"So, here we are again." Snarkily commented Dove, as he sat in the muck.

Dove looked at Dove. "Jokes aside, we need you to wake up."

Dove splashed his hand into the water. "It's not that easy."

Dove nodded. "I know."

"You know, it's going to get really confusing if we're both Dove."

"How so? It's just us two in here."

"For when I leave."

"True…" Dove looked around the hallowed space. "But which one of us is the Dove?"

"I think I am?"

"I think so too."

"So, what do we call you? Dave?"

Dove thought for a moment. Then he nodded. "Sure. Dave. I can work with that."

"Alright. So, Dave, how long have you been alive."

"As long as you have. I'm you."

Dove groaned, splashing the water about. "No, I meant as Dave."

"Oh, as Dave." Dave rubbed his chin as he thought. "Maybe two weeks? Not sure."

Dove looked up at himself. "How come?"

"Think it had something to do with how I was just dregs of you piled up in the form of another."

"And your system did a system update, based on my version."

"Compiling my information based on your version, yeah."

Dove nodded along as he mulled it over. "So, you're me from two weeks ago."

"Eh, it would be closer to, 'I'm you, but with a month of deviation.'" Corrected Dave.

"So… that would have been back before Skink, right?"

"Partially. Remember, some parts of me were taken before Skink, some after Rot. But, otherwise, that's who I am."

"So, a less experienced version of me?"

"Seriously, what part of the fact I'm your potato peelings is hard to understand."

"It doesn't help that you're terrible at explaining things."

"No, we're actually pretty good at it," jabbed Dave, "You're just not wanting me to get to what I was going to get at."

"Which is that you're going to replace me. I know."

"I guess you do. I guess you're not that dumb, after all."

"Yeah. Not the brightest-" Began Dove

"But, not the dumbest either." Finished Dave.

"So, who's idea was it that you'd replace me?"

"Skink's. Supposedly."

"According to Penny."

"According to Penny."

"So, you're going to kill me?"

"Dude, no." Dave stepped back offended. "I'm not some hall of mirrors version of you. C'mon!"

"Right, right." Nodded Dove with a solemn look on his face. "Just thought you would… you know…"

"You referring to the fact that suicide seems like an easy choice in this hellscape, or the fact that I may want to give myself mercy?"

"But you're me."

"But I'm you."

The two sat in silence for a moment, listening to the quiet sloshing of liquid. "So, how much longer do you think I have?"

"Don't know." Dave sifted his fingers through the ichor. "But I do know you should make time for them before you go. And if not Monger, at least do it for Penny."

"Right." Dove stood up. "Say, what are they doing right now?"

"Think they're looking for land. Penny is trying to find a specific landmark on the coast."

"And idea which one it is?"

"Nope. Sorry."

"Nah, don't be. You've been busy."

"Sure I have."

Dove squinted at Dave. "Was that meant to be sarcasm?"

"Not intentionally, but let's say yes."

"I should have expected this."

"I mean, I am basically you."

"This is true."

The two nodded. "You do know Manger tried to kill Penny, right?"

Dove looked flabbergasted. "What? No, I didn't. How come?"

"Thought she was leading to your mental unwinding. Thought it would be healthier to be without her."

"That's malarkey!" Then Dove hesitated. "Did he actually know she was alive?"

"Nope."

"Ah, then I guess it was just an understanding. That's a wee bit awkward."

"Especially since that grimm got attracted to us by her negativity."

"Incredibly so."

"Yep."

The two awkwardly stood around each other. "So," started Dove. "What next?"

"We probably get you to dig your own grave, save a bit of effort."

Dove snickered. "Eh, fair enough." Dove slugged through the muck up to a mask. "So, mind helping me get everything set back up?"

Dave nodded. "Sure. See you soon."


His eyes snapped open in a coughing fit. Blood splattered on the deck. Hands adjusted him and helped him into a more comfortable position. A metallic face greeted him. Dove nodded and gave a look of thanks, before the droid walked back to Monger and Penny. He couldn't help but smile as they mobbed him.