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Chapter Text

Dawn was always a perfect moment and metaphor to Wilbur Soot, to begin and become. Golden and raw in the cold mornings, holy and universal in story or song. He loved those moments now more than ever; when the mountains that shadow the simple valley he lived in turned to silhouettes and that burning, burning sun covered his house in warm orange light.

Golden and safe.

That’s how he starts his days now, quietly waking up and living with the peace he found, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

His home was modest and his land was a simple farm for produce and animals, just . . . normal. Average and unassuming to anyone passing by. Wilbur was very proud of that fact, nobody would look for him here. Nobody would find him here. The natural meeting of plains and river biomes created a perfect valley for Wilbur and his little family. The village, a few chunks away, was where he sold his minor harvests and hunted animal skins to provide a small but stable income. Which was frankly impressive with the two boys running around the oak and birch cabin he built from the ground up.

“I’m gonna catch you Tommy!” Fox ears and tail flick as a boy around 7 yipped. Quickly changing from jogging to huge jumps, all to playfully try and catch the blond boy.

“No you won’t!” The other child screeched as he made another quick dash around a grassy yard.

Wilbur sat on the porch steps watching the boys play while he strummed at his guitar. The one remaining thing of his many lives, both old and new. He leaned back a bit, allowing himself to hunch and settle, mindlessly set to the task of playing chords or rhythms. It was a day to relax, which let him and the boys just do what they wanted after the busy harvest season. The summer came to an end and winter didn’t need to be prepared for yet, like every year since he moved to this peaceful valley.

A certain safety he had almost forgotten.

“Be careful you two!” He shouted as the boys screamed in joy. Wilbur smiled at the children running around the front yard, softly laughing when one or both recovered from a slight stumble. He was tense despite trying to relax, he just couldn’t get comfortable. Like a pebble in your shoe that you never manage to shake out, or when you just sit and think too long. Another thing he was used to, guess it was an off day.

Wilbur doesn’t think about how it almost always is an off day.

“Okay dad.” Fundy rolled his eyes but quickly went back to smiling and playing with his younger brother. Will knows he’ll be careful.

Gods, he looks just like her. Will tries to shove that thought down as it boils and hollows his heart. The heat that remains bitter and burning as he thinks of his . . . ex-wife? They never really got a divorce, did they? It’s more like she thinks they’re dead and he has no intention of looking for her. Ever. Now he sees her in his eldest son. The smile that graces Fundy’s face, his orange hair so unnaturally fire bright, and of course his laugh. He sounds like her too.

He goes back to play his guitar, hoping and even praying for his mind to stop wandering to where these thoughts always go. Home and how he left it all over something stupid and childish because he’s always been immature and stupid and-

It doesn't matter.

He needs to . . . do something. He needs to prepare for winter. Yeah, he should do that. Wilbur could start thinking about it now even if the first snow wouldn’t fall for another three months and he didn’t have to prepare until next week or so. But he needed new coats for the boys and himself, heavy ones that would keep them warm but nothing that could suffocate. Like the capes he once wore in his youth.

Those capes were so stupid. Wilbur snorted and cringed at himself imagining the white fur cloak that swallowed him and his awkward teenage frame. The one his dad made him wear every chance he could, too look strong or whatever. Wilbur feels like he probably looked more like a drowned and angry cat in every meeting because of that coat. How was I ever a prince?

He’ll never admit it, even on his off days, but he misses that coat. He’ll miss the bitter cold that was made warm by his home. His old home that was far, far away from him and his sons. It hasn’t been home since he left. Since he was a teenager.

Since he betrayed them.

Since he heard his father and . . . Whatever Technoblade was to Will, ignored him in favor of their global game of “Chess meets Monopoly” in the form of meetings and battle.

“For you Phil, the world.”

Will remembers hearing that phrase on a summer day where the sun never truly set. It just hung low in the sky despite being close to midnight. That’s what he misses most about his old home, the endless two month summer in the tundra. As the season never changes but the sky always does. Purples and pinks stretching across the snowy hills and iced walls that enclose their brilliant Capital as the sky held its yellow hue.

Maybe that’s why he loves his golden valley. The sun still shines that warmth even if Will doesn’t need to focus as hard to feel it anymore.

“Prince William” watched as his father and Techno stood shadowed in their moment. Technoblade, the Blood God, towering over what felt like the world in that moment as he glanced with fierce care at the sight before them. Gold jewelry and blue fabric draped over the large piglin hybrid as he looked on towards his Empire that blazed. The Empire they built and conquered with their own hands. He turned to meet the eyes of the man next to him, looking down because the god stood a full two heads taller than his counterpart, the only one to ever be his equal.

Will’s father, Philza Craft, the Angel of Death, smiling so widely at the tone and words of his fellow immortal. Hearing the soft “Aw, mate.” As his father gently laughed. Obsidian wings fluffed up as they flapped lightly, joy in every movement as he hugged his friend, Techno stiff but not unwelcoming to the touch as the pig bent down to meet the blond man that barely came up to his chest.

The soft laughter as his father poked fun at Techno’s behavior. The sun was blocked by the pair but the golden hue lit them up like a bond fire. A strange beauty that made you feel safe on a cold night, but knowing how dangerous it could be if unleashed. Despite the power they radiated, it was soft. Awkward as fuck, especially with Techno involved, but there was love and understanding.

Golden and safe.

William froze at that moment. The 12 year old boy hidden by the quartz pillars of the archway, watching a warm moment unfold between his father and the only man that stood to be his equal.

All Will could think was his father could never love him like that. That openly, that raw and honest.

It was childish to think like that, it was stupid and he knows that now. Having sons of his own he knew his father loved him differently to Techno but it stung they could never be open like that. He still resents the blond man for that if he’s honest.

Maybe that’s what made it all go down hill? Wilbur plays a crunched chord on his guitar as he sadly ponders the mistakes. Wrapping every moment in a neat box to over analyze and criticize at his immaturity. Becoming more and more frustrated as he strummed the guitar harder. Being a stupid child that threw a tantrum cause daddy didn’t love you-

“Papa!” Wilbur quickly looked up at the 4 year old blond in front of him, brows furrowed and lip slightly pouty as he stood with his hand fidgeting at his shirt. Blue eyes sad, which made Wilbur sit up straight in concern for his youngest. “Fundy’s bein’ mean!”

“Am not!” The red headed fox hybrid ran over quickly. Tail wagging lazily. “We are playin’! That’s how you play!”

“You still bein’ mean!” Tommy yelled but Will saw the wide smile that started to bloom across his face, proudly showing off the missing tooth, like this was another game. Will let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, realizing his sons were still playing and nothing was wrong. It was a game. So he might as well play with his sons.

“How was Fundy being mean, Sunshine?” Fundy looked beyond betrayed at his father while the younger grinned even wider.

“He catched me!” He said pointing at the fox hybrid, missing the smirk of the older boy. Wilbur noticed and gave a returned smirk to the older boy.

“Oh? He did?” Fundy slowly crept behind Tommy, Wilbur tried to smother the smile that started to grow in recognition of mischief. “And how did he do that?”

“Like this!” Fundy quickly grabbed Tommy and lifted him off the ground. The blond boy squealed in joy and laughed loudly as his brother slightly spun him around. “I caught Tommy fair ‘n square Dad!”

“NO! NO! He’s bein’ mean papa!” Tommy said between fits of giggles. “Help!”

“Oh? Well I must help you then.” Wilbur said as he placed his guitar down and then quickly rushed to pick both boys up. Swinging them around slightly and grinned at the screams he received. “I’ve got you both now!”

The trio spun around, laughter and forehead kisses from Wilbur as the boys both said ‘ew, dad stop’. He didn’t and continued until they were all out of breath and sat down on the grass. Smiles bright and faint giggles echoing in Will’s head. Pure joy.

Wilbur may have a lot of regrets, for loving her and for betraying his family, but he wouldn’t trade this moment for the world.

It was all he had, and that was all he needed.

Chapter Text

The repetitive motion of raising the ax above his head to chop the wood was relaxing for Wilbur. Despite the cold weather, the way his glasses fogged up, and the constant ache in his shoulders after almost half an hour of chopping, he found it calming. Simple and easy to focus on while still keeping an eye on the boys playing in the snow. They both had finished their easy chores so it wasn’t too bad of them to be playing in the fresh snow. 

The luxury of being a kid was something he was never afforded.

Will remembers the castle and all it’s requirements that came with being a prince. He hated every moment as a child because he wasn’t allowed to play with anything until he finished all his studying, and he couldn’t go outside without at least 5 guards following him at all times. His father was always weirdly stressed about that. 

Oh what joy to have a mortal son despite being immortal yourself. He thinks sarcastically, placing the next log to be cut. 

Wilbur thinks he’s mortal, he doesn’t really know if his mother was immortal or not but it doesn’t matter. He still would’ve been handled like glass even if there was proof he couldn’t die, or at least not easily.

He swings down, getting the ax about half way through the log. He huffs, trying not to think about all the rules he had to follow at the castle as he pulled the ax out and set the log again. ‘Don’t do this Wilbur, you need to be careful’ was a phrase constantly heard in his childhood. Despite being a prince he thought it unfair that he couldn’t do a lot of things. His father was relatively strict about a lot of things.

The log split in two. 

Not to mention his father and Techno stopped playing with him after he turned 8, he was too old or they were too busy to play with him or whatever the excuse was. It had hurt but he understood that his father had important business discussing trade routes and Techno needed to have a strategy meeting with his generals. 

He cleanly chops the halves into fourths.

Will understood, that didn’t mean he liked it. Even with all the privileges that came with being the prince of the Antarctic Empire he hated the endless eyes that watched his every move while being ignored by the people he wanted attention from.

He places the next log.

It was a good home in the end. No nation could ever hope to match the might of The Antarctic Empire. A global superpower that had territories on every major continent and a chokehold on most trade routes, flooding markets with rarities that could only ever form on the frozen lands around its Capital. A beacon of power for all to fear. Maybe that’s why she came to his home, she wanted that power and didn’t care how she got it.

He gets the log in one try this time.

The outfit of light blue fabrics and furs were standard for a court session on Prince William Craft of the Antarctic Empire. His given name that he no longer uses in fear of his family finding him, but the one he could never fully abandon. The large and white fur coat and cape combo that broadened his shoulders and looked thick enough to set him ablaze sat around his neck. Weighed down by detailed golden clasps and chains, a simple but formal look that he wore almost daily.

He might as well have been wearing literal chains with how the meetings were going that day. 

Will only sat awkwardly as any 17 year old would, the furs gave the illusion of strength but he knew he was basically a gangly teen. Tall and sitting straight just off to the right of his father and Techno, it was painfully obvious that he wasn’t really paying attention and was mostly there for show. Not that there was much to show off. Again, a very gangly teen. He had some muscle from trainings with Techno, a fact he was kinda proud of, but Will feared he just looked stupid being on display before a good 40 people.

Court meetings were held with the people often, usually every other day, to address issues around the capital that only the Emperors could handle. The current session was Monday’s court of the Higher ranking nobles discussing issues with supply chains they oversaw and minor issues with how their trade deals were going. Will faintly recalls that the man you stood before them was discussing recent run-ins with thieves at sea during the trades with the territories. He remembers glancing around as his father nodded along.

“Thank you for informing us of this, Mr. Valdemar. We’ll look-”

The giant spruce doors slammed open as a party of 15 people walked in. She led them in.

Silver guards rushed to surround the intruding group, holding spears and swords. The group walked confidently up to the center of the room where the guards forced them to stop by poking at their throats. Murmurs and panicked whispers of the court started to grow in volume at the group before them. Laughter was heard from a few of the men in the group and playful quips disguising insults were thrown at the guards. Despite every interesting moment all William could focus on was her . Forever the sight of her etched into his mind, like a candle by his bed during the dark winters.

Wilbur Soot can never forget this moment, the moment that changed his life.

“Pardon me your majesties, I’ve come a long way and my patience has run a tiny bit thin. Withered away by your frozen sea air. A beautiful reminder of what your empire is.” The woman with fiery red hair spoke, smiling wide and exaggerating a bow. Quickly rising to meet the gaze of the Emperors with a wide smile. “I’ve come at the behest of myself and my crew and I hope you will be intrigued by what I have to offer.”

From the outfit alone William could tell she was a pirate, or at least liked to dress as one. White poet’s shirt, black coat, blood red and white sash wrapping around her hips, the golden jewelry that hung off her, and the sword that hung loosely from her side. The people behind her were similarly dressed. They looked like a fabled pirate group, the only difference being some dressed in warm coats and tricorn hats compared to the confidence in simplicity of the woman before them.

Will took a break from staring in awe and aghast to spare a glance toward the Emperors. Safe to say his father wasn’t impressed with her or her crude attempt at flattery. Philza never really was impressed by things, Will knew this growing up trying to grab the man’s attention, and this woman would be no different. Techno looked ready to break something, and probably got a growing headache from the Voices complaining and screaming in his head. No one looked happy about this turn of events.

However, at this moment, William was impressed. He had never heard anyone outwardly speak like that to his father and Techno before and it caught his attention. That red hair that seemed to be aflame a top her head and what he could now see were sea green eyes that sparkled warmly between deep waters and shining emeralds. She was also tanned and a little sunburnt, a splash of freckles on her face as well. White scars across her eyebrow and neck, striking a frame of total confidence despite the men she stood before. She was hard not to pay attention to, like every movement screamed ‘This is important so look here.’ Will only blushed and ducked his head when she caught him staring.

(Sally)

He never forgot the smile she sent his way.

“Your flattery doesn’t pardon you for interrupting my court.” His father wasn’t one to outwardly show his emotions on his face, preferring polite smiles and cutting words, but in this moment he was annoyed at being interrupted. At being undermined in front of his higher court. “You seem to find that funny.”

“Never your majesty,” The smile she wore said otherwise. “I sent a letter beforehand to announce my arrival. It explains why I’m here and who I-”

“We’re aware of who you are.” Now Techno spoke, not as angry as Will thought but definitely upset with what was making Phil upset. “Sally Soot, ‘The Salmon’ I think is your title. Quite accomplished for anyone your age and I know that you think we’re . . . similar employers, like the ones you’ve had before. Your letter was received and as we wrote back we have no need for a privateer.”

Oh, so she is a privateer not a pirate. Will went back to staring at her red hair. He couldn’t help but think how beautiful she was. Already remembering some poem or another about red hair and embers. She’s really pretty.

“I believe you are correct, your majesty, but I received no letter from you.” The woman- Sally, now standing from her exaggerated bow and maintained eye contact with the men before her. “I have waited a week along the shore with no word from you so I wanted to appeal to you in person. I believe myself invaluable to you and your glorious empire and wish to offer-”

“As the Emperor has said , we do not seek your services.” Oh, now his father was mad. The blond man stood with his wings flared out, obsidian feathers starting to grow and ruffle in irritation. Some bird instinct to be more intimidating. Will saw the sneer that was starting to grow on his fathers face. Ice blue eyes sharp as he stared down at the woman before them. “If you truly wish to be useful you will leave this moment, you’ve only proven your impatience and how rude you are. I don't want to waste time with you.”

His father leaned slightly forward as his wings were spread further, hissing low chirps that had everyone very aware of who this woman was insulting. 

“We will not dismiss you again, child .”

Will was rarely afraid in his life. However, at this moment, a shiver ran cold down his spine despite the warm furs. He felt the collective breath everyone took in fear, reminded that the man who loomed over them was The Angel of Death. A man that has conquered the majority of the world on a whim . Yet Sally stood strong, the only break in her facade was a shaky breath before she bowed her head.

“Your majesty, I fail to see my usefulness in that. But, I understand why my appearance has offended you so, my sincere apologies for that.” She kneeled on the ground now, her people doing the same. With her head bowed her eyes were hidden again. Will found that fact disappointing. He quickly shook the thought from his head. “I ask only that you let me stay until I can hold an appropriate meeting with you. I beg for you to understand why I must barge in as I am on a time sensitive matter, one that requires your aid.”

“And what ‘matter’ is that?” Techno now huffed. The piglin leaning back in his chair, a polar opposite in energy to his equal. William could still tell that there was a headache that formed for the man though as he reached to rest his hand on his forehead. “I fail to see why it’s so interestin’ that you had to barge in like this.”

“One of grave importance. That affects the lives of citizens under your care, majesties.” Sally lifted her head. Meeting the Emperor’s eyes with an expression of desperation and slight fear, Wilbur was lost once more in studying those eyes.

The blond man stayed standing and his glare increased at the woman before him. Less annoyed now and more exhausted at the privateer. The elytrian quickly turned to the piglin hybrid behind him. Techno and Phil looked at one another, irritated but slightly amused, tilted heads and raised eyebrows saying all that needed to be said. 

Will tried to not let that sting his heart. 

With a shrug from Techno and a sigh from Phil, he waved for them to stand.

“You may stay for the public court in two weeks, you can present yourself then. I expect you to hold yourself and your crew at a better standard than you did today. Your crew may have rooms in the guest corridor of the palace. However, one mistake and you’re gone before you can say a word, is that agreeable?” Clearly it was not a question, but William saw the quirked smile on Sally’s face as she stood.

“Yes of course your majesty, I shall see you in court soon.” She spared a glance at Will, making him flush again at the smile on her lips.

They left quickly after that and Will could only think of her, waiting for her to return. Her red hair, her smile, her voice, just . . . anything. Distracting him most of the time if he was honest. Barely being able to focus on his lessons or on his magic studies, he could only think of her .

“Is this seat taken?” William jumped at the new voice, jaw dropping when he realized it was Sally. Leaning against a bookcase with her arms crossed, casual and confident. “You seem a tad lonely back here, Prince William.”

“Uh- no, well I- yes, you can- that is-” Will sat there floundering for a moment at the woman he realized he had only seen for the first time only a day before. After another moment of stuttering he took a breath and gestured at the seat across from him. Cheeks red and darkening at the bright giggle she gave him.

He tried to focus back on the book he was reading but he caught himself watching her slowly move over to the wooden chair from across the window seat that Will sat at now. Sally sat, leaning back and moving her hair behind her shoulder, all he could do was follow the movement.

“I heard you were a wordsmith, your highness. A mind of academics as it were, no?” The woman smiled widely with her teeth, confident and crooked. Like she was holding back a laugh. 

“I am, my lady.” Will said rushed as he glanced away embarrassed at his actions.

“‘My lady?’ Well you’re quite the charmer aren’t you?”

“No!” Will blushed and waved his hand. Quickly trying to school his features and remembering the lessons in edicate that were forced upon him as a child. “I am simply affording you the respect that is deserved for someone of your reputation.”

“Oh? What reputation does the charming, wordsmith prince know of?” Sally leaned forward with her chin resting on her hand, a grin still present on her face that seemed confident and relaxed. Teasing in tone but he didn’t mind.

“The known information?” Will tilted his head in confusion at her words, but after receiving a nod he cleared throat and began to recite all that he knew from the Emporers after yesterday's court. Choosing to leave out the stern warnings they gave.

“Well, your name is Sally Soot. A fierce privateer from the Northern Continent, you have a reputation even at the age of 22, earning the name “The Salmon'' by your rather insane luck of surviving storms like a fish traveling upstream. Working for various kingdoms and territories, three within the past year, I believe. Most things that travel far and wide about you are rumors but that is all the confirmed information.”

“Yes, yes, quite the overview. Well done.” She switched to leaning back and crossing her legs. Will flushed at the smirk she gave him. “What of you, Prince William?”

“Sorry?”

“What does this man before me do?” She glanced at him up and down, a smile still on her face. “There must be great stories about you saving princesses from evil wizards, no?”

“I really have nothing to discuss. My father doesn’t let me leave the castle much so I haven’t done a lot with my life like you.” Will shrugs as he goes back to looking at the cover of his book, tracing the golden lettering of the title. Some study or another of modified potions. “I’m quite boring.”

“Nonsense.” Sally says, shifting to lean forward slightly. Raising the hand that wasn’t resting on the back of her chair to give a finger gun at Will. “I see you as you are, your highness.”

“Which is?” He glanced slightly up through his brown curls. Searching for her genuine thoughts. An ounce of honesty after the years of flowered flattery that string along any court conversation. Something simple.

Maybe Will shouldn’t have asked the question because her answer sealed his fate. Maybe. He is never sure when he thinks about this moment in particular. He remembers this exact moment so vividly he can’t help but call it “the beginning of the end”.

She smiled, slightly laughing, shifting so her legs were uncrossed and both of her arms now resting on the sides of the chair. Hair moving as she tilted her head to the left, her blue-green eyes completely clear as she gave the answer.

“A man who loves that which he’s never seen. A scholar of wonder.”

Her words weren’t significant or profound, but how she said it. The way she said it so calmly and so nicely, because she meant it, made Will fall hard and fall fast. Because at that moment, he felt seen . 

How dangerous it is to be in love with the sea. He muses as they continue to talk, late into the afternoon when the sun sets, the moment where everything becomes softened by dying sunlight and added candle light. They were now seated on the same bench together, slightly faced away from one another and close to the other's sides, looming over a new novel Will had grabbed from the shelf. His eyes kept finding her smile when she laughed, or her eyes as she read aloud, or her hair as the sun slipped past a clear part in the stained glass window. To be watchful of every moment on the horizon, but that wild sight is ever so freeing.

He remembers seeing her around the castle a lot after that, whether he looked for her or she looked for him Will never cared. He saw someone that made his day just a little bit better, just a 5 minute chat or a longer meeting in the library. Letters were ushered back and forth between them as well, during those quicker meetings or William asked Niki to take them to her as well. The baker in training had been his only constant friend in the castle for what felt like his whole life.

Will wishes he saw Niki’s looks of pity weren’t out of sadness, but instead a sigh of relief so bittersweet she looked pained. She didn’t love him, that much he knew, but the reputation of Sally was one to be feared. The tentative trial of how she would present herself on Friday only added to the apprehension of the entire Capital. 

Passing the Emperor’s scrutiny as Will coached her through what his father was looking for and what Techno wouldn’t be bothered by.

“Your father has a sword up his ass, Will.” Sally said glaring at the list he gave her of all the things he knows of his father’s rules. The comment combined with the familiar nickname had Will blushing and choking on a startled laugh. “No other person seeks such an arbitrary set of rules for order.”

“It’s worked for him.” He gives a shrug and turns to the next page of the book he’s taking notes from. “He’s ruled this land for a few centuries now, why fix it if it isn’t broken?”

“ Simplicity .” Sally glares at the papers like it personally insulted her.

“You’ll do fine tomorrow, I promise.” Will gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to his book.

“Yes, I know. Oh, by the way,” Sally grabbed his hand and turned it to place a simple black box in his palm. “Happy early birthday, William.”

Oh, right he will be 18 next week. Finally an adult, only to be crowned crown prince in a few months time. Wait-

“Why are you giving this to me now?” Sally shrugged.

“Just incase, I guess.” Her tone was calm but the sadness persisted in her gaze as she stared at the box. “I don't want to miss your birthday if I get cast aside.”

“You won’t .” Will reached out for her hand, resulting in her meeting his desperate gaze. “You’ll do great, you can charm them I promise. You’re beautiful and accomplished and-”

“Will.” Her smile was back to being blinding. She brushed her hand a little farther up his arm and sighed after Will clicked his jaw shut. “You're sweet, calm down. I know I’ll be fine, I’m just complaining. Now open your present.”

When he picked up the little black box to inspect it he realized it was about the same size as a jewelry box. Upon opening it he was met with a pair of ruby earrings, simple silver allowing the teardrops to hang slightly. 

He told her thanks, helping her with any other questions she had. Trying not to let the thought of the jewelry flush his face more than it already did.

And she passed.

Will never cared for that though. He wrote those letters and even some poems to her because he fell for her, and he grows to regret it everyday. 

He doesn’t know if it was worth loving her, he doesn’t know if listening to his father and friends would have changed the path he was on. The dirt road he seemed to dent with his footsteps as he repeated the same choices no matter how he struggled, because he kept walking the same path over and over again. 

He wonders if this is divine karma, for betrayal and continuing to make mistake after mistake. Remembering the faces that reflected heartbreak and anger at his choices. Like he was twisting the knife he put there.

Would forgiveness ever be enough to repair the burnt bridges and heal the broken hearts?

Wilbur jumped as a snowball hit the back of his neck. Glasses messed up at the impact, fixing them to look at the kids only to see them both giggling and pointing at the other. Similar calls of ‘he did it’ had Wilbur holding back a smirk.

“If no one is gonna own up to it . . .” The brunet slowly bent down and gathered a loose snowball, the kids also stopped laughing and tensed at the motion. Smiles still prominent but now ready for what Wilbur would do next. “That means war boys!”

They chased each other around the yard, taking breaks from throwing snowballs to building mini forts for protection. Laughter and joy warming the cold day. The afternoon was wasted in the spirit of childhood fun, Wilbur laughing as one of the boys hit the other directly in the face when they stopped to build snowmen. The man tried to forget similar scenes from his own youth; when his father and companion would play-fight with him in the frozen tundra, devolving into wrestling and cries of joy before being interrupted by some guard telling them about a meeting or another. Which was fine. He had this moment to replace the bitterness of the past. 

He was the happiest he had been in awhile. That’s all that mattered.

This was all he wanted and all he needed.

Chapter Text

The cart rattled along the damp road as the first signs of spring brushed across the path home. Small daffodils and tulips bloomed on the grass, wet still from early morning rain, but the road was less muddy than when they arrived at the village which was better for rolling the cart back. Tommy, in all of his sincerity to be helpful, had insisted on naming the chestnut horse Blaze after the mob in the books on the shelf he read, and she moved steadily down the path.

After leaving the village with more tools for building and crafting, plus a few new toys for the boys, the walk back to the house was relatively calm. Willbur walked next to Blaze as the boys pointed out random shapes in the clouds from the back of the cart, both to rest and to make sure nothing fell from the back. Will smiled at the exclamations of excitement when they found new shapes.

Wilbur glanced at the approaching signs of forest, squinting slightly as his glasses were old and he needed to get them replaced soon, and the small path that was barely visible between the tall oaks. They were about halfway home and only had to move down a small hill to reach their quiet valley. He turned to look at the boys in the back, Fundy turned 8 last week and Tommy would be 5 in just over a month. It brought a sad smile to Wilbur’s face thinking about it, how his boys would be adults before he could blink. So he laughed slightly to himself, trying to shake that stuttering feeling, turning once more to call to the boys.

“We’re almost home. Are you not gonna race?” The two quickly turned and then launched themselves from the back of the cart, Will too late to fully pull it to a stop so they could dismount safely. He sighed fondly, both boys lined up just beside Blaze. “Remember the rules?”

“To the shity tree and then to the edge trees.” Fundy recited, Tommy giggling at his use of the word “shity”. “Count us down dad!”

Wilbur sighed, this time in exasperation, and walked slightly ahead of the small group. He raised his hand up above his head as the boys got into a racing position. 

“3.” The boys got lower to the ground, sticking their tongues out at the other. Wilbur smiled at them both for it.

“2.” Will pulled his arm back a bit higher and watched the growing determination on each boy’s face grow. Will added an extra second of suspense just to watch the boys make small false starts.

“1 GO!” Startled a bit, his sons were only delayed a second before they ran forward.

The boys began racing, Fundy slightly slipping on a more muddy patch than his brother. Wilbur slightly laughed at himself as he thought about how paranoid he got the first time they ran and he lost sight of them. Safe to say he got a bit better.

He ignores the reminder of nightmares that consume his soul with memories of fire and the enemies he’s made.

Wilbur walked to the back of the cart to push some things around and lift the back of the cart up to lock things in place. He sees the boys disappear into the woods down the path. Finally moving the cart and horse down the path, knowing he’ll reach the edge of the forest before the boys, just in time to judge the winner.

Walking down the road reminds him of the parade of supplies that always got pulled into the castle during grand events. The major one of the Antarctic Empire was always the summer festivals, the largest one held during what would traditionally be the summer solstice, the only time the castle was open to all peoples of every nation. 

The Tempes Solem festival was created after the first 20 years of the empire, a way to unite the people during the time of bounty and rare warmth. It was the 565th festival when William had asked Sally if she would come, still stumbling and shy around the woman he realized he had fallen for. Safe to say he almost fainted with relief when she gave her flirty affirmative. 

“Only if I can dance with you, Will.” The confident smile, her blinding brilliance made him fall ten times harder. “See you then darling.”

The whole situation with Sally’s information had been cleared up almost 8 months ago, when she revealed it was important to national security.

Sally met them all in a grand war room just off of the main palace corridors, generals and important figure heads all gathered to discuss their options regarding the information. While William, the prince of this Empire, sat quietly near the back with other minor officials. 

Only to be seen as loyal, never to raise a finger to help. 

“As you know, Gents,” Sally stood confidently at the center of the rectangular table, bright light from chandeliers and various candles along the table making her glow. Will found himself at rapt attention wanting to look his best for the woman that could command a sea to calm. “The Empire is one of the strongest military forces on the planet. I have information that could challenge that idea.”

She reached to her side and pulled out various papers that she passed along the table to the Emperors, gesturing once more for the staff to lay a world map out on the table. Once the papers were glanced at by the Phil and Technoblade, sharing a glance, she continued now pointing towards the map.

“My last employer was Prince Jason of Argos, specifically I was hired by Lady Hera who was the elected Regent as Jason is deemed to . . . impulsive to rule.” She pointed to a small cluster of islands that sat just to the bottom right of the Northern Continent of Overworld.

Overworld was made up of several continents, the Antarctic being the largest which sat at the very bottom of the map, that were controlled by many city-states or kingdoms. Some of the newer ones, specifically small communities that had gained independence, had recently instilled more democratic republics with Presidents. SInce the continents were governed by so many different cultures and people there was no single name for each continent, collectively when speaking about the world you refer to the cardinal directions when indicating which area you talked about.

The Northern Continent, the Antarctic called Europa, sat at the center of the map and took up a majority of the northern hemisphere's sea. The East continent and Southeast continent, Oriental and Aistra respectively, were fused together in a diagonal with the Southeast taking up a larger portion of the world. Aistra sitting almost perfectly centered to the equator, surrounded by large islands and archipelagos with a few that even sat at the halfway point between there and the Empire. The final continents formed an odd shape not too dissimilar to an elongated yin yang, the West continent was an odd place to say the least. Amerin, as they called it, was a vast and wild place of almost every biome imaginable that stretched from the north to the south, actually the closest landmass to the Empire. 

Safe to say, everyone was curious as to where this was going to go, and how a country almost 10,000 miles away could impact the Empire. 

“Argos is one of the smaller countries, yes, but its exports and access to major trade routes tax free made it a target.” Sally moved her hand to be over the eastern equator of Amerin, stopping over where the kingdom of Esempi resided, the largest and most powerful country in the West Continent. “King Dream, the acting ruler for less than a year now, has slowly implemented spies within every major country of the Western Continent and a few within the Northern Continent.”

Grabbing a few red and yellow pins a servant left next to her she started to place them along the map at each capital of the country. Red pins in the majority of the northern parts of the West Continent and a few yellow in the south and the Northern Continent. 

Only a red pin remained in her hand.

“This is the most current information I was able to gain on the situation before I was asked to leave by Lady Hera,” Sally stood proudly but looked sadly as she placed the pin on Argos. “Yellow pins mean they have plans to expand to those states next, red means a spy has been planted and has infiltrated the main castle. This information is as current as five months ago.”

William watched as the room began muttering amongst themselves, Techno shifting slightly forward to examine the map while Phil read the papers with an air of calm. Frantically reading lines and looked again at the seals stamped along the top of the pages. 

“My contacts recently reappeared with more information, good and bad news, your majesties. Pick your poison.” Sally again turned toward the front of the table, all eyes in the room quickly doing the same. 

“Good news if you are so inclined.” Will’s father didn’t look up from the papers as he spoke, brow further pulled down in concentration as Techno continued to study the map. “Based on these I doubt how good it could get.”

“Depends, Emperor Philza, I personally think having two spies of our own seems pretty good to me.” Sally smirked, Will shivered at the sharp cold that flashed in her eyes, as she grabbed two blue pins from the pin pile. Making quick eye-contact with William, smirk turning softer but still a fierce smile. “A personal member of my crew and a soldier from Argos.”

She placed a blue pin in the country of Fable, the country west of Esempi, and another within the country itself. Now everyone sat up and began to talk more excitedly at this information. The captain stood proudly at her work and faced the whole room now.

“The soldier from Argos is a man by the name of Heracles, Son of Lady Hera, my personal crew member is a woman by the name of Puffy. Heracles is in Fable and Puffy is in the den of the beast. I can vouch for Puffy as a loyal and capable spy, she hasn’t missed a single rondevu and Heracles was personally credited by Lady Hera, someone I completely trust the judgment of-”

“Okay, bad news or are you goin’ to stand there talkin’.” Techno looked up from the map to make eye-contact with Sally before standing up to stand across from her. “Something like this isn’t to bad, spies infiltrate and are caught and tortured everyother day in this world. A kingdom havin' a couple more than average is no cause for panic, so what makes this so bad-”

Techno leaned on the table, slightly flashing his tusks while he maintained his intimidating height, grabbing a few white pins himself and placing them without looking on each continent where they held territory or allyships. 

The yellow pins are nowhere even close to them.

“That you had to come here?”

The room became deathly still. Generals at attention, servants hidden by shadows, Philza stopped reading to glance up at the change in atmosphere. Not even a breath was heard as the wood creaked under the weight of Techno and his words. 

Sally didn’t move an inch.

“You’re right.” Sally said, taking a slight step back to glance at the map once more. “The bad news is more detailed in this letter.” She pulled an envelope from her inner coat pocket.

The seal of Esempi placed on the open flap.

“A declaration of war, nothing new as you said, the difference this time being it’s the draft of the letter to be sent to Argos in almost 3 months from now. Also detailing other plans inside.” Techno remained unimpressed as she passed the letters for him to read, grabbing his glasses off of his shirt. “For the general viewing audience, it is a plan of attack for the eventual capture of the entire Western Continent via black mail and assassinations. At the last page is a general war declaration, to be signed and sent to every major player in the global game.”

Sally took a breath before straightening once more to face Philza as he finished looking over the papers, Techno doing the same and nodded towards the man. 

“The eventual plan being to attack your Empire by the end of the summer seasons.”

Will gave a little laugh at that. Not realizing how loud the sound would be, now all eyes were on him.

“Somethin’ funny William?” Techno gave an unimpressed look as Philza glanced back at the papers.

“I mean, a little?” He doesn’t know how confident he sounded as he tried to simultaneously shrink back in his chair and hold his head high. As a prince should. “Their plan is to attack at the end of a season that is known for being our best trade and travel season? It’s a little counterproductive when they should attack at the beginning of summer or even our territories during winter when we can’t travel as quickly to aid or even trade in the first place.”

“As glad as I am that you know the value of our home, you forget the value that we share with the rest of the world.” Now Will’s father stood from his chair to examine the map by standing next to Sally. “When our trade season is done the exports sit at our territories outside of our continent for a bit while merchants plan the best delivery routes. If we are attacked at that time, trade routes are exposed and merchants can’t return or are forced to get rid of their goods as soon as possible so they can sell weapons, food, and clothes. Anything useful in war. While our own economy benefits from weapons production, valuable items become a commodity and reduce prices which prevents us from cushioning our economy. Which leads to global inflation when we finally start production again.”

Phil finally looks at his son, Will thinks he sees disappointment and even sadness in his eyes, sighing once and then placing his hands on the table as well.

“It’s not just about us. If the information is correct, it’s about global conquest on multiple levels, mate. Starting with us and ending with a green fuck ‘King of the World’.”

“‘There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare’, William.” Techno spoke, quoting Sun Tzu as he fidgeted with a few pins. Making eye contact now as he handed the papers to Philza. “By the time the war reaches every continent, if it gets to that point, the inflated economy will have put a strain on production. Recession is the only end for smaller countries, which make them easier to control after victory. Larger global powers could survive but will probably be forced to pay their way to any form of independence. Which is the only way Esempi could ever bounce back from the challenge of global conquest.”

Techno sighed after his long explanation. Taking off his glasses to pinch his nose bridge, then glancing once at Phil to confirm he read the letter as well. Fully facing William now, he softened slightly as he placed a hand on his head to ruffle brown curls.

“You’re not wrong William, you just didn’t complete the puzzle.” 

Will ducked his head, tuning out most of the conversation after that, only catching a part or two about how the spies' most recent information revealed that Dream has already started a war with his neighboring countries; L’Manburg, Badlands, and Las Nevadas to be specific, and looks like he will win within the month.

Safe to say it looked like his father and Techno get to play their little war games once more.

By the end of the month the armies were moved out for the territories and, as always, William was left alone as acting ruler. At least this time he was 18 and could be allowed to rule without the advisors constantly having to approve his decisions. 

The war barely lasted five months.

When they returned he received a short hug from his father and a pat on the shoulder from Techno. 

At least this time he had Sally to talk to. 

She was always around somehow, even when she had to leave she made time to say goodbye properly, but now she got to stay a lot after being officially hired as a privateer. The previous problems of sea thieves disappeared about halfway through the war. Her job transferred to supply runs and transporting soldiers to Amerin, and after his fathers- . . . After Philza and Techno had left he was able to talk to Sally more publicly.

The previous “secret” rendezvous were now held in hallways instead of small corridors, at tables instead of back corners in libraries, and even on the steps of the castle instead of the maze of the gardens. Letters were still passed between one another, Will loved that secrecy still. Like the romances he read in the privacy of his room, having previously scoffed at the idea of star crossed lovers or soulmates. Now, that childish fantasy of his early teens of a hero that would rescue him was in the form of a fierce fire red sailor. Someone that made him feel the butterflies, the melting warmth of comforting blushes, and the smiles that hurt but you could never stop because of this person . . . just making you happy.

And happy they were.

Their meetings were filled with long conversations or simple jokes just to make the other laugh, happy golden days. They were able to talk a lot more about actual things they enjoyed, the things Will wanted to do with his life and what Sally loved about traveling the world.

“You’d love it.” Sally laughed slightly leaning over Will’s shoulder as they stared at a map of Europa. “So many things all packed into one space, but never feeling claustrophobic. Sand is also pretty cool too.”

Will had laughed along with her but he was genuinely excited to see the world one day. He had only ever known the icy tundras and rocky shores of the Antarctic. Having no need to travel as anyone who's anyone or wanted to be someone came here to trade and be seen.

Safe to say the Ball that is held at the end of the week long festival was the highlight of Wilbur’s life. 

Kings, Queens, Royalty, Presidents, Nobles, and merchants from across Overworld were there in the Antarctic Empire. The only time Wilbur got to meet with people outside of the castle and he even had a few friends.

“Prince William!” Will turned at the call of his name, smiling bright when he recognized the sight before him.

“Prince Eret!” They hugged and began to laugh slightly, Eret passing him a champagne glass. Never spilling a drop despite the dramatic movements. “You look as amazing as ever, your highness.”

Eret laughed in good spirits, swaying slightly to allow their dress to fan out around them. An off the shoulder red dress fanned out to reveal a pale yellow inner fabric that slimmed to show off both of his legs with a double slit. A short black corset with golden detail, matching the design at the bottom of the bright red and yellow dress, slimed their waist further to create a ballgown effect. Gold jewelry decorated their figure, ruby earrings and a black choker with small fake roses with golden chains sitting almost perfectly still, hair combed back behind her circet. Yet Will’s eyes were drawn to one thing and one thing only.

“Still wearing those infernal sunglasses I see.”

“Oh please,” He says, lacing his arm with Will’s as they walk to a quieter corner, somehow making barely any noise with the six inch black heels Eret wore. Taking a sip from their glass and then with the same hand, pulling down the dark shades to glance down at Will. As much as she could with milky white irises that barely stood out against her blank eyes. “You still wear that ugly coat, don’t you?”

Yes, he always was. If he didn’t wear it his father fussed and Techno would stare at his shoulders with furrowed brows. So yes, he wore the fur coat. White fur bright against his slightly styled dark brown hair, the light blue fabric gently brushing the floor when he walked. His high collar lined with golden embroidery, a pattern he always studied before putting it on. The rich blue formal attire was worn with straight black pants and black boots, the toes and heels made with gold. Like Eret, he also wore a golden circet, completing the attire of a prince.

Will huffed and gave a small shove. Eret just laughed warmly, stepping to the side to playfully glance down at William. As a prince, William knew that there is dignity in remaining indifferent towards taunts, no matter how light hearted. Yet the laughing scoff and smirk Eret gave deemed a very appropriate response.

“Dick.” Nailed it.

“Brat.” Eret leaned closer, hand on hip and still smirking.

“Motherfucker.” Will saw their eyes crinkle and the smirk turned more playful. 

“Bitch.” 

“Cock sucker.”

“Yes, that's entirely the point of being Bi. Thank you for explaining it to me.”

They both laughed, talking quietly for the next hour to each other about everything and nothing, it was nice. Eret talked about how L’Manburg was recovering after the takeover by Dream and how she wouldn’t be surprised if their parents retired soon and handed off the responsibility to them. 

“I owe the Emperors.” They said staring into their glass now, sadly and with some fear. “Dream . . . Was terrible in many ways. Setting up base in my home will be the cherry on the cake for many, I am happy the war was stopped before it even started.”

“I am too.” Will grabbed their hand softly, smiling reasuradly when they smiled at him. “To have you here for the festival is-”

“Hope I’m not cutting in, Will.” Sally had pulled on his arm, causing him to spin slightly to face her. Seeing her confident smile brighten his mood immediately. “You owe me the next dance, your highness.”

Sally stood in a white mermaid cut gown that faded to black near the bottom of the folded fabric, ruffles with various strands of black and white fabric flowing from the end of the layered fabric pinned by black and turquoise beedings. It was a simple sleeveless neckline with black and turquoise jewels, shining and shimmering with silver accents. Silver and turquoise earrings similarly hung, her hair pinned back into a low bun by intricate double pins of turquoise and pearls, black and silver strands hanging from them. Will blushed and quickly released Eret’s hand to pull her closer, linking her arm with his.

“Eret,” His voice cracked slightly as he returned to facing his friend. “This is Sally Soot. The Captain of the Wild Pearl and commander of the Northern Rescue Fleet during the war. Sally, this is-”

“Crown Prince Eret of L’Manburg, General of the field armies. Lovely to meet you Ms. Soot.” He held out his hand for Sally to shake, and she took it.

“Yes, lovely to make your acquaintance Prince Eret.” 

They stood there for a minute, Will unsure of how to continue the conversation. Should he say they were together? Well, not just for the ball but maybe . . . romantically? . . . together?? Or something??? He wants one of his only friends to approve, Eret, a kind unwavering figure in his life. Niki never gave her approval but Will thinks it's because she doesn’t know how to give advice to him because he’s a Prince? That could be it. Sally was great though. She was. She was super nice. Will wants Eret to see that as well.

“Will,” Eret turned to him, preventing him from saying anything. “Are you two . . . together?”

“Yes.” Sally said it with such confidence, Will thinks his heart will stop, oh gods he’s probably so red right now.

“Oh! Congratulations!” Eret’s smile is so bright and happy that Will puffs up a bit at their words. “I’m glad the Emperors approve.”

“Well,” Now William speaks, scratching the back of his head. “They don’t really know?”

Eret’s smile freezes, slowly turning his head to look directly at Will. In the span of a blink, their face changed into shocked disappointment.

“Will.”

“It’s not that bad! Don’t worry!” Will shrunk back a bit at Eret’s tone, but pressed forward in his explanation. “We- well, I just wanted to wait to tell them until after the war. I haven’t had a good chance to talk to them and all that.”

Eret’s slight glare persisted a second longer before they gave a loud sigh from the back of their throat, sounding like a groan. Downing the rest of their champagne before putting on an aura of calm.

“Okay.” Eret looked at Sally, smile bright once more. “Take care of him. He’s a bit of a brat, but he’s sweet I promise.”

“You’re a month older than me.”

“My point still stands, love.” Eret pulled her glasses down to wink then turned dramatically to walk away. “You owe me a dance as well, Will.”

As if on cue the hall erupted into applause, signaling the next dance would start soon. Will, swallowing all of his nerves, stepped in front of Sally and took an exaggerated bow that made her laugh slightly.

“May I have this dance, Lady Sally.”

“You may, Prince William.”

Making their way to the dance floor, they began to sway slightly as the beginning of a soft waltz filled the air. Following his muscle memory from years of dance lessons, William took the time to quietly talk with Sally, even laughing when she took a spin too far.

“Will.” He looked down at her eyes, noticing her previous mood had dimmed slightly. “Did you read my last letter?”

Oh.

They were gonna talk about it.

“I did.” He didn’t look her in the eyes, how could he? That letter . . . was a lot to think about if he was honest.

“Your answer?” 

“I don’t know.” That was true. She wants him . . . she wants him to leave . Everything he’s known. He loves his family, how could he say goodbye like that? “You’re asking for something I don’t know how to give.”

“Don’t be poetic .” Sally snapped, causing Will to startle back a bit. Her face softened as she reached up from his shoulder to brush the hair from his eyes. “I just need you to give me an answer.”

“But that is my answer.” Will pulled away from their swaying bodies to look her in the eyes, getting lost in their sea like haze. He glanced away before speaking. “I- I don’t want to leave them.”

“Do they deserve for you to stay?”

“Do they deserve me leaving?”

“Will,” She spoke softly, reaching a hand to rest on his face. He leaned into the soft chill her hands always had. “Look at me darling.” 

He did, that moment did it for him. Another domino topples in the long line of choices that put him on this path. All because of what she says next.

“I love you.” Gods, that fucking hurts. Words he always felt in his stomach, sinking deeper in fear of what her reaction would be if he said that, a hole punched right through his chest. There was no way for the world to freeze, no dramatic lighting or music swelling at the words. Nothing like the stories he reads or the way he hears the staff fawns over their own significant others. He just feels himself drown, further and further into the depths of an ocean he never wants to leave.

Gods, he was doomed from the start.

“I love you so much, I want you to be happy.” Her eyes were slightly teary when she said that, not really sad. Will knew from his time with her that Sally never got sad, he knew she was frustrated. So when he feels her kiss his palm he placed on her face, sees her eyes once more, he loses all fight.

“Your family doesn’t make you happy, so please.” She squeezes his hand. “For me?”

The last resistance he has breaks.

“Okay.”

The smile she gives him is worth it, he thought it was. In that moment, when the ballroom slowly gains volume from the thunderous applause of the dancers finishing, bowing towards the Emperors and crowd in thanks, William just looks at Sally. All he cares about, all he thinks is Oh, she cares about me .

She kisses him.

Wilbur is startled out of his memories by Blaze giving a loud huff, making him realize he’s reached the edge of the forest. He smiled and patted her neck, looking up toward the path.

His boys weren’t there.

His boys weren’t there .

Wilbur tries to calm his rising panic as he takes a few steps into the forest hoping to see them rush up the hill at any second. Just playing a game during the race that made them sidetracked.

She can’t find us. They can’t find us.  He reasons, now glancing everywhere in the woods in case he was looking in the wrong direction. She can’t know where you are.

She thinks you burned alive.

They don’t know you’re alive!

“BOYS?!” He yelled now, desperation rising quickly. Breaths rushing out quickly. “TOMMY?! FUNDY?!” 

“DAD!” Will’s head snapped at the noise, running over to where he spotted a small dot of orange behind a tree.

He finds them on a side path that branches from the main road, rocks and roots causing him to trip in his haste to reach his sons. He doesn’t stop, even when they’re in front of him, even when he hears them speak, it isn’t until he grabs them both. Until he has them in his arms, tightly with his forehead on both shoulders, that he breathes.

He knows the hug isn’t comfortable. He feels Tommy squirm, he feels the hard pats Fundy places on his back, but he can’t let go. He needs just a minute of this.

He needs to not think about her.

“Daaaaaaaaaaaad!” Wilbur finally looks up, slowly. His glasses are skewed, but he can’t lift his hand to fix them as he looks at Tommy. Face squished up, stormy blue eyes that only a kid can possess, as he continues to get out of his father’s grasp. “You’re bein’ weird.”

“Dad,” Now he looks at Fundy, his eldest fixing his glasses for him. The 8 year old looked concerned, gods he looks like he knows. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” The air rushes out, the word quiet, but he means it. He’s okay. “Yeah, you both just scared me when I didn’t see you. I’m okay.”

“That’s cause we found Tubbo.” Tommy now pushed harder and Wilbur finally released him, following the frantic gesture of his youngest. Then Will noticed what Tommy was pointing at.

A young boy stood before them; hair and eyes as brown as the dirt that covered his face, hands, and feet. Will could see the tear tracks, fresh and dried, that ran along his cheeks. He wore dark brown shorts and a dirty green button up that was too big on him. The boy, Will recognized as being around Tommy’s age, held onto a stuffed bee. The thing that drew his attention the most though were his goat ears.

He was a hybrid.

“Hi there.” Will spoke softly, but the boy still jumped. Ears flicking forward at the sound of Will’s voice. Red rimmed, puffy eyes wided. 

The sight broke his heart.

“Your name is Tubbo?” He nodded. “My name’s Wilbur. Do you know how you got here?”

“Dad!” It was Will’s turn to jump as he turned to Tommy, his face going back to being angry. “That’s why he’s cryin’!”

Oh. Okay good to know.

“He left.” Tubbo now spoke, quiet but broken. Will saw fresh tears form as he hugged his bee tighter. “He said I was bad, an’ he said I had to stay until he came back. He-”

A hiccup.

“He-He said he’d be back but- but he left.” Tubbo looked up more and Will could see every heart break on this child’s face.

He tried not to think about how he knows that face, he recognizes it in the mirror.

“He left.” That final, broken whisper allowed Tubbo to cry fully now. 

Will rushed forward, wrapping the boy in a hug, recognizing a melt down and moving on muscle memory. Whispers of ‘it’s okay’, ‘let it out’, and ‘I know, shhhh’ filled the forest for the next few minutes.

When all was quiet again, Tubbo trying to recover with sniffles and Will trying not to think of all the snot on his shirt now. Tommy came over and leaned against Will’s side, holding a hand out that Tubbo immediately took. Will smiled, he nodded slightly at the gesture before becoming a bit more serious.

“Tubbo,” The boy turned, and Will couldn’t help but smile a bit. “I know you're really upset right now, can you answer me if I ask you something?”

The boy gave a nod.

“Good, thank you.” Wilbur took a deep sigh, preparing for another cry fest. “Do you have anywhere to go?”

Tubbo stiffened, Will saw him squeeze the bee and Tommy’s hand tighter, but gave a short shake of his head.

“Okay, thank you.” He hesitated for one second more before folding forward slightly and looking up again. “Do you want to come back with us?”

“Really?!” Tommy gasped and Tubbo looked up in aww. 

“Of course.” 

“Fuck yeah!” Will let out a startled laugh at Tommy’s word choice, choosing not to berate him this time.

They gathered the box and Tubbo’s things, headed back to the path to place his things in the cart. Will enjoyed the little laughs of the boys together, relieved to hear Tubbo also laughing. Will continued his march forward, putting his earlier thoughts behind him. He smiled to himself.

He had everything.

Everything he needed. 

Everything he wanted.

Right?

Chapter Text

Spring had finally hit the village markets of Will’s home. Loud sounds and vibrant smells filled the air as he walked past the stalls and shops, humming lightly a tune that was nameless. He was here for only a few things to get for Tubbo, seeing as the boy was living with them for the foreseeable future, so he had a satchel with some emeralds for clothes and any treats he might find for the boys.

Wilbur never worried about money, for a few reasons but the main ones were all involved with Eret. They had been kind enough to offer sanctuary for his family and he also left him quiet a good sum of money to take care the kids, again saying they were always welcome in the main city of L’Manburg. 

An offer Wilbur would probably never take if only for his sons’ safety and to remain as hidden as possible.

He went from stall to stall, finding some softer fabrics and premade clothes for Tubbo, and spent the rest of the time walking around town eventually making his way to the center of the market where a grand oak tree grew out of a small dirt patch surrounded by stone. Will took a minute to stare up at the tree, looking at the leaves as they shined golden with the afternoon sun, breathing deeply to calm any remaining anxiety with leaving the boys alone for so long.

Everything is fine. We’re safe. Will stood for a second more, turning fully on his heel to start his walk out of town through markets. 

“Wilbur?” 

Oh.

Frozen midstep, the shock chilling his spine stiff, he knew that voice.

It was familiar, in the way a sunset might have been, you’ve seen it so many times you would know it by just the color orange. Wilbur Soot knew who this was.

He knew who he would turn around and see.

“Wilbur, oh gods!” The sheep hybrid walked into his field of view, her smile big as she went to give him a hug. They stood for a moment, Will slowly returning the hug, allowing whatever fear that froze him to melt away. 

“Hi, Puffy.”

“Will, holy shit.” She gave a wet laugh into his shoulder, her white hair itching his chin with its wooly texture, pulling away to wipe her eyes. Then abruptly gave his shoulder a light punch. “You are such a dick, Wilbur Soot. I thought you would write to me at least once. Last time I was so worried it was goodbye forever, these past few years have felt empty without you, friend.”

Will smiled sadly down at her, he felt that comment indirectly sting him. He reached to shift his glasses back onto his nose bridge, spending a few moments more to collect himself and maybe come up with an answer.

Three years was a long time.

“It- You know why I had to disappear from everyone.” He gave a slight shrug and guided her over to an oak bench under the center square tree, no one would pay them any mind here. “Sally, well, she would have my head in a heartbeat if she knew we were alive.”

Her eyes turn less bright, Puffy pushing back to look away. Sad as she seemed, Will could tell there was no pain in that distant look. Maybe she was reminiscing like he did from time to time.

“I know.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. Smile tight and small as Puffy made eye contact with him. “It doesn’t mean I like it.”

Will exhaled as an attempt to give a laugh, which only made the situation more pitiful. It’s fine though, they could have a moment of silence to mourn what had happened, of everything that had led them to where they were now.

“Have you been good?” Will asked as he turned slightly inward to face her better, adjusting the satchel as he went. 

“Yes.” Puffy smiled wide at him, brushing her hair out of her face to show off her ear. There was an emerald earring hanging lowly. “I know you might not appreciate it, but your family offered me a job shortly after I returned to the Empire. After . . . you died. At least that’s what I told them, like you asked.”

Puffy turned to look out at the lively market, her face fell into a concentrated frown. Will's eyes fell down towards his hands where he fidgeted with the straps of his bag, nodding along even if Puffy couldn’t see him.

“You know,” Wilbur looked up once more, seeing Puffy still had a sad look in her eyes as she spoke. “They don’t know about them. The Emperors don’t know about Tommy and Fundy.”

Will just nodded.

“You could’ve come back with me instead of running away-”

“That wasn’t an option.” Will interrupted Puffy, never meeting her eyes. “Not after what I did to them.” 

“I know. I just-” Puffy sighed, this time removing her tricorn hat as she nervously fidgeted with her hair. Her hair, tightly made of thick curls, bouncing at her harsher movements. Will watched as her hand brushed the earring. “When I returned a trial was held for me, I was pardoned seeing as I wasn’t there in the initial raid and I had proved my loyalty during the war countless times. I’ve seen a lot of what your ‘death’ has done to them, Will.”

“It doesn’t matter now.”

“But it does for them .” Puffy placed a hand on his shoulder, finally making him meet her eyes. “I’m not here to change your mind. I know I would never be able to do that, I just wanted to take the time to see if I could find you again. I was only able to drop you and the kids off with Eret at Logstedshire, so I went to the main city to ask him where you were.”

Wilbur went to speak but Puffy held up her hand, he quickly shut his jaw.

“No, the Emperors don’t know where I am. They think I’m doing a standard patrol of trade routes and double checking security. I am the Captain of the Northern Fleet now after all.” She gave a smirk before reaching behind her to grab a small bag that Will hadn’t noticed before. “But I wanted to give you this, Eret told me where you were when I asked if I could leave it with him because he said you might appreciate it more if I gave this to you instead.”

What she pulled out of her bag was something Wilbur thought he would never see again.

What Puffy held was a medium sized box, bigger than her hands, made of polished dark oak with silver detailing. The box was scratched and worn, silver chipped and dull, but the value of its contents was beyond anything the intricate box looked like it contained for Wilbur.

“After I received a position in the navy,” Puffy began to speak as she passed him the box, holding it so gently as he brushed along the edges of the box. “My first task was to track down Sally. Also part of the pardon agreement.”

Will looked up and panicked as Puffy continued, she smiled calmly.

“We couldn’t find her,” Will somehow felt both relieved and anxious. “All we found was her ship with most of the crew. I was able to keep this box hidden as I realized it was the same one I saw you had a lot on the Wild Pearl when I was still with Sally. Now I’ve returned it.”

“Thank you.” Wilbur smiled, more bright and genuine than it had been at the beginning of the conversation. He placed the box in the satchel and took Puffy’s hand. “You can visit when you want, I hope you know that now. I just don’t want to risk anyone knowing where I am.”

“I’m not blaming you Will, Sally-” Puffy swallowed, letting out a breath as she reached to cover his hand. “Sally hurt you, and I imagine the Emperors did in some ways as well, so I understand you want to escape from it all but I know Techno and Philza love you so much. They grieve you, they love you, they would be thrilled to know you’re alive.” 

Wilbur felt the tears well in his eyes, so many things to say to that. All he can do is mutter a small, tired response.

“I can’t.” 

“I know.” Puffy stood up from the bench and adjusted her hat back on her head. “Like I said, I won't push you to do anything. If you’re okay with it I’ll be back in a few months to visit, and can keep visiting every few months as well. I’d love to see the boys again.”

“Yeah, they’d love that.” Wilbur stood next to her, laughing slightly to himself imagining how his sons would react. “Though, be warned, I somehow managed to pick up another one.”

“I’m not too surprised, Wilbur Soot.” Sally walked down the south path, turning around with her signature smirk that was fierce and soft, a kindness persistent in everything she did. “You don’t know how to stop caring. Never lose that, friend.”

Wilbur waved her off and started the trek back home, pretending that the final statement didn’t have a double meaning.

When he got home, he did his usual routine of greeting the boys and handing out the gifts he got them all. Tubbo loved his new clothes, light sweaters and a few pairs of jeans, and everyone loved their new toys as well. Fundy got a new puzzle box, Tommy got a wooden soldier figurine, and Tubbo very shyly accepted a fabric flower for his stuffed bee. 

The rest of the afternoon was quiet, finishing chores and cooking dinner, and it was well past sunset when the boys finally started to tire out. So once he was sure all the boys were asleep, he grabbed a candle off the mantle and lit it once he placed it on the coffee table. Only after he settled, did he take the box out of the satchel.

There was a small trick to the box, one that only Will, Sally, and the carpenter they commissioned knew now. Will prodded near the left back leg until a small wooden disc popped out, revealing an even smaller silver needle. He took the needle and placed it into the front right leg until he heard a small click, pulling out a silver key from the hollow leg.

Wilbur took a deep breath, he wasn’t too sure what he would find once he unlocked the box. He fears Sally tampering with a few things, things he would have given his life to save but knew he couldn’t take anything with him besides the few things he gave to Puffy to smuggle away with. So, as he placed the key in and turned it to unlock it, he tentatively opened the lid.

Papers, specifically letters were all inside. Perfectly preserved and a few scattered objects along inside as Wilbur shifted through it all. 

He found a small wooden rattle he knew was Tommy’s immediately, even a crude colored pencil drawing Fundy had done of their family just after Tommy was born. What shocked him the most was the pair of rings he found inside, one slightly dull golden ring and the other burnt and permanently stained with ash. 

Wilbur had no idea she kept the ring he basically threw in her face.

After placing the few objects aside did he see what all the letters were.

They were the messages they ushered back and forth to each other, at least the few they had kept. Most of them were short notes but a few of them contained longer letters they sent to one another, some of them contained the poetry he and Sally had written.

Wilbur had no idea how to be in love and it showed, he was writing stuff he had heard were romantic from books and a few staff members as well. So when he started to reread the letters he cringed and laughed at the little notes that he so desperately fought to fit every feeling in every stroke of ink. So he unfolds the next one and rereads the beginning letters.

My Dearest, Sally,

I hope you won’t find it to forward of me but I wanted to write you this letter for two reasons. I wanted to ask what you thought of the books I lent you and also to say I had written you a poem. I’m not as good as any of the classics but I hope you appreciate it all the same. 

The Sun did Sail to me

The sun did sail to me in the winter.

When sky did sleep and Death was on his throne.

In home of ivory, carved ice and stone,

A soul’s lament caused this heart to splinter.

Alone and cold I weep, sad and bitter.

Then, I saw your fire-red waves ashore.

Your eyes were mine and your gaze melts my core,

My love of castle now turned acinder.

Like the water you consume me softly,

The overflow of you is all I know.

Spare that sea blessing that isn’t lofty,

Free and feasting from salty wilds so.

You’ve sparked the world ablaze, in summer seas,

You’ve melted this tundra of centuries. 

I know it’s not great but I wanted to express my feelings toward you and I hope you understand my intentions.

Kindly yours,

Prince William

Yeah, Will felt himself shrink back at the words of his younger self. So very obviously naive that he once thought a poem could convey everything he was too scared to say. 

Her response had been one of confusion if he remembered correctly, unable to find the specific letter in the pile. However, he did see the haikuus they wrote one another. Written on the same paper because it was a quick thing they had tried doing in the library, Wilbur’s first then Sally’s, both signed just along the bottom of their own poem.

Wild Spring

Fire has set the sea

Green has drowned the water blue

I see wild spring

-William Craft

Polar

Our hearts were polar

The sea and land, but we work

Love is our one need

- Sally Soot

They were simple and sweet, and Wilbur remembers his beet red face that Sally had teased him for over a simple poem she wrote for him. 

As he read more and more letters he started to get frustrated with himself, for his naive thinking and not seeing the little comments he had ignored before, but after her betrayal he could see what these all truly were. Small digs at himself, “Don’t be silly, Will. You’re being paranoid” or even “Don’t you think I know what I’m doing” when he grew concerned for her during the war. He reads more letters, skipping the openings and just looking at the poems. He reads Sally’s biggest poem, the one she had given him in person with a blush and shy response, again he should have recognized it as fake, when he asked what this was.

Honestly, the truth is I am a traveler at heart

Antiques and simple pleasure filled me with joy

My spirit to wade for eternity, the sea and I never to part

Until I left the waters of home for an earthly boy

Upon a cliff in the kingdom by the sea is he

I walked to meet him, and left my beloved sea

Ice and stone his cage, 

The gold I loved his shame

But I knew him as he knew me 

That he is “to love and be loved by me”

The earth in his hair and breath, his word polished porcelain

His eyes to map the sky of stars, renaming the ones I knew

He perched in my soul but was held back by his sovereign 

How he was made a prisoner, I haven’t a clue.

All I am now is a fool for him, 

A sin I will never atone.

I would wage wars for him, 

A treasure I have never known.

As Wilbur reread the poem did his heart both sink and flutter again, despair and embarrassment mixed as he pressed the letter to his chest. The thing that got him the most was how she always addressed the letters. Always sweet nicknames at the beginning, this one had “My love” and “sweetheart” so he already had long dead feelings rising in his chest again. He slammed the paper on the table and found the next letter in the pile, the responding poem he wrote to his one.

I don’t need the world, when you stand right beside me

I need only the candle light and quiet night at sea

The waves are silent, for us to laugh and sing

The land is gone, for us to spread our wings 

I need only your life to share with mine, until eternity

I don’t need the world, not when I know you love me

Maybe, just maybe, this was the reason she asked him to run. He had meant that poem in a romantic dream, like it wouldn’t ever happen but he wanted her to realize how much he loved her without actually saying “I love you”. So it wasn’t surprising when she sent a responding poem.

Come away with me

I have sailed the mighty ocean

Wonder in everything I have touched

But now I tread with caution

As the treasure you are can’t escape my clutch

My lovely scholar, leave your kingdom by the sea

Sail the world and come away with me

So they went to the ball. He told her yes. Then they plotted to run away in just a month's time.

William had started packing his bag at midnight, when most of the guards were on their patrol around the castle’s perimeter and wouldn’t hear him as he moved about. Sally had said she would set up a distraction in the main town to help in their escape. Everything was going to plan.

Will was nervous, he had wanted to stay deep down, but knew it would be the same neglect he had faced his entire life. Dismissal from a family that never cared or wanted to spend time with him, always choosing the kingdom over him. He was done with everything.

Packing wasn’t too hard, he just grabbed a few simple clothes and moved to pack his guitar up as well. No other mementos of childhood or of his life here would be brought along. He wanted no reminders of what was a fake life.

He left them a letter under his pillow, only to be read when he was long gone.

“What’re you doin’?” Wilbur stopped folding his last sweater, seeing that he was obviously caught. He slowly turned to face the man that stood behind him.

Technoblade leaned casually against the door, hair softly braided out of his face as he wore loose fitting clothes. It was obvious he was about to go to bed, William watched him survey the room of all its clutter then turned back around and finished putting the bags together.

“I’m leaving.” Tying off the bag he picked it up to lift it over his shoulder, turning once more to grab his guitar case.

“No you’re not.”

“I wasn’t asking.” William turns hard to face Techno, the stare down was intense. Cold and stiff, the two were staring down the other as if to see who would win this silent debate. “I’m leaving, Techno. I’ll do as I please, so move.”

Instead of listening to Will, Techno stepped away from the door frame to take a few steps forward. William saw he wasn’t leaving in the next few minutes so he placed his bags and case to the side and prepared to fight his way out of here.

Techno paused after a few steps, sweeping over William’s form, scowl etching its way on his face as his shoulders slump. Will didn’t miss the way his feet also shift to the stance he takes when they spare.

“Stars above Will.” Techno pinch the bridge of his nose as he gazes back up. “Sneaking around these past few months, it was so obvious what the two of you were doin’. Gods I can’t believe this.”

“What?” William huffed as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, face red because he thought he was more careful than that. “Sally is good. Better than you at least.”

“Heh?” Techno’s typical surprised noise now low and dangerous sounding, forcing a deep instinct in Will to readjust his stance. “What has she done in the past year that Phil and I haven’t? Please enlighten me with your mature insight.”

“Really?” Will huffed, now raising his head more to take a deep breath. Anger is always the disadvantage in these situations. “You treat me like a child-”

“Then stop acting like a child.”

“I’m almost 19, I’m not acting like a child Techno.” The ‘you are’ went unsaid, but by Techno’s ear flicking Will knew he heard it.

“Your current actions suggest otherwise.” Techno moved closer, a hand hovering above Will’s arm. All he could do was stare at the sharp nails brushing against the fabric of his brown coat. Sally’s warnings flashing in his head, the words golden chains echoing in his ears. “So stop.”

 “I am not acting like a child!” He brushed Techno’s hand away sharply. William didn’t mean for the panic to seep into his voice, but the idea of being trapped any longer made him fearful. “I am angry and I am hurt because of you- you left me alone I love you and you don’t care- about me or anything beside your stupid fucking empire and my dad and what ever war game of the week it is!”

“Calm down-”

“No!” Will stepped away in time with Techno’s steps. Trying not to let the idea of how cornered into the room he was getting, nearly back to his bed. “I will not. You have to listen to me for once. So in case you didn’t fucking hear me the first time. I. Am. Leaving .”

“William, you don’t get to leave by yourself-” 

“I do, I’m not leaving alone.” Techno scoffed.

“That woman doesn’t count.” 

“You don’t get to have a say in my life after not being here for me.” Will snapped, he was starting to come down from his previous outburst but the piglin just had a way of getting under his skin. He moved forward, Techno didn’t step back.

Techno glared down, snorting out a huff as his brows creased. Will tried not to flinch. 

“I have always been here-” 

“No you haven’t! You haven’t even listened to me this entire conversation!”

“Yes I have. You want to leave because a pretty girl bats her eyelashes at you? That’s what you’re leavin’ us for? Like I said, you are actin’ like a child. Whether you like it or not, compared to your father and I, 19 is still a child, so you will stop this now.” Techno moved until he was leaning over William, making the man feel much smaller than he was. “Or I will make you.”

“No.” Will glances at his bags a few feet away, stealing his resolve to glare at Techno. “You don’t get that right anymore. So move.” He takes a deep breath and a step away, calm and letting his rage fuel his words but not his actions. He was leaving. “I’m tired of waiting for you. Waiting for you to love me or even want me-” 

“Don’t say that-” 

“What? The truth?! I’m done.” Begins to turn away but Techno steps to meet him.

“No.” Will walks past him, purposefully knocking his shoulder against the other. 

“Yes.” Techno grabs his arm. 

William pushes him harder.

“Will-”

“Let me go!” He pulls his arm away, the grip tightens.

“Stop this-”

“NO!” Will pushes against the taller’s neck and it slides to pull Techno’s hair. 

Will feels the pain before he realizes what happened.

The broad of his back hitting the side of his bed, forcing him to lean away from the ache. The blooming pain along his face makes him reach for it. He registers through tears and the pain that blood is dripping down his face. The cracking of his nose as he brushes along the crooked ridge.

Techno had punched him in the face.

Technoblade, The Blood God, just broke his nose. 

Techno just hit him.

William, in shock and growing more scared as each second passed, sat bleeding on the floor. Gasping through the pain and blinking the tears from his eyes, he let his fear shine through. What else was he supposed to feel? The man- no, the beast that did this to him just stood and stared blankly. 

Sighing and looking away, that was Techno’s only response,Will just stared as pink hair fell down his face.

Sally was right, William slowly stood, never letting his eyes leave the figure before him, They’ll never let me leave here.

William quickly scrambles for his bags not looking back as he leaves the room, quickly and more panicked than ever. 

He is betrayed, just like he betrayed them.

William runs through the town when the gun fire goes off, seeing the bright flames spread and the smoke burn the summer sky black . He hears yelling, screaming as he runs faster to the docks.

Sally is standing there, sending her crew out into town, until she spots Will.

“Will!” She runs towards him, when Sally gets close enough her face switches to worried and sad. “Oh Will.”

“I’m okay Sally.” She pressed her hands to his cheeks, carefully brushing the blood from his upper lip, her face didn’t change as she was examining him. “Really, it’s fine.”

His voice sounded so fake.

“Will, sweetheart.” Sally's voice was so loud and so soft, the roar of city panic seemed chunks away compared to the world she drew out for them. She was gentle and sad for his pain, he knew, but her grip turned tight as she asked her next question. “What happened?”

“Techno- Techno he-” New tears gathered as he forced his answer out, the pain blooming anew as Sally moved to brush under his eyes close to his nose. All he could do was drop his head, shaking from the effort of trying not to cry, hiccuping out any coherent words. “You were right.”

“Will, I know.” She lifted his chin up so his eyes met hers. Sally held him so gently, that’s all he could think about. She was gentle in the way his fathers never were, they were harsh but they were always dismissive. They never wanted these quiet moments like Will. Only their victories made them softly smile at Will, never anytime he was in pain or anytime he did something. Their pride in him, their pride as people, all tied to success. “I wish I wasn’t right.”

“. . . I know.” 

Wilbur Soot was born that day, a man made bitter by family and regret. Sally had married him only a week later when they made it to the nearest coast outside of the Antarctic Empire and her territories. 

He felt at peace during those first few months traveling. Getting used to pirates and the seafaring life was hard but he made the adjustment quickly, as quick as he could, but he felt happy. 

If only he knew the truth before everything.

Will watched the candle light flicker, his glasses showing the halo of light around the yellow flame. Will lifted his hand to push the glasses back up, lightly brushing the crook in his nose. 

Will sighed deeply, crinkling the paper in his hand. Anger boiled under his skin, heating his face and creasing his brow. 

Everything was fine.

The foolishness and naivety of his childhood was a recycled excuse but what else was he supposed to think? All he knew was white and safe walls, the reality of the world told through books and retold as myths by Phil and Techno. When was he to learn of anything if he never saw anything outside of the capital for himself?

How was he supposed to know that Sally was really bad if he didn’t have any other relationship that involved being controlled by someone else?

Will took a breath and shoved the paper he held into the candle wick.

After tossing that first one into the fireplace he kept grabbing papers barely glancing at what they were before tossing them in. Saving the drawings and baby toys he already set aside, but the poems were all lit up at the corner and tossed in. The fire was steadily growing and lighting the cold logs anew. 

Will’s anger had calmed after a minute, allowing him to take a longer glance at the poem he was burning the corner of. Happy Birthday , written neatly at the top, making Will pause. Then the panic set in. He swatted at the growing flames on the table, he had almost forgotten he wrote this poem.

He brushed along the ash of the corner, watching the glow fade to black. Will curled forward, letting his arm prop him up on the coffee table. Tears blurring his vision as he moves the rest of the papers and the box away from the candle. 

How had he let his anger get the better of him?

“Dad?” Will looked up to see Fundy rubbing his eyes as Tommy and Tubbo stood behind his oldest. The younger ones are both even more tired but still looking at Will concerned and confused. “What’s wron’?”

“It’s okay.” Will wipes the tears from his face, allowing the brush to be harsh against his nose. “I just met an old friend in town today.”

“Why’re you cryin’?” Tommy asked as he started to walk closer to his dad, Tubbo dragged closely behind, Fundy quickly following.

“It’s just-” Will paused, taking a breath, then showing the kids the box with papers and toys. “Puffy gave me the box with some stuff in it.”

“Miss Pussy?!” Will choked a laugh at Tommy’s purposeful mispronunciation, but the excited shine in his eyes made him smile back.

“Yes. She gave me these back, I just got sad about it.”

“Are these mom’s?” Will shifted and flinched as Fundy picked up a paper with Sally’s signature on it. “Are you burning them?”

“Yes.” He will never lie to his sons. Not like Sally or his own fathers did to ‘protect him’. “I am.”

Fundy wrinkled his nose up, probably at the paper and smell, setting the paper down. Leaning against Will’s back, wrapping around his neck as Tommy and Tubbo wiggled under his arms.

“I’m sorry she makes you sad.” Will smiled at Fundy’s words, forcing more tears back.

“You don’t need to be sorry, but thank you champion.” 

“What do you have dad?” Tommy now was pushing his head up to look at the paper Will was holding. “It says ‘Happy Birthday’. Who's birthday?”

“Fundy’s.” Will shifted to let Tommy read it better. Will was able to teach his sons some words but he was sure Tommy would struggle with a few words here and there. He thought about sending them to the village school next fall but he still was getting used to having them away for so long just to shop. 

Will knew that his anxiety should prevent them from having a normal childhood.

“Really?” Fundy looked up now reading the paper as he pushed farther onto his father’s back. “Can you read it dad?”

“Do you want me too? It’s just an old poem I wrote when you were born.” Will didn’t mean for that to come out so small, he was just so used to Sally and others not really liking his poems so it felt weird to bring this out for his sons.

“Please!” Tommy and Fundy said at the same time, Tubbo falling asleep in his lap.

Will laughed at their enthusiasm, sighing and saying okay as the boys settled to see the paper and listen to Will speak softly.

He’ll clean up the soot and ash in the morning, he’ll put the box and the things he really treasures away, he’ll be happy when the memories get tucked away with it.

For now he’s safe. Will is at peace, even if he misses the arctic home or the grand ship. For now, he'll read his sons his poetry by the dying fire light.

All that I am and could ever be fits in my arms.

I feel that when my child touches my chest.

I am a shield from the life that harms,

I am weak to that peace in my son’s rest.

All I’ve known is the shadow of your movement,

The flutter of a motion gone too quick.

Your face in my dream, wondering what you meant.

But now I see your face, I can feel your kick.

Because you are here and I am utterly destroyed

Because you have made all I am to fear void

How can you fit in my hold?

How can my life and love,

This whispered breath you mold,

Wholly belong to you?

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try and talk to a few people again. 

Chapter Text

Wilbur sat at his desk, candle bright orange and the moonlight shining through. A small inverted color scheme flooded the room as he twirled the white quill in his fingers. Blank pages mocking him.

Will resolved himself to the task of writing a letter. Finally forcing himself to accept that his family deserved to know he was alive, at the very least it just took him a while to start. Planning to write the first letter when Tubbo fully settled in. 

It’s been two years since that promise to himself.

Which was fine, Tubbo and the boys needed time to adjust themselves to being a trio. All three of them started school in the village the fall after Puffy first visited and Tubbo had warmed up to them all quickly. Will never pushed the kid. Tubbo didn’t need that, and his patience and trust was rewarded with Tubbo saying he was a better dad than Tubbo’s ever was. No, he didn't cry that day. Not at all.

Now Fundy was 10 and both Tubbo and Tommy were 7. He was running out of excuses to keep them home. 

So here he was. Sitting at a spruce desk in the middle of the night because Puffy comes to visit tomorrow and he needs to send a letter or he fears he never will. The page remains blank as he thought of what to say, ‘sorry I betrayed you and said things I never fully understood. Listening to a manipulative partner and not a family I should have trusted’, yeah that’d go over well.

At the very least Will knows he’s writing to Niki. He knows he’ll start with begging her not to tell the Emperors but wouldn’t really blame her if she said something to them. He really hopes she doesn’t though. 

So he takes a minute to write out the first paragraph, sentence after sentence scratched out and rewritten until the page was blotted with ink and he rolled the paper into a ball to start the process over again. The pile near his trash can grew larger and larger as the night carried on.

Will has always prided himself on being a wordsmith, knowing how to put together a sentence that said everything he needed as neatly as possible. Yet his regret and fear make him stumble and shake the pen across the paper.

Sally made him feel like that a lot.

One morning, a day they actually made land for the night as Sally had finally made a big break with a trade mission, Wilbur woke up to the steady feeling of a bed and not the hammock rocking back and forth. Sally in bed next to him with her fire red hair fanning out across pale sheets, glowing in the early rays. 

Another thing Wilbur had to get used to was the continuous day and night cycle. Even after a year away from his home land the night always fascinated him for being so bright yet dark, Sally teaching him the constellations that differ so strongly from his homeland. Their meanings and how they navigate with them all. Finding the myths that Techno so foundly spoke of and the north star, away from his home.

Not that it was much of a home.

Sally slowly woke up next to him, cuddling into his side. Her hair brushed against his face as he moved to wrap his arms around her. Breathing slowly as he burned this peaceful moment to his memory.

“It’s too early for a day off.” She murmured against his chest, Will just laughed at her.

“I don’t think it’s too early.” Sally just gave him a dead panned look and rolled her eyes, Will furrowed his brows. “Is it really so bad?”

“Yeah.” Her response was curt but her hands brushed against his face and he knew her anger wasn’t at him. “I wish this moment could just last forever. Preferably later in the day though.”

“That’d be nice.” Will said with a smile wide across his face, happy at the idea of living with Sally forever. Away from everything. “I’d like that.”

“Of course you would.” Sally finally rolled away to lay on her back. Scowl deep across her face.

“What?” Will moved closer to Sally slightly leaning up and trying to make eye contact, she refused to look at him. “What did I do?”

“You never think.” Sally snapped, glaring her cyan eyes at him. Will’s confusion grew as she gave a loud huff. “I have a whole life and you want me to leave it behind for you. I finally think you're happy then you say stuff like that.”

“But-” Wilbur fumbled with what to say, how can he say that’s not what he meant when she obviously thought he did. “I want you to be happy with me. I thought-”

“You thought?” Sally snapped. Will quickly looked away, trying to think of a way to remedy the situation. “You don’t understand anything.” She rolled her eyes once more, taking a deep breath before sighing. The same sigh she made when Will had disappointed her. “Look, I don’t wanna fight. Please say you're sorry and we can just go back to sleep.”

“I’m sorry.” Wilbur hung his head and waited for her to accept it.

“Thank you.” She rewarded him with a kiss to his cheek before leaning on his chest again. 

They laid down for the rest of the morning, Will barely moving as she rested, before finally getting ready to spend the rest of the day at lively markets and letting Wilbur try out all the new things.

They spent a week around that port, the weather still and not the best for sailing off to the next continent like Sally wanted. Word around was winds would be better in the next months of travel, Willbur was just excited to take a break after almost a year of just traveling from place to place. 

“Wilbur?” Will turned around to see Tubbo at the door frame of his office, rubbing his eyes as he clung tightly to the bee stuffed animal. Well loved and well repaired in Will’s opinion. “What’re you doing?”

“Nothing.” Will glances at the piles of paper balls in the corner. “Figuring out what to write to a friend.”

Tubbo hummed and walked into the room, letting his arms fall to the side as he leaned against Willbur’s left side. Goat ears flicked slowly as he glanced at the desk, ink and paper a canvas on spruce. When he finally looked up his brows were creased, the way they always got when he was thinking of a good question to ask. Will knew he would ask about who or maybe what he was writing so he moved to give Tubbo more room to lean against him, swinging his arm around to rest on the child’s back.

“Is it something that makes you sad?” Will blinked, tilting his head forward in thought.

“In a sense.” Will whispered as he took off his glasses, setting them below the candle holder. The candle now fills the room with the smell of honey wax and only standing at half its original height from when Will started writing. “I guess I’m worried it will make her sad.”

Tubbo hums again and pats Will’s lap, the older immediately moving to lift the younger into his lap. 

“I get that.” Tubbo looks out at the desk but shifts to look back at Wilbur. “Ms. Clara says it's okay to be sad when you know you made someone else sad.” Will smiles at that.

“I’m glad you like Ms. Clara.” It’s true, he’s very glad.

When he first brought the boys to school he was afraid. Scared he didn’t prepare Fundy enough to start with kids his age, scared Tommy wouldn’t be able to make friends easily, scared Tubbo would be too afraid to leave Wilbur’s side which would make him too worried to let the kids go. Scared they would get taken away from him if he couldn’t watch them through the day.

Then he met the teachers. 

Ms. Clara was only a few years older than Will and the perfect teacher for his youngest, she was bright and able to keep up with Tommy and Tubbo like it was nothing. White pin straight hair pulled back  into a half up half down look with bangs framing her round face and blue eyes. She smiled kindly at Will and spent the first few minutes just talking to him and letting him know what they learn and do in school, how she teaches all the kids for a few years before going to the next teachers, calling over the person who was going to be Fundy’s teacher when Will mentioned his concern for his oldest. 

The man he met was serious looking but immediately relieved Will’s anxiety with a bright smile. Despite the summer heat still fading from the valley the man wore all black to match his black hair and eyes. Mr. Bailey, who Will learned was a Blaze hybrid, explained that some kids were in a similar situation as Fundy. How their parents made them stay home longer if they had younger siblings and needed help with more chores. 

“He seems responsible and diligent.” Mr. Bailey had said, adjusting his wire frame glasses, nodding to where the kids were playing before class started, Fundy talking to another fox hybrid kid while Tommy and Tubbo were immediately surrounded by several kids. “I have no doubt he’ll be a great student.”

When Will had picked them up that day they kept talking about how much fun school was, saying they learned so many cool things and that they got to draw so many pictures. Fundy complained that they had to take so many tests so Mr. Bailey could see where they all were in terms of learning. His eldest simply gave a cocky response of how he scored at least top five in the class. 

“Will?” Startled out of his thoughts, Will looked down at Tubbo. The kid is still in his lap but now fidgeting with his bee. “Did you get sad again?”

“No.” Gods, he wishes these kids didn’t notice so much. “I’m happy, just tired.”

“Then you should sleep, like you tell us to do.” Will simply hummed and picked up the quill again, black ink drying at the sharpened tip.

“But I’m an adult. I get to do what I want.”

“That’s so dumb.” Will gave a small laugh as Tubbo pouted.

“Yes. It is.”

They sat like that far a bit longer. Tubbo yawning and Will rocking him back and forth. So quiet and peaceful, he wanted to stay like this forever.

“What else does Ms. Clara say.” Will hates to break the silence but he needs to write the letter. “About apologizing when you made someone sad.”

“She says you should start with what made them sad and how you didn’t mean to make them feel like that.” Tubbo yawns and flicks his ears out. “Make sure they know what you mean when you say sorry. Like ‘I’m sorry I made you sad when I pushed you. I still want to be friends with you, Tommy.’ Like that.”

“Did you push Tommy?” Will looked down at Tubbo, wondering what he missed.

“Yeah.” Tubbo curled up tighter into his chest. “But Ms. Clara said if we can handle it ourselves and we accept each other's apologies we don't need to tell you. We did have to sit out the next recess together though.”

“I see.” Tubbo hummed and further sank against Will, probably a minute or two from fully falling asleep. 

Wilbur slowly stood, slightly wobbly from sitting so long, carrying Tubbo up the steps. Once he placed the goat hybrid in his bed he glanced back at Tommy sleeping in the opposite bed, the blonde having kicked his blankets off while he slept. He adjusted Tommy and walked past Fundy’s room, the fox soundly asleep. When he sat in his chair again, paper and ink unchanging, Will took a big breath before writing what he wanted to say. 

Niki deserved so much, apologies and a letter would never cut it. He hoped she still wanted to hear from him even after a decade of nothing. He picked up his quill, the white feather glowing yellow around the edges, dipping it into the black pot, a drop falling back in, and scratched across the top the date. Finally writing his letter.

Dear Niki,

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re still my friend after all this time but I want you to know that I’m alive. William Craft is still alive and I’m writing to you to let you know. Wilbur Soot is the name I go by now but I hope you’ll still call me Will. 

I’m sorry I left you like I did. I threw away our friendship for nothing, I can’t imagine how I’ve hurt you. I don’t know if you really approved of what I was doing with Sally, I can’t imagine it made you happy to see me being so dishonest with my family. Sally is gone, I never want to see her again but I fear telling you where I am would make her find me somehow.

I beg you, please don’t tell the Emperors you have this letter. Please, I can’t face them so soon. I barely know how to ask your forgiveness. I can't imagine their wrath would be any less than yours.

I valued our friendship when I had it, I hope you’ll find a way to forgive me and keep that friendship. 

All the best,

Wilbur Soot

He waits until it’s dawn, walking out into town to wait for Puffy. She’ll walk home and they’ll catch up after she’s been gone for a few months. She’ll sit in the living room while the kids ask her for more stories, he’ll be in the kitchen making breakfast.

She’ll leave before sunset, letter in hand, a promise that Niki will get it. 

He doesn’t know if he’ll ever tell her the whole truth, how he left Sally or the kids, but he wants to be honest. Wants to be friends again.

He wants his family back.

Chapter Text

A letter sat in Wilbur’s hands.

Puffy had visited today, saying she had to drop off the letter to him before she got busy preparing for the winter travels of the north, before the summer season started for the Antarctic Empire. She left with the promise to return tomorrow to see the boys and get his reply if he wanted to send one. The lightly falling snow had covered her steps by now, and the permanent soft winter chill was something he got used to by now, just a pleasant winter that didn’t come close to the frozen lands he grew up in. 

So he just sat, paper in hand wondering what was written inside by Niki herself.

Rejection? Anger? Pity?

He wasn’t sure what the worst case scenario would be.

Then what came after this?

Sighing at his own insecurity, Will resigned himself to sit until he found the courage to reveal the truth. 

The sun was low for noon, as Wilbur found while living on the Western continent, the winter times had shorter days and longer nights. The continuous dance of sun and moon didn’t pause as the seasons moved across the world, facts he knew but never got used to. Another was the reversal of the seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres, again words he recognized on pages during studying as a prince, but knowing the sun would be sitting in the sky while Will sat in the last moments of the golden warm brought back his homesickness.

He still has the letter.

The first signs of his old home in years.

So Niki’s letter is scrutinized, like Wilbur can see through the envelope and know what it says instantly, but the details are something he’ll etch in his memory first. The plain wax seal, tinted in a shining red-pink color and a capital ‘N’ curling in the center, taunting him to open the letter.

Now he’s back to spiraling, wondering what it says and what he’ll tell her after.

If she accepts him, in all his fuck ups, can he trust her with his family?

He wants to. The idea of being open with someone he loved as a close friend, even family, left such a haunting feeling of shame he had to remind his body to breathe. So, what would come of his honesty?

More anger? Deserved, as he remembers Niki’s disappointed stare as each letter from Sally that arrived for him.

Disapproval? Questioning his motives for loving a woman he only knew a year? Questioning having kids?

What if she thought he was irresponsible?

What if she doesn’t think he can take care of his sons?

Like Sally did.

The only time Will had yelled at Sally, before the fire and his ‘death’, Tommy was sick. His youngest had just turned 6 months old and he was so sick. Fever, his breathing was so labored, his cries were broken up by crackles in his lungs. His eyes were always full of tears, it made Will so scared. Taking care of a 3 and a half year old Fundy and a sick Tommy was so stressful, his toddler screaming along with Tommy because of how tired he was, and Sally was convinced Tommy would be okay.

Even with all his knowledge of potions, a hobby turned career as a member of Sally’s crew, nothing he could do would really fix Tommy’s illness. Even if he knew what the illness was, giving him the wrong potion type or dose could make Tommy so much worse, he couldn’t do anything.

It was the worst feeling in the world, watching his son struggle to breath but all he could do was beg or pray something would change.

So he screamed at her in front of the crew, begging her to look at their youngest dying in his arms, and made her steer the ship to the nearest port. Puffy had joined up with them around then, she had run to the nearest healer’s office with him. Giving up his ruby earrings he constantly wore now as payment, as much as he loved the gift from Sally he hoped she would forgive him for saving their son’s life over keeping something like that.

The healer assessed Tommy and concluded he had a lung infection, one that wasn’t treatable by normal health potions. A common sickness for infants that travel a lot to new areas where they don’t adjust for all the new germs and viruses. Will was given a bottle of a modified health potion for infants with instructions to make sure Tommy got enough water and rest.

Sally wasn’t happy when he got back.

Will had finally gotten both Tommy and Fundy to sleep. The infant found relief with the potion in his system and the toddler, who was equally as exhausted as his brother, was able to sleep without Tommy screaming. Sighing into his hands he glanced at the ladder in the corner of the room, dreading finally seeing Sally after he yelled like that. When Will exited the main cabin he looked around to find Sally and Puffy going over some papers. 

Basic documents Will could only assume were charts and maps, any shipment orders Puffy brought with her, and so on. Sally’s hair was tied up tightly but random strands kept falling into her face, Puffy in a similar state but she looked relieved to see Wilbur above deck again.

Sally barely glanced up at him.

“How is he?” Puffy asked as she leaned to look behind Will and he gave her a relaxed smile.

“Asleep finally.” Will sat in the chair across the desk, looking to see if Sally would give a reaction. She just signed another paper. “The potion really helped I think-”

“Thank you, Puffy.” Sally shoved the papers back into the sheep hybrid’s arms, startling the woman. “I need to talk to my husband now.”

Puffy hesitated only a second, looking towards Wilbur before exiting the cabin and closing the door behind her. Dark oak door closing quietly, Will focused on how the golden handle twisted back into place. 

The room dropped 50 degrees.

“I can’t believe you.” Sally gritted out, a hand on her head as she leaned back into her chair, expression pinched into pain and annoyance. 

“What?” Wilbur felt exhausted just answering Sally after almost a week of no sleep. “Tommy was sick-”

“Thomas.” She glared, blue eyes so icy they pricked Wilbur’s skin when he took a breath to prevent himself from snapping immediately.

“He’s allowed to have a nickname, love-”

“ Don’t do that! ” She slammed her hands on the desk, causing Wilbur to jump in his chair. WHen did he get so afraid of Sall? “Don’t get all cute with me when you’re the one that fucked up .”

“He was sick-”

“But he wasn’t.” Sally was back to leaning in her chair, one hand stretched out for emphasis while she kept the same snarling exasperation on her face. Pointing at Wilbur as she continued to speak. “He was fine. You said so yourself.”

“I had to give him a potion , Sally.” How could she not understand? Tommy was so so sick. He could barely cry from how much fluid was in his lungs, his face red and blotchy from tears and spit, so obviously suffering from something. How could she not see that?

“To help him. Not to cure him.” She scoffed. “One you could have made yourself, too.”

“I can’t make those kinds of potions-”

“We had the resources on the ship-”

“I’m not a doctor!” Will finally snapped, expanding his arms with his own exasperation. Feeling his face scrunch up in rage at what she was saying. “I had to beg you to let me take him to the doctor-”

“Of course.” Her hand was pushing her loose hair back. “It’s all my fault, right?”

“I never said that!”

“I love you but sometimes you’re so stupid.” Her tone was so disappointed, so quiet Will had to blink a few times before registering what she said. Her eyes were still fiercely pinning him where he sat. “You never think about me, do you? I’m the captain, I have other responsibilities. I said Thomas would be fine and you don’t listen.”

“We had no idea how sick he was!” Will was standing up now, tired of listening to Sally not accepting the fact that their youngest was sick. “He could have died !”

“Stop being so sensitive, Will.” She waved a hand while the other held her own cheek as she leaned back. Brows pinching in frustration and anger. “You should have just listened to me.”

“I did and then he got worse!” Will threw his hands around, ignoring Sally’s glare becoming more and more poisonous with each second passing. “I had to do something and you’re the one with the ship! I needed you to help me-”

“You can’t do anything without me! You’re constantly whining anytime you need anything from me.”

“Our son was sick!”

“Oh my fucking GODS!” Sally screamed as she stood up. “WHY’D WE EVEN HAVE KIDS IF YOU CAN”T TAKE CARE OF THEM?!”

The room fell silent, the quiet sea and candle light hovering as they came down from the argument. Will held back tears as the words rang loudly in his ears, but the longer he hears them the harder he has to try to hold them back.

“Fuck.” Sally sits back into her chair, head heavy in her hands and Will thinks she’s crying. He is too.

“. . . Do you regret having our children?”

“No.” She looks up, her eyes wet but not a drop on her face. “I just wish you were better, you would be such a good father if you could . . . be independent of me more. Okay?”

“I know.” He lets her stand to hold his face, he doesn’t lean into the familiar touch. “I’m sorry.”

They slept in separate rooms that night. Will with the kids and Sally in the Captain's room.

She apologized in the morning with gifts and flowers, talking sweetly and asking how Tommy was. Holding Tommy close when Will asked her to. Fundy was still exhausted but now that he slept through the night with Tommy he had all the energy he had before. 

They spent that morning relaxing and ending it with Sally telling him that they received word from Argos and they agreed to host Sally now that the Antarctic Empire was no longer looking towards them. Will agreed that it was a good idea, hoping to please Sally, and made plans to stock up for another long voyage at sea with his children.

Niki’s letter is still in his palms.

Will looked out at the path once more, the sun hanging low but still an hour or so away from sunset, taking a deep breath he opened the letter from Niki. He had another hour alone before the boys got home.

The first few things he noticed about the letter is that it was written on clean crisp paper, the kind he remembers from countless hours of writing and reading them, this time the pages have a yellow tint and a sugary smell to them. He smiles knowing that meant Niki still worked in the kitchen. The swirly writing of Niki fit perfectly in neat rows but smudged by various water spots Will knew were probably tears. Regret and dread swelled in his gut as he brought his gaze to the first line of the letter. 

He just needed to read it.

Dear Will, My friend,

You were forgiven the minute you left, 

He let out a breath, relief flooded him so fast it took him a minute to orient himself.

I can’t imagine a greater gift than having you back alive. I betrayed you over a decade ago, you have nothing to apologize for. I have so much to say, Puffy leaves in a month and I have to write this letter to you.

The Emperors started a campaign to hunt down Sally and her crew in hopes to get you back but she was too good at covering her tracks, setting decoys that had our own fleets accidentally double checking too many of the same spots. Emperor Philza reasoned it was because she knew our naval plans too well so there was a complete overhaul on those, which was too late.

It was at this point in the letter, the water had damaged the ink and destroyed the words in the process. Will tried to not let his own tears fall on the paper as well. Niki had also crossed out the ink blots starting clear writing again at the bottom of the page. 

When we caught wind that you were in Argos, Puffy showed up to appeal for her crimes. When we heard you died it was awful. We had no precedent for a royal funeral before, we lit the empty bonfire where a straw dummy was held in place of a body. The flags were down, the shops were closed, for the first time I think the entire capital felt empty. I was quieter than that blizzard that hit us over 20 years ago. We mourned for a month, despite it being summer travels no one left or came. The Emperors confined themselves to their rooms and no one could reach them.

Oh.

That was surprising.

He knew as much from Puffy that his family grieved him but to hear and see that on the page it brought a new feeling over him. One that was bitter tasting, like guilt and grief flavored a new form of regret.

About 2 years ago the Emperors emerged from their rooms. It felt different that day, it felt almost normal again. They placed a bounty on Sally and her remaining crew. For any information that could be proven and for her capture alive. They’re currently out hunting those leads.

The rest of the letter read like that, information regarding their hunt for Sally and how the Empire had hunted around for them while he sat at home away from all of it. So they were now hunting down Sally and not looking for him, another relief.

I don’t know where you are, Puffy wouldn’t tell me and I won’t ask. Even when the Emperors return I will not tell them you're alive. I betrayed your trust once I won’t make that mistake again. 

Sally made you happy and I didn’t want to tell you not to see her. I only started telling the Emperors when the war was over, when I saw you sneaking around and not talking to anyone about your relationship. I felt like something was wrong but I wanted you to hear about it from people that care about you. I didn’t think I was one of them.

I threw away our friendship as much as you think you did, Will. I will never stop being your friend again.

Thanks for letting me know you’re safe. Write to me please.

Your friend,

Niki Nihachu 

Wilbur leaned back against the chair, his body cut from his strings of tension, breath leaving as he gasped in when the tears ran down his face.

‘Your friend’. She’s still my friend. The words ran through his head on a loop as he brought the papers to his chest, hunching in his chair just crying. The relief was so intense he felt his chest collapse with every breath and heart beat, trying not to ruin the delicate pages anymore than they were.

Forgiveness was never something he thought he would ever get again.

“Dad?!” Will looked up to see Fundy rushing towards him, Tommy and Tubbo quickly over taking the fox as they stumbled up the porch steps. Will just opened his arms to hug them both.

“Dad? What’s wrong?” Fundy spoke again as he placed his school bags down, getting dragged into the hug just as quickly. 

“I’m-” Breath catching in his throat, Will just hung his head to rest on the boys shoulders. 

He didn’t really know how to feel right now. 

He was so tired of pretending he wasn’t hurt. Pretending like everything was changed the day he moved into the cottage in the sunlight valley, like Sally never existed. Where he pretends the snow doesn’t make him so sick with guilt he almost threw up the first time he built a snowman with his sons. Where he pretends staring into the well water near the barn doesn’t force him to shift like he was on a boat again. Where the smell of blaze powder doesn’t leave him dizzy, like it boils his blood to steam as he buys them from the village clerics. Where striking a match doesn’t feel like he kills himself all over again. 

Like hugging his sons right now doesn’t feel like another betrayal to his family for making them miss the first decade of their lives.

“I’m sorry.” That's all he can say. Even as the acid stings his tongue with how much he said that to Sally, it’s all he can say. “I’m so sorry.”

It’s quiet as he sobs, feeling his fingers whiten with how tightly he’s grabbing Tommy’s coat. Red, it’s his youngest’s favorite color and Will had to remember not to flinch at the familiar color of Techno’s battle cloak. Trying not to think about how Tommy’s fierceness is so much like the piglin, how the brave and the bold movements marking his action with every step doesn’t make Wilbur imagine pink hair instead of blond. Not to mention how his hair and eyes perfectly match his grandfather’s. 

The slight difference in the shade and shape mean little, his face is a complete mirror of Wilbur’s.

Tubbo grabs him too, he thinks, his coat an earthy brown but his shirt was a green shade so similar to emeralds, and the kid was so scary with how smart he was it was impossible to not think of Philza. Tubbo watched as much as he engaged, trying to work out every puzzle he found and can answer any question about it easily. It reminded him of how Phil could command court, tongue so silver it would slice into anything he deemed a threat. Tubbo is such a strong kid, his fearless face has reminded him so much of the great General Technoblade it makes him cry at the thought that he wasn’t his son from birth. 

Tubbo fit so completely it was hard to imagine him anywhere else.

Fundy was stroking his head, hand so warm and soft even with his claws growing out more frequently now. Wilbur just rested against the calming movement, remembering how almost every feature of Fundy belonged to Sally, orange hair so wild and smile so fierce it caused him to see flashes of their first year together. The small candle lit library and ruby red earrings. Something she never gave Fundy, something that made Will’s heart curl with pride and possessiveness, was his eyes. They were Wilbur’s eyes. The same deep brown shade he grew up with, knowing his father saw how he had his mother’s eyes, the same half lidded shape when he smiled. When his son would just be relaxed or being proud of himself for figuring out a problem on his homework by himself, his joy was so quiet in those moments it felt like Will had that joy too.

Fundy’s very soul was from Wilbur and Wilbur alone.

They are his children.

“I’m not.” Will looks up at Tommy’s response. The 7 year old looking down at nothing, frown so deep on his face it made him look so much older. “I’m not sorry.”

“Tommy?” Will reached up to cup Tommy’s face, watching for when that fuze would light in his youngest when he got upset. 

Tommy pulls away from Wilbur, he tries not to hold him on instinct, the blond diggs through his school back and pulls out three papers. All marked with messy writing and only one or two red lines, Tommy grabbing Tubbo’s bag and doing the same. Tubbo had a few more red lines but they were for spelling rather than wrong answers.

“I did better than Tubbo on our tests today.” Tommy shoving the papers closer to Will’s face for emphasis. “He got more red, but I know he got the answers right. But I got less red which means I did better.”

“Tommy-”

“I’m not sorry.” Tommy looks so determined to get his point across, Wilbur shuts his jaw and nods as Tommy takes another breath. “Ms. Clara says I’m getting better at our maths. She says they’re important even if I don’t like it, but she’s happy when I do better.”

“I like when we have recess and I get to play with the other kids, I like when we fight over who the biggest man is even though I’m clearly the winner.” That fierce smirk, so reminiscent of Sally but it's just so Tommy, Wilbur smiles back at him. “I even like when Ms. Clara scolds us ‘cause she knows we know we aren't in any real trouble. I like doing chores and taking care of Henry cause she’s the best cow ever. I like living here and doing things that are fun.”

He grabs the papers back, Tubbo taking his in return, and the 7 year old looks up at Will determined.

“I know mom made you sad a lot.” He smiles sadly at his youngest. Will brushes Tommy’s hair behind the kid’s ear, Tommy leans into the touch but continues to look serious. Taking a long breath then speaking slightly softer than before. “I know talking about her makes you sad. I- . . . I don’t remember a lot but I remember how she yelled at you and you would sleep in our room instead. I remember moving here. This is home.”

“I’m not sorry.” Fundy speaks now, all eyes turn to him as the kid stares at Wilbur, just as determined as his brother.

“Mr. Bailey let us work on our projects today.” He smiles, joy and pride as he rambles about the things that make them all relax more into the moment. “I got to work on my redstone lines for my build, I don’t get it all yet but he helped me write a letter to the black smith to ask for her help on the rest of it.”

Fundy turns shy as he lifts his lunch box from his bag to show it was empty. 

“At lunch I went with my friends to get food from the inn and gave my sandwich to Tommy and Tubbo to split.” The younger boys smile wickedly, knowing that would get their brother in trouble. “We told jokes and the owners gave us a free dessert just for being kids. When we got back to class we were 10 minutes late but Mr. Bailey just made us have quiet time for the rest of the afternoon anyway.”

Fundy smiled quietly, that same smile Will recognized as his own. “I’m not sorry too.”

“I like going to school!” Tubbo shouted as he bounced back and forth, excited that he finally got a turn to speak. “I like playing in the forest and feeding the chickens and goind bee hunting with Tommy in spring even if we don’t go past the river even if we know the bees like the flowers on the other side better.”

The boy gets more quiet as he fidgets with the papers in his hand, smile now more sadly placed than excited joy. When he looks up again Wilbur gives a reassuring smile as Tubbo’s eyes become shadowed by memories he knows are painful. Wilbur holds out a hand and Tubbo takes it.

“My old dad didn’t like us going out.” Tubbo traces Will’s fingers, picking at the older’s nails while he quietly explains. Will gives him a smile the whole time. “He got mad at me when I wanted to leave. But when we went on the road trip I was so happy to see outside better. I was so excited to leave the house I didn’t realize it meant he wanted to leave me behind in a random village.” 

His smile returns to genuine as Tommy leans into the other boy’s side, his hazel eyes once more shining bright and his hands begin to flap. A sure sign that all previous sadness has been forgotten. 

“I like when you make cookies with too much sugar. I like that you make us lunch for school everyday even when you look sleepy. I like coloring on the coffee table with Tommy, even when he wants to play ‘Soldiers’, he still colors with me because he likes making me happy.” Tommy gives him a light shove and everyone laughs with him. “I like that Fundy split his lunch with me and Tommy. I like living in a house with stairs and long hallways.” 

Tubbo finally looks so happy, years after seeing this boy cry over feeling like he wasn’t wanted. Like he needed to prove he was worthy of a warm and safe home, breaking Wilbur’s heart with every tear, the joy on his face was worth anything spent on him. 

“I’m not sorry either.” Tubbo says, slotting so perfectly between his two brothers.

“We’re happy here, dad.” Fundy is now grabbing the hand Tubbo let go of earlier, squeezing as he smiled at his dad. “You shouldn’t apologize for that.”

Wilbur knew, more than anything, how honest his sons were. Fundy was responsive and open with any person he’d meet, using honesty to his credit and to show people they could trust him. Tommy had no filter on him, but he was never mean, never cruel; he just saw no point in using excessive words when ‘you’re shit’ summarized everything perfectly. Tubbo was just calm and had a curiosity about him that made it obvious how smart this kid was, wanting to understand came with being just as honest back.

He trusted his children.

“I’m-” Wilbur gives a small laugh as he finally wipes the tears from his face. “You don’t know why I’m apologizing.”

“We do.” Tommy now says, back to furrowed eyebrows and loud remarks. “You get sad like this when mom is brought up, or family in general. You got sad when Ms. Clara asked if you’re married, she got sad when we told her mom made you sad.”

“Well,” Will sighs, he’ll never lie to his children. “I’m sad. I’m sad cause I haven’t really been honest with you.”

Wilbur holds up the letter and envelope to show off the wax seal, the shiny material drawing the childrens’ attention as Wilbur takes a deep breath to prepare to explain.

“This letter, the one Puffy gave me when you all left for school. It’s from- '' Will, shaky with everything that has kept happening today, admitted the truth he always wanted to say but never could. “It’s from my sister.”

“You have a sister?!”

“We have an Aunt?!”

Tubbo and Tommy shout at the same time and it makes Wilbur laugh out loud. The honest joy of his children will be the greatest gift he will ever receive. 

“Yes. In a way.” Shrugging, Wilbur lowers the paper to meet the childrens’ eyes. “I don’t know if she considers me family but she was- she is my friend now.” 

“Oh. What’s the letter saying?” Wilbur nods at Fundy’s question.

“She wants me to talk to her.”

They all sit like that, on the porach with the dying light of a winter sun, he talks about Niki and all the troubles of their youth. Sneaking away from lessons and navigating guard routes to sneak extra cookies. How the pressures of castle life drifted them apart, from close friends to staff and employer. Will gets sad again, whipping more tears as he explains how Niki says she’s good with the air heavy in his throat. Trying to hope against all hope that she wasn’t crushed by his leaving but his gut sinking at the thought of her never caring. 

In the end, when the dishes from dinner are washed and all the boys are sent to bed, Will walks out into the snowy night, on the porch again. He’ll walk a few feet away, from the warm fire of the house and the guiding light of lanterns, just to stare at the moon and let the air freeze his lungs.

He looks at the stars, reimagining them as the constellations of home, just to breathe the scent of freshly fallen snow. Like those nights where he opened a window with Niki to spend the winter days away from his teachers. Remembering the fascination that came with living in a land of endless night, where the winter sky was darker than it ever was, but the city shone with the lights similar to an aurora. The rainbow ice making those late night talks so magical, that even after all these years of being away from his family they sparkled so vividly that just breathing in the snow made him feel the window sill against his forearms while Niki leaned against his side.

He’ll sleep soundly that night, warm in a bed he knitted a blanket for, he’ll calmly make breakfast for the boys and hand them their lunches for school. Spending the day writing his reply to Niki, more organized than his first letter attempt.

Puffy takes the letter that weekend, a smile on her face as she heads towards the ports of Logstedshire, the boys waving her off with the excitement of knowing how they’ll get new stories from her soon. Wilbur is secure in knowing he’ll be happy knowing his message will get home safely. 

He doesn’t know if he’ll ever be honest, doesn’t know what will motivate him to ever be that vulnerable and let Niki know about his children, but he knows one thing for certain-

He’ll see his family again. 

One day.

Chapter Text

Wilbur sat in the central market square, the oak tree hanging heavy with age and weight, the late spring breeze blowing in fresh scents of the area around him. The spring market was over, as vendors and merchants had moved on to the regular summer travels, bringing a moment of calm where there was usually a clatter of new exciting things. Spice and the clean fabric had faded into the background as smells of greenery filled the air. 

Wilbur took his time, sitting on the worn oak bench, breathing in the scent of flowers and fruit as summer merchandise started to be placed out in market stalls. He smiled, content with the knowledge that this was his home and that the boys were enjoying their day home alone, aware that this moment wouldn’t last forever.

Peace before the storm of his own making would be upon him.

Niki was coming to see him.

After two years of exchanging letters every few months, Wilbur agreed to meet up in the village where he lived. So, here he was, waiting on the same bench he met Puffy on all those years ago, letting his mind drift towards clear skies and annoying pollen. Thinking of how Tommy’s birthday was fast approaching and had yet to plan for the soon to be 9 year old’s birthday. He was trying to let the pleasant late spring morning and market distract him from the meeting between Will and his sister.

Safe to say he was going to lose his mind as the nerves ate him alive.

“Will!” His head shot towards the familiar shout of Puffy, but his eyes were completely trained on a short blonde next to her.

The moment of spring frozen between his stuttering heartbeat and him holding his breath, Niki was a perfect mirror of her youth and heartache. 

Glasses not too dissimilar from his own sat on her face as her hair was pulled back, loose strands falling around to frame her face, her eyes still the same bright shade bringing comfort to Will he didn’t know he needed. Niki looked like a traveler and it was a refreshing look for a woman he knew as a baker and friend. Loose shirt and long pants tucked into tall boots, an easy outfit for comfort and sturdy for travel. The round glasses reflected the light as Niki adjusted them to look at him, and despite the wide smile, Will could tell it took everything in her to not start crying.

He was holding back his tears when he moved to wave at them.

As Wilbur stood to wave them over, Niki began to walk several paces ahead with each stride more rushed than the first, until she was a step away from Will. His arm now awkwardly at a right angle, ready to do some form of greeting but still wanting to wave them over, and slowly put it down towards his side.

That first minute of staring was taken in stride, both just trying to find words or taking the first minute of seeing the other again to just see each other.

From far away Will couldn’t tell but now he saw all the details of Niki and how similar she was to his memories. Her hair was in a short ponytail that still had streaks of the pink hair dye she always used in her youth, a color that was so perfectly Niki he almost missed the full color. She still had freckles, lightly tracing her face in frantic constellations. Will had to remember which ones were which as some were new or faded, and her face still had the same flush from cold snow as ever.

This was still his sister.

“Can I hug you?” Will is just as surprised as Niki when the question tumbles out of his mouth. Her wide eyes quickly fill with more tears as she nods and leans forward to embrace him.

They stay like that until Puffy walks next to them, warm and comforted by hugging a friend.

“Niki,” Puffy speaks softly and it lets them relax out of the tight hug. “I’ll be around at the market. I’ll come back to give you guys some food later.”

“Alright,” Niki says, nodding slowly, and Gods did Wilbur miss her voice. 

He really missed her.

“Will?” He started as he looks down towards Niki, waiting for her to say something more. “How are you?”

Will stifles a nervous laugh, not wanting to seem uncaring. He gave a smile, one more genuine than he thought it would be. 

“I’m okay.” He was, even as the tension built between them knowing what comes next, Wilbur Soot was okay. “I’ve been really good. You?”

“Same.” Niki laughs brightly, it's reminiscent of jingle bells to Will even if he knows it's a poetic comparison. “I’ve switched up my post again.”

Glasses quickly shine as she faces him with a proud smile and Wilbur sees her age, it's not obvious but it's there. Lines that mark where she worries or smiles, all there to show how they weren’t kids anymore. Will is surprised he hasn’t realized that after raising 3 of them. Then again he lost track of the decade for quite a while.

“You’re looking at the new head baker in the north castle.”

“Really?!” Will shares her pride when he leans to hug her again. Only pulling back once she pats him lightly. “That’s amazing Niki!”

“Thank you.” Her tone is neutral compared to when they first spoke, the look across her face spoke of pain. “I wish you were there for the promotion.”

Now it begins.

“I know.” Will can’t bring himself to mutter anything else. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“That’s not true!” Niki says, reaching to hold his hand. He tries not to flinch back at the sudden noise and movement. She pulls back, sighing sadly. “I just mean . . . after Argos. After Sally, you could’ve come back.”

“I couldn’t.” He doesn’t look at her, refusing to see her confusion and sadness. “Sally-”

“Explain it.” Wilbur looks at her, determination dancing behind her eyes as she forces eye contact. “Tell me what happened. When you died.”

They stay like that for a moment. Waiting for the other to budge, Will wants to find a good explanation without revealing too much, and Niki wants answers from the past 15 years.

“Well,” Wilbur leans back against the bench, feeling the wood creak and looking at the tree. Taking in one last breath he looks at Niki again. “We got to Argos, and it all fell apart from there.”

It really did.

They were greeted with all the fanfare of warriors who come home after a long journey, for Sally it made sense but Will felt out of place among the roaring crowd. He hung out in the middle of the crew, carrying a newly 1-year-old Tommy and gripping tightly to Fundy’s hand as they walked through the streets towards carriages that would take them to the main castle.

Wilbur was surprised once more by the celebration of it all, which was understandable considering Sally hasn’t been home in what was probably a decade now. He couldn’t help but smile at his wife, happy she was home once more where she belonged.

He hoped he could make this place home.

The open carriages were grand and decked out in golden designs, pulled by large horses as the groom bowed low to Sally and opened the door for them to enter. Wilbur stepped in with her and they were escorted to the main palace further up the coastline. 

From there it was a blur. 

The celebrations were fantastic but Wilbur was forced to watch most of them from the window of their new room in the palace. It was a marvelous view of fireworks over the ocean, his window on the east side of the palace, 2 floors up from the ground floor, connects to the shallow lake that has a river that leads to the ocean. A natural defense for any invaders while holding a lovely view of the sunset.

Wilbur enjoyed the view but it was getting a little tedious spending day after day being the only one looking after his sons while Sally enjoyed the ceremonies. When he tried to ask the castle staff about having a nursemaid or finding a governess to watch his children they glanced side-eyed at him or scuttled away before he could ask the question.

When he asked Sally about it she waved off his concern, only saying that they arrived suddenly and hadn’t communicated that they would bring young children with them. Their hosts were so busy keeping the people’s morale up after the war that this was the first major celebration they could hold that was genuine. They had no way of providing help so Wilbur would have to wait until there was a spare moment to set up something proper. 

“Why couldn’t the staff tell me that?” Will questioned while rocking Tommy’s crib, Fundy playing with some blocks in the corner; the young fox hybrid’s ears flicking once in a while to indicate he was listening, making Wilbur keep his voice quiet and frustration-free. “They all ignore me or look like I said something ridiculous.”

“Well, your appearance doesn’t help with that love.” Sally points at Wilbur’s clothes, a dirty white poet’s shirt, and worn black pants. He flushed slightly at the reminder of his wardrobe being inappropriate for a visiting guest and former prince. “They’re just not used to you yet. I’m sure when I can officially introduce you the staff will be more welcoming.”

“Alright.”

That was 6 months ago.

After all that time, he was still an unofficial nuisance to castle staff that offered him no help, he had yet to be introduced in an official capacity and Sally hadn’t been back to the room in over a week. 

Will was one incident away from snapping.

He received a summons and new clothes to wear for that afternoon. A governess, stern-faced and sharply dressed in a lavender gown, was nodding her introduction before guards forcefully escorted him out of the room. 

After the maze of stairs and long hallways, he was placed in front of large acacia doors, burning orange wood eyestrain to Wilbur’s taste, the doors opened to reveal the long hallway of the throne room.

Crystal chandeliers shone brightly in the late afternoon as the light streamed through the clear glass as velvet red curtains tied in gold rope held them back. The throne is perfectly positioned central with the golden lady of Argos, Hera Olympus, sitting poised and blankly at Will as he slowly approaches. 

Nobility stands around and watches the spectacle of Wilbur entering the room. It’s attention that is at once familiar and strange. The dark oak and gold room is so different from the grand blue and white hall of his home that he allows his muscle memory to carry him forward as he tries to calm his nerves. 

He takes another breath before kneeling, hand over heart, towards the throne. Will notes Sally’s presence on the Regent’s left while 2 young men are on the right, one with a crown sitting on a simpler throne and the other standing. Wilbur assumes they are Jason and Heracles respectively.

“Your highness,” Wilbur lightly smiles, never raising his head and avoiding eye contact. “It is an honor to be present and offer you my greetings.”

“Wilbur Soot, formerly the Antarctic Prince. Rise.” Wilbur stands tall, he lets his face harden into politeness as he takes in the woman before him.

She is dressed in a simple black gown with white lace in various flower patterns. Her golden hair is pulled up high as light gray eyes stare down at him, she is unimpressed but cordial as she looks him over. 

It’s probably the best first impression he could make.

“Sally tells us about your efforts during the war and your bravery against your fathers.” Wilbur tries not to flinch at her remarks, if it was a test of loyalty he would give the honest answer.

“Forgive my rudeness but his imperial majesty Technoblade is not my father, and Emperor Philza is only my father by blood.” Wilbur bows slightly, dropping his head farther in hopes she doesn’t see him hesitate to correct her. “I’d prefer no association with them, your highness.”

“Very well.” Will glance up to catch a glint of something sad in her eyes before she gestures for him to be at ease. “Do you understand my summons?”

“I’m afraid I don’t, Lady Hera.” He smiles a bit more and glances at Sally as she is suddenly glaring at him. Does he answer her? “My assumption was a formal introduction as Captain Sally’s husband with a recognition of our children-”

“Wilbur!” Wilbur flinches, letting his jaw shut with an audible click, as Sally screams at him as the hall erupts into aghast chatter. “Stop-”

“Captain Sally.” Lady Hera’s voice was cold. Wilbur catches the moment her eyes glow white in the curtain’s shadow, it levels his wife like a storm. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Nothing my lady.” Sally doesn’t even glance her way as she stabs Wilbur in place. 

“It seems like more than nothing to me.” Lady Hera sighs as she waves her arm out toward the crowd, and the hall quiets down. She rests her head on her hand as she speaks. “You, our most trusted spy,-” Did she say spy? “Promised us the complete loyalty of Prince Willam under the condition he understood he was a political prisoner. No personal attachment .”

What?

“Lady Hera-”

What ?

“ Enough .” Wilbur snaps back to attention at the cold tone. “The council is dismissed.”

There is a hesitant mumble before the official begins to leave the hallway.

“Everyone leaves.” Hera glances back to those at her side and Wilbur assumes she means him as well. “Wilbur, stay.”

Maybe not.

Wilbur keeps his head down as everyone leaves, Sally the last to move. She comes up to his side and grabs his right shoulder, her nails digging deep into his skin.

“Don’t blow this, sweetheart.”

The hall is quiet after the heavy doors close, Wilbur watches as Hera stands up.

“Wilbur,” Hera makes it down the steps before offering her arm. “Walk with me.”

They step out into the hallway Wilbur came, devoid of people that all but all scurried away. When they reach a long hallway she speaks again.

“I’m in an unfortunate position because of you.” Wilbur almost freezes at her remark. “More accurately because of your wife.”

“I-”

“Don’t talk.” He nods. “Listen as I tell you exactly how I will be forced to humiliate you because of that stupid, stupid child.”

They walk until they reach the front-most courtyard, the rose bushes not blooming due to the light snow of winter, but the atmosphere was bright with decorative lamps and wall designs. Hera stopped in front of the tree that was withered by winter and time, she dusted off the snow before sitting and gesturing for Will to do the same.

“This tree was a gift from my husband to Prince Jason’s father.” She smiles sadly at the dull aspen tree, watching a single burnt yellow leaf fall into the growing snow bank, while Wilbur takes his seat next to the regent. “They joked it was a symbol of love for their wives, me and my sister, to always be honest in front of ‘nature’s purest beauty. They never honored that agreement but I tell you this because you need to know what I say is truthful and all I can say because of my position.”

“Your majesty?”

“You just admitted to an entire court that you’re married to the crown prince’s fiance.” Wilbur feels the shock racing through his body at the acting monarch’s words. He moves to say anything but she speaks before him with a sad smile on her face. “I’m not blaming you but it’s obvious you’ve made an enemy of yourself. You will be banished but your children may remain if they prove to be Sally’s children.”

“How does that help me?” Now he feels angry, blaming such arbitrary excuses. “I married her, I’m married to my wife. Why would she lie?”

“You tell me?” Hera looks at Will pensively, eyebrow arched and eyes are curious. “If what you say is true then the marriage that has been arranged for them since they were children just fell through and tarnished the royal family’s name for being dishonest about their intentions.”

“Arranged?” Wilbur asks as Hera nods.

“Sally is a descendant of an older kingdom we absorbed a few centuries back, her noble line was retained from her ancestor’s bargaining.” Hera brushes some snow off her dress. “Her former title was Duchess Sally Corinth before disguising herself for the war efforts at 18. She’s our most decorated spy. She’s brought back a lot of information on your empire and surrounding territories.”

“Then why?” Wilbur shivers, from the cold or frustration he doesn’t know. “Why did she marry me? Why did she have children with me? Why?”

They sit silently as Will tries not to cry.

“My husband was a man worth many things.” Lady Hera says it suddenly, Will freezes as he looks over toward the person that’s shattering his world.

“I don’t understand.” 

“Yes, you do.” She stares intently, deeply and Will knows what she means. “He was a lord, he was a commander during the war, he was a father, and he was my husband. He was worth many things, but he wasn’t worthy of them.”

“My Lady-”

“My husband was married to pleasure and pain,” Hera picks up the gold leaf that fell earlier before tossing it into the wind. She stands in front of him, this woman is the embodiment of what a Queen should be. “Only knowing how to show the latter. He spent most of his life in the company of mistresses and nursing the bottle. The only good thing that man gave me was my son, even if he is more like his father than I ever wished.” 

“Why are you telling me this?” 

“Because I recognize the situation you’re in, I see myself in you but you are something I am not.” She places a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not a coward like me and you love your children enough to not make them suffer for a parent that will never love them. You will leave by tomorrow night or I will be forced to make a show of you and leave your children with Sally. If you hold any shred of bravery you will do as I say, Wilbur Soot.”

She leaves him in a state of shock as she turns away.

“What were you thinking?!” Sally burst into their- his bedroom. When did he get back? “All you had to do was bow your head and say nothing. Why did you keep talking?!”

“. . . Why?” Will is standing up. Walking over slowly toward a furious Sally, but he didn't care. Not right now, as he whispers his disbelief. “How could you?”

“ Speak up .” Sally is angry, she’s livid . “If you’re going to treat me like the bad guy I expect you to not sound like a child .”

“Why did you lie?” He needs to know. “Why? Why did you lie?”

“Because that was the mission-”

“Why did you lie to me ?” He’s shouting, he doesn’t mean to especially not with Fundy and Tommy in the room. “I’m your husband! I made a vow to you before the gods, one of which is my mother , to defend you. To love you and cherish you-”

“Shut the fuck up!”

“No!” Fundy rushes behind him to where Tommy’s crib is, the toddler beginning to wine in discomfort. “I gave up everything for you! I helped you; made potions fought your battles, told you how to avoid the empire, and-”

“Wilbur-” She stepped forward.

“Sally-” He meets her halfway. 

“Shut up!” She pushes a finger into his chest. “Do you hear how fucking stupid you sound right now?! ‘ Helped me? All you’ve done is fuck up since day one. If you used your head and did what I said you’d know that this is the best route.”

“How can you say that?!”

“Because it guarantees you and the kids protection!” She swings her arms out exasperated and Wilbur just keeps glaring. “When I marry Jason I can keep you and the kids around where you’ll be immune as political prisoners-”

“I am your husband!” Why couldn’t she listen to him? “And you’re choosing some bratty prince over your family!”

“He’s not the bratty one right now!”

And it’s quiet. The insults are thrown and they land deeply into Wilbur’s heart. 

Tommy starts crying, and Sally glares at the baby, their baby, and Wilbur sees red .

“ Don’t .” His voice is low, it is a shaking sea of rage and frustration. “Do not look at your son-“

“Then get him to shut up “

“He’s a child!”

“Not the only one-“

“STOP INSULTING ME BECAUSE I DON’T AGREE WITH YOU ABANDONING US!”

The slap is loud. It moves Will sharply to the side, his glasses go askew as he stumbles back, and the pain flushes his face red.

Sally just hit him.

“I will give you one chance to behave yourself.” She’s breathing heavily as he stares wide-eyed at her.

Sally just hit him.

“There’s a ball tomorrow, appear complacent and loyal to Argos and I might forgive you.”  She walks towards the exit, glaring back at him one more time. “ Be ready .”

And the door slams shut. And Wilbur stubbles towards Tommy to stop him from crying.

After rocking him, patting his back slowly. Humming a short tune that always calms his youngest down, he finally registers his tears, and Fundy cries while clutching his pant leg. 

“Dad!” Fundy is sobbing heavily, the four-year-old so scared and so worried . “Why’s mom-“

“It’s okay, champion.” He kneels so his son can hug his side tightly. And it’s terrifying , Wilbur is so scared because he’s thinking of the past 10 minutes that just happened. It's a dangerous thought, how his children are in danger and how their mother would probably hurt them if Wilbur didn’t listen. “I need to go right now. Stay with Tommy and the governess. I’m going to “

“No, dad!” Fundy’s claws dig into his arms. His brown eyes are blown up in a panic, and it’s a feeling that makes Wilbur drown in his fear. It’s breaking him into pieces seeing his sons so scared . “Please! Please don’t leave! Mom’s gonna hurt you again!”

Oh, oh no. The tears are flowing faster at that.

“Okay, okay Fundy.” Fundy shakes at the weight of it all and Wilbur is brushing the fur on top of his head while Tommy cries faintly into the echoing room. “I’ll stay. You’re so brave. My little champion.”

Wilbur stays until Fundy falls asleep, Tommy equally tired. All the while he’s whispering praise, ‘you’re so brave’, ‘thank you for protecting me’, and ‘I love you so much. 

He calls the governess to watch his children while they sleep. He says he’ll be back soon but she pays him no mind as she moves to organize the toys Fundy previously abandoned.

He’s out in the snow again, the early winter winds let the snowflakes dance as Wilbur makes his way to the courtyard. It’s a different one he notices as he spies a grand statue of someone grand.

As he sits at its feet, Wilbur glances at the plaque, a king of a few generations back. He doesn’t know why he came out here but he needed the space from it all, just a moment away from their room. Away from the castle, away from her new life, and just-

Gods above, he was just tired .

He thinks back to how he got here, where he made a mistake that Sally didn’t love him anymore. He followed the rules, he listened when he needed to, and he was a good husband.

Was it when Tommy got sick and yelled at her?

Was it when he said he liked the idea of settling down?

Was it when he abandoned his life as a prince?

Did she only love that he was a prince?

He thought back to those early days when she was fire-bright and warm. When Wilbur was so cold from the isolating castle life, she was able to rescue him from it all.

Was it really a prison? Will stares blankly ahead, head in his hands as he glances at the ivory castle by the sea. They loved you, they did.

He thinks back to the library he fell in love with Sally at, how it was a place of good memories. How they spent several nights in the quiet light, but also how he grew up in that library. 

He imagines his father’s guiding hand as it points at all the places he traveled, naming continents and cities as he weaves a tapestry of beautiful stories.

How Technoblade, a scary brute from a hellish dimension, hands his books with such fragile care Wilbur laughs at the irony. He remembers one such book, another classic about deceiving and loving someone that would never love you, he read it that night asking the piglin at multiple points what certain words or phrases mean.

Will looks back at the statute, the details generic but a quote from that classic play sparks into his mind.

“‘ She pined in thought, and with a green and yellow melancholy. She sat like Patience on a monument, smiling at grief. Was not this love indeed?’ ” He recites quietly, into the wind and away from the castle. He laughs lightly, mockingly as more tears fall. “‘Was not this love indeed?’”

Wilbur sits and thinks, about the meaning of the quote and his situation. Maybe it was a sick feeling to deceive the person you love. Maybe the suffering was fine if you could love the person that holds all your affection.

How could he justify hurting his children though?

Letting them stay with her, where they’ll be treated as less than when he wouldn’t be able to reach them in any way. He tried not to sob as the snow fell against his face.  

“William?” He raises his head to see someone he’d almost forgotten. “It is you, my stars.”

Eret rushes in, pausing in her final step as Will knows they’re staring at his face. On instinct he goes to cover it, only to flinch as the light graze turns the wound fire-red with pain again. Will simply looks up and gives a polite smile.

“Your highness.” He takes the chance to fully look at his oldest friend.

Eret matches every definition of regal standing in black pants, the flare near the bottom, a teal blouse wraps around his waist into a bow that hangs low, and a marbled brown fur coat covers them warmly as Wilbur watches black-gloved fingers move closer to him. The last thing he sees is a king's circle resting on their forehead.

“Or should I say ‘your majesty?’” He tries to push a light-hearted tone into the teasing remark with a smirk, but the way he sees Eret’s frown deepens and the sadness grows Will knows they could no longer be light-hearted.

This was serious.

“I thought,” She kneels in front of him with arms shaking, Will thinks it's odd seeing him without sunglasses. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Eret-”

“Please.” Eret places one hand on the side of his face that hasn’t been slapped, and Wilbur cups it in his own. “What happened?”

There are shaky breaths and long pauses until Wilbur cries.

He’s sobbing and hearing himself cry like this is an ugly and terrible thing. It's all he can do as he tells Eret everything, from leaving to now. How scared he is of his children, how terrified he is of Sally. 

“I- I don’t know what to do!” Eret pulled him into a hug, she took his glass before they could be squished against his face. “Sally-”

“Will,” Eret pulls back from the hug, staring at him with a more serious look than he’s ever seen on his companion's face. It's not scary though, Wil doesn’t tense at the tone or look, because it feels protective. “I can help you.”

“What?” He feels Eret wipe away his tears gently, careful of the fading slap.

“I will help you.” Eret gave a kind smile. “I can offer you protection in L’Manburg. I am sovereign, I can hide you. I can get you and your children away from here. If you want that, I won’t make you-”

“Please-” Will grabs her shoulders, hoping- begging that he won’t take back his words. “Help me. Please Eret.”

“She hit you?” Will is startled out of his ramblings as Puffy approaches with a late lunch. It’s horror and a pity Will never wants to see that on her face again.

Niki is in a similar state, eyes wide and hands twitching at her lap. He assumes she doesn’t know how to comfort him.

“Yes,” Will places his hand on Niki’s, and she visibly relaxes. “And that was 7 years ago. I’m okay, I’m safe. Eret has done an excellent job of hiding my presence here.”

“I found you plenty easy.” Puffy looks down at the ground, shame Will assumes.

“Because you knew how to find me.” Will gives a graceful smile as he takes the food in Puffy’s hand. “No one looks for a dead man.”

It’s quiet as they eat, once settled after the tense moment Puffy and Niki start chatting away. Will gives the anecdote comment but is otherwise content to listen to his friends as they talk. 

It’s peaceful.

“What happened next?” Wilbur glances over at Niki, her eyebrows squished together as she looks at the ground. She plays with a napkin in her hand while Puffy stands to take their trash away. “What led up to the fire?”

“Puffy told you?” Wilbur’s surprised by that, he honestly didn’t know what Puffy told Niki but probably more or less the logistics of how the plan was executed.

“She told the emperors, I was just in the same room during the trial.”

“I see.” Will nods his head, glaring at the ground. “There’s not much else to say.”

Wilbur had accepted Eret’s help, which she gave and they discussed the plan. 

“We’ll need more help.” Eret whispers in the darkroom as Wilbur puts his children to bed. “I can order my men to do these things, move the boats, and set up the alarms but I can’t be on that ship and at the party at the same time.”

“I don’t know who else to trust.” Wilbur places a blanket over Fundy before adjusting Tommy in the crib next to the bed. “Sally won’t let me leave the castle to go back to the ship or leave in general.”

“What about the crew? Anyone, to help you get your children out?” Eret moves to fold the maps and blueprints, placing them safely in her coat pockets before raising a candle and walking over to Wilbur.

Wilbur thinks deeply, placing names to trust as he goes through the mental list of crew members. Then, after staring at Tommy long enough, he remembers the one person who would help him.

“First mate Puffy.” He looks up determined and Eret nods slowly. “She’s due to arrive tomorrow morning, get her to me so I can explain. She’s loyal but kind. If I explain, she might help.”

“Alright.” Eret smiles, moving toward the door. Pausing at the handle he looks back at Wilbur. “Is there anything else I should get you?”

Wilbur nods, he takes a breath to look at Fundy and brush his fur back. He gives a smile that he knows turns feral when he thinks of making Sally pay for what she did. So his smile is wide and bittersweet when he says:

“Get me a brewing stand.”

Chapter Text

“Then what?” Niki stares intently as Puffy comes back from throwing away the trash, her question leaves him stumbling over words.

This entire conversation was a carefully woven story about hiding Puffy’s true involvement. Yes, she helped him out and got him to the boat but her main objective was to keep the kids safe. 

Niki doesn’t know about the kids.

“I met with Wilbur.” Puffy sits on the bench next to Niki, casually leaning back at her comment. “I’ll leave that part of the story to you though. You’re doing a great job so far, don’t let me stop you.”

“There’s not much left to tell.” Wilbur shrugs, looking at Niki’s serious face he tries not to laugh at her. He couldn't tell the difference if it was a surprise or awkward laughter. “You know about the fire-”

“That’s not-” Niki cuts him off and collects her thoughts as she searches his face for . . . something he guesses. “I- I want to know what made you choose to leave. Dying, I guess.”

“I can’t tell you everything.” Wilbur picks at his nails in favor of looking at Niki, it’s not shame alone that makes him unable to face her. “Part of what guarantees my safety is you not knowing everything. Which isn’t fair.”

“I understand.” Niki looks content but the shine of her eyes betray her real feelings. Wilbur moves to hold her hand.

“You don’t have to understand it-”

“But I do.” Niki’s smile is just as bright as it was in her youth, and Wilbur aches for that childhood comfort. She simply pats his hand. “Just tell me what happens next.”

He searches for her sincerity, finding nothing but a polite smile. He nods, slowly breathing as to not panic over memories.

Wilbur meets Puffy at that same statue he met Eret at. After some research he finds that it was a statue of Jason’s great-grandfather that founded the capital city for what it was today.

He laughs bitterly at it.

“Will.” He turns at Eret’s call to find Puffy approaching slowly. Eret gives them both a quick nod before staring directly at Wilbur. His face is stern as he whispers low- “I can give you an hour uninterrupted. Be quick.”

They leave and then Wilbur’s alone with Puffy.

“What’s this about Will?” Puffy pushes the hair from her face as the wind blows through. He catches her eyes widen into a panic when they wander to his bruising cheek. A hand twitches at his side. “What-”

“I need to get out of here tonight.” Will turns his attention to the ground, watching the snow pile up onto his shoes. “I’m sure you’ve heard that my wife is engaged? And if not, here's your notice.”

“Will I didn’t know-”

“I don't care what your previous involvement with the original plan was.” He avoids her gaze, glaring at the worn clothes he came here in. He closes his eyes, further pushing his eyebrow together at the bitter feeling. “You’re the only person I can trust right now. It’s a very small number so I can’t complain about what led you here, only what you do with the choices I’m about to give you.”

He guesses Puffy nods because it becomes quiet in the whistling winds. 

“I need you to take Tommy and Fundy out of the castle. There’s a moat under my window, take a dingy under the window. Be there just before midnight tonight.” Wilbur looks up at her shining eyes, watching Puffy blink away the tears on her white lashes. “Can you do that?”

“Of course.” Puffy steps towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder. She smiles kindly, it's more than he thought he deserved. “I’ll always help you.”

They talk in the blinding snow, watching fresh flakes fall in dancing patterns. They sit down at the feet of the statue, leaning into each other, hushing conversation over the finer details for the plan to work. 

Wilbur wonders if this is the closest he’ll get to peace.

After Eret returns to collect the first mate, waving goodbye, Wilbur returns to the room. The Governess greets him with a short bow before walking towards the door.

“Wait.” Wilbur pauses when her indifferent gaze levels him. He swallows before speaking. “I need your help.”

“Of course, my lord.” Her expression doesn’t change, but Will sees the quick hint of a smile in her eyes. “How can I assist you?”

“My behavior yesterday truly offended his highness Prince Jason, didn’t it?” He relaxes as the Governess’s smile shows on her face, but shivers when her gaze meets his own in cold calculation. “I’m utterly embarrassed at my rudeness. What gift could I give to amend this?”

“My lord,” She glances at the children. Smiling at the laugh Tommy gives as Fundy crashes two toys together. “Armor.”

“Armor?” Wilbur smiles, a cruel idea already forming. “What a practical gift.”

“Yes, my lord.” Her lips curl up into a smirk. Will can tell she knows he’s insincere but wants this little revenge of his to work. “I hear your talent with magic is a gift of the Empire's vast knowledge. Proof of how useful of an asset you are. Surely, you will be forgiven.”

“Surely.” She bows at his echoing agreement. When she reaches the door he speaks once more. “One last question.”

“Yes?” The Governess faces him.

“May I have your name?”

“Medea.” She glances back at him, her smile bright and genuine. He returns it. “I assume I won’t be needed anymore, even tonight?”

“No.” Will nods, turning to go towards his sons.  “Thank you for your help.”

“My Lord,” He faces her, watching her smile turn soft. “Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

“ Wilbur .” Later, Sally is looking at him baffled. Her dress is white with gold lace, the sharp angle at the waist made room for a long leg slit on her left side. Her hair was down and curled in soft ringlets compared to its usual wave pattern. She’s glaring, gold makeup and jewelry catching the candlelight of the room. “What are you doing?”

“What you asked for, Sally.” Will tilts his head down so his tangled hair covers his eyes and injured cheek as he holds out a chest plate glowing purple with magic, a rushed gift with Eret’s help. Even under the violet shimmer the gold detailing shines brightly. “My compliance. I’ve made a gift for Prince Jason as an apology.”

“That’s not what I told you to do-”

“But I need something to show I’m genuinely sorry.” He watches his wife’s eyes narrow further. He interrupts, which is stupid, but he needs to seem desperate. Wilbur sets the armor on the table as he puts on a face that shows his honest sleepless night of brewing and a rushed morning of enchanting. It’s his best lie, telling the truth. “I stayed up last night, I had the staff help get the armor, but I needed something to show my sincerity. This will convince him to accept Fundy and Tom- Thomas . Won’t it?”

The standstill barely lasted a second, scared eyes meeting indifferent ones. Sally sighs, uncrossing an arm to press against her temple. She meets his eyes again, he lets tears build up.

“You’re coming to the party-”

“Yes, I will.” Will steps closer, interrupting again. He has to convince her. “I’ll have the staff deliver my gift then put the children to bed. I’ll be down shortly. Please?”

Quiet settles as his children move about the room in rushed motions, another instruction to annoy Sally into complying. As bitter of a feeling that wells in him at using his children like this, the irritation on her face means he’s succeeded. She turns to leave the room, gripping the handle before giving him one more glare.

“You better be on your best behavior, Wilbur.”

“Yes, I promise Sally.” He nods, and she barely looks back as the door slams shut. Startling him and the children.

He doesn’t let the relief last long.

“Fundy, Tommy.” They turn to him. “Come here.”

They walk over, Tommy stumbling more since he only learned how to walk about a month ago. Another event Sally didn’t care about.

“Dad?” Fundy speaks up as Tommy just babbles, still not speaking full phrases yet. “Did we do something wrong again?”

“No.” Will brushes his red hair behind his son's fox ears, smiling as Tommy starts climbing up his side. He picks up his sons, Tommy giggling as Fundy’s ears bend back in nervousness. “You did everything just right. Your mom- . . . I told you to do what you did. She’s just upset at me right now, okay?”

“I guess.” Fundy’s face is still anxious but his ears aren’t fully pinned back anymore. “Are we taking medicine now?”

“Not yet.” He walks them over to his bed, setting them down as he gathers the rope from the bottom drawer of his bedside dresser. “We have to do a few more things before that.”

“Dad?” Will glances at Fundy, the four-year-old holding back tears. “I know you said we’re leaving but- um, are we leaving mom?”

“Yes.” Will kneels in front of the bed, Tommy growing quiet as the atmosphere changes. “I’m sorry-”

“Is it because she hits you and yells at you?” Fundy says it, his eyes looking at the bruise, and Wilbur tries to breathe normally. Leave it to his kid to ask the tough questions. “Because she makes you sad?”

Yep, okay.

“Yes.” That hurts to admit, he thought it would be easy. Leaving, knowing this moment has been coming for a while. It’s hard to say yes to it though. “Yes. She makes me sad. I don’t want her to make you guys sad either.”

“She’s gonna be mad if we leave. Will she hit us?”

“ No. ” Wilbur grabs his son’s shoulder lightly, watching his son’s eyes grow wide. “I promise she’s never going to hurt you. I promise I won’t hurt you. We need to leave to make sure she doesn’t hurt you. That’s why we’re leaving. Okay?”

“Okay, dad.”

“Bye-bye!” Tommy speaks up, the 18-month-old laughing to himself as he gestures toward his dad. “Bye-bye papa.”

“Yes, sunshine. We’re going ‘bye-bye’.” Wilbur picks them up again, holding them close. “And we’re going to be alright.”

There’s a knock on his door, and a servant enters. Wilbur allows the rude behavior to go unacknowledged as the man bows low. 

“Good evening, my lord.” He looks Wilbur in the eye as he stands. Another slight. “Lady Sally said you had something to deliver?”

“Yes.” Wilbur puts his children down as he moves to hand the armor wrapped in the cloth to the servant. “Have this delivered to Prince Jason. My kindest, most sincere regards. As an apology for my behavior yesterday. Lady Sally corrected me.”

He watches the servant’s eyes look at Will’s bruised cheek, the indifferent deminor twisting into pity.

“I shall do so at once, my lord.” “I will deliver it to the ballroom where the court can see your apology in full. I assume you’ll be down shortly?”

“Yes, I just need to make sure the children are asleep and summon the governess.” He smiles, bright and calm as the servant looks into the room to see a giggling Tommy and Fundy facing the wall.

“Very well, my lord.” He bows again. “We’ll see you shortly.”

The door closes and Wilbur goes returns to pick up the rope from the floor behind the bed. He ties it off at the edge of the window where he anchors a bolt he put there last night when they were testing the fireworks last night.

It was going smoothly but he needs to move quickly for this to fully work.

WIlbur looks down to see Puffy there with the boat, just like she promised. He gestures for her to climb the rope. He sees her anchor the boat before turning back to his kids.

“You’re going to take the medicine now, okay?” He gets a nod from Fundy and a hum from Tommy. Will opens another drawer to grab the potions, he holds up the more purple one before he sees Puffy climbing through the window, a little out of breath. 

“My gods, Will.” She breathes heavily as she pulls herself up from the window. “You could've told me-”

“One-second Puffy.” He turns to his children.

“Dad?”

“Listen to me very carefully.” Wilbur kneels by the bed again. Gripping both of their shoulders. “You remember Ms. Puffy. She’s gonna take care of you while I finish packing. You’re going to take the medicine then you’re going to feel really sleepy, okay? Before you know it you’ll be awake again.”

“Dad-”

“I promise you’ll be okay, now please drink-”

“Will you be okay, Dad?” Fundy grabs the hand gripping his shoulder. Fear is visible in his wide eyes, voice slightly shaking. “You’ll be okay?”

“Yes.” He's not lying. He can't be lying. “I’ll be okay. I promise, champion. Take your medicine.”

After a nod from his oldest, he takes the spoon from Will and swallows the potion without protest, pulling a disgusted face after. Tommy protests at first but eventually drinks his smaller serving. 

“It’ll be okay now. Go to sleep.” Will pats their head, humming in low tones, seeing them slowly fall asleep before he faces Puffy.

“What did you do?” Puffy looks a little nervous, Wilbur knows he’s staring, dead eyes trained on his accomplice as he stands with a sling as he approaches Puffy. “Are they- are they asleep?”

“Yes.” He gestures for her to lift her arms, and he then proceeds to wrap the sling around her. “They shouldn’t wake up until midday tomorrow. Right now, they’re still adjusting to deep sleep so you’re just moving luggage before you carry them down.”

“What?” Puffy looks worried as she glances between Will and the window, in hushed tones airing her grievances. “That’s fucking 3 stories up. What about-”

“Patrol,” Will says quickly, tying off the sling before moving to secure a few bags to Puffy’s back. “Eret and I went over this a few times. We have no way of knowing the guard schedule tonight because of the ball tonight and I’m expected in less than an hour. This is the quickest route.”

“Fuck.” She runs her fingers through her hair. Glances once more at the kids then starts to climb down the rope with the small amount of luggage. “You better help me climb down with them.”

“Kinda.” He says sheepishly, grabbing three bottles from the drawer. Will shakes them a little as Puffy glares. “One more party trick before I can fully help out.”

She stares. The silence isn’t heavy, but the tension never leaves their muscles as waltz music begins to play. Time is escaping every moment they delay.

“I’ll be back in 15.” Wilbur heads to the door. He sees Puffy nod. “Get the bags out. I’ll help with Tommy and Fundy when I get back.”

“Okay, yeah.” Puffy says, beginning to climb down as Wilbur leaves the room.

Every step is paired with heavy heartbeats and even heavier footsteps. His nerves eat away at his resolve, but he pushes forward. Once at the steps, hearing no signs of anyone approaching and the sounds of the party echoing against the sandstone walls.

He uncorks the bottle of the reddest potion, a tar-like consistency pouring down the stairs as he backs up to the room. Never in his life did he ever think he’d have to make this potion. A modification on fire resistance to make a highly flammable substance, a recipe he found in his homeland’s library. Will feels a bitter smile as he closes the door to cover just a little past it to get into the room. 

After checking in with Puffy, she’s about to climb back up after dropping off the last of the luggage in the boat, the sheep hybrid giving a thumbs up. Wilbur nods while giving his own thumbs up before he hears a scream.

He can’t fully see because of the way the tower points out more toward the ocean instead of the inner palace, but the glow of fire begins to grow from where the open courtyard near the ballroom.

Times up.

“Hurry!” He whisper-shouts at Puffy. She quickly begins to climb up as he dumps another modified potion, this one a sickly yellow-lime color, near the entrance and around the room. Gasoline on a fire.

“Here!” He turns to see Puffy stumbling through the window, he rushes to the bed where he loads up Fundy on her back. Tommy is quickly tied to her front as the screams and shouts of guards grow louder. “What-”

“Climb down into the boat.” Will finishes the knot before pushing Puffy’s shoulder back toward the window. He grabs the box of matches off the fireplace mantle. “After you land in the boat and undo the slings, row away from the window. I’ll drop the rope down-”

“What?!”

“Listen!” He screams as he opens the door, striking the match and throwing it to a puddle of potion near the left wall, sighing as it catches fire. He turns back to Puffy sitting at the window. “I’ll drop the rope down after you start rowing away. I’m gonna jump out the window and land in the water. Come get me after I surface, not before in case Sally sees me still.”

“Will-” She’s cut off by the sounds of guards shouting about the fire on the stairs.

“Go now.” Wilbur strikes another match, watching Puffy wrap the rope so she can jump down easier. After dropping the match near the door does he pull out a small box from under his bed. 

A sharp knife inside.

Wilbur places the blade on his forearm above the white sheets.

He tries not to throw up as he runs the blade over his arm, letting the blood soak into the bed and drip along the ground as he walks towards the window.

What was he doing?

He hears running up the stairs.

Wilbur rushes to the window, watching Puffy land in the boat and he unties the rope from the anchor. 

He sees her row away, and he turns. Smashing the final potion into the ground, holding his breath as purple smoke fills the room. Only a second passes before Sally busts through the door.

Soot covers her white dress and her hair is slightly frizzy, her eyes are wide as she chokes on the smoke. Wilbur releases his breath as Sally’s pupils dilate. It’s working. 

“Wilbur!” Coughing as purple and black smoke mix, the hallucinogen does its job of exaggerating what Sally's actually doing. Makes the lie that much more convincing. “What the fuck is this?!”

“What does it look like?” Wilbur turns to step forward as Sally coughs. “I’m finishing what you started.”

“Will!” She stumbles as the flames blaze. “There’s a fire-”

“I know.” He lets his ugly feelings surface, lets the hate that's been sitting too long surface in a grand smirk. “Lovely gift wasn’t it?”

“How-”

“Fun little thing about enchantments.” He leans casually, hiding the knife as a surprise for later. “The language of magic is very delicate, one wrong triggering word from a non-speaker and . . . something happens.”

“Prince Jason-”

“Is perfectly fine.” He backs up until he hits the window sill. “The rest of the ballroom. Not so much.”

“Why would you-” She coughs, the potion and smoke starting to take effect. “How-”

“Like you said, Sally.” He makes a grand gesture at himself. “No one’s gonna pay attention to me in these clothes.”

“Listen to yourself?” Sally screams, and Wilbur feels the flinch run through him. “What you’re doing is insane, Wilbur! What would Fundy and Thomas-”

He sees her eyes widen, looking frantically around the room before seeing blood-stained sheets and no bodies.

“Will-”

“They’re dead Sally.” Stretching his arms wide flashing the bloody knife, nodding behind him towards the window as fire rages. “You got what you wanted!”

“No!”

“Yes!” Letting his mask slip further as he wants her to fully believe him. He wants to be safe. “I did what you wanted!”

“Fucking listen to yourself!” She stabs the heated air, anger burning brighter in her teal eyes. “How fucking insane are you to kill my children?!”

“Your children?” Oh, now his own face contorts into a snarl. “ Your children?! When have they ever been your children?!”

“Since the beginning!” She flinches back as the fire rages. Will watches Sally flinch. “Wilbur!”

“No!” He screams, he's so tired of this guilt over what she does to him. “You made your choices! You take from me, I take from you!”

“Wilbur!” She coughs again, pupils blown wide and Wilbur prepares his final move. She reaches for him despite the fire. “Please stop! I love you!”

“What?” He’s frozen. He’s scared of those words now. What does he do?

“Yes, I love you. Please.” He sees that glint, possessive and controlling, as he shivers. He's so scared. “Please, I promise, okay? Come back, come here.”

“Oh. I see. Well,” He takes the ring from his finger. “I don’t. Not anymore.”

He smiles, tears breaking his careful mask into heartbreak and pain as he throws the ring away into the fire. He raises the knife to his neck, the back of the blade touching his neck, letting the pressure ground him as Sally stares in horror.

“Goodbye, Sally.” Wilbur smiles.

Then, he jumps.

“Wilbur!” 

The fire burns bright as he falls from the window. Tossing the knife before locking his arms above his head to dive into the water backward.

After a few seconds of letting cold water rush over him, fighting the instinct to take a breath, he swims to the surface. He gulps in large, shuddering breaths as he watches the fire burn the tower above him. 

He did it.

He’s free.

“Will!” He turns to see Puffy rowing toward him. “I’m coming.”

He meets her halfway, climbing aboard with some struggle. 

“Are you okay?” Puffy matches his heavy breath, Will stares at the sky.

“Yeah.” He nods. Smiling, tears still on his face. “Never better.”

“I’m guessing you know the rest?” Wilbur turns to Niki, her face in complete shock.

“You-” Niki swallows, he watches her process everything that’s happening. “You burned down the castle?”

“Yep.” He says, popping the ‘p’ at the end. He gives a shallow smile as Niki stares in shock. “Needed to distract them while we all escaped.”

“‘We’?” Will freezes. Did she catch something? “You said that a lot. Even when Eret and Puffy weren’t there. Were more people involved?”

Fuck. He fucked up.

“Well, I mean-” Will looks at Puffy, her own face scrunched in a quiet panic. Fuck. “Yes?”

“You don’t sound so sure.” Niki stares intently, Will tries not to squirm.

“Will,” Puffy says, causing everyone to look at her. She stares determinedly at Will. “I’m not gonna force your hand, but you know what I’m going to say.”

“I know.” he sighs, not missing the look of confusion on his sister’s face. “I know.”

He stands up from the bench. The sun is nearing sunset as he turns to Niki.

“There are some people you should meet.” He offers his hand, she takes it.

“What happened at the ball anyway?” Niki asks once they leave the town and start walking down the path to his home. “I know about the fire but how did it start?”

“You have Eret to thank for that somewhat.” “During the party, he went around placing splash potions around the room in various spots. Some 'fire resistant' with 'flammable', setting up for when the armor arrived.”

He gives a large smirk as they enter the forest area.

“Like I said, enchanting is delicate work. When Prince Jason put on the armor, because he is the kind of man to show off expensive weaponry, does it trigger.” “Curse of Binding with a miss cast fire resistance creates a fun reaction. Eret approached, gave a few snide remarks to Sally about me. It was successful because my name was the trigger. The armor locked up and the potions went off. Potions protected most people and burned down the castle.”

“Wow.” Niki looks both impressed and disturbed. Will can't blame her. “That’s-”

“We’re here,” Puffy speaks and they are a few meters from his house.

Will lets the tension leave his body as he walks up the few porch steps. Once his hand grips the handle does he face Niki again.

“Look,” “I don’t know how to explain everything but I’ll try my best.”

Niki nods, and Wilbur pushes open the front door.

As they step inside does the sound of his children’s laughter hit him, instant relief hitting him. 

He sees Fundy look up from the sofa, the 12-year-old’s ears flick at the sound of the door creaking open, he’s reading a dark green book Will recognizes as a book he’s been reading about red stone. Tommy and Tubbo come running from the kitchen. Flour and sugar completely cover their clothes, hair, and faces. Their smiles are worth a million emeralds as they spot Will and his guests.

“Hi, dad!” Tommy says, running forward with Tubbo close behind. “We’re making cookies.”

“I can see that.” Will laughs, moving to wipe the flour from his son’s face. Tommy proceeds to try and squirm away as Wilbur fusses. Tubbo doesn’t complain as Will treats him the same. He just gets a mischievous laugh from the goat hybrid. “Holding down the fort I see Fundy.”

“I thought they would be fine and I wanted to read.” The fox hybrid's ears twitch in annoyance, but Will sees the smile on his lips even hidden by the book.

“I know, champion. Don’t worry.” He turns to see Niki’s shocked face. Circling to push Tommy and Tubbo forward. “Well, Niki. These are my kids. Fundy is over on the sofa. These two,” He pats their heads, relishing the screeches of protest from both boys. “Are Tommy and Tubbo. Blond and brunette respectively.”

“Wait,” Tommy looks past Puffy to glance at Niki, a bright grin back in place as he meets her eyes. “Hi, aunt Niki!”

“Aunt Niki?” Tubbo speaks up, giving a small wave when her attention lands on him. “It’s nice to meet you.”

It’s tense for a second, Niki looking at everyone there for a minute each, before she smiles. The happy tears from earlier return, she offers her own wave to Tubbo.

“It’s nice to meet you Tubbo.” Wilbur smiles.

He couldn't ask for anything more perfect.