Aftermath
Wilbur didn’t sleep that night. He sat in a chair next to Tommy, but he didn’t sleep a wink. Even Philza was out for one or two hours, but Wilbur couldn’t bring himself to sleep. He wanted to. God he really wanted to. He hated the way Philza looked at Tommy. How afraid his Father looked. Wilbur couldn’t face him now. He didn’t know how he could ever face Phil, but he knew he had to.
Not for any personal reason, or to make himself feel better. No, it was because Phil thought this was Ari’s fault. Because regardless of Phil and Schlatt’s relationship Phil wouldn’t think Schlatt did this. Ari was the only reason Will had gotten through the challenge in the first place. Whether it was Schlatt’s machinations or genuine kindness was up for debate, but it still deserved recognition.
Wilbur was roused from his thoughts when he heard Tommy’s shallow breathing pick up pace. Wilbur looked over to see the younger’s eyes blown wide as he stared at the ceiling. His thin arms began to tremble as his body began to process the pain and go into shock.
“Hold him down, I’ll go get someone.” Philza said, quickly running out of the room. Wilbur tried his best to hold Tommy down so he didn’t hurt himself as his body began to seize up, but it began to be hard to control. Wilbur turned to the only thing he could think of.
It was amazing how quickly he could do it. Trick Tommy’s mind into thinking it was asleep. The younger easily calmed down, body relaxing into a deep sleep. It was always so easy with Tommy’s mind. Wilbur had been in there many times, and most often without the younger knowing. He liked being there. It was so familiar. Tommy had nothing to hide from him, nothing to hide from anyone. It was nice to know Wilbur had someone. Even if he hadn’t been there for Tommy.
“I told you to stop messing around with other people’s heads.” Wilbur jumped at Philza’s voice behind him. “You could really mess something up Wilbur. Take away his ability to feel pain entirely.”
“I just put him back to sleep is all. I’ve done it a million times.” Wilbur replied, sinking back down into his chair. “I just- didn’t want to see him like that.”
“I know son, I know. I’m sorry I’ve been so rough on you.” Phil replied, placing a hand on Wilbur’s shoulder. “I’m just stressed is all. Being here has been a lot.”
“I did it.” Wilbur said quietly, not looking Phil in the eyes. “I was the one who put Tommy’s name in, not Ari.” Philza’s whole demeanor shifted, he took a few steps back, eyes shifting from Tommy’s body and then back to Wilbur.
“Why… how? Will I-”
“Schlatt had me do it. He threatened to spill all of your secrets to his cabinet if I didn’t.” Wilbur said looking up at Phil with anger flashing in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me! I could have been ready for this! I could have been able to do something! Stop keeping secrets Phil! I- I can’t… I can’t do it anymore.”
“I- I’m sorry Will. It was for your safety and-”
“And what? I shouldn’t have to find these things out on my own.”
“He’s right Phil. You fucked up.” Both turned to see Schlatt had made an entrance, along with a dove perched on his shoulder. Phil immediately drew his wand, but Schlatt just held his hands in the air. “What? Am I not allowed to give my condolences?”
“You have some nerve coming here.” Phil growled.
“Oh, did Soot tell you? Shame, but I suppose it doesn’t matter now.” Schlatt laughed. “After all the damage has already been done.”
“Why? I get that you don’t like me, but you didn’t have to tie my family into this.” Phil growled.
“What? Are you made because I went after your blood son?” Schlatt shot back. “It’s funny really. He’s got your eyes and hair, but it’s Kristin’s face.”
“Not another word. You’ve got no right.”
“What? It’s not like I’m the one who killed her. She died just fine on her own.”
“Dude, you’ve been so distracted lately. What’s up?” Conner asked Phil as they ate lunch.
“Yeah I agree? Something on your mind? Is it a giiiirrrllll?” Schlatt teased only for Phil to turn a slight red. “Oh, I was joking. Someone on your mind Philza?”;
“It’s nothing. She wouldn’t want me anyway.” Phil replied, not looking up from his meal.
“Aw come one man! Why not ask her to the senior dance next month? If she says yes, great. If she says no, well there's plenty of girls already lining up to be your date.” Schlatt said with a smile.
“Ow! Hey!” Schlatt yelled when the dove nipped him hard on his shoulder. It just cocked his head to the side. “Yeah, whatever.” Schlatt groaned as he turned to leave.
“Ari can stay if she wants.” Phil said, calming down a bit. “She hasn’t done anything wrong.” The dove looked back at Philza, and he could have sworn it nodded.
“The next task… any clue Ms. Ari?” Dream asked at the end of class. Technoblade stood behind him, both boys looking at her expectantly.
“Hmmm, I’m not sure if I want to tell you… all I will say is that you won’t be teammates.” Ari winked. “Oh, and I’ll be playing an active role as well.” With that Ari left, leaving the two boys to figure out what was going on.
“So, if we aren’t teammates, that implies there will be teams right?” Dream began.
“And if it’s not us together, we’ll probably be teamed up with a counterpart from Hogwarts for something.” Techno added.
“So where does Ari fit in?”
“If I had to guess, we’ll be fighting her.”
“But how is that fair? Whoever goes second will have a clear advantage.”
“Something tells me neither group will really be able to tire her out.”
“Well then, may the best man win.” Dream smirked, and the two walked out of the room.