Ask and Dare the Sanses (Reboot) 2: Let the Game Begin

A Glimpse of Hope

Dust is floating on a fishing boat, laying down and relaxing in the sun. The sky is clear, void of all clouds. The waved gently sway Dust in his boat, rocking back and forth. Buggy is not far off. He's in the scavenger book, picking up whatever scrap metal, plastic and other things as they float by. He seems to be humming peacefully.

Dust sits up and leans against the side of the boat, looking at Buggy. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah?" Buggy dumps a large piece of plastic into a net and glances at Dust.

"You seem unusually happy considering you're basically a prisoner. Why is that?"

"Well, there's no way I'm going to get anything done feeling defeated, so I might as well just accept it. I'd rather be on everyone's good side."

"Fair enough." Dust scans over the raft in the distance. "What about Twilight?"

Buggy sighs. "I don't think he's going to be as cooperative."

A portal suddenly opens above the ocean nearby. A large wooden box, big enough to carry an elephant, falls into the ocean. Buggy and Dust exchange a glance and begin paddling towards the box.

Dust finds a note tied to the top of the box.

Dear strange magical skeletons,

I would like to properly apologise for everything Friendly has done to you and anyone close to you. I am currently working on repairing the damage done by her. It is extensive and it may take a long time. I admit, I should have stepped in sooner.

I will begin by giving back the lives she has taken away. Take care of them. Keep them safe. They will wake up when they have been made whole again.

Sincerely, Goldenroach.

Dust raises a bonebrow. "Huh... It's from that gold cat."

"Want me to open the box?" Buggy asked, holding up a crowbar.

"Yeah."

Buggy uses the crowbar to lever open the lid of the box. The two peer into the box. Dust's eye sockets widen.

Inside the box are the bodies of Blueberry, Error, Dream and Reaper...