M is for Melody (Old)

Alternate Ending?

Long before I retired this story, there was an echo of an idea that hasn't completely gone away. Before I say any more, I would like to warn you, readers, that the content of this chapter may disturb certain audiences. It may also permanently alter your view of some of the characters. Read at your own digression.

Before the official ending was canon, I was seriously considering writing something completely different to finish up the story. The general idea for M is for Melody was to keep the mood light in the beginning, but gradually have it deteriorate into something more solemn as the story progressed. I still kept that in mind while writing the actual chapters, but that train of thought did lead to a more sinister twist before I changed my mind and decided not to torture my readers any more than they must. I even wrote some of that ending before the sixth chapter was posted, but it has since been scrapped. I am going to rewrite that ending here to give you a unique taste of October's actual character and Melody's carefully concealed fragility of mind.

Again, I warn you.
Please skip to the text marked "~~~CONTINUE~~~" if you would like to skip the alternate ending sequence and go straight to the commentary.

***

Being immortal isn't all that it's cut out to be. Endless days, the meaningless ticking of clocks, the tireless pacing. It is possible to spend months wiling away the void of time with a stack of books, or never tire watching the leaves fall one by one off a tree. 

That being said, the loneliness is suffocating. 

I had to watch everyone die from up here, as they searched for me, gave up, grew old, and shriveled to dust beneath me. After the ones I knew passed, I sought out others, ones of tragedy, attempting to fill this dusty hole inside me. I observed their suffering over and over again. But I never felt akin to anyone that way, and so I gave up.

Though it is mildly interesting to see the world evolve slowly as space pushes on in its endless toil, the universe does not respond when you address it. Up here, inside the embodiment of mortal time, only one responds.

When I was taken, my first thought was that my wishes had been fulfilled. I remember that, clearly, as if I was reliving the moment as today. Though I know not when today is, I have a small sense that it has been a long...long time indeed.

I used to love words. I used to relish assembling them into quaint and intricate sentences, into the perfect expression of emotion. I've almost forgotten how I did that, for now I only speak in silence and echoes of what I have long lost.

I have also lost the ability to remember what happened before. Why I was brought here, where the rest of my company went, where I was born and the names of my friends...When I think these things, I want to rip out my lungs as if it would finally kill me. But I would still keep breathing, for that is the curse that was given.

October, I call, to the only one who responds to me.

And he does. He whispers, Yes?

Can I die?

Why would you wish to die, if here lies your true wish?

Please let me die.

And become alone again? I banish the very thought. You must remain here.

Please.

I have crushed the rest of the Keepers with your help. I cannot be alone again. There is no one else for me. I am Time now, but time still trudges on. How mundane, without your company.

Can you tell me who I was, who I knew, if you won't let me die?

I tell you that, and you'll want to join them. We cannot have that, dear Mellie.

And the clocks persist ever more.

***

~~~CONTINUE~~~

That is out of the way, and though it is short, it projects some raw needs from October and Melody that was salvaged in the real ending. I'm glad to say that snippet didn't actually happen...

Or did it?

Haha, dear readers, I do not wish to torture you so. I promise. But sometimes stories don't end all that well.

Anyway, I would like to take this time to state that M is for Melody, upon retirement, is waiting its turn for rewriting with a proper map out and component highlight. Perhaps, in due time, the date will be set here along with a future seller so you can carry a copy with you and keep your invisible friends close.

I would also like to let you know that, though I cannot see you, I as another invisible friend am here with you. I wish to thank you sincerely for reading, and stay tuned for more works in the near future...I have quite a few plans.

What lives must die. What lives again must disappear.

Humanity comes not from body, but from heart. We who are not human have no heart.

Settle your grievances over the Wall, where a willow tree grows, capturing words for none to stow.

Take your hands, dear traveler, and sculpt your greatest fear.

Magic is like lightning. It cannot protect flesh.

All dreams must fade away into a horrid and hated reality.

Enjoy your time,
~ T E Flash