Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After defeating Mystic Flour Cookie, or, rather, delaying the inevitable, Dark Cacao found himself being drawn elsewhere in Beast-Yeast. He knew somewhere here was where Pure Vanilla Cookie was, but he hadn’t heard from him in ages.

He decided to bring his troops with him, not knowing what he would find, or if this was even anything at all. But it was better safe than sorry.

Endless hours and days of walking. Taking breaks to rest briefly. He had sent a letter to his kingdom to let them know they were alright and would be arriving later than expected.

But he wasn’t sure if it was enough.

It would have to do.

Dark Cacao, being in the lead of his troops, halted. Rustling could be heard from the trees ahead. It didn’t sound like wind.

”Crunchy Chip Cookie?”

”Yes, sir!” Crunchy Chip Cookie stood up straight.

Dark Cacao’s eyes narrowed, trying to see farther into the forest. “Are all your Cream Wolves with you?”

”Yes, sir, they are!”

Dark Cacao hummed, stepping forward cautiously, sword in hand.

Gingerbrave, Strawberry Cookie, and Wizard Cookie ran out from the brush.

The King was stunned for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. “You three? What are you doing here?”

They all looked frantic, but Gingerbrave spoke up. “We went with Pure Vanilla Cookie to the spire… but something’s wrong!”

Dark Cacao held a hand out. “To… ‘The Spire’? Whatever do you mean?”

Strawberry Cookie fidgeted with the strings of her hoodie. “The Spire of All Knowledge. But… we think it wasn’t really, because something happened to Pure Vanilla Cookie…”

Dark Cacao froze, kneeling down in front of the kids. “What happened to him? Explain to me.”

Wizard Cookie gripped his tiny staff, fixing his hat over his head. “That’s the thing! We don’t know! One second we were together, the next second Pure Vanilla Cookie turns on us! It seems the cards placed by Fortune Teller Cookie about Pure Vanilla Cookie were correct.”

Dark Cacao frowned, thinking. Pure Vanilla Cookie always had a knack for Tarot cards. Could that have been him? But it wouldn’t make sense, since they were with him when that happened. And why had he turned on them?

Gingerbrave turned to Wizard Cookie. “But he didn’t want to hurt us! He just wanted us to leave! We have to go back! We have to help him!”

Wizard Cookie turned to look at Gingerbrave. “Is that really a good idea? With that… beast there?”

It clicked in Dark Cacao’s head. “Take us to this… spire. We will help you figure out what is going on.”

Chapter Text

Truthless Recluse was very annoyed. And bored.

Shadow Milk Cookie’s idea of ‘fun’ included puppet shows, chess games, pushing Truthless Recluse into the Yogurt River of deceit, pushing him off of tall towers and catching him, and a lot more.

It was mostly just to torment him. And instead of doing that, it just made him increasingly frustrated.

It had been what felt like days since he managed to convince Gingerbrave, Strawberry Cookie, and Wizard Cookie to leave. Despite his facade, he didn’t want them getting hurt. They were still kids. They had so much to live for.

So now, Truthless Recluse was sitting in his room, shuffling his cards. Shadow Milk barged through the door with a grin. “I have arrived! How’s my favorite puppet doing?”

Truthless Recluse glared at him. “Fine.”

Shadow Milk gasped dramatically, clapping his hands together and leaning forward. “Oh! Did you just lie? That’s wonderful!”

Truthless Recluse closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to not yell. “Shut up and leave me alone.”

Shadow Milk gasped again, this time a frown on his face. “How rude! To treat your gracious host in such a way! Maybe I should-“

”Shut UP!” Truthless Recluse stood up from his chair, nothing but pure hatred on his face. His hands rested on the table in front of him in clenched fists.

”Oh hoho! Someone is angry! I suppose I could leave you be… for now.” Shadow Milk grinned, his eye twitching. He was obviously amused with his outburst but wasn’t pleased with being yelled at. He slammed the door as he left the room.

Truthless Recluse scoffed and slid back into his seat. He took off his hat and set it on the table, putting his head in his hands.

As much as his room in the Spire was comfortable, as much as it was decorated to remind him of his kingdom, it didn’t feel right. He missed the vanilla scented castle, the cotton sheets.

But not only did he miss his own kingdom, but Dark Cacao’s. It had been forever since they’d talked. It’d been ages since they went on a date, and they’d been married for thousands of years.

And in his current state of mind, he could really use his company. He kicked the table hard, not reacting to the searing pain that came from it. The cards scattered across the surface, some falling on the floor.

Truthless Recluse stood up from the chair again, searching his drawers for a blade. Something even relatively sharp. He groaned in annoyance when he couldn’t find anything, flopping down instead on his bed.

He could leave the Spire anytime he wanted, but Shadow Milk would always find him. Would always hunt him down and drag him back. So even if he did leave, even if he did go back to Crispia, even the Faerie Kingdom, he’d be back here within a week. And the pressure of staying there was suffocating.

He glanced over at the window, seeing the darkness surrounding the rest of the spire. It’d been so long since he’d seen sunlight. What he would give just to see the sky once.

In that moment, Truthless Recluse made a decision. A rash one, at that, but a decision nonetheless. Truthless sat up and grabbed his staff from the wall. It didn’t help him much with sight anymore, but it could be useful with walking if he broke one of his leg bones.

He smashed the end of his staff into the window, wincing as it made a loud crash. If there wasn’t anyone outside his room before, there would be soon.

The drop from the window looked to be at least 5 stories, but it was the Spire of Deceit… so Truthless stepped out the window, not caring as the glass snagged his clothes and cut his skin. The drop was only a few feet. So he was right, then.

He had to hurry out of the area surrounding the spire— which he called the Domain of Deceit— before Shadow Milk or any of his minions caught him. He made it past in no time at all.

Unfortunately, he didn’t notice the cliff in front of him due to his bad vision. He fell. And probably broke his ankle. Oh, well. He dragged himself to his feet and, using his staff for support, kept walking. He just needed to get away from the Spire. He didn’t care where he ended up.

Truthless Recluse walked for so long that he ended up collapsing, resting his back against a tree. He tried to get up, he had to keep moving, he had to get farther away. But his limbs felt like lead; they wouldn’t move.

The wind whistled through the tall trees, dusk falling upon the land. The stars were beginning to rise, looking like fireflies dancing in the sky. It was calming enough.

Still gripping onto his staff tightly, Truthless Recluse’s eyes started to close on their own, fatigue taking the better of him. He couldn’t remember the last time he slept…

It must’ve been a few hours, judging by the sun shining through the leaves of the trees above him, when a loud rustle nearby, accompanied by loud voices, startled him awake. His body still wouldn’t respond to him, his staff lying in his lap with limp hands.

”Come on, Truthless… get up…” he muttered to himself, as if it would change anything. Which it didn’t.

One of the voices sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. His memory was too fuzzy. The sunlight streaming through the trees hurt his eyes, and he was forced to close them again, a grimace on his face.

The footsteps grew closer, yet he still couldn’t move. It was as if he was placed under a spell, the only thing he was able to control being his face.

He hadn’t realized the footsteps had stopped. “Pure Vanilla Cookie…?”

He flinched, his eyes snapping open. “…what.”

Their eyes met, and two worlds collided.

”Is it… really you?”

Truthless Recluse blinked. “Dark Cacao Cookie… it’s been a while, friend.”

Dark Cacao was kneeling next to him in an instant. “What happened to you?”

Truthless Recluse closed his eyes. He wasn’t expecting to see him here. This just made everything more complicated. “That doesn’t matter now,” he reopened his eyes, staring into purple ones that held nothing but concern. “I am fine, Dark Cacao.”

Rough, calloused hands were placed on Truthless’ face. “No, you aren’t. There’s blood everywhere. You look like you’ve been through the oven and back.”

Truthless Recluse snorted. “Feels like it.”

Dark Cacao frowned. “Yeah. Here, let’s-“ he grabbed Truthless gently, lifting him into his arms, “get you bandaged up.”

Truthless’ heart dropped. He was going to see-

Oh, whatever. What did he care anyway? It wasn’t like he’d never seen him struggle before. This was no different.

Neither of them said anything as Dark Cacao took him to what he presumed was their camp. Truthless Recluse gathered that he had been on patrol with a few of his warriors when he stumbled upon him, based on the conversation behind them.

It was good they were moving at least, because that meant Shadow Milk would be farther away. It would give him time.

When they reached the camp, all eyes turned towards them. Truthless Recluse turned his head into Dark Cacao’s chest, squeezing his eyes shut. All the staring reminded him of the Spire, of Shadow Milk, and he hated it.

Dark Cacao set him down on a cot in an infirmary tent, moving to talk to the assistants. Truthless Recluse tuned it all out, staring at nothing in particular. He let them move him around and bandage his injuries without a complaint. Dark Cacao sat next to him the whole time, very obviously trying, and failing, to hide his concern.

When the medical assistants were done, they bowed and left them alone. Dark Cacao grabbed Truthless’ hand. “Pure Vanilla Cookie…”

Truthless flinched. “Don’t call me that.”

”But that’s your name.”

”Not anymore it’s not.”

Dark Cacao closed his eyes, sighing. It seemed like the whole world stopped in the moments no words were spoken. “Then… what shall I call you?”

Truthless Recluse hesitated. As much as he hated his old name, he hated this one even more. After all, it was Shadow Milk who had chosen it. But Dark Cacao’s intense gaze made him look away, feeling guilty. “I… don’t know.”

”Then I will continue to call you want I know,” Dark Cacao held up a hand before Truthless Recluse could protest. “For now.”

They sat in silence for ages, until Dark Cacao got up, letting go of his hand. But Truthless Recluse grabbed his wrist before he could go, sitting up quickly despite his body’s protests. “Don’t leave.”

He glanced behind him, seeing the medical attendants staring, their eyes burning holes in his back. When they met eyes, they went back to work as if nothing had happened.

He and Dark Cacao met eyes, and with a sigh he sat back down. Silence again.

Truthless’ skin crawled. He could still feel the gaze of a thousand eyes on him, and he glanced around rapidly.

”Hey,” Dark Cacao placed both of his hands on Truthless’ face, staring into his eyes.

Truthless Recluse placed his own hands on Dark Cacao’s wrists, closing his eyes. But he couldn’t shake the feeling…

”How about we go to my tent. You can rest there.”

He thought about the offer for a moment. He needed to keep moving. He needed to get away from the Spire. He needed to-

“Nill. C’mon. You’re alright. I’m here for you.” Dark Cacao spoke gently, pulling Truthless into a hug and wrapping one arm around his waist.

“…okay. Let’s… go to your tent.”

Chapter Text

They passed by the guards outside Dark Cacao’s tent with nothing more than a nod, stepping inside and closing it behind them. Dark Cacao was dragging Truthless Recluse by his wrist, whom was just staring at the ground.

Dark Cacao sat on the ground, pulling Truthless onto his lap, holding his waist and placing his chin on his shoulder.

”Vanilla… what happened in that Spire?” Dark Cacao asked, not hiding his concern for the first time.

Truthless Recluse didn’t answer at first, instead closing his eyes and resting his head on Dark Cacao’s chest. He didn’t want to talk about it. Didn’t want to talk about him. And how could he even explain it anyway? It would make him sound weak. He didn’t want to sound weak.

But he also knew Dark Cacao wouldn’t let it go until he answered. So instead he hummed, trying to force himself to relax his muscles.

”Later.” He muttered into Dark Cacao’s chest. He was so warm. And Truthless was so cold.

There was silence for a moment before Dark Cacao sighed and kissed Pure Vanilla’s neck gently. “Okay. But when you’re ready…” he trailed off, knowing they both knew what he was going to say.

Truthless Recluse gripped the sleeve of his robe tightly. It was super itchy, not made for his comfort. But he didn’t have anything else to wear. And even though it constantly felt like a thousand bugs crawling on his skin every time it touched him, he knew that was the way it was supposed to be. To make him uncomfortable.

His hand slipped up his arm, itching furiously on fresh scars, making them bleed once more. Truthless’ eyebrows furrowed, this was horrible. Everything was horrible. What was even the point of—?

”Dove,” soft spoken, gentle, comforting.

Pure Vanilla flinched at the nickname. He hadn’t heard it in so long. It started as an inside joke, really, from a time that a mourning dove landed on his shoulder.

”Are you uncomfortable? I can get you a new pair of clothes.” Dark Cacao stared at the blood dripping down Pure Vanilla’s arm, who then nodded.

Dark Cacao closed his eyes for a moment, before grabbing Truthless Recluse’s wrist, which was still scratching his arm violently. He pulled his hand towards his lips, planting a kiss on the backside of his hand before standing up and leaving Pure Vanilla there.

Blood dripped from his arm, it was caked under his fingernails, and it made him want to throw up. Despite everything, he hated the sight of blood. It made him nauseas. Every. Single. Time. Some healer he was.

Dark Cacao returned with an outfit that closely resembled that of Pure Vanilla’s old one. A few differences were noticeable, like instead of the usual light colors, it was purple and black. Instead of the waffle-cone cape, it was simply a normal cape. No hat, but that was fine. He didn’t want one anyway.

Pure Vanilla hesitated before holding out his hands to grab it. Dark Cacao gently placed the clothes in his hands and turned around to give him privacy.

Truthless Recluse got changed quickly, dropping his old robe as if it was worthless. Which, it sort of was. He hated it. So much.

”You can turn around now.” Truthless muttered, his hand pressed tightly against his arm.

Dark Cacao turned around and grabbed his hands gently, pulling him into a hug. “Want me to get bandages? I know how much you hate blood, Dove.”

His breath caught in his throat. He wasn’t sure he ever told him about that. Truthless closed his eyes, nodding. When he opened his eyes again, he was met with a soft smile from Dark Cacao.

”I’ll be right back, Dove.”

Dark Cacao left the tent, and Pure Vanilla was left alone. He sat back down on the ground, refusing to look at his arm. He closed his eyes once more, trying to just feel in the moment.

Ever since he “corrupted,” he could see slightly better, but it was still blurry, and even more so in the sun. His staff was of no help now, as the eyes on it didn’t belong to him. They belonged to-

Oh.

Oh no.

He can see through his staff.

He would know where he was.

That would mean they have to get moving soon. And he would have to leave his staff here. Otherwise… he’d find them. And he really doesn’t want Shadow Milk to mess with Dark Cacao. It wouldn’t end well for either party.

A hand on his shoulder. He flinched, almost standing up entirely just to get out of-

“Dove…”

Oh

It was just Dark Cacao.

He looked anywhere but his face, muttering. “Sorry. Thought you were… someone else.”

”Witches, he really messed you up, didn’t he?” Dark Cacao whispered, grabbing Truthless’ arm and beginning to patch it up.

He didn’t respond, instead looking at the ground. To be honest, he did. But why would he say that? Why would he admit that he was weak enough to succumb to the manipulation of deceit? It’s so… pathetic. He would never admit that to him.

Maybe it was for the better anyway. Maybe he deserved it. He lied to countless cookies, telling them they’d live when they were beyond saving, had he not? So maybe it was karma. The inevitable.

”Dove…” a gentle hand on his shoulder.

”Hm?”

”I’m here for you always, okay? Please tell me if something is ever wrong. I don’t want to lose you.” Dark Cacao’s voice was soothing, like he could chase away all his problems by just existing. And Vanilla would probably let him.

But why did he say that? It was totally out of the blue.

Dark Cacao squeezed his shoulder, obviously bothered by him not responding. It was now he realized why.

That was the same arm he… the blood must’ve not covered all his scars. So he saw, then.

”You won’t lose me. I’m not going to leave you by yourself.” Pure Vanilla muttered, a trace of a smile on his face. He knew if he was gone, Dark Cacao would soon follow. And he didn’t want him to waste his life, even if they’d already lived for eons.

Neither of them said anything after that. They didn’t need to. There was solace in silence. Sometimes words needn’t be said to speak volumes.

Truthless Recluse scooted closer to Dark Cacao, leaning his head on his shoulder. Dark Cacao brought his hand up to his head, carding through Vanilla’s hair with calloused hands.

”I love you, ‘Nill. Don’t forget that.” He murmured into his ear.

”I love you too, Cacao.” Pure Vanilla whispered breathlessly, half-asleep already.

Dark Cacao smiled. It was the first hint of emotion he’d seen on Pure Vanilla since he’d found him, and he’d take it. It was better than nothing. And he would make sure he became his “old” self. The old Pure Vanilla was still in there, he knew it. He just had to find him.

Chapter Text

Truthless Recluse blinked a few times, sunlight streaming through the trees, flooding through the branches. His eyes were heavy with sleep. Dark Cacao sat nearby, working on… something.

For a moment, everything felt normal, how it used to be. It almost felt like nothing had happened at all. But that moment was fleeting, for something was wrong.

Dark Cacao turned towards him, a gentle smile on his face. “You’re awake.”

Truthless Recluse groaned sleepily. He’d rested well enough. In fact, he’d rested better than he had in years. Likely because he was tired enough after depriving himself of it for weeks in the Spire. But still, something was… off.

Pure Vanilla rubbed his eyes, sitting up and turning towards Dark Cacao.

”Sleep well?” Dark Cacao inquired.

Truthless Recluse squinted at him. His voice… there was a slight crack. Which wasn’t exactly weird, considering it happens from time to time, but it sounded like…

Dark Cacao scoffed, standing up. “Smart, aren’t we? Such a shame. I was going to enjoy that.”

Dark Cacao’s form shifted. Shadow Milk.

Truthless Recluse immediately shot to his feet, stumbling to find his staff, or at least something, to defend himself. When he looked up at Shadow Milk, his staff was in his hands.

”Looking for this?” An eerie grin, one he was all too familiar with.

”How did you get here.” Truthless Recluse took a step away from Shadow Milk. “And what did you do with Dark Cacao.”

Shadow Milk’s grin widened. “Oh, that bitter cookie? He’s fine.” He spun Truthless Recluse’s staff between his fingers.

”I don’t believe you.” Truthless searched his pockets for— where did his pockets go? No. He was… back in that stupid robe again.

”Oh, dear. Well, I didn’t do anything to him! Yet. Now, you’re going to come back to the spire. Or else.” Shadow Milk took a step closer to Truthless Recluse.

”I’m not going back there.” His voice was firm, but quiet.

”Oh but you don’t have a choice!”

”What do you—“ Pure Vanilla was cut off as a portal opened underneath him and dumped him back into his room at the Spire.

He hit the ground hard on his elbow, groaning in pain when he heard a crack. He coughed, spitting out blood and sitting up with difficulty.

”No- no, no no no no not here. Not back here.” His voice trembled, breathing rapidly.

Shadow Milk stood behind him, placing his hand under his chin. “Did you forget I know everything you do? Not only can I see through your staff, but your eyes as well. I know where you are at all times. Did you really think you could escape?”

”Don’t touch me.” Truthless Recluse pushed Shadow Milk away and stumbled to his feet with extreme difficulty. He somehow managed to run to the door, trying to open it. Locked.

”Oh, silly. I will get your Soul Jam. One way or another.” Shadow Milk pulled out a dagger, throwing it at him. It hit his Soul Jam, cracking it. The shockwave of pain sent Truthless to his knees on the ground, coughing between breaths, blood dripping from his mouth.

“I will find you, Pure Vanilla Cookie. Just you wait. You will be back in this Spire soon enough.” Shadow Milk spoke with an unsettling certainty before vanishing.

“Dove!”

He blinked and the scenery had changed again.

This time, however, Dark Cacao had both arms placed on his shoulders, concern etched onto his face.

He was back in the tent, breathing hard, shaking. Dark Cacao— not Shadow Milk’s twisted version of him, actually him— above him.

Truthless Recluse instinctively pushed him off, backing away. It was dark outside the tent, crickets chirping loudly. His hand went to his Soul Jam, making sure it wasn’t cracked, eyes wide with terror.

”Dove, by the Witches, it’s just me. I’m not going to hurt you.” Dark Cacao grabbed Truthless’ shaking hands gently. “It was just a nightmare, you’re alright.”

”No- no he’s- we have to move he’s- he’s coming- he’s going to-“ Truthless fumbled over his words, not able to fully grasp what he himself was trying to say.

”Woah, woah woah. Calm down, okay? Just take a deep breath. I’m here.” Dark Cacao placed one hand on Truthless’ cheek, looking deeply into his eyes. “You’re okay now, I’ve got you.”

Dark Cacao waited with him, making sure he calmed down fully before questioning him further. He didn’t want to push.

Pure Vanilla rested his head against Dark Cacao’s chest, closing his eyes once more. If he could see through his eyes, then- then his eyes needed to be gone. Or- he would just have to not see anything. But what if he would be able to see through them when he couldn’t? Could he do that? Would that mean he’d still know?

So he would have to gouge them out? Would that work? Maybe it would work. If his eyes weren’t even with him anymore, it might work. He started to look for Dark Cacao’s sword, finding it behind both of them. He started to reach for it, but Dark Cacao grabbed his wrist.

”Dove, please. Tell me what’s wrong. What happened?”

“He’s coming. He’s coming and we have to go.”

”Who’s coming, Vanilla?” Dark Cacao was trying so hard to be gentle, but a tiny hint of impatience could be heard in his voice. He didn’t know how to help his husband if he doesn’t even know the full story.

”Shadow Milk is coming. He knows where we are. He’s going to kill me shen he gets here. We-“

”He’s going to WHAT?” Dark Cacao cut him off, letting his impatience slip into worry.

“Well, I assume so because he definitely made it seem like it.” Pure Vanilla muttered.

”Vanilla, what do you mean by that?” Dark Cacao held him tighter.

”It doesn’t matter. He can see through my eyes so I have to-“

”No.” Dark Cacao’s voice was firm, no room for any amount of argument, already knowing what he was going to say.

”But he-“

”Pure Vanilla Cookie, I will not allow you to do that to yourself.”

”Dark Cacao, please. If he finds us-“

”He could very easily be lying. It is what he does, after all. Maybe he can see through your staff, but are you sure about your eyes? If you do that and he’s lying, you can’t get them back.” Cacao was trying so hard to be gentle. He didn’t know what to do, or how to help.

”I… suppose you’re right. But if he isn’t lying, then… he’ll know where we are anyway.”  Pure Vanilla’s voice wavered.

”Then we will deal with him. But for now, don’t. Please.” Dark Cacao brushed his fingers through Pure Vanilla’s hair, kissing his forehead.

”Okay, but… we need to get rid of my staff. I know for a fact he can see through it.” Truthless Recluse closed his eyes, fighting off the remaining fear that lingered in his heart.

”Your staff isn’t even here anymore. We left it in the medic’s tent, who then got rid of it. I’m pretty sure he burned it.” Dark Cacao’s voice was steady, reassuring.

”Ah. That… would do it,” Truthless sighed before continuing. “But what do we do if he can still see out of my eyes? It’s probably not likely anyway, but just to be sure, you know? And it wouldn’t make a difference. I can hardly see anyway.”

Dark Cacao nodded, “you had a thing going on as Healer Cookie, no? I could find something to use as a blindfold. And if Bitter Medic Cookie hasn’t burned your staff… we could cover the eyes on it too, so you have something to help you walk.”

Pure Vanilla just hummed. He’d forgotten he’d hurt his ankle. That would pose a problem, no doubt.

There was silence for a few moments, the only thing being heard was the light chatter of Cacao Warriors on guard duty.

”I’ll be right back, give me a moment. Please feel free to go back to sleep if you’re tired.” Dark Cacao announced quietly, letting go of Truthless Recluse and leaving the tent, taking his sword with him.

Truthless laid onto his back, eyes still closed, and just breathed. Focusing on his breathing was easy, what was hard was chasing away the lingering pain in his Soul Jam. Although it had been a dream, it felt so real. And his Soul Jam aching, the one spot he’d been hit in his dream? It was no coincidence. It was a message. He was going to die, wasn’t he?

But it didn’t matter if he survived or not, really. All of his friends, whom he held closest to his heart, would go on with their lives. They would have to. For it’s difficult for them to die. Even if their Soul Jam cracks or shatters, a piece of that immortality stays with them. Then the only way to die from there? In battle. The risk poses more to Dark Cacao or Hollyberry, being that they are the ones who do the most amount of fighting.

Dark Cacao returned shortly, sitting next to Pure Vanilla, who then sat up himself. They stared into each other’s eyes for a very long time.

To Truthless Recluse, Dark Cacao’s eyes were grounding. They sparkled as if they were the night sky.

To Dark Cacao, Pure Vanilla’s eyes were much of the same. The sun and the sky, both shining brightly.

But to both of them, their eyes were filled with nothing but love. Sure, they’d had their arguments in the past, and hadn’t seen each other in so long, with so much happening in that time, but… that love never left.

Dark Cacao sighed. “I couldn’t find anything to cover your eyes with. Other than a few bandages, we have nothing. Is that going to be alright?”

Pure Vanilla shrugged. “I’ve dealt with it before, I can deal with it again.”

A beat of silence.

”At least let me help you put them on.”

”Sure.”

The next morning was a blur of gathering supplies, medics fussing over grabbing everything they’d left, and warriors preparing for a long journey ahead. Truthless Recluse sat in the middle of a clearing ahead, the sun beating down on him. The chaos was too much for him to handle.

The warmth from sun felt nice. A reminder of what he was— of what he could’ve been. Of someone he could never be again. The breeze was a grounding and comforting presence as well. It let his mind wander.

He hadn’t seen Gingerbrave or the others much since he arrived in camp. Maybe once or twice while moving between tents, but that was it. He, truthfully, felt horrible about the way he had treated the kids.

Although he was just trying to prevent them from being hurt, he could’ve- no, should’ve- done it in a more respectful way.

Pure Vanilla raised his hand up into the light, feeling the rays of warmth radiating through his skin, into his veins. He used to be able to harness this power to heal. But now? All he can do is produce a small light from his fingertips. Not the familiar comforting yellow light, no. A blue, cold light. It only healed small scrapes now. Not like how he could basically revive a half-dead cookie. It made him feel useless.

He was roused from his thoughts from an exclaimed, “Pure Vanilla Cookie!”

A smile tugged at the corners of Vanilla’s mouth. He knew that voice. As much as he tried to hide it, he viewed that kid as his own. All of them, really.

”Gingerbrave! Can’t you see he’s busy? You-“ an exasperated and dramatic gasp followed as Gingerbrave sat in front of Pure Vanilla.

”It’s alright, Wizard Cookie. I’m not very busy.” Truthless Recluse frowned at his voice. He sounded… harsh, rude. He didn’t mean it that way. Why couldn’t he control his tone?

He cleared his throat, adjusting the position in which he was sitting. “Is everyone ready to leave already?”

”Oh, no. We just thought we’d come see you. You know, to make sure you aren’t alone and all.” Strawberry Cookie explained.

Pure Vanilla couldn’t hold back his smile this time. “On your own will, or did Dark Cacao set you up to this?”

Gingerbrave laughed awkwardly. “Well, we thought we would but then we didn’t want to bother you. Dark Cacao insisted we should. Wizard Cookie still thought it would be rude.”

”And what if he was in the middle of a spell? We could mess it up!” Wizard Cookie protested.

The grin never left his face, instead he chuckled softly. “Well I assure you, I wasn’t doing anything.”

These kids really brought out the best in him.

”Well, that’s good, I think? We really just wanted to make sure you were okay since… everything that happened.” Strawberry Cookie clarified quietly.

Pure Vanilla Cookie hummed, breathing in the scent of nature. It was peaceful so far. He didn’t want to jinx it, of course, but it was going fairly well.

A soft touch to his shoulder jolted him from his thoughts. He immediately recognized who it was, of course. “Dark Cacao…! I didn’t hear you coming.”

”Yes, I figured. You were sitting there just breathing for about 20 minutes.” Dark Cacao knelt down next to him.

”I… what? No, we were just… how is that possible?” Truthless Recluse stood up quickly, probably too quickly, because his feet gave out underneath him.

Dark Cacao caught his arm, holding him steady. “Careful. Are you sure you’re okay? Did the Spire mess you up too much?”

Pure Vanilla Cookie hesitated. He thought he was fine, other than the obvious. But this… just didn’t make sense. It felt like only a few seconds. No. It was only a few seconds. So how on Earthbread had it been 20 minutes?

”I… I’m not sure. Maybe I’m just tired.” He wasn’t tired. He knew it wasn’t that. What was wrong with him?

”Right. Well, I suppose I could carry you. Because of your ankle, and all.” Dark Cacao scooped up Pure Vanilla before he could protest.

Right. He’d already forgotten about his ankle again. At least he wouldn’t have to hurt it this way.

Truthless Recluse rested his head against Dark Cacao with a sigh. The next moment he knew, they were walking.

What is wrong with him? Why has his perception of time been messed up today? Was it because of the Spire? Or was it something else?

”Ooh! Who do we have here?” A high pitched voice, wings fluttering. Swords being drawn.

The new voice gasped. “Oh! You two are so full of love! And yet, your heart is so cold… I know just the place for you! Stand still! This will only take a moment…!”

”What are you-“ Dark Cacao started, but Pure Vanilla didn’t get to hear him finish.

An arrow pierced his chest, and he blacked out.