Chapter Text
Black Sapphire Cookie exhaled as the portal closed behind him, leaving most of the nuisances in his life on the other side. His footsteps echoed off of tiled floors, bouncing off the tall, crooked towers of the now mostly-rebuilt Spire. It was a pleasantly quiet welcome.
“Ooh, Black Sapphire Cookie! You’re back!”
Scratch that, then.
The elder of the two was greeted by the younger flinging herself at him, landing on his back and nearly bowling him over. “Did you plant any good lies? Spread deceit? Crumble in the name of our Master--?”
“Ugh, get off, you leech.” Black Sapphire Cookie grumbled, lifting Candy Apple Cookie by the back of her clothing, like he was scruffing a cat. “Yes, lies planted, millions dead. Honestly, you behave like a child.”
“Bleh.” Candy Apple Cookie stuck her tongue out, arms crossed. “Anything interesting happen, at least?”
Black Sapphire Cookie bit his lip. To tell, or not to tell?
Eh, his Master wasn’t here anyway.
“I ran into Pure Vanilla Cookie, and his little friends.” He said flippantly, dropping Candy Apple Cookie.
Her eyes went wide instantly. “Really?” She asked, childlike both in her enthusiasm and trepidation. She opened her mouth, perhaps to beg for more details, but was cut off by a voice from behind.
“ Really ?”
Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie whipped around, coming face-to-face with their Master. Shadow Milk Cookie grinned crookedly. “Do tell me all about it.”
“Uh-- Master!” Both Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie quickly threw themselves into a bow.
Shadow Milk Cookie huffed. “Oh, none of that. It’s just a mission report, after all. Tell, Sapphy. Did he say anything to you? Anything truthful?” His grin spread just a bit wider. “Perhaps something particularly convincing ?”
“Not at all, Master!” Black Sapphire Cookie said quickly. He folded his hands behind his back, if only to hide the way they shook from Candy Apple Cookie. The cuffs over his wrists clinked together. “My loyalty is to you first and you only.”
Candy Apple Cookie’s face had gone blank, as she stared at Black Sapphire Cookie with something scrutinizing in her gaze. The elder was sure that, had her wings not been bound in the same way as his, they would be fluttering in anticipation.
“Oh, you’re not lying to me, are you? Black Sapphire Cookie?” Their Master crooned, bending over to make eye contact.
Black Sapphire Cookie lifted his gaze, keeping his expression carefully neutral. “Of course not, Master.”
“Of course not.” Shadow Milk Cookie parroted. “Of course not.” He reached out, latching onto Black Sapphire Cookie’s forearm with a single hand. “Well, come along, Sapphy. You too, Candy!”
Without preamble, he pulled his minion along, uncaring of the way he tripped over his own feet.
“Master?” Letting himself be tugged along, Black Sapphire Cookie watched Candy Apple Cookie stagger to catch up. “Where are we--?”
“The Yogurt River of Rebirth, of course!” Shadow Milk Cookie interrupted. “Don’t look so scared, you’ve done it before! We just need to wash off any traces of that sticky, ugly truth .”
Coming to the winding river of white, Shadow Milk Cookie finally released Black Sapphire Cookie, nudging him forward, toward the depths. Black Sapphire Cookie took a few uncertain steps forward, before turning to glance at his Master.
“I don’t-- is this reasonable?” He asked. “I doubt it will have any meaningful effect, considering I’ve already gone through it before and--”
A hand landed on his head, and Black Sapphire Cookie fell instantly silent, eyes wide, hands trembling. Some long-buried instinct had his wings straining against their confines.
Shadow Milk Cookie, his smile not once faltering, leaned in so close that Black Sapphire Cookie could feel the soft pressure of breath against his face. “Surely you’re not afraid , right, Black Sapphire Cookie? After all, you said it yourself. You’ve done this before.” The smile turned wicked. “Are you sure you’re not hiding something?”
Any fight in Black Sapphire Cookie’s body left. “No, Master. Sorry, Master.” He took a step back, Shadow Milk Cookie’s hand leaving his head, and turned back towards the river.
The yogurt frothed against the shores, dousing his feet as he stepped closer. Black Sapphire Cookie took another step, letting the pale currents part against his body.
He got about waist-high before taking a deep breath, and throwing himself into the river.
He sat on the bottom, eyes shut. It didn’t feel particularly notable. It wasn’t pleasant , but his dough didn’t start falling apart and his soul didn’t splinter the moment he entered.
Black Sapphire Cookie let himself stew at the bottom for a while, only resurfacing when he felt bubbles escape his mouth. Dragging himself onto the shore in what he was sure was a rather pathetic display, he spat out a bit of yogurt.
“Is that good, Master?” He croaked, shaking himself to free a bit of the yogurt from his clothing and hair.
Shadow Milk Cookie nodded, clapping a bit. “What a performance, Sapphy! I’m satisfied. Candy Apple Cookie, your turn!”
“What?” She exclaimed, looking affronted. “I didn’t even go out! Why do I have to go into--?” Trailing off, as though she recalled exactly who she was talking to, Candy Apple Cookie nodded mutely.
She waded into the river without another word, but Black Sapphire Cookie could see the hesitation in her step. Without glancing backward, she let herself fall forward with a splash!
All was silent for a long moment.
Black Sapphire Cookie risked a glance at his Master, who was watching the river strangely intently. He didn’t seem to notice Black Sapphire Cookie’s eyes on him.
Candy Apple Cookie came up similarly to how Black Sapphire Cookie did; gasping. She tried futilely to wipe the yogurt off of her clothing, her hair sodden with it.
Shadow Milk Cookie clasped his hands together. “Now, now, don’t make a face! We’re at an intermission anyways. You two go clean up. Candy Apple Cookie, get ready to go tomorrow. I think it would be oh-so hilarious to sow discontent among the Silver Tree Knights. Run along, now.”
Without making another sound, Black Sapphire Cookie seized Candy Apple Cookie’s hand and pulled her away alongside him, only barely keeping his pace even and steady.
I am not running. I am not afraid. He repeated in his head, like a mantra. It’s just our Master.
He’d never hurt us.
---
“Master… it hurts…”
“Oh, hush. It’ll be over before you know it.”
Hands yanked. Ribbons, enchanted and hard as steel, tightened. There was a pained groan.
“Wings-- my wings--”
“You two can’t fly anyway. Just close your eyes. I’m almost done.”
Eyes blinked. They watched. They promised surveillance, constant surveillance.
“Isn’t it wonderful? Now, should I wish, I can see what you see!”
“Please… Master…”
Shadow Milk Cookie sighed. “You two never appreciate me.”
He pulled the ribbon tighter.
---
Candy Apple Cookie grunted as she crash-landed into the hard floors.
Grumbling, she picked herself up, dusting off her new clothing, courtesy of their Master, of course, and shaking out her hair.
The whole wing thing was an… adjustment. She’d never really noticed the appendages before; they were a thing of convenience, or inconvenience, sometimes. She couldn’t fly , per say, but they fluttered when she was excited. They drooped when she was sad. They flapped to help her clear long jumps.
Evidently, she’d forgotten that that last one could be done no more, just barely avoiding falling into a sizable hole made by the Spire’s collapse.
Again; an adjustment.
Not that she would ever doubt her Master’s will, however. Shadow Milk Cookie was a god amongst cookies. He only need say the word; she would handle the rest. Still, getting used to the tight confines of the wrappings on her wings was… new.
Walking away from the pit, Candy Apple Cookie let her pace increase as she dashed to Black Sapphire Cookie’s room. No doubt he would whine and sigh like the complainy loser he was, but he was the best at doing her hair, and she needed to look her absolute best when carrying out her Master’s orders.
“Black Sapphire Cookie!” She shouted, swinging open the door to him room with a bang ! The aforementioned jumped, looking up from whatever boring thing he was writing down in a journal; probably new ideas for his weird rumor shows. “Do my hair!”
“What--? No!” He snapped back, incredulous. “I’m terribly busy, can’t you see? I’ve no time to be entertaining little brats.”
Ignoring him, Candy Apple Cookie clambered onto the bed where he sat. She pushed the brush into his hands, before sitting down criss-cross in front of him Tilting her head backward, she met his gaze expectantly.
Black Sapphire Cookie sighed, but, predictably, got to work. He loosened her little ponytail, setting the elastic aside, before gently unsticking her candy apple decorations.
Hefting those aside as well, he huffed. “Aren’t those heavy?”
“Hee-hee. Maybe for cookies with weak little bones like you!”
He swatted her gently on the back of the head. “No antagonizing me. I am doing you a favor.”
Candy Apple Cookie grumbled, but still settled down, letting the elder comb gently through her hair, picking apart tangled sections with practiced motions. He easily parted the white strands, smoothing down her bangs, too, before moving to gather the hair into a ponytail once more.
Black Sapphire Cookie paused. His hands rested on the back of the
collar
choker her Master had
forced upon
gifted her. He had one as well-- she’d seen it placed upon him, with the same closed-eye design on the front as hers.
She knew well that eye could open, too.
“Black Sapphire Cookie?” She prodded, tilting her head back once more to make eye contact. “Hey, Earthbread to Black Sapphire Cookie!”
He seemed to snap back into himself. Pushing her head back forward, he huffed a “Quit squirming! Do you want me to do your hair or not?”
“I don’t want it when you’re taking fifty-million years! I could’ve been done with the mission by now!”
“Oh, be quiet.” He tied her hair back up, before carefully sticking the candy apples back into place. “You’d still be doing your hair.”
Delivering a swift punch to his arm, Candy Apple Cookie jumped off the bed, ignoring the offended squawk from behind her. “Be faster next time!” She called as she left the room.
“You’re welcome!” Echoed after her, even as she slammed the door behind her.
Footsteps echoing down the hallways, Candy Apple Cookie decided to just crack open a portal then and there. Surely nobody would mind if she closed it behind her. While she never quite grasped the specifics of magic; that was her more annoying counterparts specialty, she knew the basics. Opening a portal was child’s play.
She lifted a hand, and twisted.
Space ripped itself open before her. With a delighted giggle, Candy Apple Cookie slipped into the forests of Beast Yeast.
---
Pure Vanilla Cookie was on the hunt.
Ever since his bizarre encounter with Black Sapphire Cookie a day or two prior, he’d been on constant surveillance for hide or hair of either him or his counterpart, Candy Apple Cookie. There was something happening at the Spire, and Pure Vanilla Cookie was determined to find out what.
He thought back to that brief glimpse of Black Sapphire Cookie’s wings. He knew the basics of anatomy-- not to mention what Golden Cheese Cookie had taught him about proper wing maintenance. Even without, common sense told him that they should not be crushed that tight .
As a healer, the health of anybody, friend or foe, was his highest priority.
Letting Gingerbrave and his little friends recuperate at the Faerie Village, Pure Vanilla Cookie had been going out on his own to follow whatever traces he could find. So far, all trails had led to minor scuffles with monsters, but he held faith.
Luckily enough, word had reached him through White Lily Cookie of discontent in the Silver Tree Knights. Nasty rumors had spread through their ranks, but everybody had an inkling as to who was behind them.
So here Pure Vanilla Cookie found himself; trekking through the woods of Beast Yeast. All in all, it could be worse. It was a pleasant day, with a summer breeze rustling the leaves, sun warm on his dough.
The woods were quiet enough to hear the birds sing, and so Pure Vanilla Cookie listened.
He’d only been walking for about half an hour when the birds went silent.
Curious, Pure Vanilla Cookie strained his ears. Faint sounds of shouting reached him.
Hurrying to the sound, the words came into focus. And angry words they were.
“Stupid! Ribbons!” A high-pitched shriek reached him. “Stupid collar! Stupid cuffs! I hate this! I hate that stupid truthful half-cookie! I hate him! This is all his fault! I hate him! I hate him! I hate him!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie came to a steep incline, with a drop that could easily crumble a typical cookie. The shouts seemed to be coming from over the edge. With a deep inhale, Pure Vanilla Cookie peeked over the edge, an image of what he was about to see already in his head.
Candy Apple Cookie dangled over the drop, gripping onto a stray tree root with all her might. Her legs kicked uselessly, and her hands slipped further every moment.
“Hello, Candy Apple Cookie.” Pure Vanilla Cookie greeted cordially, a warm smile on his face.
Candy Apple Cookie looked up. Her face was alight in rage. “You! Of course it’s you !” She spat. “I’ll crumble you! I hate you! It’s all your fault !” She kicked her legs even harder, letting go of the root with one hand to grab at air, trying futilely to reach him. “I’ll knock your stupid face in!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie caught her flailing hand, carefully pulling her up the sheer cliff. Thankfully, she was sensible enough to not thrash too much, but the moment she was on steady land, she launched herself at Pure Vanilla Cookie.
Quickly, he set up a shield around himself, watching as she shrieked and scrabbled at the golden shimmer. “Face me, you crumbly coward!”
“How have you been?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked instead. “It’s been a while.”
She summoned one of her candy apple weapons, slamming it against the shield. It rebounded uselessly, sending her staggering towards the cliff face once again.
Immediately, the shield was down, as Pure Vanilla Cookie surged to catch her by the front of her navy robes. They looked similar to what Black Sapphire Cookie wore not too long ago-- notably different from her typical attire.
Candy Apple Cookie flung her arms out, trying to catch her balance. Though she still looked angry, it had faded into more benign aggravation than pure malice. “Let me go!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie let his gaze stray down to her wings.
Hm.
Much like her fellow’s, they were forced shut, crushed tight and unforgiving with what looked like black ribbons. The teal blinking of Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes dotted the length of the bindings.
Suddenly, Candy Apple Cookie shoved him. Pure Vanilla Cookie staggered backward a few steps.
She pounced at him again, reaching for his face, but it was easy enough to grab her by the shoulders, holding her at arm's length.
“Stop being a pacifist!” She snarled. “Fight me!”
Both her and Black Sapphire Cookie seemed to have very similar reactions to being offered help. Pure Vanilla Cookie filed that information away for later.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Candy Apple Cookie.” Pure Vanilla Cookie stated. “But I digress. It’s good to see you. How have you been?”
“Stop playing virtuous!” She hissed, scratching at his forearms. Her nails drew beads of jam, but he didn’t falter. “I want you crumbled!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie decided it would be more prudent to cut to the chase. He knew both of Shadow Milk Cookie’s minions could summon portals, and it would probably be better to ask before she remembered that, too.
“Your wings,” He said quickly. “Are they alright?”
She faltered, her grip loosening. “What’s it to you?”
“I’ve noticed both you and Black Sapphire Cookie have some sort of wrappings over your wings. Were they injured in the fall of the Spire?” Pure Vanilla Cookie knew that wasn’t the case, but he wanted to offer her an easy escape, in case she didn’t feel like having this discussion. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.
To his surprise, she cackled. “Hee-hee! You think we’re stupid ? We know how to take care of our wings. Stop playing doctor.”
“I am a doctor.” Pure Vanilla Cookie said casually. “Those wrappings are way too tight. They restrict jamflow, risk membrane tearing, and could even result in muscle atrophy or bone fracture if excessively strained.”
“Stop acting like you care!” Candy Apple Cookie snarled. “This is your fault, anyways!”
There was something strange about the way she moved her arms-- like they were too heavy. Pure Vanilla Cookie squinted suspiciously at the golden, cuff-like bracelets on her arms. He’d seen something similar on Black Sapphire Cookie, but hadn’t thought anything of it.
“Candy Apple Cookie.” Pure Vanilla Cookie said, setting his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Is everything okay? At the Spire?”
With a shriek, Candy Apple Cookie threw him off of her. “I don’t want to talk to you! It’s your fault! It’s all your fault!”
She took a few steps backward, face alight with rage, but Pure Vanilla Cookie could see past it.
She was scared.
Candy Apple Cookie flung her arm out, ripping a portal into existence. Pure Vanilla Cookie could see the checkerboard patterns of the Spire on the other side.
“I don’t want to talk to you.” She repeated, her voice angry and low. “You don’t know anything.”
Candy Apple Cookie fled into the portal. Pure Vanilla Cookie watched her go.
Then, he exhaled, feeling droplets of jam run down his arms. Something in his chest ached. He’d been a healer for long enough to recognize the signs.
Whatever happened to their wings, their Master did it.
Something ugly was happening at the Spire. And it was something that was likely corroborated by Pure Vanilla Cookie’s departure.
Still, he would count that as a positive encounter. She hadn’t fled at the sight of him, and at least seemed… somewhat open to his suggestions. At the very least, she heard what he said, even if it seemed to frighten her.
Candy Apple Cookie doesn’t trust me. She thinks me-- or whatever I did, the cause of this. She might be more receptive to somebody who knows her struggles. Maybe somebody closer to her age…
Ah. Aha.
Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled. Now he knew why Candy Apple Cookie seemed familiar to him.
They’ll get along well.
He turned around, finding his way back to the Faerie Village. White Lily Cookie was there to greet him-- immediately fretting over the state of his arms. He waved her off, but she still insisted he at least let her wrap the wounds.
Relenting, Pure Vanilla Cookie let her disinfect the shallow, stinging cuts etched into his skin, wrapping them in soft white bandage.
“Where did you go?” White Lily Cookie asked him. “These look like a cookie caused them.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie only shook his head. “I’ll tell you once I know more. For now, would it be possible to summon one of my subjects from Crispia?”