Heavy is the Head that Wears the Solemn Crown

Fifty-Seven - The Universe Collects Its Debts

Wilbur

Wilbur did not expect to return to Pogtopia with more allies than he left with, but he supposes that he shouldn't be too upset by the turn of events. It is better to have allies, after all, especially powerful ones like a Prince of the End with access to void powers and the exiled princess of Oceania with water magic even Shubble admires. It is even better than Prismarina and Shubble having a preexisting relationship since Wilbur knows that Shubble's mental state isn't the best place right now. Prismarina is a valuable asset to Wilbur because she carries political power, strong magic, and the ability to calm Shubble's unstable form. Aimsey is a good conversationalist even if they're very existence goes against everything the universe stands for.

Prismarina and Shubble huddle together on the cushioned bench across from Wilbur. Shubble places her chin on Prismarina's head, pushing down her pink curls while stroking her sister's arm. They are both distracted, and Aimsey, seated at Wilbur's right, is equally preoccupied with the view passing outside of their carriage. Wilbur's attention is centered on the letters resting in his lap, courtesy of the servant driving them to the capital on General Owen's orders. Several letters came to the fort while Wilbur was away, and he was busy catching up on them now.

Phil sent him letters. The first few were detailing his journey to the Badlands, some of the small arguments the people had. Phil then goes on to explain the situation in the Badlands in the later letters after informing Wilbur that the group has allied with the Hermits. Phil worked on stabilizing the Badlands before the fight against the Red Army, and he proclaims that he will be staying there until everything is settled. Some of the other people Wilbur sent with Phil will also be sticking around for the time being, including Niki and Gem. Moon was killed in battle because of a strange portal opening up. The portal is assumed to be a last ditch effort from the Crimson Enchanter, but no one has been able to ascertain the purpose of the portal. Gem wants to remain behind until she can seal it, and Phil agrees with the claim because he feels uneasy about the portal's existence. Wilbur, without even knowing what the portal is, also feels restless when thinking about it.

Techno's letters are much the same, if not a little more curt. Techno is a man of few words both in person and across paper, but he has the decency to tell Wilbur that he traveled to meet Quackity for help with a Hermit named Grian, another seraph, apparently. Wilbur frowns at the declaration that more exist, but he doesn't get stuck on that point as Techno's letters go into how he decided to help Tubbo, Ranboo, and Tommy in Rammie. From the letters, Wilbur understands that Techno had some sort of falling out with the three, but Techno glosses over it as he explains Schlatt's death and Tubbo's rise to power. Although Tubbo and Ranboo will be staying behind to protect Rammie, the civil war is officially over. L'Manberg is once again whole. Techno and Tommy will be returning with Schlatt's body.

Tommy's letter reaffirms this proclamation, but they are also very telling about his mental state. The longer letters slowly become messier and shorter, each sentence clipped and the ink smudging. The worries Techno expressed in his letters about Tommy's health are founded as Wilbur slowly trials through each piece of paper. Tommy, like Techno, hardly mentions whatever happened between them, but at this point, Tommy is hardly writing about anything other than sheer fact.

"This is for the best," Shubble states after Wilbur informs his companions about the important contents of the letter. Shubble looks from the window to Wilbur, her eyes glowing brightly in the low lighting of their carriage. "We will have to dismantle the magic around Origins soon, but the world is... in a precarious state right now. Once Greater learns that it has no backers, it will decide this war isn't worth it. When Greater pulls out, Oceania will follow suit."

Shubble pulls Prismarina impossibly closer, and the asleep witch mumbles something that could be taken as a protest if not for the smile half-formed on her lips. Aimsey is unbothered by the news. They're here for their sibling, after all, not the state of the world. Wilbur much prefers that Aimsey does not become invested in the affairs of the Overworld. That would make his job a lot harder.