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----- have a great life ------

Duck took a deep breath, his thumb tracing the now-familiar pattern on the armrest of Max's wheelchair. "It's something I got after the accident, Max. Something...otherworldly. It's called the Chuchu System, and it's been with me ever since."

Max's eyes widened, the wheels of his chair squeaking slightly as he leaned forward. "Otherworldly? Like, from space?"

Duck nodded, his expression a mix of wonder and solemnity. "Yeah, it's...it's complicated. But it's what allowed me to save you. It's a part of me now." He paused, considering how much to reveal. "The system has certain capabilities, and I learned to harness them to create the device that brought you back."

Max digested this information, his gaze drifting to the distant horizon where the sun painted the sky in a fiery dance of oranges and pinks. "So, it's like you're some kind of superhero?" he asked, a hint of awe in his voice.

Duck chuckled, the sound a bit forced. "Not exactly. It's more like having a cheat code in a game you didn't ask to play. Sure, it's powerful, but it comes with its own set of rules and consequences. And honestly, I'm not even sure I know all of them yet."

Max's gaze returned to his friend, his expression serious. "But it's because of this...this system that I'm here, right?"

Duck nodded solemnly. "Yes, Max. Without it, I never would have been able to save you."

The gravity of Duck's revelation settled over Max like a heavy blanket. He stared at his friend, the man who had brought him back from the brink of oblivion. "What are these...consequences?"

Duck sighed, his eyes reflecting the weight of the secret he'd been carrying for so long. "I'm not entirely sure. But I know that using the Chuchu System can be dangerous. It's not just a tool, it's a living, sentient thing, and it has its own agenda."

Max studied Duck's face, the lines of tension and the shadows in his eyes speaking volumes about the burden he'd carried alone. "But it's a good thing, right? It saved me."

"It is," Duck agreed, his smile genuine but tinged with a hint of sadness. "But it's also a responsibility. We have to be careful."

Max nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. He knew that Duck had done something incredible, something that defied all logic and reason. He owed his life to this mysterious force, and yet, he couldn't help but feel a shiver of fear at the thought of it.

"So, what happens now?" Max asked, his voice still raw from disuse.

Duck looked down at their clasped hands, the setting sun casting a warm glow across their skin. "Well, now you get better. We figure out what this means for both of us, and we move forward."

Max nodded, the wheels of his chair crunching against the gravel as he leaned back, taking in the beauty of the moment. "But what about the others?" He glanced back at their friends, who were giving them space but watching from the hospital window.

Duck followed his gaze, his expression thoughtful. "They know enough to keep quiet. They've seen what the Chuchu System can do. They trust me." He paused, his eyes returning to Max's. "But they don't know everything. And that's for the best."

Max nodded slowly, the reality of the situation sinking in. His mind raced with questions, but he knew that now was not the time for answers. He had his friend back, and that was what mattered most.

-----see you again------

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