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Chapter Text

Fount of Knowledge placed his staff far away from him as he sat in a chair holding his head in his hands, his hair flowing much more rapidly than the gentle flow it once maintained.

He waited grateful that the Light of Solidarity had not rode out once more.

The continent was unraveling at the seams.

And he was running out of time.

Fount was on the verge of succumbing to what he had battled for so long but he needed to last just a bit longer before that other self had his way with him.

One last gift the Fount of Knowledge would give to this world and it would be to the future.

If he could not see the future with his own eyes then he would have one final solace as the madness devoured him.

His heart was aching but for that cookie he had to last. Even if the thought of him made him wish to curl up on himself and sob. To embrace that sweet madness to escape this heartache.

A click and movement of the door pulled Fount from his thoughts and he forced himself to his feet but he was unsteady. On the verge of falling and the Light of Solidarity moved to his side seeing his condition, “Please sit.”

Fount offered him his best attempt at a smile.

“Are you alright? Fount of Knowledge, what is happening?”

Light of Solidarity’s head subtly moved, surveying Fount of Knowledge’s new appearance.

The underside of his hair once white was black and filled with eyes whose pupils moved about rapidly. A new sensation and sense for the Fount of Knowledge. His sclera was black and his gold eye had swirls of blue. His pattern was over his eye but the blue of his hair still had its stars.

He was half transformed.

“I am running out of time,” Fount of Knowledge managed his breathing forced and labored as pain cleaved through his mind and prickled up through his dough.

“What?! Please let me help you. I can aid you my friend,” There was desperation in the other’s voice.

The Light of Solidarity was too good of a friend.

There was no helping Fount anymore.

That ship had long sailed.

“My madness will consume me but there is on-one last thing I-I have to do. En-ensure a brighter tomorrow…” Fount managed as he leaned into the Light of Solidarity’s cold armor. A comfort as it was a sensation that wasn’t pain.

This was their reality.

The virtues were falling and Fount knew he wasn’t the first and the others were going to succumb.

That was their fate and the cookie he met’s future confirmed their doomed present.

His soul jam was set into a brooch against his chest and his gaze shifted to the key behind the virtue supporting him.

“I am beyond sal-salvation my f-friend. I know you are s-scheming for a better future. I know it will be a much be-better one. I am offering my aid for this br-bright dawn you wish t-to bring,” Speaking was becoming more labored as the pain worsened and all of his eyes closed. He had to finish what he had to say.

“M-my staff has h-half of.. My power… use it. I b-beg of you use it. T-take it far away from me,” Fount of Knowledge winced as he fully fell to the ground panting as darkness began to embrace him.

“F-farewell Light of So-Solidarity. Th-this is goodbye,” Fount offered him a smile, his gaze meeting the other who showed alarm as he knelt down to try to reach out to him. To keep him here to offer some sort of, well, solidarity to him.

“Fount! Wait!”

Fount vanished into darkness so his friend did not see what happened to him next. Whatever was to afflict him would be for him alone to endure.

~~~~~

 

“What is this?!” Shadow Milk hissed, narrowing his eyes as he looked to the beast in blackened armor. Both were bound in silver roots pinned by forks in different places binding them to the roots.

How the roots embraced them it was less like a traditional cell and it was as if they were the heart of this tree.

“Our power nurtured this tree if you haven't forgotten,” Silent Salt Cookie spoke coldly.

“That little trick Fount pulled actually worked,” Shadow Milk glanced around the darkness.

If he wasn’t in this predicament he would have laughed.

Oh what a tragicomedy!

The two were far below the other beasts in the depths of the silver tree.

“I would laugh if it was actually nothing more than a pathetic attempt to save himself. Utter failure!” The Beast of Deceit’s tone was bitter and mocking his past self.

He sneered at the attempt that fool made.

Utterly outrageous.

“You speak as if your past self is an entirely different cookie when you are one in the same,” Silent Salt Cookie broke the silence that settled between the two.

“Ha! Oh but he is in my brain! One of countless voices to fill my head! I didn’t expect you to be soooo talkative when it was you who sealed us! I thought you would embody silence and I just yap for eternity!” There was hollow laughter as the beast of deceit did what he did best.

Talk.

“Why? Why did Fount give up his power?” Silent Salt Cookie asked.

Clearly that was what was bothering him now.

Ugh Shadow Milk Cookie didn’t want to recall THAT cookie.

“And why on Earthbread would I tell you?”

There was silence and Shadow Milk had a feeling that his reason wouldn’t be THAT convincing.

“What? No response? Ugh so boring. No ‘how did you know what I was planning?’ No ‘how did you know this or that’? The answer is simple! I embodied knowledge old fool!” Shadow Milk grinned leaning forward despite the silver fork pinning his head and wrists in place a wide grin forming.

Yet the other was unreadable.

Shadow Milk Cookie must have won this little debate!

“You met someone from the future. Likely someone who bears our now split souls,” Silent Salt Cookie spoke with a matter of fact tone.

“Watch your tongue! If it wasn't pinned I would tear it out!”

Anger red hot bubbled to the surface as he struggled against the primordial magic binding him in place as more of his strength was drained.

What more could this damn tree take from him?!

It already had half of his power and stolen his freedom!

“We have time until sleep claims us. I can feel my love's magic reaching down the roots trying to lull us to an eternal sleep,” Silent Salt replied.

That numbing sensation must be that magic and the gentle hum in his ears like a lullaby among the cacophony of voices in his mind.

Shadow Milk narrowed his eyes, his head was pounding as one voice in particular was the loudest among all others talking for the last dregs of Shadow Milk’s attention.

That voice of his past self wishing to tell this story.

“Fine.”

Breaking that silence that settled over the pair was none other than the Beast of Deceit.

“If you want to tell him so bad I'll let you. Consider it a final courtesy you dead scholar so you can finally shut up,” the beast spoke under his breath and his voice shifted.

It became softer.

“It all started on a starry night when I was stargazing,” The one speaking was not the Beast of Deceit.

 

~~~

 

Fount of Knowledge watched the stars above him, his staff resting in his lap as he sat upon his rail next to his telescope. The moon cast its pale glow over earthbread like a mother tucking in their child at night wishing them the sweetest dreams.

There was an inhale followed by an exhale as he closed his eyes.

Things had been… lonely.

His fellow virtues were focused on their roles and their letters were becoming fewer and fewer. Even arcane forms of communication had become few to nonexistent.

What had he done wrong?

Perhaps he needed to try reaching out?

Or it was because of him.

Because they hated him.

Even those who sought him out for knowledge hated him.

Why?

Why did cookies seek wisdom if they only wished it to align to their views and ideals?

Knowledge shaped ideals not the other way around.

Crrrraaackk!

Fount’s eyes shot open as he felt a wave of energy hit him that knocked him off the railing and he immediately stopped his descent flying up to see a massive rift in his office.

It was like reality had shattered like glass.

Golden energy sparked and crackled through the air causing anything not tied down to be thrown around the room. Even his heavy duty shelves were starting to be pulled.

It was as if this was a black hole.

Yet there was something familiar about this magic.

It pulled on his very soul.

Fount pulled himself out of the near trance he had found himself in.

Fount aimed his staff prepared to seal up this wild magic when he stopped once more seeing a ball of light emerge from the rift and gently float down to the ground.

This light was oddly the length of a cookie and he shook his head.

He had to fix the rift that was attempting to destroy his office!

His soul jam sparked to life and his staff glowed as blue ribbons of energy twisted around his key and his magic wrapped around the rift and he furrowed his brow.

Forcing it closed in such a way was proving futile.

It was actually a bit tricky.

A smile creased his lips as he used his free hand to draw various glyphs launching each one at the rift with a flourish forming an ornate spell circle that glowed and threads emerged from it weaving reality back together.

In the end it was child’s play for the embodiment of knowledge yet there was the promise of a challenge.

Finally something not easily bending to his will brought him excitement until it succumbed so quickly.

It only lasted a moment unfortunately.

Why must nothing be a challenge?

Why couldn’t he pushed to his limits?

Why did the witches bake him like this?

The magic faded and his smile fell but then shifted to concern when he finally noticed the cookie dress in torn up rags laying on his floor.

This cookie had golden skin with pale blonde hair that was tipped gray. There was a star symbol on their forehead like a birthmark. Beside them was a staff in the shape of a Vanilla Orchid with its eye closed.

“Wha?” Fount blinked as he remained floating in the air.

Fount floated over and landed beside them and he placed his hand on their chest.

They were breathing at least whoever this cookie was.

He focused and his magic embraced this cookie checking their vitals and the state of their soul searching for any abnormalities. His blue and gold eyes glowed as he worked and what he saw made this whole affair even stranger.

This cookie at least should have such powerful magic.

The intense golden aura was proof of that but it was also tinged black and shattered like glass as if their soul was broken.

A split soul?

A split soul!

The first living example Fount of Knowledge had seen of such a phenomena!

Fount! Focus!

Right!

Right.

Make sure this cookie is stable.

Fount of Knowledge began to heal what he could seeing such extensive arcane damage using his immense supply of magic.

The best solution was time and rest, but the extent of the damage wasn’t natural. If left unchecked it could cause immense damage to their soul or what was left of it.

Whatever happened to this cookie they had undergone a painful event with both internal and external circumstances to lead to this state.

The cracks were no longer as deep, but they were still present and Fount of Knowledge dismissed the healing magic.

He had done what he could on that front.

The best thing to do was old fashioned rest and magic wrapped around this cookie and Fount began to walk. The door opened leading out of his study and the cookie floated behind him as if laying on a bed.

Fount flew down the hall and as he left all the displaced items began to return to their place, his immense power bending this reality to his will.

Flying to an unused bedroom and he tucked the cookie under the covers and he summoned a comfortable chair creating it from nothing but his magic. He sat back and observed this cookie carefully.

“Let’s hope you wake before my morning lectures,” Fount said to no one in particular as he watched the cookie sleep soundly.

 

It would be a few hours of silence and reading over several volumes of books in his collection before Fount heard any movement.

There was a shift in the bed and a groan as the cookie in bed opened their eyes.

The timing was perfect.

The sun was just beginning to rise which meant his lectures were a few hours away.

He had plenty of time to take care of this cookie.

Fount smiled and he stood grabbing this cookie’s staff as the cookie woke up. Glancing around their eyes landed on the Fount of Knowledge and there was an expression of alarm.

“O-oh! W-who are you?”

“I am known as the Fount of Knowledge and you ended up in my Spire of All Knowledge,” Fount explained. “What is your name?”

“I.. I don’t know,” The other replied and he looked up to him.

His blue and yellow eyes were faded and shattered.

“Amnesia?” Fount pondered. “Is there anything you do remember?”

The other shook his head.

“Hmm. Does this spark any memories?” Fount asked and the orchid staff that was in his hands floated over to the other’s lap resting on it.

He sat up and glanced down and there was a look of recognition before he let out a cry holding his head. Fount rushed to his side placing a hand on his shoulder checking on his aura.

“I-it hurts!” The cookie cried.

The cracks worsened and Fount frowned as he sat beside him, his mind racing as he waved his fingers and the staff vanished and his magic wrapped around him offering relief.

The cookie began to relax.

“Apologies,” Fount truly meant it.

He did not intend to hurt his soul in such a way.

The cookie was shaking as he looked at the other with fear, confusion, and pain in his eyes that strangely made his heart shatter at the sight.

Why did he feel so attached to this cookie and his well being?

“Let’s get you out of those rags and we can figure out a name to call you,” Fount offered a smile and the cookie nodded.

He smelled strongly of vanilla.

Fount stood and with a wave of his hand robes appeared and floated down to the foot of his bed.

“I will wait outside for you. We can head to the library so you can pick a name for yourself and to formulate a plan,” Fount did not wish to trigger another episode for this cookie.

Fount also planned on cancelling his lectures for today.

Besides they had become more of a chore as of late.

Nothing but arguments.

Not even debates. The cookies wished to be right and see no other viewpoint.

He stepped out of the room to offer him privacy and he pondered the details of this event after shutting the door.

This cookie emerged from a rift of powerful magic that sparked a sense of familiarity as if he knew the source. Yet Fount of Knowledge had never seen such a cookie like this one in his long life and there was also the fact he was a split soul.

This is most likely what triggered his memory loss and thus the pain when trying to recall his past.

His soul did not want him to remember who he was.

It was a protective measure.

It made the matter of his identity even more curious and a mystery that Fount wished to unravel, but it would be one that he would hopefully come to learn in time.

Fount did not like seeing other cookies suffer needlessly but especially this one which was another strange aspect to this situation.

Why did he feel such a connection to this cookie?

It was fleeting but there.

Why?

It didn’t make any sense.

It was settled that Fount of Knowledge would do all he could to unravel this mystery without doing harm to this cookie.

Perhaps maybe he could finally share his true name after not using it for so long?

There was simply no point as cookies remembered a title much better than names.

Excitement bubbled to the surface for the first time in he had forgotten how long it had been.

Finally something that interested him!

The door opened and the cookie was dressed in his new clothes and he said, “I’m ready.”

“Excellent let us be off,” Fount said warmly and he began to fly and the other cookie blinked before he walked behind him on foot.

“Do you fly everywhere?”

“Hmm? Yes. Normally I teleport everywhere but I figured it would be too much for you to handle,” Fount of Knowledge explained.

“You can teleport?” The other sounded amazed.

It was the simple amazement like a child would possess.

Fount stopped and he vanished and reappeared at his side causing the other to jump and Fount laughed, “Apologies! I figured I would demonstrate! Demonstrations are often the best form of teaching.”

“I didn’t expect it,” The other replied. “Why do I suspect I might be capable of something similar?”

“You do possess magic so it is possible with enough work but that is quite advanced we will have to work on the basics first. Fortunately for you I am Earthbread’s finest teacher!” Fount spoke with such a matter of fact tone.

It was the truth.

He founded Earthbread’s education system.

There was no better educator than himself!

Fount floated in front of this cookie and his smile was a gentle one yet the smile never reached his eyes. There was a deep sadness within them and he had bags under his eyes no matter how much he said he didn’t need sleep he was perpetually exhausted.

Fount turned and resumed leading the way through his spire.

“Have you been getting enough sleep?” His companion inquired.

“Hmm? I do not need sleep. I am not a normal cookie,” Fount replied offering a simple response yet one that was instinctual.

An autopilot response.

“Perhaps you should still try to rest. You look exhausted,” The other replied, concern entering his voice.

“You have the instincts of a healer. No memories of yourself yet you show such care for a stranger you have only met today,” Fount noted, making a verbal and mental note of this.

“I guess so. It just comes to me as naturally as breathing.”

“Hmm perhaps we can call you Healer Cookie for now,” Fount turned to face him. “How does that sound?”

The other stopped and he regarded the suggestion, his brow furrowing before he smiled, “I think I would like that. Thank you Fount of Knowledge.”

“Healer Cookie it is,” Fount smiled.

“Well I suppose then let’s get started on your education,” Fount mused.

“Hmm?”

“You have a lot of magic that could potentially go out of control if you aren’t careful. We don’t want any cookie hurt do we?” Fount informed him as his hands went behind his back and he floated forward, his key floating beside him, the eye in it narrowing reflecting his emotions.

Magic that powerful and unstable left unchecked could cause harm to Healer Cookie and others around him.

“No!” The other called with fear in his voice at the mere thought of the possibility.

“I.. I am that dangerous?” Healer Cookie held himself.

Way to go Fount.

Fount’s expression showed alarm as he floated in front of him and his hands framed each side of Healer Cookie but stopped just before touching him.

“No! Not at all! Magic is just a tricky thing that responds to external stimuli if you do not possess careful control. Accidents with young mages are commonplace but we still need to take precautions! The sooner the better!” Fount said quickly.

“Even when I become too upset accidents occur. And I have been wielding magic for countless thousands of years,” Fount added to hopefully quell his nerves.

How long had it been since he interacted with a cookie on a purely social basis?

He was utterly inept.

Absolutely atrocious Fount.

Healer Cookie looked amazed hearing how old his companion was.

It had been so long since Fount had seen such child-like excitement.

He should teach more youth classes. Teaching the adults had become grating and weighed down on him like he was placed at the bottom of the ocean and feeling the weight of such depths.

If he was being honest with himself, Fount of Knowledge had felt lost for some time now.

Was teaching even what he wanted to do?

Honestly?

No.

It was his duty as the Virtue of Knowledge.

How else was he to fulfill that role?

Fount of Knowledge led Healer Cookie to the library as he had put up a notice that his lectures for the day were cancelled. Healer Cookie had stars in his broken eyes, seeing all the books that went from floor to ceiling and there were 4 stories to his library with a fifth one being constructed. Familiars floated about building the fifth level.

“Healer Cookie? You can read later I promise. I will gladly share my library with you but first fundamentals of magic,” Fount called his attention.

Healer Cookie turned his attention to him, “I have never seen so many books! Your library is wonderful! I see why they call you Fount of Knowledge!”

“We need to make you a wand or staff first and foremost and thus that means gathering materials,” Fount explained and the other nodded.

Fount of Knowledge raised his staff and blue light embraced him and he appeared as a young man with white hair that faded to blue in ornate robes, his staff a wooden one that resembled a tree wrapped around a blue gemstone.

“Shall we?” He smiled, his voice sounding different.

“If I hadn’t seen you do it I would wonder where you have gone, Fount,” Healer Cookie remarked. “Will you teach me healing magic? I don’t want to hurt anyone I would like to help.”

“Yes but first you need a wand or staff attuned to your magic which means learning how to build one. After all, if you know how to build a wand or staff you will never find yourself in a troublesome situation if you can recognize what materials will work. Knowledge is power,” Fount smiled.

That was how things were done after all.

While there were wands and staves available for purchase they would never be as effective as making it yourself. Besides if one was in a dangerous situation or a pinch making a staff could save their life.

If Fount was going to teach this cookie he would do it properly not like all those cookies who twisted his teachings for the fastest result even if that result was not nearly as effective.

“Does furniture normally levitate?” Healer Cookie asked.

Fount blinked and the furniture floated back down, “Sometimes! Let’s go!”

Fount walked over and grabbed ahold of Healer Cookie’s arm and they reappeared on the outskirts of the city built near his tower. It was a center for magic and mages with more arcane academies than anywhere else in the known world.

Healer Cookie looked disoriented and held on to Fount for balance and the two remained stationary as Fount let him recover.

“Teleporting for the first time can be quite disorienting, causing dizziness and nausea,” Fount said. “Are you alright? Do you need to sit down?”

Fount should have asked if he was alright with teleportation before he performed it.

Ugh why was he such a fool?

“Yes I am alright. Thank you,” Healer Cookie offered him a smile.

Fount smiled relieved and the pair walked into town. Fount called forth a pouch that he filled to the brim with gold coins tied to his waist. Healer Cookie held on to his arm as they entered the traffic of the city.

 

The virtue was grateful for him holding on otherwise he might have lost him in the crowd. Healer Cookie was taking in all the sights and sounds as the pair walked heading to the shops they needed.

Perhaps it was a mistake to bring him to the city?

He just awoke that morning with no memories.

He hoped he wasn’t overwhelming him.

Foolish Fount of Knowledge.

Heh he heard that insult so much lately.

His grip on his staff tightened.

All Fount did was make mistakes.

He was a mistake.

The virtues should have never been baked.

“This is amazing!” Healer Cookie said seeing cookies flying on brooms through the early morning sky, carts moving on their own, and all the other enchantments that the city utilized.

“I suppose. It is nothing compared to my tower,” Fount replied perhaps a bit arrogantly.

Healer Cookie smiled, “I would love to hear all about it.”

“Really?” Fount asked him genuinely caught off guard.

“Of course!” Healer Cookie had nothing but warmth to his voice but Fount’s heart pounded in his chest.

How long had it been since a cookie had been genuinely interested in what he had to speak on outside of lessons?

The pair had walked to a part of the city that was oddly quiet as Fount walked on instinct and he felt Healer Cookie’s grip on his arm tighten.

“Look out!” Healer Cookie called and pulled Fount to the ground which finally pulled the other out of his trance.

An arrow of darkness had impaled itself into the stone with wisps of red flowing along it.

Darkness erupted around the pair forming a large cage on the square they stood in and cookies emerged from the shadows.

“Hand over your valuables,” One said clearly to the leader with white and black hair and dark skin and a scar over his eyes.

All wore armor or heavy duty clothes meant for facing tough opponents.

Fount recognized that.

The material was expensive and high quality; these were top tier thieves. It seems he found members of the thieves guild that had overheard the leaders and other scholars speak about in his debates.

Debates that had become nothing more than meetings to beg a god to solve their problems and prove who is right or wrong.

Fount stood and the sky seemed to darken as clouds gathered but he noticed it too late and an arrow pierced his chest and his eyes widened as his staff clattered to the ground.

He felt his magic begin to numb but it wasn’t powerful enough to do as this curse intended.

A sealing curse.

Those BASTARDS!

Fount looked livid as his magic erupted around him coming off in dark blue flames, his hair flowing seemed to darken for a brief moment, gaining eyes as dark blue magic erupted from his chest.

The magic formed hands that seemed to lunge for the cookies who cried out or cursed as they dodged the magic pursuing them as Fount struggled to contain his emotions and unravel that sealing curse.

Burn it all down.

Tear it all to pieces.

BrEaK tHeM.

“I will n-not heed your words!” Fount called gripping his head, his hands digging into his hair.

Healer Cookie on instinct dove for his staff and held it in his hands.

“Wh-what are you doing?!” Fount his eyes changing color and becoming slitted pupils.

Healer Cookie lifted the staff and it glowed and Fount felt all he knew about the world shatter.

Golden light emanated from it as a glyph appeared under them forming a barrier and his hair flowed, gaining a golden glow and for a moment his eyes looked whole.

The curse on Fount unraveled in an instant and the pain that came with it vanished as the shadowy magic was dispelled. His key returned to his hands.

Fount raised his staff and his magic erupted from wrapping all the criminals in hands made of magic and he drew a sigil and arcane sealing curses appeared on their bodies as his disguise melted away.

There was fear among the criminals as the Fount of Knowledge floated up with the cookies trapped and powerless.

“Fount lets turn them into authorities! Please!” Healer Cookie called panic in his voice.

Fount looked down to him and the criminals vanished and he floated down and dispelled the remnant dark magic from the area that had intended to act as a cage.

He was breathing heavily, his hair disheveled as he held a hand to his chest, his other hand kept a firm grip on his key.

“Are you alright? You looked like we were breaking,” Healer Cookie sounded concerned but Fount was weary.

He took a step back curling in on himself.

Who…?

Who was this cookie?

His mind couldn’t let go of what he saw or felt.

The Soul Jam of Knowledge, his soul obeyed him.

Fount of Knowledge was trembling.

“How… How can you wield the Soul Jam of knowledge? How can you wield my soul?”

Chapter Text

“W-what? I don’t… I don’t know how I did..,” Healer Cookie stammered stepping away from Fount seeing him so intense. “I-I’m sorry I just acted! My body moved on its own.”

Tears formed in his eyes and Fount drew in a shaky breath and he exhaled.

Healer Cookie did not deserve this anger.

He had no memories.

Fount could not blame him for acting on instinct.

It was only natural.

 

“I’m sorry. I am sorry.”

No excuses.

He truly was sorry.

Calm down Fount.

“W-what is the Soul Jam?” Healer Cookie asked tentatively yet he kept his distance curled in on himself, his arms drawn close to his body.

Fount of Knowledge looked to the gemstone set in his staff and his eyes widened when he noticed the streaks of white that flowed in his hair seemed much darker. His eye color hadn’t returned to its blue and gold.

No.

That shadow can’t be overwhelming him!

Please!

He is the Fount of Knowledge!

His eyes widened.

“No nonononononono no one can see me like this!” Fount called his hand tangled itself into his hair as his breathing became rapid and his heart thundered in his ears.

The world began to spin.

It was literally spinning the street and block rotating around them causing Healer Cookie to fall down to the ground and close his eyes.

Fount fell to his knees as the buildings distorted and became larger than life, beginning to tower over them stretching high enough to overshadow the sun and sky itself. Forming a dome around the pair as reality bended and distorted reflecting his fragile mental state.

Healer Cookie crawled over blindly keeping his eyes sealed shut, falling over from the magic affecting reality. Hands gripped Fount’s shoulders and he felt a cookie pulled up onto his knees.

“Fount of Knowledge! I am here! I am the only one here!” Healer Cookie removed his outer robe and covered Fount with it in an attempt to hide his monstrous features.

To hide the traits that caused Fount so much pain.

To hide the fact he was falling.

Falling to a truth he could not let come to pass.

There was still time.

I embody knowledge.

I embody knowledge.

I do not embody deceit.

The world is not built on lies.

There are cookies who spread the truth.

Cookies are not liars!

Fount was shaking as everything was spiraling that was until he felt his cheeks grabbed and he was forced to look into Healer Cookie’s shattered eyes.

Healer Cookie looked determined, “Breathe with me.”

He took in a deep breath and exhaled and he kept performing this slow and steady breathing in hopes that Fount would follow him.

Don’t trust him.

This cookie can control you.

Destroy him.

Kill.

Kill!

Make him crumble and writhe in agony!

Fount began to follow Healer Cookie’s steady breathing and eventually reality around them returned to normal and the features that helped further spark his downward spiral faded.

Healer Cookie smiled seeing it and Fount finally realized the pair had the same color eyes even which eye was gold.

Even if this cookie was sent by the witches to control him he had to know his identity.

Besides maybe being a puppet wouldn’t be so bad after all?

At least maybe it proved the witches hadn’t truly abandoned them.

Yet he knew deep down that was a lie.

The witches had given up on this world.

Their silence was deafening.

At least soon he wouldn’t have to feel anything anymore.

Fount smiled and Healer Cookie’s smile was nothing but warmth relief evident seeing Fount be pulled out of his anxiety attack.

“Let’s return and have a nice meal,” Healer Cookie said.

“Normal cookies need to eat… NORMAL COOKIES NEED TO EAT?! How could I forget something so fundamental?!” Fount called his eyes wide as he floated off the ground and he raised his key.

Reality shifted around them and they reappeared at the Spire in a room that quickly shaped into a kitchen. Books and tomes of recipes appeared around him from his vast collection as he quickly scanned each page.

“Please don’t fret! I shouldn’t have mentioned we need materials for a wand after all,” Healer Cookie said quickly.

“I can create the materials! Your health is more important!” Fount called in response.

His magic began to create the ingredients and they began to prep themselves as pans floated on to the stove that ignited.

Healer Cookie stood watching this in amazement as reality bent to Fount’s will effortlessly.

It was subconscious for Fount.

Whatever his mind willed reality would heed his request.

Fount wished it resisted him more.

That reality fought him more.

“You can create anything,” Healer Cookie breathed under his breath.

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement.

Which Healer Cookie was correct.

Fount finally reached a point in the recipe where his focus could lax and he turned his gaze to Healer Cookie, “As long as I understand its fundamental essence yes I can.”

“How can you do it?” Healer Cookie asked. “Other than magic. You seem so far above any other cookie in strength.”

“I am a Virtue. A messenger for the witches meant to spread their word to cookiekind through the virtues they wish all cookies to embody and learn,” Fount of Knowledge replied, his voice faltering some.

“I was made in their image and it is why my power is so immense. Immense power and placed on a pedestal by the very Cookies I was baked to resemble.”

“You don’t consider yourself a Cookie?” Healer Cookie sounded truly confused and he frowned at that realization.

“No.”

“Hmm I disagree with your position. Even with all that power you are still a cookie. You become tired, you express emotions just like we do. Your body is made of dough and you smell like fine cream. The reason you were made is so you could best understand cookies and what we need versus simply being a witch who could never understand us fully,” Healer Cookie spoke like a scholar and the cracks in his eyes looked less severe.

Fount was left speechless as he stared at Healer Cookie taking in each feature.

“I haven’t had a debate like this since I last spoke with the Sage of Volition,” Fount said to himself.

“Did I misspeak?” Healer Cookie asked.

“No. Never be afraid to speak your mind even if you disagree with what I say. I want to hear it. I. It’s been too long since I last simply debated like this,” Fount said smiling.

He welcomed this.

Healer Cookie smiled before he blinked, “Fount the pot.”

Fount blinked, turning his head seeing it boiling over and he rushed over and turned down the heat and began to tend to the food following the recipe once more.

 

Somehow the meal turned out alright or at least Healer Cookie seemed to enjoy it with no complaints. Fount did not anticipate the cookie insisting he had a plate of what he cooked and yet here he was sitting at his unused dining room with a clean plate.

Healer Cookie had several servings and he said, “That was delicious! What can’t you do?”

Have a social life.

“You are too kind!” Fount said with a wave of his hand leaning forward turning his attention to Healer Cookie.

The plates floated back to the kitchen to wash themselves and he smiled glad that there was a moment of peace.

Perhaps this cookie belonged with the Sage of Volition or even the Sugar of Happiness?

They were better equipped to care for a normal cookie than him.

He thought to the pair and he shook his head.

Communication with his fellow beasts had been strained at best.

They hate him at least he believed they did.

Why else would they go silent?

Even normal cookies hated him.

That was something he had in common with them at least.

He hated himself most of all.

“I think this world needs more kindness,” Healer Cookie said.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Fount replied.

Did he truly mean that?

Not even he knew the answer.

All he knew was that kindness was never for him.

He was meant to give but never receive.

Such was the role of the Fount of Knowledge.

A role that forced him to forego his own name…

Healer Cookie stood and he approached Fount of Knowledge, “Well what shall we do now?”

“We can make your staff and we can remain here in the tower. It has all we need,” Fount hadn’t really left his tower much lately.

Why did he need to?

Not like this world had anything to offer him.

“Perhaps we can go for a walk after? You need some sunlight,” Healer Cookie told him. “Being cooped up isn’t healthy for you.”

“Fine we can,” Fount chuckled and he rose up and flew with Healer Cookie following behind him as they headed to his research lab.

 

Healer Cookie’s amazement would never cease to be adorable as he watched Fount create various materials to act as a base for the staff. Various woods, stone, metals, all the materials he knew a wand or staff was fashioned out of.

Fount had a smile seeing his excitement at his work and it drove back the gnawing despair.

Healer Cookie picked Sun Wood as the base of his staff.

The other materials vanished and Fount sat down and taught him how to whittle and carve away at the wood to form a staff shape. He let Healer Cookie carve what he wished and he noticed it resembled a shepherd's hook with vine-like extensions for holding the arcane conduit.

To say Fount was impressed would be an understatement.

To achieve such a quality work on his first carve! This cookie’s old instincts must be showing subconsciously.

Perhaps this journey to learning magic would help this cookie recall his past in a way that didn’t cause him soul breaking agony?

If he could recall his past Fount could send him home but he couldn’t just send him off without any knowledge of his homeland or even when he hailed from.

The rift he closed was a spacetime rift meaning this cookie hailed from a different time.

Fount offered Healer Cookie a variety of arcane conduits and the one he picked was a Light Stone; it was what resonated with him the most.

Fount helped him set the conduit into the staff and Healer Cookie marveled at his work so far.

“So you are naturally aligned to Light Magic,” Fount connected the dots with a smile.

“Hmm?” Healer Cookie looked to him to see his gentle smile.

“Magic has different sources, each school centered around energy pulled from these different sources. While I know all branches of magic my specialty is Dark Moon Magic. Yours seems to be my opposite White Magic which pulls from the sun and sources of light,” Fount explained. “Mine stems from the dark side of the moon and the vastness of space.”

Healer Cookie watched him with such interest and he looked to his almost completed staff.

“What can White Magic do?” He asked.

“It is meant to heal and protect,” Fount replied. “Fitting for you Healer Cookie.”

“I can heal and help others!” The cookie was so excited and passionate for his desired role.

Fount wished he knew what that was like.

“Yes you can. With the right guidance you will be the greatest healer Earthbread has ever seen,” Fount was unaware of the irony of his words and Healer Cookie looked to him with such hope in his shattered eyes.

He wished that was him.

He wished he had hope.

Hope for himself and tomorrow.

He dreaded tomorrow.

There was no hope for him.

“The last step is the binding ritual to bind your wand to you and to make it a proper extension of yourself,” Fount explained.

Fount floated down to him and pressed himself to his back, “Focus deep down on to your soul. The energy flowing through your dough and coursing through your jam. That power. That spark. Find it and call it forth and sense the power in your staff and connect it. I will help you forge that connection.”

Healer Cookie’s cheeks heated up at how close Fount was, his face almost resting on his shoulder.

“A-alright I think I am ready,” Healer Cookie stammered.

“Close your eyes and ground yourself,” Fount instructed and the pair closed their eyes.

Fount placed a hand on Healer Cookie’s waist and his power seeped into his dough searching for his magic. He found that brilliant light that shined like the sun and he helped Healer Cookie guide it and establish the connection to his staff.

Healer Cookie became wrapped in gold light and so did his staff as the connection was completed and the light faded as both opened their eyes.

“You did it!” Fount called proudly.

“I did it! I did magic!” Healer Cookie turned to face fount. “Of my own awareness!”

“Yes you did!” Fount beamed happily.

Healer Cookie looked at his staff with a prideful smile and expression. He turned it over in his hands taking in every detail. While it was crude and simple it would suffice for a cookie’s first staff.

 

“It’s time for lunch,” Fount said, summoning a pocket watch as he looked at the cookie next to him.

“Can we cook lunch together?” Healer Cookie asked.

“Yes. Let us both learn how to cook together,” Fount smiled and he led the way to the kitchen.

 

Lunch was admittedly a disaster.

It started when Healer Cookie insisted they not use magic.

The list of what went wrong went as follows:

Neither knew how to use the stove without magic and thus almost burned down the entire kitchen trying to light it.

Becoming wrapped up in a debate while the bread was proofing leading to it overproofing.

Almost burning said bread due to resuming their debate.

Then almost overcooking the jelly steaks.

Healer Cookie ended up covered in flour and wine which admittedly Fount shouldn’t have kept either near each other if he was being honest. There was another fire that happened when he was cleaning up Healer Cookie.

Fount couldn’t believe cooking was so exhausting.

“Cookies do this every day. How?” Fount groaned and Healer Cookie laughed.

“I think this disaster was good for us both!” Healer Cookie called as they sat at the table eating the admittedly terrible fruits of their labor.

“This situation taught me that without magic I cannot cook,” Fount replied, slumping down onto the table, his forehead meeting the wood, his key resting in his lap.

Healer Cookie chuckled, “We are beginners. We are future chefs in the making! We just have to learn from our mistakes.”

“Oh to be blindly optimistic,” Fount said as he looked up and his chin rested on the table.

“Come on, no one else is going to eat this meal. I don’t even think the animals would,” Healer Cookie lamented.

Fount sighed, “You are correct.”

He reached over to the bread and grabbed a slice and began to eat and grabbed some juice to wash it down. Thankfully alcohol solved most terrible meals and awkward social events.

It solved a lot of problems but also created its fair share.

 

Fount had definitely overdone it on the juice.

He didn’t remember much of the day after lunch other than Healer Cookie carrying him on his back to Healer Cookie’s bedroom.

A bedroom which Fount in his infinite drunken wisdom decided to flip upside down making the floor the ceiling and vice versa.

It seemed to bring some humor to him even if it made Healer Cookie’s life difficult.

He remembered the laughing fit he had entered before he passed out.

Fount lay on the bed looking down to the ceiling turned floor to see Healer Cookie curled up on a pile of blankets and pillows.

How.

How did Healer Cookie even get him up here?

Fount shook his head as he slipped out of the covers and he fixed the room placing Healer Cookie in his bed where he belonged.

Fount watched him sleep peacefully and despite his pounding headache it pulled a smile from him as he tucked him in.

“Sweet dreams Healer Cookie,” Fount said smiling before he left the room.

“No more drinking for me,” Those words were spoken when he was in the hallway and the door was shut behind him.

Fount glanced at his staff and the soul jam of knowledge and he frowned as he flew off to his lab needing to examine his soul jam.

The memories of yesterday morning were burned into his mind.

Fount began to work placing his staff down and began to perform various tests that took much of the night to complete. He willed his familiars to create porridge for Healer Cookie and deliver it to him when dawn drew close.

Healer Cookie deserved breakfast in bed after yesterday.

Fount sat down pouring over the results and he ran a hand through his hair frustration evident on his face.

“Everything is not normal!” He tossed the papers away in anger, and they scattered across the room.

Cascading down around him before settling into a disorganized mess.

He stood and began to pace.

“There is no way everything is fine! My soul was puppeteered!” Fount called. “How?!”

You liked it! You loved the feeling of not being in control for once.

Fount drew in a breath and he disregarded that voice as his shadow’s eyes seemed to become alive, gaining two different shades of blue and it severed from him gaining some shape and form. Floating up and grabbing his shoulders it had a toothy grin as the mark that was on his forehead appeared over the shadow’s eye.

 

Admit it.

It’s voice echoed in his mind.

Fount elected to ignore it and he pushed his shadow away from him. He walked to his staff and decided to run more tests.

There had to be something he was overlooking.

Come on, don't be coy! We both know we aren’t normal nor stable. We are on the verge of shattering!

Just give in!

Fount placed his staff down on a device meant to examine the stability of artifacts and the spells that composed them. It was a table with rings and gemstones floating around it and he activated the arcane lock and held out his hand. The rings separated from each other entering a circle around the table and his staff as it began to examine his staff again.

His shadow followed him and it floated in front of him grabbing his face.

Embrace me already! We both know this world is one built on lies so why not break those false truths and let them live in deceit?

Everyone so desperately wishes for that fate!

Fount narrowed his eyes and he grabbed the shadow by the throat and he slammed it into the wall exerting his magic leaving cracks in the wall and he said, “I will not succumb to your temptations. This will pass and you will be nothing more than a memory!”

He was choking his shadow and it showed signs of struggle before it laughed echoing in Fount’s ears giving up the act.

You are closer to me than you think! Keep lying to yourself. I'll be here when you accept the truth and embrace deceit.

The shadow vanished and Fount was breathing heavily.

Perhaps Healer Cookie was right.

He did need to go for walks more.

Fount dismissed the magic that began to work and the device fell dormant and he approached and grabbed his staff.

Leaving his lab and making his way to Healer Cookie’s room. He knocked on his door.

“Healer Cookie? Can I come in?” Fount asked.

After a moment there was movement and the door was opened and Healer Cookie smiled, “How are you feeling?”

“Better. Apologies for last night,” Fount frowned.

Healer Cookie chuckled, “There was no harm! Just a comical inconvenience but I accepted the challenge and managed to put you into bed!”

“I am still not sure how you managed that,” Fount chuckled.

“Well figure it out then,” Healer Cookie challenged.

Fount arched an eyebrow, “Gladly. Shall we?”

“Hmm?”

“You are right I need to go out more so let us walk around the forest around the Spire of All Knowledge and enjoy nature for all its beauty,” Fount of Knowledge said, a smile forming as he pushed away what happened in the lab.

Healer Cookie smiled as he grabbed his staff and walked with Fount into the hall and the pair made their way out of the tower and into the morning sunlight.

Chapter Text

Fount thought everything over.

He wasn't a heavy cookie first of all.

The problem lies in getting him up to the ceiling with the only knowledge of magic being instinctual.

Healer Cookie could not have done it alone that much was obvious.

There were plenty of familiars in his Spire. Creatures of his design carrying out their roles and any new commands he gave.

The cleaning familiars were on a tight schedule each minute planned. They would not have easily deviated but there is the fact Healer Cookie can somehow command his soul.

Perhaps they did heed his command?

No.

The cleaning familiars don’t listen to his orders as their creator. They adhered to their carefully designed schedule.

Unruly things.

It would have to be another type of familiar.

Hmmm.

Healer Cookie was a good sport while Fount thought things over.

The pair were walking side by side and Healer Cookie had a gentle smile as he took in the plants and dessert creatures around him. They were walking through his garden towards the forest trails that he created ages ago and maintained for certain guests who loved jaunts through nature to clear their heads.

Fount’s mind shifted to Healer Cookie, the biggest puzzle of all beside him.

Who was he?

He was a kind cookie who wished to help and heal everyone around him. Yet he was very wise despite entering this age with amnesia. It seems the amnesia is more or less an imprisonment of his old memories but his soul itself wishes to call upon what made him whole. It allows him to recall knowledge yet the memories tied to said knowledge was not meant to be remembered.

A fascinating phenomenon with split souls it seems.

They yearned to be whole deep down no matter how much pain it causes to themselves.

So who was he truly?

Fount did not recognize him or even hear about a great healer among cookies who would warrant his recognition.

That was a fact he knew deep in his core.

Healer Cookie was truly a healer. The evidence was the powerful healing spell he called forth with his soul jam the other day.

Fount would fathom to guess he was one of if not THE best of his age.

That level of arcane command would attract attention.

Specifically his attention.

Fount had met or at least heard of every single great mage and arcane scholar that ever existed. He had to meet them to record their efforts into his extensive ever growing collection.

His familiars traveled far and wide gathering knowledge to bring back to him even if it took them years to complete their journey.

Often these mages and scholars reached out to the illustrious Fount of Knowledge for a chance to meet the greatest mage on Earthbread.

Fount would have heard of this cookie.

Which meant he was from the future.

Fount could confirm this by traversing to his Other Realm where the past, present, and future blended together.

At the thought of his Other Realm he grew apprehensive.

No.

That realm has become… not entirely his own.

It’s gained a darkness.

Far greater than what it usually has.

Out of the question.

Fount will gain all he needs in reality.

Besides that shadow of his does not need more influence.

Healer Cookie is a cookie from the future and one of great importance with great power.

Wait.

Fount froze, his breath catching in his throat.

Were the virtues… replaced?

It.

It made too much sense.

“Fount?” Healer Cookie cocked his head as he turned to face him. “Are you alright?”

The virtues were failures.

Someone replaced them.

He knew it wasn’t the witches. They hadn’t been seen or heard of in thousands of years.

So who could be the one to perform such a feat?

Was it the Virtues themselves who created those to replace them?

 

It was the only possibility.

One of them performed that feat.

They were the only ones capable of performing primordial magic.

It was the most logical explanation.

The only one that fit all the facts he had.

Doesn’t it make sense to burn it all down?

Burn!

Burnburnburnburnburnburnburnburnburnburnburn!

Fount drew in steady breaths as Healer Cookie stepped forward, “Fount. What troubles you?”

“May I ask you a question?” Fount asked.

Healer Cookie nodded concern evident on his face as he held his staff close to his chest watching Fount carefully.

“Do you ever wonder what cookies experience on death’s door? What goes through their minds? Are they cursing their fate and the witches or are they at peace ready to embrace what lies on the other side?” Fount gripped his key as he looked at Healer Cookie.

Taking in each feature with a new light. He was face to face with his replacement.

His replacement seemed so frail.

“I think that depends on the cookie and their disposition. Why are you thinking such things? Didn’t you say you were immortal?” Healer Cookie asked as he stepped forward to where the pair were face to face.

“I am. My dough is undying but there are many ways to deal with such cookies giving them a fate worse than death. I guess it is something I have always wondered,” Fount gave him a dismissive smile.

“I should have kept up some conversation. I wanted to give you time to think about how I got you up to the ceiling. I should have realized your mind would spiral apologies Fount of Knowledge,” Healer Cookie frowned as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

Fount had a sad look in his eyes and he glanced around at the milkcrown flowers framing their path. A reminder of his name, the flower named in his likeness.

“It’s Pristine Milk Cookie actually.”

“Hmm?”

“My name. I… I haven’t used it in eons,” Pristine Milk Cookie gave the other his best smile. “Please address me with it.”

If he was to be replaced at least let it be not as Fount of Knowledge but as Pristine Milk Cookie.

If he was to meet his end well let’s throw away the role of Virtue and try to live as the cookie that could never please another soul?

Not even his own creators.

A failure.

Doomed to be thrown away.

“Of course Pristine Milk Cookie,” Healer Cookie smiled. “You haven’t used your name in that long?”

“It’s time for me to live as myself for a while,” Pristine Milk Cookie began to walk his staff tapping the ground beside him.

“It was easier for everyone to know me by the virtue I embodied and the title they crafted alongside it. Yet I always missed those bygone days when I would hear my name spoken to me when Cookies once lived in my tower as my personal pupils.”

“Am I your pupil?” Healer Cookie asked, cocking his head.

“Only if you wish to be. Do you want to be my pupil?” Pristine Milk Cookie looked to the other.

If Healer Cookie was his replacement he would leave him all the tools he needed and when Healer Cookie was able to recall what era he resided send him back to his time.

Then Pristine Milk Cookie would face whatever fate awaited him.

If that meant succumbing to that madness then so be it.

It isn’t like he wished to be a virtue anymore.

The witches can have their title back.

He wasn’t their puppet any longer!

“I would!” Healer Cookie beamed.

A warmth like the sun radiated so purely off him and Pristine Milk Cookie found himself craving that warmth.

“Let’s continue our walk and then after begin our first lesson,” Pristine Milk Cookie heading towards the paved trails with Healer Cookie at his side asking all manner of questions about what he would learn.

Pristine Milk Cookie answered each one feeling energy return to him. Even if that clock was ticking down to his eventual fate he would cherish these moments for the rest of his long life.

 

The pair returned to the Spire of All Knowledge and Pristine Milk Cookie led them to a much smaller classroom. A classroom that hadn’t been used in ages and he approached the old desk and smiled fondly.

“I used to teach my pupils here. I haven’t used it in so long. It brings back so many memories,” Pristine Milk smiled as he glanced around countless memories rising to the surface.

“We are close to the top of the Spire. Does that indicate it is older?” Healer Cookie asked.

“Yes. This used to be close to the bottom floor but I added my more important rooms to the bottom which naturally pushed what I used to think was important up high into the heavens like this,” Pristine Milk Cookie explained with a smile.

“Do you have a fear of heights?” Pristine Milk turned cocking his head.

“Not at all,” Healer Cookie replied.

“Excellent, let's begin then. We are starting with the fundamentals. The basics on magic and how it works before we move on to understanding spells and their basic structures,” Pristine Milk waved his staff and the materials needed manifested in front of Healer Cookie’s seat alongside means to take notes.

Healer Cookie approached and sat down in his seat and set his staff against the table beside him and began to set up his table laying out the books and parchments.

Pristine Milk Cookie turned to face the board and created some chalk that began to write down the start of his lesson.

He missed this.

It took the realization his end was coming for him to finally live out his final days as he desired.

His final pupil would be his replacement as the Virtue of Knowledge.

A fitting finale to Earthbread’s greatest fool.

It seems his replacement didn’t escape the pain and suffering his predecessor endured. He frowned as he wrote but he had to focus.

Focus on the lesson.

Impart your wisdom and all it is worth to him.

“Ready Healer Cookie?”

“I think so Pristine Milk Cookie!” The other replied, giving him a bright smile.

Pristine Milk Cookie smiled in return and he turned towards the board. He began to teach and for the first time in thousands of years he enjoyed teaching.

 

Pristine Milk Cookie walked into his bedroom for the first time in thousands of years yet it is always kept pristine by his familiars. He walked towards his unused bed and he traced his fingers along the edges.

“Even if nightmares await me I will act like a god no longer,” Pristine Milk Cookie said and he looked at his robes in the mirror holding his key in hand.

The key floated to a stand designed for it and he snapped his fingers and his robes removed themselves from his dough. He wore only a pair of pants he kept on so he did not show a sight that would only hurt his image.

“No more thinking only of what others want from me. In fact,” Pristine Milk Cookie held out his hand and focused and his dark blue magic glowed around his hand as the forest surrounding his spire shifted.

It went from allowing cookies to enter it to barring all visitors through arcane means that would disorient and redirect them back the way they came.

“No more visitors! No more judgemental cookies demanding my attention! No more meetings! None of that!” He called and laughed as he spun around his room.

“I shall be free of all these chains!”

A room he never got to know.

A room that had always been for show more than actual use but not any more!

“I will leave this world with not a whimper but a roar! I will ensure Healer Cookie can fulfill his role and then let this world know what I have always thought!” Pristine Milk grinned as he looked to the glass ceiling that showed the stars and moonlight above.

“Yes the perfect plan,” Pristine Milk chuckled as he let the moonlight embrace his bare dough.

“Ah the moon. The one who has witnessed my darkest moments. May you enjoy my last performance and final days as my one true witness,” Pristine Milk Cookie bowed.

“May you bless me with sweet dreams. Goodnight.”

Pristine Milk did care for Healer Cookie and it was why he was blessing him with his gift of knowledge.

Healer Cookie would be the last cookie to receive it.

He walked to his bed and he drew back the cover and settled into it.

Pristine Milk Cookie drew in a breath as he closed his eyes and like the Sage of Volition taught him began to steady his breathing as if he was about to meditate.

It had been so long since he last slept or attempted to.

Would he even be able to?

Clear your mind Pristine Milk Cookie.

He drew in a breath and focused on his breathing and his efforts were rewarded after what felt like an eternity.

Finally he drifted off to the land of dreams.

 

Pristine Milk Cookie felt an impact on his chest and he groaned and he opened his eyes to see a small sprite standing on his chest. The sprite was red with two pig tails like an apple with fairy-like wings and vibrant eyes.

Beside it was a dark purple one with eyes, well one eye, that shined like a gemstone with the same fairy-like wings.

“Ah you are the two I assigned to tend to my bedroom. Hahahaha apologies!” Pristine Milk Cookie laughed as he pushed himself up and his hair framed his thin body.

The sprite waved its arms at its side as if to yell at its creator and the other floated over manifesting a staff and smacked the other. The red one rubbed its head and Pristine Milk rose knowing that the sprite probably wanted to tend to the bed.

The moment he left the bed the sprite got to work tending to the bed checking the pillows and mattress and remaking it. The purple sprite flew over to him and remained at his side as Pristine Milk Cookie walked over to his robes.

“Tsk I don’t want to wear these dreary rags any more,” Pristine Milk said and he glanced at the purple sprite following him.

“Can you weave together something different? Something form fitting but also regal still,”

The Purple Sprite gave a nod and a bow before it flew off and vanished. Pristine Milk walked to the balcony and opened the doors stepping out and peered down at the heavens below him.

Those two seemed to be quite the character.

“I think I will name them Apple and Sapphire,” He remarked to no one but himself.

He leaned against the rail as the wind blew picking up his hair and he smiled as closed his eyes. He felt magic and he turned and he walked towards the clothes the sprite held up its tiny hands glowing purple.

Pristine Milk Cookie examined the clothes closely. The sleeves were poofy and dramatic that shifted to gold and the vest was deep blue with light blue star like pattern along the shifted to a scroll like tail coat. The pants were white and boots bronze and he regarded each detail carefully.

This familiar knew its stuff.

Pristine Milk Cookie smiled, “Excellent!” He called happily.

“This is more my style than those gloomy robes! I have long hated wearing them. My fashion sense is truly atrocious,” Pristine Milk Cookie lamented as he used magic to put the clothes on himself.

Sapphire let go of the clothes and it nodded in agreement with him.

“I knew you had taste Sapphire,” Pristine Milk Cookie replied as he walked to the mirror and examined himself turning around his hair flowing down shining with stars in it and streaks of white swirling through.

Sapphire gave a bow as it flew off and began to clean a part of the room alongside Apple.

Pristine Milk Cookie picked up his staff and he turned and walked out of his bedroom and he was excited for breakfast.

He walked to Healer Cookie’s room and knocked and waited.

After a moment Healer Cookie opened the door partially hiding behind it, “Ye- Pristine Milk Cookie?!”

His voice seemed oddly small and apprehensive.

Pristine Milk Cookie laughed, “You aren’t even dressed yet?” He asked, noticing the pale robes of a night grown.

Healer Cookie frowned looking away and Pristine Milk Cookie cocked his head when he noticed his hands were bandaged with fresh jam seeping into them.

“Healer Cookie… What happened?” Pristine Milk’s jovial tone evaporated to concern as he took both of his hands into his own stepping into the room.

Healer Cookie tried to recoil but Pristine Milk Cookie held on tight. His staff floated beside him as he examined his hands.

“I’m… I’m sorry,” Healer Cookie sniffled.

“The mirror… my reflection… I just…” Healer Cookie managed.

“It triggered an episode,” Pristine Milk Cookie connected the dots.

“A-are you mad…?” Healer Cookie glanced at Pristine Milk but the other looked into his shattered eyes.

He looked scared.

“No. Of course not,” Pristine Milk had a gentle tone as he held his hands close and pale blue light shimmered around them, healing them.

A roll of bandages appeared beside him and he said, “Let’s do a temporary measure for now until we can prepare a proper solution.”

Pristine Milk led Healer Cookie into his room and with a snap of his fingers the shattered remains of the mirror and its frame vanished as if it was never there. He sat Healer Cookie down on his bed and he said, “Hold still.”

Healer Cookie nodded, wiping his eyes and Pristine Milk Cookie wrapped the bandages over his eyes.

“I will need a bit of time to formulate a spell so you won’t need these bandages but until then this will suffice,” Pristine Milk Cookie said as he finished wrapping his eyes.

“May the wearer of these bandages see his surroundings but not his reflection,” Pristine Milk Cookie said as his magic embraced the bandages and Healer Cookie let out a gasp.

“I… I can see!” He called.

“Better?” Pristine Milk asked.

Healer Cookie threw his arms around him and Pristine Milk froze at the affection as Healer Cookie buried his face into his shoulder.

“T-thank you.”

“Y-you’re welcome,” Pristine Milk replied, swallowing the lump in his throat as he stood completely frozen.

He wasn’t sure what to do.

How does a cookie hug another?

It was definitely a stupid question.

He knew how the action worked seeing it countless times and yet he was rarely the receiver of such affections. After a moment Pristine Milk Cookie wrapped his arms around Healer Cookie.

He wasn’t sure what to say to provide Healer Cookie comfort.

They stood there embracing each other before Healer Cookie began to pull away and Pristine Milk let him go and he stood back.

“Shall we head down to make breakfast? I feel up to trying cooking again,” Pristine Milk offered.

“I.. I would like that,” Healer Cookie replied and gave him a smile as he walked over and grabbed his staff.

When Healer Cookie walked to his side the pair made their way down to the kitchen walking side by side.

Chapter Text

Pristine Milk Cookie frowned as he stood at the pot stirring the porridge while Healer Cookie sat down at the central table of the kitchen, his shoulders sagging and a frown creasing his lips. Pristine Milk Cookie had only known him for a few days and he firmly believed that such an expression did not belong on his companion.

It just seemed unnatural.

Like changing a room after spending centuries with it in one orientation then taking away crucial center pieces of the room making it feel unnatural and changed in a way that it should not be.

Healer Cookie should not know such sorrow or pain.

All he wished was to see his smile and for this cookie to know eternal bliss free of strife but he knew deep in his core that this cookie was not so fortunate.

He endured a tragedy so severe it split his soul in two after all.

“Healer Cookie?” Pristine Milk spoke and he turned away from the pot.

Sapphire emerged from behind a pot flying over and began to stir the food in his place while Apple flew over and observed the strange substance standing on the pot’s edge.

When Sapphire flew towards her to stir and with her distracted kicked her into the pot.

“Behave,” Pristine Milk chastised seeing Sapphire giggle while Apple clamored up the spoon and began to strike him with her fists. Sapphire was still making that laughing motion with his mouth open yet he made not a sound, unable to speak.

Healer Cookie turned his head in the direction of the pot and chuckled but it was hollow and empty sounding.

Pristine Milk Cookie sat down beside him and he wrapped his hand in his own. The key of knowledge floated just behind its master.

“Talk to me,” Pristine Milk Cookie’s tone was gentle as he looked to where his eyes should be that were now obscured by bandages. “If you don’t I will and we both know I love to ramble on and on. I have been told I love to hear my own voice.”

“I love hearing you talk,” Healer Cookie’s voice was small.

“Well then I shall talk as you wish!” Pristine Milk replied as he squeezed his hand.

“Possessions like that mirror mean nothing to me my dear friend. This whole tower could be destroyed and while it would be an annoyance as long as myself and the few I care for in this current age escape unharmed I do not care. I could simply recreate it in an instant but the lives of others are far too precious. Replacing life and recreating a soul is an immensely difficult process that is not easily done. You are not easily replaceable,” Pristine Milk Cookie started as he glanced straight into his eyes.

“I don’t like hearing you belittle yourself like that. You don’t deserve your belongings destroyed! You do not deserve such poor treatment to the point you cannot even have attachment to personal things,” Healer Cookie replied, his brow furrowing the bandages creasing to show the shift in expression.

 

“As long as the few I care about in this world survive I could care less about my possessions. They are just objects,” Pristine Milk replied as his smile faltered.

This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

It was supposed to help Healer Cookie not make him feel pity.

Let alone pity Pristine Milk Cookie.

He did not deserve pity.

If he deserved anything it was scorn.

Suffering.

Retribution but he would receive that in time.

He knew his fate and was walking towards it on his own terms.

“I broke something of yours. A cookie who has shown me nothing but kindness. One who took me in. A complete stranger who was lost. Th-This is how I repay you?” Healer Cookie managed guilt lacing his voice and Pristine Milk Cookie stood and pulled him to his chest wrapping him in an embrace.

“Healer Cookie. I know you did not intend to break that mirror. I may have only known for a few days but it feels as if I have known you for a lifetime. I am not upset. You have helped make this spire begin to feel like a home, not just somewhere I reside. It is the periods that I have had pupils like yourself that this place has felt like mine and I would crumble defending it,” He held him close to his chest.

“Accidents happen. Cookies break things but if you become upset at the mere action without stopping to think of the cause then how can you come to handle the root of the issue?” Pristine Milk Cookie asked and he pulled away looking down offering a smile.

 

Healer Cookie looked up to the other and his cheeks flushed as he swallowed the lump in his throat and he gave a nod.

“I… I understand. You have a point,” Healer Cookie managed, giving him a small smile.

“I usually do. Besides you have also treated me with nothing but kindness and as such you deserve that same treatment,” Pristine Milk Cookie had nothing but warmth to his tone.

“You reap what you sow in this world Healer Cookie,” Pristine Milk Cookie continued and Healer Cookie smiled.

“Kindness begets kindness,” Healer Cookie smiled as he looked up to the embodiment of knowledge.

“You have been listening,” Pristine Milk Cookie had pride in his tone and he turned and walked back to the pot. He moved it off the burner seeing Sapphire and Apple struggling to do so due to its weight as he did tell them they couldn’t use magic.

The pair looked relieved and flew off to grab bowls and handed it to him as he poured servings for himself and Healer Cookie but also created two tiny bowls for the familiars and handed them their bowls.

The two looked confused and he chuckled, “Just try it.” He said.

The pair floated to the table with their bowls following their master as he sat down and drizzled honey on top of the four bowls.

Healer Cookie smiled seeing the familiars with their servings and the four ate breakfast together enjoying the simple yet delicious meal.

 

It was well past midday and Pristine Milk Cookie was cleaning up the lesson he had just concluded.

Healer Cookie was sent off to the library to study and complete his assignment.

The embodiment of knowledge hummed as he directed the magic to put away the books and scrolls he used as well as clean his chalk board. That was until he felt a spark and then a chill ran up his spine that made him freeze and all the items controlled by his magic in the room froze with him.

That was magic.

Not his magic nor Healer Cookie’s.

Something else.

It felt familiar. Cool like a chill had seeped in and brushed into his dough. He felt this presence so intensely that it indicated there were a lot of mages in his domain marching towards his spire.

That magic he knew as well as his own.

Because it was his school of magic.

These were mages from the City of Arcadia that had been built near his spire.

How dare they?

Those who mooched off his immense power coming into his grounds for their demands. The same cookies who attempted to control his curriculum!

Those hypocrites.

Yet there was danger to their presence.

An image flashed into his mind.

Healer Cookie riddled with crossbow bolts and swords laying on the ground in a pool of his own Jam.

Pristine Milk Cookie swallowed the lump in his throat and his grip tightened on the Key of Knowledge as he vanished. Reappearing outside and began to fly heading straight towards the presence.

This wasn’t the first time he had to face cookies seeking to take those he had housed.

There were very few scars on his dough and each one from such an occasion and they could not fully heal courtesy of his former pupils wielding black magic.

Pristine Milk felt sick to his stomach.

It isn’t like you didn’t help fuel those flames. Encouraging those pupils of yours to openly challenge the world that the witches shaped. Of course that would extend to you!

The voice of his shadow filled his mind.

“I only gave them knowledge. What they choose to do with it is their choice. Besides I encourage and welcome debates even if it challenges my world view! This isn’t what I taught them!” Pristine Milk defended himself yet his mind spiraled.

Can you handle them? I can but do you have the resolve?

“I’ll do it! You may have gone insane shadow of mine but I have not succumbed just yet!” Pristine Milk replied as he flew and he stopped and he wove an arcane barrier around the regiment halting their advance.

The blues, whites, and golds of the uniforms he designed filled his gaze and among the mages were cookies in hoods and masks with various weapons. At the lead was a mage with a full beard and up there in years but Shadow Milk recognized him. That cookie was a regular to his lessons and debates.

That made his jam boil.

This was led by a cookie HE taught.

One who should understand the lessons he preached and that this conduct went against everything he stood for and thus his pupils by principle.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of the Magus Order?” His voice was anything but welcoming as he held his key, his knuckles turning white.

He was oh so ready to crumble them to dust but he would hear them out first.

If he could resolve this with diplomacy that would be ideal.

The leader stepped forward and cleared his throat as he glanced up to Fount of Knowledge.

“It is a pleasure to see you again teacher. I apologize that this is our reunion but we were sent to investigate why you suddenly vanished,” He said, his voice amplified by magic.

Why would they care?

All these cookies did was argue on how Fount was fundamentally wrong. They just wanted someone to blindly agree with whatever they desired and tell them exactly what they sought to hear.

“Why have you closed off your spire?” The leader continued.

Fortunately there was a sound reason he could use as his excuse.

“Winter is approaching and cookies no matter the magic I weave around the roads leading to my spire for lessons they do not wish to travel! I simply decided to close off my spire this year but I will still send out the books and scrolls I intend to publish,” Pristine Milk Cookie needed them to leave.

He could not give him to the violent desires raging like a tempest inside his mind.

He had to keep his reasoning.

It is what made Pristine Milk Cookie well himself.

“Secondly there are rumors that you have gained another pupil! We wish to confirm if this rumor is true and this pupil’s identity. We also would like to remind you that we do not wish to see another blasphemer emerge from your Spire of All Knowledge,” The Leader gave a gentle laugh as if it was a simple joke.

His tone was jovial and he had a warm disarming smile.

Yet Fount did not forget what they did to his pupils.

These cookies.

These normal, ordinary cookies had the audacity to threaten him and Healer Cookie’s safety.

How arrogant could they be?

Fount knew their intent.

It was a threat.

That made his jam run cold.

Fount shifted the wind and it carried the smell of various oils.

They intended to purge his collection.

Why else would they have oil?

This… wasn’t the first time.

A memory entered his mind.

The smell of burning paper and the mangled and crumbled bodies of two cookies dressed in robes. One had dark purple hair that covered one of his eyes and the other had red petal-like hair that lay lifeless among his burning library.

They were his last students.

Killed because Pristine Milk Cookie did not have restraint.

Knowledge was knowledge.

Yet cookies never desired the truth and the ones who did were crumbled for it.

This world was one he no longer wished to rule.

Dark.

Distorted.

Corrupt.

All that was left was to burn it all away.

The cause of his dear pupils’ deaths? Those who sought to control Fount and his knowledge for their own personal gain.

All to gain more power.

Pristine Milk Cookie felt the dark tendrils of madness begin to embrace him and take root like some distorted flower.

These cookies played with a god for the last time.

Now it was time for them to feel his wrath.

After all this was truly absurd.

It was so absurd it was almost comical.

These foolish cookies will learn their place! They wanted guidance? Oh he would show them guidance!

“I hope you don’t mind, I am a scholar after all, but there is a flaw in your word choice. After all wording in debates is critical as you know! You speak as if you have any influence over me. When you are mistaken. You do NOT have any influence over me,” Pristine Milk Cookie felt something in him shift.

There was anger, pain, sorrow, despair, hatred, all twisting inside him into painful knots yet there was an odd sense of clarity.

“Ah but why should I reason with you lot? No matter what I say you will dismiss it! Twist it even! Twist it to fit the precious narrative you wish to uphold! Ah but I am aware I am a hypocrite! I have fostered this culture haven’t I?! Yes it is all my fault!” Pristine Milk Cookie let out a laugh as something inside him shattered.

 

“It’s comical! Absurd! Outrageous! Oh you couldn’t write a better comedy if you tried! The embodiment of knowledge fostering ignorance!” With each word he waved his key and it glowed with dark magic.

Each wave caused puppets to appear within the arcane field with blank eyes and twisted smiles.

He pointed his staff down towards the regiment as a massive glyph formed which brought panic as they prepared magic and began to cast it but it fizzled out. A shadowy aura wrapped around Pristine Milk Cookie and the white of his hair turned black. Eyes opened coming into existence as his teeth became fangs.

They tried to launch crossbow bolts but those arrows were shattered apart with a simple thought. Cookies tried to escape but were blasted back by the puppets. The leader cookie took something out from his robes but Pristine Milk Cookie knew what it was.

A teleportation scroll.

It vanished from the leader’s hand and reappeared floating above Pristine Milk Cookie’s free hand, “Sorry! No one will escape this show! Let this be a final lesson to you! A lesson on who was forged to be your gods!”

The glyph formed a massive shadowy serpent with bright teal eyes along its body with its maw open and in one bite every single cookie trapped within the glyph was devoured by the monster of Pristine Milk Cookie’s creation.

The magic faded and the barrier fell and it was as if nothing had ever happened.

They were gone.

Because Pristine Milk Cookie willed it.

He had snuffed out each hope they had at escape and it brought him unspeakable joy to finally make a dent in those pathetic cookies who tried to control him. He let out a laugh yet it was hollow as like all revenge it never filled the wounds left behind.

The emptiness in his heart would remain.

An image flashed in his mind of Healer Cookie backing away from him in horror and what he just did finally came crashing down like the tide.

Pristine Milk Cookie struggled to stay in the air and he fell down to the ground.

Branches and leaves scratched at his dough as he landed among his forests he knew as well as every single scroll and book on Earthbread. He was shaking as he pushed himself to his knees but fell back down to the ground.

There was a sting as dirt was rubbed into his open wounds and blue jam spread from the wounds.

The Fount of Knowledge could still bleed.

So much for keeping your sanity.

“Si-silence,” The other said under his breath.

He was shaking.

He.

He just did that.

Killed all those cookies.

Why?

Why couldn’t he have just sent them away?

Erased their memories?

Did anything else?

Why did he enjoy it?

Why did he feel satisfaction?

Healer Cookie…

Oh Healer Cookie!

He could never find out!

If Pristine Milk hadn’t acted they would have hurt him or worse!

It was to keep him safe!

No Healer Cookie wouldn’t forgive this!

There was no justification!

Pristine Milk Cookie just needed time to prepare Healer Cookie.

He needed more time.

The lessons had to trigger his memories!

They had to!

Yet.

No other cookie would die again for simply learning from him.

That.. was all this broken god wanted.

Was that wrong?

He just wanted a cookie that cared for him truly.

Someone that loved him.

Those cookies would keep dispatching others after him. They might even convince the Light of Solidarity to pursue him!

No he could not see him like this! It would destroy him!

Healer Cookie would not be snuffed out!

He had to live!

The safest place was the last location he wished to be but he was running out of options.

The Other Realm.

Pristine Milk Cookie pushed himself to his feet and vanished reappearing in his room and he felt dead. More accurately he felt numb as he walked towards the door to speak with Healer Cookie when he stopped.

Something caught his eye in the mirror.

Pristine Milk Cookie turned and approached and what he saw made his world shatter. His hair that once swirled with white among the blue and twinkled with stars was now dark. A dark blue with black and… eyes.

Eyes stared back at him reflecting his horror and they framed his thin body.

Pristine Milk Cookie swung his key and the mirror shattered its shards scattering everywhere. Several even cut into his dough and he was shaking as he staggered back and crumbled to the ground.

His breathing was coming out in quick rapid gasps as he ran a hand through the white section still left in his hair.

“I… no…” He choked out his voice barely audible.

“I can’t… I c-can’t!” Pristine Milk Cookie glanced down to one of the shards below him.

It reflected this change back to him.

“He.. He can’t see me like this. He can’t know… I am not breaking! I’m fine! I’m fine!” Pristine Milk Cookie managed his voice small.

Cut it.

Yes! Cut it!

Scissors appeared in his unsteady hand as the hair sensing the impending danger began to flow like flames trying to escape his grasp.

Pristine Milk Cookie struggled to get a grip on his own hair as he used both hands.

Magic lifted the scissors and they were ready to cut when he willed it.

Pristine Milk Cookie managed to get a firm grip and he closed his eyes bracing himself as the scissors floated just above his hands.

The pain that erupted felt like nothing he had experienced.

A gasp followed by a scream escaped him as the scissors kept going. Snipping through his hair until it finished the deed.

Pristine Milk Cookie doubled over panting as tears streaked his cheeks but he did not give himself relief.

He did not deserve it.

His hair was just above his shoulders and while there was still black it was much harder to see and no eyes were visible for now.

The strands of hair fell down to the floor writhing in agony before they stilled, the eyes fading as Pristine Milk lay out on the floor unable to even push himself up as tears streamed down his jam smeared cheeks.

He was still himself.

He was still Pristine Milk Cookie.

No you are not.

You are succumbing day by day.

Hour by hour.

Minute by minute.

Falling.

Falling closer to deceit.

You will not be yourself then.

You will be someone new.

You will become me.

You will become Shadow Milk Cookie.

Your fate is to disappear to the annals of history!

No.

No!

Pristine Milk Cookie would live on!

He.. He never got to live as he wished.

Your mistake not mine. You gave yourself to the witches for eons. It is not my mistake it is yours.

Some cookie please save him from himself!

Chapter Text

“Pristine Milk Cookie!”

He felt arms pull him close and Healer Cookie’s hands glowed gold and golden magic washed over Pristine Milk and with it came relief.

A relief he did not deserve.

The Virtue was trembling and he raised his hand to try to push him away but stopped.

He couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Instead he leaned into his embrace.

“How are you feeling?” Healer Cookie asked. “What are your symptoms?”

“Pain,” was all the other could choke out.

“Your hair. Why did you cut it?” Healer Cookie was quite intelligent and at this moment Pristine Milk Cookie wished he wasn’t.

Pristine Milk Cookie couldn’t answer.

The truth would break everything.

He had… to tell a lie.

That was the only option.

There was no forgiving what he had done.

He had crossed a line.

Committed an unforgivable sin.

There was jam on his hands.

Why?

Why did it always turn out like this?

Pristine Milk Cookie let out a sob as tears streamed down his cheeks and Healer Cookie held him close.

Silently embracing him.

Yet Pristine Milk Cookie knew it wasn’t okay.

It could never be okay.

Their relationship would be corrupted by lies.

It was no longer the pure connection that it was just that morning.

Pristine Milk Cookie couldn’t stop trembling and that gentle warmth still embraced him easing his pain. It was warm like the sun itself. Healer Cookie was like the star in the sky shining its light to Earthbread and Pristine Milk Cookie was the moon forever yearning for the presence that should never meet.

“S-stop…” He managed. “I don’t deserve to be healed.”

“I disagree. Whatever happened, whatever caused that darkness in you to flare up, I can see you regret it. I forgive you. I know you try to be kind but you are suffering. If you keep bottling up your pain it will only fuel that darkness further,” Healer Cookie said and Pristine Milk Cookie’s eyes widened hearing him.

He didn’t understand.

He was naive!

“It will only manifest more,” Healer Cookie continued.

“I can’t… I can’t stop it…” Pristine Milk looked at him. “It’s too late for me.”

“It is never too late,” Healer Cookie said smiling. “As long as you still live it is never too late to try to mend what is broken.”

“I can’t even heal you!” Pristine Milk Cookie cried. “No matter what I try I cannot help you! My power in all its vastness found its limit…”

Healer Cookie blinked and he frowned, “My amnesia? Please do not feel guilt over that Pristine Milk Cookie! It’s fine I don’t need my past. I have my present. I have you.”

That was the last thing he wanted to hear.

Well that was another lie.

Deep down he did want to hear it.

It made his heart flutter.

Yet he also knew there was no way Healer Cookie could mean that.

“That! No! You don’t understand!” Pristine Milk Cookie managed to sit up looking where his eyes should be.

“Then help me understand. Please I just want to learn,” Healer Cookie replied as the glow of his magic ceased.

Pristine Milk Cookie was shaking, “please… I just. I need some time.”

Healer Cookie bowed his head and stood, “I see.”

The pair didn’t speak and that silence was suffocating.

He ruined everything he touched.

“Thank you for healing me,” Pristine Milk Cookie finally pierced that veil of silence that began its descent.

Healer Cookie nodded and he turned and walked out of his room. Shutting the door behind him leaving Pristine Milk Cookie all alone with the same thoughts he wished to be saved from.

 

The next morning Pristine Milk Cookie was dressed not in the suit he had become accustomed to wearing but his black and gold robes. He floated with his key floating behind him and made his way to the kitchen. He peered inside and his heart sank.

There was no one there.

No.

No!

Please!

Calm down!

Search the Spire!

Pristine Milk Cookie began to fly through the halls checking every single place that Healer Cookie could be.

The classroom.

The library.

His room.

 

He wasn’t anywhere!

His heart was pounding in his ears as his short hair began to flow like flames as he felt darkness closing in.

There had to be somewhere he wasn’t considering.

Think!

It’s all he was good for!

Maybe the greenhouse?

Healer Cookie mentioned wishing to study plants and how to cultivate them at some point.

He had to be there!

Pristine Milk Cookie vanished and reappeared in the massive glass room with sunlight shining in as he frantically searched his surroundings. His breathing came out in short gasps and he was struggling to breathe.

Please not another one!

Was all he good for was leading others to their deaths?

“Pristine Milk Cookie?” A voice rang out.

He whipped his head around, turning it much like an owl would which was something he wasn’t capable of before.

Another thing to ignore!

He flew over his body twisting to face the direction of his head and he wrapped Healer Cookie in his arms trembling.

“Thank the heavens!” Pristine Milk Cookie’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“I am sorry I asked Sapphire to take me to the greenhouse especially since he protested me leaving the Spire for a walk,” Healer Cookie frowned as he returned the embrace.

“A regiment of the Magus Order approached the Spire and they had weapons and oil. They intended to interrogate you and to purge my collection to ensure I complied with what morals they believed I needed to uphold. I… I repelled them,” Pristine Milk Cookie treaded as close to the truth as he dared, omitting how he truly dealt with the regiment.

He couldn’t bring himself to tell Healer Cookie a proper lie.

Yet omitting the truth wasn’t much better.

It was still withholding the truth.

Healer Cookie looked up to him and took in his words, “I see now. Are we safe here?”

“No.”

That was the truth.

“What do we do?” Healer Cookie asked.

He drew in a breath.

Pristine Milk Cookie had run out of options.

He truly wished to avoid that realm.

“There is somewhere we can go. Somewhere safe where only those I allow can enter,” Pristine Milk Cookie admitted as he looked to his replacement.

“It is a dimension I command entirely. The Other Realm,” He explained. “A realm where Dark Moon Magic is strongest yet I can make it mirror reality as close as I wish.”

“I… I don’t know how I feel about such a domain, but if it is our only option I don’t want to see you hurt,” Healer Cookie said with a resolve to his tone.

Oh Healer Cookie!

If only he cared about himself just as much as he did others!

He would run far away from Pristine Milk Cookie!

“I am more worried about you,” Pristine Milk admitted.

“Let’s worry for each other that way we will always be cared for,” Healer Cookie smiled.

Why?

Why was he so precious?

Like a star.

Burning brilliantly far more than he could ever hope to.

It tempted him to reach out to his light yet he knew now it was out of his reach.

It wouldn’t stop him from trying.

To hold this light for as long as he could have it.

Until the day that he had to say goodbye.

Then he would let this star shine back in his time where he belonged.

“I… I think I can live with that arrangement,” Pristine Milk had a small smile form but worry was still in his gaze.

“It will take some time I am sure but we have plenty of it,” Healer Cookie reassured a warm smile forming.

The other offered a nod as he looked at his staff and he drew in a breath and he put his fingers to his mouth and whistled sharply. He pulled his hand away and waited.

Apple and Sapphire appeared before him and Pristine Milk Cookie said, “Stay close to me.”

The two familiars blinked looking at each other before they flew and sat on his shoulders while Healer Cookie held the arm not holding the key of knowledge.

Pristine Milk Cookie raised his staff and it glowed as blue light washed over reality around them. It began to shimmer and the golden sunlight turned a pale blue. The plants in the greenhouse changed to plants native to his Other Realm. Milkcrown Flowers, strange roses, and other plants with odd qualities. All cultivated for his study on how his Other Realm influenced how normal plants evolved after generations.

Healer Cookie’s breath hitched as he watched reality shift. The whites of the spire turned to pale blues, purples, and black with accents of silver.

“Welcome to the Other Realm,” Pristine Milk Cookie sounded tired.

Not because pulling them to his domain was tiring, it was effortless like any other spell or task involving magic.

“Let’s go rest together,” Healer Cookie turned to face Pristine Milk Cookie.

The virtue’s face flushed bright blue.

“W-what?” Pristine Milk stammered.

“Let’s sleep together. I don’t think you should be alone for a bit,” Healer Cookie told him curtly.

He had a point.

If Pristine Milk Cookie was being honest he didn’t want to be alone either.

Had he ever slept in the same room as another cookie?

“I would like some rest,” Pristine Milk’s voice showed just how exhausted he was.

“Lead the way,” Healer Cookie smiled.

Pristine Milk Cookie made them vanish and reappear in a bedroom that felt more like his own.

It had a massive library attached to it with three levels of shelves at the top of this spire built into the tower that was attached to his room. Filled with his favorite pieces and works he collected or wrote over his long life. The walls were hung with paintings and scrolls that rivaled every single art gallery and collection on Earthbread and was worth more than all of them. A massive model of the solar system above his bed.

The bed was large enough for both of them and was surrounded by dusty books.

Healer Cookie had stars in his eyes and Pristine Milk smiled as he walked over to his bed and floated up and laid down. Apple and Sapphire flew off his shoulders to explore their new home and Healer Cookie approached and he set down his staff. He climbed into bed under the cover beside Pristine Milk Cookie.

“Are you sure about this?” Pristine Milk Cookie asked him, turning to face him. “I can make you a room.”

Healer Cookie reached up and cupped his cheek, “Yes I am. Sleep well Pristine Milk Cookie.”

Pristine Milk Cookie frowned but he knew that fretting or even doubting him would only cause Healer Cookie to worry.

That was the last thing he wanted and he drew in a breath as he steadied his breathing. There was a dull pain from where his head met the pillow but he had to push through.

He couldn’t burden Healer Cookie anymore than he already had.

Finally he used his magic to dull the pain. To heal what he could of the damage he caused to himself.

Pristine Milk Cookie felt himself drift off but sweet dreams did not greet him.

 

Only nightmares did but strangely enough the scent of Vanilla filled his dream and with that a warmth.

It was enough to pull him out of his sleep and he groaned.

Pristine Milk did not recall making his pillows in the Other Realm this warm. A hand rested on the curve of his back and he opened his eyes and he went bright azure.

Pristine Milk Cookie awoke to find he had been resting against Healer Cookie’s chest.

His heart thundered in his ears and he sat up quickly.

“I-I!” He stammered but the words caught somewhere in his throat. Nothing came out no matter how he tried and his mouth opened and shut several times.

“I placed you there. I heard you whimper and I tried waking you but you were in a deep sleep. I am sorry if I overstepped,” Healer Cookie sat up as he glanced at Pristine Milk Cookie.

Pristine Milk Cookie was grateful that was the reason.

“You didn’t overstep,” Pristine Milk replied, the blush never going away.

He felt warm.

He never felt like this before.

He wanted more of it.

He craved it.

It felt like a need he never knew or acknowledged prior had been awakened and partially fulfilled.

“I’m glad!” Healer Cookie smiled and he held his arm out and Pristine Milk Cookie blinked before he leaned forward and accepted the hug.

“A-are you hungry?” Pristine Milk Cookie stammered.

The pair pulled away.

He needed to focus on something else.

Just bury these feelings for now.

“Yes. Let’s go grab lunch,” Healer Cookie climbed out of bed and Pristine Milk watched him elegantly climb out of bed.

Had he always been so graceful?

Moving with gentleness and intent.

Pristine Milk Cookie needed to push away these silly thoughts and he floated out of bed.

Making a door appear and it opened showing a kitchen.

Healer Cookie let out a small gasp and he approached examining the door. Pristine Milk Cookie let him examine the door and he felt a smile form seeing it.

Pristine Milk Cookie floated up and entered first. Healer Cookie was pulled out of his trance and followed.

 

The pair settled into a routine as the days went on.

Pristine Milk Cookie ensured his Other Realm mimicked the day night cycle of Earthbread to ensure Healer Cookie was as comfortable as possible.

The strangest part of their routine was the fact Healer Cookie insisted the pair share a room so they started each morning in the same bed.

Did Healer Cookie simply not trust Pristine Milk Cookie alone?

Most likely.

If he was in Healer Cookie’s position he would not leave Pristine Milk’s side either after the hair incident.

The pair would go to the kitchen and cook breakfast before they began their lessons with Apple and Sapphire assisting him of course.

The two truly had a mind of their own and he recalled why.

They were the first familiars he ever created and were always assigned to his pupils so naturally they must have picked up traits from them.

Perhaps he should reward their long service by no longer being mere arcane spirits?

Yes he would do that soon.

They deserved to be something more.

More Cookie like.

After their morning lessons the pair would take a break strolling through the garden of his Spire and chat about whatever entered their minds. It felt nice to do this again.

How long had it been?

200 years?

Longer?

He wished he knew.

The years blurred together.

The pair would have a picnic in the garden before practicing magic. Healer Cookie was truly a fast learner. It had been a long time since a pupil had grasped arcane concepts so quickly it was like second nature once he understood the basic theory.

Pristine Milk Cookie knew that was his old self shining through.

Afterwards they would return to the tower for dinner.

Then the pair would go to his room and read until Healer Cookie fell asleep and Pristine Milk would tuck him in before laying beside him. He would reflect and plan for the next day before he would drift off.

They repeated this routine for 2 weeks.

Pristine Milk Cookie had energy.

He felt happy.

Truly rested and happy.

Yet all good things must come to an end.

On the fifteenth day Pristine Milk Cookie felt his jam run cold as his hair had finally grown back to its full length and the eyes…

They had returned.

So this truly was permanent…

Pristine Milk Cookie sat before the mirror where he had remained for who knows how long.

The bright blue light of morning drifted into the room and his eyes were locked on to the mirror.

His hair flowed idly, the eyes blinking at him looking dead.

There was a groan and Pristine Milk Cookie heard movement before he felt someone settle beside him.

“Your hair has grown back,” Healer Cookie noticed.

“I’m hideous…” Pristine Milk said his voice was dead and his face tear stained.

“No.”

“No?”

“No. You aren’t hideous. Yes you have changed but everyone does given enough time. We grow older and many think they grow hideous and less beautiful with each passing year but in my opinion they are still beautiful,” Healer Cookie began.

“This isn’t me growing old, it is me falling to corruption. I am breaking,” Pristine Milk said, turning to face him. “This is me turning into a monster!”

“Even monsters can be beautiful. We are all broken in some way or another Pristine Milk Cookie. Even me,” Healer Cookie said and Pristine Milk’s eyes widened.

Did… he realize?

Did he know?

“You show your brokenness physically yet despite that you still treat me with kindness. You still take care of me,” Healer Cookie took his hand in his.

“Because you are supposed to replace me! That is who you are! You are from the future! I am a failure to be cast away! You are the future!” Pristine Milk raised his voice.

Why?

Why was Healer Cookie helping him?

Tears formed in his eyes.

Healer Cookie remained quiet, “I know.”

“W-what?”

“When you taught me about the Soul Jams I knew I had to be tied to it in some way and thus I had to be from the future. I don’t know if I am your replacement or what your fate is Pristine Milk Cookie but that doesn’t matter. I am here now and I want to help you,” Healer Cookie said and he began to undo his bandages.

Pristine Milk Cookie’s eyes widened when he realized what Healer Cookie was doing. He quickly made the mirror vanish and the windows’ curtains pulled tight.

Healer Cookie looked to him with his shattered gold and blue eyes, the bandages resting in his lap.

The Virtue’s voice caught in his throat as his words sank in when the panic subsided. He let out a sob as he buried his face in his hands.

He was weak.

Unable to face the kindness in front of him.

Because it meant accepting he deserved it.

“Pristine Milk Cookie, will you let me help you? Even if your fate is a tragic one let me ease your pain while I am able,” Healer Cookie’s eyes were full of warmth.

“You deserve this.”

No he didn’t!

No!

Healer Cookie pulled him into his embrace, “You are a beautiful soul.”

He…

He couldn’t mean that.

Pristine Milk Cookie felt his heart skip a beat as he leaned into Healer Cookie crying into his chest.

Chapter Text

Why?

Why was Healer Cookie like this?

Pristine Milk Cookie gripped his shirt and Healer Cookie wrapped his arms around him.

He couldn’t want this!

It would make parting ever harder and make him unable to face whatever fate awaited him! He chose defiance so he does not deserve a happy life.

Is that not what defying the witches is all about?

So YOU can live a happy life?

A life of YOUR choosing.

YOU are still binding yourself to the witches even in your supposed defiance.

This isn’t defiance!

It is just more chains for YOU to bind yourself by!

A fool still bound to his creators!

Shadow Milk Cookie’s voice filled his mind and Pristine Milk Cookie for once regarded his words instead of merely pushing away his deranged words meant to stab and cut into him tearing him apart.

“You’re right,” Pristine Milk Cookie admitted finally.

“Pristine Milk Cookie?” Healer Cookie asked him pulling away some to look down at him.

“I… I deserve to be selfish. To heal. To ignore my role, my purpose, and defy the witch's intentions in its entirety. The witches were wrong to bake us as only gods with no choice of our own,” Pristine Milk Cookie said as he leaned into Healer Cookie settling into the nape of his neck.

“I hope you don’t mind. I never realized vanilla was such a comforting scent.”

Healer Cookie tensed some and Pristine Milk felt it and he went to pull away but he was met with hands holding him in place.

“I don’t mind,” Healer Cookie said after a moment.

Pristine Milk Cookie knew something was wrong.

“If you need to speak with me about anything I will listen,” Pristine Milk said as he shifted to lay against Healer Cookie properly and he looked up to the other’s blonde and gray hair.

“I will,” Healer Cookie said after a moment and the pair remained there, Healer Cookie embracing Pristine Milk Cookie.

Silence settled over them.

Pristine Milk Cookie realized it must have been mentioning his scent. He was made with vanilla that was obvious.

He wouldn’t mention it again.

 

Pristine Milk Cookie noticed something strange in his Other Realm while Healer Cookie prepared breakfast. He stepped out into the hallway of the massive tower and approached the artwork he proudly displayed.

The paintings were moving?

Each painting was moving, reflecting the subject depicted whether it being a landscape or showing a moment between two cookies playing over and over like a moment trapped in time.

Pristine Milk Cookie’s eyes, all of them, widened in horror.

He.

He didn’t will this to happen.

“Pristine Milk Cookie?” Healer Cookie called.

“Right here!”

He turned and walked back into the kitchen to see Healer Cookie setting down their plates including tiny plates for Apple and Sapphire. Pristine Milk Cookie smiled and his eyes gained hearts in their eyes seeing the food Healer Cookie made by himself.

It was simple omurice but he made the sauce form a heart and he felt the worry unravel as he settled down. With a wave of his hand he made the sauce on Healer Cookie’s form a heart.

“Come now you deserve to have the same affection shown to you as well,” Pristine Milk Cookie for once did not think before he spoke.

Healer Cookie blushed and Apple and Sapphire looked up from their tiny plates of omurice at the virtue realizing what he just said.

Pristine Milk Cookie saw their reactions before he replayed his words in his mind.

He went bright azure and turned away taking his plate and taking a bite clearly flustered before he felt a hand reach out and be placed on his arm.

“Thank you,” Healer Cookie had a smile that made his heart flutter.

That warm smile that Pristine Milk wanted nothing more than to see till the end of his days.

“Yo-You’re welcome,” Pristine Milk smiled as the moving paintings slipped his mind as he ate breakfast moving closer to Healer Cookie.

Apple narrowed her eyes at them while Sapphire smirked as if he knew something and the four finished their meal.

 

Pristine Milk Cookie decided the pair would spend the day in the library and the two walked side by side through his spire towards it. When they approached the door Pristine Milk Cookie opened it and the pair stepped inside only to end up in another room entirely.

“That’s odd. Did you decide on something else?” Healer Cookie asked him.

They were in a room filled with tapestries lining the walls along with various fabrics from different eras.

His spire was truly a collection of Earthbread’s history in all forms. He collected everything no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

Everything was significant as you never know what might be lost.

Secrets of textiles and their dyes.

How to create certain building materials.

All of it was here.

Pristine Milk Cookie was frozen as he didn’t intend for this.

He truly wished to just read at Healer Cookie’s side all day.

Something peaceful.

Relaxing.

 

“Pristine Milk Cookie?”

He felt a touch graze his dough and he had to put on an act.

Yes.

A show.

He studied performance arts!

Theater!

Put on a mask!

That is all he has ever done.

This time it felt wrong.

He had to appear in control.

Pristine Milk Cookie WAS in control.

Not his shadow given life by part of himself succumbing to madness.

He knew his soul was cracking but he couldn’t dare let it show.

Stay together!

That is all he had to do!

Do what he did every day.

“I wanted to show you some more of my collection! I also collect textiles, dyes, building materials, and how these materials are produced as it is one of the many things that vanish when civilizations do,” Pristine Milk Cookie put on a smile.

This felt wrong.

Healer Cookie had to feel safe in the Other Realm even if Pristine Milk Cookie did not believe it was fully safe. It was the only place they could go realistically.

The image of Healer Cookie laying crumbled and lifeless filled his mind once more.

That would never come to pass.

For now he would indulge in Healer Cookie’s company.

Healer Cookie smiled as he looked towards Pristine Milk, his bandages still around his face but his voice reflected his excitement, “Oh! I would love to hear more!”

“Then please allow me to yap enough for the both of us,” Pristine Milk smiled.

“Gladly.”

The two walked to each other’s side and began to walk through the room with Pristine Milk explaining each item and how the civilizations of the past made it. Healer Cookie held on to each word he said.

 

Healer Cookie lay asleep beside him and Pristine Milk Cookie had a book in his lap but he had long since stopped paying attention to the words on the page.

His gaze was locked on to Healer Cookie.

Watching his breathing rising and falling in a slow steady rhythm and the bandages rested on the bedside table.

Pristine Milk Cookie had a smile until he noticed something.

Healer Cookie’s brow furrowed and his peaceful expression twisted to one of pain.

A whimper filled the once peaceful silence.

Pristine Milk gently lifted Healer Cookie placing his head in his lap.

What did he do now?

Wake him?

“Healer Cookie.”

“Hollyberry Cookie look out! No!”

Pristine Milk blinked.

“Please.. Make it… I can save you… I have to.”

“Healer Cookie!” Pristine Milk raised his voice.

He gently shook his shoulder and the other gasped shaking as he looked up to Pristine Milk Cookie who stared down at him with worry.

“Are you alr-” He was cut off by Healer Cookie sitting up and wrapping his arms around him tightly shaking and crying into his shoulder.

“Everyone… Everyone crumbled! Because of me! The Vanilla Kingdom! My friends! It’s all my fault! I caused that disaster! The deaths of hundreds of thousands because of my cowardice!” Healer Cookie sobbed, shaking. “My inaction!”

Pristine Milk Cookie held him close with a hand resting on the back of his head, “Cookies believing power will solve all of their problems is the most delusional belief one can have. It doesn’t. In fact it makes everything worse. You walk on eggshells and you have to think carefully about every little thing you do. It has consequences no matter how small of an action. Same with choosing which conflicts you engage in. It places the expectation that you will always solve everything. Healer Cookie, you extended forgiveness to me blindly even not knowing all of my past. I then extend the same to you. I forgive you even if you don’t forgive yourself.”

He pulled away and held his cheeks, their eyes locked on to each other.

“Bu-but!” Healer Cookie managed tears rolling.

“No buts. If I can be forgiven so can a pure soul like you,” Pristine Milk wiped away his tears with his thumbs.

The virtue leaned forward and kissed his forehead over his star marking. Healer Cookie went scarlet but he leaned into Pristine Milk Cookie chasing the warmth of the other.

“Can you tell me some stories?” Healer Cookie asked after a moment.

“Of course. What would you like to hear?” Pristine Milk leaned back with Healer Cookie against him looking above to the eyes making up the sky of his Other Realm.

“Well, stories about you if you don’t mind,” Healer Cookie admitted, his voice small.

The virtue was surprised but he smiled as Healer Cookie nuzzled into his chest.

“I can indulge you. The first story I will tell you is when I went on an expedition to study the remnants of a dragon. A massive fossil left behind in the untouched wilds of this continent. There were signs of an ancient battle with unnatural craters littering the landscape. It was difficult to determine the species of dragon as I discovered there were multiple. Before cookies dragons ruled this world so the chance to study them I will always take. What I didn’t expect during my study is to be met with a blast of a living dragon. They were truly massive and simply tried to destroy me but of course I was no ordinary cookie. We engaged in a battle that lasted for 5 days before I managed to repel the beast. They vowed to find me again but to this day I still have not met that red dragon,” Pristine Milk Cookie said as he looked at the model of the solar system above his bed.

“I wonder if they are still fighting anyone they see,” Pristine Milk Cookie added.

“That’s amazing. You met a living dragon,” Yet Healer Cookie did not sound too fond of the story.

“I suppose. This next story I think you’ll enjoy. After my second and third pupils graduated from my Spire they returned. The two asked me to marry them! I had never performed a wedding or even been a part of one. I had to turn to my fellow virtues for aid which led to several misunderstandings that I intended to get married. It was a mess and even included stuffing me into a dress and another virtue offering me an entire Spicelands Boar. The wedding was a mess and everything seemed to go wrong. Decor, food, I couldn’t believe we managed to get anything together at all. My pupils were good sports and on the day of the wedding I walked her down the aisle and married them. My first and only wedding,” Pristine Milk Cookie had a fond smile as he recalled it.

Healer Cookie laughed, “I bet you were breathtaking.”

Pristine Milk Cookie blushed, “Well I did dress up I admit.”

“Do you mind showing what you wore?” Healer Cookie asked. “I am curious about what was worn so long ago.”

“I know I am ancient but no need to remind me,” Pristine Milk Cookie sighed and Healer Cookie laughed again.

“Sorry.”

“It's fine,” Pristine Milk Cookie said as the other sat up.

The virtue floated out of bed and his appearance rippled as his robes turned white and flowy with ruffled layers under slits of the upper layer. He had a shawl with a tail coat that flowed down and curled up with gold patterns. There were several sheer scarves that wrapped around his arms that trailed behind him. It was white, gold, and pale purple and Healer Cookie smiled.

“I was right. You are breathtaking,” Healer Cookie smiled.

Pristine Milk went bright azure, his hair eyes gaining hearts in their pupils and he looked away.

The Virtue had never heard such compliments before and Healer Cookie climbed out of bed. He looked up to Pristine Milk Cookie and the virtue floated down. His magic embraced Healer Cookie changing his simple robes to a white and gold suit with hints of blue.

Pristine Milk Cookie smiled, “You look quite handsome in a suit yourself.”

Healer Cookie looked down at himself amazed and he chuckled, “I do not compare to you.”

“Yes you do. You are radiant like the sun itself in fact it wonders if a piece of itself fell from the heavens and was baked into a cookie. I have only known you for almost a month but it feels as if I gained a piece I have been missing,” Pristine Milk Cookie smiled as he looked to Healer Cookie.

Wait.

Did.

Did he just say that out loud?

There was no going back.

No undoing this.

No turning away.

He put his heart out for the first time in forever.

Actually for the first time ever.

Healer Cookie blushed and was quiet and Pristine Milk Cookie worried he made a mistake.

He truly was a fool.

Didn’t even need to massacre a bunch of lying mages to ruin this relationship.

 

He would have done that on his own.

Healer Cookie smiled tears forming in his eyes as he pulled Pristine Milk Cookie into an embrace.

Pristine Milk Cookie’s heart was racing.

“I feel the same.”

Those words made his heart soar and he wrapped his arms around Healer Cookie and laughed as he made the pair float up into the air. Healer Cookie clung to him in alarm as the two spun in circles as Pristine Milk Cookie held him tightly.

“I won’t let you fall,” Pristine Milk Cookie promised.

Healer Cookie looked to him and he smiled but still looked nervous, “I trust you.”

“This may be a silly request but can we dance?” Pristine Milk Cookie asked.

“No it isn’t silly,” Healer Cookie reassured him.

“Can we go back to the ground please?”

The virtue chuckled and nodded.

Pristine Milk floated down and both of their feet landed safely on the floor of his bedroom.

He placed a hand at Healer Cookie’s waist and held his other and the pair began to waltz. Instruments appeared playing music for the pair to dance to as moonlight streamed in from the domed windows above them.

This was a moment Pristine Milk Cookie would never forget.

The two danced until exhaustion finally claimed them both and Pristine Milk Cookie carried Healer Cookie to bed.

The pair laid down and drifted off to sleep in each other’s embrace.

The next morning Pristine Milk Cookie groaned when the smell of food hit his nose and he felt a small body impact his chest.

That jolted him awake and he groaned as he sat up to see a tray with a full blown breakfast spread held by Healer Cookie who sighed.

“Apple, you didn’t need to do that to wake him,” Healer Cookie told her.

The sprite let out a giggle as she floated up to his shoulder and stuck out her tongue at Healer Cookie.

“What’s this?” Pristine Milk asked groggily as he rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes.

“Well since you slept in I thought you would have breakfast in bed,” Healer Cookie had a warm smile as he spoke.

Pristine Milk Cookie’s cheeks flushed and tears formed in his eyes.

“Pristine Milk Cookie?” Healer Cookie showed concern in his voice, his smile faltering.

“This is the kindest thing a Cookie has ever done for me,” Pristine Milk said.

Healer Cookie smiled as he sat at his other side and he wrapped an arm around him.

“The first of many,” Healer Cookie replied.

“Thank you Healer Cookie.”

“Now dig in! We worked hard to make it for you!” Healer Cookie beamed warmly.

Sapphire emerged from Healer Cookie’s robes and Pristine Milk smiled as he ate his breakfast with nothing but warmth spreading through his dough.

 

That night Pristine Milk Cookie slipped away from their shared bedroom and placed a protection spell over it just in case.

His shadow could not hurt Healer Cookie.

He would never forgive himself if the personification of his madness actually hurt the cookie he treasured the most.

Vanishing and reappearing in his lab he drew in a breath as he summoned his key of knowledge. Setting it down on the table and he pried the soul jam out of its place. Holding the gemstone that was the physical manifestation of his soul in his hands.

He set it down on the table and he drew in a breath.

He couldn’t believe he was going to do this.

Pristine Milk Cookie drew a glyph above the gemstone and winced before crying out as the magic struck it. Holding his chest as it struck it over and over carving out a small piece in the pupil of his stone.

By the end he was sprawled on to the floor cracks along his dough panting as he recovered from the absolute agony of what he just did.

Pushing himself to his feet he took the tiny fragment of the Soul Jam of Knowledge. He created some metal and began to forge a ring.

Pristine Milk Cookie knew that it was far too soon for marriage but this was done for another plan in mind.

In hopes that perhaps Pristine Milk Cookie could go with Healer Cookie to the future so they could never be apart.

He would bind his soul to this stone.

Shadow Milk Cookie could have this dough.

As long as he was with Healer Cookie that was all that mattered.

Chapter Text

Pristine Milk Cookie smiled as he looked at the ring box. The promise for a better future one where he could have everything he always wished he could have. Everything he envied from the lives of other cookies.

Everything was ready.

All he had to do was find Healer Cookie’s and tell him his offer.

Pristine Milk Cookie felt pure joy at the idea of this finally coming to fruition. These dreams he thought were mere fantasies that he could only live when he disguised himself as other cookies.

Living without this burden was in his grasp.

He would gladly help Healer Cookie with whatever path he would tread in that distant future.

The two would never be apart.

Only if Healer Cookie said yes.

If he agreed.

Pristine Milk Cookie wouldn’t dare force this on to him.

Slipping the ring into a hidden pocket he used magic to hide the wounds from last night’s ritual. He focused on cooking breakfast for Healer Cookie ready to return to the favor from yesterday morning.

“What if he says no? Then what will you do?” Shadow Milk Cookie purred as he appeared resting his head on his shoulder watching the other cook.

“He wouldn’t say no,” Pristine Milk Cookie told him with confidence.

He truly believed that.

Call it a foolish hope.

Or maybe naive?

“Do you even know him? You only know the version that is an amnesiac. What will you do if his actual self is far different? Not so obedient?” Shadow Milk grinned, forcing Pristine Milk to turn away from the pot to face his shadowy self born from his insanity.

“I will love him regardless!” Pristine Milk told him firmly, narrowing his eyes.

The hatred he felt for himself could not be described.

“How can you be so certain he truly will love you enough to accept your foolish proposal?” Shadow Milk asked.

“I am done listening to you,” Pristine Milk Cookie pressed a hand to his shadowy chest and blasted him with light which caused him to shriek and disperse.

Pristine Milk Cookie turned and resumed cooking.

He portioned out Healer Cookie’s serving before vanishing and reappearing in his bedroom with the tray in his hands.

Healer Cookie was sitting in bed with a book with his bandages wrapped around his eyes and he turned his head when Pristine Milk Cookie began to walk forward.

“Surprise!” Pristine Milk Cookie sang as he approached.

Healer Cookie looked over and smiled and sat the book aside, closing it.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I chose too,” Pristine Milk replied with a warm smile.

All of his eyes showed how happy he was with the ones in his hair gaining hearts in their pupils.

Healer Cookie smiled as the tray was set in his lab and he began to eat while Pristine Milk Cookie sat at his side enjoying his presence.

With Healer Cookie mentioning the Vanilla Kingdom he figured out the time period Healer Cookie was likely from and since it sounded like his nation fell he found the exact year.

10,000 years into the future was a long time from now.

Countless questions ran through his mind on what Earthbread was like so far into the future let alone one not ruled by himself and his fellow Virtues.

Would it be the same?

Different?

Oh, it was exciting!

The prospect!

“Pristine Milk Cookie!” Healer Cookie called.

The other blinked, turning to face him, “Hmm? Yes? Did you say something?”

“Yes I did. What has you lost in thought so deeply? What are you pondering?” Healer Cookie mused.

His tone was filled with warmth.

“We can discuss it after you finish eating.”

“Is it good?” Healer Cookie inquired.

“It’s an offer,” Pristine Milk clarified.

“I see,” Healer Cookie resumed his meal and finished it and Pristine Milk Cookie made the tray vanish.

“Well to start. Healer Cookie I found what time period you are from,” Pristine Milk began.

“Oh,” Healer Cookie frowned. “I see. So I guess this is goodbye?”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Pristine Milk Cookie smiled as he produced a box and opened it. “This ring contains a piece of my soul jam and is bound to my soul. If you take it with you I can come with you to the present and we can stay together!”

Healer Cookie’s brow raised in what Pristine Milk Cookie presumed was surprise.

“You… you did what?”

“It was a simple process but it will allow us to remain together,” Pristine Milk was hopeful.

Hopeful he would say yes.

This was the first time he truly yearned for another cookie. He couldn’t believe he found love.

Eons of being alive and drifting by clung to his duty as some sort of routine and drowning in the despair that stemmed from it. Until this cookie appeared through that rift and gave him a sliver of hope.

“Pristine Milk Cookie. Why? Why did you hurt yourself? I didn’t want to believe him when he told me,” Healer Cookie stood and he took a step back.

“He? Wait. Did my shadow speak to you?” Pristine Milk Cookie felt horror settle in.

“Pristine Milk Cookie you know this is wrong. You know that you should not do this,” Healer Cookie said with a firmness to his tone

Pristine Milk Cookie remained on his bed watching Healer Cookie closely with his eyes in his hair gaining tears in them.

This.

No.

It can’t be.

His shadow.

It meddled in his affairs.

Shadow Milk Cookie.

No Pristine Milk Cookie ruined his only chance.

It was a lie thinking they were so divided and apart when they were one in the same, just a part of him that manifested because he accepted the truth far sooner than him.

That deceit was the answer.

It was becoming clear to him.

No!

Knowledge and truth were still valuable!

Still important!

“Why? Why can’t I be selfish? Defy the will of gods instead of being a cog in their machine with no choice of my own!” Pristine Milk Cookie called tears forming in his eyes. “Why? Why can’t I have this?”

Healer Cookie approached and he wrapped his hands around the box closing its lid and gold magic wrapped around Pristine Milk Cookie dispelling his illusion showing the crack-like scars along his dough.

“Because hurting yourself like this isn’t right. I don’t want to be with you knowing you had to harm yourself so severely to be at my side,” Healer Cookie told him, his voice gaining a gentleness to it.

One he hadn’t heard before.

There was a resolve to his voice.

“I watched a cookie hurt herself before just like you to get what she wanted. She shattered and went mad. A cookie consumed by hatred and loathing for the witches,” Healer Cookie spoke and the gray in his hair seemed to fade showing pale gold.

“A cookie who caused the destruction of nations including my own. I would feel nothing but guilt. I know I can’t save you and I am sorry. I am truly sorry I failed someone else,” It was no longer Healer Cookie speaking and Pristine Milk Cookie could only look at the other as he felt his world shattering.

All of his hope.

His happiness.

Breaking.

Bit by bit.

Piece by piece.

Pristine Milk Cookie felt his last hope evaporate, flying far away from him and leaving him in this dark abyss.

“Yet I promise you one thing. I will try to find you Pristine Milk Cookie and we can try again. Try to see if this relationship, this love can work. I swear it as the disgraced Hero of Truth Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

Pristine Milk Cookie was shaking and the books in the room began to fly around them tossing around the room as tears rolled down his cheeks.

“I… I don’t want to be alone…” He choked out.

That was the truth.

Pure Vanilla Cookie leaned forward and kissed his cheek, “I don’t want to be either. But we both know that your plan is riddled with flaws. I don’t want a ring to be my companion but a cookie who can walk by my side. So please wait for me. I will come for you.”

“What if I am different? What if I am changed?” Pristine Milk Cookie managed.

“Then I will get to know you again,” Pure Vanilla Cookie promised.

Pristine Milk Cookie let out a sob as he held his face in his hands and the other sat down beside him and let him cry.

How?

How could he do this to him?

He knew what he was battling!

That he was in a losing battle!

Pristine Milk Cookie had already lost and it was only a matter of accepting his inevitable fate.

“Th-this can’t be how it ends! How I end!” Pristine Milk Cookie yelled his voice barely held together.

“We both knew this couldn’t end happily,” Pure Vanilla Cookie frowned as he looked away.

“Damned witches! Damn them all!”

The windows shattered, being blown outside as the walls began to crack.

“The witches were not kind to you and they aren’t the perfect gods cookiekind seeks,” Pure Vanilla Cookie said knowingly.

So at least he knew the truth Pristine Milk Cookie had realized long ago.

Pristine Milk Cookie stood summoning his soul jam in his hand and the Spire began to groan and shift as a doorway made from gears appeared. He was shaking as everything was falling apart and his mind a raging tempest of emotions.

The fool had played himself.

A tempest that was being overcome by a numbness.

Another tragedy penned down in his saga.

A doomed tale one that ended in misery.

Why?

Why did this have to be his fate?

No.

Pure Vanilla Cookie stood walking over to him and cupped his cheeks, “May I kiss you goodbye Pristine Milk Cookie?”

Pristine Milk Cookie just gave a nod.

Pure Vanilla Cookie leaned forward and placed his lips on his and Pristine Milk Cookie couldn’t even bring himself to enjoy the kiss. The other pulled away and he offered him a smile and he stared at the other for one long moment.

He turned away and walked to the door.

Pure Vanilla Cookie opened it and Pristine Milk snapped his fingers and a staff appeared in his hands that was wrapped in bandages to prevent him from seeing the familiar flower of his companion.

Pure Vanilla Cookie looked back and smiled one last time at Pristine Milk Cookie before he walked through the door with his Orchid Staff in hand.

The door shut and vanished.

With it Pristine Milk Cookie’s hope for a better future.

Yet all he could do was laugh.

It was truly ironic.

A tragicomedy!

He was a fool!

Earthbread’s greatest fool!

To think he could have love?

Absurd!

Outrageous!

Pristine Milk Cookie was truly a fool.

A fool.

It was time to give up this ruse.

Knowledge.

What good had it done him?

It made him a target of not only censorship but killing the few cookies he ever gained some semblance of attachment too.

He laughed until his sides hurt and his voice failed as his soul jam became a much darker shade of blue.

Pristine Milk Cookie.

That name was dead.

That broken scholar no more!

Despite this shattering of his will, part of him still wished to help Pure Vanilla Cookie. A cookie born so far away from him.

That desire emerged so quick and sudden that it broke this budding madness just enough.

There was still something he could do as Fount of Knowledge.

One last attempt at reaching the future.

The idea presented itself so clearly and he knew he didn’t have time. He was succumbing to that madness.

Succumbing fast.

The Soul Jam of Knowledge became wrapped in silver and set against his neck but the transformation halted as for a brief moment he held on to that principle.

Knowledge and truth would be the gift he gave to the future.

What he would discard he would give to his future.

Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“One final plan,” Fount managed as he looked at his key. “One final idea of a fool.”

That is when he began transferring his power into his staff. Exactly half of it no more and no less and he vanished seeking the Barrens of Solidarity.

 

Only silence filled the tree as Fount finished his story and his sad expression turned into a smirk, “Happy with the truth?”

He had a grin as he spoke.

“You maddened fool,” Silent Salt Cookie replied and the master of deceit laughed.

The magic of that faerie was potent and he felt himself slipping. His consciousness was fading as exhaustion wove itself into his dough.

He truly was tired.

Tired of it all.

Perhaps a sleep without end wouldn’t be such a bad fate after all?

If death couldn’t claim them then endless sleep might as well.

At least it would be its own form of nonexistence that he craved.

“That is what I am. Earthbread’s greatest fool,” was the last words of the Beast of Deceit before a sleep without end claimed him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

“ISN’T THIS FRESH AIR JUST DIVINE?!” A voice thundered as a large blue face appeared in the massive crack.

He had white hair that partially covered his dark blue eye and white pupil and white lashes while the other was teal. One had black sclera and the other white and he had a sharp toothed grin. A three pronged symbol covered one of his eyes. His hair was dark blue with the underside black and filled with eyes with the same delighted look to them.

He crawled out of the tree.

A towering giant in the clothes of a court jester and a blue gem set proudly in a brooch on his chest with a dark pupil staring back at the world before he shrank down and stretched a cane appearing in his hand.

They had failed.

Pure Vanilla Cookie had failed!

He gripped his Orchid staff.

The beast finally peered down at the cookies below his eyes awash with devilish delight until his gaze fell on to Pure Vanilla Cookie.

His expression immediately softened.

Pure Vanilla felt something under his feet and he stumbled back falling into the gloved hand that lifted him up to the Beast of Deceit.

“Oof!” He called as he hit the glove yet it was soft like falling into a pillow.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!” The combined voices of White Lily Cookie, his dear friend who had just awoken, Gingerbrave, Wizard Cookie, Strawberry Cookie, and Elder Faerie Cookie rang out from below.

He was brought before the jester that threatened to destroy everything.

The Beast of Deceit leaned forward examining Pure Vanilla closely as if he was some sort of specimen. Pure Vanilla stood to his feet raising his staff keeping it trained on the Beast.

“I finally found you,” his voice was quiet, only heard by the pair as the beast drew close, slipping past his staff and inches apart from his face.

“10,000 years of waiting,” the beast of deceit's voice had a strange tone.

The beast held no fear for him and what he could do.

His eyes scanned him and a hand traced along the outline of his brooch.

His tone.

It was one of familiarity.

One of warmth.

Why?

How did this beast know him?

Pure Vanilla Cookie needed to defeat this beast to keep the peace but he was locked into place. If he attacked he would be at point blank range for any magic the beast might cast. So he lowered his staff and watched the conflicted look in the embodiment of deceit’s eyes.

“Do you remember your promise?” The Beast of Deceit asked.

His voice was tentative.

Testing.

He was testing him?

“I know not what you speak of. I’m sorry,” Pure Vanilla Cookie wasn’t sure why he should be apologizing.

Why did speaking that fact hurt so deeply?

Like a knife went through his heart?

As if he lost something and part of him knew that it was now gone forever.

A pained look entered the Beast of Deceit’s eyes and he withdrew his hand and floated away followed by laughter.

Pained hollow laughter.

“Of course! OF COURSE! THE ONE THING I WAIT FOR! THE ONE SOLACE I GIVE MYSELF! Oh fate aren’t you cruel? Ah well I am crueler,” Shadow Milk twirled his cane when something else seemed to emerge from the tree.

 

A blur of black with a wave of energy cleaving through the air severing trees cleanly and the beast of deceit vanished reappearing some distance away.

“I was wondering when you would show up,” he said coldly, his expression shifting to raw fury as his hair flowed like flames. “I am in no mood for YOU ESPECIALLY!”

“We will return to sleep!” The beast of Silence called flying at the beast of deceit who dodged his strikes, his grip on his cane tightening.

Glyphs appeared with puppets lunging at the Beast of Silence which he severed and they exploded into arcane energy.

Pure Vanilla Cookie watched this fight enraptured by it before he felt arms around him and he was flown down to the ground. Elder Faerie Cookie was panting as he staggered and collapsed into White Lily Cookie.

“Elder Faerie Cookie what is happening?” White Lily Cookie asked.

“Why would the beasts be fighting like this? Wouldn’t they be on the same side seeking to escape?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Wizard Cookie echoed and the three mages lifted their staves weaving their magics together to form a barrier as the energy from the Beast of Silence’s sword impacted it.

Strawberry Cookie leaned into Gingerbrave who wrapped his arms around her.

“What do we do?” Gingerbrave asked.

The two beasts battled leaving destruction in their wake.

“I didn’t realize you stopped caring about this kingdom! I thought this was a place you cherished as much as those pathetic barrens!” The Beast of Deceit had a smirk as the pair danced midair with one dodging and the other attacking.

This didn’t make any sense.

Were they not allies?

Not even held together by camaraderie or loyalty?

How?

He could never understand.

“Or do you not realize what you are doing?”

The Beast of Silence finally paused floating midair as there was a shift in the helmet’s gaze as he finally saw the destruction he was sowing.

“Will even sentimentalities be sacrificed to your hatred?” The Beast of Deceit purred his voice like silk but sharp like knives.

Elder Faerie Cookie was focused not on the conversation of his allies but on the beasts above them.

Pure Vanilla Cookie shifted his attention to Elder Faerie Cookie whose expression was difficult to read. There were traces of pain in his expression that did not seem to be physical. A hand gripped the fabric of his robe over his heart as his ears lowered.

Pure Vanilla Cookie knelt by him and he used his magic to try to heal any wounds he might have before a hand wrapped around his own pushing it away.

Elder Faerie Cookie shook his head no.

“I’ll do what I must, Shadow Milk Cookie,” The beast of silence said.

“So that is the kind of beast you are, Silent Salt Cookie!” The other laughed as Silent Salt dashed appearing in front of Shadow Milk and his sword cleaving through him but the body he struck exploded into confetti and stuffing.

There was a giggle before there was a crackle of magic and Pure Vanilla stood and was face to face with Shadow Milk Cookie.

“Awww so cute! You lot cowering under a whittle barrier like this!”

Vines erupted from the earth going straight for Shadow Milk directed by White Lily Cookie but he vanished and Pure Vanilla Cookie raised his staff.

That crackle emerged behind him and Shadow Milk Cookie swept Pure Vanilla Cookie off his feet and he vanished floating above the Silver Tree.

“Let go of me!”

“You sure about that?” Shadow Milk purred.

Pure Vanilla glanced down to see they were high up enough that a fall would instantly crumble him if he was not quick enough with any form of magic.

Pure Vanilla Cookie clung to the Beast of Deceit, his grip on his staff tightening as he felt magic begin to weave into his dough.

Pure Vanilla Cookie focused as he tried to fight the spell with golden light wrapping around him. It was working but before the spell could be fully prevented Shadow Milk leaned down and kissed Pure Vanilla Cookie and the shock interrupted his focus causing the glow of light to fade.

The spell formed a glyph on his chest blazened into his clothes as well as Shadow Milk Cookie’s.

Pure Vanilla Cookie pushed Shadow Milk away, narrowing his eyes at the beast as his heart pounded. Disgust and horror swirled together and he wished to take his chances with the fall.

Why did it also feel like it was deserved?

“Consider it payback for so long ago,” Shadow Milk Cookie narrowed his eyes as he looked to the Ancient in his arms.

“Wha-! We have never me-” He started.

Silent Salt Cookie appeared before them and Shadow Milk grinned, “You harm me or my other half you will harm us both! Will you destroy the future you sought to create so desperately?”

Silent Salt froze his sword, stopping just before Shadow Milk’s soul jam.

Shadow Milk grinned as Pure Vanilla Cookie felt reality shift. It was subtle, almost unnoticeable but he could sense it.

“Go on, kill us both!” Shadow Milk challenged.

The hands holding Pure Vanilla Cookie were trembling.

He was terrified.

Silent Salt Cookie lowered his sword.

His own jam was racing and he glanced below to see White Lily Cookie below him with his dear companions.

He needed to return to her.

He just gained her back!

He couldn’t lose her again!

Pure Vanilla Cookie was trying to figure out some semblance of a plan against such a foe who had command over reality and had him in his arms.

Wait no.

This wasn’t reality.

He knew this place.

Why did he know this strange place that felt so cold?

Why did it feel like home?

A sharp pain cleaved through Pure Vanilla Cookie’s mind as he held his head instinctively as he felt something in him stir.

Something forgotten.

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla Cookie felt like his world was spinning and he knew it was only him enduring this at least of the cookies immediately around him. Pain split his mind and he winced, closing his eyes as he leaned into the beast holding him as he had nowhere else to go.

“This! YOU!” Silent Salt Cookie called and Shadow Milk Cookie laughed as he floated back.

“You hesitated and I won! We are in MY DOMAIN now!” Shadow Milk called as Pure Vanilla Cookie vanished and he reappeared on the ground. He felt the others rush towards him and two sets of hands rested on his shoulders.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!”

“Is he alright?”

“Physically he is fine. The spell on him is strong. It would take time to unravel.”

“Our enemy would notice if we unraveled it. We need to do so when the opportunity is ideal.”

He wasn’t sure who was speaking; it sounded like everything was underwater.

Was this Shadow Milk Cookie’s doing?

No.

This.

This did not feel like any magic prodding his mind.

He knew that sensation as well as breathing.

Yet he could not stop this.

His perception of reality morphed as the memories forced their way to the surface as if he was regaining some part of him he had lost.

 

Healer Cookie found himself walking beside a cookie he had just met only the night prior and yet this stranger who was clearly a leader of some sort treated him so well.

He learned his name was Fount of Knowledge.

At the moment he looked like a normal cookie with white hair that faded to blue wearing ornate robes. He had a wooden staff that resembled a tree wrapped around a blue gemstone.

They were here for materials for a wand for him.

Such an important cookie taking time for him!

A stranger.

It made him feel warm and grateful.

Besides, looking at that staff that he knew was his dearest companion only brought him pain. It threatened to break the fragile peace of his mind as he walked away from his past.

He knew that deep in his core.

A past that was purposefully forgotten.

He smiled as he took in the city as they walked approaching the grand gates as cookies with empty or full carts walking by themselves passed them by!

Healer Cookie knew he had never seen such magic before and his eyes were bright as he took in the new sights and sounds. He held on to Fount of Knowledge’s arm as the virtue summoned a sack of gold and tied it to his waist.

The pair walked into the city onto the streets with intricate stonework and buildings on either side. Above them cookies flew on brooms interacting with each other and living their lives.

“This is amazing!” He called as his head was practically on a swivel as he took it all in. His eyes were bright and this felt like a paradise.

“I suppose. It is nothing compared to my tower,” Fount had pride in his tone.

In Healer Cookie’s mind he had every reason to be proud.

“I would love to hear all about it,” Healer Cookie truly was hungry for knowledge.

There was no higher honor in his mind than to learn from his companion.

“Really?”

“Of course!” Healer Cookie was honest.

He had no reason to lie.

Thanks to this discussion the pair seemed to veer off the normal crowded streets into one that was much quieter. It was dark and there was a chill that crawled up his dough as if he knew deep down that trouble awaited them. His grip on Fount’s arm tightened as he scanned his surroundings. His dough moving on instinct.

That is when he saw it.

Movement in the shadows and the familiar spark of magic forming around a staff.

“Look out!”

Healer Cookie pulled Fount to the ground as an arrow of dark magic impaled itself into the stone with thin red wisps trailing off it.

Red lines seeped into the stone spreading into a pattern before darkness erupted around them forming a large cage around the square they entered into. Cookies emerged from the shadows surrounding the pair.

“Hand over your valuables,” One stepped forward who seemed to be the leader of this group of thieves.

Healer Cookie tensed as he was face to face with dangerous criminals wearing high quality armor and clothes that created a blanket of magic over them.

He wasn’t sure how he could sense such things but it was second nature it seemed.

Fount stood and Healer Cookie turned watching his companion and the sky seemed to darken as clouds gathered overhead. Healer Cookie’s eyes widened when he watched one of the criminals launch the spell and the arrow pierced Fount’s chest.

The Staff of Knowledge clattered to the ground.

Healer Cookie’s world froze as images entered his mind.

A cookie in black armor and black hair with arrows piercing through his armor, his sword just missing the attack before a cookie in pink with a large shield appeared, raising her shield arrows striking its surface and being repelled by a powerful arcane force.

Healer Cookie’s breath caught in his throat and he closed his eyes to try to clear that vision, his head threatening to cleave in two. When he opened his eyes he saw Fount consumed by darkness with eyes appearing in his hair as he clutched his chest.

“I will n-not heed your words!” Fount called.

Every bit of Healer Cookie’s dough urged him to act and he dove for Fount’s staff and held it in his hands.

“Wh-what are you doing?!”

Healer Cookie raised the staff as familiar knowledge emerged as if bubbling to the surface. The staff of knowledge became wrapped in golden light as an ornate glyph appeared underneath them that wrapped the pair in a barrier.

Oddly, Healer Cookie felt complete at this moment.

He unraveled the curse on his companion and the key vanished from his grasp.

Fount raised his staff and his magic erupted from wrapping all the criminals in hands made of magic and he drew a sigil. Arcane sealing curses appeared on their dough as his disguise melted away showing just who these criminals had attacked.

Healer Cookie did not see that anger fade.

No!

He couldn’t let him do something he would regret!

“Fount, let's turn them into the authorities! Please!” He begged.

Fount glanced down at him and his eyes widened before the criminals seemed to vanish and he floated down dispelling the cage. Falling to his knees his hair was disheveled as he held a hand to his chest and the other kept his key close. His breathing was coming out in quick gasps.

“Are you alright? You looked like you were breaking,” Healer Cookie truly was concerned.

Was he well?

Did he need rest?

“How… How can you wield the Soul Jam of knowledge? How can you wield my soul?”

 

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!” White Lily Cookie’s voice pulled him away from that memory as if he was pulled out of a raging sea and he gasped as he looked to his companion.

“Are you alright?” Strawberry Cookie’s voice was small and he felt his tug on his sleeve.

“I-I’m fine,” Pure Vanilla managed.

That is when he noticed everyone seemed to be in different outfits.

Outfits that were blues, golds, and whites that were like attendants in a castle would wear but with diamond and crown like patterns along the fabric as accents. Aspects of their clothes were like that of a jester.

“W-when? I am sorry,” Pure Vanilla was bewildered as he glanced around.

“Finally my other half joins the show! I have only been giving you prompts for the last few pages!” Shadow Milk Cookie huffed as he flew in front of him and White Lily Cookie and Strawberry Cookie were pulled away by an unseen force.

The beast gripped Pure Vanilla’s cheeks.

“What is more important than my little show? I know! Absolutely nothing! Come now, no distractions!” Shadow Milk purred leaning close before he let go and floated away.

Pure Vanilla realized that his joints were like that of a doll.

This wasn’t the real Shadow Milk Cookie.

Despite the disgust he should feel at the sight all he felt was confusion as his mind was reeling.

“Places everyone!” Shadow Milk Cookie clapped.

Pure Vanilla Cookie’s head was spinning and he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Wizard Cookie at his side. His expression was odd; it was one filled with regret.

Before he could ask, Shadow Milk Cookie spoke.

“We have a kingdom wide performance to put on! You are all the actors!” Shadow Milk Cookie called with excitement as his voice thundered across the distorted kingdom.

From the wings of the clearing they stood in faeries emerged but they were different. They were dressed like clowns and jesters in shades of blue with make up much like Shadow Milk Cookie himself. They flew towards them contorting themselves as they landed on stage and Pure Vanilla heard cracks in their dough…

His stomach churned.

“Ah the helpers,” Shadow Milk grinned and Pure Vanilla Cookies eyes widened in horror as the surroundings changed.

Around the group the stage became a bed of needles that stabbed into the faeries but they laughed all the same trying to move and enter different positions that their dough wasn’t meant to move into.

As if this pain was nothing.

Pure Vanilla felt sick but unfortunately he had become hardened to similar sights.

White Lily Cookie gasped and Elder Faerie Cookie tensed biting his lip and his glare became murderous.

Strawberry Cookie let out a sob turning into Gingerbrave burying her face into his chest as he watched in horror, unable to look away.

Wizard Cookie strangely enough was focused entirely on Shadow Milk, a fury burning in his gaze.

“Our adventurers must disable this trap to escape to the next part of the dungeon! The clues lay around them on stage. Can they find them? Oh and!” Shadow Milk grinned.

Elder Faerie gasped as needles rose up through his wings pinning him like a butterfly but he did not move as it would risk tearing his wings.

“No flight allowed unless the director wills it!” Shadow Milk howled with a gleeful laughter that grated Pure Vanilla’s ears.

White Lily Cookie’s color drained from her face and Pure Vanilla Cookie rushed over to try to heal him before his head erupted with pain.

“No! N-not again!” Pure Vanilla called as his vision faded as he fell to his knees.

The voices faded, everyone had begun to yell and panic and he heard footsteps rush over before everything vanished.

 

Countless memories filled his mind along with the emotions associated with them.

So that is how he ended up with those bandages that allowed him to see through them. A gift from Fount of Knowledge, no from Pristine Milk Cookie.

Until finally he knew he had reached the final memory.

Healer Cookie woke up to an empty bed which was surprising.

Normally Pristine Milk Cookie woke up with him and the pair made breakfast together.

He sat up rubbing his eyes and yawned as the sleepiness began to fade. He turned to grab the bandages before he stopped seeing Pristine Milk Cookie.

Healer Cookie smiled, “Good morning!” He said warmly.

“Good morning,” the other purred, his tone different.

Sharper.

Healer Cookie had a gut feeling something was wrong and he properly took in this cookie’s appearance.

He looked a lot like Pristine Milk Cookie but the pattern that originally had been on his forehead now rested over his eye. His smile was sharp and his half of his body faded to black ending in wisps.

It looked like he was half formed emerging from the shadows themselves.

“Who are you?” Healer Cookie narrowed his eyes.

“A fragment of that broken soul you so foolishly love. You know this will end in tragedy, Bearer of Truth.”

Healer Cookie’s eyes widened and he winced as pain cleaved through his mind.

“Don’t fight your past. Unless you are already so broken you have embraced deceit even before my soul jam has split,” Shadow Milk Cookie purred with a laugh. “That will make my job 10,000 years into the future so much easier!”

Healer Cookie doubled over as memories flooded his mind.

His fellow ancients and their adventures, finding his soul jam, founding his kingdom, and then the war…

Pure Vanilla Cookie was left panting as he lay on the bed and he reached over and grabbed his bandages pulling them close. Shadow Milk rested his head on the bed looking straight into his gaze.

“Sooo how was the trip down memory lane?”

Pure Vanilla did not reply as he gathered his bearings before he felt a clawed finger poke into his cheek.

“Come ooonnnn say something,” Shadow Milk Cookie prodded.

“W-what… do y-you want?”

“I came to warn you. Pristine Milk Cookie is going to try to defy his little fate. I no, WE need you to deny his offer. That way you can get your whittle soul jam and I can finally be free from the delusions he has wrapped himself in. Clinging to such pathetic truths and false hope. He needs to break and become me so you can rise to power,” Shadow Milk Cookie floated up off the bed looking down to Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“What has he done?” There was concern in his voice but he also knew that Pristine Milk Cookie could not change his fate otherwise who knows how it would impact the future.

Time.

It was not to be trifled with.

Even if Pure Vanilla Cookie knew how to command it and so did the other.

“He split his soul. He intends to give you a piece of it and well I do not need to tell you how that is a problem unless of course the education system is so poor so far into the future,” Shadow Milk mused and Pure Vanilla Cookie’s eyes widened.

He.

He didn’t want to believe him.

“If you doubt me, why don’t you see for yourself?” Shadow Milk Cookie waved his hand and the bandages rose up and wrapped around his eyes and he vanished.

Pure Vanilla Cookie sighed as he grabbed a book from the top of one of the many piles framing Pristine Milk Cookie’s bed and he began to read as he waited.

He hoped that shadow had been lying.

Please.

Let it be lies.

Pure Vanilla knew this was doomed for failure.

Pristine Milk Cookie was one of the few to treat him purely with such kindness without expecting anything in return. It was a pleasant break from being that pillar for others often not receiving that same kindness in return. Yet he never let them know when he was struggling or gave others that opportunity. He was used to dismissing his feelings for the sake of others.

Despite all of that it was nice to be thought of with such careful attention and consideration.He would never admit how his relationships had worn him down being that support for everyone else.

His cheeks flushed but he knew it wouldn’t, no couldn’t last.

This was doomed for tragedy in this time.

Yet maybe.

Just maybe.

In the future.

There might be hope.

Perhaps this was due to freshly fighting the war.

The heartbreak of the cookie who had won his heart so long ago who corrupted turning to evil was still fresh and bleeding.

There was a spark of magic and footsteps approached and the voice he had come to know so well sang out, “Surprise!”

The virtue approached offering a tray and Pure Vanilla Cookie looked over and smiled, closing the book setting it aside.

“You didn’t have to,” Pure Vanilla said.

“I chose too.”

That made his heart flutter and he could see the eyes in Pristine Milk’s hair had hearts in their pupils and he smiled as the tray was carefully placed in his lap.

This would no doubt be his last meal in this time period.

Pure Vanilla Cookie got half way through his meal and he said, “Pristine Milk Cookie?”

There was no response from the cookie who now sat on the bed with him.

He waited but the other seemed to be lost in thought.

“Pristine Milk Cookie!”

The other blinked looking at him finally, “Hmm? Yes? Did you say something?”

“Yes I did. What have you lost in thought so deeply? What are you pondering?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked.

“We can discuss it after you finish eating.”

“Is it good?”

“It’s an offer,” Pristine Milk clarified.

“I see,” Pure Vanilla Cookie felt his heart sink when he heard those words.

It meant what the shadow told him was the truth and so he finished his meal and Pristine Milk’s magic embraced the tray and it vanished.

“Well to start. Healer Cookie I found what time period you are from,” Pristine Milk began.

“Oh, I see. So I guess this is goodbye?” Pure Vanilla knew it was goodbye.

He remembered everything but he supposed he was acting now.

Unless you are already so broken you have embraced deceit even before my soul jam has split.

Why did those words sting?

Were they true?

All he wished was not to hurt others?

Sometimes a lie needed to be told to protect those around him.

“It doesn’t have to be,” Pristine Milk Cookie smiled as he produced a box and opened it. “This ring contains a piece of my soul jam and is bound to my soul. If you take it with you I can come with you to the present and we can stay together!”

Pure Vanilla felt his jam run cold, “You… you did what?”

That shadow wasn’t lying.

He truly split his soul.

Oh Pristine Milk Cookie.

“It was a simple process but it will allow us to remain together,” Pristine Milk was hopeful.

“Pristine Milk Cookie. Why? Why did you hurt yourself? I didn’t want to believe him when he told me,” Pure Vanilla Cookie stood and he took a step back.

“He? Wait. Did my shadow speak to you?” Pristine Milk Cookie looked horrified at the prospect which helped further confirm he was aware of what was to come.

“Pristine Milk Cookie you know this is wrong. You know that you should not do this,” Pure Vanilla spoke with conviction.

He knew in his core this was wrong and he watched the eyes in Pristine Milk Cookie’s hair gain tears in them while he remained frozen.

Pure Vanilla knew he couldn’t save him and that broke his heart and a frown creased his lips as tears threatened to fall.

If only he could help him.

He was a failure of a healer.

Failing every single cookie around him.

“Why? Why can’t I be selfish? Defy the will of gods instead of being a cog in their machine with no choice of my own!” Pristine Milk Cookie called tears forming in his eyes. “Why? Why can’t I have this?”

Each word cut like a fork stabbing into his dough over and over.

Pure Vanilla Cookie approached and he wrapped his hands around the box and snapped it shut, his magic sparking to his command. He dispelled the illusion and it revealed his worst fear. The crack-like scars along Pristine Milk Cookie’s dough.

“Because hurting yourself like this isn’t right. I don’t want to be with you knowing you had to harm yourself so severely to be at my side,” Pure Vanilla spoke with a gentleness to his voice like the early morning sunlight warming the dough.

“I watched a cookie hurt herself before just like you to get what she wanted. She shattered and went mad. A cookie consumed by hatred and loathing for the witches,” The gray in his hair faded showing his proper blonde hair. “A cookie who caused the destruction of nations including my own. I would feel nothing but guilt. I know I can’t save you and I am sorry. I am truly sorry I failed someone else.”

“Yet I promise you one thing. I will try to find you Pristine Milk Cookie and we can try again. Try to see if this relationship, this love can work. I swear it as the disgraced Hero of Truth Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

He truly meant every single world and books flew off the shelves flying around the room reflecting the owner of this realm’s emotions. Not a single book approached the pair or even Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“I… I don’t want to be alone…” His voice was failing him and hearing him so broken pained Pure Vanilla Cookie more than anyone could ever know.

“I don’t want to be either. But we both know that your plan is riddled with flaws. I don’t want a ring to be my companion but a cookie who can walk at my side. So please wait for me. I will come for you,” Pure Vanilla would try if fate would let him.

“What if I am different? What if I am changed?”

“Then I will get to know you again,” Pure Vanilla Cookie promised.

Pristine Milk Cookie buried his face in his hands as he let out a sob and tears streamed down his cheeks and Pure Vanilla Cookie sat down beside him. To try to be there for him in some way even if he knew this was his fault.

Whatever tragedy would follow it would be his fault.

He would be the cause.

Another mistake to the countless others within his tale.

“Th-this can’t be how it ends! How I end!”

“We both knew this couldn’t end happily,” Pure Vanilla Cookie frowned as he looked away.

“Damned witches! Damn them all!”

The windows shattered, the glass flying outside of the room and the walls began to crack.

“The witches weren’t not kind to you and they aren’t the perfect gods cookiekind seeks,” Pure Vanilla Cookie said knowingly.

Pristine Milk Cookie stumbled to his feet and summoned his soul jam and the spire began to groan and shift around them. Pure Vanilla Cookie felt the power of this place as reality itself seemed to distort as a doorway made of black gears appeared. The Virtue was shaking as tears rolled down his cheeks.

Pure Vanilla Cookie rose from the bed and approached and gently cupped his cheeks. This was a selfish request but he had to thank him in some way even if Pristine Milk Cookie was far too shattered to even enjoy such a gesture.

He felt like he had to offer something.

Some form of comfort to the cookie who managed to win his shattered heart.
“May I kiss you goodbye Pristine Milk Cookie?”

Pristine Milk Cookie gave him a nod and the other leaned forward and placed a kiss on his trembling lips.

Pure Vanilla Cookie made sure it was brief and he pulled away and gave him a smile yet tears were already beginning to fall. He locked eyes with him for a long moment.

Taking in the face of another cookie he failed.

Pure Vanilla Cookie turned and walked to the door and opened it when he heard a snap and his orchid staff wrapped in bandages appeared in his hands. Pure Vanilla looked back and gave him a sad smile before he walked through the door and it shut behind him.

His world was spinning as he felt his dough stretched and twisted before a door appeared in the rubble of the Vanilla Kingdom and he was pushed out. Landing among the crumbled stone and losing consciousness.

He groaned as he opened his eyes. Who knows how many hours had passed and he pushed himself off the ground.

Where was he?

Who was he?

He pushed himself to his feet and took in the rubble and the smell of old jam filled his nose. He began to walk searching for what?
He did not know.

Pure Vanilla Cookie was pulled back to reality to the shrill, “YOU FLYING LITTLE PEST!”

Shadow Milk held his chest which was cracked like porcelain pieces falling away and his clothes torn as Elder Faerie Cookie was panting holding his sword and the beast clad in black armor rushed forward and with a single strike struck down the puppet. He rushed over to Elder Faerie Cookie’s side holding him close.

White Lily Cookie stood in front of Wizard Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie he staff sparking with energy as she watched her opponent.

“Release him!” She commanded.

There was only silence as the pair shared a glance before Silent Salt wrapped his hand around Elder Faerie Cookie’s and a pale blue glow embraced Elder Faerie Cookie.

“Don’t waste your energy,” He managed.

The beast was silent as he still held his hand but he glanced around and his gaze fell on Wizard Cookie.

Wizard Cookie was holding on to Pure Vanilla Cookie and one of his hands was wrapped in pale blue light.

The ancient was panting as he took in their surroundings. Reality was fading in and out and his head was pounding.

“You finally back to me, Healer Cookie?” Wizard Cookie asked, sounding far more tired than he should.

Pure Vanilla Cookie turned his gaze away from his surroundings to the cookie at his side who seemed to change in appearance. His hair became long and multiple shades of blue flowing with stars in his hair and streaks of white running through. A blue and gold eye looked down to him and he wore black and gold robes with a monocle over his gold eye.

“Pristine Milk Cookie?” Pure Vanilla uttered under his breath.

“Who is giving him life force?” White Lily asked.

The glow faded and Elder Faerie Cookie looked around shocked until his gaze fell on Pristine Milk Cookie. His eyes widened and Pure Vanilla Cookie realized it was the cookie at his side who performed the ritual.

How could he have given up his life force?

He was a manifestation of Shadow Milk Cookie’s soul without a physical form outside of reality.

Silent Salt Cookie stood, “I will put an end to you here and now.” He raised his blade at White Lily Cookie and at Pristine Milk Cookie.

Elder Faerie Cookie raised his sword towards Silent Salt Cookie, “If you harm her you fight me as well.”

“So be it,” Silent Salt Cookie rushed forward.

“Yes it’s me,” Pristine Milk Cookie said looking down at him looking tired with the bags somehow being deeper. He held out his hand a glow embracing it as seemingly Shadow Milk Cookie’s voice filled the area.

“Oh this is too perfect! What a show! A show to welcome the end!” Shadow Milk’s laughter filled the area which caused Silent Salt Cookie to pause, stopping himself mid lunge.

“No,” He ran off, his tone reflecting a realization.

Pristine Milk Cookie sighed with relief.

Pure Vanilla realized he made the voice of Shadow Milk appear and that is what made him realize how Pristine Milk Cookie was able to give life force. He gave Shadow Milk Cookie’s life force as the pair were still connected.

Still one soul.

He could manifest because of the nature of the Other Realm.

“Wizard Cookie is Pure Vanilla Cookie okay?” Strawberry Cookie asked.

“Yes he is fine,” Pristine Milk Cookie said.

“We need to act quickly before the seal is unraveled,” Elder Faerie Cookie said as White Lily Cookie went to his side.

That is when the surroundings around them changed to that of a labyrinth of forests and corridors that resembled the faerie kingdom as creatures emerged including the faeries corrupted, raising their weapons.

“We will make our way to the Silver Tree!” Elder Faerie Cookie called when walls erupted separating everyone.

This left White Lily Cookie with Elder Faerie Cookie, Gingerbrave with Strawberry Cookie, and Pristine Milk Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!” White Lily Cookie’s voice was faint.

“I’m alright!” Pure Vanilla Cookie called. “We’ll meet soon!”

“Be safe!” Gingerbrave yelled.

“Be cautious and do not harm the faeries they are not themselves but there is still hope!” Elder Faerie Cookie called.

Pure Vanilla Cookie turned to Pristine Milk Cookie who gave him a sad smile.

“It’s good to finally see you after so long,” he said.

“W-where.. Where is the real Wizard Cookie?” Pure Vanilla Cookie looked at Pristine Milk Cookie as his mind was still spinning as he was adjusting to being back in the present and all the events that happened in between his recollections.

“He is safely asleep in a part of the Other Realm only I can command,” Pristine Milk Cookie held out his hand and a mirror appeared showing Wizard Cookie curled up in a familiar looking room. A room fashioned after Pristine Milk’s old bedroom.

“I had to help you. I had a feeling your return to the Other Realm wouldn’t be a pleasant one and I was unfortunately correct,” Pristine Milk Cookie frowned as he glanced at Pure Vanilla Cookie.

The Ancient looked disheveled and barely held together as his hair was a mess and his hat crooked. He looked tired and had an unsteadiness to his step as he felt dizzy.

“At.. At least he is safe,” Pure Vanilla Cookie sighed. “Unlike the others..”

“We need to make our way to the Silver Tree. He has almost fully released the other beasts but we can expel the beasts when they emerge,” Pristine Milk Cookie draped Pure Vanilla’s arm over his shoulder and began to walk.

The other stumbled forward, his feet not wanting to move but eventually he managed to walk with the other supporting him.

“We failed?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked in horror as his words sank in.

“Yes. I am sorry,” Pristine Milk Cookie sighed. “I am sorry you have to handle something you never should have. If only we had been stronger but even gods are fallible.”

“I should be apologizing to you. I failed you. I failed another cookie I cared for,” Pure Vanilla Cookie said as they walked when there was movement as creatures emerged from the brush.

“Don’t be. When we met I was doomed to become the Beast of Deceit. You gave me a reason to try to hold on even if it was a futile effort. You gave me a reason to try to help your future,” Pristine Milk Cookie said, his voice as gentle as Pure Vanilla remembered.

Pure Vanilla noticed the creatures and his grip tightened on his staff until glyphs appeared and strings emerged from them. Forming cookies with blades made of pale blue magic and they began to fight the creations of the Beast of Deceit.

“I don’t see it that way. If I had agreed to your proposal if that shadow’s words hadn’t swayed me…” Pure Vanilla’s voice trailed off as new regrets entered his mind.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie please don’t blame yourself. My fall, my madness was sadly long penned down on my tale as you existed. It was my fate and you confirmed that. There was nothing that could be done,” Pristine Milk Cookie sighed as the puppets defeated their opponents and joined the pair as they walked. “If it is anyone’s fault it is mine and mine alone.”

“Please rest. Give yourself some time. I can handle everything the Beast of Deceit throws at us,” The Fallen Virtue offered him a smile and Pure Vanilla Cookie glanced to him.

“I can do this.”

“No you can’t. Please just let me support you until you reach that battlefield where you face an insurmountable foe,” Pristine Milk’s grip tightened on the ancient and Pure Vanilla couldn’t help but smile despite it all.

“We both are so stubborn,” He mused.

“Indeed!” Pristine Milk Cookie laughed.

“We would have made a good pair if not for what happened. I am only a reflection of Shadow Milk Cookie’s soul,” Pristine Milk Cookie sighed.

“There is no undoing the past,” Pure Vanilla Cookie said. “I still would like to try to put your corrupted self on a better path.”

Pristine Milk Cookie blinked looking at him shocked, “With all due respect my corrupted self is utterly insane with no regard for any sort of morals or principles of reality. Life, death, it is all tools to him and will be done without hesitation as long as it aligns with his current scheme.”

“I do not think even you could change him,” Pristine Milk Cookie continued.

“I…” Pure Vanilla Cookie swallowed the lump in his throat. “I still want to try. Even despite all he has done because I understand what led him down this path. He is in pain. I want to try to give him what he should have had long ago, a friend. An equal.”

“Forgive me for saying this but it is a foolish endeavor,” The other looked away as the puppet escort launched themselves at the creations of deceit.

“Then let me be a fool,” Pure Vanilla said. “Wait!”

A silver arrow had pierced one of the puppets and Pristine Milk Cookie tensed seeing it as a cookie stumbled out from around a corner. Half of his silver clothes were dark blue and dark blue lines traced along his face.

“He is resisting,” Pristine Milk Cookie simply gave a fact.

“Silverbell Cookie! It’s me Pure Vanilla Cookie!”

The Ancient pulled himself out of Pristine Milk Cookie’s arms and stumbled forward, his staff floated to his hands and he used it for support.

Silverbell Cookie was panting and he winced holding his head.

Pure Vanilla Cookie began to approach.

“My friend, I can heal you.”

He had to do this.

Something.

Pure Vanilla had been unable to help them but he is present now. He would save someone.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie. Stay back.”

Pure Vanilla Cookie did not heed the former virtue’s warning.

Silverbell Cookie raised his bow and one of his silver eyes was swirled with dark blue, “Stay back you beast!”

He drew back the bowstring, an arrow manifesting swirled with black energy; his bow had this same darkness swirled in the wood.

An arrow was launched and a blur of movement with Pristine Milk Cookie appearing in front of Pure Vanilla the arrow impacting his chest. A gasp escaped the ancient’s lips and his eyes widened in horror as he reached out a hand going to his back and healing his wounds.

“He is battling the delusions and lies Shadow Milk Cookie is feeding him. He is unaware of the world around him,” Pristine Milk Cookie said. “He perceives us as the enemy.”

“Can we help him?” Pure Vanilla asked.

“Yes. Together yes. You have the other half of my soul. Naturally you would have some influence just follow my lead. We need to subdue him,” Pristine Milk Cookie glanced at his companion as Pure Vanilla’s staff glowed and a barrier appeared as another arrow struck it.

“Why?! Why won’t you fall?!” Silverbell Cookie called.

“I trust you,” Pure Vanilla told him.

“I will make sure it isn’t misplaced,” The fallen virtue offered a smile as he held out his hand but Pure Vanilla gently grabbed it.

“Please allow me. This isn’t my first time I have had to engage someone like this,” Pure Vanilla offered a smile and Pristine Milk Cookie finally noticed just how callused his hands were. Not the soft delicate hands of his own but someone who has worked his entire life.

“Alright. I will follow your lead,” Pristine Milk Cookie said and Pure Vanilla gave him a grateful smile.

“Thank you. Be warned he uses magic that can heal allies and hinder opponents,” Pure Vanilla said.

“I can handle that,” Pristine Milk smiled. “There isn’t a single cookie on earthbread who can outdo me arcanely.”

“Still prideful I see.”

“Some things never change,” The other had glyphs appear in front of his hands ready.

“Maybe I can challenge you someday,” Pure Vanilla stepped forward, lowering the barrier with a wave of his staff.

“I gladly accept.”

The Ancient moved forward the training Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie gave him and White Lily Cookie entered his mind as Silverbell’s bow was tracing his path. Yet he was trembling as tears rolled and his other eye began to turn blue.

“No… Please! E-Elder Faerie Cookie! H-he can’t have t-taken you,” Silverbell managed as he fired and Pure Vanilla used magic to deflect it and the arrow fizzled out as the same glyph in Pristine Milk’s hands embraced the arrow.

“We are losing him!” Pristine Milk Cookie called.

Pure Vanilla Cookie approached and he used his staff to sweep out Silverbell Cookie’s shaky stance and the cookie fell to his back. He had let go of his bow when he impacted the grass and stone path of the maze and pale blue magic appeared pinning him down.

“What do we do?”

Pristine Milk Cookie approached and he held out his hand, “Let me guide your magic. You are going to channel your virtue of truth to purify my deceit.”

“Teach me Pristine Milk Cookie like before,” Pure Vanilla said, taking his hand.