Chapter Text
Being a kind cookie has its perks in the right places. It also has its problems in the wrong places. For example, being kind is a great way to improve your outlook on life. However, being kind is something that isn’t really respected when you’re living under the rule of Dark Enchantress Cookie.
Taffy Cookie had been living a pretty normal life until her older brother, Licorice Cookie, had gotten into a bad crowd. Sick of not being recognized for his “overwhelming power and boundless potential” as he put it, Licorice turned to darker magic to show off his skills. She wasn’t too sure on what happened to him after that. He just came back one day, fetching her, as he wasn’t a fan of leaving his little sister alone in their old village. He had explained to her that he found a place with the greatest cookie he had ever known. One with a plan to rule these lands and everyone in it, thus technically meaning HE ruled over them too! Right? And the next thing she knew, she called this dark castle her home.
‘Out of the way, flotsam.’
Lobster Cookie strode past her, his crystal claw nearly tipping over the water bucket as it knocked into it. Taffy had to latch onto it quickly to make sure it didn’t spill. She was on the floor, keeping them clean and scrubbed. That was half her life at this point. Dark Enchantress had been most displeased to know that Licorice had brought in his little sister without her permission. She had not sworn herself to her, nor did the ruler sense any malice in her. She wasn’t evil. She wasn’t mean. She had no darkness within her. To have someone like that know of her castle, her minions, her plans? Unacceptable. She would have been crumbled at the very moment had Licorice not talked her out of it, explaining that Taffy could still have her uses. After all, this was a large castle. They still made messes. They still needed to eat. While she wouldn’t be roaming the land, corrupting and sabotaging cookiekind, she could have a use as a glorified maid, proving her worth through manual labor. Naturally, some cookies were opposed to this, such as Red Velvet and Pomegranate. They’d rather leave no loose ends. However, some actually agreed with Licorice’s idea (which was a miracle, considering his reputation). Strawberry Crepe commented how his quarters were always filthy and could use a slave to keep it clean. Poison Mushroom just wanted her around because she smelled nice.
‘Move, filth. Once a hindrance, always a hindrance…’
Pomegranate Cookie didn’t even glance her way as she pushed past her. Out of all the cookies, she seemed to like Taffy the least, outright despising her. Always devoted to her Master, she had no affection for this newcomer that didn’t even care for the darkness. Even if she did cook, clean, tend to the cake hounds and make for a good bullying target, Pomegranate, along with Red Velvet and Dark Enchantress herself, would rather have her dead, but the others insisted.
Taffy sighed and continued to scrub, looking at all the floor she had left to clean. She knew better than to complain. Nobody was going to stand up for her. Not even her brother. It’s not that he didn’t care about her, but showing any sort of weakness was just asking for punishment around here. It wouldn’t be the first time she was hurt in this castle. She had the scars to prove it.
‘Pardon us.’
‘Scoot over, sis. We’ve got a big fish here…’
Dark Choco and Licorice stepped past her, the two of them (Licorice barely helping) holding a cookie up over their heads. She couldn’t get a good glance at the face, but the green body caught her attention. Sleek and vibrant, whoever this was had an almost unreal glow about them. She knelt there, staring, before her vision was blocked by a mass of cake. Rather than tell her anything, Red Velvet simply grabbed her head and pulled Taffy out of his way, sending her flat onto the floor. For a few seconds, she just laid there, staring up at the ceiling until an unnatural chill swept through the grand chamber. Pulling herself up, she busied herself once more, staring down at the floor and scrubbing away. All the other cookies lowered their heads in respect as none other than Dark Enchantress appeared before them. She heard her speak out in her low drawl.
‘It is not often that I see you all here without being summoned. I take it you have some good news to report? For once?’
Pomegranate bowed and stepped forward while Licorice looked ready to explode.
‘My Master, we come to you to report news most joyous. Rather than simply corrupt a cookie of legend, I am pleased to-‘
‘Your excellency! I captured Wind Archer Cookie! Brought him to his knees! Here he is! See? The fool never saw it coming!’
Rather than just display him, Licorice leapt into the air and shoved Wind Archer to the floor, where he hit it with a heavy thump and groan. Taffy couldn’t help but look up now, staring at him. It really was a cookie of legend. There was no mistaking that gem on his head. She felt sorry for him. He looked like he had been through a lot. He was groggy and drained, chained up and beaten. His breathing was raspy and blood oozed from his chest. What did they do to bring such a powerful cookie to this state?
‘Ahem…and these other goons helped a little, I guess.’
Pomegranate looked livid from being interrupted while Red Velvet growled low. Only Dark Choco and Lobster didn’t seem to mind Licorice. They knew he wasn’t worth the effort, but it didn’t mean they weren’t going to punch him later.
‘Insolent worm. Your meddling and scatterbrained ideas nearly cost us everything.’
‘But they worked, didn’t they?’
‘Only through pure-‘
‘Silence.’
They both quit their bickering. Dark Enchantress slowly walked up to the figure on the ground, a wicked smile growing on her face. Wind Archer may have been at her mercy, but he didn’t act like it. The look on his face was one of pure loathing.
‘Well well. Just when you thought you had seen the last of us. The darkness does have a way of staying with you, does it not?’
She reached down. Wind Archer’s main role was to purify the darkness. While lesser dark beings would flicker and fade if they got close to him, the evil emanating off Enchantress was far too great to cleanse. The instant her finger touched his cheek, a loud sizzling could be heard. Wind Archer let out such a scream of pain that Taffy’s blood ran cold. If such a powerful cookie like him could be left struggling against his chains, yelling his heart out, it really must hurt more than anything else. Dark Enchantress held on for a few more seconds until she had had enough, leaving him shuddering in agony beneath her. She turned her back, now addressing her minions once more.
‘You have all performed most admirably. With Wind Archer in our clutches, we are one step closer to holding dominion over the cookies of legend. Our reach towards the Great Tree has never been closer. That is, of course, assuming our special guest here is willing to cooperate and share with us what he knows?’
The choice seems to be falling onto him. While it would have been more impressive to spit in her face, the best Wind Archer was able to do it spit a few inches forward onto the floor. Taffy would probably have to get on that soon.
‘I would never betray those I have sworn to protect! You might as well kill me now, for the secrets of the higher beings will never hit your ears! Augh!’
Pomegranate would not stand for this disrespect. While he mouthed off, she came over and stomped her foot right on his face, a sickening crack echoing through the room. Blood streamed from his nose, matching the color of her robes quite well.
‘You take such pride in your loyalty to the Millennial Tree. Your deluded values are nothing more than a price tag. My Master will see just how much it will take to spill your secrets.’
‘And what wonderful timing too. We are nearing the arrival of a very deadly surprise. One sure to get every little secret out of his-‘
‘Umm….Miss Enchantress?’
Earl Grey Cookie was behind the throne, clipboard in hand. It wasn’t as if Pomegranate or Lobster would know a thing about handling finances. That’s why he was their official bookkeeper. The only reason he’s given the power to interrupt her was simply because he was the only one that knew how to do taxes. A formidable power indeed. She stepped over to him, letting him whisper in her ear. Just like that, all her minions kept themselves busy. Dark Choco pulled out his phone while Red Velvet started picking his teeth.
‘Uh huh…….what do you mean they’ve increased the price? Hmm. We can’t afford that, can we?’
Whisper whisper.
‘How are we fixed for coin? Mhm. What?……Well, what do we USE it all for?’
Even Wind Archer looked a little confused. He glanced over to Taffy, who simply nodded, confirming this this was a regular thing around here.
‘We may have to switch to torchlight at this rate….hm. Well, crunch some numbers and give me some more options later. Right!’
She turned back around, clapping her hands together. Everyone stood straight once more.
‘New plan: As this is a team effort, I am entrusting each of you to find your own methods of drawing information from our esteemed guest. Needless to say, I will be most pleased with the one that gets him to squeal. Enough to make it worth your while…’
Everyone looked at each other at this. What could that entail? Licorice was already dreaming of a seat right beside her throne, looking down upon the other losers. Lobster only thought of home and what could be done about it. Dark Choco…simply stared up at her. Perhaps he was not quite convinced.
‘You need not worry, my Master. I promise a wealth of information on a silver platter. This pitiful cookie will be crying before you know it.’
‘He sure will. By MY hand. Why don’t you take your little mirror and go fix up your makeup? I’ve got it covered, your excellency! You’ll see just how useless Pommy is when I have this airbag BEGGING to reveal all!’
‘Why bother with the slow torture? He’ll get talking really fast once I start snipping off his limbs with my crystal claw…’
‘There’s no dread in that. Hold him down…let my hounds slowly tear his skin off…eat him alive, bottom to top…’
‘……..’
Dark Enchantress looked most pleased with their enthusiasm, a dreadful smile on her face.
‘To see such a gathering so eager to prove their worth…this is what separates you from the pathetic drivel out there. I daresay this will be an easy job for your combined efforts. Now take him away. Deep into the dungeons. I hope you remember the look of the forest, Wind Archer. You’ll never see it again…’
Dark Choco lifted him up with ease, slinging him over his shoulder and carrying him away, leaving a light trail of blood behind.
‘Unfortunately, prisoners don’t survive on despair and torture. One of you will have to keep the wretch alive. Clean him. Feed him. Do we have any takers?’
For once, Licorice grew quiet. He certainly didn’t want to get chosen for that. Taffy chanced a glance upward, nearly flinching when she saw Pomegranate staring down at her with a shady smile.
‘Master, I would like to nominate HER. Who better to care for scum than scum? I say another duty for her wouldn’t hurt. We would all see a lot less of her around here too. A welcome change. Isn’t that a wonderful idea, Licorice?~’
Her brother grimaced slightly. He didn’t hate her, but standing up for his sister, especially in front of the grand Enchantress was just asking for trouble. He didn’t look at Taffy as he spoke, though his grip on his scythe did tighten.
‘Indeed it is. If she will not submit herself to the darkness, she deserves no rest! Perhaps this will be enough to convince her to put her talents to their true use under your rule. Any sister of mine that doesn’t give their life to you deserves this fate.’
She knew he didn’t mean it, but his words still hurt. She hung her head at his stinging words, staring intensely at the floor.
‘A wise idea, Pomegranate. Very well. Her role is now to be the keeper of our special VIP. I expect no mistakes. You are all dismissed!’
The rest all shuffled away, Licorice offering a small look of apology to his little sister. Taffy only sighed. This treatment was something she was used to. Pomegranate was the last to leave, twirling her mirror in her grip.
‘Such a humiliating role. I eagerly await to see how you botch this one up too.’
Taffy didn’t dare reply. Not even when Pomegranate “accidentally” knocked over the water bucket on her way out. This existence made her sick to her stomach, but she could see no way out. She loved her brother dearly, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but wish he had never come back home. Not if it meant pulling her into this life.
She kept herself busy that day. She didn’t want to enter the dungeon until she absolutely had to. After hearing his shouts earlier, she wasn’t very fond of the idea of watching him get tortured. And so she focused on her other duties. After cleaning the floors and doing laundry, she lugged out scrap metal from Strawberry Crepe’s workshop and then cleaned up after the hounds. While they couldn’t speak, they at least recognized what she was doing, sniffing or licking at her legs as a cooperative gesture. Next, she was off to the kitchen, mopping her sweating face as she prepared some stew. She wasn’t much for cooking as she was baking, so this was the best she could do. At least she could do it well, not that anyone ever told her that.
The evening came. With voices approaching, she saw Pomegranate and Licorice leaving the dungeon in a bad mood. For bitter rivals, they sure were in each other’s company often. She kept still, a bowl of stew in one hand and a small case in the other. Naturally, they ignored her, walking on. She could only catch a few snippets of their conversation.
‘….No matter. We will find what makes him tick. We simply have to play this smarter.’
‘I’m telling you. We find those stupid rodents or whatever they are and use them. He wouldn’t dare let them get hurt…’
They left the door open behind them. Taking a deep breath, Taffy stepped in, navigating down the cold steps into the chambers below. As they should be, the dungeons were chilly, barren and depressing. Even her light footsteps sent out an echo. In response to them, the clinking of shifting chains ahead let her know that she was heard. Heading over, she slowly turned the corner, peeking in. There was Wind Archer in a sorry state, now chained to the wall, fresh blood dripping off his face. Even with these injuries, he remained defiant, staring straight ahead, not saying a word. She counted to three in her head before stepping in. She wanted to give a gentle first impression, hoping he wouldn’t just lump her in with the others. She stopped in front of him and give a polite nod of the head, speaking for the first time all day.
“Good d-ah….umm…..H-Hello…”
She blushed red and skittered off to the side, placing her things down, chastising herself. What a stupid thing to say. There was nothing about his day that was good. This was probably the worst day he’s had in a long time, if you didn’t count the whole Night Raven thing. Even with the botched introduction, it felt a lot more genuine than a bland greeting, which actually earned her a few points. With her back turned, she didn’t notice the way he slowly turned his head, now looking her over. It certainly wasn’t the hostile attack he was expecting. Unlike the others, her outfit looked rather sad, a dress full of patches and tears. Stains here and there. It almost reminded him of Licorice’s getup. Probably a coincidence.
“Just hold still for me, please…”
With some cotton in her hands, she started to clean him up, wiping the blood off his face and disinfecting it. More puzzling behavior. If he was just going to be tortured more tomorrow, why did she bother patching him up? This was an odd cookie indeed. Taffy had never gotten any explicit instructions on what to do, so she assumed that she simply had to care for him. The disinfectant stung, but that was nothing compared to what they were doing to him before, so he went with it. She was as gentle as could be, cleaning the old cuts and bandaging the new ones. They really didn’t hold back on him. Thankfully, his limbs and body were mostly intact, just severely shaken up.
‘…………….’
He didn’t speak just yet. Perhaps it was a trick, like the dark tragedies Pomegranate had been showing him from her mirror. She could easily be softening him up, then come in for the kill. Behind those blue eyes of hers could be a ruthless masochist just waiting for his guard to lower, and then without warning-
“Here. I, uh…made you some stew…”
He blinked. She was holding up a bowl full of steaming dinner, now confusing him with just where all this warmth was really coming from. She glanced at the chains on his arms. It wouldn’t be very wise to set him loose to eat, even if she did have the key. It, along with his bow and other things, had been left in her room for safekeeping. With Wind Archer unable to feed himself, she took a spoonful of carrot and offered it to him, making sure to blow on it first.
“Here you are.”
He didn’t take it. To do so would be foolish. At this point, she had started to catch on to his reluctance. She popped the food into her own mouth and chewed it up.
“It’s not poisoned. I promise. Here.”
She tempted him again, holding the utensil up. This time he accepted, taking a bite of soft potato. It was……actually decent. Good, even. She thoughtfully stirred the bowl, drumming her fingers on the underside.
“It probably needs more salt or something. Cookies like yourself are probably used to much better food than my slop….”
It was better than nothing, she supposed. The two of them shared the food, one munch after the other. All throughout they kept watching each other, unsure, up until Wind Archer didn’t take his next bite, instead deciding to surprise her with words.
‘…..Who are you?’
His voice sounded so different when it wasn’t screaming in agony. It was smooth and soft, just like a breeze. She froze up, not quite sure what to do. Is she allowed to talk with the prisoner? If the others got to, maybe it wouldn’t a problem for her.
“Ah…umm….I’m…Taffy Cookie.”
‘Mm. And you…exist, don’t you? You’re real? Perhaps it’s the blood loss, but I feel that I might be meeting an angel…’
While it SOUNDED like he was trying to flirt with her, it was actually a genuine remark. A severe beating followed by painful torture, and now being delicately cared for? It felt surreal to him. It couldn’t be happening. Perhaps he was delusional. Nevertheless, a fierce blush glowed on her cheeks, leaving her flustered and shaking her head.
“No no no! I’m n-not…no. I j-just work here. But I’m not like…them.”
‘I see. I suppose it would at least be worth a shot to ask that you free me, then?’
“O-Oh, I…can’t do that.”
She stepped back, glancing over at the stairs. Nobody was there eavesdropping, so she came back and lowered her voice.
“If I just let you go, they’d know I did it. You’re a legendary cookie. You’re a lot tougher than I am. I wouldn’t last very long in your place…”
‘I see.’
She lowered her head when she saw the way he looked at her. She felt ashamed for telling him this, that she was just leaving him to his fate. However, she was still right. Even with all his ability, Wind Archer couldn’t just float the key to his chains downstairs and free himself. The finger would rest squarely on her at the first sign of treason.
“…I’m sorry, Wind Archer…’
He didn’t reply. Sensing that she wouldn’t be getting much more out of him tonight, she excused herself and took her leave, hot bubbling guilt resting inside her where the stew should have been. While this wasn’t very nice to hear, she hoped he would understand. She wasn’t the angel he had hoped she would be.
The days continued and time kept moving. Over the next week, different members of Dark Enchantress’ legion tried and failed to extract any meaningful information out of Wind Archer. Everyone had a shot, excluding Earl Grey. That sort of thing just wasn’t something he was good at, unless a lecture about the ins and outs of insurance policies and the economy was considered torture. Hell, even Chess Choco wanted to try, but that boiled down to just kicking him in his shins over and over. Not too effective. With every failure, Taffy was quick to hurry downstairs and patch him up. While the others were convinced that she just wanted to keep him alive for them to interrogate some more, in actuality, she just wanted to ease his suffering. She patched him up, fixed up his outfit and kept him clean. Surprisingly, a lot of his injuries were actually managing to heal themselves. She chalked it up to some sort of enhanced regeneration. There was some scarring, but fortunately he didn’t appear to be at risk of dropping dead.
While his secrets remained with him, she was actually successful in opening him up in a different way. It felt so refreshing to actually have someone to talk to for once. They talked small for now, mainly about interests and hobbies. She told him about her day, her chores, her dreams. He was a good listener, always asking questions and seeming concerned about her emotional state. He nodded observantly when she spoke of her enjoyments in baking, singing, and ironically, archery.
‘You’re just saying that.’
“No, no! It’s true! I used to have this little slingshot I made as a kid. Then I upgraded to a bow a few years later. I swear, I’m not lying! I actually wanted to be a Ranger, if you’d believe me.”
He studied her face. He had a knack of telling who was being honest or deceitful. He detected no impurities.
‘Interesting. Do you hunt?’
“F-For food? Oh, well…I did at one point. My brother and I lost our parents when I was an early teenager. I went on from hitting cans to hitting birds and frogs. It wasn’t anything personal. We just…had to eat, you know?”
He nodded at her. He wasn’t looking to condemn her for doing what she had to.
‘It’s just the way it had to be. Don’t blame yourself, Taffy.’
“I shouldn’t. It’s just…these sorts of things just stick to you. They didn’t-“
‘Hey hey HEY HEY! What’s going on here?!’
She nearly fell off her stool. She had been so distracted that she hadn’t noticed Licorice step downstairs. She had forgotten that it was his turn tonight. He looked furious, but it wasn’t directed at her. Gripping his scythe, he strode right past her, pointing at their special guest.
‘Aren’t we in a talkative mood, breeze-boy? Mind if I get a few words in?’
He grabbed his head, yanking it up to watch him. Just like that, Wind Archer went back into his hardened state, quieting up.
‘What’s the matter? Run out of things to talk about?’
“Lico, it wasn’t anything important. We were just-“
‘Quiet, sis. We’re just setting some ground rules here.’
Licorice was excitable, sure. But he was still a villainous cookie. One that could be as mean as the rest when he wanted to.
‘What have you been telling Taffy? Huh? Been trying to get into her head? She’s not your little escape route, twig. I don’t want to see you talking with her.’
Wind Archer had something for him as well, taking the chance to just spit in his face. She didn’t like the way Licorice was acting. It felt so different from the kind of cookie that she used to spend her days with. This thought was magnified when he swung his scythe upward, the edge piercing right against the bottom of Wind Archer’s mouth, the sharp tip nestled roughly in between his bottom teeth. Taffy gasped sharply and ran forward, but her brother was too fast for her, snapping his fingers. At once, his licorice minions grabbed her and began pulling her back upstairs.
‘Thank you for showing me that this moron isn’t a mute after all, sis. I’ll take it from here. As for you, maybe you’ll find it a bit harder to do that without your lower jaw….’
Ever since that night, Licorice had kept a closer eye on her. He wasn’t mad at her one bit. All his hate was pointed at that green bowman for daring to try and corrupt his precious sister. Whenever she went down to feed him or fix him, Licorice was there, arms crossed, ensuring the two didn’t share another word. It wasn’t enough to stop her though. At night; she would begin to sneak out of her room and head downstairs to spend a few hours in private with him, the two whispering to each other so as not to be overheard.
“I’m sorry about the other night. My brother can be…tough on others when he wants to be.”
‘That’s one way to put it. Is he always the one giving you the orders?’
“When everyone else isn’t.”
‘Hardly what I would call a healthy relationship. You should speak up for yourself more.’
As sad as it was, she let out a small snort at his suggestion, shaking her head.
“That’s not a thing we do around here. Not at all.”
She lifted up her sleeve to show her arm. He saw a long, deep scar riding all the way up.
“That’s what happened the last time I tried to do that. Red Velvet wasn’t a fan of me speaking my mind. I learned to let some things solve themselves. Sometimes quiet…is better.”
‘But sometimes, it’s not.’
She looked up at him. He stared out ahead, ensuring nobody was there before he spoke to her.
‘…When I was given new life as guardian to the Millennial Tree, I had originally thought similar things. I stayed put and let anything beyond my sightline take care of itself. I was a far different cookie than the protector of the forest you had heard of.’
This was the first time he had actually begun talking about himself. She didn’t plan to share any of this information, and it seemed he knew that.
‘I began to think of the other injustices that fell upon the forest. I could hear the blood hitting the floor. The fear upon the wind, whistling through the leaves. There was nobody to stand up for the innocent among the bark and brush. The undeserving. If there was no one to keep them safe, who would keep me safe? Chained up here, I think I have my answer.’
Taffy twiddled her thumbs worriedly, thinking his words over.
‘Somebody always needs help at some step on their path. No seed has ever grown without water. As the flowers bloom towards the sun, you should do what is right for you and right for others. Maybe then you’ll find the meaning in standing up when it’s needed…’
He smiled kindly down at her, adding to the weight in her stomach, seeing him so thoughtful even in this situation. Despite being at such a low point, even now he was choosing to help her. Her face felt hot. She soon realized just how long she had spent in here. Hopping off the stool, she bade him goodnight before hurrying off to her room once again. She had a lot to think about.
Another day, another torture session. The others were infuriated at his resilience. While Taffy did the dishes, she listened in on her conversation from across the room, keeping the water running low to eavesdrop between Licorice, Pomegranate, Red Velvet and Dark Enchantress.
‘Your excellency, why not just burn the forest? Without the guardian around, there’s nothing to stop my minions from torching it all until we find-‘
‘Master, do not let his moronic ideas pervade your pristine thoughts. We simply need more time. He’s cracking. I sense it.’
‘You said that a week ago, Ruby. I’m inclined to take him at his word. I feel he’d make better hound chow than a squealer. Just grind him up to show the others we mean business. A show of power.’
‘You’re on the right path, general. However, I was thinking of a more…direct way of killing morale. I assume you are familiar with our previous victory over the prisoner?’
‘Huh? You mean when I bashed his head in?’
‘Fool. She refers to the way we had infested him. Turned him into the Night Raven.’
‘Correct. Before, you had let a ragtag team of furballs undo all we had worked for. Not this time. Licorice, I want the forest littered with traps. General, I want your hounds searching for anyone that gets close. You will not fail me again. At dawn, Pomegranate, I want you to prepare your most potent of power. Wind Archer will fall to our side again. Permanently.’
Taffy let out a gasp at this horrid plan. She immediately regretted it. While the others sensed nothing, Red Velvet’s hearing was much better than theirs, undoubtedly akin to his hounds. She stared in horror as he twitched at her gasp, then watched him ever so slightly turn his head, holding still. Gulping, she rattled the dishes around a little, mumbling slightly louder.
“Stupid knife….I cut myself again…..”
‘…………………..’
‘Are your orders clear?’
‘Yes, your excellency!’
‘Always, my Master.’
‘Consider it done, madam.’
‘Good. Now get it done. Our roadblock clears tonight.’
Taffy kept her head down as they got up and left, refusing to look up even as their footsteps faded away. Only once the dishes had been cleaned four times over did she finally step out of the kitchen, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest. Wind Archer was out of time. How was she going to break it to him? Just imagining him reduced to no more than another minion sickened her. With her chores complete, she scurried off back into her room.
That night, Wind Archer was resting in the usual place, his head drooped with light snores leaving him. They abruptly stopped at the sound of some familiar footsteps. He smiled when he saw her.
‘Hello again, Taffy. Back for anoth-‘
“Shhh. Lower your voice.”
He furrowed his brow, watching her move.
“Dark Enchantress has given up on her plan. You’ve been doing a good job at keeping quiet. I’m sure Millennial Tree Cookie would be proud of you.”
‘Well, that’s good news at least.’
“She now plans to convert you back to a dark form of the past. One you might be familiar with.”
‘That’s…a lot worse.’
It was his turn to feel that dread she had felt. It was a twisted, tainted path he once walked. It filled him with a sickening blackness he still feared to this day. Knowing the wicked cookie, the odds of freeing him a second time would be low.
‘I see why you came then. Ah. Hmm. Truth be told, I didn’t expect this to be our last meeting together. Not under these circumstances…’
This was seriously getting to him. His eyes looked stressed. He began to breathe a lot faster, glancing at the stairs, expecting them to show up and second now.
‘How much longer do I have?’
She didn’t answer him. Perhaps she wanted to spare him of more hopelessness. He closed his eyes, sighing. At least he held out as long as he could.
‘Taffy…..if this is indeed to be our last conversation…allow me to say that I’m at least glad it was with a cookie like you…’
“Well…you got one part right. It will be our last conversation. But not for the reason you think.”
Click.
It was his turn to gasp, whipping his head to the side, watching her delicately lower the chain so it didn’t clatter on the ground. He stared incredulously as she held the key tight, unlocking every binding he had on his wrists and ankles. Just like that, he was free. He had so many words in his head, but only one came out for now.
‘Why?’
She pressed the key into his hands, getting his prints all over it before she lowered it to the ground.
“Well…I was told….somebody always needs help at some step on their path…so I thought they could use somebody to stand up for them…”
His arms shook. He wanted to embrace her, but there was no time for that. Instead, he took her by the hand, leading her to the stairs. She was about to suggest that they tiptoe out, but he simply pulled her once, tugging them swiftly up the steps, silent as a breeze. They look around. Thankfully, the foyer is still empty.
‘My bow…my things…’
“I’ve got them here.”
She edged over to a small table, revealing his possessions and offering them. He took them. The two made their way to the front door, opening it ever so slowly.
“The grounds have been set with traps. You’ll have to stick to the branches.”
‘Good to know. Do you think you can keep quiet while we go? Where are your things?’
“………”
The answer came to him. He turned around, blinking at her calm gaze.
‘You’re….not coming?’
“I can’t. I really want to…but I can’t. If we left, I just know my brother would be in hot water. He’s done a lot of bad things, but he doesn’t deserve to get his throat slit over my actions. For now…I have to stay. I’m sorry.”
A moment of silence was shared between them. Only the wind outside could be heard. Wind Archer could hear the forest, the Tree. They were calling him to his place. He had to obey. He reached backward into his pack, pulling out a thin branch. He delicately placed it into her hands.
‘Then….please take this as my thanks. If, one day, you wish to escape, to be…..b-by my side….then all you’ll need is this. I’ll be waiting to free you, Taffy. As long as I have to, I’ll wait for you.’
She held it closer, rubbing her thumb across the wood. It felt ancient. There was little doubt where this came from. Tightening his gear around him, he scanned for a good place to jump, crouching slightly in preparation. He didn’t turn around, but he said one last thing.
‘It seems I was right after all, Taffy…’
“Huh?”
‘…I really did meet an angel back there…’
With nothing more to say, he jumped away, off into his home, the forest, already miles away in just a few seconds. Free again. The wind left with him, the night now completely silent. She looked down at the branch in her hand, twisting it softly. Not wanting to stay in such an incriminating spot, she strode off to wander the castle grounds, her heart already gone from this dark place. She knew it was in safe hands, riding the wind somewhere far away…