Chapter Text
The days I spend in the Spire have clouded my mind. My ability to differentiate truth and twist has long since been tainted by the Deceitful Lord’s preaching hands.
My eyes can pierce through lies, yet they cannot see.
Similar to the eyes that watch over me.
Standing above everything, I watch the dolls move, tangled in suffocating thread. That thread once connected souls and love, but now it just strings up toys like decorations for a party.
He is so irritating.
I can always hear his taunting voice call out to me, “Oh, Alloyed!” in that playful voice he has.
It isn’t the most comfortable home, nor do I have much to do.
I manage around it, for today, I was recalling my pathetic past.
Irritation boils within me, though it quickly grows cold.
Sure, I might still be bitter about how easily I was tricked, and I do blame myself. It never means I cannot blame him as well.
The sun and moon both circle in this world. Maybe not in yours, but in our world, the sun and moon are never seen together.
Two sides of the same coin. They will never see each other.
And I do not desire to see that pathetic tyrant.
So annoyingly frail.
It’s a wonder how I fell for his tricks.
This cold and unwelcoming night, I was not in my tower, but rather on the stairs. The stairs that shift and turn, clicking beneath my hooves. This building is not a structure; it is a feeling. And sitting on these horrific stairs, which I had learned how to manage, I couldn’t help but feel... pitiful.
My memory is not the best, as I often forget important things. It bothers me, yes. However, as I sat down, I couldn’t help but remember how my allies once slept here. I should miss them, but they no longer matter.
My memories drowned in the Yogurt River long ago with my past self. It’s a self I don’t want to remember.
Though I fear I drowned for too long, for my current memory is also sparse. I can’t tell which is worse.
However,
I found a journal, so to speak, of all the ‘heroic’ things I did before my new life at the Spire.
So his deceitful eyes must enjoy seeing me suffer, or that Candy Apple wants to remind me how I haven’t changed for the hundredth time.
I may not want to remember who I was, but that’s no longer who I am.
Dismissing the thought, I think it might actually be a pleasant experience to read through it.
After an eternity of boredom, this book will give me a reason to live and something to do.
And I believe it’s worth sharing.
Of course, I will not suffer this dramatic story alone.
So kind, aren’t I?
Together, we will learn how I ended up in this endless labyrinth.
Very well then.
Without further ado,
Gather round, Ewes and Gentle-Rams, for a story you won’t forget.
___________________________________________________
Young Pure Vanilla Cookie
As the sun began to set, Young Pure Vanilla Cookie decided it would be best to round up the sheep before it got too dark. After all, he didn’t like the dark…
“Alright, little sheep. It’s time to go home.” The young boy smiled, gathering all of the sheep he was taking care of. He trotted through the long, wavy grass, bathing in the warm sunlight of the outskirts of the Vanilla Kingdom.
“Eleven… twelve…”
He counted the sheep, moving them all to one spot, occasionally petting their fluffy wool.
He paused, looking around, noticing the count was off by one. “A lamb is missing..? Where did you go..?” He spoke softly as he walked around, trying to find the missing animal.
Baaa! The Baby Cream Sheep let out from behind.
The boy jumped a bit at the sudden noise, but his shock quickly turned into joy as he realized it was his favourite little sheep!
“Aha! There you are! Come on, it’s time to go.” Young PV exclaimed, waddling over to it.
“Hm? Come on, we have to go…” He held out his hand to the air, insisting that the animal to come.
“Please, little lamb, it’s not safe to be out here late...” Young Pure Vanilla petted the small animal, noticing a flicker of something in the small lamb’s eye. The animal mumbles, shifting and seeming uncomfortable. Concerned, the boy crouched down, palms on his knees.
“Hm? Is something wrong with your eye? Let me check…” He inspected the young ovine’s wincing eyes, confused. “I don’t see anything...”
Baaa… Baa… It croaked, its iris’ swirling in a short wave of colour, before fading into two shades of blue with a crooked smile. Its teeth seemed to grow ever-so slightly longer, even sharper at the ends. Its hooves dug into the ground as it shifted closer.
“Huh? Those eyes…” Young Pure Vanilla Cookie extended a soft hand, trying to see the animal’s eye more clearly. He could tell something was wrong.
Of course, the young boy knew no such thing as danger.
“I know those eyes from somewhere…” He mumbled curiously, tilting his little head in confusion…
Baaaa… the ‘lamb’ rumbled, almost a sound of laughing. The sheep suddenly stepped closer, the long and soft grass of the well-cared Vanilla Fields shifting and molding beneath its feet. Its grin widened as its face began to contort with swirls and glitches, the air surrounding them suddenly becoming harsher and colder…
He stumbled back–
___________________________________________________
“Oh..!” Pure Vanilla Cookie awoke, terribly startled, quickly sitting up and clutching his white robe tightly, his breath coming out in short, panicked pants.
“It was only a dream… a memory… from my childhood?” He turned to his side, taking his staff from the nearby table. He hugs himself, his lip quivering and his eyes wide at the sudden fright. Beads of sweat drip down his forehead to his neck.
“Just… a dream…” he lets out a shaky breath, steadying himself and wiping his forehead with the back of his wrist.
He had never had such an... unpleasant dream. Before, his memories and sleepy thoughts had always been warm and welcoming; however, this dream was much... different. It bothered him.
As he began to stand up, hoping to ease his racing thoughts, one of the other Ancients, White Lily Cookie, ushered over to him with a look of concern.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie, are you unwell..?” She asked, worried, lightly grabbing his shoulder as a comforting gesture, before letting go slowly. Taking out a tissue, she carefully dabs his forehead down to his neck.
“I’m fine, thank you.” He exhales, slowly letting go of his chest. As he stood up, he felt the cold and unwelcoming air of the building breeze around him. Like the harsh winds of his dream...
He placed his hand down on the table where he rested, feeling the area of heat where his head lay, then shifting his gaze to look at White Lily. “I must have nodded off for a moment there…” He rubbed his head, trying to shift his focus away from his unpleasant dream.
White Lily Cookie smiled softly, “It’s getting quite late. Why don’t we continue tomorrow?” She asked, stepping back a bit to give her friend some space. She could tell Pure Vanilla was uncomfortable, but she didn’t know why. However, she remained silent.
“No, we can’t afford to rest, not now. We must find it. The Beast-binding Ritual…” He replied, tension evident in his weary stance.
He looked tired, with a noticeable fatigue in his behaviour. His movements were slow and lethargic, his eyelids heavy, and his voice devoid of any emotion. Yet at the same time, he was hyperalert, scanning every area.
As so, the pitiful life of the Ancients.
White Lily’s smile faded a bit, but she showed a look of understanding. “Yes, you’re right. There has to be a trace, a mention of the Witches’ magic, tucked away somewhere among all these scrolls.” She gestured with her staff to the shelves upon shelves of literature that surrounded them.
“This kingdom is the very place where Elder Faerie Cookie was once ordained the Guardian of the Silver Tree…” She whispered, looking down with mourn. “Elder Faerie Cookie…” she exhales, shifting her focus back to Pure Vanilla, determined, “If there are any records left, they have to be here!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie nodded, his worry washing away slowly at his friend’s convincing words. “Agreed.”
He said, though recalling his odd dream still had him tense. He quickly shakes the thought from his mind.
“Let’s keep searching. I’ll look in this section.” He stepped back.
“Then I’ll inspect these rows.” White Lily inquired, noticing Pure Vanilla’s tone change, “But… are you truly alright? You look… exhausted.”
She reached out a comforting hand to touch his shoulder, but Pure Vanilla flinched back.
“Oh… Don’t worry, it was just… a bad dream.” He smiled softly, though it showed no real relief.
‘My childhood was full of happy memories… Why did this dream trouble me so…?’
He thought anxiously. The Ancient of Truth was just perfect, oh, how could this be?
He recalled his dream. Those two familiar blue eyes sent shivers down his spine. While he usually didn’t mind occasional thoughts of the Beast of Deceit, this particular nightmare stirred something within him. After all, he was a cookie of bravery and kindness; these sorts of thoughts didn’t affect him in any other way. Could it be because of his childhood? Had the Beast found a crack in his veneer of resilience?
Pure Vanilla Cookie’s childhood. Yes, that’s it. He thought hard... Why couldn’t he remember his own childhood? It was a period of his life that he swore he would never forget. It was where he grew up, after all. He learnt his morals, the difference between right and wrong. Before he studied at The Blueberry Yogurt Academy, he had always had a strong interest in helping others. He was the happiest boy that could have been… so why couldn’t he remember it?
If his childhood really had such horrific events, why didn’t he remember them?
Maybe it would be better to forget.
Rubbing his temple with his wrist, he thought in confusion, walking off to a different section of the shelf.
White Lily Cookie watched as Pure Vanilla left, sensing his internal conflict. “The Jester’s echo still lingers in him…” she said, understanding, before hesitantly turning and slowly walking away as well.
___________________________________________________
“All we need is a clue to point us in the right direction to the Binding Ritual… Anything…” Pure Vanilla spoke to himself, a hint of desperation seeping into his voice. He had checked and rechecked and rechecked again and again, reading over the same labels and titles for the hundredth time.
He kept searching, however, for the Ancient could never falter. His determination... or is it simple arrogance?
He would recheck the same shelf for the hundred-and-first time.
Swishh.
Suddenly, he heard fast footsteps behind him.
“White Lily Cookie?” He spun around, suddenly hyperalert to his surroundings. He didn’t expect anyone to appear so randomly. But glancing around, he saw nothing but shadow beneath the other desks and shelves in the dimly lit building.
“I must be hearing things…” He muttered anxiously, shoving the rising dread in his core down, turning back to the shelf and rechecking the covers and ribbons more precisely. The lack of sleep must cause him to be a bit more paranormal than usual.
He ran his fingers over one of the sections carefully, reading every label and swiping every occasional speck of dust.
Swish..!
The noise of someone sprinting hastily behind them was heard again, which Pure Vanilla did not dismiss this time. He quickly turned around, raising his staff as an act of defense.
“Who’s there..?” he demanded, his breath becoming more frantic and his heartbeat like a drum.
He turned to where the noise faded out. “They went that way.”
Walking with a hastened pace, Pure Vanilla Cookie quickly reached a cracked and chipped stone wall.
“Hm..?” He raises a hand, reaching out to softly touch the wall.
“Why is this here?”
As he ran his fingers over the stone bricks, he unknowingly pushed one of them in.
“What is–”
Before he could react, the wall let out a low rumble, creaking and slowly shaking open right where the largest crack was, and the sound of muffled gears clanking and whirring erupted from behind it.
“Oh! A hidden chamber..!” He exclaimed.
His eyes lit up as he saw several more shelves that were in rows inside the said chamber.
PV curiously strolled inside, admiring the vast, organized space. “All these books! Ancient magic, chronicles of old, and…” A particular book tilted out of its shelf, “Oh..! I think I found it!” He grabbed the book, opened it, and turned to a page, reading it aloud.
“And thus, did the all-devouring heart of darkness fall into slumber…”
“The Beast-binding Ritual of the Witches demands a great wisdom and even greater sacrifice. It must be conducted by someone who is ready to pay the price.”
“This power lies hidden, far and out of reach, for you are forbidden from meddling with magic far beyond your ken.”
“Now, The Spire of All Knowledge stands without a master…”
“...where all knowledge began, and there it shall remain, as long as there is light.”
“You who dares lay a hand on the forbidden knowledge! After many a hardship, may you find the answer you seek…”
“The master of the Spire…” Pure Vanilla Cookie stared down at the page. “It’s about Shadow Milk Cookie, without a doubt.” He said firmly.
He shut the book, running his hand over the cover. “He could be there… awaiting me…” Fear crept into the Ancient of Truth as he said the name of the Beast of Deceit, the one who had previously tortured his friends... and his own mind. Unpleasant memories of the games they played flashed in his mind. Remembering what it felt like to be nothing but a worthless, pathetic pawn.
“Surely, having gained a physical form, he will pose a much greater threat.” He let out a long and heavy sigh. “Our encounter can’t be avoided. No matter if I fear it or not.”
Walking out of the chamber, he set the large book onto the table with a soft thud. “The Beasts are regaining their former power, all the more reason to face them and put an end to their evil. For the good of all Cookies! Of the entire world!”
He raises his staff, “We must be prepared to fight. Our bravery and our hope will become our greatest weapons in this war.”
His speech continued, convincing himself to believe in the power of friendship and love. His worry and unease slowly washed away as he thought of his comrades who would walk in triumph alongside him when they finally defeated the Beasts. With a lighter mind, he goes on.
“For now, my mission is to learn everything about the ritual!” he beams.
___________________________________________________
“My friends, I’m so grateful that you agreed to journey with me to the Spire of All Knowledge.” Pure Vanilla Cookie said, focusing on the path ahead of him as he walked.
“Don’t mention it, Pure Vanilla Cookie! That’s what friends are for! Am I right?!” GingerBrave exclaimed with his usual determination and excitement, as Wizard Cookie joined in.
“Exactly! You can count on us!” he laughed wholeheartedly.
“Yeah! We’ll follow you anywhere, Pure Vanilla Cookie!” Strawberry Cookie said happily.
It made Pure Vanilla smile to see all of his allies happy, but he couldn’t help but feel like it was a fleeting feeling.
How come? He should believe in his friends, shouldn’t he? PV rubbed his eye.
Gingerbrave looked around. “Carameleon Cookie..?”
The chameleon crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. “Say what? Er, lemme get this straight… You lot are absolutely sure you want to go there? THE Spire? Of All Knowledge?!” His voice raised to a high-pitched complaint, “I’m telling ya one last time: that place is WEIRD! If I were you, I’d go in the opposite direction. No, I’d run!”
“The book said the secret of the anti-Beast magic is kept there, in that tower!” Gingerbrave restated firmly, clearly not changing his mind.
“Yes. If there is a place to hold the secret of the Binding Ritual, it is in the Spire… The domain of…” Pure Vanilla looked away, not even wanting to think about the Beast of Deceit.
“...Shadow Milk Cookie.” White Lily Cookie finally spoke up. “We don’t know what awaits us there… Let’s be careful.”
It had been so long and yet so short a time since Pure Vanilla had last visited the sinful cookie’s domain.
Things he was convinced were true. Things he might still think are true, whether he chooses them or not.
Remembering how lies took up his headspace made his head ache; he chose to forget.
“Don’t worry, White Lily Cookie!” GingerBrave reassured. White Lily gives a small nod to the rest of the group, looking back at her fellow Ancient once more.
“Don’t let your guard down, Pure Vanilla Cookie,” she emphasizes.
Pure Vanilla meets her gaze. “I promise, I won’t.” He smiles.
But as he walked peacefully, he couldn’t help but feel awkward. His ears started to ring, his eyes heavy, almost like he was in a daze.
A voice in his head echoes. “What if you already have?” Pure Vanilla’s senses shoot back to him; his breath catches in his throat, and he stumbles a bit, looking down at the dirt path.
“L-... Light of Truth..?” He mumbles, but the voice is already gone.
White Lily Cookie turns to look at him, “Pure Vanilla Cookie, are you well?...” She tilts her head, concern evident in her expression.
“Yes…” He says, rubbing the side of his head with his wrist.
White Lily notes how he won’t look her in the eyes while he says it. Alas, she remains quiet.
___________________________________________________
“Super! Let’s move out! Carameleon Cookie..?” Gingerbrave raises his candy cane.
Carameleon Cookie scoffs, “Phew… What a batch of rookies! Don’t say I never warned ya!”
But unlike everybody else, who are wary but determined, Wizard Cookie has a different expression. Skepticism.
“Hmm… It’s quiet. Too quiet…” He inquired.
The cookies all glance around, seemingly only now aware of the new and unfamiliar silence that surrounds them. It made their skin crawl.
___________________________________________________
Running footsteps approach from behind.
“Wait for me!” a high-pitched voice calls out.
A girl with green hair and apple pigtails cries out, appearing to be one of the faeries from the Faerie Kingdom. The lot of cookies turn around to see who the girl is.
“Huh? Are you one of the Faerie cookies? Oh! Have you followed us all the way from the Faerie kingdom?!” Gingerbrave asked, visibly excited.
The girl pants, hunched over slightly, before stretching her back and letting out a happy sigh, “Phew..! I… My name is Apple Faerie Cookie!” She dramatically gestures, spinning around with her arms extended out.
She intertwines her fingers, holding them in front of her chest. “I heard you’re headed to the Spire of All Knowledge! Please, let me come with you!” she said eagerly.
“Wh- you want to join us?!” Gingerbrave exclaimed, both overjoyed and confused about why somebody would want to go to a place as dreadful as The Spire.
The other cookies mumbled to each other, having their doubts. Pure Vanilla Cookie was noticeably more uncomfortable.
“Your bravery saved our kingdom!” She reached out, holding one of Gingerbrave’s hands in both of her own.
Her expression was truly enthusiastic–as if they weren’t venturing into a literal Beast cookie’s territory.
“I wanted to repay this debt. I… I’ve traveled to many places! I’ve been to the Spire!”
The cookies all gawk in awe as Apple Faerie Cookie shares this information.
Apple Faerie glances over at PV, her smile becoming broader by the slightest bit.
“It’s a place unlike any other… A magnificent, yet dreadful place! I can help you, you’ll see!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie found it strange how nobody questioned how she knew so much about it, but he went along with it.
Such a noble and trusting cookie.
Carameleon Cookie exclaims, admiring the new cookie’s experience, “A guide?! Well, that’s just what we needed!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled, “Hm… It is very kind of you, Apple Faerie Cookie.”
The group of cookies were wary, but seeing Pure Vanilla agree, they automatically agreed as well.
“Yes!”
“Of course.”
“I guess you can...”
White Lily was very uncomfortable, and she didn’t like how everybody just agreed without a second thought. Especially Pure Vanilla.
But she believed in her friend and thus, did not object.
“Your help is most welcome!” He extended a hand, which Apple Faerie was quick to shake.
She stared right into Pure Vanilla’s eyes, her grip on his hand a little too tight, almost aggressively.
“Of course..~” She smiled, her voice sickenly sweet.
Pure Vanilla Cookie pried his hand away, staring down at her with a smile of something he hadn’t felt before.
White Lily Cookie looks over at Pure Vanilla, recognizing his hidden discomfort. She opens her mouth to say something, but not wanting unnecessary conflicts, she remains silent.
PV shifts his focus ahead to the other cookies. “We don’t know what dangers await us where we are headed. Stay close and be vigilant at all times!”
Apple Faerie giggles, “Thank you, Pure Vanilla Cookie!”
___________________________________________________
“Hmm… So far, this place hasn’t been as bad as I thought!” Gingerbrave exclaims.
They’ve been walking for thirty-five minutes, and so far, they’ve all been enjoying the journey. Despite their previous tension, it has actually been quite peaceful so far.
“Do not jinx it, Gingerbrave, do not jinx it…” Wizard Cookie mutters.
Apple Faerie suddenly gasps, disrupting their peace, “Watch out!” She shouts.
A creature appears out of nowhere, lunging at them.
Kryaaaa! The odd creature with a trumpet screeched, charging towards them. It was white with blue dots and had wide, pitch-black eyes. The whole group gasps, flinching.
Apple Faerie slashed it down, watching as it ran away in cower.
All the cookies once more look at her with admiration. Gingerbrave runs up ahead to meet with Apple Faerie Cookie. “Whoah, thanks! That was a close one, Apple Faerie Cookie!”
She giggled, even blushing a bit, “Hee hee, I’m glad I could help!” she squeaked. “Now, follow me–there’s a little inn nearby!”
She starts to scurry off, but White Lily Cookie is the first to doubt her. “An inn? Here? In the middle of the woods?”
She asked, a bit wary, stepping forth. Pure Vanilla, too, was skeptical of such a coincidence.
“Oh, but of course! This inn is the perfect place for travelers to rest their weary dough on a long journey!” she stated happily.
Meanwhile, Pure Vanilla Cookie stood behind the rest, pondering.
‘We must have entered Shadow Milk Cookie’s domain by now. However… It’s just like GingerBrave said. Contrary to what I expected, we haven’t faced any serious obstacles yet…’
‘Is it all thanks to Apple Faerie Cookie’s guidance?’
He paused his thoughts as Carameleon Cookie dramatically cleared his throat, “Ahem… Cookies!” He called, catching all their attention, “Looks like my job here is done! Yes, this is where we part ways!”
Wizard Cookie glares, “What? But you promised you’d help us find a way? Some ‘Master of Survival’ you are!” he scoffed.
“Ah ah ah! I never said I knew my way around the Spire of All Knowledge! Besides, you already have Apple Faerie Cookie!” Carameleon Cookie smirks.
“Alas, 'tis time I bid you farewell! I’m sure you’ll manage just fine! Be seeing ya after you return victorious~!” And without another word, he vanishes without a trace.
“Whoah..! I’ve never seen someone vanish so quickly!” Strawberry Cookie remarked.
“Hey, you—!” Wizard Cookie starts.
“Don’t worry,” White Lily Cookie smiled reassuringly, “I’m sure we will meet again.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie smiles, walking next to White Lily Cookie. “Thank you for your constant kindness and patience, White Lily Cookie.” Pure Vanilla says to White Lily, as the group continues to stroll and talk without any more distractions.
“Let’s go! The inn is just around the corner!” Apple Faerie beamed, skipping ahead.
___________________________________________________
“Oh, this won’t do…” Apple Faerie Cookie muttered, “Not at all… his resolve is too sturdy. I must try harder…” She giggles again.
___________________________________________________
“Oh, there really is an inn..!” Strawberry cookie looks around in wonder.
The place was warmly lit by lanterns and candles, cookies at every table and corner, smiling and laughing. The low hum of cookies chatting surrounds the group.
“Heh heh! Not too shabby, right?” Apple Faerie Cookie strolled inside, spinning around to face the group. “You should rest here tonight! Meanwhile, I’ll go ahead and see what awaits us down the road!”
Before Pure Vanilla can ask where she’s going, the innkeeper rushes to cater to them.
“Oh dear me! More travelers! And we’re fully packed tonight! Let me see… Aha! We’ll get you seated with that lonesome gentle-Cookie!” Forest Innkeeper Cookie insisted, gesturing to a hooded figure sitting at a table near the corner.
Pure Vanilla Cookie pushes aside his skepticism, turning to the new cookie he was just introduced to, “I hope you don’t mind our intrusion, good Cookie!”
He smiles, but the cloaked cookie stays silent.
GingerBrave beams, “What brings you to this inn? Are you an adventurer yourself?”
He asks, but the cookie still stays silent.
“Not much of a talker, I see…” Wizard Cookie remarked.
They all try talking to them, asking various questions.
The mysterious cookie suddenly takes out a deck of cards, shuffling them shortly before spreading them across the table—shutting down all their questions and shifting their curiosity to the cards.
“Huh? What are these cards? They have peculiar markings on them..!” GingerBrave noticed.
“These are tarot cards. Fortune tellers use them to read someone’s future.” Pure Vanilla answered, confused at the random action.
“Is this Cookie offering to read our future?” Strawberry Cookie asked curiously.
Wizard Cookie huffed, “Hmph! Fortune-telling is not real magic, in my opinion. But sure, let’s see what this is all about.”
He looked down at the cards, along with everyone else. “Looks like we have to pick three cards…”
Pure Vanilla reaches out a hand, carefully picking out three cards and flipping them over.
“Huh. Those are some… scary-looking cards you picked there…” Wizard Cookie muttered, and the other cookies mumbled among themselves.
The cards show different parts of the Spire.
Pure Vanilla Cookie gasps quietly, to which White Lily Cookie quickly holds his hand. He lets out a worried sigh, his eyes stressed with worry.
He stares in shock down at the cards, his horror slowly drowning away as he inspects the cards once more.
“Oh!” The other cookies all noised in unison, shocked.
“Let’s hear what the fortune teller Cookie has to say!” GingerBrave declared. “Huh?! Look! Words are appearing on the table!”
They all look to the table, staring in awe and fear.
“I have a bad feeling about this…” Strawberry Cookie said, hugging herself. White Lily rubs her back comfortingly.
Pure Vanilla Cookie lets go of White Lily’s hand, reading the words out loud. “It reads…”
“Your doubts will consume you whole.”
“A river lies on your path. Embrace your truth, or drown.”
Suddenly, the cloaked sir spoke in a deep, hushed tone, “Embrace deceit. You have no other choice.” Fortuneteller Cookie says lowly, his voice taking on a menacing edge.
GingerBrave gasps, “He can speak!!”, which Pure Vanilla covers his mouth to, standing in deep thought.
Wizard Cookie shivered, “‘Deeply unsettling’ would be the understatement of the century...”
PV smiles light-heartedly, not seeming fazed by it, “Hah ha… And still, it’s only fortune-telling. Do not pay it too much thought.”
He stared into the dark and invisible eyes of the Fortune Teller, met with a gaze that told him now was not a time for silly games. The motivated cookie of Truth, however, believed his own truth. Even after being told so, so many times, by so many different cookies... How inconsiderate. But, being the beloved Ancient, of course, everybody would believe him. None of them had ever tasted even a flicker of doubt before...
“Pure Vanilla Cookie’s right! If anything, those words only made me feel like we’re on the right path!” GingerBrave declares.
“Heh he. I would expect nothing else from you, GingerBrave.” White Lily giggles.
Pure Vanilla looks down at the cards, not with irritation or fear, but curiosity. “Thank you for your prophecy. What do we owe…”
He looks up, “Hm?”
And the fortuneteller is no longer there, no sight, just the three same cards.
“Huh?! He’s vanished!” Wizard Cookie’s eyes widen, stepping back.
“I didn’t like this at all…” Strawberry Cookie whines, rubbing her arm.
“Come, every cookie. Let us rest, and not think about this.” She gestured the cookies towards the hall of rooms.
“Hm…” He moves closer, staring down at the cards with curiosity and a hint of something else.
His eyelids lowered, uninterested, putting his hand down on the table next to the cards. As the other cookies begin to head to their rooms, he swiftly grabs the three cards, staring down at them. He couldn’t explain why, but he felt… amused?
His eyes felt heavier, his vision almost seeming... clearer.
“Ha hah…” He chuckled darkly, gripping the cards tighter with his thumb.
Watching the empty table, the previous words change, rearranging their letters. Pure Vanilla looks closer, his interest piqued.
The letters dance around, almost tauntingly. They form words and then scatter, toying with him. He watches each individual piece prance and play around each other, before settling into their own places.
“Your charade is just an illusion. The cold flames of doubt will consume you whole, until you no longer believe yourself.”
“It’s better this way.”
White Lily, who hadn’t left yet and was watching from afar, looked at PV with worry and confusion.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie…?” She whispers.
His smile fades as he sets the cards down carefully and quietly, turning to White Lily and tilting his head.
“...Yes?” He asks. His eyes devoid of any emotion, staring ominously at his fellow Ancient.
She hesitates, “What are you... looking at...?” She mumbles, standing off to the side.
He looks back.
The cards are no longer there.
The words are no longer there.
Nothing’s there.
Though, he doesn’t question it yet.
Pure Vanilla Cookie walks past her, dismissing her question. “Come, White Lily Cookie. We must rest.” He elegantly walks down the hall.
White Lily watches quietly, but doesn’t say anything, walking to her own room silently.
Click.
___________________________________________________
Exiting the inn, there was nothing but awkward silence between the group. Despite all of them having rested well, a wave of dread and sloth washed over them, wary.
GingerBrave yawned, Wizard Cookie was hunched over, and Strawberry Cookie seemed more jumpy than usual.
Meanwhile, Apple Faerie Cookie was as bright as ever, skipping and smiling. “Such a wonderful day, isn’t it!” She giggled.
The rest of the group mumbled various answers of agreement. It was a pleasant day, but their tired state left them only half awake.
White Lily Cookie replied in her usual kind tone, being the only one trying to hide her weariness, “It truly is a lovely day today.”
She smiled, looking over at her friend Pure Vanilla Cookie, her gaze softening a bit. “Did… Did you rest well… Pure Vanilla Cookie..?” she asked softly.
Pure Vanilla, who was walking next to her in silence, turns slightly to look at her, tilting his head. “Of course.” He smiled kindly, “Did you?”
White Lily, feeling relieved that he’s acting normal again, replies happily, “I did.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie nods, looking away, his smile fading by a sliver.
‘Yesterday… It was so odd… I can’t remember what happened after the tarot reading… The stress is truly affecting me a bit worse than I had expected. I must remain persistent.. Especially for White Lily Cookie…’
He looked over at White Lily, who smiled back at him. He smiled too, softly grabbing her hand.
“Help! SOMEONE, HELP!” the cry of a young boy interrupted Pure Vanilla’s wholesome but wistful thoughts. The shout made the cookies jolt awake, coming to their senses as their lethargy slowly washed away.
GingerBrave gasps, “Look! That kid is surrounded.”
He doesn’t hesitate, running forward in an attempt to rescue him. Pure Vanilla, startled, quickly regains his composure, raising his staff. “We must help!” The lot of cookies do not falter, sprinting to the young cookie.
“Are you unharmed?!” Pure Vanilla Cookie asks, terribly concerned.
In front of them stood a small, young boy with light curly hair. The boy hugs his crook, his eyes watering as his breath is frantic, as he starts to explain what happened.
“I… I’m fine! I was looking for my sheep, and… and…” His lip quivers, the blue cookie appearing to be on the verge of tears.
“Sheep? Where are your sheep?” GingerBrave asks, concerned too for the crying child. White Lily rubs the young boy’s back, trying to comfort him.
“Wh… They are… over there, somewhere..! Please, help me find them..!” The boy points ahead to the other path, pleading desperately.
Pure Vanilla Cookie sympathizes with his worry, “It is dangerous to be alone in these woods. We will help you find your sheep.” He looks around. Where on Earthbread could his sheep be? Why was he in the middle of the woods?
He walks, determined, starting to lead the way.
Apple Faerie Cookie, however, shows her concern regarding the Spire: “But the Spire is the other way..!” She sprints ahead of everyone, arms out and blocking the way.
His eye twitches. “Don’t worry…” PV says with a smile plastered on his face, “It’s not going to be much of a detour.” He exhales, perfectly calm.
That alone seemed to change her mind entirely. Apple Faerie Cookie giggles coyly, putting her hands together and smiling kindly, “Yes, Pure Vanilla Cookie! Heh he!”
She gave a subtle glare to White Lily, which made the Ancient of Freedom even more uncomfortable. Somehow, none of the other cookies noticed. She rubs her arm, silently upset that nobody would notice or stand up for her. Especially when Pure Vanilla would...
She could feel her face starting to redden, but quickly calmed it with a deep breath. Of course, WL had to remain perfect for the group.
Though it was likely to preserve her dying reputation.
The sorry life of Ancients, but of course, it’s an occurrence bound to happen. They have to overcome it, one way or another.
“How did you lose your herd? Did they run off?!” GingerBrave asks, trying to figure out what happened and how.
“Y-Yeah! By the way… thanks for helping me!” The crying boy smiled softly, wiping his tears.
“Hey… Wanna hear a fun story?” his eyes glinted with a new light. The blue boy seemed less stressed, if at all, the sudden change in his voice surprising the other cookies.
Pure Vanilla Cookie grips his staff tighter, wary.
‘A story…?’
He stepped back. Before any of them can say anything, the boy continues.
“Once upon a time, a little shepherd boy lived in a peaceful village. It was so peaceful that the boy grew bored…” the young boy told.
Pure Vanilla subconsciously relaxed, finding himself interested in the strange tale. His grip suddenly loosened on his staff, almost dropping it.
The young cookie glances his way, briefly smirking, before he continues his tale.
“...So, one day, he came up with a fun idea!” The young boy giggled, seemingly overexcited, unable to contain himself.
“He would cry as loudly as he could!”
He shrieked in example, crying out in panic, “WOLF! WOLF!”
GingerBrave gasps, clearly invested in the story. “Was the boy in danger?!”
The young shepherd laughed, so very amused, “No, heh he! So when the other cookies came to the rescue, they realized there was no wolf, and they got so, so angry!” He smiled, so joyful, almost mockingly. “It was so funny!”
The cookies all gasped among themselves, thinking he must be joking, right? Oh, how many jokes were played that could last a half lifetime for two or more! ...There was no room for jokes.
Pure Vanilla was audibly shocked, stepping back uncomfortably.
The young blue boy continued, smiling evenly at their reaction, especially the little Vanilla boy’s...
“So, the little boy did it over and over again! He cried, wolf! Heh he, WOLF!”
Little Strawberry Cookie, so naïve, spoke softly, sounding like she was about to break. “B-But.. why?” She pathetically asked. Nobody responded.
“Until one day, a real wolf came by! The boy cried, Wolf! Wolf!.” His smile shifted to a softer and simpler one, laced with evident amusement that was clear he wasn’t trying to hide it.
“But alas, he had lied too much. No one came to his aid, not a single cookie.”
Wizard Cookie scoffs, confused. “What a weird story! Why on Earthbread did this boy keep lying!”
“Yeah! Lying isn’t nice!” Gingerbrave complained. Pathetic.
“Why..?” He relaxes his posture, smiling, staring them dead in the eyes. “Because it was fun.”
“Oh-ho! The look on their faces was priceless! Hah ha ha!” He burst out laughing.
Wizard Cookie takes a step forward, enraged by such a foolish action, “Funny?! You lost your whole herd because of a lie!”
“What do you mean?” The shepherd asks. “Oh, look! We’re here! My sheep!” He skips up to them.
Wolves would howl, sounding far.. yet oddly close.
“Sh-Sheep..? But those are not sheep..!”
The wolves emerge from the bushes, surrounding the boy possessively. “Sheep? What sheep? I’m not a shepherd, I’m a wolfherd.” The young boy smiled, petting one of his lovely wolves.
All the cookies stared in horror as suddenly, laughing came from behind them.
Pure Vanilla’s laughing.
“Ah..~ such a silly game you’ve played, dear wolfherd.” He laughs, thoroughly amused. He walks in front of all the cookies, staring down at the boy.
“Pure Vanilla, be caref—!” GingerBrave starts, but cuts himself off very quickly. Pure Vanilla... pets one of the wolves. Smiling. Joyful. Amused by the cruel joke that has been played.
“Such playful wolves you have, my.” He looks up to face the young boy.
“I truly hope those villagers learned their lesson,” PV said darkly. He felt strangely amused, and yet he didn’t mind it.
The young boy giggles, “They did!” Stepping back with a hop, the wolves follow him. “Farewell~!” He laughs tauntingly, skipping off.
They all stare.
“He... fooled us..?” Strawberry cookie mumbled.
“No.” Pure Vanilla speaks up, his voice thick enough to cut through the air. Like a knife.
“He enlightened us.” He would say delightedly.
“Pure V-Vanilla.. what are you talking about..?” White Lily whispers, almost disbelieving.
He turns around, still smiling subtly. “Don’t be cruel, White Lily...” He walks up to White Lily, taking her hand and rubbing the back of it with his thumb.
White Lily Cookie’s chest twisted in an uncomfortable but familiar way. Probably the knowing feeling of constant neglect. Yet she chose to listen, ignoring the feeling. After all, maybe it was just an odd form of joy? A new understanding that Pure Vanilla has a soft spot for children?
“He’s just a boy with a silly joke. There’s nothing wrong with that, is it?” He asks innocently. The cookies all light up, believing their oh-so beloved savior.
White Lily always holds her trust in Vanilla. After all, Vanilla is a flower, too.
“And he’s taught us a lesson, hasn’t he? We should never lie.” The cookies laugh and smile in agreement, continuing on. So blindly, too.
Pure Vanilla smiles and walks ahead with everyone. He whispers to himself before continuing on.
“Let’s go, everyone!” Apple Faerie Cookie exclaims.
___________________________________________________
Young Pure Vanilla Cookie
“Everyone, I’m going to take a short rest here. How are you all faring? You must be weary from the journey.” The sweet vanilla boy announced politely.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie...!” An elderly lady pleaded from behind him. “Please! Pray I live another day, to free myself from this sickly dough!”
A young girl, clearly distressed, adds on—alarmed by the old lady and their current situation: “Pure Vanilla... Will we ever be able to find happiness?”
The young boy didn’t know what to make of such a situation...
“That is the truth I, myself, strive to find... That is why I will accept the 12 Trials of the Sugar-Free Road.” He declares. “I hope that we will find our answers at the end of this path.”
The girl was tired of his hopeless rambling, giving a shout, “But what if there is no answer?!” She yelled.
“Hm..?” He mumbles, his smile fading as he steps back a bit.
You know, it’s a wonder in this blissful world—why does nobody ever question it? Oh, king this, queen that. Honestly, I myself find it such a tiring label. Seriously, how much idiocy do you have to have to be so.. so stupid?! It’s a damn dream, that’s all it is! Every one of those ancients doesn’t understand and never will...
Not like I do...
The girl cries out, “What if the trials are a lie? What if there is no way for us to be happy..?” Her voice cracks, tinged with heartbreak and hopelessness.
Young Vanilla stuttered, unsure of how to handle such a situation, “Oh, well...”
“Your prayers can’t include us all, can they?!” She begged, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
“O-Oh, I really—”
“Use your power..! Share your power with us if you really care!” She screeched, fire burning in her eyes.
“Please calm down, l-let me explain..!”
“It’s not fair! You don’t deserve this power!”
Oh, how selfish could a little boy be? It’s no different than the wolf story, is it now? It’s a wonder the boy got so far in life; he himself was a liar. One soul assigned to a person by birth, he didn’t do anything to even deserve such a damn well-off life. He was healthy, he was loved, he was innocent. He was me at some point.
How could he be so self-entitled? So cruel?! So damned righteous to STEAL SOMETHING THAT WAS NEVER HIS.
The girl’s voice is thick with the layers and pleas of several people, cutting through the air with its piercing cry, “IT’S MINE.”
___________________________________________________
“Pure Vanilla?” White Lily asked, concerned. “You started sweating and shifting uncomfortably in your sleep...”
Pure Vanilla, who had unknowingly fallen into a deep slumber, looks around, all his friends lying and resting in the grass. Sitting, some sleeping, some awake.
‘Another nightmare..?’ He thought.
“That’s right... We... took a break, didn’t we?” He realizes, checking the time.
“Very well then... I think it’s time we head for departure.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie didn’t stand up, though, sitting in deep thought. Another nightmare?
‘It’s not how I remember it.’
‘...’
‘Or is it..? There were cookies, seeking healing and happiness.’ He’s forced to put his thoughts aside, leaving him with a sense of confusion and emptiness within.
‘Yesterday... I can’t remember anything, but... I was acting weird. I... said something to White Lily. I don’t remember.’
‘...I don’t remember...’
...Only silence remains.
___________________________________________________
The boy, lying bleeding and bruised in the middle of the pathway, screams out in pain, “AAAH! HELP! I DON’T WANT TO CRUMBLE!!!”
GingerBrave stares in horror, “That cookie needs our help!” he exclaimed, bolting to the boy.
“We must rescue him!” Pure Vanilla restates.
Honestly, can’t he get ideas of his own? Must he say and repeat everything in that oh-so godlike voice he has? Being a king entitled him to be far bitchier than he ever deserved to be. Ew.
Anywho, unfortunately, continuing on with Apple Faerie’s turn to speak: “How horrible! There are crumbs everywhere..!”
The poor boy looked up, his breathing labored and his eye half-crumbled already.
“*Cough- Cough-* Eh...? A.. healer..? *Cough-* Please... help...” He choked out weakly; even his voice was strained from so much effort just to not collapse on the spot.
Vanilla rushed to him, “You must not talk! Please, let me see your wounds.”
The cookies all follow, though White Lily hesitates.
Pure Vanilla takes note of this, his irritation rising. Why is he upset? He knows how tired White Lily is, so why..? He can’t help it, glaring at White Lily.
She stumbles back, shocked by Pure Vanilla’s behavior. He’s already refocused on something else, leaving her feeling odd within.
Pure Vanilla is so kind and so polite, perhaps he’s simply worried about the crumbling cookie. More worried about some stranger than her. But.. It’s a young boy. Yeah.. He must just be concerned for a little boy...
After all, what happened yesterday between them...
Yeah, Pure Vanilla is so caring.
Surely.
PV looks down at the boy, his eyes widening, “It might be beyond my ability to restore his health...” He whispers.
The boy looks up, sobbing as he struggles to even manage words, “*Cough* Will.. W-Will you help me..? *Cough* Am I g-gonna be fine?!” He cries out, pain overwhelming him—which was very clear.
It made Pure Vanilla feel upset, yet a familiar and uninvited feeling started to bubble up inside him. That feeling he couldn’t control, it made his chest twist in uncomfortable ways, and yet it always came back...
“I... I don’t.. want t-to... crumble...” He whispers, shivering, voice strained; it took so much effort for him to even speak.
Pure Vanilla speaks, “You will be fine. Look at me.” He says reassuringly. “Don’t close your eyes! You mustn’t close your eyes!”
...Much ironic, isn’t it? For a blind guy who closes his eyes all the time... some odd moments we share.
The boy stammers a response, his voice becomes breathier, “It... hurts... e-everthing, it all... hurts... I’m so tired...”
“Please..!” Pure Vanilla practically begs, “Don’t close your eyes! Look at me- I—”
“Tell me..” He interrupts PV, looking up pitifully, “...Will I live..?” Tears well in his eyes as he struggles out a response, “Tell me the truth...”
His head was aching visibly, he seemed dizzy, “I have seen so little.. Done so little... There’s a cookie that I... I...”
“I will do everything I can—”
Poor Vanilla, he really thought that something like this was in his control? He doesn’t even have a fragment power.
The young boy’s coughing slows, almost dazed even, “I feel... so numb.. Is... is this the end?”
Pure Vanilla’s face reddens a bit, “Please..! Don’t close your eyes, don’t...” He stares with wide eyes, terrified.
‘Is there nothing I can do...? How.. did this happen..’
The boy looks up at PV with red and puffy eyes, “You said I’d be fine, but... I’m going to crumble...” He coughs harshly, “A-Aren’t I..?”
Pure Vanilla just remains silent, unsure of what to do.
“It... was all a lie, huh..?”
PV’s eyes widen, “Uh—!!!”
How could someone like the Ancient of Truth ever lie? Oh, was his perfect image finally crumbling?
“Don’t worry, it was a sweet lie.” He smiles weakly, “But... all I wanted... was to live.”
Pure Vanilla stares in pure horror.
‘I must do something... Anything!’
“He’s disappearing!” Wizard Cookie cries out.
“Oh—!” Pure Vanilla gasps. “Pure Vanilla Cookie, something’s wrong!”
The young boy, who had started crumbling and dissolving, suddenly screeched. He started shifting, his body cracking and turning in unnerving ways. A faint blue aura started glowing around him.
“He turned... into a monster!” Strawberry cookie panicked.
A monster? Rather discriminating of a cookie, don’t you think?
“Pure Vanilla Cookie!” White Lily calls out.
‘Ah..! I can’t move!’ Pure Vanilla thought, as the crumbled cookie screeched.
SLASH!
“Pheh... Pathetic.” Apple Faerie Cookie mutters, her own breathing ragged.
She ushered towards Pure Vanilla, “Pure Vanilla Cookie, are you unscathed?!”
“What was that..?!” Strawberry Cookie worried, hugging herself.
“It wasn’t a cookie. This place is riddled with phantoms; it was a trick.” White Lily says, as the realization dawns upon all of them.
“Don’t dwell on his words, Pure Vanilla Cookie. You tried to help..!” Apple Faerie Cookie smiles softly, trying to make light of the current predicament.
“...Thank you.” Pure Vanilla said, though it held no relief.
___________________________________________________
I felt a strange calling towards one of the doors. Which was odd, I’ve seen these massive and minuscule halls before, yet this door seems... different. I can’t quite put my finger on why, though. Opening the blue door, it was wavy, almost watery. Should’ve made my head ache and yet I found it... oddly relaxing. Strange enough, I heard my voice on the other side, echoing throughout the crystal halls.
“Hello?” He called out.
Oh.
I respond.
“Yes, Pure Vanilla?”
___________________________________________________
It was a long and suffering journey to the Spire. Each step felt heavier than the last—every footfall pressing into the earth with the weight of exhaustion and doubt. Days blurred into nights, and nights into a restless eternity, as the small band of cookies pressed onward, driven by a desperate hope that somewhere, beyond the horizon, answers awaited them.
Yet, silence stretched between them like a widening chasm. Words felt pointless, too fragile to fill the growing void. Their efforts, their anxieties, all seemed to evaporate in the thin, cold air. Every day, they wondered: were they being led astray? Was the Spire real, or merely a mirage conjured by longing and despair? The idea of reaching it felt both essential—and impossible.
Pure Vanilla Cookie felt irritation simmering beneath his calm exterior, a sharpness he could not explain. White Lily’s eyes were shadowed, her hands trembling as she clung to her thoughts. Even Apple Faerie’s usual lightness was gone, ticked off. The others moved silently, their bodies devoid of any life as they trudged forward.
Apple Faerie squinted at the horizon, amazed: “I see a tower!”
A gasp erupted through the group, sudden and bright, as if new life had been breathed into their weary bodies. For the first time in days, hope surged. They ran forward, stumbling but determined.
Majestic and horrifying, the Spire loomed before them, its silhouette cutting a jagged line against the sky. It rose incredibly high, almost taunting the little cookies. Constellations floated overhead, the moon casting long, watchful shadows. Even the ancient vines seemed to sway in sync with the wind.
At last, they had found it: the empire of the Beast of Deceit. The place they had dreaded—and yet, for so long, had longed to reach. The Spire stood before them, a monument to every unanswered question and every fear that had haunted their journey.
But they made it.