Chapter description: Dave is invited to an event hosted by 1! Maybe it's best to just stay home...
Tags for this chapter:
all 134 Daves, Espionage, Propaganda, Memory Erasure
10. A Dime A Dozen
Dave was far from the only one to receive the invitation. Wherever he went, he overheard the gossip. Between Dave #24 and 63, from 46 and 51, to 99, 88, and 77. And so on. It also didn't matter which game they originated from, whether from Fun Algebra Class, Sky High Adventure, House, The Future Is Here, or Dream (as a sidenote, perhaps it wasn't out-of-character for him to want to after all).
Those lower in their number were a little more skeptical, but the highers? Curious, if not enthusiastic. "Oh me oh my, what could the legendary Dave #1 possibly want to say to me?!" That sort of thing.
The first Dave to arrive, the eldest of them all, commonly referred to as simply "1". Suspected to be the wisest, as well.
Dave has never met him. However, many of his counterparts appeared to be in the same situation. But every single one of them would finally get the chance to. Tonight. At 8 PM sharp. He… Wasn't sure if he should go. It doesn't mention it being mandatory. What would skipping out hurt?
Yeah, that sounds good.
He paused, upon seeing a DM notification on his phone. From Viktor.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:48 AM]
I realize that this is sudden, but I must discuss something urgent with you. It concerns the Dave Gathering.
Dave visibly cringed.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [9:49 AM]
You're going to ask me if I'll be attending, aren't you?
Maybe he shouldn't have come off like that, but it was difficult not to.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:50 AM]
Yes.
In fact, I'm counting on it.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [9:50 AM]
No.
There was a lull.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:52 AM]
Please hear me out.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [9:53 AM]
Fine.
Viktor was typing a lot now.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:55 AM]
This is very unusual for 1. The timing is suspicious. And he is only inviting other Daves. I'm concerned about what it could mean.
All I am asking of you is to gather intel for me.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [9:56 AM]
… Because, I'm also a Dave.
He hoped it was obvious that he was pointing out how disrespectful this was.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:56 AM]
I would ask Erie, but 1 can see through disguises. I have no other options.
Oh. Well. This was still not a good thing. And yet…
There was no getting around this, was there? He supposed that if Strobovski's going to him about something, he must really need the help. Dave sighed, mentally kicking himself for what he wrote next.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [9:59 AM]
Alright. I'll do it.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [9:59 AM]
Thank you.
"... Okay, Dia, laying out the house rules," Later, Dave was telling him, "One: No friends over tonight. In fact, two: No parties. Someone else's? Three: Stay home. There's food in the fridge if you get hungry, and… If you need anything, just call Billy."
It had been thrilling to know that Dia settled in rather well in school, once he finally stayed the entire day. Immediately after, he'd stopped trying to play hooky.
Particularly, he found new companions in the form of two other gem characters, who, like him, both had 3D models - a Ruby Man who could regenerate any breaks, and a Golden Man who could turn into a fluid and use his form as such. Due to this, Dia was compelled enough to share his brightening skill, and the other two were awed. They seemed immune to blindness.
The strongest by far was Silver Man. He too didn't have a flat image, and dwarfed everyone else in height. He seemed to act more like an escort, not even attending the school itself.
… And beat anyone who tried to mess with them to a polygonal pulp.
Though, he took one look at Dia and saw him no differently than any other Diamond Man, integrating him into the group of various gem kids with a soft pat on the head. If Dave was there to pick Dia up, Silver let him do so without question. When Billy was, however… Alright, so it only happened once, but an altercation nearly broke out. While it's been a few weeks ago now, it was still a regular thought that crossed Dave's mind.
Back to the present, almost any other time, Dave would've been more lenient about what Dia was permitted in doing. But, the uncertainty of how the gathering would go was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Just this once, Dia quietly staying here was the best thing for him.
He kind of felt bad keeping him somewhat out of the loop, and for being more strict for seemingly no reason. But, on the other hand, he didn't want to needlessly worry him.
Gracious, being a parental guardian was so complicated. How did others do it?
"And… Not you?" Surprisingly, that was the only part Dia was confused about.
"I might not be able to respond," Dave tried to play it off lightly, "Also, I don't know how long this'll take, so it could be a few hours."
"Huh, okay. Just don't get brainwashed or whatever." Dia sounded like he was trying to be funny, but there was a hint of truth in there.
"Nonsense," Dave shook his head, putting his hand on his shoulder. "I won't."
Dave was early when he got there, but so were many others. He still couldn't believe he was doing this. And along the way, Dia's joke/warning stuck with him. No sir, he would not fall into anything of the sort!
He was now just outside the gates - an actual metal fence, black and with barbs to dissuade a flightless trespasser. The whole property was very much unlike most living spaces a Dave would have - high-end, he would describe it. The house (no, the school) was rather large, moreso than he remembered his own being. It stood at least two stories tall, with the exterior resembling The Future Is Here. There was a front grounds, decorated with hedges and a fountain.
He was starting to see the inspiration. Like a similar, but also distinct flavor, that separated 1's tastes from Viktor's.
He paused, noticing a new notification. There was another message from Billy.
Well-Made_Account (BILLYLĖ) [7:41 PM]
Are you sure? Not even as a precaution?
Dave understood Billy's protectiveness, he really did. It was very sweet of him to care this much, especially in a setting like this. A small part of him wanted to allow it, as deep down, he was nervous. Or heck, even just to make Billy feel safer.
But, no.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:42 PM]
Yes, I promise, I'll be fine!
A pause.
Well-Made_Account (BILLYLĖ) [7:44 PM]
Very well. Stay safe.
'I love you.'
Lithuanian. At least in text, it was easier to say.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:44 PM]
'I love you too!'
He heard more of his counterparts approaching, but didn't pay attention until he was called. "Oh, hey 82! You decided to come after all!" It was #77, a House, accompanied by 88 and 99, Sky High Adventure and Dream respectively. Dave put down his phone, giving a polite wave.
"I still can't believe this is happening!" 88 was gushing, "1 wants to see all of us?! We'll probably literally never get a chance like this again!"
"A shame for any Dave beyond 134…" 99 sighed wistfully.
"You could always…" Dave struggled to respond, "Tell them about it?" All three stared at him, then cheered.
"That's right!"
"Oh, absolutely!"
"It's the least we can do!"
"Say, are you waiting for someone?" 77 then asked. Technically no, but… "You can join us if you like!"
"Oh, that's okay! Go on without me, I'll… I'll catch up!" Although he frowned, 77 didn't push, gesturing for the other two to follow him through the open gates.
"We'll see you inside!" He called, as they left.
"Poor guy. I don't think he has any Dave friends at all…" 99 mused, but of course Dave and practically every other in attendance could hear him.
"I know! Let's save him a seat!" 88 piped up.
"But I could see it in his eyes. He doesn't want to be around us…" Dang it. 99 caught his little white lie.
"I think that it's the thought that counts! Good idea, 88!" 77, meanwhile, was all for it.
Dave tried to neutralize his face, having suddenly noticed how it felt contorted… In what probably looked like agony.
He couldn't help it. He had to ask.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:47 PM]
Are you sure that I'm not this airheaded?
Because I just got reminded of why I tend to stick with your circles.
Well-Made_Account (BILLYLĖ) [7:47 PM]
I'm positive as a plus sign.
(I think that's how you said it.)
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:48 PM]
Okay. Alright. I'll trust you on that.
(Yes, you got it!)
Well-Made_Account (BILLYLĖ) [7:48 PM]
You can always leave. It's okay.
I could even pick you up right now if you like.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:48 PM]
No, I can't. I've gotten too far to back out now.
Sorry. But I have to see this through.
Well-Made_Account (BILLYLĖ) [7:49 PM]
If that's how it is…
Let me know if you need anything. I'm here.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [7:49 PM]
Of course!
"Hey, uh, excuse me," Yet another popped up. "Is this…" A pause, checking his invitation. "1's…" A glance at the property. "School…?" There was no doubt about it, this was 134; a Fun Algebra Class like himself.
"Yes, that's right!" 134 relaxed from the confirmation.
"Oh, thank you! Six days here, and already something big is happening. Is it always like this?" Dave shook his head. "Hm. Then I suppose I'm fortunate! Thanks again, Dave." With those parting words, 134 left to go inside. Huh. So new that he didn't even think about numbers.
Regardless, if Dave continued to stall, he might end up becoming some kind of greeter. That was enough to push him forward.
It immediately felt like a mistake, as the inside (which matched up with the exterior) was full of various counterparts, their voices melding into a noisy mess. A very select few were of higher pitch (Sky High Adventure), or lower (The Future Is Here). It was one thing hearing himself talk, but quite another with over one hundred of him.
He pulled out his phone again, starting to write out a message. "Billy, please come get me" And stopped. No! He swore on this! He backspaced it all. Instead, he shut the device off. If he really, really had to chicken out and bail, he'd have to be willing to boot it back up.
Continuing on through the oddly futuristic atrium, it was apparent that the layout of the whole place was very different from what he'd been used to. Sure, it'd been a long time, but even he noticed it right away.
Nearby were refreshments, manned by Silver, who had text beside his head reading "DO NOT MAKE A MESS"; he looked like he didn't want to be here. It was shameful to admit, but Dave was genuinely tempted to eat something.
However, sense kicked in again and he resisted without another thought. How insulting, using pizza against him so heinously. Did 1 think he was stupid? … Considering how he almost fell for it, yes, probably.
Silver saw him, and with sounds of metallic typing, the text changed. "I BET YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE ANYTHING" Correct, but all Dave could do was nod, before moving onward.
Finally, the auditorium. There were rows upon rows of plush chairs, and a fair amount of Daves present. Somehow, within moments, the trio from before spotted him, waving frantically to get his attention. By this point, ignoring them would be rude.
Just sit with them, deal with it, and get this over with, his inner voice sighed in resignation. How long could this possibly last, anyway? Some of them had Tristans, after all. So, he put on his mask and joined in. He tried to keep out of their conversation as much as he could allow.
"Oh, 82!" 77 brought up, "You can put your chair under the seat! Don't mind the disappearing, though. It'll pop right out when 1 is finished! At least, that's what I heard."
The last statement made Dave unsure. While he could say something like "I feel more secure when it's with me at all times", he realized that it was likely that everyone else had done it already. The peer pressure of cordial absent-mindedness was shockingly powerful.
Fine. Just this one thing.
"Alrighty!" He feigned joy, then added some kind of excuse, "Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to see how!"
"It's super neat! You won't be disappointed!" 88 replied, all three of them buying it. Good, it was just quirky enough. Watching, the floor beneath covered the item, as though it was sinking into a thick fluid. And soon, it was as though nothing was placed there at all, even as he tapped and pressed the surface.
"Disappointed" was far from an appropriate reaction. "Mind boggled" is more accurate.
It must've struck eight, for it went quiet suddenly. The silence was nigh deafening, and as the lights dimmed, Dave glanced around to find that every seat was filled.
He… Was certain they weren't, just seconds ago. Had he drowned out all the excess noise and not noticed?
Still, he faced the stage, as 1's Green Alien Monitor stood in the center. He was polygonal, and donned in the garb that MONOTOR-0 would've. It was so strange, but…
"Welcome, one and all," Yet, his monotone, comically robotic voice rang out with familiarity. "We hope you have felt at home here thus far. Without further ado, let's get started. Presenting: 1." He moved aside, and Dave clapped along with the others.
From the lights, the first Dave descended with poise, and to be quite honest, it felt surreal. Once he neared the floor, he gave a wave to the crowd, visored eyes scanning nonchalantly, as if fully taking stock of his guests. Luckily, or perhaps expectedly, he looked through Dave.
"Thank you, everyone," He began, "I am grateful for your attendance tonight. As you're aware, the occasion is not merely a social endeavor. More importantly, it is the beginning of something new. And with it, we'll all be able to live happier lives. But first, we must understand why."
Here we go. "The Webspace has been our home for years. Though, perhaps for a few of you, it hasn't been quite that long yet. Whether days or decades, your time here matters not. What you must know, is that there is a problem residing in it. And his name is-"
"Alex! Is it Alex?" One of the Daves interjected. A few others murmured agreement.
"Oooh! He's so scary! I don't like that guy!"
"I get it! We're going to defeat him, right?"
"But how?! I don't even know how to fight!"
The second-hand embarrassment was utterly dreadful. Then, with a single clap from 1, they all settled down.
"My fellow Daves, while he has done unspeakable things," He continued, "Alex is merely a byproduct of the real issue at hand. The man who keeps him under lock and key; the man who, recently, revived the dead." The last three words dripped with venom. "If need be, allow me to name our perpetrator: Viktor Strobovski! Our beloved leader!"
The others gasped. Including Dave himself, who then covered his mouth. Did… He mean to do that?
"That's right," 1 nodded in affirmation, "This Tarwill, as far back as the Alex Incident of 2021, had unanimously decided that, if it was possible, he would have those victims resurrected. But now, he succeeded. Despicable." Many in the crowd were already beside themselves. Dave personally felt… Conflicted.
"As for Alex?" But 1 didn't let up. "Viktor once put the safety of the populace in the hands of someone who clearly could not handle the task." Oh no. Why did he have to bring Billy into this? "So for a long time, he fought a battle that was not his, just so Strobovski didn't have to. The physical damages could always be mended, but mentally? Those are scars that will last."
Nevermind that Billy offered of his own free will. Nevermind that Viktor eventually saw reason and let him go. Nevermind that Billy had a stable network of friends and family to rely on for support, and is currently a lot happier than he'd been.
A part of Dave wanted to speak up, but he could not afford whatever consequences that may bring. His inner voice agreed: Billy would understand.
"Worst of all, Viktor has kept Alex here, even now," Still, 1 talked. It was starting to feel rehearsed. "He always has a chance to escape, so it's not a matter of 'if', but 'when'. And 'when' he does, you can imagine the tragedies that would befall us. But, I am pleased to tell you, that this does not have to happen!"
He paused, and from both sides, Silver and Alien stood next to 1, carrying boxes. They set all but one from their stacks onto the floor, and opened it. Around Dave were inquisitive, but hopeful stares.
"I am starting what I call: The THRIVE Initiative!" 1 announced as they did so, "My wish is to put an end to this madness, and bring us to a better, brighter future. However, I require your aid. But worry not over what you can or can't do; have faith in your abilities! I will be with you the whole way!" Silver and Alien reached inside, and displayed some kind of necklace, bearing a bronze, inverted triangle pendant. A third was passed onto 1.
"Take this symbol, and join into my might!" By now, he was practically yelling. "Together, we'll stop Viktor's reign of tyranny, forevermore! Divided we fall, but united we THRIVE!" It sounded like a load of
A cacophony of cheers and praise overtook the auditorium. Were… Were they… Really buying this? A few of the Daves in the front row even left their seats and fell to the ground. But they were undeterred, crawling over to the stage in desperation.
1 was smiling from the reception, as he and the other two characters donned the necklaces. When the eager Dave counterparts reached the edge, Silver and Alien bent down and handed over the desired accessory.
"No need to rush, my friends!" 1 let out a soft chuckle, "You will all get your own!" He motioned for his companions to go. "Pass them down! Don't forget a single one!"
The frenzy was unbearable. The trio around Dave were just as into it as the rest. Despite literally being surrounded by different selves, from various games attributed to his series, he felt completely foreign. As 1's cohorts did as they were told, he was reminded of his most compelling urge, which had gone dormant until this very moment.
Get out of here. Get out of here.
He stopped thinking, climbing over the back of his chair, clumsily stepping over other Daves, ignoring their words of protest. At the final row, he leapt for the exit, ramming it open in the process. The spill he took must've been quite unflattering, but all he did was force himself to his feet and go. It was far from easy, but eventually he built up enough rhythm to keep at a sprinting pace.
Dear God. For the first time in his technical life, he was running.
Except, for some reason, he didn't know where the front doors were anymore. At every turn, he crashed into the wall, using everything he had to not fall. The pain was almost overpowering, but he pressed on. He had to.
"Dave? Where are you going?" And then, he realized he was being followed. By 1.
He tried to focus, to remember where Gotta Sleep's closet is. It was his only hope to avoid detection. As it turned out, it was right where he thought it would be. He wasted no time and hid inside. Immediately after, he collapsed in a heap, panting heavily.
Struggling, he pushed himself upright, leaning against a wall. He selected his phone, immediately switching it on. He impatiently waited for it to finish starting up, mouthing silently, "Come on… Come on…! Please…!"
Done! He opened his DMs, selecting Viktor's first. He figured that if nothing else, then… His words were inputted at a breakneck speed.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [8:21 PM]
Viktor, beware of his THRIVE Initiative! He wants to take you out of power!
And every single one's just falling in line! No one's questioning it!
I'll admit, earlier I wanted to retort, "Why don't you just ask some other Dave, then? We're a dime a dozen!"
But I get it now! I get why it had to be me!
The others… They wouldn't have been able to resist 1's temptations. And they aren't!
He didn't elaborate on his plans, but what I do understand is unequivocally horrifying!
"Dave?" He froze. 1 was getting close to his location. He held his breath, but put out one last message.
Dave_Oddity! (DAVE_82) [8:23 PM]
Never ask me for anything ever again!
He heavily considered texting Billy next, but he honestly wasn't sure if he would be able to in time. Instead, he put his phone away, hoping that 1 wouldn't find him. He waited, and eventually, there was silence. He lifted himself up, opening the door and exiting the closet.
"What is troubling you?" The gentle question made Dave scream, tumbling back down to the floor. "Oh my. Apologies, Dave."
He fumbled around, desperately trying to flee. He still didn't know how he managed to get this far before, but it wasn't working now. All he could do was beg, like a wounded animal. "Please…! No, please! Don't…! I don't- I don't want to join you! Please let me go!"
1 didn't respond for a short while. "Your hesitation is curious. Tell me, what drives you to?"
Dave tried to steady his voice, shakily pulling himself up against the wall. "You can't do this! Sure you th-think Viktor isn't all that great, but this isn't the way! Y-You're just going to take them down a dangerous path! Think about their lives!" He quieted. "Doesn't that mean anything?"
"Hm. But that is exactly why I must," 1 answered, bringing his hands together. "What I am doing, is uniting us against a common enemy. Most weren't even aware of the true nature of their leader. I'm changing that, because if I don't, it will only continue."
"W-Well, I don't like how you're doing it." The lackluster statement fell right out of Dave's mouth, feeling his brows furrowing. 1 stared at him again.
"82," He started, not in absolution, but a new understanding. "Are you afraid you'll lose Billy if you join us? And Dia?"
Okay, while they were a part of it, that wasn't all. And by the way, how did he even know about them?! "No, I'm afraid I'll lose myself. Whether my mind, my being, or… Otherwise."
Trying to step away from 1 only unbalanced him, and yet he tried. Finally, 1 raised his arm, and from the ceiling materialized an object, colored the same as it. But by the time it was in his hold, it melted off like it was wet paint. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Dave's folded up wheelchair.
The first thing to come to mind was bribery. Instead, 1 floated closer to Dave, handing it to him. Once over, he backed off again. "Very well. It is not selfish, to prefer your own preservation over a longterm cause. But, you realize…" He trailed off, and another item was selected - what looked like a gun. He pointed it right at Dave's head. "You now know too much."
Dave instantly unfolded his wheelchair and hid behind it. His tone was panicked, incredulous even, but rightfully so. "You're going to kill me?!"
A pause. Then, "No. Just erase your memories of the last half hour."
"... Oh," Dave replied, more calm as he looked over. "Wait! That's not any better!"
"Don't worry, it won't hurt a bit." He fired
Dave blacked out.
He stirred, finding himself in bed at home, lights out. He was disoriented and confused, as he tried to discern the time. It was… 11:02 PM.
The Dave Gathering. He missed it.
He fought the covers off of him, immediately going into a blind panic. How could he just sleep through the whole thing?! He had one job. One. Job! What was he going to say in order to explain this?!
He tabbed over to his phone, and was greeted by a DM notification. Oh God, Viktor was probably angry over Dave's lack of response. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for the worst. He almost couldn't look, as he opened Viktor's.
Viktor (VSTROBOVSKI) [8:42 PM]
Thank you for the information. I'll take things from here. Consider your mission complete. I will not ask any more favors out of you.
… What? Dave scrolled up, finding messages from himself, detailing what he knew about what 1 was planning. It was frankly terrifying, and he could just hear the fear in his past self's words. Whatever caused this sort of frantic tone had to be justifiable, but… Dave couldn't recall any of it.
Wait. The notification didn't go away. Who was it actually from? Dave checked, and his eyes widened in horror.
1.
This time, he had to take a few moments to calm down, willing the courage to see what he had to say. Nothing good, Dave bet.
Dave (THRIVE_INITIATIVE_1) [9:03 PM]
I now understand the full picture. Strobovski employed you as a spy. But, I can tell you wanted nothing to do with any of this. I'm sorry he used you. If it helps, you are not alone.
If you require any further information, feel free to respond. I'm more than happy to rendezvous.
PS: I will not ask you to join my initiative again. That decision is yours alone to make.
I pray you don't regret it.
… That nosy jerk read through his messages! Well, if nothing else, he'll leave Dave alone. At the same time, the offer to learn more was somehow enticing. Before he could ponder it, there was a knock on his door.
"Dave? Are you alright in there?" Billy was here? Since when?
"God, I hope he didn't turn him into some freaky puppet." Dia. Ah, he probably called him. But wait, that means… Right. Dave did go, and did end up at 1's house- no, school - but then, nothing else. Oh, lord.
"That would be… Unideal." Billy replied, in a manner that's trying to be stoic, but underneath was a subtle layer of worry. In the meantime, Dave noticed his wheelchair nearby, getting into it and opening the door. As promised, both Billy and Dia stood outside, light from the rest of the house flooding his vision.
"Yes, I'm fine!" Dave was telling them, trying to adjust to the new brightness. "Aside from, uh… Not remembering what happened."
Billy's expression turned into what bordered on disbelief. "I knew I should've performed a stake out. I would've been able to intercept him."
"... That," Dave frowned, sternly, "Is exactly why I asked you not to. I can take care of myself just fine, see?" He spread his limbs, hoping his point came across. True to his word, he was unharmed.
"Yeah well," Dia crossed his arms, less in irritation and more discomfort, "That creep knew where we lived. He even tried to talk to me." Though, it began to shift into that one tone he used when telling stories.
"But, but I was like, 'No way man! Get the fu- fudge out of our house! Or else!'" Dave caught the swear. "And he was like, 'Or else what, kiddo?' And I was like, 'I'll blind you! For real!' And then he flew away like a little bit- coward!" That made two.
Not until he's eighteen, Dave wanted to remind him. But later will have to do.
"That… Was not at all what you told me," Billy, however, was utterly confused. "You were crying, and scared, and-"
"Don't- Don't say that! You're gonna make me look so uncool!"
"Ah, alright," The well-made robot then nodded in understanding, "But in my opinion, it's not all it's cracked up to be."
"He knows where we live…" Finally, Dave repeated, and honestly that bit was rather concerning. If he had to go with his gut, 1 most likely had the locations of every Dave on-hand. Very creepy indeed. "Well, I can promise you this: I will do something about that. For now though, try to get some sleep, okay?"
The young gem grumbled, but complied, leaving for his room. "Fine. Goodnight."
When out of earshot, Billy couldn't help but mention, "None of that was according to his original recounting of events…"
"Oh, I figured," Dave chuckled, "It's actually kind of adorable. He did that with Kelly, too." The mention of her name, or even thinking about her, still brought a small amount of longing, but it wasn't like years ago. So, whilst wheeling over to the living room sofa, he changed the topic.
"Anyway, I mean it. I realize that tonight doesn't demonstrate it all that well, but… I'd rather you not try and save me. Plus, it'd only ruffle more feathers."
Billy followed, then sat next to him once Dave did so. "I'm sorry. The gathering made me uneasy. I was so sure you wouldn't go. Then, you said you were. What would 1 want to say or do, that he can't share with those not from his series?"
"... I was scared too," Dave had to agree, "And I didn't want to, you're right. But, well…" He paused, tabbing over to his phone, and sharing the conversations with Viktor. He didn't know how to finish his statement.
Moments later, he felt Billy pull him close, leaning him against his shoulder. "Permission to turn him into paste." That's… One way to react. Looking at him, Dave could see the way Billy's pupils formed those red, glowing dots.
"Permission… I forbid it," He replied, "I appreciate that you're so willing, but it's really not worth it. He's not worth it."
"Where do we draw the line? When would we be allowed to go… Apeshit?" Dave failed to stifle a laugh.
"Oh, so now instead of just you, it's both of us?"
"Perhaps." Dave could feel the grin forming on Billy's face. The very idea of including him on getting even with Strobovski… Turning it into some kind of shared activity! An experience of a lifetime, just the two of them! It was so…
Dave felt himself starting to glare, but he was still smiling.
It was so tempting. Alright. He'll indulge in a little mischief.
"The line is… If he blows up my house. Or yours." He said decisively. Surely, that would never happen, but just in case.
"Then, it's a date." The way Billy said that sounded so innocent. Like it was dinner out, or a movie, or a picnic at the park. Only, it was none of those things. Half-jokingly, Dave opened his calendar app, penciling in the following:
"Date Night!
Beating up Viktor for blowing up my (and/or Billy's) house!
Date/Time: TBA"
And saved it. He was giggling like a wicked little imp. Next to him, Billy was cracking up too.
"There, it's official," Dave tried to say through his amusement. When he calmed, he sighed, leaning into Billy more. He added, more softly, "Thank you for this. I know I just want us to be safe, to try being the better person. But, it does get tiring."
His inner voice was reminding him of what could come next, if they actually did go through with anything of the sort. And yes, he could list one hundred reasons not to. However…
"At some point, you realize," Dave finished, "Walking away just won't cut it anymore."
More info:
- If Dave had been able to recall what happened out at 1's school, he would've looked back and found that running felt very weird, if not wrong. He would not want to change
- All that mattered at that point was getting out alive. He could always build another wheelchair if needed
- The initial interactions between the trio of 77, 88, 99, and with 134, are both still in there. The blanking out begins right as he goes inside the building
- Slowly, he is growing tired of being nice
- Gem kids. Minerals? Almost all include other Diamond Men, Rubies, and Golds. There are also a few who're "off" from the norm, usually due to wanting to be something different - such as an Emerald, or a Copper
- The Ruby and Gold Dia befriended come from copies that had similar ideas…
- Silver stands at 366 cm (or 12 ft) tall, and only talks via the text next to his head
- He also makes sure the others don't fight each other
- He is so durable that not even Alex would be able to slice through him
- 1. Never mess with him under any circumstances
- He can determine a person through their code. Unless Erie could encrypt hers… But that too would be suspicious
- His whole school can store items in its structure, and he is in full control of it
- Why an inverted triangle? It's a very silly reason - it looks like pizza
- The memory wiping gun is just one of his many gizmos. A few others have already been shown in earlier chapters
- Every Dave and game data are on file, as well as major relationships. All he has to do is look into it, which he can, on demand