All seemed to be quiet as it were in the Shadow World. Hounds playing with each other under the moonlight that was breaking through the clouds, the pigmen at rest, just a normal night by their standards.

Wickerbottom was silent in thought as she walked about the land, taking everything in. While she was more than ready to be a leader, it was still an adjustment she was getting used to. She had a lot on her shoulders now and she had many ideas in mind in how to improve the place.

I want my home to be how it used to be if not better.

She sighed, rubbing her temples a little.

Just hate the headaches that come with this. Even us shadow beings are still susceptible to insanity.

"Got a lot on your mind, Your Highness?"

Wickerbottom glanced to the side, seeing Jack floating not too far from her.

"Just tending to the land and trying to keep my head clear. Being ruler is no easy task. All the more reason I'm glad I didn't let Wilson subject himself to this. While he is strong in mind these headaches are not exactly fun to deal with."

Jack shook his head.

"Oi… You would think the shadows would have more respect for their ruler."

"They just have needs, hence the headaches. It's their way of saying something is wrong and they want it fixed now. Maxwell spoiled them so it was never really an issue for him for the most part." Wickerbottom scowled a little. "Of course, he just made it that way."

"I admit, while I have been part of this world for two years I still feel I don't know much about the shadows even from the stuff you have told me… They're… like you aren't they? Just… I dunno… sick?"

"Something like that but what caused this to happen is in the past. I have full intentions of helping my people get back to their former selves. They don't have to live in hiding anymore or as they are. Maxwell is no longer holding on to us with his iron fist. It's time for us to flourish once more."

"And I'll do what I can to help. You sure you don't mind me being the Reaper still? I know it's kind of law that when a new reign begins a new Reaper is chosen."

Wickerbottom gave a gentle look.

"I know you still have business here to settle Jack and you've been one of the best the Shadow World has had in awhile so I'm honored to still have you as part of my court."

Jack smiled back, giving a bit of sneaky look in his eyes.

"Good. Because I admit, I'd love to get my hands on Maxwell and give him a good slice with my wings."

Wickerbottom chortled a little.

"Now, now, Jack, while he may deserve it, it's best to leave him alone unless he causes a problem. If he bothers someone, all bets are off and he's all yours."

"Perfect." Jack rubbed his hands together. "So, where do we begin?"

"Well, I need to help The Survivors in regards to having access to all the islands in the area so first things first, we create more portals. After that, we'll see."

"We sure got a tall order of things to complete."

"Yes, but thankfully we have plenty of time to do it."

Jack nodded, looking up at the sky. "This place is different with actual moonlight. Not pitch blackness. Charlie no longer having to prowl in the dark." I hope she's adjusting alright. Two years of being a beast.

"I'm thankful she is no longer is binded to The Grue. But that doesn't mean there isn't one prowling around, it's just not Charlie herself." Wickerbottom pinched the bridge of her nose. "You know very well why Maxwell got the idea to fuse her to it."

He narrowed his eyes, growling under his breath. "Oh yes. Wanted to make use of her and to break William even more. Punishing me and her were his best ways to break him for as long as he had and if I ever get my hands on him I will cause a problem for him if he ever tries anything."

"And knowing him, he will try something, he's just biding his time since well, we're on full alert. He's not an idiot but he is not one to give in easily either. But when he comes, we'll be waiting for him."

Jack gave a nod, sighing a bit.

"It never ends."

"Just how it is." Wickerbottom snapped her fingers. "Sebastian."

A shadow creature materialized near them.

"Yessss Misstress?" It hissed.

"Always one for the dramatics." Jack remarked.

Wickerbottom rolled her eyes, smiling a little.

"Could you please gather some others and help bring materials in constructing portals like the one in the throne room? I need to create access points for Wilson and his team to rescue other survivors. Also, see if you can arrange scout teams to look for said survivors and make sure they do NOT get the urge to eat anyone. Understood?"

The creature nodded quickly.

"Yesss my mistress. I will be quick!" Sebastian disappeared as he hurried off to complete his task.

"I bet he'll be happy to take human form again."

"All in due time, just need to work on finding something in the Codex that can reverse whatever Maxwell did. For now, he's just stuck like that."

Jack sighed a bit. "The blasted curse."

"It was awful, yet my people brought it on themselves so many years ago, long before my time."

"Indeed. Because some got it in their heads..."

"It was just a bad idea to try and overthrow someone who was already slipping into his own brand of insanity… I need to remember to tell you about that whole debacle later."

Jack crossed his arms.

"Indeed you do. To imagine Maxwell was ever slightly san.."

"Everyone has a point in their life when they were different. We just change with time."

"That is so true, Your Highness. Well..." He looked to her. "We also can make changes and I'll help however I can."

"And I know you will do your best." Wickerbottom looked behind her, seeing Sebastian approaching with other shadow creatures behind him. "We all will."

From those here in our world, to those in the Light Dimension.

This is a new beginning for all of us.