Chapter Text
"Pure Vanilla Cookie, was it?" Mystic Flour opened one eye to gaze at the cookie beside her, wearing a waffle cone hat and dressed in robes not too different from her own.
"Why yes indeed." Pure Vanilla smiled, turning his beholder towards Mystic Flour. So he's blind...
"What brings you here to the Ivory Pagoda? Hopefully its not to have a wish granted, would it be?" she had hoped not. After reforming, Mystic Flour was still quite reluctant to grant anything, preferring to spend most of her time mediating. Not many cookies bothered her anyways. It was usually just her and Cloud Haetae. However, today, this perculiar yellow cookie had climbed the stairs to her pagoda. Mystic Flour could vaguely recall Shadow Milk talking about him. Supposedly, this cookie was his other half.
Upon a closer inspection, Pure Vanilla was eerily similar to her. His kind gentle nature, his willingness to help others when requested, it all reminded her of her old self. It wasn't a bad feeling. Nevertheless, she couldn't properly trust another cookie, not even if they were to be anything similar to her past. They're now currently in the garden, with Cloud Haetae having led Pure Vanilla to her.
"No, I would never ask that of you." he said, turning his beholder back to survey the surrounding flowers.
"If not to ask for a wish, then why are you here?"
He paused for a long moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Dark Cacao had told me of you. I merely wanted to visit you, not out of wanting something in return."
Mystic Flour was taken aback, but remained on her guard. "I see..." They stood still for a few moments, both wearing neutral expressions with Pure Vanilla's being more gentle with a smile and Mystic Flour remaining stoic.
Pure Vanilla reached out a hand to a nearby flour, lightly brushing against it. "This garden is very well maintained. Do you take care of these plants yourself?"
"Indeed, I do."
"I have a garden that I maintain myself as well. Do you have a favourite among these rows of flowers?"
Mystic Flour opened her eyes to trail around the garden. "I...can't say I do. Whenever I open my eyes, any plants within direct eye contact usually fades into dust. I have never been able to see a flower up close." Why was she opening up to a complete stranger? She's usually more composed than this. However, this Pure Vanilla seems to have a safe and calming aura. Maybe it would be fine if she let down her guard ever so slightly. She was still suspicious though. She could sense immense power from him, but he behaves as if he does not have such power.
"They turn into dust? Ah, I see." Pure Vanilla let out a soft sigh. The silence that follows wasn't uncomfortable.
"...are you not afraid of me?" Mystic Flour asked suddenly. She had just told him that she had the ability to turn living things into dust, yet he had not shown anything to indicate fear nor surprise.
"I do not see a reason to be." Pure Vanilla replied simply.
"Why?"
Pure Vanilla turned to her, this time opening his eyes slightly. "Are you going to hurt me?"
Mystic Flour was taken aback from his straightforward question. Recovering quickly, she responded, "...no. I won't."
"Then I don't see a reason to be afraid." he turned back, closing his eyes.
"How can you be so sure? I could be lying."
"Lying to the Ancient wielding the light of truth?" Pure Vanilla let out a light chuckle. It was unlike anything Mystic Flour had heard in a long time. It stirred something deep within her, that she had thought she'd lost. "I don't believe you truly wish to hurt any cookie." he continued.
"You are too trusting for your own good." Mystic Flour let out a soundless sigh.
"I have been told that before." Pure Vanilla had an almost wistful smile.
“By Shadow Milk Cookie, I’m guessing.” Ah, Shadow Milk. The ever so irritatingly cheerful jester. He annoyed her to no ends. If not for being allies, or at least former, she would’ve long ago reduced him to flour. Now that she was thinking about it, how come Shadow Milk’s other half was this gentle cookie? Strange…
“I do feel the need to have to take my leave now. I really enjoyed speaking with you.” Pure Vanilla’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. She composed herself quickly.
“Very well, Cloud Haetae will be willing to guide you out.” She nodded politely at him. “Till the next time we meet.”
Pure Vanilla bid his farewells, before leaving the pagoda, escorted by Cloud Haetae. She was alone again. Except she felt much more refreshed for some odd reason. It was as if talking to the Ancient had soothed her in some way. Nevertheless, she went back to mediating, ignoring the small tug in her heart.