin to justify it when you have all given me the benefit of the doubt. I can give that to Stanley, if he's willing.”
Marley clapped her claws together in cheer. “Wonderful! I wouldn't fret too much about him, Melor. I think Stanley ought to be quite gracious over this opportunity.”
“You're certain about this?” Mary asked nervously.
“You trusted me. I'll trust him. If I can show remorse and want to make up for my actions, perhaps Stanley can, too. If I can change, there's hope for anyone.”
Both marowak shrugged. All anyone could do is trust things would work out, but as long as Melor allowed it then there was no reason to say no.
Marley soon made her exit, and shortly after Mary and Louis followed. Before leaving, Louis pulled a bag off his back and rummaged through. Pulling out a note he set it down on a table next to Melor.
“I saved this from that night. Most of the archives were protected, too. I know Stanley used this against you - and I'm sorry, I read it myself. I admire your resolve, you know. I cannot imagine what the centuries have been like to you. But it's worth emphasizing Mary and I have your back. This entire town does. And we'll help you to feel fulfilled in your purpose, whatever that takes. No matter what, you belong here, Melor.”
Louis left. Melor laid in the silence for a time, soaking in the encounter. They didn't feel like it was real. Everything felt so wrong. They looked again at the table, seeing the note. Reaching out with their mental powers, Melor pulled it over.
‘And naive as it may sound, I hope you find a place in this world.’
Scrawled on the bottom was an additional passage. Squinting to better view it, Melor felt a leap in their system as they read.
‘World-weary traveler, let your burden be loosed. Your place to take root is here. We only wish your life can flourish here at last.’
A feeling was welling up despite it all. And in the lonely room, Melor recognized it as one they hadn't truly known before. Hope.
