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The waves gently lapped against the soft sand at the shore, creating a soothing symphony. Forever sat on the beach, sinking his toes into the warmth, feeling the grainy sand beneath his fingertips and the warm sun kissing his skin. The sky was painted in hues of orange and purple, the sun lazily dipping below the horizon. The gentle breeze danced through his golden hair, whispering secrets only the ocean knew.
It was the sort of scene that brought calm to the soul, a serene paradise that enveloped a person in tranquillity as a sense of peace washed over them.
There was nobody around but himself. Nobody that would judge him for his actions, nobody that depends on him or expects things from him. Would it be wrong to say that he enjoyed it?
As Forever continued his reverie on the beach, an overwhelming sense of guilt weighed heavily on his chest. The peaceful setting now seemed to magnify his feelings of failure and inadequacy. With each gentle wave that crashed upon the shore, he couldn't escape the nagging voice in his mind, reminding him of his shortcomings.
The disappearance of all the children had haunted him relentlessly. The possibility of Richarlyson needing him and not being there to help and embrace him in his arms, protecting him from anything that even attempted to harm his son, it crushed him. What kind of father was he if he couldn't even keep him safe in sight?
As the president, he held immense power and responsibility, yet he felt utterly powerless in the face of the tragedy that had occurred. Despite his best efforts and the resources at his disposal, he had been unable to prevent their disappearances or find any trace of where they had gone.
He remembers the disappointment from his family and friends. He could hear their voices, filled with frustration and longing for answers. He should possess the ability to protect the eggs and keep them safe. After all, he did create the N.I.N.H.O. place for them. But now, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the beach, it was clear that he had failed them.
Forever's mind raced with thoughts of what he could have done differently. He replayed every decision and conversation, searching for where he went wrong. The guilt consumed him, leaving him questioning his own worth and capabilities.
He had always believed that his position as president would empower him to make a difference to bring about positive change. Yet, so far, the biggest thing he has done is request an eternal banana and attempt to create some sort of democracy for his people.
He sighed heavily. At least he could relax a bit in this place, wherever this place is. Can't really remember how he got here, but it was a nice spot to sit and be.
He closed his eyes to simply enjoy and listen to the waves, listen to the wind blowing, and he thinks he can hear-
"Forever? Can you hear me?"
His eyes snap open suddenly, and he looks around for anyone nearby. He scans the surroundings, hoping to spot the source of the voice. But to his confusion and growing wariness, there is nobody to be seen.
He furrows his brows and shakes his head, trying to dismiss the inexplicable sound. He thinks it was just the wind playing tricks on his mind. With an uneasy sigh, Forever tries to bring his mind back to the peacefulness of his surroundings.
He takes a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air, and lets his eyes wander across the serene landscape. The beach stretches out before him, with its soft, golden sands. Seagulls' sounds fill the air, their calls echoing in the distance.
As Forever takes in the calmness of the scene, he can't shake off the feeling of being watched. It's as if invisible eyes are fixed on him, making his skin crawl. He glances sideways, behind him, and even over his shoulder, but there is still no sign of anyone around.
An uneasy shiver runs down his spine, and he questions his sanity. Was he simply imagining things? Forever tries to brush off these unsettling thoughts and focuses on the beauty surrounding him, attempting to find solace in the familiar sounds of nature.
The waves continue to crash against the shore, the wind whispers through the tall grass, and the distant chirping of birds fills the air. Yet, there is no mention of his name, no sign of anyone nearby. Forever can't help but feel a lingering sense of unease, a nagging uncertainty that tugs at his thoughts.
Determined to find some peace of mind, Forever takes one last glance around, making sure there's no hidden observer. As he sighs with relief, he finally accepts that nobody else is in this secluded spot. He steels himself against the lingering confusion and decides to make the most of this mysterious place's tranquillity.
His eyes close again, and he can no longer feel the wind or sun in his skin. The only warm thing he feels is the gentle brushing of someone's hand in his hair. He can feel a lightweight over his body as if soft bed sheets covered him.
Isso é estranho.. ( that's odd...)
" Wish you ... never wake up."
Huh? Who was that? They sound familiar. What are they talking about?
"They are still missing... because of you."
Me? Wait, what did I do?
He tried to focus more on the voice. Voices? He wasn't sure how many people were talking. They were certainly familiar, and he felt like their name was on the tip of his tongue, yet his brain felt fussy when trying to place the voice to a face, let alone a name.
"Cellbit... should be .... president."
Was I not good enough?
" ... could hear... man...never come back..."
"...you idiot! WHY THE FU-...YOU... PSYHOTIC!"
As the voices echoed in Forever's mind, he felt a surge of panic and confusion wash over him. He questioned the validity of their words, desperately trying to convince himself that it was all a figment of his imagination. But deep down, a part of him feared that there may be some truth to what he was hearing.
"Say nothing...you...nothing!"
Who was even saying these things?
His thoughts spiralled as he tried to make sense of the situation, his heart pounding in his chest. He clutched his head, trying to block out the intrusive thoughts, but they persisted.
Maybe they were right.
They seem to know him. Is this really what they think?
Was he really that oblivious that he never realized that he was considered a bad president and a bad person?
All he ever wanted to do was help, but it seems that he only fucks things up.
Forever became aware of a commotion near him. Faint murmurs of concern reached his ears. He could vaguely register the urgency in the voices.
"No, it can't be true," Forever whispered to himself, "I'm not a dictator, I never wanted to be bad." But no matter how much he tried to convince himself, doubt crept in, gnawing at his sanity.
"He's ...going... crazy!"
He started to breathe heavily and shake his head as if that would help eliminate the echoes and fussiness. Was he shaking, or was someone shaking him?
Pare, pare, eu não gosto disso... ( Stop, stop, I don't like this...)
His eyes shot open in a desperate attempt, and it all went away. No more voices. He saw the same scenery as before, the same beach, the same waves, same sunset. At this, his hands dropped from his head where they were previously clutching at his blonde hair. A feeling of calmness washed over him again.
Forever sighs and thinks he can feel something trickle down his face, but when he goes to wipe it away, there is nothing. Estranho (weird).
Forever stood up, his legs shaky as he stared at the endless horizon. As he stands on the shore, contemplating the events that unfolded in his mind, he can't deny the heaviness that consumes him. The doubts planted in his thoughts still linger, tainting his perception of himself.
Gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean, he feels a strange pull, as if the water is calling out to him. The waves crash against the rocks, creating a soothing rhythm that seems to echo his turmoil, calling out to him like a siren's song. He takes a step closer, feeling the cool touch of the water on his toes, a strange sensation going up his spine as his heart slows down.
The water seemed to hold the promise of liberation, of escape from the torment of his thoughts. The idea of submerging himself in the ocean's depths becomes increasingly enticing. Forever believed that by immersing himself completely, he could cleanse his soul of the darkness that engulfs him. Maybe, just maybe, the water could wash away his worries and pain, drifting off with the ocean's currents.
He couldn't deny the allure, the temptation to surrender himself to the vast depths. A mix of fear and relief washes over him as he contemplates diving in. Fear of the unknown depths, of surrendering himself to the vastness of the sea. Relief in relinquishing his burdens, the weight of the accusations and doubts that torment him.
Somehow, he knew that there would be no coming back once he went into the water. It would be the ultimate act of giving up.
"The water looks very pleasant, doesn't it? Like a deserved break."
Forever jumps at the sudden words spoken from a voice unlike any he had ever heard before. Startled, he turned to see a woman materialized beside him.
Forever studied the random stranger. The woman's long, flowing hair cascaded down her back like a midnight waterfall. Its color, a deep shade of brown that verged on black, seemed to absorb the sunlight, giving it an almost mystical aura.
Drifting down her form, she seems to wear a gown fit for a goddess. The dress, a mesmerizing blend of black and dark purple, billowed around her like a twilight cloud. Its smooth and luxurious fabric whispered in the breeze as if enchanted. Adorned with dragged gold fabric, intricate patterns and subtle shimmering accents, it exuded elegance and grace.
A wide-brim sun hat of the richest dark purple adorned her head, brimming with magnificence. The size of it was so big that it provided shade for her entire being. A veil in dark purple concealed her face a bit, adding an allure of mystery to her presence. And yet, within that veil, her eyes shone through, captivating one's soul. Their dark beauty held a soft glow, like stars twinkling amidst the night sky.
Golden jewelry adorned her wrists and fingers, glimmering under the sunlight with an enchanting allure. Her neck held a pendant of a well-kept black feather, which to Forever seemed oddly familiar. Black-painted nails and lips accentuated her features. And perched on her hat were a few crows that calmly sat as they observed him, their feathers in harmony with her attire, creating an intriguing visual.
"But it's not your time to swim yet," she continued.
Forever stared at her with clear confusion as he blinked repeatedly to see if he was imagining it. The evident shock caused her to chuckle but still offer him a polite and gentle smile. She seemed to be waiting for something, and it took him a second to understand what. Oh, she was waiting for him to reply.
"Um, who are you?"
"I'm known by many names, but you can call me Kristin," she said as she offered him her hand to shake, "nice to finally meet you, Forever."
He warily shook her hand but returned the smile nonetheless. "Yeah yeah nice to meet you too!" As their handshake ended, Forever asked "So, how do you know about me?
Kristin chuckled softly, her voice carrying a touch of warmth, "Phil has told me many things about you."
"You know Phil?" Forever perked up. Knowing this mysterious woman was acquainted with him put him at ease.
Kristin nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of loving care. "Oh, yes. I've known Phil for a long time now. You could say that we are pretty close."
Knowing that Phil has talked about him to others made him feel relief and pride swell within Forever's chest. "Well, it's good to know Phil mentions me to others. Hopefully, he has told you how awesome I am and nothing bad," he replied with a chuckle, a smile spreading across his face.
Forever continued their lively conversation, tossing jokes and funny anecdotes back and forth, earning laughter from Kristin. He found himself enjoying her company. The crows perched on her hat cawed along with their delight, almost as if they were joining in the merriment.
As their laughter subsided, both Forever and Kristin turned their attention back to the water. Forever could feel her gaze on him as if she were peering into the depths of his soul. He shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"You know," Kristin began, her voice taking on a softer tone, "I can sense your weariness Forever. I can feel the weight you carry on your shoulders, the doubts that cloud your mind. But I want to tell you that your fight is not over yet."
Forever sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I feel so lost, Kristin. I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore. Sometimes, it's hard to keep going, and I can't help but wonder if I've already failed everyone."
Kristin's dark eyes softened with understanding, empathy radiating from her gaze. "It's in these moments of uncertainty that we must remember who we are and why we fight. The journey may be difficult, and the path may be shrouded in darkness, but there is always a glimmer of light if we choose to look for it."
She reached out a hand, gently placing it on Forever's arm. "You are not alone in this, Forever. You have people who believe in you and support you. And most importantly, you have yourself. Even in the face of adversity, remember that you are strong, capable, and deserving of happiness."
Feeling a sense of comfort wash over him, Forever regarded Kristin with gratitude. Her words held a certain wisdom, a glimpse of clarity amidst the chaos. "Thank you, Kristin. I needed to hear that," he said as he turned to look at her. He will keep going for his friends, his family, and most importantly, for Richarlyson.
Kristin smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "That's the spirit, Forever. Trust in yourself, and trust in your journey. Keep moving forward, even when it feels uncertain."Forever nodded, a renewed determination shining in his eyes.
He noticed that there was no longer water at his feet. No longer could he feel the refreshing coolness. When he looked back at the ocean, he realized that the water was slowly getting further and further away. The sound of the waves is only an echo now.
"Is it just me or-" he started asking but stopped as he realized Kristin was gone. He looked around, trying to find where she went, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"You have to wake up Forever," said a breeze in his ear, and for some reason, he felt the need to close his eyes, so he did.
As Forever slowly regained consciousness, he first noticed the faint beeping sound of the heart monitor next to him. He could feel the soft, cottony sheets against his skin, the coolness of the air-conditioned room, and the sterile scent that filled his nostrils.
His eyelids felt heavy as he fluttered them open, adjusting to the room's brightness. Slowly, the blurry figure came into focus. He turned his head slightly, wincing at the dull ache that resonated through his body.
"Oh, you're awake!" he heard Bad exclaim, his voice filled with excitement. "How are you feeling?"
Forever's voice came out hoarse as he replied, "I feel... tired. But... better, I think." He nodded understandingly but Forever took note of the strange way Bad looked. Did he get new clothes?
"Bad, everything alright? I heard you yell and-" Cellbit stopped mid-sentence as he entered the room and made eye contact with Forever.
Cellbit immediately rushed over to Forever's side, relief flooding his expression. He spoke rapidly in Portuguese, his words filled with concern and disbelief. "Como você está se sentindo? Há quanto tempo você está acordado? Você sente alguma dor? Precisa que eu pegue alguma coisa pra você?" (How are you feeling? How long have you been awake? Do you feel any pain? Do you need me to get something for you?)
Forever chuckled softly at his panicked fussing. "Estou bem, meu amigo. Apenas um pouco cansado, mas ainda consigo levantar para chutar a bunda do Cucurucho, (I'm good, my friend. Just a little tired, but I can still get up to kick Cucurucho's ass)" he responded with a determined smile, trying to reassure Cellbit.
Cellbit's eyes widened, and he let out laughter and relief. He affectionately squeezed Forever's hand and shook his head. "Você é louco, Forever! But I'm glad you're okay. We were all so worried about you."
"Yeah, you muffinhead," Bad exclaimed, a mix of affection and frustration evident in his voice. He took a deep breath before continuing, a slight tremor in his hands. "You have no idea, Forever. Yesterday, your heart monitor suddenly started dropping, like near-flatline levels. It scared the living daylights out of everyone in the room. I mean, seriously, we were all freaking out!"
Bad's words tumbled in a rush, conveying his worry and relief. Forever could see the genuine concern in his friend's eyes, and he felt a wave of guilt wash over him. "I'm sorry, Bad," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to scare you all like that."
Bad's expression softened as he placed a hand on Forever's cheek, his fingers warm against his skin. "I know you didn't mean to, Forever. But promise me, promise me you'll never do that again," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation, and something told Forever that he meant something more apart from the flatlining.
Forever nodded, "I promise, Bad." With relief and gratitude, Bad pulled Forever into a tight hug. Their bodies pressed against each other and Forever could feel the rapid thudding of Bad's heart against his chest, matching his own rhythm. It was a comforting embrace that conveyed many emotions—care, worry, and the bond they shared.
As Bad held onto Forever tightly, he let out a shaky breath. Bad couldn't find the words to express how much it put him at ease to be able to hold Forever in his arms, feeling him alive and well after thinking that they had lost him.
It was a heavy burden lifted off his shoulders, knowing that he had been able to save Forever from the clutches of the drugs the Federation had put him on. It tore at Bad's heart to see his friend's smile replaced with a hollow mask, trapped in a cycle of addiction and despair.
But he refused to give up on him. Bad knew that under that facade, there was still a glimmer of the Forever they all knew and loved. It took trapping him and seeing him suffer in pain from the drugs. Hear his agonizing screams and see him in such a broken state that will haunt Bad for a while. But in the end, he was alright. They had helped him.
In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of Bad's presence, Forever felt a sense of belonging, a reminder that he was not alone and hadn't disappointed him. They stayed like that for a while, taking solace in each other's arms, finding strength and comfort in the embrace.
Eventually, they slowly pulled away, but their hands remained intertwined, unwilling to let go completely. Bad sat on the side of the bed, teary eyes still fixed on Forever, radiating concern and affection.
They exchanged a warm smile, their unspoken words carrying a multitude of sentiments. In that small gesture, they understood the depth of their friendship and the unwavering support they offered each other. It was a silent promise, a vow to be there no matter what.
Cellbit awkwardly coughs, gaining the attention of both Forever and Bad. They turn to look at him, waiting for him to speak. Clearing his throat, Cellbit's voice comes out slightly shaky as he tries to convey his relief. "Uh, hey, Forever. I just wanted to say how glad I am that you're back with us. There's been a lot going on while you were... away, and we could really use your input on the current situation."
Forever chuckles softly, his eyes glinting with determination. "Oh, I'm more than excited to be back, Cellbit. And you can count on me to help blow up the Federation! But before we get into that, I have one burning question." He pauses, and he looks back at Bad. "Why does he look like shit?" Bad's eyes widen in surprise, and Cellbit bursts into laughter.
"LANGUAGE, FOREVER!"