After spending a few moments in the room with Rythmeus and Brock, I made the decision to depart.
Me: Alright, I believe it is time for me to take my leave. Stay safe.
Rythmeus: Very well… Enjoy yourself.
I made my way toward the door, opened it, and exited the room. Now wandering through the grand halls of the palace, I pondered over the events that had transpired, feeling uncertain about what course of action to take.
My thoughts echoed within my mind: *This is truly a dire situation…*
Several minutes passed, and now I found myself standing in front of the palace’s exit door. Just as I reached for the handle, Rythmeus’s voice resonated through the air.
Rythmeus: Hey… Let us converse.
I turned around, observing Rythmeus standing behind me, and then directed my gaze toward
“him.”
Me: What would you like to discuss?
Rythmeus: Let us delve into the matters surrounding how all of this came to pass.
Me: Indeed, I had the opportunity to spend time with Brock prior to this unfortunate incident.
He kindly invited me to join him and his family for a meal. Brock’s mother was genuinely kind and warm-hearted, but his father, on the other hand, displayed abusive behavior.
Rythmeus: Yes, Brock confided in me about his father’s excessive drinking and mistreatment towards both him and his mother.
Me: I see. However, to give you a brief overview, I engaged in a heated confrontation with his father. The anger within me urged me to exact vengeance upon that wretched individual, but I restrained myself, as I did not wish to subject Brock to further trauma.
Rythmeus: Hm… I comprehend your restraint. It is a challenging predicament indeed.
Me: Nonetheless, aside from that, why would Brock’s father commit such acts of cruelty against his own son? Moreover, it remains baffling that Brock’s parents have vanished without any apparent reason.
Was Brock’s father truly a human being to begin with? The circumstances surrounding all this seem rather perplexing.
Rythmeus: Hm… Indeed, the identity and motivations of this powerful being remain unknown to us.
Me: It’s truly unfathomable! Why would a being of such immense power stoop to commit such a heinous act? It defies all logic and reason!
What purpose could this being possibly have had in mind?
Rythmeus: Alas, we are left without answers to those questions.
Me: Dammit!...
Feeling overwhelmed, I slowly leaned against the nearby wall, my horror and concern palpable.
Rythmeus approached me, gently lifting me up and enveloping me in an embrace, offering solace and comfort.
Rythmeus: Fear not… we shall discover a remedy for Brock. It is also essential for you to obtain some repose, as it appears you are experiencing considerable distress, trepidation, and heightened emotions.
My cranium was nestled amidst the colossal pectoral muscles of Rythmeus… at least they provided some solace momentarily.
Rythmeus: Should you desire, you may find respite within my embrace. I am prepared to offer you further intimate encounters, aiming to gratify your desires, just as we have previously shared… does this arrangement meet with your approval?
Me: It is acceptable; allow me to simply embrace you.
Subsequently, I tightly enfolded Rythmeus, knowing that I had the solace of an immense deity to console me… this brought me considerable solace.
After several minutes of embracing one another, Rythmeus gently lowered me back to the ground.
Rythmeus: Liran, if you seek solace and assistance, simply come to me, and I shall provide it willingly.
Me: I appreciate your offer… I truly needed that. I’ll catch up with you later.
I then departed from the grand palace.
A few minutes elapsed, and now I find myself at home, seated on the couch.
Inner thoughts: Who could be responsible for such actions? Why would a being of immense power engage in such behavior? Could this being have ulterior motives?
Several more minutes passed, and as I remained seated on the couch, I heard a knock on the door.
Me: Intriguing…
I proceeded to rise from my seat, approached the door, and opened it, only to discover Brock standing there.
Me: Brock?...
Brock: Hello… it’s been quite a while.
Me: Why aren’t you at Rythmeus’ palace? Did he grant you permission to venture outside?
Brock: Yes, indeed. I am grateful that Rythmeus is benevolent enough to allow me the freedom to explore. “He” also mentioned that “his” palace is now my new residence. I presume you are aware of this since “he” conveyed it while offering assistance to me.
Me: Yes, I am aware. Apart from that, what would you like to do now?
Brock: Let’s head to the beach and simply unwind. Let’s find some relaxation.
Me: Alright…
I then stepped out of the house, closing the door behind me. Brock and I proceeded to make our way towards the beach, embarking on a leisurely stroll.
Several minutes passed, and we reached our destination—the beach.
Brock: Ah, I adore the beach. It’s such a serene and soothing place.
Brock and I settled down on the sandy shore, gazing at the rhythmic dance of the waves. It was a moment of tranquility.
Me: So, Brock… how are you feeling? Are you experiencing any discomfort or illness?
Brock: Yes, I’m feeling increasingly fatigued and unwell. I’m uncertain about what steps to take.
Me: Don’t fret. We will find a remedy for you. With Rythmeus by our side, a benevolent being who stands with us, we have hope.
Brock: I understand, but the most daunting aspect is the uncertainty of how long it will take to find a cure. What will happen to me in the meantime? Will I succumb? I don’t wish to meet such a fate…
Me: Brock, I… I cannot provide a definitive answer to that. However, please remain patient.
With time, things will improve. Trust in the process, and believe that you will overcome this.
Brock: I understand. The fear of the unknown and what lies beyond death can be overwhelming.
It’s a perplexing thought, not wanting to live forever but also not wanting to cease to exist forever.
Me: …
Brock: So, Liran, what are your thoughts? Do you believe in an afterlife?
Me: I’m not entirely certain. I’m not particularly inclined towards religious beliefs either, so the concept of heaven or hell doesn’t resonate with me. I simply don’t have a definite answer.
Perhaps we will only discover what awaits us after we depart from this life. It’s a mystery we can’t solve until then, hehe.
Brock chuckled softly.
Brock: Indeed, I hope we find that elusive cure soon. And I’m grateful to be spending time with both you and Rythmeus. You two are truly remarkable and bring beauty to my life.
Upon hearing those words, a smile graced my face.
Me: Thank you. Let’s simply relax and take in the view of the beach. What do you say?
Brock: Sounds wonderful. Let’s continue doing just that.
Brock and I redirected our attention to the beach once more, observing the ebb and flow of the waves, and immersing ourselves in the tranquil atmosphere surrounding us.
It was a moment of pure serenity and contentment.
.
.
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