PHOENIX

Chapter Forty Six: Tradition

For a nation that was just recently a crevice, New L'Manberg was looking pretty good.

I was decently surprised when walking along the spruce planks that connected to the prime path. Small houses stood on stilt-like columns that rose from the water below. It created a boardwalk vibe, and if you looked down far enough, you could see vegetation and sea life thriving in the depths of the crater below. There were even some Christmas decorations hung from roofs and doors. When you looked up, there were lanterns providing light on the walkway below.

"This looks cool!" Tommy exclaimed, running to the wreath on the first door he saw.

"I hate to admit it, but I actually like it here," I nodded, taking in the surroundings.

Movement caught my eye, and I glanced over to see Tubbo holding the end of a pine garland as a girl smaller than him balanced on the edge of a pillar to hang the decoration on the roof nearby. I walk over to Tommy and slap his arm lightly.

"What? Oh! Bee boy!" Tommy called out, waving and heading over to Tubbo.

Tubbo smiled in Tommy's direction, raising his free hand to wave, but then dropped his hand when his eyes met mine.

The small girl managed to get the garland onto the roof, but sacrificed her balance for the effort. She fell off the podium, dusted herself off and tightened her ponytail, not paying attention to Tommy and I.

"Hey...Tommy. Hi Dream," Tubbo stood up straighter and checked that his tie was straight.

Tubbo was a strange choice of president. He was almost too nervous and just nervous enough at the same time, while also being steadfast and dependable, and yet messy and chaotic interchangeably. There was untapped potential in him, which is exactly why I would've picked him too instead of Tommy or Wilbur (if he was still alive), as president. There's motivation and excitement behind those naïve eyes, and I could see him presenting some great ideas on how to prevent New L'Manberg from following its predecessor's fate.

"Hello Tubbo. I like the choice of spruce. Things look really nice around here," I compliment.

Tubbo's mouth hangs open for a moment, before he hastily shuts it and gathers himself.

"Thank you. I just think oak is overused and spruce gives a really rich and mature look to the whole-"

"Tubbling?" Tommy interrupted Tubbo, pointing at the girl.

The girl raised an eyebrow in annoyance and sighed.

"Hi Tommy," The girl greeted irritably.

"Dream, this is my sister, Lani," Tubbo gestured to Lani, who smiled politely and offered her hand.

"I'm the official New L'Manberg decorator. This place was missing some holiday cheer!" Lani shook my hand firmly.

No offense to Tubbo, but she is much more put together than he is.

"I would ask for you to do the SMP territory next, but I think Puffy's got it covered".

"Did someone say pussy-" Tommy cuts in.

"Tommy," I interrupted him with a warning glare.

"Tommy!" Lani admonishes, her brows furrowed like an upset parent.

Tommy giggles to himself as Tubbo changes the subject.

"So, Dream. What brings you to our nation?" Tubbo asks.

"Tommy and I are here to look for Nix. Have you seen her?"

Tubbo glances between Tommy and I.

"Tommy? You're willingly teaming up with Dream?" Tubbo questions with wide eyes.