Chapter Text
After being defeated by Pure Vanilla cookie, Shadow Milk was trying to rebuild the spire. He was greatly hurt by these gnats and Him, so his abilities were limited. Of course his minions were worried about their master, helping him in any way they could and trying to offer help with his wounds, but of course Shadow Milk refused, he was even more harsh and annoyed than before. Both of the cookies understood he must be overwhelmed by the whole incident.
“You think things will be as they were before?” - Candy Apple asked her companion as she was picking up some decorations that were messed up by The fight.
Black Sapphire was busy tidying up but when he heard Candy speak he immediately look towards her. “ Ah, I sure Master will get over this and everything will be back to normal.” He let out a small sigh, not knowing himself if he believed his words. He has never seen Shadow Milk act so distressed before, almost like he lost his mind.
“I hate that.. these truthful cookies! They always destroy our fun and they’ve hurt Master Shadow Milk!” - Candy apple squeezed the small ceramic figure of shadow milk as she spoke with disgust and anger, almost breaking the thing in her hands. Black Sapphire didn't respond; he just gave her a small look and continued to recover all that was left.
Shadow Milk was in his newly rebuilt room, floating in circles. He was furious, pulling on his hair, hard enough to hurt but not hard enough to pull it out. It was merely a few days after he fought with Pure Vanilla and lost. How could he lose? He,The Beast Of Deceit, defeated by some cheap copy of him.
He noticed a mirror he must have placed before next to his bed, Shadow Milk didn't sleep for eons. He was a beast after all, and sleeping was for these kind and loving fragile cookies, not for him. So the bed was only a decoration. Shadow Milk picked up the mirror and looked at himself, oh how pathetic he looked. He tried to keep his temper under control around his minions, but he couldn’t help but snap. He didn't feel like himself for the last few days. The beast was slowly crushing the mirror looking at himself, he suddenly threw the object and watched it break into hundreds of small and sharp glass pieces.
He wheezed as his heart beat got faster. He hated that son of a bitch, that gnat acts so pure, but there was nothing pure about him. He dared to betray him. Liar. Traitor. He gave him everything, and yet that asshole didn't want him nor his deceit. Shadow milk felt pure hatred within his veins, but there was another thing that lingered in him. A different soft of pain pulsating in his soul jam every time he thought of Pure Vanilla, something he hasn’t felt for a long time. Guild. Longing. The beast stopped moving and breathing for a second, trying to understand what he just realized. Him? feeling these things? No no no, it must have been something that traitor did to him, some sort of spell? He will pay for that for sure.
How dare that Gnat make him look so pathetic, fragile and after defeating him offer him friendship! So delusional of him to think that Shadow Milk would accept his offer. If he wasn't wounded then he would strangle him to death with his own hand. Even though that thought should have been pleasing it felt so against himself to think that, like he cared for that cookie. Shadow milk hit himself in the still healing small wounds around his chest so it would hurt more. He couldn't stand the thought of him thinking like that. Caring for anyone, he didn't care. He never cared. The beast opened a portal, surprised it was still a bit tiring, he still hasn't healed though he is recovering faster than other cookies. The portal was leading to a simple void where he could truthly be alone with himself. He flew into it and after a few seconds the portal disappeared without a trace.
Meanwhile Pure Vanilla after leaving the Spire of deceit decided to stay for a while in the Fairy Kingdom. He felt like he left unfinished business with Shadow Milk and he wanted to spend time with his best friend White Lily. Firstly she was worried for him and surprised by his new look, but after some explaining they were on the same page. White Lily gave Pure Vanilla a room where he could stay, she of course gave rooms to Ginger Brave and his friends too.
Pure Vanilla talked to White Lily that he wanted to stay in The Fairy Kingdom for a while to spend time with her, not trying to burden her with his thoughts about Shadow Milk, he also wrote lists to the other ancients to inform them he won’t be in the Vanilla Kingdom for some time and to Black Raisin to inform her as well and to take care of his stuff, of course he apologized and promised to do something for her in return after he comes back.
It was at least a few days after he fought with Shadow Milk, now he was safe with all his friends around him but yet he did not feel content, he felt. Lost? like he lost a part of him, he felt that after leaving The Spire, like he missed Shadow Milk. The Beast showed nothing but exactly why he is named a Beast, but he saw something in him that no other cookie saw. Someone lonely, seeing how happy Shadow Milk was seeing Pure Vanilla fall into deceit only made him feel pity and worry for him.
Pure Vanilla tried to befriend him, but he declined his offer. And he had every right to. Ever since he left the spire he also felt this pain in his soul jam, a tight pull towards the direction of The Spire. Like it wanted to tell him something, to go back there, help Shadow Milk. But that idea was distant for now, he needed to make sure his friends got their lists. Pure Vanilla stood up and put his pen in a holder. He was ready to put the lists into envelopes but three soft knocks took his attention. Pure Vanilla left everything on the table and walked towards the door, gently pulling them open to see White Lily with a plate of jellies.
“Lily, what brings you here?” - The blond cookie smiled softly and let the other walk inside, closing the door after she walked in.
“Checking up on you, how are you doing ,and I wanted to bring you something to eat, it’s getting late and you haven’t eaten anything since today's morning” - White Lily placed the plate on the table, noticing the lists to their friends.
Pure Vanilla looked outside the window to in fact see it was getting dark, seeing the end of a sunset that was revealing stars in the dark sky. He looked back at White Lily examining the lists he wrote.
“I can send them if you want?” - She looked towards her friend and gave him a smile
“No need, I can do that myself, though thank you for offering help” - He gestures at the bed - “Want to sit down?” - White Lily just nodded and sat down on Pure Vanilla's bed, soon the other joined her. They sat in silence for a while just enjoying each other's company. White Lily was the one to break the silence.
“How are you doing, anything still hurting you?” - White Lily asked, her tone slightly worried.
“Oh, no I feel great. Thank you for asking and you?” - Pure Vanilla felt filthy lying to his friend. He was the ancient of Truth afterall, but he didn't want to burden his friend with his worries towards Shadow Milk. Pure Vanilla gulped down and waited for White Lily to answer.
“ I am feeling quite alright too, I’m happy to have you and the other here, but of course you can leave whenever you want, and if anything you can tell me if something is bothering you” - Pure Vanilla looked at his friend, did she notice he was worrying about something? Was he really that bad at hiding stuff? The blonde hoped it was just an offer of help and that she wasn’t implying anything.
The two had a small conversation, and soon White Lily left Pure Vanilla's room. He went back to packing his lists, he wanted them to look presentable so he decorated the envelopes with some stuff he found in the drawer. Once he was done it was already night, everyone was probably sleeping so he decided to send the letters tomorrow. Pure Vanilla went to his bathroom and took a quick bath, getting himself nice and clean, put on his sleeping clothes and went back to the bedroom. He noticed the plate of jellies on his table, he looked at them for a few seconds. He still felt disgusted when it came to thinking of himself eating, besides he already brushed his teeth so he will try to eat them tomorrow. Pure Vanilla got himself comfortable in his bed, the cold sheets gently wrapping around his body felt nice. He soon drifted away into sleep, still feeling this uneasy pain in his soul jam.
Pure Vanilla woke up tired, the pain in his soul jam was not letting him sleep. He swore he woke up a hundred times at night trying to get comfortable and used to the pain. Well, he had things to do so he needed to wake up. Slowly getting up, The ancient got to the bathroom to change into his daily clothes. When he was done he walked to the table he left the letters on and took them all in a firm grip.
Pure Vanilla walked through the corridors, smiling at the passing fairies. He was looking around the beautiful place, until he noticed Wizard cookie walking towards the library. He walked a bit faster and greeted his friend.
“Hello Wizard cookie, how are you feeling today?” -His voice was tired but he tried to hide as much as he could, he still felt pain in his soul jam. It got worse overtime, he should do something with it later. Now he needed to send the lists.
“Oh, Hello Pure Vanilla. I am doing Alright, was going to read something, you? Are these letters?” - Wizard cookie pointed at the four envelopes The ancient was holding-
“Yes, yes I was planning to write to the other ancient and my friend that I will be staying here, so they wont worry” - Pure Vanilla gently smiled to the other.
“Okay. Oh, I was talking with the others, and we were planning on going back to Crispia if you didn't mind?" -The smaller cookie said a bit nervous-
“Of course, you can leave whenever you want. I can't keep you with me forever. Everyone has their own paths. Do you want me to reserve a flight for you?” -Pure Vanilla responded softly.
“I think I can do that, besides you have letters to send so I won’t bother you anymore” - Wizard cookie again pointed at the letters Pure Vanilla was holding.
“Alright then, see you later, and talking to you isn't a bother at all.” - Both cookies said goodbye and went their way. Pure Vanilla was heading to the post office (Idk they use birds or smt).
The Post Office wasn’t far from where he was staying so it was a quite short walk. He gave the Fairy cookie the letters and payment, thanking them and leaving. Once he left the Post Office he felt sharp pain in his soul jam that made him grip it, thankfully no one around noticed. He swiftly corrected his composure, walking through the garden. He must do something with this, he can’t be living like that forever. Pure Vanilla can’t ask White Lily for pain pills because that would make her worry and that is the last thing he wants. She doesn't need to know he has been feeling pain in his soul jam since he left The Spire. He was wondering if it has to do with Shadow Milk, he did have the other half of his soul jam. Maybe he needs to talk to him about it? Though he wasn't sure if The Beast would even talk to him without breaking a single bone of his, but he has faith that there is a chance that Shadow Milk would talk to him. He looked so broken, he needs to help him and get answers for himself. But how could he go now to The Spire without worrying anyone? He wasn't sure if it was even a good idea.
Pure Vanilla noticed White Lily talking with Silver bell cookie, he was hesitating to talk to her about it or not. She would notice that he had left and it would be mean to leave without noticing anyone. Well he was too late since White Lily noticed him too, she was saying probably goodbye to Silver Bell and walking towards him, he panicked but didn't move, just stared at her, thinking of an excuse.
“Greetings Pure Vanilla, good to see you here. How are you doing?” -At first White Lily looked at Pure Vanilla happily but then noticed that he looked a bit tired- “Did you sleep well?”
Pure Vanilla quietly laughed nervously “Don’t worry Lily I’m .. I’m alright, I just didn’t have a great sleep. Maybe it's the change of a place” - Again, another lie. How long can he do this? Will White Lily notice he is lying? He’s been here for a few days and he slept well, but tonight was fruitless because the pain in his soul jam got worse.
White Lily just sighed and put her arm on Pure Vanilla's shoulder “Oh Pure Vanilla I can see something is bothering you, I won’t make you answer me but remember I am always here for you” - She gave him a worried smile, Pure Vanilla just nodded thankfully. Before he could say anything White Lily spoke first. “Have you eaten the jellies I brought you yesterday?”
“I- no I am sorry I must have forgotten I will eat them once I will be back in my room” - He smiled softly again trying to seem as good as he could.
“Well, alright. But please eat them, I know you have problems with eating but remember it gives you strength” - She gave Pure Vanilla a soft tug and let him go. “I am sorry I can’t talk right now, I have to talk with Silver Bell about some things. I will come to you whenever I’ll have free time.”
“It's okay Lily, don’t worry. Take your time, and thank you for being here.”
“No problem, that's what friends are for” - She was looking back to find Silver Bell in her surroundings. “I have to go, see you Vanilla” - She went off to the silver fairy, leaving Pure Vanilla alone again.
He was walking to his room when another sharp pain in his soul jam hit him. He has to talk to Shadow Milk, the pain doesn't go away and it may only get worse. He walked faster to his room so he wouldn't meet any other cookies. He really wasn't in the form and mood to talk to anyone. Once he was finally at his room, he closed the door and sighed looking at the window. It was evening. He spent some time in the garden after talking to White Lily hoping some fresh air will help his current state but of course it didn’t. He should go to The Spire as fast as possible or else the pain may get even worse. Besides he wanted to talk to Shadow Milk, he would lie to himself if he didn’t say he feels longing for him. Which weirdly concerned him a bit. He will write a letter to White Lily explaining everything and then go off at night. He already went to his table, picked up a piece of paper and a pen and started to write the letter.
‘To White Lily
Hello My dear, you may have noticed I am not around. Please do not worry. I have ventured back to The Spire, I have a few Things I need to talk and discuss with Shadow Milk. As concerning as this may seem please dont go after me or alert the other, If anything I have grown strong enough to defend myself. I hope it won't take long and that we’ll meet again soon. Stay safe.
Sincerely Pure Vanilla’
It was at least the 10th letter version he wrote, it wasn't the best but he didn’t have any idea how to explain his situation. He only hoped White Lily would understand. He looked at the plate of jellies White Lily left for him, he hesitated and took a few. Eating them quite fast, hoping that the whole thing will make him forget about his worries with eating. Besides, he didn't want to disappoint White Lily even more. He needed to pack some things. If Shadow Milk accepted his offer he would need some things and if he didn’t he needed stuff to, you know, survive. He quickly packed some stuff like clothes etc:.
When he was done Pure Vanilla looked out the window to see that it was getting dark so he should leave soon. He tidied the room a bit and placed the letter on the table, where White Lily would easily see it when she walks in.
After a few minutes he was ready to go out, he wasn't sure if walking in the hallway would be too suspicious at such an hour with a bag, he could go that way or the window which would be more suspicious if anyone saw him but at least there was less chance he would meet anyone. He lied so many times lately, he would prefer to go down the window.
Pure Vanilla opened the window and went down the vines that were on the building's wall, he now noticed he wasn't as young as before,his body getting a bit rusty, but thankfully he went down safely. He quickly found the direction of The Spire, since he felt a small tug in the soul jam as before. He tried to be as quiet as possible.
Once he was quite far from the Fairy Kingdom he realized he should have taken a quick nap before venturing out, the sleepiness was hitting him, but he wanted to get to The Spire as soon as possible so he didn’t stop.
Hopefully he will be there before dawn.