--TRAVELLING THE MULTIVERSE--
TIP 23: If you see it, look the other way.
The words of Wilbur's insanity are repeated over and over again in your mind, as you think of the so-called symbols he seemingly obsesses over. You know that it's far-fetched, but is there a possibility that it has something to do with the same symbols you found in the LORS?
Carefully you start walking next to Wilbur, much to Sally's surprise, and decide to do what no sane person would do. "What are you looking for, sire? I meant, what were you looking for?" Could it be seen as enabling? "I'm simply curious." You send Sally an apologetic look, though he doesn't freak out at all, surprisingly enough. He just stares at you. In his eyes you find a mischievous twinkle, suppressed by something you can't recognize to begin with.
"Are you an angel, here to save me from these demons?" he then gasps, suddenly bursting out in laughter as he throws his arm around your shoulder, whispering in your ear: "Please, say so. They all call me insane, yet I'm the only one to see the truth!" Startled, you don't respond, as you see Niki out of the corner of your eyes keep her attention on him, most likely in case he does do something unacceptable. However, you don't think they can clearly hear what he's telling you.
"I don't come from Heaven or anything, no," you truthfully say, without implying you come from this universe. "But you were looking for something, no? Symbols? Something else?"
Sally looks intensely at your calm demeanour and the way you speak to him, which you must say feels natural, ever since Jared's own madness. And oddly enough, he doesn't seem to react to you badly, despite the weird vibes you get from him. Or well, not from him, but from the energy that seems around him. You can't quite explain it. "I was looking for the truth. I need to know how I am to know whom to trust and who is a doppelgänger. I have been deceived for too long, and finally, I shall take back the power!" He makes dramatic gestures and movements, at which Niki grabs him by the shoulder and continues leading him further, saying how we shouldn't scare away our guests
You, meanwhile, have no clear idea of what symbols he meant. Is it truly possible that it's the same ones you find everywhere in your book? Maybe you should try and ask him sometime when you're sure it won't be harmful and just ask him to draw it.
"It always saddens me to see him like that," Tommy says as he comes walking next to you, avoiding eye contact, his voice shaking a little. "I feel like I'm grieving someone who's still alive."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," you mumble, the pain you feel towards Jared's own problems. "But hey, I'm sure he'll get better."
"Better?" Technoblade scoffs. "He's only gotten worse. Last time he at least still recognized Tommy, now he's just talking about angels and demons and symbols or whatever. I don't even think he knows who Sally is anymore."
"He doesn't," Sally confirms as she looks right in front of her, her face remaining stoic. "He thinks I'm a witch. He thinks I'm evil. Doesn't even call me Sally anymore: he changes the name every time."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Your Highness," Sam says, taking off his hat, and Sally shakes her head, sighing.
"As I said, it's not my duty to love him. It's my duty to take care of him and the country." Despite her saying that, you can hear the pain in her voice, since it's just as strained as yours would be, whenever you'd speak about Jared's problem.
For a moment, you startle, as you feel Jake, who had been sleeping in the pocket of your jacket up till now, moving a little, but you just put your arm over the fabric where he is, hoping to silence him thusly. Of course, without killing him.
You look at Tommy, who's now walking next to you, as you arrive into the dining room. You follow him and sit next to him, making sure you don't break any weird habits as Niki has already gotten some servants to bring wine and some food. It's a lot, but judging by Sam's and Technoblade's reactions, it's less than what they're used to, which would probably be the case since it's only to calm Wilbur down.
"So, uh, King Wilbur," Tommy starts, not nervously at all, but still shivering a little, "as you know, I am working on the breviary, just as you requested." Wilbur doesn't respond. "And I was wondering, if it's alright if I add... Y/N on, you know, working on it? I suspect they'd be a great help to me, and I-"
"Yeah, sure, go ahead," Wilbur respond quickly, putting food in his mouth as if he hasn't eaten for three days. Which, honestly, could certainly be the case. "As long as it's finished before the end this year. I need it. XD will not forgive me if I haven't fulfilled his wish."
You catch Sally rolling her eyes as Sam and Technoblade send a glance to each other, with Tommy just nodding, smiling at you brightly. "I told you. Woohoo!" And thusly, you remain silent throughout the rest of the food, at which Sally insists all of you leave, while Wilbur instead wants you to stay. Not Tommy, or Techno, or Sam, but you, saying how he wants you to help him, since he feels that you, along with Fundy and Niki, are the only one he can trust. However, at the moment that you prepare yourself to tell him you're not interested, not wanting to add to Sally's hurt by disobeying her orders, Niki requests to take you aside.
With her sweet smile she convinces both the King and the Queen, seemingly considered a neutral part of the royal family as she helps out in ways that doesn't choose a side, acting as a pillar of support to the mentally ill king and a right hand woman to the desperate queen.
She grabs your wrist and leads you into the hallways, smiling faintly as she sighs. "I understand this must all come sudden to you, Y/N. Just as I hope you understand I don't trust you, considering your sudden appearance and all of that, just like Sally most likely doesn't." She sighs. "But you seem to be one of the last people whom Wilbur puts trust in, so I want to give you a chance. I just want to start out by warning you. I will keep you in my sight at all times."
Her words aren't a threat, nor are they to be interpreted as such. It's a statement. An announcement, even. She's as direct with you as she should be, not wanting to hurt you, just wanting you to be aware. "I understand, don't worry. I'm just as surprised with the trust as you are."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I mean, I know of myself that I am to be trusted. I know where I come from, and I know that I want to help Tommy out, only to inspire him, not to put any harm onto the monarchs and their legitimacy, regardless of my views." Fuck, maybe you shouldn't have said that. You can't say how the shift is happening now when it comes to power and sovereignty, since you haven't been among the commoners yet, but you may have just fucked up. Oh well, just continue and act as if nothing weird was said. "You're totally right to suspect sudden strangers. And if you want me to go, instead of staying here with Wilbur, then I fully respect that."
Niki sighs, clearly appreciating your calmness, though she also seems conflicted about everything. "I want you to make the decision for yourself. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad of an idea for Wilbur to have someone who he fully trusts and believes to be a good person – Fundy and I are getting on thinner ice each day. However, I don't want you to feel forced to. Of course, I'd really appreciate it, but I doubt Sally would."
Again, she sighs, shaking her head. "As long as he is calm before the priest comes, to take a look at him."
"A priest?"
"A priest of XD's, sent by Pope Foolish. He insisted in doing so, promising that he'd do what he could to heal the King. Of course, I suspect he'll want something back for it – most likely, he wants Wilbur to give up his right of naming people bishops, since he believes that should lie with the Pope and the Pope alone – but honestly, I'd give up my own soul if it meant saving my friend, my king."
"Just don't do that," you answer right away, more seriously than you wanted to. "I mean, I've heard the stories of the performers on the streets, you know. About how self-sacrifice doesn't really work the way it's wanted to."
She laughs. "What are you talking about?"
You don't want anyone to end up doing what Jared did. "I mean... We all have to pray and hope that King Wilbur will be alright without any of us having to sacrifice our lives and own sanity. That's not what he'd want."
Niki dies, a grim look spreading over her face. "I know. I hope you're right." She smiles, taking your arm and nodding. "Let's return. I'll let you share your choice. I hope you'll make the right one."
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CHOICE 5
What will you do?
A) Stay with King Wilbur at the castle.
B) Obey Queen Sally's wishes and leave with the other three.
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RESULTS
1. Staying with Wilbur: 81%
2. Leaving: 19%