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Chapter Text

The garden of delights had never shimmered so bright in moons. Pavlova Cookie gently tended to the blooming candy flowers with a coldness in his gaze that had only grown since Hollyberry’s exodus from the bringer’s open arms. Was it envy or resentment that began to fester in his heart? Whatever it may be, he let it grow into this all-consuming coldness that left his once glowing heart dark.  

His master had locked herself away deep in the heart of the garden, muttering something about ‘becoming’ the cookie wanted by her other half. Pavlova was sure soon he’d be summoned to help her place flowers in her hair and tighten her corset. Until then, he would continue perfecting the flora that lined the garden. He did his best to avoid the sugar sculptures that scattered the locale, hoping not to meet the gaze of people who once made his life full of light. 

‘Perhaps, though, it was already fated to be.’ He pondered pulling a pesky sour weed out from among the branches of sweetness. Pity barely breached his emotional numbness. ‘I am the sour candy cursed to cling to the sugary remains of Eternal Sugar’s sweet graces.’

His monologue was cut off by the sound of wings catching his ears. Turning to face her, the bringer of happiness landed before him in a stumble that had him half worried she had gotten back into their juice supply. Her gaze lingered around the garden, tracing each shape like it was her first time seeing them. Witches, she hates it. Great.

“Pavlova? Where are- oh? Pavlova?” Her happy tone seemed to shift with anxiety about something.

Her hand covers her mouth like she was viewing a jumpscare in a movie. Can’t she just get to the point?

Pavlova suppressed a groan when he bowed to his master, “Yes, Bringer of Happiness?”

“W-Why are you so big? Did you have a growth spurt last night? You should have gotten me! We will certainly need to have a party for it - after you rest!” Sugar nearly shouts as she grabs Pavlova’s face and pulls him close to look him over, “Have you been resting? You look exhausted!” 

What the witches is happening in the garden? Pavlova barely plied his creator's hands from his dough.“I am always fine here in your Paradise, Eternal Sugar Cookie.”

“You are not! You seem so tired… and your heart is colder than I’ve ever seen.” Her voice lingered as an idea seemed to spring to her mind, “Did this happen suddenly? We’ll have to get you checked if that’s the case. Perhaps Blueberry has room… No, I’m certain they do!”

“Who?” Pavlova allowed his stress to slip into his voice as he waved his hands to signal her towards the garden, refocusing on the mission. His voice was slightly cracking from the strain. He hasn’t spoken much since he lost what was most important to him.

“Blueberry Milk, the fount! He is a close friend of mine- You know him, hussh.” She places a hand on his shoulder. Witches, he’s never seen her move this much, not even on juice!  

“The… fount? I- Are we sure we need to visit him…”

Pavlova’s words drone out as the amazing sugar of happiness flies off to their home. Probably preparing for a short trip over to the other side of the continent. Here she is acting like traveling is so simple that she could do it without a second thought. 

 “…and you’re already gone. Amazing. Wonderful. I’m so excited for that again.”

Pavlova throws his hands up. Shuddering at the memory of the deceitful beasts' last trip to the garden where he made his dear friends jump over coals. Perhaps he would keep Sugar distracted enough. 

Good, she can fly away. Perhaps she’ll never return to the garden, and he could be free to transform his prison into something he could enjoy…

When was the last time that she even ‘left’ the garden? Despite his better judgement, he turned to watch Eternal sugar dip out of paradise and took a deep, slow breath.

Grabbing his quiver, the angel flies after the hyped up sugar of happiness. At least to keep her out of trouble outside of the garden. 

—-

Their arrival at the spire was otherwise uneventful. The new tower was smaller than the deceit beast’s previous work, but it remains a confusing mess of stairs and doors.  After the “Great Shadow Milk’s” embarrassing defeat in fighting Pure Vanilla, a new spire had to be erected in its stead.

What confuses him more is Eternal Sugar’s expression. A vague mask of bewildered horror. “Witches… if his spire looks like this. I can’t imagine what is going on.”

“What do you mean?” Despite his better judgement, he dared to question his creator’s thoughts. 

However, instead of a quiet glare or her dismissal, the light pink cookie quickly began explaining. "Blueberry’s tower is an extension of themselves, like how our paradise reflects mine. Seeing their tower like this… makes my stomach churn, something has to be wrong.”

Pavlova crosses his arms, muttering under his breath, “It looks normal to me.”

Her face looks at him with the mask of pity he’s seen only when she was warming up for her loving ‘advice.’ Bracing himself, he was met with only the sound of her wings flapping as she slowly opened the front door.

“Wait! Don’t ever go through the front door!” Pavlova shouts, watching as a trap door opens under the virtue of happiness. It took her a moment to remember she had wings, clutching her chest as she skitters herself back up.  As soon as Eternal Sugar felt like she could breathe again, she turned to Pavlova, tilting her head. “What in the world was that!?”

“‘Blueberry’ Milk’s kind greetings.” He grumbled through gritted teeth, “I’m sure he’s been alerted we’re here. We should just wait for him to show up.”

“We can’t let him just fester in there! What is he even thinking!? If it wasn’t us, I’m not sure a cookie could have caught itself… what if he hurts someone?”

“I think that’s the point, Eternal Sugar Cookie- No, no, don’t go inside!”

The Sugar of Happiness flies over the hole and dips inside the spire. Pavlova reluctantly follows her.

The entryway of the spire was brighter than normal. The pale light replaced with the burning of bright candles that transformed the dark manor into a more mystical looking tower. Pavlova had to admit he was slightly in awe of the way each picture seemed to perfectly capture a form of the world’s most annoying cookie without revealing too much of their true personality. Eternal Sugar stood at the center of the room waving rapidly to someone above on the staircase.

Oh Witches no…

Candy Apple is wearing a new costume… instead of the sycophant he avoided she was dressed in the finest silks. A long red tutu was dotted in stars reflecting the northern hemisphere of earthbread’s own sky.  Her candy apples lacked their normal candy coating instead looking like heart shaped halves of a cut open apple.  Pavlova has never seen this exact costume before which worries him even more. An unknown lie is an unpredictable lie.

“Greetings into the spiiire of allll knowledge~!” She chirps softly like she truly meant what she was saying, but someone who knew her could tell the voice she used was her favorite for plays. Pavlova’s fears were only confirmed more when she introduced herself, “I am Cosmic Crisp Apple Cookie, a disciple of The Great Sage of Knowledge!”

‘Sage’ ... his least favorite version of Shadow Milk, a perverse play on the Fount of Knowledge that only told lies. It was obvious Candy Apple hadn’t been prepared for them to be here by the nervous glint in her gaze reveals that this stage was set for someone else. 

The Sugar of Happiness gasped softly as the child introduced herself. She flutters closely and grabs onto Candy Apple’s hands, eyes bright with wonder. “Blueberry took another apprentice? You are so cute! He should have told me. I would have been here in a wing’s flap~~!”

Pavlova slowly turns his head towards the Sugar of Happiness, his eyes wide and his expression flabbergasted. What?

It seemed Candy Apple did not expect that to work either as she suddenly stumbled over the script she likely planned, “O-of course! I am his most treasured after all. What brings you here… oh… great Bringer of Happiness?”

Sugar softly caresses her palm around ‘Cosmic Crisp Apple’s’ chubby cheeks,“I just need to talk to Blueberry about something, can you bring me to them?”

Candy Apple squints as she enunciates her words, “The greeeeat sage cannot take visitors at this time. However I am blessed with their endless knowledge and I will accompany you throughout your search for insight~!”

She lightly clasps the child’s cheeks cheerfully, “Oh- It’s fine! Just tell them it’s me and they will make time!”

“They are super, super busy! Working on helping spread the-” , Candy Apple almost seems to suppress a gag, “-The truth of truuue knowledge.”

Pavlova finally steps him with an annoyed grimace, “Drop the act, Candy, Eternal Sugar wants to speak to Shadow Milk.”

She does a little dramatic twirl, “I have noooo idea who this caaaaandy apple is- I am the wondrous Cosmic Apple Cookie!”

“-and I’m Pure Vanilla Cookie, really we don’t have time for this.” Pavlova sneers, knowing the name would trigger the candy goblin herself.

The candy coated gremlin shouts, “Don’t- DO NOT - Say. That. Name!” Clearly, taunting always works.

“Wh- Whose Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Eternal Sugar seems to finally remember she’s part of this conversation, letting go of the child’s cheeks. Her wings lowered as if uncomfortable by her lack of insight, or is it the lack of control?

Pavlova bluntly replies,“Shadow Milk’s Ancient.”

At the same time Candy apple throws a temper tantrum,“A TRAITOR!” Stomping her foot caused the illusion to crumble.  Her red hair being replaced with stark white frosting, red tutu returning to it’s monotone white. Her little tuxedo top could almost be called cute, however the glare that covered her pale visage was down-right venomous.  

Before Pavlova could question the tiny terror, Eternal Sugar’s next question drew their complete silence. “What is…an ancient?”

“...Like, Hollyberry Cookie?” Pavlova’s voice lowered to but above a whisper.

“Is that a friend of yours?” Eternal Sugar’s eyes flutter like butterfly wings, delicately pressing her palm to her cheek and tilting her head. She looked so innocently at her creation as if the question would not send shivers down his spine.

Perhaps he should have paid more attention to Eternal Sugar’s rambling on the flight over. He turned to stare at Candy Apple, as if the cookie was somehow the reason they ended up in this situation.

Putting her hands up defensively she sticks her tongue out, “I didn’t do it! This time… It would have been reeeeally funny if it was just Eternal Sugar.” She glances down the hallway towards the library for a split second. 

“Where is Shadow Milk, Candy Apple?” Pavlova practically demanded, bow and quiver now in his hands

She pouts like he’s not pointing a weapon at her, “I told you he was busy! I didn’t lie about that…” 

Eternal gasps before nagging like an overworked mother,“Pavola, don't point your arrows at people like that! They’re not toys.” 

Ironic…

Chapter Text

The midnight moon palely reflects against the spires of the Vanilla Kingdom. The king stares out into the night, though his gaze long dulled, he can still see the brightness of stars decorating the blanket of darkness. Starlight has become a reminder of someone whose presence they’ve begun to miss. Pure Vanilla has found himself spending more time thinking about their other half. If only, in some small way, he could ease their suffering. Consumed by loneliness and betrayal, a cookie who could stand at his side cannot currently see the light blaring at them from their darkness. How many times has he fallen into this rhythm? First White Lily, now his mind is plagued by attempts to pull the beast from their mind. Perhaps, indeed, this is how things will always be.

Pain pulled in his chest. At first, he thought it was his soul jam once again crying out for its other half, but the pain he felt was unique. It was bitter, lonely, raging, and then it was nothing at all. The strangeness of the feeling left the king looking again to the sky, towards a simple star he once saw when he was lost within the yogurt river… an idea formed in his mind. He would not wait for his other half. Today, he would seek them out. 

—-

Candy Apple, after enough pushing, began to bring them deeper into the spire. The confusing passageways seem to be second nature to the deceitful disciple. Suddenly turning left, then right, and somehow left again. Her steps were carefully timed, like an ill move would spell disaster. If it had been any other cookie, one might call her waltz graceful in its utter simplicity.  Eternal Sugar takes this time to begin asking the ambush cookie some questions.

“Soooo… Candy Apple, yes?” Fluttering above the child, the Sugar of Happiness watches as she completes the strange half-jump around a pillar. “What were you honest about when we first met? If anything at all…”

“Who knows,” Candy Apple’s reply seemed almost too sweet in her sing-song voice, “Perhaps I am an assassin sent by the fae! I could be someone here to steal the great power of lies from the amazing Shadow Milk himself… I could be anything.”

Feeling slightly like she had been ignored, Sugar huffs softly, twirling in her hands locks of her crystal-coated frosting, “Why do you insist on calling them that? I’ve never heard of them as… Shadow Milk? What even is a ‘Shadow’ Milk?” 

Candy Apple lights up upon replying, her eyes filled with wonder, “Shadow Milk is the most fitting title for my master! He sows lies into kindness and frees cookies from the false reality of truth. He is the greatest, wisest, and most pooowerful cookie in all of earthbread. He is nothing like this ‘Blueberry’ you speak of!” 

Eternal Sugar feels her head hurt at the idea of sweet little Blueberry doing something so sinister. Gently pressing her hands together in a mock prayer, she tilts her head slightly, “How did you meet them, then?” 

Now, the right, back to left, somehow we turned around. Candy Apple continues weaving through the tower in a way that leaves Pavlova worried she is leading them astray. 

“It’s simple!” Candy apple chirps warmly, putting her hands together and pulling them up to her cheeks like a child receiving a puppy, “I was born of the first lie, the divine daughter of deceit itself. Created to spread the divine law of my precious master!” 

She finishes her strange dance at the entrance of the library. “He’s nothing like… that thing in there.”

Eternal Sugar sighs softly with almost a sad shadow of a smile, “The Fount can be an acquired taste, but they’re someone so special to me.”

Pavlova had allowed them to talk, bow still lightly in his arms as if ready to strike at any moment. Looking at the door left a hollow feeling in his stomach… a Shadow Milk he didn’t know was somehow worse than the monster he did know. What sort of sick person could the fount be? Someone truly mad to become the dark, dreadful, bitter Shadow Milk.

“They’re far too… boring. They haven’t done anything fun at all.” Candy Apple allowed a small gripe to slip her lips before reverting to her annoying song-like voice, “for now… at least~!”

Without delay, the door slides open, revealing the true depth of knowledge. Pavlova has only ever seen the mask of this room, where every book was filled with gibberish, but now it was a towering library lit by pale golden light coming from lanterns placed every two shelves. The white wooden shelves had golden vines wrapping around them, ending at the very top of the structure, shaped like the very souljam of knowledge itself. The master of the room was floating mid-air, 4- no, it seems more like 5 books drifted around him like he was reading all of them at once. His soul jam sat on the table behind him. Various scribbles and unreadable notes surround it like a college student 3 hours before the final. Despite Candy Apple slamming the door open, The Virtue of Knowledge barely noticed them enter the room.

Eternal Sugar flies up greeting with a warmth Pavlova had not heard in centuries, “Oh~! Blueberrrrry~! Whatttcha reading?”

Despite being visible the entire time, the Fount yelps like a cat and floats backwards. Hand covering his chest while they caught their breath. “Sugar, please don’t do that! Witches, my soul just left my jam. Th-Though it’s perfect you’re here. Something is wrong with my soul jam. Can I see yours? Do you feel any difference?”

Sugar tilted her head a bit to the left, “I’ve been… busy! Something is wrong with Pavvie.”

Pavlova quickly butts in, “Please don’t call me that.”

He suddenly wished he had stayed silent when the Fount’s gaze stared through him. His dual colored eyes studied every inch of his form like an animal left in a zoo.  Pavlova quickly ducks back outside the Library to escape the all-consuming stare. He’ll just wait outside.

“...That does seem to be something to be busy with, Sugar. Something is very, very wrong here… could it be due to the soul jams? Perhaps silver poisoning- no! Maybe something to do with corruption? Oh! Perhaps it could be a result of some sort of curse.” Blueberry began to ramble. As he spoke, books on each subject floated near him, turning to relevant pages before shutting as he dismissed each cause, “It could even be a potion.” 

Sugar sits down at a table, letting him rant. The moment there was an opening she innocently asked, “Is the soul jam really that much of a concern? I feel normal.”

Blueberry stopped reading to turn and stare at Sugar with a bewildered expression, “That- That much of a concern!? Sugar, they’re part of our soul. There’s a part of our soul missing on Earthbread, and you don’t care? What if someone is using it to terrorize the populace!?”

“What if they’re using it for good?” Sugar bats her eyes, tilting her head slightly to the right.

“They’re still our souls, Sugar. We need to at least know where they are. I’m not entirely sure cookies could even use them. They would need to fit incredibly specific variables…” Blueberry sits beside The Sugar of Happiness. His journal floats over to his hands and opens to the next blank page. “They’d need to be our perfect mirrors. Physically impossible for a mortal to reach that state.”

Eternal Sugar suddenly lit up, blurting out, “Like- Soul Mates!”

“Soul Mates do not exist, Sugar.” Blueberry holds his book close to his face, using it to hide the soft twinge of blush that dared to form.

“It’s literally soul mates. Like, they’re… our other halves ~” She pulls her hands close to her face, her eyes glimmering with daydreams of a perfect other half. Someone strong and full of life! A protector of happiness who would travel the world with her! Blueberry had to wave his hand in front of her face to bring her back to reality.

“...Either way. If they exist, we certainly need to find them.” Blueberry sighs as he speaks. Finishing a table of traits they would need to search for in their other halves.

Eternal Sugar asks curiously, “Can’t you look into the future and see who they are?”

Blueberry grumbles, “If I could, I would have. Whoever has my other half stole the ability to do that from me. We will have to do this the old-fashioned way. We will have to visit the town to gain more insight.”

“You’ll have to change, though, you look very… silly.” Sugar covers her mouth, finally taking in the jester costume her dear friend currently found themselves in.

“I realized that Sugar! Thank you !” His face turned a deep shade of Blue as he grabbed his soul jam. Locking it back onto his ruffled collar, “Luckily, my abilities have remained intact. I will go as Lady Azure Milk.”

“Perfec-”

The sound of an explosion sent both virtues shooting up like scared cats. They shared a startled glance at each other, where Sugar slowly asks, “So- any new experiments?”

“Would I also be jumping if there was, Sugar?! Today can’t get ANY worse.” Blueberry Milk tugs softly at the ends of his hair. Anxiety caused all eyes to open with eyes like cats peering at every angle. 

Sugar slowly pulls his hands away from his hair and into her own, gently speaking, “I’m sure whatever it is, we can handle Blueberry. Let’s just go out there and face it together.”

“You make it sound so easy.” Blueberry sighed in mock defeat.

“It is easy when we’re together!” The Sugar of Happiness chirps, dragging her reluctant friend outside the safety of his study.

A few minutes earlier, a traveling party entered the spire. Among them was someone who sent bitter venom coursing through Candy Apple’s very jam. Why, of all mornings, did they choose today to visit? Candy Apple did her best to hold them off, but fighting alone was never truly her strong suit. Pavlova actively did not participate in the conflict, choosing instead to watch from a hidden place among the spire’s many photos. Traitor. She can distract this pest at least by sending them the wrong way. Behind her, the door of the library swung open, leaving her master in plain sight.

Pure Vanilla smiles gently, dull eyes bright with fondness, “Shadow Milk! Finally , there you are.”

Chapter Text

It was a quiet morning upon their arrival in Beast Yeast. Pure Vanilla Cookie had originally planned to travel alone to visit his other half. It was still dangerous to bring the children around the beast of deceit while he was still so… upset. He deserved to be upset, truly. Pure Vanilla had manipulated their desperate desire for companionship.

Preparing to leave the ship with his staff in tow. However, the sound of shifting caused him to turn around. Peering into the space between a few boxes in the repaired airship, he could see small white eyes peering back towards him.

An amused smile barely crosses his face, “...Gingerbrave. I feel I have asked you not to follow me.”

“- and let you face Shadow Milk alone!? Nuh-Uh!” The teenage cookie shouted a bit, using his candy cane to wedge himself out of the small space he had stuck himself in. “Plus, all his minions are gonna be there! You needed backup!”

“It seems I cannot stop you after all… Please stay close to me then while we journey together. I have reason to worry about Shadow Milk’s mental state… more than typical.”

“What-cha mean?” Gingerbrave inched closer.

“My Soul Jam felt abnormal this morning. Almost as if lost complete connection to Shadow Milk before returning. It excelleated my journey here.”

“Like… he’s..crumbled?” Gingerbrave’s voice lowered to a whisper. The teenager looked up with horrified icing.

“No! No, I believe he likely was messing with new magic that went arry. It would explain why he was missing for our morning tea.” Pure Vanilla hummed, it had taken a lot of convincing to get the beast to come over so often. He was unpredictable and still angry, however he would still appear in Pure Vanilla’s drawing room for tea. It proved to the ancient more than ever he was desperate for companionship.

Their arrival to the spire was luckily fairly unconcerning. Gingerbrave upon arrival ran up ahead to ‘check if it was safe’ leaving an amused Pure Vanilla watch him slowly open the front door, “I’m not quite sure if it a good idea to open that door, my friend.”

“What’s the worst that can happen?” The younger cookie asked, turning to give Vanilla a confident wink. Then the ground beneath his feet came out from under him plunging him into depths known.

“Gingerbrave!” Pure Vanilla rushed down, crouching beside the hole to try and peer into the darkness.

“I’m fine! Go on ahead and I’ll meet you inside. I think I’m just near the rumor mill.” Gingerbrave winks, though Pure Vanilla couldn’t see the child’s attempts at bravery he sighed softly. Using another passageway hidden behind a pillar, he entered the spire.
—-

“Shadow Milk!” Finally, there you are.” An unfamiliar voice called out to the Fount, calling to a person somehow who felt both alien and nostalgic. The strange cookie continued, Blueberry’s very own soul jam proudly placed in the center of their robes. They were radiant, a bright light that shines endlessly through darkness. Their eyes warm with fondness that the Fount almost greedily wishes was actually for them, “I have been trying to talk to you all morning. “You may try to avoid me, but I know how to find you.”

Who in the witches' names was this? Before Blueberry could open his mouth, he felt that anything he said got caught in his throat. Anxiety tingles at the realization that he was not the cookie they came for. Would they accept that…? How should he respond?

“Shadow Milk…?” Pure Vanilla stepped closer, either moving too fast for the Fount to notice, or Blueberry had stared at them longer than he thought. He stepped back trying to quickly build up an answer. Before Vanilla could continue the fount retreated in the persona he provided for more guests.

Suddenly floating a big higher he used his new staff to create an illusion above him like the night sky, stars instead spelled out his title. “Welcome to the spire of all knowledge, I can answer any question you may have!” He does a dramatic bow, like a performer on stage. “I am the Fount of Knowledge!”

Vanilla froze in place for a moment as if pondering before turning his attention to Eternal Sugar and Candy Apple. His glance seemed almost to peer through them almost, looking deeper into their very jam. Candy Apple grimaced a little towards him which only served to worry his concern. Gingerbrave seemed to be somewhere ahead in the spire… hopefully safe. He will need to locate him soon. His attention snaps back to Eternal Sugar when he hears the rustling of feathers.

Eternal Sugar allowed a giggle to bubble up, “Oh~! Here I was thinking we’d have to search! Hello there, friend~!!! I am the Sugar of Happiness. I do not think I have ever seen you before.”

Pure Vanilla covers his mouth slightly, realizing quickly he could use this to help lighten the tension he was feeling, “Ah, Hollyberry has told me much about you, Eternal Sugar. It’s my pleasure to meet you. I’m surprised you left your garden, however...”

Tilting her head, she hums, leaning a bit against the Fount., “I can leave it whenever I need to. My kingdom exists just a respite for cookies who need it, one I trust to my sugar angels to watch it in my stead. However, I always have time to visit people important to me~! You must be a friend of… Pavlova’s? He mentioned knowing you earlier~!” As she asked, the Sugar of Happiness peered around the room searching for her creation.

“Not much more than in passing I’m afraid,” Vanilla admits, “I am much closer to the master of the spire.” He gently took Fount’s hand. Hoping in turn to force Shadow Milk out of whatever script he was playing today.

Blueberry almost seemed to stutter out of his fount persona when Vanilla glanced towards him. At first he was a bit annoyed Sugar had taken over the conversation but when attention diverted back to himself he froze like a deer in headlights. His eyes are small in shock and face warm with blue jam pushing to its surface. Under the dull gaze of the lost king, Blueberry felt like pudding.

He did not instantly remove his hand from Vanilla’s but after a heart beat pulled it up towards his chest. His feelings only got worse when he could see Sugar’s face light up like a child. She put her hands on her mouth and barely held herself back from bursting into the conversation.

“A- uh- I am not… wh- who you’re looking for.” Normally more composed, Fount internally cursed himself about how squeaky his voice came out.

Pure Vanilla seemed to realize, slowly, there was something very wrong with the beasts. From Eternal Sugar’s bounciness to how almost timid Shadow Milk had been. He took a moment to ponder his answer before finally speaking. “You are, and you are also not who I am looking for. It seems I’m talking to a different piece of knowledge today, but you remain the one I am here to check on.”

Eternal Sugar could not hold back any longer, squishing Blueberry when she came behind him, “Seee~ I toooold you~ Soul Mates.”

Blueberry sputtered like a broken tape recorder, “S-Soul mates are not a real concept, Sugar! They are still looking for- someone who isn’t me! But someone… who is also me?” He stops thinking of something he deeply feared, “Just… hm. Something is seriously wrong.”

The Fount approached Vanilla explaining his reasoning as he floats near the dull eyed king, “My soul jam is weakened, seemingly split in half. Sugar’s remains the same. The ages of people around us have changed, and the spire feels alien to me.”

Sugar adds on, “-and you’re dressed like a clown.”

He corrects,“Actually, I am dressed like a depressed Jester....Time had passed more than we remember then, I assume? How much do we not know?”

Pure Vanilla shot him a sympathetic glance, “I suggest we talk over tea?”

Chapter Text

The Fount of Knowledge leads them to a private drawing room decorated with glittering stars. It seems to have been coated in layers of dust. A few colorful rabbits were cleaning with fluffy blue dusters. Another brings forward a plate of blueberry tea served with little lemons cut into stars. Pure Vanilla allowed himself to settle into a chair pulled out by Blueberry Milk. Fount had asked Sugar to watch the kids for now to give them a chance to discuss things. He loved his sister, truly, but Sugar handled conflict about as well as Burning Spice does. Anything that pierces her veil of happiness tends to upset the virtue .

Pure Vanilla waits a moment before asking, "What should I call you, Fount? It seems the name I have known was part of the show."

Fount takes a moment, "Most of cookiekind refers to us by our titles, but, as my… the one with the other half of my soul jam. You may call me Blueberry Milk."

Pure Vanilla spoke fondly, "Very kind of you, Blueberry."

"It is not a surprise! It seems you have known me for a while."

"I've known a cookie like you, but he isn't exactly the same. However, your spirit lives on inside him."

Blueberry Milk seemed to dismiss the claim, "Virtues don't change; we remain as we are. Even if… thrown off kilter, I am positive my future self will return to his senses with time."

Pure Vanilla pauses, taking a moment to formulate his response. Gracefully placing a cube of sugar in the tea in front of him, "When adding sugar to tea, it remains the same tea, right?"

Blueberry's eyes followed the motion of his action with a small raised brow. "Correct."

"However," Vanilla brings the tea to his lips for a small sip, "the flavor of the tea is forever changed. It is the same tea, but no matter what you do, you can never remove the sugar from it again."

It was the Fount's turn to ponder. His gaze drifting over his reflection in his own tea. A stranger stared back at him with cold, unfeeling eyes. "You can dilute it with more tea."

"You will never truly remove the sugar, though."

The Fount's silence spoke volumes to Pure Vanilla. The concept of being changed beyond what was possible was so achingly familiar that he had to accept it as a quirk of their mirrored journey.

Fount shifted the topic to something more serious. "Explain everything to me, Pure Vanilla.” 

Pure Vanilla swirled the tea with a slight frown barely gracing his face. He had smiled when Sugar was in the room but allowed his true feelings to surface under the sole gaze of the Fount. Blueberry’s eyes seemed to know the deepest darkness but were unscarred by the final nail that had locked Shadow Milk into his coffin. How could Pure Vanilla willingly drag him back into the pit? Lying, however, he knew, would only serve to upset the virtue.

“It will be a long story.” He notes softly, and dulled eyes turn to the books of the study.

The Fount promises, “I enjoy long stories.”

The yellow king begins slowly, his voice level to maintain composure. “I do not know everything. What I do know is that cookiekind had rejected you and your kin. What was done to you may be a mystery, but its result was clear. You rejected the very concept of your virtues.”

Fount seemed to push their own emotions on the subject somewhere deep inside their subconscious. Instead of looking at this situation like a puzzle to solve, “That would explain the loss of our souljams. This means our powers must have shifted as well. We will have to discuss which part you currently have. What half do you currently have, actually? Faith? Truth? Pathos?”

Pure Vanilla felt a small smile as he listened to the Fount ponder. When they began talking, this almost seemed to float with their thoughts.

Responding gently to pull them out of their haze, Pure Vanilla answers, “Truth. You hold deceit.”

“Ah,” Blueberry realized something with a hand to their chin, “That’s why I am dressed like a Pierrot. It is ironic, after all.”

Pure Vanilla giggled, “It fits you, though. A showman. ”

“Are you calling me a clown, Nilly?”

“A performer, more like it. You’ve always had an eye for the stage.”

The Fount scoffs, “Of course~! The stage is an extension of knowledge. Plays allow you to discuss dark truths Cookiekind turns away from. Fiction exists for that very reason, after all! I’ve always had a home in the limelight.”

“One thing has not changed, then, at least.”

The fount does a dramatic bow. "I would never allow it to change. I may be a scholar first, but the show is where my heart remains."

Blueberry takes a moment before returning to the darker part of the conversation. His gaze hardened as he stared blankly at the vanilla-based cookie. 

“You’re still not telling me everything, though, are you?” 

—-

Eternal Sugar Cookie had stepped outside of the study to give them time to talk. Almost giddy about the idea of new love in the Fount’s life. Pure Vanilla promised her that her other half had gone to her garden to find her; now that she was located, he’d let Hollyberry know to meet her within the spire. She was ecstatic! She could already imagine how Pavlova and Pink Sweetheart would plan the wedding!

Wait! Where was Pavlova? Glancing around, she suddenly realized this room was oddly Pavlova-less. Heck . She takes flight, spinning around the confusing hallways, searching the sea of azure for the slightest bit of pink.

There! A bit of red contrasts against the blue background, causing her to land beside it. 

… Never mind, it was the apple cookie again. Candy Apple was sitting near the edge of a staircase, fiddling with a small doll. Noticing the tear in the fabric, she watched the child attempt to sew it. However, she was sloppy, as if she had never done it before. Settling beside the Sugar of Happiness, he offers, “Can I give you a hand?”

Candy Apple huffs softly, lowering herself further down the staircase. “I’m fine! I got it!”

“We can do it together?” Sugar promises after Candy Apple failed another stitch. Candy Apple let a frustrated squeak leave her mouth as she noticed the Sugar Angel looming directly behind her.

Before she could react, the child thrust the doll into her arms. “Just be careful!”

Eternal Sugar examined the doll in her hands with a quirked brow. A vague recreation of Blueberry’s new clownlike persona with a smiling face. It was covered in glitter and stickers all over its plush body. There had been a small hole in the seam where the arm met the body. It was a quick fix. “Dolls that are too loved always get the strangest holes.”

Apple proudly states, “Of course it’s loved… it’s just like my master himself~!"

Sugar allows her smile to soften. “He must be very proud of that, then. How well you’ve taken care of this.”

The child looked up at her with a brightness in her eyes that reminded her of the first time Pavlova had successfully helped them on a mission. “Really?”

“I am certain.” Eternal Sugar warmly hums, handing the doll back to Candy Apple. The way she clings onto it is reward enough.

Candy Apple shyly mutters something under her breath, so quiet that Eternal Sugar almost missed it, “Thank you…”

Watching the red child run off back to their room, Sugar slowly stands up. It was an amazing feeling to see someone cherish something so very small. A little toy and a warm word were enough to help a cold heart brighten with the light hidden deep inside it. As the Sugar of Happiness, this was just a small example of her fight. She remembered times she would do this for her young sugar angels… like the time Pavlova tore his favorite ribbon and sat curled up against her lap as she fixed it. 

 She finally returns to her search for Pavlova, finding him deeper in the spire speaking to another brand-new cookie. Witches—she will need to start keeping a list! Watching from afar, something began to worry the bringer of happiness so very deeply about Pavlova. His heart was dark with it, only seeming to darken as she heard him speaking with a resentment that felt alien in her creation’s voice.

“....Love in the end is a short moment of bliss before you are consumed by darkness. Light being snuffed out by loss. At least there is beauty in its shadow.”

Chapter Text

It was warm in the garden. No one ever shivered when they were dunked into the radiant light of Eternal Sugar Cookie! Pavlova may be her youngest angel, but he is her most loyal nonetheless. Flying above the candy clouds, he gave a warm wave to Lemon Meringue, who was currently talking to a new arrival who had lost their love.  The tree in her garden bore the fruit of mourning, which she tended to in solemn respect. 

All Sugar Angels were born to spread happiness. Each was perfectly designed to spread a special joy to cookiekind. Lemon Meringue healed broken hearts, Baked Alaska would help cookiekind be reborn into their idealized selves, Spiced Meringue Cake helped couples find a new spark in relationships that have gone cold, and the eldest Sugar Angel…

North of Lemon’s grotto was his destination. A river of sugar syrup glittered with new life as Pavlova leaned forward, dipping his hand to create a small wave. Rainbow light flickered inside the water, causing his frosting gaze to brighten.

“Oh, Pavie, please be careful!” A small cookie called to him from the edge of the shore, voice heavy with concern.

He looks ahead of him where his gaze falls on a bright pink cookie, flying forward, he landed in her arms. “Pink Sweetheart Cookie! Did you see how high I went? I’ve been practicing!” 

Pink Sweetheart was the eldest sugar angel, the first creation of the all-loving sugar of happiness. She was born out of the love for family and helps people find their missing loved ones. Pavlova idolized the way she understood the importance of pure, unending love.

“I did,” She nuzzles him, spinning in a circle, “I think you’re almost ready to go out and help cookies all on your own!”

“Really!?” Pavlova lit up brighter than the sun, to be able to spread real love…

“I know you will. Your heart is the brightest out of us all.” Pink Sweetheart kissed his forehead.

“Oh, thank you, Sweetheart!!”

Sweetheart softly giggled, “Don’t thank me yet, little one, let’s go talk to Eternal Sugar Cookie.”

—--

How long was Candy Apple going to take? Pavlova leaned against a pillar in the spire’s ever-confusing hallways. His lonely heart drifted back to a time when it had been full of innocence. Eternal Sugar Cookie… no, today she was the Sugar of Happiness, still remained somewhere deeper in the spire. What a joke.

“Hey! You! Who are you?” An angry little chirp caught his attention. Dark eyes loom down on a rather plain-looking boy, “You don’t look like Shadow Milk’s minions! Unless you’re Black Sapphire?”

“Hah, most compare me to Candy Apple, are- did the witches forget to finish you?” Pavlova grumbled, turning away from Gingerbrave. His snide comment was directed at Gingerbrave’s simplistic frosting.

Gingerbrave almost pondered the comment,“Uh- Maybe? Wait....I still asked for your name!” Pavlova took a moment to stare back in slight, bewildered amusement. Was he this kind of stupid? Wonderful.

“Pavlova Cookie. Why are you here in the spire, lost?”

“Sugarfly’s friend?” Gingerbrave asked innocently.

The name sent his heart further plummeting into a dark pit that he couldn’t escape. Sugarfly… it was the first time he truly understood what love really felt like.  It had been too bright, too all-consuming, he had been too much. Twitching his wing uncomfortably, he sat hanging from the pillar.

“We were not friends, not really, she had been under the effects of Eternal Sugar.” Pavlova explained. That’s why she could leave so easily, without looking back to the last surviving sugar angel, “I’m sure Elder Faerie welcomed her back with open arms and she’s forgotten all about me by now.”

“Uhhh-” Gingerbrave looked uncomfortable; he wasn’t exactly the best at bad news. How many people still think Elder Faerie is running around…?  Instead, he decides to continue ignoring Pavlova’s angst. “Well, anyways… that means you’re Eternal Sugar’s Minion?? Shouldn’t you be in the garden?”

“I should be, right?” Pavlova sarcastically rolled his eyes, “The Great Bringer of Happiness demanded we visit Shadow Milk. You still haven’t told me why you are here, though.”

“Well! To protect Pure Vanilla Cookie, duh! Shadow Milk is still dangerous!” He huffs, banging his hand against his chest.

“Ah, Shadow Milk’s new love… his heart is so warm with his obsession~.” ,Gingerbrave’s uncomfortable frown only made Pavlova smile more as he continued, “Pure Vanilla’s is even brighter though~ How tragic. Two halves forced to fight despite neither truly wanting to. Isn’t love just so… sad ?” 

Gingerbrave practically shouted, “Love isn’t sad!! It’s what powers cookies to overcome even the toughest obstacle!”

Pavlova tilts his head to the right, his gaze full of a confused mess of resentment and pity, “I used to believe that. Love in the end is a short moment of bliss before you are consumed by darkness. Light being snuffed out by loss. At least there is beauty in its shadow.”

“...Is that truly what you think, Pavlova Cookie?” A soft, feminine voice sent shivers down Pavlova’s spine. He turned slowly to see the powerful Eternal Sugar cookie staring at him in abject horror. 

“S-Sugar? Why aren’t you with the others?” Pavlova stepped backward,s creating distance. She had seen him… say that.

A Sugar Angel rejecting their sacred duty… Their way to spread joy was, in turn, rejecting happiness itself.

“Pure Vanilla asked me to welcome in some guests for him. What do you mean about love?” Eternal Sugar’s voice was soft as she stepped forward.

‘Eternal Sugar, people need real ways to solve their grief, not some morbid puppet of their dough! This isn’t helping them.’ Lemon protested.

Eternal Sugar stepped closer. Pavlova began trying to make excuses, “I’m just trying to keep this cookie away from you.”

“Sugar Syrup? On her wings? I can’t keep doing this…!” Baked Alaska complained weakly through tears, “Beauty should be found inside first, how can she be happy like this?”

There was no room to run. Eternal Sugar spoke softly, “It’s okay. I’m not mad, please just talk to me, Pavlova. What happened?”

“ I am going to leave.” Pink Sweetheart said coldly, though only Pavlova knew it had been him trying to escape, “This is not my home anymore, you are not my home anymore.” 

He was pressed against the wall as the room seemed to darken around him. The beast was too close- she was talking, but her words seemed so distant. Her ‘ fake concern ’ only sent him deeper into a spiral. She reaches out, trying to grab his face.

“ Stay back! ”  With his full strength, he sent Eternal Sugar stumbling backwards. She landed on her rear, blinking a few times, “So- SO what? It’s true. Love is useless in your paradise !” He was shouting now. When did he start shouting? Pavlova felt his wings trembling behind him, “I have stood by your side for centuries, how can you look at me like that?… I- I have given you everything.”  He was rambling, deep down, he realized that Eternal Sugar had gotten quiet as he continued. “So what if love is a lie ? What if I don’t believe I will ever have someone who won’t leave … won’t use me. Isn’t it tragic …”

Regaining her bearings, she grabbed Pavlova’s arms. “There are tons of people who love you, I love you, Pavlova, your siblings love you! You are the most treasured Sugar Angel in the garden.” She gently strokes his dough before Pavlova shakes her off. His eyes darken, glaring at her with a hatred she’s never seen before. If looks could kill she would be crumbled over and over again.

“Shut up…” He whispered, trying to move around Sugar, “Just stop…” 

Gingerbrave remained frozen, watching the situation go back and forth. Realizing how cold the air had gotten, he ran off to find Pure Vanilla Cookie. 

Eternal Sugar covers her hands to her mouth, tears threatening to leak from her glittering gaze. “Please, Lovie, you are loved by every sugar angel.” 

“...I’m the only sugar angel. Sugar. You killed the others.” Pavlova’s words were laced with venom. “Keep your dough off of me! Just go away…”

“.... What ? I wouldn’t do that.” Sugar’s voice sounded desperate, pleading, “Pavlova- I wouldn’t do that.”

“You did, though. Even if you pretend not to remember right now. You’re still Eternal Sugar Cookie. You will never change. No one wants to be around you unless you threaten them with death! Lemon, Alaska… Swee-sweethear t !” He whimpered softly, using his hands to dig into his frosting, hair pulling at the edges of the meringue, “I’m done . I’m done ! Kill me if you want, make me a statue unable to ever leave if you need. I’m done pretending. No one wants to stay with you!” He steps backwards using his powerful wings to take flight as Sugar attempts to grab onto him. 

He shoots one last look at Eternal Sugar Cookie before flying off, “I truly hate you, Eternal Sugar.”

She was left alone. Standing in the empty spire, watching her only child leave her. She had failed to bring his happiness- no! She was the reason he never tasted joy in the first place!

Don’t leave...

She stood in an empty space, staring at the open window with dull, wide eyes. She had completely forgotten why she had so excitedly rushed out of the meeting until the spire doors opened to reveal another pink cookie. Someone else she could ruin? 

Her other half.

“...Hollyberry…cookie?”

“Oh, witches, what are you doing on the floor like that?” The woman’s voice was brash. Broad shoulders glisten with delicately patterned armor. She holds out her hand to help Eternal Sugar up. “Sometimes you worry me, Sugar!”

…This one was perfect. No matter how horrible Sugar might be. Hollyberry Cookie was… perfect.  

Chapter Text

Hollyberry had been impulsive in her rush to find Eternal Sugar. It had been a few moons since their first fight, but she had been trading letters with the beast through Pavlova. They had started off as rough, begging for Hollyberry to return. However with enough guidance, they have become a genuine tool they use to communicate. Eternal Sugar, behind her powers and masks, was a truly good cookie. That was something Hollyberry had become certain of. 

Hollyberry knew this could be her only chance to change the beast’s outlook. She could no longer run from the hard parts of life; following the lead of her dear friend Vanilla, she would save the beast from herself.   She sent a letter inviting Sugar to join her for the first time officially. There would be a small party, something innocent and fun! 

Hello Sugar,

Good morning! I have received your letter from Pavlova! I am glad your garden is recovering, even if I think you should join me in the Hollyberry kingdom instead. I worry that, with you remaining alone in your paradise, you are still unable to build connections! Perhaps you can come visit me here, in my kingdom, as a guest!

HollyBerry.

Today, however, had a letter unlike any Eternal Sugar has ever sent her. It was written in black ink instead of the bright, colorful ink she normally sent. There were no little doodles like stars or hearts. The lettering had thought, but was formal in a way that felt alien to the curly writing style of Sloth. It reminded Hollyberry of the lettering style of Dark Cacao rather than the dreamy spirit of glee she expected to send her this letter. She did not directly answer the question. Something about it made Hollyberry’s stomach churn.

My Dearest Hollyberry Cookie, 

I hope this letter finds you well.

 I have felt disconnected from myself for a long time. I believed you could fix me, make me find the whole of myself that has been consumed in sweet syrup. It has been so long that perhaps there is no ‘me’ left in this vessel. I want to be the person you want me to be. I need to be that person. Is this the reason I feel my connections sever so very often? Why do those I love continue to leave me? I am unsure.

I will become better.

From the other half of your soul,
Eternal Sugar. 

Despite her better judgment, every fiber in her dough felt the pull to check on Sugar. Hollyberry knew better! Truly! She did know that often she brought out both the best and the worst in the beast of sloth. But the deeply sorrowful letter seemed to pain her very soul. Her Souljam sadly flickered like a light dying out at the feeling of avoiding Sugar. She would be once again avoiding the hard part of the journey. She would have to go!

Slipping away from the kingdom in the dead of night, she would not make the mistake of bringing those important to her into the arms of danger. Sugar was still so early in her recovery. 

—

Hollyberry gently brought the Beast to her feet. Eternal Sugar wobbled ungracefully in the way a drunkard might after a good enough party. Her long wings twitched, Hollyberry couldn’t tell if from anxiety or excitement.

“Well! Vanilla told me some of what happened. I guess he must’ve introduced me!”

Eternal hms softly, “Of course! In a way, though I assumed a bit on your… appearance! I am sorry I can’t yet remember our time together!”

As she spoke, Eternal Sugar glanced over Hollyberry’s broad body, well-loved and full of sweet, hearty dough. Hollyberry’s pink, berry hair had a similar gradient to her own, but her armor spoke of a protector. Her perfect, shining, knight in glittering pink armor~!

Holly gives a hearty laugh, “No worries, Sugar! I am just happy you’re alright. You gave me a bit of a jam attack last night.”

Sugar takes Hollyberry’s hand into her own. It was rough and blistered from years of use. She could faintly see the scars all over her beloved’s gentle dough from centuries of battles. The passionate light in a tunnel of pure darkness has found her way into Eternal Sugar’s lonely life. What a blessing this situation has become.

Sugar kisses the top of Hollyberry’s hand like how she would read in a fairytale, “I hope that is the end of that, then, I am perfectly fine!”

“Of course. I never doubted you, Sugar.”

Never doubted? Trusted…

“I am excited to get to know you, even if in this situation. I’m sure together we can find a solution.”

“Good! Let’s join Pure Vanilla! We can figure out what happened together.” Hollyberry cheered, scooping Sugar up in one fell swoop.

Held in her other half’s powerful grip, Eternal Sugar felt her entire jam heat up as a soft, barely disguised giggle exited her throat. “Of- of course…” 

—-

The air around them had long since gone dry. Both had fallen into a dull silence that stretched for miles. It was a brutal discussion of the events that led Pure Vanilla to Shadow Milk, no detail left spared. No room for Fount to hide in. 

Pure Vanilla smiled, but the gesture did not reach his eyes, “...That is everything, dear Fount.” 

The Fount’s gaze had become distant. Glancing at an empty space between a shelf behind Pure Vanilla. His body cold with growing horror at the situation as he fiddled his hands against the tea-cup in his lap. Pondering solutions, outcomes, answers that Pure Vanilla could not reach yet.

Vanilla slowly continued, “We have been working to rectify the situation, your recovery is slow but Shadow Milk has been making incredible progress.”

Fount’s sudden snap into reality caused the pale king to freeze, “But we are still monsters in the eyes of cookiekind? Rejecting the duties gifted to us by our creators…”

“You made mistakes-” Vanilla paused, reminding himself internally that Shadow Milk 

deserved the bitter truth, “-... Yes, you became monsters. Born of pain and confusion, but you have begun to recover. You may never be exactly what you are now, however, I am certain you will be something brand new.”

The fount swirled the tea in his cup, “We can never be truly forgiven.”

“But you can heal. Earthbread can heal.” Vanilla’s gentle hand upon Fount’s brought a sense of peace that finally quelled his spiral. The scent of warmth lingered close to him even when Vanilla settled back into his chair. 

—-

Somewhere, in the spire, Gingerbrave runs directly into a purple shape. Using his microphone to move him backwards he raised an amused brow.

“Oh, oh wow, little brat? Running around the spire all alone?”

“Move it! I need to get Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk!”

Black Sapphire scoffed, “What’s the script here, hero?” 

“Eternal Sugar and Pavlova are fighting!”

“Eternal Sugar is in the spire ?”

How could one simple day off with a cute cookie from the fae kingdom lead to this? 

Chapter Text

The air had become heavy and still, as if a desolate presence loomed just beyond the reach of his bicolored sight.

The Fount had taken a moment after their conversation 20 minutes ago. Pure Vanilla lingered fairly in the doorway, pretending not to hear the gentle gasps of a cookie struggling to regain its composure. It took everything within himself not to burst into the study, but he knew deeply that if Blueberry was anything like his other half, the action would only make him feel worse. 

The library had transformed. With his newly enchanted beholder, he surveyed the books on their alabaster shelves, noting titles unseen elsewhere in Earthbread. As the recluse, he had spent many moons in this study, trying to decipher their ciphers and coded runes. Now, as if mirroring their master's changing persona, the books themselves opened, revealing their true texts. Spells, studies of different magic varieties, and the history of cookie creation. He could only imagine the way White Lily would be frantically searching the shelves. The thought brought a half-turned ghost of a smile to his face. 

Shadow Milk continues to remind Vanilla of ghosts haunting his memory. It led him to ponder the conflict with Dark Enchantress.

His hands lingered upon a personal research journal penned by the Fount. Inside was their discovery of Dark Moon magic, the limitless ways it could be used to help cookie kind advance! It is bittersweet to witness such passion from his other half, serving as a stark reminder of what the world has taken from him.

The sound of the door opening caused Pure Vanilla to gently turn to face the Fount. Blueberry Milk seemed to clean himself up enough that an average cookie would not notice tear stains at the edges of their cheeks.

They took a moment before heat rushed to their face, “Ah! Tha-that journal is still unfinished, I’m s-sure it’s probably a mess.” 

A chuckle escaped Pure Vanilla. He recalled White Lily's similar behavior during their academy days, practically running away with their unfinished projects. Warmly, he extended the journal to the fount, remarking, "Well, for something so unfinished, I think it was very well written. How exactly did you discover Dark Moon Magic, my friend?"

“It was an accident, truly,” the Fount explained, twirling their hair nervously. 

“I was working with an apprentice whose magic was quite unruly. I was trying to create a staff that could listen to them, but the only way that seemed to work involved runes that no cookie had ever combined before.” He explains, floating slightly off the ground, thinking, “The runes were pulled from the deepest magic of the first cocoa powder, then mixed with reinforced moondust. It took moons after that to perfect the concept into its own variety of magic. Even now,  it’s quite unruly for most cookies.”

Pure Vanilla nodded simply, “Unruly indeed, for now only clarity seems to come at ease for me.” 

Blueberry softly gasps, “Clairvoyance? Do not sell yourself short, not even I have mastered that portion of the magic yet!”

“It helps to channel it. I use tarot cards as a guide.” 

The Fount of Knowledge looked back to him with eyes bright with lingering wonder, “If you’re willing, I’d love to see it.” 

“Of course, why not settle back at the table, and I’ll begin.”

As they settle, the Fount seems transfixed by the water. Vanilla shuffles his cards. Quietly watching like a child in a candy store. 


"Pull three cards; they will be your past, present, and future." 

"Right, right!" 


Blueberry's hands only slightly shook as he laid three cards out on the table in front of them.  Vanilla motions for him to flip the first card representing the 'past.' A cookie hangs upside down; however, the card appeared reversed. 


"Hanged man, reversed, you are controlled by the cycle of needless sacrifice." 


"It- It wasn't needless..." Blueberry is stopped by Vanilla, motioning him to continue. 


"Magician, Reversed. You reacted to this cycle by indulging in your worst traits, thinking this would bring you freedom. In turn, you've trapped yourself in a prison deeper than before." 


Blueberry Meekly asks, "Did I do that, or did... he?" 


"You may not remember, but I'm sure you can see the cause." 


"Perhaps, I can see thousands of causes. None seems logical." 


"Are our emotions dictated by logic, Fount?" 


"Mi-Mine should be. I created logic, I am logic." 


"You are knowledge." 


Blueberry throws his hands up a bit dramatically, "It should be!" 


Sighing, he turns the last card. 


"Hm, Star, upright." Pure Vanilla began, a smile as gentle as his voice remained on his face, "Your future will be hard, but with hope and grit, you will find an ending you've always sought." 


Looking up with "...how can you be so sure, after everything I've done?" 


"Because I know you." 

—-

“Cut! Cut, you cannot leave the audience wondering about what happened.” The deceitful disciple began using his microphone as he talked to exaggerate his movements, “Why, exactly, is Eternal Sugar Cookie here?”

Gingerbrave was recovering from his anxious bouncy wiggling, breathing settled enough to finally speak without the words becoming caught in his dough.  

He quickly sputtered out, "Okay- So Pure Vanilla was supposed to have tea with Shadow Milk- But Shadow Milk ditched him and didn’t show up! So we came to the spire to find him and see what’s wrong, and we got separated, so I had to go through the basement. Thanks for that, by the way!" A hand was placed ever so gently on his shoulder seemed to snap him out of it.

“Breathe, the audience wants to actually understand the plot here.”

“...Pavlova Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie had some sort of fight, I left before it was finished to go get Pure Vanilla!”

Black Sapphire’s grimace was enough to confirm what Gingerbrave had been afraid of (though he’d never admit that fear.)

“That… certainly complicates the script.”

“So we need to get Pure Vanilla to defeat her!” Gingerbrave stepped forward, attempting to continue before being subtly dragged backwards.

“It will not be that easy.” Black Sapphire began with a soft twinge of sorrow to his voice,  “Pure Vanilla, as… competent as they are, wouldn’t be able to solve this. Pavlova is a sugar angel, a creation and therefore an extension of the great Eternal Sugar cookie; it would be better for us to have my master fix them instead.”

Gingerbrave, knowing little of this world, asked plainly, “Why?”

“I fear she likely already dismantled his dough, or worse.”

“There’s worse!?” Gingerbrave frantically shouts.

“Heh, you have certainly not met Eternal Sugar Cookie, have you? Follow me, I know a shortcut.”