Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wizard Cookie’s dough felt weird ever since they stepped foot onto Beast Yeast, he felt there were endless amounts of eyes watching him at all times. He clung tightly to his staff and made sure to not separate from his friends for long. Gingerbrave had insisted that they should accompany Pure Vanilla Cookie on his journey to find the Spire of All Knowledge, the domain of Shadow Milk Cookie. He really didn’t want to encounter that beast again, he looked at Wizard really weirdly during their last encounter, yet he couldn’t help but be curious.

He would say he was one who thirsted for knowledge, so how a former keeper of knowledge corrupted to spread deceit interested him deeply. Just as they were about to set off, they were stopped by a shrill voice calling after them.

“Wait for me!” An apple themed faerie cookie ran towards them, as much as her little legs could allow. 

“Are you one of the faerie cookies? Have you followed us from the Faerie Kingdom?” Gingerbrave, his friend who was oh so trusting of everyone, asked the new cookie with a bright smile. The cookie smiled at Gingerbrave as she finally caught her breath.

“My name is Apple Faerie Cookie! I heard you are going to the Spire of All Knowledge. Please, let me come with you!” The faerie cookie begged innocently, looking at the group with pleading eyes.

“You want to join us?” Gingerbrave enthusiastically asked and a part of Wizard wanted to smack him upside the head with his magic staff. As much as he loved his dear friend he had a knack for trusting cookies they really shouldn’t have…and sure it seemed that this cookie was just a normal faerie cookie, but she kept on stealing quick glances towards Wizard. 

“Your bravery saved our kingdom, and I wanted to repay this debt. I’ve traveled to many places. I’ve been to the spire!” The Apple Faerie enthusiastically exclaimed as she swayed back and forth. “It's a place like any other! Magnificent, yet dreadful place! I can help you, you’ll see!”

Wizard then felt a chill crawl up his spine. She seemed normal, more than normal, just another well meaning faerie cookie, yet something felt…off? It was probably something irrational, the times Wizard had had these feelings before were usually helplessly wrong. 

“A guide?! Well that’s exactly what we needed!” The weird chameleon/cookie piped in.

“It’s very kind of you, Apple Faerie Cookie. Your help is most welcomed!” Pure Vanilla had given his approval on Apple Faerie’s involvement so he guessed there was nothing he could do about that feeling now…although it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on her would it?

Apple Faerie diligently led them toward the spire, taking care of obstacles in the way until they reached an inn. Inside he felt the weird feeling of being watched be multiplied, while the inn was busy with cookies chatting away, he couldn’t help but get the feeling that they were all staring at him, every time he turned around to catch one of these stares he would be met with cookies minding their own business. Was he being paranoid? I mean, it is the domain of THE beast, Shadow Milk! Who wouldn’t be paranoid?

Due to it being a busy night, the innkeeper sat them at a table with a hooded cookie. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, good cookie!” Pure Vanilla cheerfully greeted the stranger as he pulled up a chair, the rest followed Pure Vanilla’s gesture shortly after, however even after his greeting the cookie didn’t speak. 

“What brings you to this inn? Are you an adventurer yourself?” Gingerbrave asked, ever so curious, as he took a seat next to Wizard. Even after a direct question from his friend, the cookie didn’t speak.

“Not much of a talker I see…” Wizard whispered under his breath, yet the cookie still didn’t speak even after hearing his taunt. Instead the stranger took out tarot cards and started to shuffle them.

“What are these cards? They have peculiar markings on them!” Gingerbrave observed and the others started to enthusiastically talk about the cards, yet Wizard only felt unease. 

“Fourtunetelling is not REAL magic if you want my opinion.” Wizard huffed as he watched the others marvel at the cards. “But sure, let’s see what this is about.” Wizard just needed something to get his mind off of…everything, even if it was indulging in fake magic. 

Once they drew three cards the pictures were…unsettling to say the least. What was more unsettling were the words that appeared on the table, almost like a prophecy. He tried to pay no mind to it like the others suggested, yet the words and cards just flashed back and forth in his mind. 

Continuing on their journey, they encountered some peculiar things, like a Wolfherd Cookie kid tricking them into finding his wolves, and an injured cookie turning into a monster before their very eyes. Apple Faerie had saved them with the monster, immediately killing it with one blow. That's another thing he found suspicious of her, she was surprisingly strong for a seemingly normal faerie cookie, and by that he meant it seemed like she wasn’t a part of the Silver Guard and was just an ordinary citizen. 

Of course he wasn’t aware of faerie cookie customs so he tried to settle his suspicions. 

“Oh yes! The very place you’ve all been waiting for! The Spire of All Knowledge!” Apple Faerie exclaimed as they approached a large building, almost like a castle, yet it was in horrible condition, like no one took care of it for years. However the feeling of being watched was excruciating, it's like the closer he got to the spire the more eyes were being placed on him.

“This old tower is the spire? I thought it would be…less worn out.” Strawberry Cookie observed, making the same face he was making. 

“Appreances can be deceptive. Especially here…” Pure Vanilla responded in a light tone. 

“Young seekers of wisdom! Welcome to the gleaming vault of knowledge abound!” A strange cookie that stood at the bottom of the entrance exclaimed. Wizard felt suspicious again, but this cookie had a magnificent beard and an impressive staff, so he must be wise! 

The cookie apparently was the one who dictated who entered the spire, and for them to enter they would have to solve a riddle. Now, normally Wizard loved riddles, but this one absolutely stumped him! They only were granted passage thanks to Pure Vanilla and White Lily Cookie, however White Lily decided to stay behind, and return to the Faerie Kingdom to work on her new found guardian power. 

Wizard would be lying if he said it didn’t agitate him for her to just leave them after they’ve traveled so far, but he decided to just let it go… 

Once he set foot onto the spire, a piercing sharp headache appeared out of nowhere, causing Wizard to stumble a bit. 

“Are you okay Wizard Cookie?” Gingerbrave asked innocently as he held onto Wizard to balance him. 

“Don’t worry I’m fine!” Wizard’s face flushed in embarrassment and quickly shook Gingerbrave's hand. As they ventured more into the spire, he was 100% sure his feeling of being watched wasn’t just paranoia…they WERE being watched. He tried to distract himself by gazing at the hundreds of books that lined the walls, and the portraits of smart looking scholars. Yet when he picked up some books, they seemed to spout nothing but lies! 

The spire was an extremely odd place and if Wizard was a shameless coward, which he really wished he was one right now, he would have left. Odd doors, stairs that lead to nowhere, clocks that ticked backward, it all made no sense! Apple Cookie was suspiciously calm, but the faerie cookies were weird…so he tried to pay no mind.

“We’ve been searching for long enough. Why don’t we rest here?” Pure Vanilla proposed after an extended amount of time looking around, seemingly getting lost in the design of the spire. 

“Good idea!” Gingerbrave nodded, agreeing immediately.

“That sounds good to me.” Strawberry hummed as she already started to look for a comfortable spot to sleep.

“Thats…” His headache got worse. “Fine…”

That night, he tossed and turned all night. He couldn’t sleep for the longest time.

“Mmm Wizard Cookie? Are you okay?” Gingerbrave asked, rubbing his eyes, when Wizard sat up suddenly.

“I’m fine. Just can’t sleep.” He lied, but it was just a small white lie. What was the harm?

“Oh, then why don’t you sleep between me and Strawberry Cookie! You’ve always slept better when we piled together!” Gingerbrave yawned and gave a sleepy solution, Wizard just rolled his eyes.

“That’s because we were sleeping outside, had no campfire, and it was freezing out!” He grumbled but still scooted into the empty space between his friends and laid down.

“Good night Wizard Cookie!” Gingerbrave yawned as he went back to sleep. Wizard closed his eyes, and finally, he felt himself drift off.

—

A void of white, then blue, then black, then Wizard opened his eyes. Except he wasn’t in the spire, or even in his body for that matter! He could feel himself squirm as a baby cookie in the arms of someone, and when he looked up, he saw Elder Faerie Cookie! Except Elder Faerie looked…younger? If that was possible. He also looked more muscular, and intricate armor covered him instead of the white robe he met the king in.

He tried to communicate to have Elder Faerie set him down but only useless baby noises came out of his mouth. Elder Faerie looked down at him, guilt and regret were the only things Wizard could find in his eyes.

Wizard looked around some more, the faerie cookies were kneeling, some were crying, but none moved. The Silver Guard stood attentively, watching their king and Wizard, or the baby he guessed. He flailed around and saw two cookies, a male cookie who looked hardened for war holding back a screaming and crying female cookie in more delicate attire. The cookie screamed and tried to claw her way out of the male cookie’s arms, who looked on in horror and despair but still held back.

“ FATHER PLEASE!! YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!” The female cookie yelled out as she sobbed in the other cookie’s arms, he could see Elder Faerie wince. Since when did he have children? Nobody in the faerie kingdom ever called him that, there wasn’t even a discussion of a princess at all! You would think that’d be an important topic.

“I’m sorry…my dear. But we can not take risks.” Elder Faerie looked down at him, tucking in his swaddle tighter, preventing much movement.

“I’m sorry my son…but the crimes of your mother are too big to ignore. The power you hold is too much for any normal cookie, so it is for the best…that you are surrendered .” Elder Faerie’s tears dropped on the swaddle. Mother? Crimes? Power? Surrendered… ? What was he talking about???

He felt a piercing headache, and this time he was more aware of the faint screaming going on in the background. Except it wasn’t faint, and it wasn’t from the female cookie previously. A loud yell that sounded like a wild animal rang out throughout the kingdom, and the faeries flinched and cowered in fear.

Elder Faerie stopped in his tracks, and his brow furrowed at the scream. He then held Wizard, or the baby technically, close to his chest. It was warm, it made Wizard feel comforted and safe, despite what was happening around him. He then felt soft tears fall upon his head.

“You and I share no dough, yet you are as much as my child as your siblings Gladiolus and Bluebell…it pains me to do this and I get no pleasure from going through with this, but I must put the safety of all cookie kind first.” Elder Faerie kissed the top of his head, the cries of the previous female cookie were now muffled as she sobbed into the male faerie’s arms as he comforted her.

Elder Faerie then held on tightly to him, and extended his arm as if for someone or something to take Wizard. The animal-like screams grew louder and louder until the faeries covered their ears, all except Elder Faerie who soaked the screams in. Wizard wanted to cover his ears too, but before he could even try, he felt something large grab him. 

Two large fingers grabbed him and lifted him off Elder Faerie’s grasps. Wizard tried to squirm and call for help, but his cries were ignored by everyone, and they only watched as he was taken away.

—

Wizard awoke with a start, sweating as he held on tight to Gingerbrave’s hand.

“Hey Wizard Cookie! You okay?”

“I’m fine.” He fixed his hat and stood up. Today was a new day.

Chapter Text

“Time to rise and shine!” Gingerbrave jumped up with a yawn, Wizard grumbled and rubbed his eyes. He barely got any sleep because of that weird dream. “Pure Vanilla Cookie did you sleep well?” Gingerbrave asked, huh, it seemed like Pure Vanilla also was having a rough night.

“Yes, yes.” Pure Vanilla answered absentmindedly, half paying attention.

“Cookies! Let’s go to the top of the Spire!” Apple Faerie interrupted abruptly and tugged the four other cookies along, almost impatient.

“I sincerely hope we’ll find what we’re looking for.” Wizard sighed, feeling a tug on his sleeve. It seemed that Apple Faerie paid more attention to him than the others, she seemed to be only a foot away at all times and was always observing him. Suspicious behavior, but unfortunately he was the smallest and youngest of the group so it wouldn’t be insane if a well intentioned cookie paid more attention to him than the others. He hated being treated as if he was so fragile but he had bigger things to worry about.

“I bet you will!” Apple Faerie giggled, her grip tightening. “Now, shall we?” She finally let go and bounced down the hall. They trekked for maybe over an hour, climbing stairs after stair, curse Wizard’s short stature as he was the most out of breath.

Once they had finally reached the top of the spire he let out a sigh of relief and let himself relax on the floor. Finally, they could finally find what they were looking for, but when he looked around the room was empty.

“Hm? Is this…the top of the spire?” Strawberry looked around, just as confused as he was.

“This place is empty! There's nothing here!” Gingerbrave exclaimed in shock as his head darted around the room.

“We’ve come all this way…for what!?” Strawberry huffed clutching her lollipop close.

“Are we even sure this place IS the Spire of All Knowledge?” Wizard was agitated beyond belief, had he really been silently suffering for nothing? “And this “ritual”...it’s not some kind of fantasy, is it!?” The more he thought about it the more angry he got.

“What? You lied to us? We trusted you!” Gingerbrave seemingly responded to no one.

“Who are you talking to Gingerbrave?” Strawberry asked.

“I…I don’t know. But I’m so angry!” Gingerbrave responded, immediately after the energy in the atmosphere changed.

“What do we do now, Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Gingerbrave asked in an accusatory tone which caused Strawberry to chip in.

“Oh yeah…Pure Vanilla Cookie led us here!” Strawberry glared at Pure Vanilla, Wizard had never heard her be so confrontational.

“Don’t just stand there…say something!” Wizard yelled, clenching his staff in annoyance as he looked up at Pure Vanilla Cookie who looked at all of them with concern. He couldn’t exactly place it but he had an indescribable amount of rage toward the ancient for some reason.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!” The three yelled in unison, shaking the tower a bit before something snapped and the three took a step back, dazed.

“H-hu? What was that?” Gingerbrave asked as he cradled his head.

“I got so upset with Pure Vanilla Cookie all of a sudden…” Strawberry looked around confused as she hugged herself.

“It felt…like I wasn’t me for a moment!” Wizard sniffled as he hugged his staff. “As if someone put a spell on me!” Was his paranoia of being watched true!? Was someone following them just so they could cast a spell for them to all fight??

“No no no, I’m confused! What's going on??” Gingerbrave looked around frantically before he was cut off by shrill laughter.

“Ahhhh yesss~ He was right!” Apple Faerie Cookie giggled in such a high pitched voice Wizard found it annoying. “Yes, he's never wrong about such things!” Apple Faerie swooned over this “he”. All four of them clumped together and readied their weapons at the faerie.

“Awww look at you! Little cookies playing heroes!” She tsked and laughed some more.

“Apple Faerie Cookie? What are you saying…” Strawberry trembled and held out her lollipop weapon in fear.

“Followed me like silly little ducklings~” Apple Faerie cooed as she got closer. “Oh don’t look at me like that!”

“Has no one ever told you not to trust strangers~ Too bad. It's too late now!!” She laughed in her shrill voice and transformed in front of their eyes. What was once a sweet green faerie cookie was now a devilish red cookie who looked at them as if they were her prey and she was the predator.

“I KNEW IT!!” Wizard yelled out and pointed at the cookie who just giggled in response.

“Welcome! Welcome to Master Shadow Milk Cookie’s Spire of Deceit!!" The minion of Shadow Milk giggled as they all looked at her in shock.

“Spire…of Deceit? You’ve deceit-ed us!?” Wizard looked at Gingerbrave, resisting the urge to correct him.

“All it took was one crunchy bite of the Apple of Deceit! That's how Shadow Milk Cookie brought me into the world!” She giggled and swayed back and forth. Something in Wizard felt that statement was entirely incorrect yet he didn’t bother on telling her as she was deep in her delusion.

“No no, it wasn’t my idea to bring you here.” She sneered with a sinister smile, her eyes following both Wizard Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“My creator, Shadow Milk Cookie, desired to see you in his home!” The cookie cackled before locking eyes with Wizard Cookie.

“Especially you little cookie~” Wizard stumbled back in surprise, pointing his staff directly at the other cookie.

“W-what?” What on Earthbread could she mean by that?

“Awww, look at your angry little faces! Oh, I just love fooling silly little cookies!” The cookie giggled for probably the 10th time.

“I wish I could stay and savor this! But me and a friend of yours have to get going!” She smiled sinisterly and Wizard found himself cowering behind Pure Vanilla, anxious of this “friend”.

“Huh?? Who?” Gingerbrave asked, looking around confused.

“Why…YOUR DEAR FRIEND WIZARD COOKIE!!” The cookie posed and Gingerbrave, Strawberry, and Pure Vanilla, separated to reveal a shocked Wizard who could only stare at the apple cookie.

“Or should I say…Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie~” The cookie called him by a name he had never known, yet he still found himself reacting to the name.

“Wizard Cookie…have you been lying to us all this time?” Strawberry asked as both her and Gingerbrave looked at Wizard with a look of betrayal and hurt.

“W-what!? N-no of course not! She's a minion of the Beast of Deceit! She's obviously lying!” Wizard Cookie stepped back from his friend’s, as they were staring at him for an explanation.

“Nope~! While that would be a great lie, I speak the truth and only the truth!” She did a boy scout gesture as if to show her sincerity with a sinister grin. She then grabbed Wizard by his arm, clutching onto it for dear life.

“Now Blueberry, let's go back to Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!” Was the last thing the Wizard heard before both him and the fake faerie cookie vanished into thin air.

Chapter Text

It was black. 

The world was black.

“Ughhh…” Wizard Cookie finally opened his eyes, or one eye technically as his other was hidden by his hair. He felt so nauseous, he couldn’t even remember what had happened before.

“Gingerbrave?” Wizard slowly sat up and looked around for his friends, but instead he was met with a place he had never been to before. A very childlike room, one you would expect a wealthy and spoiled toddler cookie to be living in. Toys and books strewn everywhere as if to engage entertainment. It reminded him of Custard Cookie III with his childish tastes. He whipped his head around to see any signs of his friends, but they weren’t there. He then felt a sharp pain in his brain, the memories of the events of what transpired earlier flashed across.

“No no no no no NO!” Wizard jumped out of the bed and looked around desperately for his staff, the one he had managed to swipe from the witches themselves. 

Oh who was he kidding, there's no way they would just let him keep a powerful weapon such as-

Oh there it was. 

It was on the nightstand…

That's…odd? Why would they just have let him keep a weapon? Wasn’t he the beast’s prisoner? Nothing made sense, the feeling of being watched, the dream he had, Apple Faerie Cookie, who even was Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie because it surely wasn’t him! 

But the more pressing question was, what should he do now ? He should probably go find his friends, but he had no idea where he was. Where did that minion take him? 

He decided to first get a better understanding of his surroundings, so he started to look around the room. The room was decorated with shades of blues and golds, with murals of cute Cake Hounds playing on the walls. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of toys were everywhere! Yet they all looked new, as if they were never once played with. The books caught Wizard’s eye immediately and he flipped through the pages. They were all books about magic, the witches and wizards, and even the history of the cookie world! Wizard wished they were lighter though, as he could barely close the books without using all his strength. 

He looked inside the wardrobe in the corner of the room, inside were a bunch of clothes with a certain circus theme, most of them were dresses which Wizard despised with his entire being. He shut the wardrobe immediately and went on to the next thing that caught his eye.

A seemingly empty bassinet, with a mobile hanging above playing a lullaby. He approached it with caution, and peered into it. Inside was just a stuffed toy, a blanket, and a piece of paper with a poem written. 

Oh baby of mine,

Don’t you dare cry

As your wails are as sharp as mine.

Your father can’t sleep,

Neither can the night.

Yet I find the sound

To warm even the coldest of nights.

When you were taken

From my own hand

A piece of my soul

Had shattered once again.

It was…sad…about a mother losing her child. Wizard felt awkward and put the piece of paper down and left the bassinet. It became clear to him now that this room was for a supposed child that died young, which made him feel more anxious than before.

But that also begged the question of, why did Shadow Milk Cookie have a room like this ? And why was he placed in such a room?

He couldn’t stay in here for much longer, he needed to escape. He checked the door handle and surprisingly it wasn’t locked. Was he really a prisoner??

He wandered around the halls of the spire, yet it seemed to have changed, it was ominous and strange. How could he locate his friends? Maybe he could cast a tracking spell? How did it go again…

Suddenly he heard a giggle throughout the halls. He turned around back and forth, he looked like he was insane trying to chase an invisible voice.

“BOO!” An apple themed cookie out of nowhere causing him to yelp in response and stumble back.

“You're so skittish!!” She laughed at Wizard as he got up and brushed his robe off with embarrassment. He then took a double take, realizing this was the cookie who kidnapped him and tricked his friends!

“YOU!” He pointed to the cookie who took him, who gave a look of surprise. He started to charge toward the cookie and she immediately jumped and started to run as she let out a high pitched scream.

“EEK!! Black Sapphire Cookie help meee!!” She squeaked as Wizard chased her until the two were picked up by their collars like they were two misbehaving kittens.

“Really Candy Apple Cookie, it was your own fault for provoking our special guest!” A dashing and shiny cookie, supposedly Black Sapphire Cookie, sighed as both Wizard and Candy Apple struggled to get out of the older cookie’s hold until he dropped Candy Apple and carefully set down Wizard.

“My apologies good sir! My colleague here is very excitable and VERY improper!” Black Sapphire bowed with a smile, his microphone floated next to him, Wizard stepped back in the presence of the strange new cookie.

“Uhh…it's fine…WAIT! YOU TWO TRAPPED ME HERE!!” Wizard almost forgot what had happened beforehand and started to swing his staff angrily. Why were they treating him like a simple guest and not a HOSTAGE!?

“Mmm, I wouldn’t say "trapped "! I would more likely use the phrase our master used which was “bring you back home”!” Black Sapphire smiled innocently, completely ignoring Wizard’s distress.

“I AM NOT HOME!! MY HOME IS WITH MY FRIENDS AND OUR KINGDOM!!” Wizard stomped his foot as if he was a toddler throwing a tantrum, but that's all he felt like he could do at this point.

“I-I wanna g-go home!” He sniffled and he felt tears leave freely from his eyes, his vision going blurry as he cradled himself.

He was scared.

Scared and alone.

He wanted his friends, he wanted to go back to bed! 

He cried some more as Candy Apple and Black Sapphire watched him awkwardly.

“WELL WELL WELL~” A playful and ominous voice announced, causing Black Sapphire to flinch and Candy Apple to squeal in delight.

“IS OUR LITTLE COOKIE CRYING??” The voice asked as if it was a threat. Black Sapphire clamped up, trying his best to keep his confident persona up.

“Well don’t blame us! He's just a little homesick! If you must blame anyone though, blame Candy Apple Cookie.”

“HEY!” Candy Apple and Black Sapphire started bickering as Wizard just shivered in fear. 

“ SHUSH!” Black Sapphire and Candy Apple immediately stopped talking and stood still.

“We should be giving our guest a welcome to remember!!” As soon as these words were said a pile of black sludge dripped down from the ceiling and started to form a cookie, not just any cookie… Shadow Milk Cookie.

“Welcome, welcome! My dear little cookie! It's so wonderful for us to meet again! And this time with no little PESTS in the way!” Shadow Milk emphasised “pest” with much vigor and aggression before he cleared his throat.

“Don’t worry your itty bitty little head on your old “home”!” Shadow Milk gagged and put up quotation marks for home. “You're now in your new home! Your original home!” Shadow Milk grinned as he flung out his arms and gestured to their surroundings. 

“My little prince of deceit is finally back~! My pride and joy~ MY SON ! ”

Chapter Text

Wizard’s eyes widened, the world stood still. He could his breath grow fast and heavy, trying to process the words Shadow Milk said. 

“What.” Both Black Sapphire and Candy Apple said as they looked at their master who only laughed. 

“Yes yes! My precious child who was so CRUELY ripped away from me!” Shadow Milk faked a sigh as he floated above all the cookies.

“Honestly I didn’t believe it at first…after all I was forced to watch as Elder Faerie offered you up to the witches on a silver plate!” Shadow Milk hissed at the mention of Elder Faerie, which was no surprise there. What was a surprise was that Wizard’s dream…was true? And not only true, but he was the baby that Elder Faerie had sacrificed…why would he ever do that?

“I mean, how could you be alive!? You were supposed to be killed right then and there! Maybe swimming in a witch's belly. But here you are!” Shadow Milk sang as he suddenly yoinked Wizard into his arms and swung him around like a rag doll.

“You're much younger than I thought you’d be. I mean, you're still but a child! Only what? Thirteen?” Shadow Milk hummed as he hugged Wizard close to his chest, who was still having a small panic attack.

“Well that's better for me now isn’t it!! You still need to learn so much, that I can teach you the ways of deceit without any problems! Unlike my other children who were already brainwashed by their father .” Shadow Milk hissed at the word father and squeezed Wizard tighter and tighter.

“Black Sapphire Cookie~” Shadow Milk sung as he placed Wizard down. “Oh would you please get Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie dressed in something more…more extravagant! Something to really match his new title!” Shadow Milk cackled and disappeared, leaving a scared Wizard Cookie and a despaired Candy Apple and Black Sapphire.

“Of course…” Black Sapphire took a deep breath and his radio star voice and stunning smile came back.

“Now! Little prince, there is still so much for you to learn, but we can start with a makeover!” Black Sapphire sang like Shadow Milk as he tugged Wizard along, who still hadn’t grasped what was happening.

“SON!? SON!? MASTER SHADOW MILK HAS OTHER CHILDREN!?” Candy Apple sniffled as she cried like a toddler, Black Sapphire rolled his eyes and tsked.

“Oh shut your trap, honestly you act as if there aren’t many other things Master hadn’t told us about his life.” Black Sapphire sighed as he watched Candy Apple throw a tantrum.

“B-but why didn’t he tell us!? Aren’t we his creations too!? I wanna be Master Shadow Milk’s favorite!!” Candy Apple whined.

“We are his creations but not his children . There's a difference, now stop whining and help me welcome the new little prince!” Black Sapphire sighed and started to drag both Candy Apple and Wizard across the floor.

Wizard was still in shock, the beast Shadow Milk Cookie, the one who had hurt him and his friends, had killed Elder Faerie Cookie, was imprisoned for torturing the cookies of Earthbread, was his father!?!? He always thought he was created by the witches, like the majority of cookies and like his friends! The other question he had was, how was he still alive? If the dream was true, he should logically be dead since he was indeed taken by the witches.

…Wait, does that mean Elder Faerie is his father!?!?

“Here we are!” Black Sapphire snapped his fingers and they were in a nice dressing room. Candy Apple grumbled as she sulked in the corner while Black Sapphire placed Wizard on a little podium.

“Shadow Milk already had clothes picked out for you beforehand, but now that it looks like your gender has changed it seems we won’t be needing those anymore!” Black Sapphire hummed as he pushed away the rack of blue and black dresses and started to flick through a book of designs while Wizard still was freaking out.

“I want to go home…” Wizard kept insisting under his breath as Black Sapphire took measurements.

“Hmmm I knew you were short but I didn’t know you were that short…” Black Sapphire hummed as he removed Wizard’s hat and measured him from head to toe. “I mean, from what I’ve seen your siblings are quite tall…but of course you share only half dough with them so it could just be because of Master Shadow Milk.” Black Sapphire concluded, borderline talking to himself until he heard a small sniffle.

Black Sapphire groaned as Wizard started crying and slowly and awkwardly patted the shorter one’s head.

“There…there?” Black Sapphire grimaced when his comfort only caused more distress in the child.

“How come master spins HIM around while he's just a pathetic crybaby!! I can cry too!! I’M GREAT AT CRYING!!” Candy Apple whined and stomped her foot.

“It's not very WISE to insult our creator’s CHILD you know !” Black Sapphire hissed at Candy Apple, causing her to stop reluctantly.

“I don’t wanna be here! Where are my friends? Where is Pure Vanilla Cookie!?” Wizard kept on crying, demanding knowledge of where his friends were. He was sure they were on their way to rescue him!

…Or were they?

Candy Apple had taken him and framed him as a traitor, would they even want him around anymore? Would they blame him for the destruction of the Faerie Kingdom? He didn’t want any of this to happen! He just wanted to be a beloved and wise wizard who’d go down in history books! He wanted to be known for his achievements…not for being related to the destroyer of Earthbread.

“Don’t worry little prince they are fine, in fact, they're on their way to find both you and Pure Vanilla Cookie.” Black Sapphire said blankly and he continued his work, taking note of each measurement and silently cursing Wizard’s baggy robe.

“Really?” Wizard’s voice wobbled with teary eyes.

“Yes! Really! Ugh, children …” Black Sapphire whispered the last part under his breath as he finished his measurements and went back to the book of designs. Wizard let out a sigh of relief, his friends did still care for him! They must have realized that he was taken against his will and had nothing to do with Shadow Milk!

“Wait…where's Pure Vanilla Cookie? You said they were looking for him as well?” Black Sapphire laughed in response, closing the book with a loud thud.

“Oh Pure Vanilla Cookie? No need to worry about him! That thief is being dealt with by our master personally~” Black Sapphire sang as he chuckled, Candy Apple joined in and giggled nonstop.

“Master Shadow Milk Cookie will take back what was rightfully his and kill that wannabe!” Candy Apple laughed wildly, kicking her feet back and forth. Wizard started to sweat nervously, kill Pure Vanilla Cookie!?

“W-what!? He can’t-” Wizard stuttered out but before Wizard could say another thing Black Sapphire shushed him with his finger.

“Ah, ah, ah~! Master is always watching~” Black Sapphire stared at Wizard for a long while, until he turned back to his work.

“Mmmm, this’ll do.” Black Sapphire pointed at a design and snapped his fingers, causing a flock of little sapphires to start bringing out supplies.

“Now, let's give you a makeover .” Somehow Black Sapphire made the word “makeover” oddly threatening.

Chapter Text

Wizard looked in the mirror at the finished product of the new costume Black Sapphire made for him. He had taken away his oversized robe and slightly damaged wizard hat and exchanged it for an outfit that matched Shadow Milk’s. If Wizard had to draw a comparison, the outfit was sort of similar to what Custard Cookie III wore, except with a black scarf that was long like a cape that dragged behind, pants instead of shorts, and a color palette of blue and black with diamond details. 

It was so uncomfortable! How could Custard walk around all day every day dressed almost exactly like this?? He truly couldn’t understand that kid. 

“One of my best work yet! Shadow Milk Cookie shall be pleased.” Black Sapphire wiped sweat off his brow before turning to Candy Apple who was sitting upside down on a chair with a bored expression.

“What do you think?” Black Sapphire asked earnestly, genuinely wanting to hear her feedback, or perhaps her praise.

“It's fine.” Candy Apple responded, still looking as bored as before.

“Why thank you Candy Apple for such detailed feedback!” Black Sapphire hissed as he bit his tongue, as if he wanted to say something else.

“Can I have my robe and hat back? This is itchy! And tight, how am I supposed to cast spells?” Wizard asked as he tried his best to move his arms freely but could only get so far.

“OH EVERYONE IS A CRITIC!” Black Sapphire huffed and crossed his arms like a child who didn’t get their way.

“Oh and also no, Shadow Milk would like for everything from your old life to be disposed of.” Black Sapphire hummed as he started to clean up his work space, ignoring a horrified Wizard.

“WHAT! No, not my hat please!! How will anyone know I’m a wizard!?” Wizard tugged at the older’s shirt continuously. Black Sapphire let out a whistle as if in place of a sigh.

“I thought Candy Apple was the last time I would have to care for a child...” Black Sapphire grumbled under his breath and squeezed his staff as if he was choking someone.

“OHHH BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE~ IS MY LITTLE PRINCE ALL DOLLED UP!?” Shadow Milk’s voice sang, though no Shadow Milk was seen. Black Sapphire stood up straight and calmly brushed off his shirt and combed through his hair with his hand as Candy Apple immediately jumped up in joy. Wizard however hid behind Black Sapphire and clutched on the older’s pants like a vice grip.

“You could place him on a shelf for the rest of his days, that's how dolled up he is!” Black Sapphire smiled, ignoring a trembling Wizard behind him. 

Shadow Milk appeared in front of them in a puff of smoke, eagerly looking around for the little cookie. Once the beast spotted Wizard Cookie hiding behind Black Sapphire he squealed in delight as he yanked Wizard into his arms.

“AWWW YOUR LIKE A LITTLE ME!!” Shadow Milk tossed Wizard around as the child let out a yelp.

“Black Sapphire, such a FANTASTIC job you have done! I give you my praise.” Shadow Milk set Wizard down as he turned to Black Sapphire who bowed with grace.

“Oh that's too much praise for me sir, after all the outfit is of your design! You simply give me too much credit!” Black Sapphire declined the compliment humbly, yet Wizard could tell that Black Sapphire reveled in it.

“DO I GET A COMPLIMENT TOO MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE!?” Candy Apple eagerly jumped up and down, trying her best to capture her creator’s attention. However Shadow Milk only turned to her with a bored expression.

“Uhhh, good job at not outshining my little star.” Shadow Milk shrugged and focused all his attention back on Wizard Cookie, ignoring Candy Apple’s squeals of joy.

“Now, it's time for the show to begin!” Shadow Milk bent down to WIzard’s eye level, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “Now…how would you like to see your little friends again~?” 

It might have been a trap, he was 99.99% sure it was, but all Wizard wanted to do was see his friends again.

“YES!! I wanna go home!!” Wizard clutched on his staff as he watched Shadow MIlk’s expression sour.

“My silly little cookie! This IS your home! This next meeting is just a mere playdate.” Shadow Milk huffed, Wizard was surprised at how genuinely upset the beast had gotten when Wizard wanted to leave. He truly didn’t understand what Shadow Milk’s goal was, was it to convert him to his side to spread deceit and be just as loyal as his other minions? Was it to hold a hostage over his friend’s heads? Or did he truly just want Wizard to stay…

“Anyways! Let's get this show on the road!” Shadow Milk snapped his fingers and the room started to warp and change until they were no longer in a dressing room, but instead at the very top of the spire. The walls were non-existent, one wrong move and a cookie could fall off and crumble just like that! Wizard looked around and was surprised by a cookie he had never seen before standing in front of them and two tied up cookies with their faces covered. When he looked at the new cookie he realized… it was Pure Vanilla Cookie!!

He looked horrible…the ancient’s eyebags were deep. He looked like he hadn’t eaten in a while. Not to mention the new outfit the cookie had on.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!!” Wizard yelled out as he tried to run toward him but Shadow Milk held him back.

“...Wizard Cookie?” Pure Vanilla said with no concern, only confusion. 

“Where are Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie!?” Wizard asked, struggling to pull away from Shadow Milk’s tight grip. Pure Vanilla didn’t answer his question, instead avoided his gaze.

“HA! Can’t bring yourself to tell the truth huh? How ironic!!” Shadow Milk laughed as Pure Vanilla grimaced more. Wizard looked at Pure Vanilla Cookie, or was it still Pure Vanilla? “Black Sapphire Cookie, would you enlighten our little prince on his oh so important question!” 

“Gladly my lord!” Black Sapphire then walked over to the two tied up cookies and took the cover of their heads revealing Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie.

“PLEH! Let…us…GO!” Gingerbrave shouted with his eyes closed shut, struggling against the restraints.

“GINGERBRAVE! STRAWBERRY COOKIE!!” Wizard yelled out and finally broke free from Shadow Milk’s grip and ran toward his friends for a hug.

“Huh? Wizard Cookie!!” Strawberry cheered as she nuzzled Wizard in return as her head was the only part of her body that could freely move.

“Wizard Cookie? Oh I’m so glad you're safe!” Gingerbrave smiled and Wizard couldn’t help but let a few tears flow, they were still worried about him even though they thought he was a traitor!

“But Wizard Cookie, what's going on? Why are you dressed like that?” Strawberry asked, taking Wizard out of his happiness.

“And why did Apple Faerie Cookie, or uh I guess Shadow Milk Cookie’s minion, call you Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie?” Gingerbrave added on to the question, and Wizard started to stutter trying not to respond.

“W-well, I-I-!”

“What such inquisitive questions! WHO really IS your dear friend Wizard Cookie really? Would you believe me if I said that YOUR WHOLE FRIENDSHIP , was just a lie~” Shadow Milk chimed in slowly taking Wizard by his wrist and bringing him back over to Shadow Milk’s side. Gingerbrave and Strawberry looked at Shadow Milk in disbelief.

“No way…that can’t be true.” Strawberry muttered as she shook her head.

“NO! No I won’t believe it! We love Wizard Cookie and Wizard Cookie loves us! He's our best friend!” Gingerbrave shouted, still as determined as ever.

“Oh but it's the truth~ After all…” Shadow Milk pushed the hair that was covering Wizard’s right eye, revealing eyes that were extremely similar to Shadow Milk’s own. “ Its the family resemblance~ ”

Chapter Text

“W-what…” Gingerbave stared at Wizard Cookie. Hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

“Wizard Cookie…” Strawberry started to sniffle, tears rolling down her cheek.

“Mmm not quite his name! It’s actually Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie. The name I gave him when I brought him into this world before he was SNATCHED AWAY FROM MY VERY GRASPS!” Shadow Milk panted, anger radiating off him before recollecting himself, the switch from anger to jovial being extremely unnerving. 

“But that's ALLLLL in the past!! Now he will never be taken from me again!” Shadow Milk shook Wizard by the shoulders and nuzzled him semi-gently. “AND!! He will aid me in spreading deceit and lies around this HORRIBLE WORLD!!”

Shadow Milk’s attention was then directed towards Pure Vanilla, an unnerving and sharp smile spread across his face.

“And we staaaart~ BY TAKING BACK THE OTHER HALF OF MY SOUL JAM! ” The beast grabbed Pure Vanilla by the collar, causing their faces to be nearly an inch apart. Wizard tried to run to protect Pure Vanilla, knowing the taking of his Soul Jam meant the end for cookie kind, yet he was held back by Black Sapphire Cookie.

“N-no it’s-”

“YOURS!? I don’t think soo~ Just look at yourself! Where is that precious Light of yours now.” Shadow Milk’s claws at Pure Vanilla’s collar. “ Can you still hear its voice? You can’t, CAN YOU?!” 

Gingerbrave, Strawberry, and Wizard looked on in horror as Shadow Milk kept on taunting Pure Vanilla with his words, as Black Sapphire and Candy Apple watched on with large smiles on their faces. 

“Time to pay your dues my friend! YOU’VE GOT SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO ME!” Shadow Milk grabbed Pure Vanilla’s Soul Jam, and cradled it gently.

“Theeere you are! Come back to me!” Shadow Milk cooed but then he stopped, looking at the Soul Jam with curiosity.

It was quiet for a moment, until an unsettling smile spread across Shadow Milk’s face. He turned around to the rest of his audience and cleared his throat.

“LISTEN UP EVERYONE! I’ve changed my mind!” Shadow Milk turned to Black Sapphire. “BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE! Explain.” Shadow Milk giggled, causing the three youngest cookies to shudder.

Black Sapphire nodded, somehow understanding his master’s words. “Gladly my lord!” He brought his microphone up to his mouth, causing his next words to echo around even though no speakers were in sight. “Today we’ve prepared a special show for you!”

“The esteemed “Pure Vanilla Cookie” himself has volunteered to become our new test subject and voyage to the source of many sorrows!” The three young cookies looked at Black Sapphire and Shadow Milk with shock.

“W-WHAT!?”

Shadow Milk snapped his fingers and the area melted around them until they were at something looking like a river. Strawberry and Gingerbrave’s restraints were removed, allowing them to move freely while Wizard was still held onto tightly. Shadow Milk left Pure Vanilla’s side where he returned to Wizard Cookie and took him from Black Sapphire’s grasps.

“Ah, memories! I remember when you were just a teeeny tinny baby and we would have little picnics along this river along with your siblings!” Shadow Milk giggled as he swung Wizard back and forth while Wizard tried desperately to tear his hands from Shadow Milk’s iron grip.

“Now be careful not to fall in my little prince~! If you were anyone else I would chuck you into the river, but I know you're as STUBBORN as a mule!! And I can’t let anything happen to my baby !” Shadow Milk droned on in a grating voice that one would think you would use for a toddler, which made Wizard even more annoyed! HE HATED BEING BABIED!!

“Uhh what is this place?” Gingerbrave asked, which got an annoyed look from Shadow Milk.

“Black Sapphire!” The beast called out for his minion who nodded once again.

“BEHOLD! The great Yogurt River of Rebirth!” Black Sapphire held out his hand in a showman-like way, gesturing to the river.

“The what now?” Gingerbrave asked but Black Sapphire ignored him and rambled on.

“No matter if you are as light as a feather, or swim as well as a fish…dip your feet into these waters, and you will surely drown. ” Pure Vanilla and the younger cookie’s mouths were agape at this information. Wizard found himself clinging to Shadow Milk unintentionally, seeing as they were the closest to the river.

“And yet…how odd! This majestic stream is called the “River of Rebirth”! You see, there is a way to stay afloat.”  Black Sapphire hummed, peaking the lot’s curiosity. 

“All you need to do…is embrace deceit.” Black Sapphire smiled, sending a shiver between the heroes’ spines. 

“Embrace…deceit?” Strawberry asked in a hushed whisper as she held onto Gingerbrave and Black Sapphire nodded in response.

“It couldn’t be simpler! Listen to the whispers of lies…nurture them within your soul. Join Master Shadow Milk Cookie’s great design!” Black Sapphire enthusiastically rambled on, causing a sense of terror throughout the children.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie would never-!” Wizard was cut off by Shadow Milk, who gave him the most furious look Wizard has ever seen on a cookie.

“In that case, he’ll sink RIGHT to the bottom!” Shadow Milk hissed and pulled Wizard somehow closer then he was before.

“Look at what you have Nilly! Corrupting my poor impressionable child’s mind! Shame! You truly are no better than me ~!” Shadow Milk grinned, staring a dead faced Pure Vanilla in the eye as he cooed over Wizard.

“So…wuddya say pal? Time to soak your feet!” Shadow Milk cackled, Wizard could do nothing but watch on at Pure Vanilla who made distinguishable facial expressions at the moment. “OH! Did I mention you’ve got no other options! Oops!” 

Pure Vanilla’s eyebrow furrowed. “Why must I obey your command? I do not serve you.” Wizard had never heard such annoyance in Pure Vanilla’s voice before, he was ashamed to admit it but it did make him a bit nervous.

“Come on! No need to get so upset! No one is no one’s servant I totally get it, believe me!” Shadow Milk taunted the ancient, swinging from side to side playfully.

“Still…looks like you’ve got no other choice!” Shadow Milk then turned his head to Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie, causing the gears in Wizard’s head to turn on what exactly Shadow Milk meant.

“Because it's either YOU! Or your precious little friends!” Shadow Milk cackled as Wizard shook the beast rapidly while shaking his head.

“NO!! NO YOU CAN’T HURT THEM!!” Wizard cried out, trying to do anything that would change Shadow Milk’s mind but the beast only looked at Pure Vanilla with a grin.

“SO. What’ll it be?” Shadow Milk snickered, holding Wizard by the head as a way to have the child stop trying to shake him.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie don’t do it!” Gingerbrave yelled out, but it was already too late, Pure Vanilla had already dipped himself into the river.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!” The three kids yelled, watching their guardian give in so easily.

“A HA HA HA HA!! Oh my my! He’s SOOO predictable!” Shadow Milk cackled, kicking his feet in the air as he floated slightly. Wizard stared at the water, trying to find any signs of Pure Vanilla Cookie. He tried to recall any spells that could make someone float, but his mind drew a blank due to the stress of the situation.

“And so! Our finicky challenger steps into the Yogurt River! Can Pure Vanilla Cookie reach the other side? Only time will tell!” Wizard wanted to throw his staff at Black Sapphire in hopes it would hit him in the head and cause him to have a concussion so that he would stop talking even for a moment. 

“Pure Vanilla Cookie…PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!” Gingerbrave continuously yelled as both him and Strawberry stared at the water with intensity. 

“Ah look at these calm waters…quite soothing wouldn’t you agree?” Black Sapphire leaned on Wizard, taking advantage of the young cookie’s short height and resting his arm on him like a table. Wizard tried to resist the urge to push Black Sapphire into the river, even though it likely wouldn’t do anything considering Black Sapphire already embraced deceit.

Shadow Milk looked down at the river, almost disappointed. 

“How anticlimactic! Here's your lesson kids; a new moody look is not everything! You have to BE the darkness!” Shadow Milk sighed dramatically as he kicked his feet up and rested his head back as if he was on a couch in the air. “Our noble hero couldn’t let go of his beloved truth. Bleh.” 

“We have to save Pure Vanilla Cookie! Gingerbrave tugged on Strawberry’s hoodie, but Black Sapphire put a stop to their ideas immediately

“Heart-breaking, isn’t it? But alas, there’s little you can do! No matter how hard you row or paddle, you will sink.” Black Sapphire laughed, watching the two little cookies panic.

“Such is the way of the Yogurt River of Rebirth. To be reborn, one has to hit rock bottom!” The minion hissed, showing off his sharp teeth.

“And it looks like our hero of the day couldn’t resurface!” Black Sapphire chuckled, faking sympathy in his voice. The three young cookies buckled to the floor, desperate for even a sign of Pure Vanilla being alive. “Sadly, the show is ov- hey what?”

Black Sapphire was cut off by Pure Vanilla rising from the river, unscathed.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!” The three young cookies cheered, letting out tears of happiness.

“Who knew! The hero lives! What a surprise! What a plot twist! Did Pure Vanilla Cookie really embrace deceit!? Or was there deceit within his soul all along…? And if so, what was it?” Black Sapphire talked to an invisible audience but Wizard couldn’t bring himself to care for his weird quirks currently.  

“Prure Vanilla Cookie! Is he alright!?” Strawberry fretted, staying close to Gingerbrave as he eyes carefully followed Pure Vanilla.

“Are you satisfied now?” Pure Vanilla ignored Strawberry’s cry of concern, which was extremely out of character…instead he chose to glare at Shadow Milk who was smiling and laughing like a mad man.

“Faboulus! Extraordinary! You know how to keep an audience entertained!” Shadow Milk swayed from side to side, he was so excited that Wizard swore he saw literal stars in the beast’s eyes. 

“Behold! The Cookie of Truth has embraced deceit and joined Master Shadow Milk Cookie’s side for your entertainment…” Black Sapphire started to announce.

“NO!!” The three young cookies retaliated, denying the idea of Pure Vanilla actually giving in to the beast. 

“To the audience’s applause!!” Black Sapphire finished with a laugh, and quickly latched onto Wizard to prevent the child from attempting to run again. 

Wizard looked at Pure Vanilla, he almost matched Shadow Milk and it unnerved him. He hadn’t admitted it out loud before but it was a sort of unspoken truth that Pure Vanilla was almost like a father to him and his friends. He once thought that Pure Vanilla could prevail over anything, and somehow come out the other side even kinder than before, but now the corrupted version of him stood before Wizard with a horrible scowl on his face. 

“Now…on to the next trial!” Black Sapphire snapped Wizard out of his thoughts by a light tug as he spoke. 

Wizard felt an empty pit in his stomach grow…

Chapter Text

The next place Wizard found himself was a room with a giant life size chess board yet with no chess pieces. Now Wizard couldn’t help but be a little giddy, being that chess was one of his favorite pastimes besides studying magic and absorbing all the knowledge he could get his little hands on. Yet he felt a small chill run down his spine when he felt a gaze burning a hole into his head.

“Do you like it? I know how much you like chess so I thought we could play together!” Shadow Milk said as if he genuinely wanted to spend time and learn more about Wizard’s interests. It disturbed Wizard whenever the beast treated him like an actual son, he couldn’t imagine Shadow Milk caring about anything other than himself.

“Uhh…aren’t you supposed to be testing Pure Vanilla or something?” Wizard side stepped away from Shadow Milk but Shadow Milk followed him.

“Oh don’t worry! I still am~ But what I was saying was the two of us playing against him instead of against each other! I know collaborating on things with your children strengthens your bonds!” Shadow Milk smiled genuinely, for a second Wizard could almost believe that he actually genuinely cared for him. 

Almost.

“Uhh…what's gonna happen next?” Strawberry spoke up as she looked around nervously. Shadow Milk laughed in response and glanced at Black Sapphire who was already staring at Shadow Milk.

“Ahem! Welcome! To the Endless Game of Chess!” Black Sapphire clapped which seemed to make the room brighter.

“Ah chess. Each move is like a stimulating conversation, unfolding one step at a time!” Black Sapphire then looked over to Shadow Milk. “I’ve also been finding myself intrigued by the art of chess as of late.” Black Sapphire gazed longingly at Shadow Milk, as if waiting for approval.

“Mhm.” The beast replied with a smile, one could barely call it acknowledgement yet Black Sapphire still took this response with a beaming smile while Candy Apple tugged on his wings in frustration.

“An enchanting game of black and white! This game will show Pure Vanilla Cookie’s true colors, highlight the lie he harbors in his heart!” Black Sapphire continued on. “Today, the illustrious Shadow Milk Cookie, Master of All Deceit, will pass his judgement!” 

“Aw, just listen to him! The fella has a way with words! Why don’t we hear the rules, Black Sapphire Cookie?” Shadow Milk praised Black Sapphire and ruffled the minion’s hair, who was left genuinely shocked and beaming like a little kid who was just given their favorite thing in the whole world. Wizard was genuinely surprised by this action, it seemed…extremely out of character for the beast. 

“O-of course!” Black Sapphire nodded eagerly as he kept an angered Candy Apple from punching and kicking his legs in a mini tantrum. “Ahem! Our chess has one special rule! White begins with a question to which black must answer. If black fails to provide one, white goes again.”

“That's an odd way to play chess…” Wizard mumbled as he heard the rules. 

“And one last thing! In this game, it is forbidden to lie! Make sure to answer honestly and truthfully~” Black Sapphire chuckled.

“Really? Lying is forbidden? Here!? I find that extremely hard to believe!” Wizard huffed, which got a small giggle from the cookies of deceit.

“We do love a good skeptic around here! No wonder you're our great Master’s child! Now, let’s choose sides with a good ol’ coin toss! Let’s see who will go first!” 

Shadow Milk glanced over to Pure Vanilla, who had a deep scowl on his face. “Oh? Don’t want to play? Come on, it'll be fun!” Shadow Milk taunted the cookie of truth which only deepened his scowl. 

“Aw! Are we too scared to talk now? Well, what can you do! Fetch the coin!” Shadow Milk declared which Candy Apple immediately responded to and hurried off to get the coin.

“Pure Vanilla has to go first! If he plays white, he’ll get to ask the questions, not answer them!” Wizard whispered, watching with bated breath along with Gingerbrave and Strawberry as the coin was flipped.

The coin fell down and landed on the side with Pure Vanilla’s face and the three young cookies let out a sigh of relief. 

“Phew! Pure Vanilla Cookie will play white!” Gingerbrave exclaimed, jumping up and down.

“Huh?? That doesn’t seem right…are you sure?” Shadow Milk grinned and suddenly the coin changed to Shadow Milk’s face.

“HEY!! That’s cheating!!” Wizard called Shadow Milk out, stomping his foot, yet his frustration only got him Shadow Milk pinching his cheeks.

“AWWW!! Adorable! I can understand your confusion! We’re just so alike it's hard to tell us apart!” Shadow Milk cooed while Wizard tried to claw Shadow Milk’s hands off his face.

“That’s not fair!” Gingerbrave chipped in.

“Master Shadow Milk Cookie will play white!” Black Sapphire announced.

Wizard looked around at the board, with the board still being empty.

“Uhh…how are we supposed to play if there are no chess pieces?” Wizard asked as he tugged on Shadow Milk’s cape.

“Excellent question my good sir! Looks like we’ll need help from the audience! Any volunteers?” Black Sapphire answered Wizard’s question and proceeded to look into the "audience", still doing his “fourth wall” schtick. 

“Players! It's time to make your picks! Your most precious, most treasured cookies will become your chess pieces!” Black Sapphire snapped his fingers and the white side of the chess board filled up with pieces that resembled both Black Sapphire and Wizard, leaving out Candy Apple who shook Black Sapphire with annoyance yet the host only laughed in return. 

“They’re all Black Sapphire Cookie and Wizard Cookie!” Strawberry exclaimed, as her and Gingerbrave stared at Wizard who hung his head down in shame. 

“A perfect show calls for perfect props!” Black Sapphire responded with a grin.

“We won’t back down! Pure Vanilla Cookie, we’ll be your chess pieces!” Gingerbrave shook his head to bring back his cheery disposition as he looked towards Pure Vanilla. Another snap of Black Sapphire’s fingers and both Gingerbrave and Strawberry turned into actual chess pieces to Wizard’s horror.

“AH! We’re actually chess pieces!” Gingerbrave cried out, shaking around to the best of his ability. Pure Vanilla glared at Shadow Milk once more which only got the beast to giggle in response.

“For the record, I never forced anyone! Okay!?” Shadow Milk then cracked his neck, then summoned a comfortable yet elegant couch to sit on for both him and Wizard, carefully placing the child next to him.

“Alrightly! Let's get this game going! Remember to tell the truth and nothing but the truth or else your pieces won’t move!” Shadow Milk smiled, watching Pure Vanilla extremely closely.

“I’ll start with an easy one! What is…a lie?” Shadow Milk asked before turning to Wizard. “Where do you think we should put our first piece, my little angel?” Wizard glanced at the board, even though he liked to win his matches, he didn’t want to even know what would happen if his friends lost.

“There.” He answered simply, pointing to a square, and a pawn immediately moved up. 

“Good job!” Shadow Milk praised Wizard, but he's already done it so much that at best Wizard became desensitized to it, at worst the compliments became patronizing.

“Um…by the way, what happens when two pieces meet at the same square?” Chess Piece Gingerbrave asked.

“Usually, whoever makes the move captures the other piece! However, we play a bit differently around here…oh you’ll see.” Black Sapphire chuckled ominously, as he and Candy Apple watched the match eagerly. 

“...The antipode of truth.” Pure Vanilla gave his answer and one of his pieces moved as well.

“Mm. Very well. Then! What is the truth?” Shadow Milk asked his question, glanced at Wizard, who pointed to the square the piece should move.

“The only right thing that must be protected.” Pure Vanilla answered, his piece moved, nearing the Black Sapphire piece.

“Look!” Chess Piece Strawberry directed their attention and Wizard looked on horrified as the Black Sapphire piece exploded into pieces.

“WHAT!? No no no NO ! Please, this is too cruel!” Wizard sniffled as he looked up at Shadow Milk who only laughed in his face.

“Don’t worry my prince! We can always glue them back together!” Shadow Milk cackled as he continued with his questions. 

The game went on as Wizard tried his best not to put his friends in harm's way, yet Pure Vanilla wasn’t helping as half of the time his pieces wouldn’t move due to him lying. Another thing Wizard wouldn't have believed in any other situation. Pure Vanilla…lying? It just didn’t seem natural.

Shadow Milk continued tormenting Pure Vanilla, seemingly not caring what Wizard did with their pieces, but there would be times where Wizard would direct their piece to one place and it would move to an entirely different place. It seemed Shadow Milk noticed his sabotage and just didn’t bother to speak up.

“Oh no…Black Sapphire and Wizard Cookies destroyed so many of our pieces!” Strawberry yelled, they were essentially surrounded, and though Wizard was trying his best not to hurt them there was no guarantee Shadow Milk would do the same. 

“I…I don’t wanna get crumbled!! We gotta do something!” Gingerbrave exclaimed and Wizard’s heart genuinely broke.

Shadow Milk turned to Wizard who started to let a few tears flow, this might have been the most he's cried in just one day. “Why so sad, my little prince!” Shadow Milk mocked, knowing full well why Wizard was upset.

“Why worry about such silly little cookies! It's not like you’ll see them again, even if they live! Besides! You’ve got new playmates like Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie that you can play with to your hearts content~” Shadow Milk cooed as he hugged Wizard close to his chest, almost like a mother comforting her child yet his words were the opposite of comfort.

“What a thrilling game! Looks like I have the upperhand!” Shadow Milk directed his attention back to the match, still rubbing Wizard’s head gently. “Now then, shall we talk about your best friend? Yes yes, the one who ran away and left you at the tower gates!” 

“White Lily Cookie didn’t run away!!” Gingerbrave responded.

“OH? What are you saying? I-is she here with us now? I’m afraid I don’t see any White LIly Cookies around.” Black Sapphire pretended to look around for White Lily, mocking Gingerbrave’s statement.

“ Ugh! Black Sapphire Cookie, just you wait!” Gingerbrave shook around yet didn’t move.

“You had so, so so SO many chances to stop your friend! And yet, you didn't.” Shadow Milk continued on. “You didn't stop her back at school. You didn't stop her from leaving this time !” Shadow Milk grinned, on the edge of his seat as he watched Pure Vanilla’s face contort into various expressions.

“ Just like you couldn't stop her back then, in the Vanilla Kingdom …” Shadow Milk hissed, his words finally catching a reaction from Pure Vanilla.

“ Enough. What is your point?” Pure Vanilla finally responded, glaring at the beast who only cackled.

“When you met your little friend after all this long, oh so long, time back in the Faerie Kingdom...You never asked her about what happened. What about responsibility? Guilt?” Shadow Milk continued. “Or will you say there was no other choice again? I doubt White Lily Cookie would agree.” 

Pure Vanilla stumbled at that statement. A loud shattering noise was heard, the last piece that wasn’t Strawberry or Gingerbrave crumbled.

“Oh no, the last piece has crumbled! Now, it's only us left!” Gingerbrave panicked, which caused Wizard to start panicking too.

“Oooh, what's that sound? Is that your Soul Jam trembling in fear? Or is that you, so weak and cowardly?!” Shadow Milk laughed, yet this time Pure Vanilla didn’t respond.

"Think about it! If you really had what it takes, you wouldn't have ended up here, now would you ? Instead, you would've helped your precious White Lily Cookie find the answers she oh-so yearned for ...and you would've finished off Dark Enchantress Cookie when you had the chance. And naturally, you would've had the strength to destroy the silly old me here and now, and claim the full extent of the Soul Jam's power! If only... heh.” Shadow Milk monologued, the little cookies trembled in fear and Wizard hesitated to move his piece.

“Go on. Move it. ” Shadow Milk hissed and Wizard quickly pointed to a square far way from his friends, however the piece ignored his command and inched closer to Gingerbrave.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie is not weak!” Gingerbrave exclaimed, still as brave as ever. Wizard always wondered how Gingerbrave could be so brave…if only he could be more like him, if he was braver maybe he wouldn’t currently be crying in the arms of the beast.

“...Yes, I am.” Pure Vanilla suddenly spoke up, and Strawberry’s piece started to move, signifying he was telling the truth.

“W-what?” Wizard let out a soft whisper, utterly confused of what Pure Vanilla just admitted to. Shadow Milk on the other hand just giggled in excitement.

“In the end, it all comes down to a very simple conclusion~ If the so-called " truth " were the only right thing, it would've granted you the power to overcome all the odds you've been up against! Whose fault is it? ” Another white chess piece moved, Wizard was no longer the one moving it, it seemed Shadow Milk was done giving him the illusion of choice.

“...You're right. Perhaps...It's entirely my fault.” Pure Vanilla answered, his piece moved. Shadow Milk laughed hysterically, enjoying the show of Pure Vanilla reflecting on his actions. 

“Oooh, just look at you~ The Hero of Truth, so noble, so self-righteous , is nothing more than a whimpering- Nooo, hold on a moment! Now I see it! Oh yes!” Shadow Milk paused. “If I was able to bring you down so easily...That makes me your Truth, doesn't it ?! Yours and everyone else's!” 

Wizard just couldn’t take Pure Vanilla, not doing anything anymore. “PURE VANILLA COOKIE! SAY SOMETHING!!” He just couldn’t believe someone who he looked up to was just standing by. Yet Pure Vanilla still didn’t respond.

“Ha ha! Ha ha ha! Oh... Why the long face? Can't wrap your head around it, hm? Worry not! You don't need to think for yourself, just follow my command!” Shadow Milk laughed in Pure Vanilla’s face, and in a way Wizard felt like the beast was taunting him as well.

“You are the Cookie of Deceit now! And it's time... for my last question.” Shadow Milk cleared his throat.

“If Pure Vanilla doesn’t take his turn, Gingerbrave is gonna-!” Strawberry started yet was cut off by Shadow Milk.

“Tell me, pal. Now that all your choices have been proven wrong, and your entire life has been a lie... don't you regret it ? Don't you regret... everything ?!” Shadow Milk snickered as a Wizard shaped chess piece inched closer to Gingerbrave.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie…Gingerbrave…” Wizard sniffled, losing all hope in his friends as he dug his head into Shadow Milk’s chest, not having the courage to watch.

“P-pure Vanilla Cookie.” Gingerbrave looked at the ancient, pleading for him to answer truthfully.

“I'm expecting a sincere answer. Or your brave little friend is gonna crumble right in front of your eyes! ” Shadow Milk cackled, watching Pure Vanilla as he stayed quiet.

“He…he he he…” It was quiet at first but Wizard could have sworn Pure Vanilla was… laughing ?

“Oh?” Shadow Milk cocked his head, and Wizard took his head out from Shadow Milk’s chest.

“He he he... HA HA HA HA HA! ” Pure Vanilla started to laugh like a madman, everyone in the room hesitated, unnerved by this strange display.

“ H-huh? What's so funny now?” Shadow Milk gave a nervous smile, as he squeezed Wizard closer to him.

“‘Do I regret everything?’ Regret?! Is there a point you're trying to prove? ” Pure Vanilla laughed and Shadow Milk sputtered.

“W-what?”

“ If I am a Cookie of Deceit now, like you say, tricks like this should be no harder than flipping a Coin.” Pure Vanilla hissed. “Rules...? They can be broken.”

A poof of smoke and suddenly Gingerbrave is right in front of the king, which was a ceramic Wizard Cookie in a crown.

“H-huh!?” Gingerbrave exclaimed in shock.

“Checkmate.” Pure Vanilla let out a sinister smile.

“Kh...!” Both Black Sapphire and Candy Apple stood still, shocked.

“W-we won!” Strawberry cheered, and Wizard let out a sigh of relief.

“​​An excellent strategy! However, you violated the rules, and will be punished by-” Black Sapphire started, until he was cut off by the strange sound of Shadow Milk laughing.

“ Kh...Oh... HA HA HA HA HA HA! ” Shadow Milk laughed as if he were to die in a few seconds and could never laugh again. His laugh echoed throughout the room, and boomed into Wizard’s ears.

“ ...Master Shadow Milk Cookie?” Black Sapphire asked, nervous and clutching his microphone close to him.

“Ooooh, marvelous! Simply marvelous!” Shadow Milk wiped a tear of laughter from his eyes. “I gotta admit, I expected you to beg for mercy on your knees or try something foolish to free yourself of me! Anything... but not this! Bravo!” Shadow Milk started clapping as he continued to laugh extensively. 

“Using my own methods against me? Oh, you're an exemplary student, indeed! I knew it, I knew you had potential! Oh, this is so fun! So much fun! I just want to keep playing with my new favorite toy!”

Wizard Cookie looked around nervously, and hopped off couch that disappeared as soon as he got off and walked cautiously over to Black Sapphire and Candy Apple who he currently felt more safe around.

“Why is Master Shadow Milk so happy!? Even though that cookie cheated!” Candy Apple whispered to Black Sapphire as she stomped her feet in frustration.

“I agree but please keep it down, we don’t wanna scare our guests.” Black Sapphire shushed Candy Apple. Once he noticed Wizard however, his radio star smile returned almost instantly.

“Ah! Little prince! Are you ready for the next trial?” Black Sapphire hummed but Wizard only let out a heavy sigh.

“No…” He grumbled as he felt the presence of Shadow Milk approaching the three of them.

Chapter Text

“What’s next…” Wizard groaned, standing next to Shadow Milk who was gripping his hand like a lifeline. 

“Why a game of cards, of course!” Shadow Milk snapped his fingers and dozens of cards appeared, almost the size of a normal cookie! 

“Cards? But the faces are all empty!” Gingerbrave pointed out and Wizard took a closer look at the cards, he was right, they were blank! What was Shadow Milk up to now?

…

It didn’t matter anyways , Wizard had gotten tired of freaking out over each new form of torture Shadow Milk disguised as a test for his friends. 

He wished they had never came here! He wished they never went to that stupid Faerie Kingdom! Although he knew things would be worse if they hadn’t gone. He never thought his quest for knowledge would turn into this! He didn’t want any of this! He just wanted to adventure with his friends! Why were they even here?? Didn’t this whole thing start with a runaway crowned cake hound!?!? 

He wished he stayed ignorant.

At least he would be happy.

Maybe he should just stop fighting Shadow Milk…it wasn’t like he was being harmed. In fact, he didn’t have so much as a scratch or a bruise since he came into the beast’s care. Sure he was insufferable and unbearably clingy, but he cared for him didn’t he? That's why he always made sure Wizard was close to him, so he wouldn’t be hurt. He truly did care for him like a father would, and maybe it would be nice to finally have one.

While Earthbread is set ablaze, cookies running terrified because of the chaos, Wizard could stay in the spire, playing games and catching up on all the rest he's missed out on these last couple years.

Maybe he should finally give in to deceit.

Wizard slumped his head against Shadow Milk’s leg, immediately gaining the cookie’s attention and momentarily stopping his monologue.

“Dad…I’m tired…can I go to bed?” Wizard murmured, clutching his staff like it was a stuffed animal. Shadow Milk looked down at Wizard, stunned, before sporting a smile so bright it could rival a star. 

“Of course my dear! It must have been such an exhausting day! You deserve some well deserved rest.” Shadow Milk picked him up, except more gently than the other times he had held the smaller cookie, and gave him a small kiss on the forehead. Shadow Milk then glanced at Pure Vanilla and the other young cookies, his smile crooked as he held up one of Wizard limp arms.

“Say bye to your friends for now my prince…don’t worry, you’ll see them soon ~” Shadow Milk giggled as he watched the three cookies give him nasty looks.

“DON’T WORRY WIZARD COOKIE!! WE’RE GOING TO GET YOU OUT OF HERE!!” Gingerbrave shouted, as Strawberry nodded eagerly.

“Y-YEAH! DON’T WORRY!! WE KNOW SHADOW MILK COOKIE IS JUST TRICKING YOU!!” Strawberry added, both young cookies giving determined looks as Shadow Milk hissed.

“Ugh, still no respect for his true self! But, watevs, it's pointless to argue about it with some puny cookies~” Shadow Milk cackled, and that was the last thing Wizard heard before he was suddenly transported to the room he awoke in earlier that day.

He took off all the uncomfortable clothes the cookies of deceit had made for him, and looked for something that could resemble pajamas in the closet of the room. In there he was surprised to see his old robe, scarf, and wizard hat. He decided that those would do, except of course the hat. He crawled onto the soft bed that was decorated with stars, and dug himself under the covers, taking one of the stuffed rabbits that laid on the bed into his arms. He's never had a room before, he's mostly just slept on the ground, or in tents if he was lucky. The bed felt nice, it felt warm, the mobile in the corner of the room started to play a soft lullaby, the stars in the room started to glow. 

Wizard slowly closed his eyes, letting the warmth of deceit take him.

—

The sound of laughter was in the air.

The soft breeze of a nice sunny day, the sound of flowers swaying from side to side, and tree leaves brushing against each other.

“Gladiolus Cookie! You have to stop being so tense all the time!” A high pitched yet soothing voice laughed.

“Gladiolus”...Wizards heard that name before…but where? 

“I’m sorry dear sister, but you know it’s hard for me to take a break from my work.” A more masculine voice hummed, as if in place of laughter.

Wizard opened his eyes softly, he was greeted with the sight of silver trees with blueberries in the leaves. He rubbed his eyes and stood up slowly, looking around for the source of the voices. He then heard a third voice… a warm, motherly voice.

She sounded young, yet older at the same time. Her voice was like honey and he instantly felt safe as soon as he heard her voice, as if she was singing a lullaby.

“She's right, you know. You work too much, you're just like your father!” The motherly voice laughed alongside the giggles of the younger girl. 

“ Mother.. ” He somehow recognized the voice, and he found himself letting out tears of relief. He stumbled around until he managed to trip into an open picnic area, where three cookies were having a picnic.

Wizard looked up and realized that the younger woman and man looked exactly like the two faeries yelling in the distance in the dream he had his first night in the spire.

The young woman was beautiful, with wings and hair a dazzling silver and blue, her wings sparkled like the stars in the skies and she carried herself with such poise you could tell she was royalty. The young man looked similar to Elder Faerie, but more young and with shorter hair, his face hardened like a warrior. 

The older woman however…looked almost exactly like Shadow Milk Cookie.

Wizard clammed up, and shrunk in fear as the three cookies watched him. He was about to stammer out an apology before Shadow Milk(?) laughed sweetly.

“Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie! There you are! I was wondering where you ran off to!” Shadow Milk giggled, but she didn’t act like Shadow Milk. Sure she kinda looked like him, the same face, the same eyes, but her hair was like a dazzling galaxy instead of the inky blackness the Shadow Milk he knew had. Not to mention Shadow Milk was a man, and the cookie before him was definitely a woman despite her baggy black robes.

The woman, who looked like Shadow Milk but wasn’t, gently picked Wizard up, placed him in her lap, and gave him a small kiss on the head.

“Your father will arrive soon, he's just being held up for a moment. Trying to handle your little brother is no easy task!” She giggled as she cradled Wizard in her arms. She started to hum a soft tune, the air seemed to quiet around them, the sound of the running river in the distance creating a nice ambient space. 

“It's so nice here…it’s great to get out of the kingdom once in a while…” The young woman hummed as she leaned back, soaking in the sounds of their environment.

“I personally feel bad that we are the only ones who’ll get to experience this. It's a shame father won’t let the other faeries out of our kingdom.” Gladiolus murmured, as he sat cross armed.

“Well it's for their safety is it not? He cares for each and one of our citizens, I know he wishes they could experience this too but it's harder to keep watch over hundreds of excitable faeries.” Their mother laughed, covering her mouth with her hand like a noble woman. Wizard felt himself more relaxed than ever, he nuzzled himself into his mother’s chest, closing his eyes as she hugged him tight.

“I know you especially love being outside the kingdom. I know it's hard my love, not being a faerie and all, but you're still treasured just the same.” The woman murmured, removing the hair clip that Shadow Milk put in his hair that kept his right eye exposed, letting his hair fall over it like it did originally. 

A rustle was heard from behind a tree, and Elder Faerie stepped forward, younger and in his armor, holding a small baby cookie with light purple hair, periwinkle dough, extremely small faerie wings, and a shy expression.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, my love.” Elder Faerie grumbled as he knelt down to softly kiss the woman who held Wizard. She blushed in response and looked at the king with such adoration that you would think he was responsible for creating the beautiful night sky. She took the baby cookie from her husband’s hands, the baby responding with a small gurgling sound. 

“It's fine! Was our little sapphire good?” She cooed as she nuzzled the baby lovingly which got a small cry from the baby.

“More of a trouble maker than ever.” Elder Faerie let out a sigh as he took the baby back so his wife could focus her attention on Wizard.

“About time, I’ve been surrounded by mini yous for the last twenty-five years!” She huffed as she hugged Wizard closer to her. “Now I’ll get to raise two little scholars instead of soldiers finally!” The family erupted in laughter.

Wizard felt strangely at home, like this was where he was meant to be all his life. He looked up to look at his mother more clearly, she was beautiful , he managed to catch his mother’s attention and she smiled down at him.

“ This was how it was supposed to be…wasn’t it? ” The air stood still, nobody moved as if they were frozen in time.

 Wizard stared at his mother, her face no longer containing happiness or warmth. 

Only a harsh cold gaze looked back.

Her crown fell to the ground and an inky blackness covered her hair. 

“ We were supposed to be…happy. ” A harsh wailing noise set off, causing Wizard to rush to cover his ears. Tears started to stream down her face, when the tears hit the ground, milky white flowers bloomed. Blackness started to cover the world around him until Wizard was the only one left uncovered.

“ We were supposed to be happyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappyhappy- ”

White.

Pure white.

Wizard opened his eyes again. He was laying in a pool of milk, a large statue of the woman previously was in the middle with her eyes closed, holding a giant key. At the base of the statue was the same woman, looking up at it longingly.

“Sh-shadow Milk Cookie?” Wizard called out, the woman didn’t answer for a while until she turned around finally.

“Don’t worry, I’m not him.” She smiled at him, but didn’t try to get closer. “I’m the Fount of Knowledge. One of the Five Virtues.” 

“T-then how are you not him? Aren’t you one in the same?” Wizard asked, which made the virtue drop her smile.

“We are…I’m his suppressed subconscious.” She hummed, fiddling with her key staff. “...I can’t do much. Except say I’m sorry and that I love you.” Tears fell from her eyes, joining the milk on the floor.

“I love you so much, Wizard Cookie. I wished I could have watched you grow like I should have. But I have to remind you that deceit isn’t the answer.” She cried, her words coming out slowly as she struggled to speak over her sobs.

“Please don’t make the same mistakes as me! Go towards the truth and find your friends!” She exclaimed, taking a slight step forward which caused the ground to rumble.

“Remember what I tell you!! Don’t fall for any of my lies!! Remember to stay true to yourself no matter what I try to do to break you!” The statue cracked as she took a few more steps.

“ You are not just a regular cookie! You are a child of a Beast, a child of a Virtue! The Soul Jam of Knowledge is baked within you!! ” She yelled out desperately, trying to run, but the statue collapsed, crushing her instantly.

—

Wizard awoke with a gasp, his dough ran hot as he tried to calm his breathing. He looked around his surroundings, the room was the same, but a new addition was Shadow Milk staring at him from the corner. Encased in shadow, with piercing eyes, and hardly moving, one could mistake him for a demon .

Chapter Text

“Sh-Shadow Milk Cookie…?” Wizard whimpered out, clutching the blankets closer to him as if it was a barrier. The beast floated over to the bed and flopped onto it, grabbing a hold of Wizard and started to slowly pet his hair.

“You have a good nap?” Shadow Milk yawned.

“Yes…it was fine.” Wizard hesitated to move even slightly, he was frozen like a deer in headlights.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie is more fun than I realized. Maybe I should keep him here like you! You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Shadow Milk murmured, asking Wizard a question but didn’t get a response.

“Shadow Milk Cookie…You mentioned I had siblings and a father right? Can you tell me about them…?” Shadow Milk stopped petting Wizard’s hair, as if taking a pause to process the question, before resuming.

“Why do you need to know about them? It’s not like you’ll ever see them again.” Shadow Milk scoffed, as if personally offended by the question.

“Why not? Why can’t I ever see them again? Are they dead or something?” Wizard bluntly asked, not caring how rude he might come across. 

“You know you should stop asking so many questions, I did that as well once and now look where it got me. Trapped in a DAMN SILVER TREE.” Shadow Milk hissed, squeezing Wizard tighter until the smaller cookie tapped on the beast repeatedly to let him go. Wizard looked downwards, well there goes getting some answers.

“...I’ll tell you about your siblings, but only a little bit.” Shadow Milk grumbled, folding in on almost no pressure. 

“They’re faerie cookies, they are a part of the Silver Guard, and they’re either dead or missing.” Shadow Milk said quickly, almost leaving no room for Wizard to digest his words.

“...Oh.” Wizard didn’t really know what to say to that. The silence in the room was loud so Wizard decided to ask a silly question. “Does that make me a faerie cookie?” 

Shadow Milk burst into laughter, laughing to near tears. “AH HA HAHAH!! OH WITCHES NO!! COULD YOU IMAGINE!? YOU, A SILLY LITTLE FAERIE COOKIE!!” Shadow Milk cackled, his laughing going on for an uncomfortably long time till he cleared his throat.

“No. You're not a faerie cookie silly! In fact, you weren’t born like my other children. I baked you with my own two hands! I found some leftover dough in the witch’s kitchen, put a bit of my crumbs in there, baked it till golden brown in the oven, and VIOLA!! The cutest baby in the history of babies!” Shadow Milk briefly lifted Wizard in the air to his surprise, but quickly brought him back down as the beast’s arms weren’t the strongest.

“So technically, you don’t even have another parent! Just me!” Shadow Milk smiled. “You were the first cookie to be baked by another cookie you know! And, the first child of a beast to have a bit of the Soul Jam in you …” Wizard’s breath hitched.

The Fount of Knowledge, they said something like that. It seemed…insane at first. Him, a seemingly regular cookie, being baked with bits of the Soul Jam of Knowledge? But then to be fair, he hadn’t known he was a child of a beast until recently.

“You’ve got power that you didn’t even know you had! I mean, with just a snap of your fingers, POOF, all your friends would be gone!” Shadow Milk grinned, playing with Wizard’s smaller hand, but then his expression dropped suddenly. “Which I guess is why Elder Faerie gave you up…he was going to let you die…because of me.”

Shadow Milk stayed silent for a long time, the longest he's ever heard Shadow Milk be quiet for. The beast didn’t laugh, didn’t say anything disturbing, didn’t smile, or even make any distinguishable facial expressions, he just stared at Wizard . He sat up, and slowly shifted Wizard to where the child would be in his lap as he slowly traced circles on the back of his hand, gently enough so his claws wouldn’t scrape against the fragile dough.

“You should be dead…I watched you be taken. I screamed so loud that I wasn’t able to talk for a while…he just gave you up…like you were nothing.” 

Wizard couldn’t help but roll his eyes, Shadow Milk acted as if he hadn’t tortured and ended the lives of numerous young cookies. If Wizard were Elder Faerie he would probably do the same!

…

…Okay that's a lie, he wouldn’t, but he could see what Elder Faerie was trying to do! It was probably the best thing! After all, Elder Faerie knew more than him, he was a wise king! He was sure that Elder Faerie knew what was best for the world!

…And apparently the best was him dying.

“You say that you haven’t done the same thing, if not worse.” Wizard mumbled, which got a furious glare from Shadow Milk.

“Well DUH!! I know that! If it were any other cookie who tried to do that to you, sure I would still be as angry, but I would have understood it more!” Shadow Milk growled before his expression turned soft again. “It's just…I guess I didn’t expect out of all cookies it’d be him.”

Shadow Milk left it at that, and the two sat in silence. It had been a while since Wizard could just sit and…breathe. No overthinking, or even thoughts at all. It seemed Shadow Milk helped with that, the beast’s breathing and hold letting Wizard relax. It was a similar feeling to the dream, where everything was good and his mother held him. It was nice until Shadow Milk suddenly perked up, and gently released Wizard as he got up.

“Sorry to cut our family time short! But apparently a SILLY LITTLE COOKIE decided it’d be funny to set your little friends free~” Shadow Milk cracked his neck, unnaturally in a way that Wizard were sure if anyone else would have done so they’d be dead. The jester gave Wizard a kiss on the head, and then disappeared from sight.

Wizard sat for a while, unsure on what to do next. Should he just sit by and wait to be called on? Perhaps pass the time with those beautiful books in his room!

“Please don’t make the same mistakes as me! Go towards the truth and find your friends!”

The Fount of Knowledge’s voice rang out through his head. 

What was he thinking!? He needed to do something! He couldn’t just sit back, his friends are in danger risking their lives to defeat Shadow Milk and help him! He can’t just be pampered while they try not to die at every corner! He couldn’t give in to deceit, he needed to find the truth!

He put on his old wizard hat, and adjusted his hair so it hung over his right eye again. When he looked in the mirror, he finally saw the cookie he was familiar with.

He was no son of a beast.

He is Wizard Cookie! The next most powerful wizard in all of Earthbread who goes on adventures with his friends! No matter the obstacle, they will always prevail!

Wizard quickly grabbed his staff and rushed out of the room, running down the endless halls. Now, if he were his friends, where would he go? 

“Go towards the truth”

Of course! 

To find Pure Vanilla Cookie !

Chapter Text

Wizard ran as fast as he could, flinging open every door he came across, turning down new hallways. This place was like a maze! No wonder, considering the cookie of deceit ruled over it, but still! Well, it's not like he had time to be frustrated, he knew it was very likely he only had a bit of time until Shadow Milk discovered he had left his room, and he truly didn’t want to go back to being a glorified lap cat. 

He needed to find his friends until he could-

“AHH!” Two cookies yelled out as Wizard collided head first with them.

“Owww…” A familiar voice cried out, and WIzard immediately looked up from the floor.

“GINGERBRAVE!! STRAWBERRY COOKIE!!” Wizard yelled out and jumped onto his two friends, hugging them tighter than ever before.

“W-Wizard Cookie!!” Gingerbrave exclaimed in surprise before hugging Wizard back.

“Oh Wizard Cookie!! We’re so glad you're safe!” Strawberry let out a sigh of relief as she hugged Wizard back as well. Wizard laughed and let out tears of relief, and soon those tears turned into real ones.

“I-I’m sorry!! I d-didn’t know that S-Shadow Milk Cookie-” Wizard started before he was hushed by his friends hugging him tighter.

“It’s okay!! No matter what you turn out to be, we know you're still our friend Wizard Cookie!” Gingerbrave assured Wizard, who looked at his two friends teary eyed.

“Yeah! And nothing will change that!” Strawberry nodded, helping Wizard and Gingerbrave get off the floor.

“Come on guys!! Let’s go find Pure Vanilla Cookie and get out of here!!” Gingerbrave held up his candy cane weapon and the two others cheered.

“YES!! I’m so done with this place!” Wizard groaned as the three ran on their way to find Pure Vanilla Cookie’s room. They ran and ran until they came across a door to a room they haven’t seen before, it was extremely out of place as it mimicked Vanillian architecture.

“This must be it! I can recognize that style anywhere!” Wizard pointed out, Gingerbrave nodded and started to knock on the door.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!! PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!” Gingerbrave shouted at the door, the three could hear shuffling from behind the door.

“It’s us!! We came to rescue you! The path is clear, it’s time to escape!” This finally got Pure Vanilla to open the door fully. Wizard finally got to get a good look at Pure Vanilla, and boy did he not look good. It seemed that Shadow Milk had a similar effect on cookies. 

“Escape? I’m not a prisoner. I’m here on my own will. Go home. If you can leave this place, that is.”  Wizard’s eyes widened at this answer, what Pure Vanilla said didn’t sound anything like Pure Vanilla! Here of his own free will!? Has he gone insane!?!?

“THATS BULL-” Strawberry immediately covered Wizard’s mouth.

“What are you saying? We must escape from Shadow Milk Cookie!” Strawberry insisted, her and Gingerbrave prying the door open while Pure Vanilla tried to shut it on them. 

“It’s true. Shadow Milk Cookie has made me…suffer. And yet…I think I’m beginning to understand him. And It fills me with fear, and self-loathing.” It seemed like they were too late, Pure Vanilla had started to accept Shadow Milk into his life, the prospect horrified Wizard.

“When you say things like this it makes me think you’ve joined his side! He’ll think he’s won!” Wizard huffed, frustrated beyond belief.

“He wouldn’t be wrong…” Pure Vanilla said, which left the three younger cookies confused.

“What? Of course he’s wrong, what are you talking about??” Gingerbrave asked. Pure Vanilla stared at the three, before opening his mouth with a sigh.

“Once the wise Fount of Knowledge, Shadow Milk Cookie turned into a vile jester. He finds twisted pleasure in luring his victims into the web of his lies, manipulating them…” Wizard wasn’t exactly interested in a history lesson right now, in other circumstances he would have been the one listening attentively, but each second wasted could mean disaster.

“And yet, my story is different from his. I simply let go of everything I once believed in. My Truth, my hope to heal the world...I do not wish to fight for those things anymore. Just as I shall no longer lie to myself or wander in the fog of the fear within my heart.” Who was this cookie in front of Wizard…this wasn’t the Pure Vanilla he knew! Let go of everything he once believed in?? The Pure Vanilla he knew would never even THINK of such a sentence!

“From now on, I will be known simply as "Truthless Recluse." A silent observer. I will reside in this tower, for I've lost any interest in the outside world. This is where I belong, the greatest liar of all.” The room went silent once he finished, the three looked at the strange new cookie in front of them. Wizard could only watch in horror, as one of his biggest role models claimed to be consumed by the very cookie he despised. This couldn’t be the real Pure Vanilla…maybe Shadow Milk found them and decided to trick them into despair! This couldn’t be real, this couldn’t be!

Wizard felt a hand squeeze his shoulder, he looked to his side and saw Gingerbrave give him a slightly concerned look. He must have noticed how distressed Wizard was, almost in near tears. Gingerbrave gave him a determined look and a nod, and went down to squeeze Wizard’s hand, reassuring everything would be alright.

“Oh yeah? Well, you don't strike me as a good liar! The Pure Vanilla I know would never just stand and watch while his friends are in trouble!” Gingerbrave grinned, his words catching Pure Vanilla off guard.

“...what?”

“Remember? After we were split up, you found me and Strawberry Cookie first because Shadow Milk Cookies would've crushed us without a second thought!” Gingerbrave smiled, Wizard then realized what Gingerbrave was saying.

“GingerBrave's right! And during that chess game, you managed to turn the tide when Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie were hanging by a thread!” Wizard grinned under his scarf as Pure Vanilla, ironically, began to falter.

“That’s because…”

“Yes, and those cards! We tried to help you, but instead gave you the worst predictions! Still, you kept trying, no matter what!” Strawberry added, giggling slightly. 

“No, I…”

“And, most importantly...how can Pure Vanilla Cookie be a liar?! A real liar would never admit that about himself!” Gingerbrave finally concluded, and Wizard looked at Gingerbrave in surprise.

“Exactly! Everything liars say is not true! Which means, if a liar calls themselves a liar, it would be a lie as well! Therefore…”

“Pure Vanilla Cookie is not a liar!” Gingerbrave finished Wizard’s thought, the three cookies grinned from ear to ear as they looked at their guardian closely, who looked at them in genuine shock.

“Unexpectedly as it is, GingerBrave is correct!” Wizard added slyly as he let go Gingerbrave’s hand.

“Yeah! Wait…” Gingerbrave looked at Wizard with a bit of playful sadness which Wizard happily giggled at.

Pure Vanilla was silent, and so were they as they watched with bated breath, waiting for his response. 

“Pure…Vanilla Cookie?” Gingerbrave tilted his head to the side.

Pure Vanilla didn’t respond, instead, he pulled out a deck of cards and started to shuffle them.

“C-cards! Again??” Strawberry stuttered out, grabbing onto Gingerbrave who did the same. Wizard didn’t want to know what happened during their game of cards with Shadow Milk to make them afraid of cards of all things but he personally didn’t want to find out.

“Let's see if the cards tell otherwise.” Pure Vanilla hummed in a hush tone, which made Wizard roll his eyes. Here they go, this phony excuse of magic again.

“Cards! Please tell otherwise! Please, please show something good! No, the best!” Wizard wanted to laugh at Gingerbrave’s silly display, cheering on the cards as if they were alive.

Pure Vanilla pulled out three cards, and turned over two which didn’t look the most…pleasent.

“Oh no, those cards don't look good…” Strawberry looked at them with despair, holding on tight to Gingerbrave.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie! That doesn't count! Let us try! Hmmm…He knew what to do with the cards as the Fortune Teller Cookie…” He was who now?

“Everyone hush, give him a chance!” Wizard ignored Gingerbrave’s previous statement and shushed the two of his friends, as they eagerly waited for Pure Vanilla to flip over the last card.

Pure Vanilla stared at them for a couple of seconds, before flipping over the third card, which depicted Gingerbrave and Strawberry falling from the top of the spire. A snap was heard and both Strawberry and Gingerbrave turned into cards which lead to both letting out a high pitched scream.

“P-pure Vanilla Cookie…” Wizard stumbled back, tripping on his robe and falling to the floor, horrified eyes watching the elder as frantic knocks were heard at the door.

“OPEN UP!! Where are they? Master Shadow Milk Cookie wants your little friends!” Black Sapphire barged into the room, disheveled and distressed, looking around like a wild animal. The minion’s eyes immediately locked onto Wizard and he swiftly grabbed the younger’s wrists even as Wizard let out a cry.

“YOU!! Shadow Milk Cookie has the whole spire running around for you!! Honestly you would THINK that a child of our GREAT master would be a bit more REASONABLE!” Black Sapphire hissed, ignoring Wizard’s desperate attempts to free himself of the minion’s hold.

“Here.” Pure Vanilla picked up cards Gingerbrave and Strawberry as they let out yells of protest, holding them out for Black Sapphire to take.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE, DO SOMETHING!” Wizard begged, begging for anything, anything to show Pure Vanilla’s true plans. But the ancient didn’t even bother to spare a glance.

“OH. SHUT. UP!! YOU ARE THE MOST INSUFFERABLE COOKIE I’VE EVER MET! AND I HAD TO RAISE FUCKING CANDY APPLE COOKIE!!” Black Sapphire threw Wizard to the ground, causing him to collide roughly with the floor letting out a sharp yelp, leaving a painful bruise on his cheek. Black Sapphire’s eyes panicked briefly before he rushed to pick the crying Wizard back up and covered the bruise with the child’s scarf.

“Ahem. Sorry, I’m losing a bit of my temper today.” Black Sapphire cleared his throat before returning back to Pure Vanilla who had a hint of concern on his face, ignoring Wizard who continued to let out quiet wails. 

“As much as I want to have my revenge, Master Shadow Milk Cookie ordered me to bring you two alive.” Black Sapphire hissed, taking the two cards and tossing them into a bag.

“It's dark again!” Gingerbrave’s muffled voice managed to say.

“No surprises this time!” Black Sapphire forced a grin, which twitched desperately trying to turn into a frown. Black Sapphire then turned his head suddenly to the window in the room.

“What was that sound? Is there a Cookie outside?!” Black Sapphire’s eyes traveled back to Pure Vanilla, accusatory, yet Pure Vanilla did not shift.

“There is no one there. It would be too high up for anyone to climb.” Pure Vanilla answered simply, a good enough answer for Black Sapphire, so he dropped the accusation but still eyed Pure Vanilla suspiciously.

“Master Shadow milk Cookie wants to see you as well. He will administer punishment to our...bothersome little guests.” Wizard shook his head rapidly at Black Sapphire’s statement, letting out small pleads but was cut off by Black Sapphire squeezing his wrist tighter than its ever been held before.

“Oh, I would love to see them suffer! What about you? Will you stand the agony of your former friends, heh?” Black Sapphire asked Pure Vanilla, but was obviously looking at Wizard’s reaction with an evil grin, as Wizard flailed around, crying and calling out his friend’s names.

“They don't mean much to me.” Pure Vanilla responded, staring directly at Wizard.

“Ho ho... How cruel! Well now, it's time to go! And make sure to avoid Candy Apple Cookie if you can. She's been... unsound as of late.” Black Sapphire chuckled as he walked out of Pure Vanilla’s room with Wizard and the sack in hand, leading both to Shadow Milk Cookie.

Chapter Text

Black Sapphire led Pure Vanilla Cookie to Shadow Milk, who followed dutifully, while dragging Wizard who could do nothing but cry helplessly.

“Oh Master Shadow Milk Cookie! I’ve brought the precious goods!” Black Sapphire tossed the bag onto a large board game table where Shadow Milk sat patiently.

“And my son.” Shadow Milk was smiling, but it held no joy. Black Sapphire hesitated as he stammered out his next words.

“R-right here! Safe and sound!” Black Sapphire responded, standing Wizard up right, who looked numb. Black Sapphire brought Wizard over to Shadow Milk, who immediately yanked his son back. 

“My my, you really did trick me! I thought I had finally broken you down but nope! You still tried! Failed, but tried!” Shadow Milk taunted as he brought Wizard into a tight hug, a hug that held no warmth. 

“It’s sad though, I really did trust you! But well, what's a kid without a bit of rebellion~?” Shadow Milk snapped his fingers and a silver shackle appeared on Wizard’s wrist that was attached to Shadow Milk’s own wrist.

“But of course there's no rebellion without punishment! I know it may seem cruel but just know it's because I love you! And I wouldn’t have had to do this if. You. Just. Stayed. In. Your. Room. Boop!” Shadow Milk booped Wizard’s face, who slumped in the master of deceit’s lap when Shadow Milk finally directed his attention to Pure Vanilla.

“Awww did you fail to convince your friends to leave, hmmmm??” Shadow Milk grinned as Pure Vanilla took his seat from across the beast, staring at him with a glare. “Tough luck! No one leaves this tower without my permission and goes unpunished! So even if you did convince them to leave, this outcome would have still been produced!” Shadow Milk giggled, and a high pitched giggle came from the side.

“Yes Shadow Milk Cookie!! Punish them!!” A squealing Candy Apple cheered, floating slightly while in card form.

“Huh? And when did you become a card?” Black Sapphire looked at Candy Apple with both confusion and disgust, until Shadow Milk waved at them for silence.

“You know, I’ve been observing you for a while now, and I realized…you really must be missing your dear friends are you not~?” Shadow Milk cooed at the ancient, slowly rubbing circles onto Wizard’s back who was still unresponsive and numb. “I just happen to know the perfect solution! Do you know what I’m talking about…?”

“Those dice.” Pure Vanilla responded promptly, glaring at Shadow Milk which made the beast giggle. 

“Precicley!! I see you’re getting the hang of it!” Shadow Milk smiled, dark blue flushing his cheeks. “Anywho! It’s time for a magical adventure around the continent!” The board game sparked to life, and Shadow Milk snatched up dice, but instead of rolling them right away he gestured to Wizard.

“Would you like to do the honors, my prince?” Shadow Milk asked but Wizard didn’t respond or even spare a glance, instead the child just curled himself into a ball on the beast’s lap.

“Huh…” Shadow Milk’s persona seemed to falter a bit but then bounced back stronger than ever. “Well I guess your fate is in MY hands~” 

Shadow Milk shook the dice and rolled them onto the table. “And the destination is…the Dark Cacao Kingdom!”

Card Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie were taken out of the bag, and transformed into little board game pieces which marched on to each spot until they reached the area marked as the Dark Cacao Kingdom on the board. Once the two pieces were placed, the board started to shift into a tiny yet imperfect version of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. 

“I-It’s f-freezing!! I-is this t-the Dark C-Cacao Kingdom!?!?” A high pitched version of Gingebrave’s voice came from the board, catching Wizard’s attention. 

“Gingerbrave…” Wizard’s meek voice sobbed, trying to reach out to the board but was pulled back by Shadow Milk.

“W-Wizard Cookie!!” Gingerbrave’s voice called out before Shadow Milk cackled. 

“FINALLY!! You two woke up. Now, the rules are simple! Pure Vanilla Cookie and I will roll the dice and you will travel around the board! Sound good?” Shadow Milk grinned down at the two board game pieces squirming around. 

“Safe travels~!” Shadow Milk cackled and looked down at Wizard Cookie who was trembling. The game pieces started to flail around even more, when a puppet-like version of Caramel Arrow Cookie and Dark Cacao warriors charged at Gingerbrave and Strawberry. 

“H-hey!!” Strawberry yelped while her and Gingerbrave tried their best to fight off the hoard of puppets while Shadow Milk laughed in the background.

“Oh, I know I saved the best game for last!! Isn’t that right Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie?” Shadow Milk jostled Wizard, who tried his best to bury his head into the beast’s arms, shaking in fear and trying to ignore the sounds of his friends fighting for their lives.

“Ohhh come on!! Don’t worry they’ll live…maybe~” Shadow Milk giggled, Wizard couldn’t help but think that the beast enjoyed seeing Wizard cry from how many times he kept on just pushing Wizard to his breaking point. It just proved that the beast cares for nothing else but himself. He wasn’t his child, he was more like a glorified pet or a more pampered minion.

Wizard tried his best to ignore the cries, the yells for help, the manic laughter of Shadow Milk, and the uncomfortable silence of Pure Vanilla throughout. He tried his best to ignore the dread in his stomach, his uncomfort, but as soon as he felt like he finally managed to silence the noise, the sound of his friends near death scraped his ears. 

“Awww, getting a bit restless are we you two?” Shadow Milk jostled Wizard like a doll while referring to both him and Pure Vanilla. “Worrying about your friends? You wanna help them out?” Shadow Milk used a tone that one would use for an especially cute dog or a baby, as if mocking the two of them for being so helpless. 

Pure Vanilla stared at Shadow Milk with disgust, before rolling the dice again, not bothering to respond and continuing the game. 

“Ugh, you two are being so silent! That's boring!” Shadow Milk groaned, plopping his head on top of Wizard’s as if he was a pillow and started fiddling with Wizard’s limp arms as if he was a puppet, but at this point he pretty much was.

So much for being a powerful wizard, he couldn’t even remember a basic spell for breaking chains, let alone break his friends out of this torture.

He hated this place that was just endless torture, he hated Shadow Milk for treating him like a toy, he hated his mother for bringing him to life, he hated Elder Faerie for not finishing him off, he hated Pure Vanilla for giving into the deceit, he hated himself for being weak…

“-Cookie!! Pure Vanilla Cookie! Wizard Cookie!! Can you hear us!?” Gingerbrave’s voice came from the board, making Wizard perk up from his sulk. 

“Wait for us, we’ll be back soon!! We need to talk!! We aren’t giving up! Never!! So don’t you two give up too!!” Gingerbrave’s voice reassured the two of them, Pure Vanilla stared at the board with wide eyes, visible hesitance in his body, while Wizard sniffled in response to the comfort.

Wizard glanced at his prized staff, he needed to do something, remember something, why couldn’t he remember any of his spells?? He memorized them all by heart, they were like second nature…so why did he become utterly powerless when Shadow Milk grabbed hold of him?

The game soon ended, Shadow Milk stood up and clapped suddenly which caused WIzard to yelp.

“BRAVO!! BRAVO!! What a MARVELOUS show!!” Shadow Milk laughed, the board then curled into itself while Gingerbrave and Strawberry were returned to their normal forms.

“Phew! Finally…we’re free…” Gingerbrave panted, covered in wounds and looking exhausted, his energetic personality was gone. Strawberry was leaning on her lollipop, her legs were trembling as she struggled to stand up right.

“Gingerbrave…Strawberry Cookie…I’m-” WIzard tried to approach them, but the short chain attached to him prevented him from doing so.

“ALL HAIL THE GREAT HEROES!! Really, I applaud you! Not sure the world is ready for the overwhelming power of your friendship.” Shadow Milk mocked, emphasizing “friendship” as he stared at Wizard. 

“Truly the role models for all pathetic vermin.” Shadow Milk yanked Wizard back, making sure the cookie was as close as possible.

“Excellent job! Truly remarkable!!” Shadow Milk cackled, the ground of the spire shook, causing everyone to tremble.

“But enough giggles.” Shadow Milk stopped abruptly, the room distorted like many times before, the floor sprouted strange tentacle-like appendages and grabbed hold of Gingerbrave and Strawberry.

“LET…GO!!” Gingerbrave yelled while he and Strawberry struggled.

“Sadly for you, there's nowhere to run. This entire tower is part of my dough! Remember? You're in the belly of the beast!” Shadow Milk giggled, enjoying the sight of the young cookies struggling. 

“Well, while this playdate was fun, unfortunately my little baby is sooooo tired of you two!!” Shadow Milk pinched Wizard cheeks. “Although I thoroughly enjoyed having you over! Hope you two had fun!”

“Not at all!!” Gingerbrave huffed, trying to free himself desperately, but either he was too weak or the restraints were too strong. Maybe both…

“Tsk, not a single word of gratitude for your gracious host! Need I remind you that with a single flick of the wrist I will have your dough and soul scattered across my tower.” Shadow Milk hissed, but then he unnervingly turned to Pure Vanilla with a large grin.

“Or, perhaps, there is a better solution…? What say you…Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Pure Vanilla glared at the beast in response, at this point Wizard had gotten used to the expression of disgust that often graced the ancient’s face nowadays. 

“What do you want from me?” The ancient gruffed, staring down the beast with something akin to intense hatred, however Shadow Milk still swooned at his harsh tone.

“So harsh!! All I’m asking is what YOU would do with these two pesky cookies? The choice is yours~” Shadow Milk giggled, watching confusion take over the cookie’s face.

“Why do you care…” Pure Vanilla hissed, but that only seemed to egg the beast on.

“Option one! I silence them, FOREVER.” Wizard quickly shook his head back and forth at Pure Vanilla Cookie, he could pick anything else, ANYTHING, he can’t betray his friends again! This time permanently…

“Option two-OH you're gonna LOVE this one! You give your Soul Jam…to ME!” Shadow Milk stepped closer to the ancient, caressing the Soul Jam lightly.

“NO!! You can’t force Pure Vanilla Cookie to make this decision!” Gingerbrave retaliated, which resulted in an annoyed groan coming from Shadow Milk.

“AH SHHHH!! The adults are talking!” He snapped his fingers and Gingerbrave’s mouth turned into a closed zipper. Gingerbrave tried to claw at his mouth to open it but his restraints made it impossible, Wizard looked at Pure Vanilla in horror. Wizard knows he must be horrible for this, but he doesn’t care about what's “right” currently, he only wants this torture to end!

“Think hard. Which option do you like better, mm?” Shadow Milk inched closer while Pure Vanilla tried to recoil. “Look into your heart…deeper, deeper! What does it desire~”

Shadow Milk hummed practically hanging off Pure Vanilla. Wizard had to stop to think for a moment.

Was Shadow Milk…flirting? Wizard grimaced at the thought, he glanced back at the two to try and find any other possible explanation. Instead he saw Shadow Milk look at Pure Vanilla the EXACT same way the Fount looked at Elder Faerie.

Ew.

Wizard pulled on his chain to try to separate the two as much as possible, which luckily he succeeded in. 

“And this time don’t try to do anything smart! This isn’t a trick question!” Shadow Milk giggled. 

“Just A…or B! Oh I can’t wait to see what you pick!! Your friends? Or the light of your Soul Jam!? Which of these hold greater value to you?” Pure Vanilla visibly hesitated at Shadow Milk’s worlds, he clutched his Soul Jam tight, yet with each word his grip loosened.

“Oh I wonder…which of these makes you who you are?”

Pure Vanilla was left to think, all three of the young cookies looked at him with desperation. Wizard prayed to the witches that Pure Vanilla would pick his friends, Wizard wouldn’t ever be able to live with himself if they died…at his own father’s hand as well.

“TIMES UP!! Your choice is?” Shadow Milk bounced, more than eager for the ancient’s answer.

“My choice is…” Pure Vanilla slowly unhooked his Soul Jam from its spot and started to hold it out.

“OH! Hello BEAUTIFUL!! Come to papa!!” Shadow Milk quickly snatched it away before Pure Vanilla could extend his hand fully and cradled it like a baby.

Then something disturbing happened…Shadow Milk laughed…which sounded silly, he's been laughing the entire time…but he kept on laughing and laughing and laughing, as if mocking the four heroes.

“REALLY!? How can anyone be so easily fooled!?” Shadow Milk cackled, a sinking feeling settled into WIzard.

“What…” Pure Vanilla and Wizard whispered at the same time.

The inky black tentacles restraining Gingerbrave and Strawberry abruptly threw them off the tall spire plummeting them to their demise as all four screamed in terror. 

“NO!!” Both Wizard and Pure Vanilla screamed.

Pure Vanilla was frozen in place, while Wizard rushed to the edge of the spire but was dragged by Shadow Milk.

“NOPE! Can’t have you diving after them.” Shadow Milk cooed, talking in the tone of a well meaning mother, but right now it seemed he was using this voice to mock Wizard as he screamed out for his friends.

“GINGERBRAVE!! STRAWBERRY COOKIE!!” Wizard cried heavy tears, his scarf sliding down due to his screaming. WIzard stared at the edge of the tower, desperate for a last minute twist for them to rise. He gripped his staff close to his chest…

Wait…his STAFF!! The levitation spell!! How did it go again…? 

“Come on come on…” Wizard whimpered, searching desperately through his memory.

His staff glowed slightly, he gripped onto it tight, and willed all his energy into the spell.

“Eximus…levitus…” A large flash of blue magic appeared, it was working!! IT WAS WORKING!! 

Black Sapphire and a no longer card Candy Apple, let out squeals, trying to rush to Wizard, but were held back by Shadow Milk.

“M-MASTER!! H-HES ABOUT TO-” Black Sapphire tried to claw his way out of Shadow Milk’s hold, but was cut off abruptly 

“No. Let him do it.” A grin spread across the beast’s face.

Wizard continued muttering, concentrating every single part of his being, until he finally finished the spell.

“FLAXIUS!!” Wizard closed his eyes shut, waiting for the spell to activate.

A second past.

Then another.

The only thing that moved was the wind in the air.

“W-what…” Wizard opened his eyes, his staff had dimmed, his mana depleted.

“N-no…” Wizard’s arms started to fail him, his tiny legs crumbled underneath him and Shadow Milk quickly caught him before he could collide with the ground.

“My silly prince…did you really think I would just let you have access to your magic?” The beast giggled as he held Wizard, who struggled to keep his eyes open.

“W-what…”

“As much as I would have loved it, I knew there was no way you would help me. I mean, at every point you tried to sabotage, destroy, or run away from me! So of course, I put on limitations. At first I decided to just put a little fog in your memory, but it seems like I’ll have to disable it completely.”

“N-no…” Wizard tried to weakly reach up, but his energy had completely disappeared. “Th-then why did you let me keep my staff…” He asked, watching as his staff laid discarded on the floor.

“That crappy thing? Well, gotta give you SOME illusion of control!!” Shadow Milk hummed, and cradled Wizard to his chest.

“Now you don’t have to worry about a thing…papas got everything taken care of…” The beast’s voice changed…it sounded like the Fount’s. 

But he was nothing like the Fount, as a result, his words were cold and empty.

Yet Wizard couldn’t do anything but welcome his embrace.

“Mom...” Wizard whimpered, too weak to lift his arms, let alone fight. He curled into himself, unable to see Shadow Milk’s wicked face grow. And with that…Wizard fell unconscious.

—

The sound of running water was heard softly.

A firm hand combed through Wizard’s hair.

Wizard slowly opened his eyes, still feeling weak.

When he looked up, he saw…Elder Faerie…? He was humming one of the many songs of the Faerie Kingdom.

“Elder Faerie…Cookie?” Wizard asked, confused, trying to get up but was shushed back down.

“Try not to move much…Shadow Milk Cookie has completely drained you of your energy.” Elder Faerie hummed. Wizard took Elder Faerie’s advice and laid back down in the king’s lap. He couldn’t exactly place where they were, but Wizard could tell he was dreaming again.

“Wheres mom…” Wizard whispered, trying to find any signs of the Fount with his limited field of vision. Elder Faerie stopped combing through WIzard’s hair momentarily, his face changed from peaceful to an expression that Wizard didn’t know how to describe. Angry? Sadness? Acceptance…?

“I’m afraid she is dead…she has been for a while. Not long after your birth in fact…however I didn’t know until she had already decomposed.” Elder Faerie whispered, his voice filled with sorrow.

“I have failed…all of you…all of my children. I let him bring upon chaos, while I tried to desperately grab hold of a corpse…” Elder Faerie continued, he lifted Wizard up slightly, so he was sitting up properly but was still propped up against the faerie king. 

“I have failed you specifically…” Elder Faerie’s brows creased, holding Wizard slightly tighter. The two sat in silence for a while, the air hung heavy, with mourning, and regret.

“Bluebell Cookie was right…I truly had made a mistake that day. I was so clouded by grief, that I failed to realize that you weren’t some clone of the beast…you were my child as much as hers…” Elder Faerie tucked Wizard under his head, his hands were rough but didn’t feel like sandpaper on his dough, his grip was strong but it didn’t hurt.

“How are you here? I don’t quite understand the dreams I have in this place...” Wizard asked, clutching on tight to the faerie’s robes. 

“It's difficult to explain, but essentially, I’m not really here.” The king responded which made Wizard scoff.

“Obviously. This is a dream.”

“You are correct like always my star.” He chuckled. “However I mean I am not genuine, as my spirit has long since passed on.”

“So…You wouldn't say these things if you were really here…everything you're saying, is just what I want to hear?” Wizard tried to stop his eyes from welling up, he’s done enough crying for a lifetime by now. Elder Faerie hummed and paused, as if to think.

“Yes, and no. Like I said, it's quite confusing…while I am not the real Elder Faerie, I am essentially an exact copy you made in your head. I act like him, talk like him, and think like him. While I was created by your subconscious, everything I say and do is what I would I were still roaming this mortal land.”

Wizard’s mind blanked for a second.

“That still doesn’t make sense.”

Elder Faerie laughed, but in a dignified and controlled way, extremely different from Shadow Milk's chaotic and sadistic cackles.

“Yes, many things don’t make sense. But if anyone would be able to uncover this world’s secrets, it would be you my star.” He responded, his smile firm and comforting. 

“Then what about the times Fount appeared in my dreams? Was that part of my subconscious too?” Wizard asked.

“No. It was Shadow Milk Cookie’s subconscious.” Wizard froze. 

Has Shadow Milk been tricking him the entire time? He didn’t know what was a lie and what was the truth anymore.

“I know what you're thinking. No…Shadow Milk was not trying to trick you. He was trying to save you.” Wizard was even more confused.

“Huh?”

“He truly does love you, he always has and always will. That doesn't make anything he does excusable however. He has treated you horrifically and only thinks of his selfish gain…” Elder Faerie glared up into the blank sky, but then his gaze softened. “But deep down, he knows what's best for you…and wants to make sure you're safe.” 

“After all…Fount may not exist anymore, but her legacy still lives on…wheather he wants it to, or not.”

Wizard could hardly believe Shadow Milk actually cared for him, after all he's put him through, but it felt so right at the same time. 

“I wish we could’ve been happy…like a real family…” Wizard whispered, holding on tight to Elder Faerie, thinking about the dream where they all were together. 

“I wish so too…but then you wouldn’t have your amazing friends.” Elder Faerie muttered, and Wizard couldn’t stop the few tears that slipped through.

“Well, I don’t have them now either, so what's really the difference?” He sniffled, but to his surprise Elder Faerie chuckled.

“I wouldn’t be too sure.”

“What do you-”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Our time together is almost over…so please, l need to tell you some things.” Elder Faerie's peaceful expression was replaced with a still soft but serious one, he cupped Wizard’s cheeks and tilted his head up to look up at the king.

“You are not only the Virtue of Knowledge’s child…but also the child of the Beast of Deceit. Pure Vanilla Cookie and Shadow Milk Cookie may be each other’s other half, however even when combined there's still a tiny piece still missing…and you, my son, are that piece.” Elder Faerie placed his hand on Wizard’s chest, the same place where Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk’s Soul Jam would lay.

“You have strength in you that you haven’t realized. You are more than just a scholar and a wizard…you are the missing piece. To both the Soul Jam of Truth, and the Soul Jam of Deceit.” Wizard’s eyes widened, he stared up at Elder Faerie, who started to fix his hat and scarf.

“But…I…I can’t do it. Shadow Milk Cookie is so much more powerful than me…”

“Thats because you let him be.” Elder Faerie smiled.

A tink of a bell could be heard, catching the faerie’s attention. The king sighed but was still smiling. 

“I fear our time is up. And I’m afraid this’ll be our first and last one on one discussion my star…” Elder Faerie chuckled, wiping the tears in Wizard’s eyes.

“All I have left to say is this…remember who you are, what you stand for, and what you want. You are more than you ever thought possible.” Elder Faerie kissed the top of Wizard’s forehead and then-

—

He awakened.

Chapter Text

“Shadow Milk…let him go…it’s me you want. He's just a boy, you can’t put him through this…” Pure Vanilla pleaded, staring at the limp body of Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie.

“SHUT UP!! Last time I checked he's MY kid!!” Shadow Milk hissed clutching Blueberry like a dragon would do with their treasure.

“W-why…why are you doing this? I gave up my Soul Jam to you!” Pure Vanilla sounded beyond pathetic.

“Hmm how sweet! But what is life without a little lie!? And besides…this is all your fault.” Shadow Milk smiled, enjoying each and every expression of the ancient.

“What are you saying…”

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice the way you looked at your precious friends?” Shadow Milk slowly started to approach Pure Vanilla, who only looked on in horror. “What was it? Your petty self-righteousness? Foolishness? Sense of guilt? What was it that made your Soul Jam ring like a thousand bells?!” The beast hissed.

“Yes, at first, the Soul Jam was all I wanted. But then I began wondering…how far can I push you?” Shadow Milk began to circle Pure Vanilla, like a vulture stalking its prey. 

“What would happen if I kept squeezing and squeezing your soft, submissive, soul~” Shadow Milk cooed, grabbing hold of Pure Vanilla’s collar and yanking it.

“AND THERE WE HAVE IT!!” Shadow Milk cackled, gesturing to Pure Vanilla’s new form. Pure Vanilla looked down at his robes, disgusted at his actions, a symbol of truth and peace…? How ridiculous…

“Everything…IS MY FAULT!!” Pure Vanilla cried out, tugging at his hair so hard that he threatened to tear it out. 

“AH! YES!! Your screams are like music to my ears!! In the end you will thank me!” Shadow Milk reveled in Pure Vanilla’s breakdown, watching eagerly as the ancient’s eyes darted around like a wild cake hound. 

“Now have a look. Your Soul Jam…” Shadow Milk presented the Soul Jam of Truth, revealing its blue light reduced to a dull grey. 

“The Soul Jam…” Pure Vanilla whimpered.

“Yes, the very thing that has led your friends to their oh-so-tragic fall. Once the Soul Jam of Knowledge, then truth, and now-” 

“It still belongs to me.” Shadow Milk was interrupted suddenly, he whipped his head to Pure Vanilla in confusion, whose words echoed around the spire in a growl.

“W-what!?” Shadow Milk sputtered out, unconsciously shrinking his posture and holding a sleeping Blueberry closer.

“IT’S MINE!!” Pure Vanilla made a sudden grab for the floating Soul Jam, which Shadow Milk scrambled to intercept.

“YOURS!?” Shadow Milk hissed furiously, aiming to snatch it back, but his wrist was yanked by Pure Vanilla.

“Yes. You turned two of my friends into crumbs, and tormented him with your little games.” Pure Vanilla hissed, gesturing to Blueberry, his grip tightening on Shadow Milk’s wrist. 

“Together with my soul and my truth…this is what you have created instead. My Soul Jam…of Deceit.” Shadow Milk stopped moving, he stared at the ancient dead in the eyes, a grin started to slowly form.

“Is this what you wanted…or is it even better? Instead of one Soul Jam of Knowledge, you will have two Soul Jams of Deceit.” Pure Vanilla’s left hand slowly lets go of Shadow Milk’s wrist, and snakes its way to the beast’s waist while his right hand supports Blueberry’s sleeping body.

“And me, forever by your side.” Pure Vanilla let a twitch of a smile grace his otherwise miserable face. Shadow Milk stared up at the cookie, his pupils shrunken like an animal cautious of a predator, but the more Shadow Milk stared, the more his pupils started to dilate.

“You would do that…after what I just did to your friends?” Shadow Milk asked hesitantly, his head turning away, but his body inched closer to the ancient.

“Hah! It’s no longer important. Now it’s clear as day.” Pure Vanilla let out a half-hearted laugh, and pulled Shadow Milk as close as possible, making the beast’s heart beat faster and faster. “There simply is no point in denying it…” Pure Vanilla’s face inched closer to Shadow Milk’s, turning the beast’s face a furious shade of blue.

“You and I…we are meant to be together.” Pure Vanilla whispered, their faces only separated by an inch.

“You, me, and Wizard Cookie…we shall stay here forever, and be a family.” Pure Vanilla pressed a chaste kiss onto Shadow Milk’s lips, it was so light that Shadow Milk wasn’t sure if it was purposeful or just an accident from their close proximity.

“Isn’t that what you want?” 

Shadow Milk swooned, his legs buckled slightly, he was no longer floating and was currently being held up by the ancient. 

A family…that's truly all he wanted wasn’t it?

To have a family once again, a family that adored him the way he should be adored. He can have that all again…thanks to his other half and his little missing piece.

“Yes…yes! YES!! YES!!” Shadow Milk remembered his minions were currently watching, he hesitated on allowing them to see such a soft side to him so he temporarily separated from his other half’s embrace, but was still at arms length from him.

“YES!! NOW YOU ARE MINE!!” Shadow Milk cheered, and crashed into his Pure Vanilla, making sure that Blueberry was still comfortable in the embrace of his new second father, letting the ancient grab hold of his pride and joy.

He always thought that Pure Vanilla’s kindness and gentleness was a disgusting weakness, but he couldn’t help but adore how gently and softly he held Blueberry. Oh! Blueberry would love this outcome! Shadow Milk knew he adored Pure Vanilla, and maybe…Pure Vanilla’s want to stay would make him finally accept his place at Shadow Milk’s side as the prince of deceit. 

Shadow Milk nuzzled into the ancient’s embrace, not caring for any eyes watching him, his attention fully focused on his new family. 

Pure Vanilla’s smile faltered, the world around them glitched. Shadow Milk held his head back up, confused…what was happening to his other-realm??

Suddenly, the world changed, no more was the inky black darkness with blue eyes watching them, now it was a void of white and gold. Shadow Milk stumbled out of the ancient’s hold like a baby deer, failing to grab hold of Blueberry in time. 

“My-My other-realm! I-I can’t control it!” Shadow Milk’s minions looked just as confused and terrified as he was.

“Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!” Black Sapphire and Candy Apple cried out, clutching onto each other like a scared brother and sister. Shadow Milk whipped his head back to Pure Vanilla, the world twisted and turned around the both of them, and he immediately noticed his son still in the traitor’s grasp.

“HOW DARE YOU!?!?” Shadow Milk cried out, panting, his throat starting to hurt from all the yelling. “YOU…YOU TRICKED ME!?!?” The tower trembled, as if it was starting to crumble.

“Oh this is bad! His power is out of control! We’re one crumb away from becoming collateral damage!!” Black Sapphire shouted, grabbing hold of a distressed Candy Apple’s hand and got into a position that was ready to run. 

“GIVE ME BACK MY SOUL JAM AND SON!!” Shadow Milk yelled like a wild animal, the volume akin to an ear piercing scream. He desperately flew to the ancient, but to his absolute horror, the ancient quickly yet gently placed the sleeping boy down and stabbed his Soul Jam with his staff. 

A shining light then beamed, enveloping the ancient. Shadow Milk couldn’t do anything but shelter his eyes.

When the light finally dimmed, a new version of Pure Vanilla descended. He had longer hair, his pure white and gold accents were back on his new longer robe that underneath had closed eyes, and his stupid cone hat was back.

He held his staff high, sending out a wave of gold magic all over the world, blinding Shadow Milk and his minions.

Pure Vanilla went back to carefully pick Blueberry back up. Once in his arms, the ancient traced a pattern into the child’s head, causing him to stir, and finally-

—

Wizard opened his eyes.

The first thing he saw was a large source of light, almost blinding him. He let out a groan and felt himself be carefully let down by someone holding him. 

“It's alright Wizard Cookie…you're alright.” Pure Vanilla’s warm and comforting voice washed over him when he finally let go.

“Hey! My energy and mana is back!” Wizard bounced, realizing he could finally stand on his two feet by himself. His eyes slowly landed on Shadow Milk, anger and despair on his face as he panted, out of breath. His inky black hair frazzled and distressed. Wizard shrunk in fear, but stood firm and raised his staff with trembling hands.

“You…” Shadow Milk hissed, staring at Pure Vanilla with so much hatred.

“Are you alright? You seem…exhausted?” Pure Vanilla asked, concerned. Wizard couldn’t believe that he was showing Shadow Milk kindness, AFTER ALL HE HAD DONE!? It seemed both in character and out of character for the ancient.

Shadow Milk stared at the ancient, genuinely bewildered for his care.

Until he finally broke the silence with a laugh. A desperate kind of laugh, as if trying to salvage all that was left of the broken mask he wore.

“You…you may have won this battle! But it won’t bring your friends back!” Shadow Milk taunted, Wizard glared at the beast. How dare he mock their death! He will pay for this!

“Wizard Cookie.” Pure Vanilla whispered under his breath, grabbing a firm hold of Wizard’s shoulder to prevent him from charging the beast of deceit head on.

“THEY’VE CRUMBLED TO DUST!! Nothing more than helpless souls that’ll roam my spire for eons!” Shadow Milk continued, staring at Wizard with an evil smile, as if to provoke him specifically. Wizard wasn’t proud of it but the beast succeeded, and he tried to wiggle out of the ancient’s grasp to give his “dad” a piece of his mind. Which for Wizard means striking him with lightning a hundred times.

Unfortunately, Pure Vanilla’s grip was strong. Since when did that happen???

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!” A familiar feminine voice called out behind them.

“WIZARD COOKIE!! THANK THE WITCHES YOUR OKAY!!” Another familiar voice called out, and without warning, the owner of that voice crashed into Wizard while the more feminine voice yelped in surprise.

“G-gingerbrave?” Wizard hesitated, recognizing who had just tackled him.

“Yep! That's my name alright!” Gingerbrave laughed before he was swiftly punched by Wizard.

“YOU IDIOTS!! I THOUGHT YOU BOTH WERE DEAD!” Wizard yelled, causing Gingerbrave and Strawberry to freeze up, but they both immediately loosened when they noticed tears coming from Wizard’s eyes.

“I-I thought I-I wouldn’t s-see you a-again. D-don’t scare me like that again!” Wizard hiccuped through his words, letting the tears flow as he was once again tackled, except this time in a group hug.

“We’re sorry Wizard Cookie!” Gingerbrave apologized, hugging Wizard the tightest.

“To be fair, we thought we were gonna die too!” Stawberry said, awkwardly hugging Wizard due to her usual aversion to physical contact.

“Yeah, thank goodness that Fortune Teller Cookie arrived just in time!” Gingerbrave smiled until Wizard looked at him confused.

“Who?” Wizard tilted his head to see the hooded cookie they had met at the inn, standing behind all of them, silent.

“He’s technically Pure Vanilla Cookie…” Strawberry muttered, trying her best to catch Wizard up on the strange things that happened when they weren’t together.

“Then how did he save you? Pure Vanilla Cookie was with me and Shadow Milk Cookie the whole time after you guys fell?” Wizard asked, looking at both Pure Vanilla Cookies.

“In this tower, space and time intertwine in a myriad of reflections.” The actual Pure Vanilla responded with a smile, which finally gave Wizard some clarity.

“Oh, I get it!” Wizard declared.

“We still don’t…” Strawberry and Gingerbrave responded in unison.

“Here, the future of the past and the present coexist. The cards showed me a glimpse of a possible future. A future that had yet to come to past…fourtunately I was able to prevent it.” Pure Vanilla chuckled, amused by the three’s antics.

“Thanks Fortune Telle- uhhh I mean…Pure Vanilla Cookie!!” Gingerbrave waved with a smile at the hooded cookie, who gave a small smile in return.

“...I’ve changed. Thanks to you, who believed in your own strength rather than fearing a bleak future. If not for you, I would have been wandering the fog of uncertainty within Pure Vanilla Cookie’s soul…” The cookie bowed at Gingerbrave, before making his way to Pure Vanilla, stopping for a moment to stare at Shadow Milk, before merging with the original Pure Vanilla.

“They became one…” Strawberry whispered, mesmerized.

Pure Vanilla Chuckled “We were the same cookie all along.”

The spire began to tremble, as if on que, the three held on to each other tight. Wizard looked towards Shadow Milk, who was trembling in anger.

“Excuse me…I’m sorry to disturb you…BUT I’M STILL THE MAIN CHARACTER HERE!!” Shadow Milk growled, it sounded like a wild animal’s more than a cookie’s…

He was furious.

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla lifted his scepter, and cast a barrier around all of them, shielding them from the crumbling spire.

“Shadow Milk Cookie, wait.” Pure Vanilla stepped closer to Shadow Milk, who physically recoiled and made a disgusted face at the ancient.

“Heh, what's that now? Afraid I’ll destroy your friends again!?” Shadow Milk hissed, his words making Wizard scowl as he gripped onto his friends tightly.

“You are right. For me, nothing is more important than protecting my friends. But they are much stronger than you think. They helped me find my path again.” Pure Vanilla smiled, looking back at Wizard, Strawberry, and Gingerbrave before returning his attention to the scowling beast.

“HAH! Seriously, are you lecturing me, now!?” Shadow Milk laughed, but his expression was the opposite of amusement. 

“I’ve been wondering…instead of taking my Soul Jam by force, you decided to try and see if I could truly fall. Why?” Pure Vanilla tilted his head, yet his ever so kind smile was still on his face.

“Pshh!! Oh can’t I have a little fun? Seeing the seeker of truth tremble, consumed by-self doubt. So scared to be devoured by my deceit!” Shadow Milk announced proudly, laughing at the ancient.

“Then when I offered my affection…why did you so eagerly take it?” Pure Vanilla opened his eyes, staring straight at Shadow Milk who froze like a deer in headlights.

He did what?

“I-...I-!”

“When I offered myself as a partner, you seemed to be genuinely touched. When I gave you my love, you seemed to crumble under my grasp. Tell me, how was that a part of your enjoyment of my suffering?” Pure Vanilla waited for an answer from the beast, who wasn’t able to give one.

“I didn’t- I wouldn’t-”

“I can feel how lonely you truly are. Which is why you constantly want Wizard Cookie besides you. Which is also why you wanted so desperately for us to become a family.” As soon as Pure Vanilla uttered those words Wizard turned his head to Shadow Milk, whose eyes were open wide, trembling like a baby lamb.

“A family…?” Wizard squeaked, staring at Shadow Milk. He didn’t know why he felt hope at that, he hated Shadow Milk and everything he stood for, yet the knowledge that he truly did want Wizard and wanted to be in an actual family with him, it made him…sad? Maybe hopeful? He couldn’t exactly place the feeling…

“He truly does love you, he always has and always will.” Was what Elder Faerie said really true…Wizard doubted it entirely, how could someone so selfish love something other than themselves?

But Shadow Milk’s vulnerable stance, and failure to respond in complete sentences, told him maybe he did truly want Wizard as his son rather than a toy. 

He wanted them to be a family again…

“I-...he…ha, HA HAHAHAHAHA!!” Shadow Milk cackled, but it felt forced.

“LONELY!?!? AHAHAHAHA!! NOW WHOSE THE REALLY CLOWN HERE!? OH I’M TEARING UP!!” Shadow Milk laughed and laughed, as if trying to cover something up.

“Look at my spire! Bask in its splendor! Here, I have everything I want! Fools, so eager to fall to their knees in exchange for one little lie! And my precious missing piece of MY SOUL JAM!! The one who completes my power!!” Shadow Milk gestured to Wizard, but Wizard didn’t feel anything, everything Shadow Milk was doing…it was too much…as if he was desperate to recover his persona.

“You…you must be out of your mind!!” Shadow Milk hissed at the ancient, but Pure Vanilla didn’t falter, his expression held firm, he stood up straight and stood his ground, watching Shadow Milk scramble to recover.

“Was it truly for cruel enjoyment? Or were you trying to gain something you lost long ago?” Pure Vanilla continued, but this time he was violently shut off by Shadow Milk.

“SILENCE!!! I AM THE MASTER OF THIS WORLD!! YOU DARE ACT LIKE YOU KNOW ME!?!?” Shadow Milk yowled, his hair springing up like a kitten trying to make itself look bigger.

“When you and I became one, breifly…” Pure Vanilla was quickly cut off, Shadow Milk wasn’t going to let him speak at all.

“One. More. Word. And I’ll wipe your PATHETIC dough off the face of the world!!” Shadow Milk yelled, trying his best to make him appear more threatening. Yet Pure Vanilla continued, despite Shadow Milk’s insistence to silence him.

“I felt it. A minute droplet of longing, hiding in the dark. I know it, for I’ve felt the same.” Shadow Milk stared at Pure Vanilla, terrified.

“Yes Shadow Milk Cookie. No one else but me can truly understand you.”

Shadow Milk paused.

“What…?” He whimpered, he was reduced to a pathetic cowardly cookie, all to some words.

“No one else…but us can truly understand you.” Pure Vanilla gestured down to Wizard, who looked up in surprise.

Pure Vanilla looked back at Wizard, and extended his hand for him to take. Wizard hesitated at first, before slowly walking towards him, and taking the ancient’s hand. Pure Vanilla led the both of them closer to Shadow Milk, who looked at them as if they were some horrifying bugs under a rock.

“We all share the same Soul Jam. We can understand each other like no one else can.” 

“You don’t have to be lonely…we’re right here. I’m, right here.” Pure Vanilla whispered, causing Shadow Milk to whimper as the light of Pure Vanilla came closer and closer.

“Please…let me be your…”friend”.” Pure Vanilla smiled at the beast, who’s eyes dilated immediately.

“Friend…?” Shadow Milk whispered, inching closer to the two. His eyes tracing over the both of them, as he paused, as if thinking of what would happen if he accepted. Wizard looked at Shadow Milk with hope, clutching onto Pure Vanilla’s hand. 

Elder Faerie was right…his mother was still in there.

Until Shadow Milk suddenly pulled back with a gasp, as if snapped out of a trance.

“CURSE YOU!! THE BOTH OF YOU!!” Shadow Milk screamed, backing himself up into the barrier walls, where to everyone but Pure Vanilla’s worry, the barrier started to crack.

“YOU KNOW NOTHING!! YOU ARE NOTHING!!”

“I HATE YOU!! YOU AND YOUR SOUL JAM! I WILL DESTROY YOU!” Shadow Milk suddenly flew towards Pure Vanilla and Wizard, raising his scepter in preparation for an attack. Pure Vanilla managed to block the attack, but in return, he failed to notice Shadow Milk grab hold of Wizard, yanking him backwards, causing both to slam into the barrier walls.

Finally, the barrier shattered.

“WIZARD COOKIE!!” Gingerbrave and Strawberry called out, separated from their friend once again.

“I WILL CRUMBLE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!” Shadow Milk screamed, after placing Black Sapphire, Candy Apple, and Wizard in a small protection barrier to shield them from the battle and the crumbling tower.

“MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE!!” Candy Apple banged on the clear barrier walls, crying out her master’s name as he fought the three heroes.

“NOOO!! MASTER!! I’LL FIGHT TOO!!” Candy Apple screamed, as Black Sapphire tried to physically stop her excessive hitting before she hurt herself.

“Candy Apple Cookie that's enough! Master clearly has it handled!!” Black Sapphire tried to reassure the crying cookie, as would a brother towards their sister. Wizard wondered if they were related. He also wondered why they were with Shadow Milk of all cookies…

“B-but he's getting weaker! You said he was!! And that pitiful pest is only getting stronger!!” Candy Apple cried into Black Sapphire’s shoulder as he rubbed her back up and down.

“He's fine. He's the Great Shadow Milk Cookie. He wouldn’t let some gnat win!” Black Sapphire whispered, calming Candy Apple down.

“Shadow Milk Cookie…” Wizard whispered, watching as his father and his friends fought. He felt powerless…but that was only a feeling.

He couldn’t sit back.

Not any more!

Wizard slammed his staff onto the floor and kneeled, muttering something under his breath which caught Black Sapphire’s attention.

“Oh, NO you don’t! Shadow Milk Cookie put us in this barrier to be safe! If you undo the spell we’ll surely crumble! Or worse, you’ll crumble!!” Black Sapphire panicked, trying to grab hold of Wizard’s staff but his hand was slapped away.

“I don’t care if I crumble! And if you want to stay here instead of doing anything, I can surely cast another one to cover the two after I undo this one!” Wizard scolded, mocking Black Sapphire slightly at his cowardice, which caught Black Sapphire by surprise.

“Fine! Crumble, see what I care!!” Black Sapphire huffed, still carrying a crying Candy Apple, letting Wizard do whatever he wanted begrudgingly.

Wizard nodded, and went back to concentrating on breaking the barrier. 

He can do it…

HE CAN OVERPOWER SHADOW MILK COOKIE’S MAGIC!!

The barrier receded, and Wizard immediately ran out and cast another spell, shielding the two minions of Shadow Milk just like he said he would. Wizard then started to run towards the four currently battling, preparing another spell.

“LIGHTNING…”

His staff charged up, blue electricity sparked, then he slammed it onto the broken spire floor with all his energy, magic coursing through his veins.

“STRIKE!!”

A large lightning bolt struck down, striking Shadow Milk in surprise, shaking the entire spire and every cookie. 

They all stopped, watching as Shadow Milk sizzled, not dead or fatally injured, but stunned and weary.

“Kh…B-Blueberry…” Shadow Milk stuttered out, looking toward his son with betrayal. He then looked over to Pure Vanilla, Gingerbrave, and Strawberry.

“P-pathetic fools…” He straggled, attempting to stand up with shaking limbs.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie! NOW!” Wizard gestured for the ancient to lay the final blow, yet the ancient refused, and just held out his hand once more.

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Shadow Milk Cookie…” Pure Vanilla whispered, kneeling down, trying to get on eye level with the beast. However Shadow Milk just let out a forced laugh in return.

“H-how “kind” of you! Mark my words. One day your “kindness” will be your undoing.” Shadow Milk hissed, slapping away the ancient’s hand and finally managing to stand, but had to resort back to floating immediately after. 

The spire continued to crumble, even more so now. Pieces of the walls and ceilings fell down, alarming the young cookies.

Wizard started to run towards his friends, but was caught by his robes by Shadow Milk Cookie…

“H-HEY!!” WIzard yelped, tugging at his sleeve for the beast to let go.

“BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE!! CANDY APPLE COOKIE!! WE’RE LEAVING! WE’LL LET THESE PESTS CRUMBLE UNDER THE RUBBLE!!” Shadow Milk growled, snapping his fingers and letting Wizard’s barrier spell fall, allowing Black Sapphire to create a portal for him and Candy Apple to enter, leaving the portal open for their master to follow. Shadow Milk then turned to Wizard, his grip becoming tighter, burning Wizard’s dough as he struggled desperately.

“AND YOU. I AM GOING TO TIE YOU TO A STICK AND DANGLE YOU OVER A RIVER!! YOU ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE YOUNG MAN!!” Shadow Milk yelled, yanking Wizard along, ignoring his friends' pleas for the beast to let go of Wizard.

“NO.” Wizard dragged his feet to force both him and Shadow Milk to stop. The jester turned his head slowly, his head making a full 180 like a demon.

“What did you say…?” Shadow Milk said, in a blank, emotionless tone, making everyone in the room freeze except for Wizard.

“I said…no.” Wizard stared Shadow Milk in the eyes, not looking away, not hesitating, not running away.

It's time to end this.

Wizard yanked his hand away from Shadow Milk’s grip easily, the destruction seemed to speed up.

“Blueberry…sweetie…you’ve had your playdate, but now it's time to go home.” Shadow Milk reached out to grab Wizard again, but his hand was smacked away by Wizard’s staff.

“Anywhere with you is NOT my home!” Wizard hissed, causing Shadow Milk to stop, freezing in time.

“What.” The beast stared at the young cookie who didn’t hesitate in the slightest to raise his staff at the beast who was now the one to start hesitating, backing away slowly.

“My little prince…come on…don’t you miss your mama? Don’t you want to be a family again…?” Shadow Milk laughed, his hair grew out and changed from inky blackness to a dazzling night sky, his laugh started to become more feminine, and before Wizard knew it…the Fount of Knowledge was staring right at him.

“Come here…come with mama…isn’t that what you want? To see her again?” Fount- no…Shadow Milk held out his arms, beckoning a hug, while his head twisted in an unnatural way.

“You…are not my mother.” Wizard shot a lightning bolt at the Spire wall, causing it to start collapsing even faster. Shadow Milk couldn’t concentrate on his form anymore, and reverted back to his original one, as he looked around frantically.

“ENOUGH GAMES! We’re leaving!!” Shadow Milk attempted to make another desperate grab, but Wizard only shot another lightning bolt.

“BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM COOKIE I’M SAYING THIS FOR THE LAST TIME!!” Shadow Milk’s voice cracked, it was clear he was losing more and more control.

“M-master Shadow Milk Cookie!” Black Sapphire called out, him and Candy Apple exiting the portal and gestured to the opening becoming smaller and smaller.

“I AM NOT BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM COOKIE!!” Wizard announced loudly, his voice echoing around the spire, unknowingly he started to levitate slightly as his staff glowed.

“I AM THE SON OF THE FOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE. SON OF THE KING OF THE FAERIE KINGDOM. AND EVEN THE SON OF THE BEAST OF DECEIT!! HOWEVER, NONE OF THESE TITLES DEFINE ME!!” Wizard continued, fully in the air, everyone watching in bewilderment and awe.

“FOR I AM WIZARD COOKIE! A HERO OF EARTHBREAD! A SCHOLAR! AND SOON TO BE THE BEST WIZARD KNOWN IN THE HISTORY OF COOKIES!!” Lighting struck down, surrounding Wizard.

“FOR I HOLD THE POWER OF THE WITCHES IN MY HAND!” Lighting struck his staff, enveloping him as a result in a dazzling light.

His regular robes were erased, in its replacement was a long cape, shirt, and pants. The cape extended, decorated with shimmering stars that moved like the night sky with silver sprinkled on like sugar. The cape covered his mouth like his scarf, and was clasped together at his neck with his Soul Jam. It was smaller, flipped like Shadow Milk’s, but it shined like a bright star like Pure Vanilla’s. His shirt was long sleeved and puffed, slits cut into them with a similar style to Shadow Milk’s except with no ruffles at the cuffs. His shirt was decorated with stars and silver jewels, accentuating the deep blue color. His pants were inky black, covered by multiple pieces of chiffon fabric in different shades of blue and in varying length, wrapping around his waist, creating an almost skirt like silhouette. 

His hair grew slightly longer, with the underside of it depicting the beautiful night sky, just like the Fount’s had once. His hat transformed as well, drooping slightly and the brim more wide. The once waffle cone brim was changed into pure gold, with a crown that spiked up like the sun on the front. His staff had also changed slightly, the way the wood held the candy now wrapped around it instead of just letting it sit, gold and silver slivers wrapped around the wood, catching the light making it shine, and a star jewel tied it all together.

Wizard slowly descended, his cape touching the ground before his short legs did. His friends looked up at him in awe.

“Wizard Cookie! You're so-”

“Beautiful…” Gingerbrave cut Strawberry off, staring up at Wizard as if he were gazing up at the dazzling lights and swirls of the Milky Way. Strawberry tilted her head slightly, before sighing and tapping Gingerbrave lightly, snapping him out of his trance.

“I-I MEAN YOU LOOK GOOD HAHAHA!!” Gingerbrave jolted, rubbing the back of his head as he blushed furiously, Strawberry just rolled her eyes while Pure Vanilla chuckled at the two children. Wizard just looked at his friend confused before returning back to the situation at hand.

Shadow Milk stood, beyond bewildered. The spire had almost fully collapsed, the only room left was the room they were currently in.

“MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE WE HAVE TO GO!!” Black Sapphire yelled, pulling at his master with Candy Apple’s help into the closing portal.

“No! NO NO NO NO!!” Shadow Milk tried to crawl his way back out, already halfway in the portal.

“NO I CAN’T LEAVE NOT WITHOUT MY SON!!” Shadow Milk cried out, clawing at the floor leaving behind marks as he tried his best to escape the closing portal.

“NOT WITHOUT MY BABY!!” Shadow Milk sobbed, his screams louder than the destruction happening around them.

Wizard’s hand steadily lifted his staff, and pointed it right at Shadow Milk. The beast was crying and screaming like an animal, desperately trying to reach for Wizard from across the room.

“I love you too…” Wizard whispered, before letting out a small blast, pushing Shadow Milk into the portal fully. The ceiling then caved in, Wizard quickly rushed towards his friends, collecting them quickly as he slammed his staff on the floor, teleporting them to the safe outside.

Once they were safe, Wizard watched as the spire crumbled, until it was just a pathetic pile of rubble. It never was his home…but it could have been. 

“That was…AMAZING Wizard Cookie!!” Gingerbrave exclaimed, jumping onto Wizard, as soon as the other placed his weight, Wizard quickly toppled over.

“Oops! Sorry!” Gingerbrave apologized while helping Wizard up which Strawberry also helped with as now Wizard was extremely heavy due to all his new accessories.

“I’m fine, it's just this dang crown is so heavy!” Wizard huffed, fixing his large crown in place. The three of them laughed, finally happy and free.

They did it…they survived.

“So, what's the plan now Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Gingerbrave asked, his hand still holding Wizard’s. Gingerbrave’s face was very red, and he kept on taking second glances at Wizard, he wondered what that was about?

Pure Vanilla looked over all of them, a smile on his face. “The other ancients should have faced their beasts by now…well all except White Lily Cookie.” Pure Vanilla thought back, thinking about his oldest friends.

“I say it's about time we head back home.” Wizard let out a sigh of relief, his hat dropping a bit.

“Finally, back to Crispia…” Wizard mumbled, before falling where Pure Vanilla immediately went to catch him.

“Feeling tired aren’t we?” Pure Vanilla chuckled, holding Wizard with one hand. Seriously, when did he get so strong???

“It's alright, I feel a bit tired as well. But you must be feeling more so because of your small body.”

“Don’t patronize me Pure Vanilla Cookie…” Wizard mumbled, wrapping his arms around the ancient’s neck as his friends laughed.

“Alrighty…let's get you all home.” Pure Vanilla hummed, as they started to make their way back to the Faerie Kingdom, where their airship was docked nearby.

Wizard wondered what happened to Shadow Milk, he couldn’t help but feel guilty, which sounds silly after all the beast had done. All the trauma, all the near death experiences, all the manipulation.

Yet, he still wanted him close. It sounded twisted, like he had finally given up. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

He is going to continue on, defeat the beasts, defeat Dark Enchantress Cookie, and fight alongside all of his friends! He will do whatever it takes to protect cookie kind! Just like Elder Faerie, and just like what the Fount tried to do. But he will always hold out hope in his heart, that one day…Shadow Milk will be redeemed, and he’d hold Wizard in his arms once again.

Like he was always meant to do.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by Pure Vanilla squeezing him ever so slightly. “I’m sure Shadow Milk Cookie will come around…some day.” Pure Vanilla whispered into Wizard’s ear, rubbing his back slowly. 

Wizard nodded and dug his head deeper into Pure Vanilla’s neck.

“Thank you…dad.” And fell asleep, letting the moon and the stars watch over him.

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk was spat onto a forest floor, the melody of nightly ambiance replaced the noise of destruction. Shadow Milk stared up into the night sky, the full moon shining down below him. The stars twinkled, brighter than ever, as if mocking him.

Black Sapphire and Candy Apple rushed to their master’s side as he quickly sat up which made him wince in pain.

“Shadow Milk Cookie!! Are you hurt?? Is everything alright?” The two minions bombarded their master with questions, rapidly cleaning off debris and dirt as he sat in silence. Eyes bloodshot and cheeks wet.

“My baby…” Shadow Milk whimpered, slowly hugging his knees to his chest before starting to cry again. 

He had lost him…again…when he found him he swore he would clutch onto him and never let him leave again. That this time, he could protect him.

But how could he? He knew he was no longer the caring, kind, and gentle mother. He could hardly even claim the title of father. He was foolish to think he could.

His Gladiolus…gave his identity and title to fight against him, a loyal soldier to his cowardly father. His Bluebell…ran away to the Beast of Sloth to forget him, wasting away in that so-called “paradise”. His Wizard Cookie…joined sides with the thieves who stole his and his friend’s Soul Jams. 

And don’t get him started on Black Sapphire and Candy Apple.

He didn’t even try with them.

…

He lost, everything.

But how could that have happened? He was the great Shadow Milk Cookie, Master of Deceit, Ruler of these foolish cookie’s minds! He was THE scholar throughout all of Earthbread! Many cookies fought for their lives to even have the smallest chance to enroll in the school he had established oh so many years ago. He was everything to these PATHETIC LITTLE WRETCHS!! 

IGNORING THE COOKIES HE LITERALLY GAVE LIFE TO. HE ALLOWED COOKIE KIND TO LIVE.

HE WAS THE REASON BEHIND EVERYTHING!! AND WHAT DID HE GET IN RETURN!?!?

Humiliation.

He felt himself cry harder, sniffles transforming into choked sobs, as if struggling to breathe. He wanted to love and be loved back. So why couldn’t he? What was stopping him?

“Master…Shadow Milk Cookie?” Black Sapphire’s meek voice caught the beast’s attention, and he turned to face his minion.

He guessed there was his answer…

The true final nail in the coffin of the cruel beast he had become.

He pulled both Black Sapphire and Candy Apple into his arms, both letting out squeaks as they froze. Maybe in surprise, but it was most likely in fear.

“M-master?” Black Sapphire sputtered out, but was met with a slight growl as the minion was squeezed tighter, restricting his airways.

“Shut up for just a second…” Shadow Milk hummed, hugging the two closer. If he closed his eyes, he could pretend he was back to before he corrupted, hugging his two eldest tight, adoring the fine cookies they had grown into. He started to run a hand through their hair, making the both of them instantly relax, leaning into Shadow Milk’s touch.

“Papa…” Black Sapphire whispered, nuzzling into his master’s embrace, he didn’t bother to correct him this time, he didn’t have the energy nor want to. Shadow Milk could feel a tear splash against his suit, supposedly from Sapphire, as he felt his fragile body being held closer.

He supposed he hadn’t allowed this close of contact since the Silver Tree. Ever since they escaped, he made sure to keep a large distance between his two minions, hardly allowing them to even touch him anymore. After an eternity of being forced to essentially share a cramped room with the two parasites, he truly deserved his own personal space, however it unfortunately seems they would have to go back to their previous predicament until they could find suitable housing.

Way to go Shadow Milk, destroying your spire that has been around for, well I don’t know, FOREVER!? 

All thanks to a foolish thief.

How dare that pathetic cookie make him feel vulnerable. 

How dare he take advantage of Shadow Milk’s love to do his bidding! 

How dare he make Shadow Milk believe, even if it was just a second…that he was worthy and deserving of love…especially like this.

He was always used to being desired…he was smart, beautiful, elegant, he was what every cookie wanted or aspired to be. Everyone he knew loved him, adored him, or worshiped him. From the moment he was brought out of the oven as an already fully baked cookie, he had managed to capture every cookie’s attention, especially one of his fellow virtues. He remembered the day he met Elder Faerie, and the fool had proposed that same evening. He even remembered the collective disappointment when it was revealed to all of Earthbread that he was officially married.

One of his favorite memories from his wedding wasn’t the actual union, but the jealous looks of a few cookies who attended. Especially the looks by the oh so “noble” knight who always hid his face, yet Shadow Milk could sense how he bit his tongue throughout the ceremony.

It amused him so much, maybe a bit more than it should have since he was the image of innocence and kindness. Occasionally, he would read the desperate love letters sent to him out loud to his husband, where he would get a slight scolding that he should treat their feelings with delicacy. Yet he could always sense the cocky aura around the king, prideful in the fact he had the privilege to bed the witches’ perfect creation.

However when he became his true self, a beast that brought deceit, everything had changed. His husband turned on him, his children, his subjects, his students, and his friends.

They all hated him with a burning passion.

And who can blame them~ He was an agent of chaos, he didn’t care for anyone or anything unless it was for his entertainment!

He didn’t care that his friends despised him for bringing them down with him. He didn’t care that Elder Faerie dedicated the rest of his life to jailing him. He didn’t care that his children would rather think him dead than face the horrible things he has done.

He especially didn’t care about the cookie that arguably loved him most, despite his marriage, despite his family, despite his utter disinterest, suddenly striking him across his eye. Admittedly, it did feel humiliating, he had gotten too used to him acting like a poor lovesick puppy, willing to do whatever Shadow Milk asked just for the payment of a single glance. Now that same cookie despised him with his entire being, not hesitating to pull out his sword once Shadow Milk even entered his domain.

But he didn’t care.

At least that's what he said to himself.

The only cookies that truly worshipped him like before were the two little parasites that were doomed to him in the Silver Tree. And even then they would very likely despise him if he wasn’t their only option other than each other.

And that's fine.

He had gotten used to being this devilish figure, because it was the truth.

He was evil incarnate, he could do no good, he was disgusting, he was vile. Yes, all words that have been said about him, they were quite obsessed with him even after his rebirth~

But then Pure Vanilla came in…and saw Shadow Milk for him…all of him, and still wanted him by his side. That truly made him shatter.

It was absurd, how could someone who's only ever personally known him as cruel, give him the gift of forgiveness? He wanted everything Shadow Milk had to offer, his unstableness, his child, his love, his trust.

He wasn’t in love with the idea of him, the unattainable beauty of the Fount of Knowledge that would never return. He wanted Shadow Milk…the ugly, nasty, and corrupted beast. He wanted to help him, to be with him. Not to lead him down the path of redemption, pulling Shadow Milk along like an accessory, a charity case if you would. Instead, he wanted to guide him, and walk slowly beside him as they walked down the path together.

For the first time in the beast’s long life, he wasn’t a being that someone desired to own…he was a cookie that someone desired to love.

But was that all a lie? 

Or was it the truth…?

He didn’t know.

He hated not knowing things.

“I’m going to destroy Pure Vanilla Cookie.” Shadow Milk hissed, hugging his minions closer. It felt nice…but something was missing.

An empty spot.

He looked up to the night sky, the stars smiled back down at him.

He wished his baby was also in his arms…