The Neverending Ending

The king never wanted it to end this way. In fact, he never wanted the people to suffer. However, the king had one flaw he could not fix. He would never see anything to the end. He did not like tackling problems head-on.

The king did not understand the people; thus, he gave them whatever they asked for, refusing to think about the consequences.

So when the king was defeated, the people quickly forgot about him. But the king was far above regular humans, so he did not die. He just fell into a deep slumber.

The heroes knew the king was still alive, so they all thought of a way to control him and use the immense power he had. After a while, they decided to use a spell on the king and make him forget his past life together with the other people who would come to the new kingdom.

That is how the king woke up as someone defined only by a number, left with no memory of who he used to be, forced to start his new life.

...

After remembering his past life and past title as a ruler of the old humanity, 1441 was once again on his knees, looking in shock at the robot who seemed to have known his true identity all along.

"Soj..."

"Ok, listen here, big guy!"

Out of nowhere, a familiar voice resounded with a somewhat smug tone. Looking in the direction of the voice, 1441 saw a small speaker next to Ray's body.

He ran to her and sat her head on his lap, but she was unresponsive.

"Since this recording started, I guess I've made it in time. You have no idea how hard it is to fight back, forgetting everything. I just hope I was able to stay sane until the last moment."

That was the first known case of somebody staying sane until their mind would be completely wiped. The sheer willpower needed was incredible, but that was the very proof that Ray had long beaten the trials of sloth. Truly a woman worthy of admiration, and 1441 knew that. He was aware that he held the head of the Savior in his lap. But he felt ashamed at how he was never able to show his gratitude. He had Her take care of him until the very end.

"So, yeah. I guess that's it... for us. You, on the other hand, are still alive and kicking, right? If I managed to say something when I met you, and I am sure I did, it means you have also remembered what happened back on Earth. Our one and only king, huh? More like a god, I'd say. 'Betrayed by your own council and kept among us for convenience'… What a story! I wonder how much you've changed now that you are back to who you were. All that knowledge and power... are you some kind of higher being now? "

On the recording, a small laugh could be heard. 1441 could not remember when he last heard Ray laugh, but the smile left on her face that he held in his palms fit the laughter perfectly.

"Nah, it's still the same you. I am sure of that much. That's exactly why I have one last thing to tell you: Get yourself together! You have a life that we can not even imagine waiting for you. Don't tell me you're gonna spend eternity depressed and alone hiding on Mars. If you plan to run away from everything again, at least find a fun corner of this damn vast galaxy and write my name on a rock. You were the one who gave it to me, after all. Don't you dare pretend a higher being like yourself can't just get out of here."

The man was expecting her to say that, but neither 1441 nor the King of Earth was the type to forget everything and move on.

"And I know what you are thinking. 'Oh, how can I forget all this?' That's lame. Listen here, moving on is not forgetting. I wouldn't ever let you forget such a smart and beautiful lady like me, but I don't want you sitting here crying all day. You're a big boy now. Ok, now go talk with Soj. We both know he doesn't have much left, right? It's his time to say his farewells now. Don't bother with burying me. Just go already! Oh, and take care. I'm glad you were able to see me one last time. Puny king."

The recording ended, and 1441 put Ray down.

"You always were a tough one to deal with. AH, FINE! For once, Imma listen to you. Consider this an exception."

The man looked at the lady and smiled.

"Bye, Ray. Couldn't have done it without you. I hope you consider this a happy ending. After all, you were able to call me your king."

Even the smug line felt sour for 1441. He forced himself to turn back, and he faced the robot who had been with him through thick and thin.

"I doubt you can just stop that eternal sleep function, right?" The man said as he took the robot devoid of the strength needed to float into his arms."

"We both know the answer to that. Now, let me ask you the same thing you've asked me not long ago. What will you do once you are all alone?"

"Well, I was just told I am not allowed to slouch. to be honest. I just want to lay here. Sleep for the rest of eternity just like you, and pretend none of this is real. But I know some people who would hate me for doing something like that."

"Add a robot to that list."

"Wow, didn't know you could feel hate. Got any other surprises for me?"

"Just one more. But first, listen here; I have nothing more to tell you. I've taught you everything, if I even had anything to teach a god. But I want to say I'm sorry. I hid this all for you for so long..."

"You know? If I had known about this, that countdown would have hurt even more. Looking at how our time left is flying away? Give me a break. Being selfish and counting my own days hurt so much less. But...but..."

The king did a great job at stopping his tears until that moment, but not even a god can control his own emotions.

"But...I wish I had more time with you. If I knew, maybe I would have found a way... maybe..."

"Maybe you would have repeated the mistakes you've made on Earth. Listen, you said it yourself; counting the days only makes them feel worse and worse. Who would have thought you would suddenly get so wise with me? I guess you really were a big shot."

"And I still am."

"Haha, of course you are."

Soj's screen slowly faded out. The man formerly known as 1441 started to panic, but there was nothing he could do anymore.

"Calm down and listen... I said I have one last surprise. The truth is, there is this song I really like. I managed to keep one button active. Will you press it and listen to my song after I fall asleep?"

Doing his best to stop his tears, the man gave a nod for Soj.

"Thank you. Well then, goodbyes are not the forte of a robot. So I will keep it short. Take care, partner. Don't you dare waste any time on Mars. Go out and explore..."

"Ok! I will! Thank you, partner! I'll never forget you! Any of you! Not anymore."

Soj fell into silence, and a button popped out of its body. The lone king pressed the button and listened to the song.

The recording was crystal clear, and it played a guitar song. The notes were in perfect harmony, giving the impression that the singer had mastered the song through countless hours of practice.

"You bastard." The man said as he was starting to get his voice back.

"That's the only song I've ever played for you. What was I expecting?"