Chapter description: With Viktor's imminent retaliation on the horizon, 1 seeks aid. But he finds something else - an issue of far greater priority.

Tags for this chapter:

Threats of and a little actual Violence, Reconciliation, brief polygonal Body Horror

26. No Matter What Happens

1's mind was still reeling from recent events. Those chumps shouldn't have been as agile and battle-hardened as they were, and yet he was now without his Tarwill prisoners, and one character short. Did they capture Silver? No, he quickly realized - his former student was at #56's school.

But how did he leave? What did that backstabbing merman say or do to convince his poor ensemble to release Viktor and Tiara? Worryingly enough, they refused to answer. Whatever wounds they had were superficial and were gone by the next day, so the ambush wasn't nearly as violent as once believed.

He recalled Silver's statement from the day of the coup, how none of them wanted anything to do with THRIVE. Could it be that they were now sabotaging him? And, like the metallic giant, he likely wouldn't be able to convince them back to his side.

Was he ruling by fear? Impossible… Impossible. It had to be. It had to be. Or else, he'd have to…

Regardless, how could Cell sit in his office so calmly, drink his tea so casually, as if the incident was a mere accidental spill on the floor. But he was the only one who replied. "There was… A very compelling argument made."

With no further elaboration, no matter how much 1 tried to keep his attention on him. "Anyway, don't worry about it. We obliterated them before, we can do it again. As many times as it takes before they fold. The hardest part isn't taking over, but maintaining power. I'm sure you know that."

"… Of course I do." The first Dave's words were almost a grumble. Cell remained unfazed, dipping a cookie in his cup, then eating the entire treat in one bite.

"You know, it's a nice day. I think it'd do you some good to go outside," He finished, getting up to depart. "That's what I'm doing. See you, Dave." An unsettling urge to bury him into the floor entered 1's mind, because there had to be more to it than how the entity claimed. He was too smart to be fooled by the likes of…

But that would just peeve Cell off. And if Silver was strong but unrefined in his fighting skills, then Cell would obliterate him in an instant. 1 found himself very lucky that he hadn't already. Or… He really had been tricked somehow, and 1 was overthinking it. He hoped that was the truth. Please let it be.

"Good idea. I think I will." Not for the reason Cell was implying, though. Even if 1's growing suspicions were incorrect, he was going to need more help.

It went awful. Some Daves shut their doors in panic the second they saw him, while others didn't open up at all. He could overhear how they ushered their characters into hiding, as if he were some lowly criminal, and not their leader. 46 let him inside to talk, but pretended to polish his sledgehammer the entire time, no doubt as a threat.

"You really think we'll come to your beck and call? Are you dense?" He'd retorted the second 1 made his desires clear. "Sapphire, could you kindly show him to the door?" A shared stare from the mineral in question could freeze someone in place, and normally 1 wouldn't have fallen for it. But in the very next second, he collapsed to the floor. He felt himself being dragged. "Thank you!"

1 was thrown several meters off the property, and only then did he regain mobility. He looked back to see 46 pridefully giving Sapphire a pat on the arm. "Good throw! Now, who wants ice cream? I got moose tracks!" The flavor was stated in a singsong manner.

"Oh, me! Me me me!" It wasn't just the royal blue gem who replied, but also 46's Tristan from inside.

"Okay, okay! One at a time!" 46 chuckled, letting Sapphire back into the house. Then, he glanced over at 1, still sounding sweet as he warned, "And 1? If you come anywhere near me, my house, or my pals again? I'll make sure you regret it! Goodbye now!" And shut the door.

56 wouldn't talk to him, and to be fair, 1 saw that in particular coming. 77 had urged the more adult characters to take his Ruby, Tristan, and… 99's Gold, to safety. He tried telling 99 himself about this, but his only response was said with disgust. "Yes, I knew that. But it's none of your business. Go away."

"I cannot, in good conscience, help you anymore. Please leave." 110 carefully turned him away.

119 pretended to not be home (poorly, as he kept yelling aloud, "Nobody's home!"), and 134 pretended that he had no idea who he was. And both methods worked, annoying 1 enough into leaving on his own.

This couldn't be happening. How was it possible that none of his fellow selves were willing to aid him? He remembered a consistent detail among the Daves he did see, and none of them wore their pendants. It was because of what he said about them, wasn't it? Perhaps he shouldn't have let that bit of information slip, cathartic revenge against that blue menace be darned.

But then, their collective attachment to him might've done it. As much as he firmly disagreed, the others viewed Denied like family, and no amount of "He never believed in our cause! I had to get rid of him! For everyone!" would've changed their minds.

1 had to face the facts. It was horrifying, almost to the point of breaking down, nausea nearly overwhelming him. How had he messed up this badly? By doing what he had to? What felt necessary? And it was enough to scorn every single Dave?!

Except… There was one left. It was a far-fetched idea, but it might not be too late to convince him…

"Dave. Can we talk?" It came out of the blue, but somehow, almost expected.

From on the sofa in his home, in the arms of his partner (albeit estranged as of late), Dave didn't answer at first. All he could think about was, why now? Couldn't it wait? Couldn't they have one, final, good moment together first? Before it came to an end?

But that was the selfish part of him, that refused to let go. He had to quiet it. Hush, now.

Staring at nothing in particular, he kept composure as he replied, "Of course. What is it?"

Billy's going to make it official. Dave knew this was coming from the start. Trying to make things work just delayed the inevitable. "There's something I need to tell you."

"Go ahead." It was harder this time. He remembered that dream with Dia and Alex, and how, even in the face of death, he'd been able to stay calm. Why couldn't that happen here?

Then, suddenly, he felt Billy turn his head. Dave looked at him, finding his gaze pointed behind the sofa, at the hallway, where… Oh dear. Dia and Spike were trying to be discreet, but he could see them. The well-made robot spoke, with the smallest of glares, "I really wish someone would stop eavesdropping."

And the other two sped off as fast as they could, into Dia's room. The brief levity allowed Dave a small smile. With a blink, Billy then faced Dave. "That wasn't it."

"Oh, no no, I figured."

"I'm not sure how to put this delicately, so I will just say it," It's over, Dave. He couldn't imagine anything else. He gave Billy an understanding nod, and he announced, "I'm getting the feeling that you don't want me around."

"Wait, what?" Dave's immediate thought was said out loud.

"You periodically mention how I shouldn't hesitate to leave, if I believe it to be the better option," Billy took this reaction as confusion, elaborating, "But you're usually so forward about any issues you may have, so I don't understand why you won't just… Say so."

Dave… Didn't mean to imply that, at all. It was quite complicated to explain, but he had to try. "Gracious, no. Billy, it isn't that I… It's… I keep thinking about how much happier you could be, without me. I don't want you to feel like you have to…"

Billy tilted his head, in thought. "I see. Please pardon my bluntness-" He paused until Dave nodded again for him to continue, "But I know that I don't need you." Ow. Dave almost felt the sting in his heart from that one, but was miraculously still able to decipher it - like being impaled by a frozen blade.

And Dave wouldn't have complained. It's karma.

Billy must've noticed Dave's reaction, because he added, more quickly, "Uh. Not like that! The point is, I don't feel trapped, and you don't make me feel trapped. I'm aware that I can choose to separate. I don't need you, but I want you. Does that make any sense?"

Honestly, Dave was still trying to recover. Billy's psychic damage was so, so potent; he'd nearly forgotten. "Y-… Yeah. I get it."

He was pulled in closer, but what surprised Dave was the soft peck he felt on his cheek. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said something that could sound so terrible. … And no, you didn't deserve it." At this point, it was like he was reading his mind. "Anyway… How do you know for certain? Are you sure it's not your guilt talking?"

To be fair, it wouldn't be the first time. Usually it's whenever Dave messed up badly in the past. "No, Billy, it's not you, it's me", "I've been awful to you about this", "It's all my fault, you didn't do anything wrong", and so on. Once, he finally had to admit that there'd been a very good reason why he arrived at the Webspace as a rogue. And meeting Billy didn't magically change him.

Dave did his best, but sometimes his worst traits would come back. Granted, he was much better now, obviously still not perfect by any means, but he wasn't the monster he was before. Even so, the well-made robot hadn't been exempt from dealing with the brunt of things on occasion.

And he hated himself a little more for it every time. Started to wish that Billy would just ditch him already

"Oh, God. You're right," Dave blurted, partially to shake off that train of thought. But what he was saying wasn't a lie, either. "This- This always happens…"

"Indeed," Billy agreed, but more obviously in a supportive manner, "I really wish you would stop giving up on yourself." Is that what he's been doing? … Ah, he absolutely was. And it wasn't helpful. "I must ask: Do you want to stay together? Yes, or no."

Yes, he immediately thought. Of course he does. But would that be selfish?

Remember how you, deep down, wanted to go back to the status quo? His inner voice commented. If you actually try, you can end up in a similar situation. But you need to work for it.

It's true. It's so shamefully true.

Then stop moping around, and for God's sake, don't leave him in the dark ever again. No matter what.

Okay, okay! He knows… Okay.

Dave took a breath, to prepare himself for his reply. "Yes. I do."

"Then…" Billy pulled back, so they were looking at each other once more. "If you are able to put this… Notion, aside," Dave could swear he wanted to describe it as "ridiculous" or "absurd", or something like it, but refrained. "Things between us may improve. I'm willing to trust in you again, but it would also help if you proved it to me, like you told me you would that day."

Dave had been so determined then. It shouldn't have gone away. He gathered his courage, taking Billy's hands into his own. This is what they both want. There's no more room for self-doubt. Make this work. Make this work.

"'No more secrets'," He recited, then added, "I won't back down anymore."

In turn, Billy gave him a somewhat devious expression. "You better not. Or else, I will be very disappointed." Dave couldn't stop himself from laughing, but given how the well-made robot grinned, it'd been intentional.

Once he'd managed to settle down, however, the both of them began to hear something.

"Oh, thank FUCK. I was getting worried there for a sec." Language, Dia.

"Was he for real? Since when was he like that?" Spike. The two were whispering.

"Since, uh… Forever, I guess? I've only been here for, like, two months."

"Jesus Christ."

"Yeah, I bet you feel like a dipshit now, huh?" Two.

"Meh."

"You- You stubborn jackass! What the fuck's it gonna take?!" Four. And there'll be more.

Now they weren't exactly trying to be quiet. However, all Billy did was shrug it off. "Huh. They still heard everything… And it appears that Dia doesn't want me to go, as well. I appreciate that." His smile was softer.

"That's a good point!" Dave replied, more chipper despite the current circumstances. "Spike, though… He probably needs more time. Speaking of, would you help me separate them before-"

There was the sound of diamond breaking. "God DAMMIT, that was my ARM!"

"Dude, you're the one who attacked me! I can't help it if you-" Spike was cut off by Dia's shriek, Dave and Billy now seeing pure white light leaking out from the closed door. "You KNOW that doesn't work on me!"

"LEMME SEE THOSE SHADES, THEN!"

"No way, you shiny jerk!"

"… We have our work cut out for us." Billy commented.

"But together, we can do anything!" Both he and Dave left the sofa, Dave holding out his hand. It sounded silly to say, but he couldn't resist.

"That's right," Billy nodded, taking it into his own, both giving a squeeze. "Let's put an end to this."

As they approached the door, Dave tabbed to his toolbox, pulling out something. "Sun goggles, check!" A second pair was given to Billy. Ever since Spike showed up, Dia had started using his brightening skill a lot more often, almost always because of him. It became a semi-regular activity, de-escalating their fights.

Strangely, it was nostalgic. Back in the early days, before Dave's behavior took its toll on the young gem, Dia was as fierce as typical Diamond Men were. Dave could recall how Dia used to roughhouse with Spike, PlayRobot, and sometimes even challenged the faculty.

Including Sleeps, who, in seconds, made him do exactly that. Allen? The alien hall monitor was practically impervious to damage where Dia was concerned, waiting until he wore himself out before sending him to detention. Error? Well, he'd simply ragdoll himself and phase through the walls after a single punch, likely just to play along. And Dave himself? It was only one time, and it was an arm-wrestling match. After thirty seconds spent retaining position with minimal effort, Dave had decided to end it with a swift pin.

He regretted how he taunted him, though. Sometime later, he ought to apologize.

The context of today wasn't great, that couldn't be ignored, but for Dia to be beginning to reach that point, which seemed long-gone… Of course, Dave couldn't rule out the possibility that it would only show itself when he wasn't there, but for him to witness it again…

No, it was comforting.

"Check. I am prepared," Back to reality, Dave heard Billy, the two having donned the goggles. Then, he added, "You look so happy. It's been too long." Oh gosh. Dave could not let himself get flustered. Not now, at least.

He managed to hold it together as he replied, "You too." He went to open the

Only to hear a knock from the front door. Both recognized it at once, and Billy was first to bring it up. "This is the worst possible timing."

"We don't have to answer," Dave tried to dissuade. "Hopefully, he'll take the hint."

To Dave's chagrin, he did not. He must've phased right into his house, because his voice emanated from the living room. "82, I must speak to you immediately. It's urgent."

Dave saw Billy raise his arm, bullet barrel forming. He pushed it down, shaking his head. Reluctantly, his partner listened, reverting the change. "Not yet." He mouthed, and that was all Billy needed to understand.

It was then when he realized that his home was deathly quiet.

Resolving the petty squabble of a Diamond Man and a Spike could wait. Surely, anyone would get that. Soon, 1 heard 82 wheel into the room, followed by… Billy. Great, a two-for-one deal, if he could make it work.

"If this is about Viktor, save it," Came the Dave's reply, "I don't want to hear it. Especially from you."

"Ah. I see that I don't need to explain. That's good," So, 1 nodded to himself. "Well, then I suppose I also don't have to mention the danger we're all in, currently. For as soon as Strobovski is ready to strike, we're done for."

"No, you're done for," 82 corrected, crossing his arms. "I don't see how this should have anything to do with me. And I'm not sure how you haven't noticed, oh great leader, but we haven't been happy since your grand takeover."

"Time will quell those fears. But only if Viktor is stopped. And to do that, I require aid."

"Then look for it somewhere else. Get out of my house. … Again."

"Dave. Could you imagine another Alex situation? Viktor kept that thing alive, and he probably still is! If it had been up to me, I would've had him executed on the spot. All of the misery you and everybody else went through could've been prevented, and he didn't allow it."

No rebuttal this time. He was finally getting somewhere. He turned to Billy next. "And you. You of all people should know how much of a fool he was, entrusting you to Alex's confinement. I can only imagine the extent of the psychological mayhem that was dealt at your expense. Viktor should've rejected you. It's so… Aggravating, how lenient he was."

"Why are you bringing me into this? I thought this was about Dave. Who, if you missed him saying it the first time, wants you to leave. I will not tell you again." Not there yet. Keep pushing.

"Because, you have been involved with him in the past. And thanks to your… Relatives," 1 held back a sneer, "Viktor will come back to make our lives miserable all over again."

Billy stared at him, blankly. "I know. I was there. I even figured out how to free them. It was surprisingly not difficult."

Silence. "Billy, maybe you shouldn't have said that part…" 82 was muttering.

"Oops. You're right."

The nerve of that pretentious automaton. 1 was trying to get it through his thick, metallic skull, and Billy just… Siding with the enemy (or well, his family) was one thing, but this was flat out spite. Like it or not, 1 was in charge now, and he will not stand for such blatant insolence.

He entered THRIVE mode, wielding a pair of backswords. Before either of the other two could react, he severed both of Billy's arms, then used the blades to skewer him into the nearest wall.

"You miserable android," The one word that he always wanted to say to him finally came out. "Do you not comprehend what's at stake here? Are you trying to bring about the end of life as we know it?! Why, if not for Dave's feelings for you, I'd put an end to yours right now!"

"That does it!" He overheard 82, turning to see him pull his wrench out. "You've crossed the line, 1. I don't need my house to take care of you. I can do it myself!" He raised it, and then… Nothing happened. He was straining, but it was like something was holding him back. "What… Why… You're doing this to me, aren't you?! Let me go!"

1 took a moment to look into it. "Oh. That time Alex cut you in half. You decided you weren't recovering fast enough, so you used nanites from your house cube. They must've spread across your body evenly by this point. Do you remember what I said about that?"

A look of horror set on 82's face. "No… Wait… No…!"

"Well, don't despair just yet. Theoretically, you could still try and beat me senseless. But you'd have to expel those nanites first. Problem is, I don't know if there would be enough remaining to keep you conscious." 1 pondered it. "Maybe, but barely. But also keep in mind that you may appear… Scary, until your body fills in the gaps."

"Dave," Billy cut in, his tone carrying an edge of uneasiness. "You don't have to do that. He just said he isn't going to kill me."

"I know, Billy. I know," 82 lowered his weapon. "But I don't care. I'm done listening to him." He emitted a yell, as pixels swarmed off of his body, and 1 wasn't sure if the process was painful or just uncomfortable. Once none from the relevant source remained, he attempted to attack again, having to hold the wrench with both hands. However, it was easy for 1 to deflect.

And 82's forearms snapped right off, the rest of him crumpling to the ground. Many parts of his body had atrophied - pockets, holes, even whole chunks were missing. He lay there, struggling to move, or do anything, really. And this time, his noises were undeniably that of pain.

"Dave…" The android's voice was soft, quivering, as he briefly fought against his restraints. But of course, it was in vain.

"I didn't think you'd actually do it," Meanwhile, 1 noted in awe. "I've… Never seen such ferocity in a Dave before. Not even from…" The Unchecked. "Say what you want, but this was more than just defense. This was Anger."

"Of course he's angry," Then suddenly, Billy turned appalled, "You barged into his home and incapacitated me. You expecting any other kind of reaction is insanity."

1 groaned, a little too loudly. "No, you twit. If it were that simple, he would've been FLOURISHing, because I would be getting in the way of seeing you at your highest potential. But he wasn't." He pointed. "See? No orange wrench! This is something else. Something far more concerning."

"I hate that I'm asking this, but what are you implying?"

1 didn't answer, too busy reading 82's code to check for something. Strange. There was the right amount of lines, which should've equated to a balanced harmony on both sides. But for every encounter 1 has had with him, every story he's heard, only one of the halves was actively guiding his actions.

The Angry half. Where in the world was Tutor in there?

"Oh, my God," He couldn't hold back his shock. "It's all so clear to me now. He wasn't at risk of becoming Unchecked. He's…" Despite the situation just minutes ago, 1 had to tell Billy the truth. "His merge went wrong. And before you say something like, 'But he's a single Dave', I mean his Tutor and Angry selves. You know, like how you have yours."

"Give me one good reason why I should believe you."

"The Dave you came to know and love is just Angry, Billy. And chances are, he's so guilt-ridden that he's been trying to be like a Tutor. He can try, of course, but ultimately, the worst aspects will always triumph, because his actual Tutor half isn't pulling any of the weight."

The android didn't say anything back, but he was thinking. Meanwhile, 82 tried even harder to sit upright, and it was honestly a pitiful sight. The urge to tend to him was overwhelming, even outweighing the entire reason he came here to begin with.

If need be, 1 will handle Viktor alone. 82 was clearly unwell, and Billy wasn't about to budge anytime soon.

"I… Should've done this from the beginning, but I got too caught up. My apologies, Dave." Internally, he had 82's house pull out the now extra nanites, neatly feeding them back into the places they inhabited along his body. And soon, the physical agony ceased.

Even so, he was panting, from what he had experienced.

"I believe the best course of action is to re-separate them," 1 then said, "At least until they can agree to cooperate."

"N-No…! You- You can't, I don't…!" That poor Dave. He hasn't realized the gravity of the issue yet.

"It's for your own good. I promise you that it is," 1 replied gently. He took him by the arm, tabbing to his teleporter. "As soon as I'm done, I'll bring them both back. You have my word." He didn't wait for a reply, using it on himself. The two Daves ended up back at 1's school.

As 82 was still recovering, 1 used the opportunity to fly him over to a door. It was special, for it was able to take characters to personalized, pre-generated living quarters. And to enter someone else's, permission needed granted by the owner.

Under this methodology, every Dave and their associates were able to shelter here during Alex's escape.

Dave was gingerly set down on a bed, doing everything he could to process what he just let himself do, how excruciatingly painful it was, that he'd managed to not pass out from it, and- hold on, where was he now? A moment ago, he was home…

"Ah, drat. I forgot something," 1 tsked to himself. "Well, it would be too embarrassing to go all the way back for it, so you can use a spare." He floated out, the door left open, and quickly returned with a folded up wheelchair, setting it on the bed in front of Dave. "There's also a soundproof button on the nightstand, but you'll still be alerted if a visitor arrives. You can't deny me, though. I own the building." Oh no. He was at his…

Not again. Except, of course, he couldn't remember it.

"Anyway, you're staying here for safekeeping. I realize this seems pretty petrifying, but I assure you that you'll feel so much better in the long run. I'll summon you when I'm ready to start your procedure. And if Viktor shows up… Well, let's hope that doesn't happen. Anyway, I'm off to make the preparations. Hang in there, Dave."

He left, door shutting behind him. Dave was at a loss for words. Once he gathered his bearings, he unfolded the wheelchair given to him, speeding over to the door, only to find it locked. No. Oh no. Oh God no.

What was he talking about? His inner voice asked out of nowhere, sounding just as frazzled. How should Dave know?! Usually his conscience had the answers! That's why he listened to it!

He can't separate your selves. He can't. He shouldn't. It won't help.

No kidding.

We can't go through this again.

What? "We"? Dave waited, but it silenced itself. Whatever, he didn't have time for this. He looked into his inventory, and at least he still had his remaining items. He selected his phone, but his hands were shaking too much to type. He glanced at the nightstand, finding the button that 1 mentioned. He pressed it, an LED lighting up, reading "ON".

Then, he braced himself for the call he was about to make.

The minute 1 had left, the backswords holding Billy in place vanished, and he nearly fell over. He promptly ejected what little remained of his arms, but that was about all he could do, unless he had a bit of help.

Asking either of the teens wasn't what he had in mind. Too bad he couldn't prevent them from cautiously exiting Dia's room, and finding him in his unfortunate state.

"Billy, you okay?! Goddamn, he really tore into you…" Dia spoke, helping to keep him from losing balance. It was rather easy, given how even the young gem was taller than him now. Sigh, such is life.

Also, he must've already put his own appendage back into place, for he appeared completely normal.

Spike lightly nudged Billy's severed arms with his foot. "Can they, uh… Be reattached?"

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me," The well-made… Robot? Android? He wasn't sure anymore. Anyway, he assured them both. "Not those, they've been damaged. But I have spares." But if he were to try and select them, they too would simply tumble to the ground. Unless they would spawn in his mouth…? Too weird.

But they caught onto that, the shades-wearing boy attempting to reach into his inventory for them. Ah, that'll work.

The replacement arms lacked the synthetic skin, but it was better than nothing. One of his changes was to account for the sheer frequency of his opponents targeting them, and so being able to replace them mid-confrontation would surely give him an advantage. Unless his enemy was 1, who managed to see through it right away and lopped off both.

"Thank you, both of you," Still, he told them once done, stashing away the old pair, as they could easily be salvaged later. "Now, I have to go bring Dave back. Please stay here."

"We wanna help!" Dia declared. Billy could appreciate his courage, but…

"Hold on, 'we'?" Spike objected.

"Absolutely not. I forbid it. It's far too dangerous." Billy briefly considered using his current self to prevent them from trying anything, but would that just be showing a lack of trust?

"Please!" Dia ignored Spike, pleading. "We won't get in your way, we swear! It's just- I feel like shit, y'know? I could've blinded him or- or distracted him, or SOMETHING! I won't freeze like last time!"

"The fuck are you talking about, Dia." That rainy day, where Billy was jumped by Aldurra. It almost felt like ages ago.

"C'mon, back me up here!" Desperate, the young gem turned to Spike, who clearly had no intention in doing so.

"Okay, hear me out: What if that guy is onto something?" No. Or… Was he? It was so conflicting. "Remember what Error said? He also thought Dave's merge went badly. And Error knows his shit! So maybe he does too!" Even through the refractions distorting Dia's expression, Billy could see it contort as Spike went on. "Look. All I'm saying is, this could finally be his chance to be fixed."

"… You're sick, dude." Was all Dia could say in response.

"Me?! I didn't hear you complaining back then!"

"Well yeah, 'cause I was too much of a scared little bitch to say anything! But I can speak for myself now, and that asshole is just scamming us, since, guess what? People can change."

"Regardless of Dave's condition," Billy brought up, hoping to dispel things before it got out of hand. "Experience has also shown me that 1 is untrustable. I will not allow him to proceed with this."

"Thank you. Holy shit." The young gem's relief was immense.

"But you're not going with me. Neither of you are. You will stay put, and that's final." His tone was only a little firm, but it was enough.

Soon, Billy was off. Luckily, 1 hadn't struck where his jetpack was, so he was able to fly as usual. Then, he got a call. From Dave.

He answered immediately. "Dave! Are you alright? He didn't hurt you, did he? I'm on my way to get you."

His partner's voice was shaky, holding back tears. "For once, I can't argue with that. He's locked me in a room somewhere, I couldn't- I couldn't focus on where we were going, I… Billy, I'm sorry. I didn't know, I really-…"

It broke his metaphorical heart, hearing him like this. "No, it's fine, don't worry. In actuality, it explains so much… Assuming he's right, obviously, but still."

"I- Call me crazy, but I'm starting to think he is, and it's. Terrifying. You know that 'inner voice' I sometimes mentioned? I don't think it was an inner voice. It's… It might be…"

"Tutor?"
"Tutor."

The realization was said at the same time. "I see."

"And if 1 separates us, good lord…" Dave paused to settle his nerves. "I- Well, Angry, me… I'll just be a wreck. Tutor might be, too - he's not used to… Doing things anymore. I-I hope I'm making sense here."

"You are, you are," Billy quickly replied, "No matter what's going on with you, I'm not going to allow 1 to do this. We can figure this out together, later, when you're ready to. And no matter what that brings, I'll be there, okay?" This time, he had to stop to collect himself.

"I love you, Dave. Every part of you, big and small. I love you."

He could hear Dave crying, but the well-made… Machine, for now, could tell that it was happy tears. "I love you too, Billy. All eighty pieces of you."

"Eighty?"

"Forty Tutors, forty Angries. Though, I realize that some of the Tutors were more like… A memory." His counterparts from 11 Years Later. Very true. Billy couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, that's right. Eighty, then."

" … What if something happens to you? What if he destroys you anyway?"

"If I don't make it, then…" Billy could only think of one thing. "You have my permission to repair me. Someone will save you."

More Info:

- It's important to note just how much 1 wants to believe in his entourage, and that if he gave Cell any reason to, he would be destroyed with ease
- Anyone who's read my Save The Game series may already understand what I mean by this. But for those who don't (or it's been forgotten, it's been a while), Cell can do everything M (Filename2/Null) is able to: telekinesis, code altering, intangibility, and more
- 1 specifically doesn't mention Dave being used by Viktor as a spy during the Dave Gathering, because he knows it won't help his case. By this point, it's assumed that Dave has realized that 1 has something to do with the loss of memory
- The pre-generating living quarters is my lingering answer to "but how does one school manage to comfortably house 132 Daves and their entourages?". 1's school may be big, but not that big. So this way, everyone can retreat to their own space and/or gather in each others'
- Players cannot enter them, as there's no code that allows them to. If they try, nothing happens. Trying to teleport to one of the characters through a friends list will result in an error
- 1's ensemble do not have pre-generated rooms. Those have always been built-in

- A while back, I decided to give Dave 46 a Sapphire, to further contrast with 77 and Ruby. His power is like a gorgon, only without the "turning to stone" part, and he can stop the paralysis at any time
- Does the mirror trick work? Yes
- One of my friends loves moose tracks. She may never read the story, but I wanted to use that here anyway. If by chance you're reading this, you know who you are!

- Dave 82… Well, he already is a wreck right now. Truly the emotional rollercoaster of all time
- Imagining that while Dia and Spike are having skirmishes, Dave just smiles and thinks "this is fine" is pretty funny to me
- Why didn't he FLOURISH? He couldn't stay calm. In both instances (ch 12 and 19-20), he was calm and not simply overcome in Anger
- For reference, no other Dave has an "inner voice". 82 is the only one

- Billy truly wasn't trying to be mean with the want vs need thing. Some people believe that they "need" their partner or that they "complete" them, but in his opinion, it's more important to be able to function independently and to know who you are. Therefore, he doesn't "need" a partner to be happy, but "wants" to be with Dave, ideally forever
- Also, he's doomed to be the shortest person in the group (168 cm / 5'6"). Dave and Denied are both 175 cm / 5'9", Viktor is 180 cm / 5'11", Dia is currently 190.5 cm / 6'3", Spike and both Baldis are 198 cm / 6'6", Aldurra is 213 cm / 7', and Erie is 280 cm / 9'2"
- I've read that Angell and Olivia are both 160 cm / 5'3", and I've decided that Sam is 165 cm / 5'5"… So I guess he's slightly taller than them. Hooray?
- Dave knows about the changes he made to his vessels, except for one, but his reason for holding off on revealing it is entirely benign
- And while he understands that he might be walking right into his doom, it's worth it to try. And worst case scenario, Dave finds out about the aforementioned change on his own
- This crisis of "robot? android? what am i?!" just made him realize that maybe he'd been using the wrong word all his life. But to be fair, it's easy to make that mistake (robots aren't typically made to resemble humans, but androids are)
- I had considered Dia and Spike going off to rescue Dave anyway, but it's been cut