"Pulse… stable. Breathing…shallow." Wilson sighed as he took off his stethoscope, slinging it around his neck. "Nothing different from the days before."
It had been about a week since The Survivors had settled into their new home. Work was being done to make it more hospitable and so far, progress was being made at a good pace.
Wish I could say the same for William.
"How is he?"
Wilson looked over to the entrance of the medical tent, seeing Charlie poking her head in.
Wilson frowned.
"Same as always."
Charlie frowned as well.
"Oh." She made her way over, kneeling next to Wilson, looking at William. "It's been over a week… I'm starting to worry. What if he never wakes up?"
"Hey." Wilson placed a hand on her shoulder. "We need to remember something. He was fused to someone for nearly two years. Two years of having to bend to their will. Two years of suffering whatever kind of torture they put him through. Two years of basically insanity nonstop. Whatever Maxwell did before I separated them, combined with that, took its toll. What I'm trying to say is, it makes sense why he's still resting but I wouldn't give up hope just yet."
Charlie nodded.
"I understand. Just… I want to hear his voice again. I want to hear him as William. I want to see him smile again. But most of all, I just want to be with him."
Wilson gave her a gentle look, squeezing her shoulder a little.
"I know, Charlie and I'm sure once he wakes up you're all he'll be able to think about. He just needs time to heal." Both physically and mentally.
"Right. I know the others are waiting as best as they can too. Wigfrid has plans to make him meat and carrot stew when he's up, Wolfgang wants to see if he's still good at the French he taught him and Wes… I dunno. He's always full of surprises. Then of course, the twins just want to give him the biggest hug ever."
"Well, I know one thing he won't be lacking in when he's ready." Wilson smiled a bit. "He'll have plenty of love of all kinds from all corners. Which he'll need, given all. He's quite lucky in that regard."
"Jack would be happy to know he's being taken care of and still loved. It's what he would've wanted for him." Charlie sighed a little. "Since he can't do it himself."
Wilson sighed. "Though, I admit, I'm questioning my own methods a little. It's hard to treat a person when you don't know what medications they can tolerate. On top of that…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm still getting the hang of this whole medical aspect."
"Your dark knowledge let's you know everything, doesn't it?"
"Yes, it does. But it doesn't allow me the luxury of knowing all of a person's past and I have to hear something about it or see something before the rest pieces it together."
"I see. Well…" Charlie hummed in thought. "I can't bring you a file but Jack was William's main doctor for the longest time and knew all of his health problems even back when they were lads. If there's anyone who would know his history from start to finish it's him."
Wilson nodded to himself. "Then I'll just have to see if he's willing to make an appearance for me. At least for the sake of William. I just… don't want to make his situation worse for him."
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Charlie smiled a little. "He would do anything for William. After all, the two years of being Reaper, he kept hoping somehow or someway William could come back. Then you came."
Wilson chuckled a bit, giving a small shrug. "And I was just glad to be able to do something. It's been one heck of a ride that's for sure and Jack was such a huge help when we were taking down Maxwell. It helped to have a guide… and he kept my soul from being devoured. He had a hand in saving my life. I want a hand in helping his brother's."
"And knowing him, he'll take that as payment for saving your life. All you need to do is ask him. Though um… don't expect me to accompany you to the Shadow World." Charlie shuddered a little. "I just… don't think I can ever go back there like you guys are. Something just feels off even when standing near the portal."
"You spent so long stuck there. I would never ask you to return there." Wilson brought an arm around her. "All I will ask is that you make sure this one." He nodded to William. "Doesn't suddenly start sleepwalking."
Charlie giggled.
"It's a deal."
ooooo
After packing a bag for the night and letting the others know where he was going, Wilson headed off through the portal.
Alright, best place to go is just straight back to my old camp. Might not be the best place but it's a good chance I could run into him to there. At least it's autumn and not summer or winter.
Wilson could see the base in view. It was surprising to see it was still standing even after being away for so long. There were some areas of it that were roughed up but it was still holding strong.
Repair work should fix that no problem-
"RARF! RARF! RARF!"
A familiar figure came running up to Wilson, knocking him over as it tackled him to the ground, licking him all over his face.
"RARF!"
Wilson burst out laughing as he petted the creature on the head, trying to get away from the barrage of licking.
"Chester! Silly ol'boy!"
"Bark!"
Chester stopped, letting Wilson sit up, cuddling up to the man, whimpering a little. The message was clear.
"I missed you."
Wilson brought his arms around Chester, resting his head atop his for a few moments. "I missed you too my dear friend. I'm sorry I haven't brought you through the portal yet. Just have to make sure it's safe for you to go through."
"Rawr."
"I think he was just getting worried you weren't coming back for him."
Wilson looked up, seeing Jack perched on top of the fort structure, a small smile on his face.
"He's been waiting here the whole time since you went to see Her Highness."
Wilson smiled a little, giving a slight wave. "Just glad he hasn't decided picking a fight with the killer bees is a good idea… again."
Chester whimpered, nuzzling up to him.
"Still, he was willing to wait as long as he needed." Jack came down, removing his hood. "How has the Light Dimension been treating you? I know it's not exactly Earth but from what Her Highness has told me it's a nice little home away from home."
"Oh, it's turning out just fine. Getting the structures built and all. Not perfect yet but it's a good place to be. The girls love it there. I haven't seen them this happy in a long time. Though… there is one problem."
"What's that? Are there monsters there too? Some kind of other problems when it gets dark? I sure hope not. I thought Grue problems were a Shadow World exclusive."
Wilson shook his head. "No, no, nothing like that. It actually concerns William. He's stable, mind you but… Ugh, I can't seem to get him to wake up and on top of that, I've noted his breathing is shallow all the time. Sometimes he goes into coughing fits."
Jack groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"Maxwell... Maxwell… Maxwell. I wanted to kill him multiple times when he started smoking." Jack growled, his eyes seeming to light up a little brighter. "William didn't have good lungs to begin with and he up and did that as an insult to my face."
"... Oh you have to be kidding me. Maxwell possessed him and never even thought "gee these lungs sure are terrible"!?"
"Well, they weren't awful, awful like they were when he was a lad. Actually, by the time he was in his twenties he was pretty close to that of a normal person thanks to my work. When I had finished medical school I devoted time to figuring out treatments for him. His main issue was not being able to get enough oxygen, so anything like long distance travel or extensive activities would leave him exhausted. So, I was able to find ways to get his lungs to function better to the point he was able to finally handle things like traveling overseas so he could come to America."
Wilson frowned.
"And Maxwell ruined all that work to punish you both but that's why I'm here, Jack. I want to undo what was done. I want to give him a fighting chance so when he wakes up he has the best chance for a normal life - As much as normal can get where we're at currently." He sighed. "Unfortunately, this dark knowledge isn't perfect. I need help."
Jack rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well… I can teach you what I know I just… don't think I can do anything physically and on top of that, I need to see William myself but… I don't know if I could go into the Light Dimension. I'm kind of bound to here as it were with my duties and… I don't know what would happen if I did enter it."
"If I found out if it was safe would you come? … Or if I had to, I could have him brought here instead."
Jack shook his head.
"Absolutely not. You're not bringing William back here in the state he's in. I'll take the risk of just going there."
"Well, all discoveries were made with risks in mind weren't they?"
"Yep. Even in medicine. Well, if Her Highness needs another Reaper I'm sure she can find the next eligible ghost."
"... Dark."
"When you've lived in this world for two years, you start to grow a very jaded sense of humor."
Wilson shrugged, petting the top of Chester's head.
"If it makes you feel better, I've often entertained thoughts of ripping out Maxwell's lungs, if he even possesses them, to stick them into William."
"Oh you wouldn't want those lungs to begin with." Jack smirked. "They'd have his nastiness all over them."
"Oh so true, so true." Wilson snickered a little. "And besides, they're full of hot air. Like he was!"
"Ha!" Jack threw his head back laughing. "True. Alright, let's go have a chat with Her Highness about me taking leave for an hour or two… and bringing this little fluff ball back to camp."
"Sir yes sir!"
"Rarf!"
oooooo
"Hm…" Wickerbottom circled around Jack, taking in all Wilson had told her and what they were both asking of her. "Well… It should be possible. But there might be side effects even I don't know about. After all, Jack serves as the light in the Shadow World. I'm not entirely sure what will happen if he steps into the Light Dimension. Could either be good or bad but as for being gone for a few hours, I can just handle his burden for the time he is gone."
"Which is all we need. I just need time to soak in the information and do what I need to." Wilson replied. "And it would only be for a few hours at most."
"And as for those unexpected side effects, I'll take the risk." Jack gave a determined look. "I don't want to stand by again and do nothing while William is struggling. I've had enough of that."
Wickerbottom sighed.
"Alright. Just be mindful. I'll be standing by if something goes wrong. Oh, and Wilson, it's completely safe to take Chester too."
"YES!" Wilson cheered a bit before he cleared his throat. "I-I mean, how wonderful. Thank you kindly."
"RARF!" Chester nuzzled up against his leg.
Wickerbottom chortled a little.
"I believe you two have work to do. Now, go on."
Both nodded, making their way for the portal.
Jack took a deep breath, removing his cloak entirely.
"I'm coming, William."
Wilson looked to him. "Let's go."
Without another word, they stepped into the light.
Jack cringed a little, feeling something pierce through him but it soon faded as they stepped into the dimension. Sights of open fields and mountains meeting his eyes… and it felt warm.
Warmth…? When was the last time I felt that…?
Jack looked around, taking everything in… then looked to Wilson, who was staring at him wide eyed.
"What?" Jack asked.
"Uh… wardrobe change much?"
Jack looked at himself, seeing he was no longer in his Reaper attire. Instead, he was in his old slacks and button shirt along with a red bow tie.
"Huh…? H-How…?" Jack looked back to Wilson confused. "I haven't worn these clothes since I died."
"She did say there could be side effects." Wilson replied, just as confused… and curious. "... And yet I wonder." He reached out to touch Jack's shoulder.
Much to both their surprise, Wilson was able to place his hand firmly on it.
"... Wilson… What about my eyes? Are they… normal?"
Wilson nodded slowly.
"Completely normal. I can see the color clearly and they're not glowing."
"... I represent the light in the Shadow World. This is the Light Dimension."
"... You get to have a temporary body." Wilson said with genuine surprise.
"I guess it kind of makes sense. This place is linked to the Shadow World so I guess when something of light comes in it just… becomes normal."
"It makes sense. There's no need for a Reaper or a Grue in this world. It's a haven."
"... Well… I'm not questioning it. Though I don't want anyone seeing me. Just… Reasons. I'm not a permanent resident and I'd rather not draw attention to myself."
Wilson nodded, giving an understanding look.
"I know exactly what you mean.… Let's head straight to the medical tent then. The girls won't come within ten feet of it if that's what you're worried about and we have a distraction." Wilson looked to Chester. "Go find the girls, Chester."
Chester nodded before running off.
Jack got a sad look in his eyes.
"It's exactly what I'm worried about."
Wilson frowned. "They love you very much. They still think of you as their hero."
"And I'm happy to hear that. I just… don't want to break their hearts knowing I can't be here all the time."
"I understand." Wilson lead the way, keeping Jack out of view, taking a different path than he normally would. "You're a good father, Jack."
"I did what I could." Jack kept his focus on the tent, heading straight inside. "And I'm trusting you to pick up what I left behind."
"And I do as best as I can." Wilson set down his bag, doing a quick vital check on William. "They're loved." And William you're not helping my case. Still the same as usual.
Jack swiped his stethoscope, doing the exact same thing. He closed his eyes, focusing on everything he was hearing.
This brings back memories.
"Will, you trust me, right?"
"Y-Yeah."
"Then I need you to trust me that I know what I'm doing. It's going to be hard. It's probably going to hurt too. But I promise in the end you'll be healthy."
Jack sighed, looping the stethoscope around his neck.
"Just as I thought. His breathing patterns match the ones I remember him having before I treated him. Save they're a little worse. He's congested because of the smoke damage."
"I was worried about that. His heart rate stays steady but his breathing just seems to take a dive." Wilson crossed his arms. "It'll be a challenge but one I'm willing to take on."
"I guess we could try the treatments I did previously but I don't know if it'll be as effective with the inclusion of smoke damage."
"We have to try. So if it's not as effective, we'll just double the doses or try new medications in addition."
"Main thing is to just clear the airways. I used a combination of both medicine and… as silly as it sounds, nature. Part of training William's lungs to take in more air, I'd have him take walks with me but that part will have to come later when he's awake. For now, we'll just start with simple medicine and who knows, since your powers allow you learn anything science, you might be able to develop something even I don't know."
Wilson smirked, giving a nod, a determined look coming to his eyes. "I'm willing to give it a try." He offered Jack a handshake. "Shall we, Doctor?"
Jack smiled, shaking his hand.
"We shall, Doctor."
They got straight to work, going late into the night with their treatments. Keeping track of things, Wilson taking in everything Jack was doing and saying to him. The powers filling in what he wasn't sure on.
I just hope this works.
"Okay… I think this is as far as we go." Jack hummed in thought, putting finishing touches on a medical report, clipping all the pages together. "This has everything on William's medical history so hopefully it might be helpful in figuring out further treatments without me here."
Wilson nodded, leaning back a little. "I'm sure it will. Thank you for this. It was extremely helpful and informative. I'm confident I can handle it now that I have the knowledge of what to do for his health's sake."
"You're faster than any intern I saw in the hospitals I worked at, that's for sure." Jack looked to William, smiling as he took note of his breaths being much more evenly paced. "Brother."
Wilson smiled softly. "He's going to be just fine now."
"I have you to thank for that." Jack moved over to William, holding one of his hands. He closed his eyes, taking in the little warmth they had, feeling the pulse from William's wrist. "... It's weird, It's been the longest time since I've been able to do something as simple as hold someone's hand and I just… can't help but take in all the details."
"Things can make you look at everything in perspective."
William squeezed his hand faintly, taking Jack by surprise.
"Brother…?" Jack asked softly, bringing his other hand over William's.
He squeezed his hand again, stirring just a little.
"He's in there."
Jack nodded, brushing part of William's hair out of his face.
"Hang in there." Jack cringed a little, pulling his hand back. "Agh…"
Wilson frowned, laying a hand on his shoulder. "You need to get back to the Shadow World. It's been more than just a few hours. I'll let you know how he's doing and adjusting."
"Thank you. Ngh…" Jack held out his hand, seeing the faint glow of a life line sitting in his palm. "Oh please don't be someone dead." He pulled away from Wilson, making his way for the tent exit. He looked back one last time, showing his eyes were starting to revert back. "Take care of them." He hurried out, booking it straight to the portal, disappearing within seconds.
Wilson sighed heavily.
"I promise." He murmured more so to himself now than anything else. "I will protect them with all I have."