Hello hello; this is a Pavlova Cookie RP/ask blog, ran by @airfryingair! You can call me air fryer or air! Long-time rper whose given Tumblr rping a shot!
OOC Notice - low activity; only answering asks for this blog unless otherwise discussed for the time being (i'm sorry! please still hit me up with ideas; can try 'em later!!)
Blog is currently under construction, ask me any questions!
˚₊ · »-♡→ Other Blogs
@sillysillyshadowmilkcookie (Shadow Milk Cookie) [ Main ]
@big-n-greedy-goldencheesy (Golden Cheese Cookie) [ Main ]
❤︎ I am over 18 and prefer my partners to also be over 18 at the minimum.
❤︎ No explicit ERP; romantic implications are okay, sexual is not. I'm not comfortable doing ERP with this character period. On that note: darker subjects are okay, provided you run them by me first (do not be afraid to message me! especially if you want something more dark!)
❤︎ My replying schedule can be sporadic, but often quick. If you feel as if I've forgotten, please send me a message (either here or my main)! I've probably just gotten distracted.
˚₊ · »-♡→ INTERACTING / SHIPPING
❤︎ A-Okay with pretty much any ship, unless listed! If you want an interaction to be romantic, just tell me. I'm autistic as hell and will NOT catch the clues (plus it's good to get explicit knowledge of these sorts of things). Note: I'll only ship Pavlova with other characters that are younger. My personal interpretation is that Pavlova is a younger character, so I'd feel uncomfortable with others.
❤︎ I have no current bans on any ships!
❤︎ I'll initiate from @airfryingair or leave it on anon+tag.
❤︎ You can treat this as a character ask blog or as a rp blog! I don't mind either way.
I once had a dream that I was eating a whole lot of macaroons! I ate so many that I couldn't fly and instead just fell asleep on a cloud.
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Pavlova Cookie doesn't share their dreams often; it's their one place that nobody can touch other than the moon herself. They often dream about flying high in the sky, surrounded by only the clouds, with every other Cookie just tiny dots below.
"Now, what do we have here?" Shadow Milk tilted his head, plucking Pavlova up and away from whatever that bright light was.
"Say, aren't you one of Sugar's fledglings?"
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ @false-ouroborus ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Pavlova's still trying to get out of their bindings, squirming and their wings flexing.
"Sugar? Do you mean the Bringer of Happiness?" They stop squirming briefly before pouting, staring at their captor. They do not look friendly at all- in fact, it's almost as if a monster has him instead of a Cookie! "Why do you care? Let me go already!"
"I care because shouldn't you be in paradise, little bird?" Shadow Milk smiled wide, almost innocent were it not for the way he tucked Pavlova into a football carry, floating away from the area.
"Gasp!" He didn't even try to mimic shock, his teasing voice gaining a sharp edge, "Could it be? Did you wander off and leave?"
Pavlova stops his squirming. Not only did they seem to know of the Bringer, but they knew of the paradise as well. Could it be.. did he miss a new guest? They seemed too.. terrifying to be allowed to stay long. A shapeshifting monster? A... Beast?!
Pavlova freezes stiff, cold sweat rolling down their dough. Uhhh oh. Uh oh. Ooooh nononono-
"I-I didn't wander! I heard someone was lost in the forest and- I was just going to tell them about the Garden!" He stammers, "Looks like it was you! Hehe.. you can let me go now! I'll even still lead you to paradise! I bet you'd like to meet the Bringer of Happiness, right? She'll really take care of you!"
"Hmmm, nah. The fact that her own fledglings don't know about me is breaking my heart over here." He crooned, not looking like anything at all with the way he twisted his head to pop off, carrying it to maintain eye level with Pavlova.
"Relaaax, let good old Beastly Shadow Milk take care of you for once! Tell you what, you come along with me and I'll even take the fall if we get caught~" Whether or not Shadow Milk kept his word was merely a decision he'll make on a whim if it ever happens.
So he was a Beast- he was most certainly not like the Bringer of Happiness! He's heard horror stories of the other Beasts; how they caused plagues and destruction and war! So many poor, innocent Cookies crumbled to their rampages.. and they thought that the Bringer was apart of them too! But she's been more than kind to her Cookies-
But now he's in the arms of one! One of the most frightening ones, according to the Bringer. The most dangerous! He's supposed to go straight to Eternal Sugar if he even caught a whiff of another Beast, but he's tied up and being carried away... he's scared. He tries to put on a big-boy face, but he can't possibly hide the way his voice shakes.
"Sh-she'll really hurt you! You're not supposed to be around here- y-you should just let me go instead! I won't tell her I saw you at all, then she won't get upset!"
Shadow Milk snickered then cackled, plopping his head back on as he lightly tossed Pavlova as if he were an excited father throwing his child up.
Except, well, the poor cookie was tied up, not at all his kid and he was doing this mostly for fun.
"Oh, silly fool. That's what I'm betting on! She gets really fun when she's angry." He tutted, catching the pink winged cookie before he could even touch the ground, tugging at the strings that binded the poor thing.
"Buuut, how about this, I'm not so unreasonable. I'll help cut these off and you stick around for one game, hm?"
"Oh no, you gotta do it the proper way, fledgling." Shadow Milk singsonged, his claws enough to break the measley string, even going so far as to preen the ruffled feathers as he worked.
"Repeat after me, Pavlova." He grinned, teeth sharp as a hound and gleaming, "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye, if the Beast catches me in a lie..."
"I definitely won't get caged and–" The Beast hummed, tapping his chin before shaking his head, cutting the last of Pavlova's strings, "Ah, no, let's censor that shall we?"
As the strings were plucked, Pavlova stayed very very still. At least, he tried to - he couldn't help flinching with every torn string and his wings were practically begging to be freed.
"Cross my heart," He repeats, still with a shaky and hesitant voice, "And hope to fly-"
Pluck. He feels his breath pick up.
"Stick a cupcake in my eye-"
Pluck pluck. Oh, what's he got himself into now?!
"If the Beast catches me in a lie-"
Pluck pluck pluck. He knows where to go, can't he just..
"I definitely won't get caged and-!"
With the final string plucked, Pavlova Cookie remains there. He's still as stiff as a board - as stiff as he can be with his little shivers and clutching his bow like it's a lifeline. He's heard awful things about the Beasts and even more awful things about the supposed mastermind of them all.
Shadow Milk Cookie was known to kidnap Cookies and turn them into lifeless doll and force them to hurt and crumble their friends. He'd sneak into their homes in the middle of the night and give them nightmares when he sticks strings throughout all of their dough! Then, once he's done torturing their friends and family, he'll make them fight strangers until they finally crumble or he's done toying with them! Out of all of the Beasts, he's the most terrifying of them all! And just one look at the Cookie before him.. Pavlova Cookie knew that the Cookie was telling the truth.
But maybe... if Eternal Sugar Cookie was called a Beast, but she's as caring as she was... But wasn't it her that told him those stories in the first place?
"There, I did your nursery rhyme." Pavlova puffs out his chest, trying to seem tall and confident.. but it really just comes off as a kid playing tough, "What kind of game do you want to play..?"
Let it be counting-the-clouds or seeing-how-many-Toothlings-you-can-stack-on-one-another-before-they-topple...
Shadow Milk stopped the snicker from seeping out, the other cookie just looked so ruffled, how could he even take this one seriously? Well, as if he ever takes anything seriously, which is not at all.
"There's a good lad, no wonder you're such a fledgling, so cute!" He pinched Pavlova's cheek and jiggled the soft dough, the pink cookie didn't even notice how he knew his name! Such naive obliviousness.
"And my game is simple! All you have to do is guess the lie. Do that and I'll let you go on your merry way." Shadow Milk cleared his throat, with a sleight of his hand, his blueberry cane dropped down out of the aether, caught before it could fall out of his reach.
"Alright, Pavlova, listen up. I've never met you. You've never heard of me and Eternal Sugar has definitely been keeping secrets from you, it's almost funny."
Pavlova flexes his wings, still keeping his bow held close defensively. Though, he doesn't try to fly away. This had to be a trick.. all three of those were lies!
"You're just trying to fool me. All three of those are lies!" Pavlova pouted. This Cookie's met him, he's heard of him, and Eternal Sugar would never keep secrets from him... at least, he knows that this Cookie shouldn't know that.
He's not a dumb kid. He knows Eternal Sugar doesn't tell him everything, but that's because he doesn't need to know everything! He knows how everything in Beast-Yeast was destroyed and he knows how it was destroyed, but he didn't need to know the nasty details. It was scary enough just hearing about how Cookies would be reduced to nothing while calling for help or Cookies whose entire homes would burn in fire- he's lucky to be where he is right now! He doesn't need to know all that other stuff!
"Or you're just trying to scare me." Pavlova crossed his arms, keeping the bow held in one hand as he tries to seem calm and collected (it's not working), "But I'm a pretty brave Cookie!"
Shadow Milk giggled madly, resting his chin along his palm as he twisted and turned,floating upside down to lean closer, "Is that so?"
"Then pray tell, fledgling. Did you ever stop and tell me your name? Don't you think it's only proper to meet someone by introducing yourself? Now that's one truth, is it not? I've never met you." He clicked his tongue and tutted, such lack of manners would have a normal cookie be turned into a card and ripped apart.
But this one was tied to paradise and he was a kind cookie after all, he can be merciful.
"And I made this game so easy! You've heard of me! I know that look of horror when cookies hear my name, very well. That makes the second one a lie."
Shadow Milk let the implications linger with a cheshire grin.
(( I COMPLETELY MISREAD THE FUCKING GAME oh pavlova i accidentally stole your braincell
Pavlova doesn't look at Shadow Milk, instead choosing to look at a particularly cool twig on the ground. He didn't tell the other his name, but he knew it. And he's made it clear that he knows Shadow Milk Cookie, even only by name- though, that was just because his heart was so.. messed up! He's never seen a Cookie with such a black heart before!
And the third one-!
"I just thought this counted, that's all," Pavlova hovers just a bit further away. He does not want to be close. Or within any distance to this Cookie, "And I didn't need to know your name to know you're messed up!"
Pavlova looked back, still with a grumpy look, "Your heart is black! Completely black! I couldn't even tell you were even a Cookie until you started talking!"
"I think there's something in there... but is it even worth trying to get it out?" Pavlova unfurls his arms to hold his bow more properly, "Hmm.. now that I look a bit closer though.. Maybe it is?"
The earlier fear ebbs just a little bit as Pavlova gets a bit closer. He's looking at Shadow Milk, but at the same time, it's almost like Pavlova is looking through him. Now that he saw that little, itty-bitter glimmer.. he's looking further. Deeper. It looks like.
"Awe, you got a crush~!" Pretty much all of the built-up anxiety has disappeared as Pavlova gushes, happily bouncing around, "All that black goo is just a barrier keeping it in! No wonder you came off as really scary, you're just worried that they were going to see it, ehe!"
"Eternal Sugar Cookie-!" Pavlova whips around. His hands clutched his bow just a bit harder - he wasn't supposed to be out here! Not this far, anyway!
Pavlova Cookie points to Shadow Milk Cookie, "I heard there was a lost Cookie, and I found this guy! I was just gonna bring him back, but then he started being creepy. He tied me up and wanted me to play some weird game!"
He floated over to Eternal Sugar's side - notably, a little more behind her, as if to put her in between him and Shadow Milk. If things turn sour, he certainly doesn't want to be in the middle of it. After all, all those stories.. even if Eternal Sugar would've made it up, the other Cookies from the Garden surely wouldn't have! He's just happier now that Eternal Sugar's here.
"Do you know him?" Pavlova Cookie pretends not to know.
"Eternal Sugar! Long time no see, Sugarwings!" Shadow Milk greeted the Beast, nodding towards Pavlova, ignoring whatever the other cookie just said about his heart. There was no way, maybe he should snatch this one up for coming up with such a bold lie.
"Found your little fledgling over there all tied up! Of course, I was ever so gracious in freeing him and even played around to keep him calm." He weaved his own spin of the story, giggling just a tad unhinged.
"And know me? Oh, buddy, Eternal Sugar and I go waaayyy back!"
*She was about two seconds from hitting Shadow Milk with her lyre but stopped.*
Ooooh! Oh ok. Alright I see now.
*She cleared her throat.*
Yes it’s true me and Shadow Milk Cookie have known each other for years. And Shadow Milk… the next time I catch you with one of my little angels and you try to pull this again, well, you know.
*He giggles but it really wasn’t as sweet as it sounded.*
Still hanging around behind Eternal Sugar, Pavlova makes the discomfort on their face known. That was the Shadow Milk of legend.. but why was Eternal Sugar so calm? Weren't they a terrifying Cookie? That heart of theirs certainly matches, but with that glimmer he had saw - maybe the stories weren't that true.
But he knows better than to comment on it, especially out here.
"Eternal Sugar Cookie.." Pavlova Cookie gently tugs on Eternal Sugar Cookie's dress sleeve, "Can we go back now? I think.. I hear some monsters coming!"
Another little lie; he knows Eternal Sugar Cookie would protect him, he shouldn't be scared anymore! He handles monsters by himself all of the time- not to Eternal Sugar Cookie's knowledge, of course. She'd freak! But- he really just wants to go home now.
Shadow Milk raised a brow, amused with the guts this guy had to lie to not one but two Beasts. Really, Eternal Sugar was hiding a lot of interesting cookies that would be great actors in one of his shows!
"Oh definitely, pretty sure whatever was trying to nab your little birdy over there is heading over with more to try and get him again." He coaxed, twirling his cane idly, searching through the trees.
"Wouldn't wanna risk them following us to your safe haven if we stick around any longer~"
*Eternal Sugar’s feathers fluffed slightly before pushing her emotions back down to calm down.*
Very well… we shall proceed then with returning to safety. After all, we have been out here long enough and I see no one who would need my aid. Pavlova… lets go child.
*She spreads her angel and devil wings before taking flight once more.*
Pavlova Cookie's quick to follow, looking over his shoulder to make sure that Shadow Milk Cookie wasn't following them. He can't stop him if he does choose to come, so it's not like he has a choice... but he'd really rather that Cookie stay far far away from the Garden!
He is surprised that the Cookie followed along with his little lie... which makes him all the more worried if he does follow. Just imagine the trouble he'd be in if Eternal Sugar Cookie found out! Maybe she'd be nice since he just wanted to go home? Or maybe she'd be upset that he thought he couldn't just ask to go home openly.. he hates thinking about it!
Unfortunately for Pavlova, Shadow Milk also knew how to fly, though float would be more appropriate as he followed closely, humming all the while.
As for why he was following the pair in the first place, that was for him to know and never let anyone find out. He was just having a bit of a road trip, that's all.
Though, with him at the back, his eyes trailed after Eternal Sugar's form with a neutral gaze. To think the other Beast had mentioned him to her cookies, what else did she tell them?
"Hope you don't mind me lingering just a tad, it's been a while since I've visited!" Shadow Milk called out, making sure his intentions to stick around were known.
*Eternal Sugar looked back at Shadow Milk and sigh. She didn’t want him to come with but she cannot refuse anyone to enter her garden. After all that would defeat the whole purpose of her paradise. She looked forward again to her paradise*
Oh Divines he's in for it now. Pavlova clutches his bow, saying nothing as they headed back towards the Garden. Maybe Eternal Sugar Cookie will be too distracted with the sudden guest and he can slink off? He really hopes that. Sure, there might be a little bit of love at the center of Shadow Milk Cookie's heart, but all of that gunk wormed its' way there somehow!
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Once they finally arrived at the Garden, only then could Pavlova relax a little. His adventure led him to an interesting place, that's for sure, but.. maybe a little too much for today. He's strung so high and just wants to take a long nap now.
"We're back home.. I'm sure you'd like to hang out with them alone, so-" Pavlova tries to fly off.
Only for Shadow Milk to grab the back of Pavlova's tunic, the Beast chuckling at the little fledgling's desperate attempt to escape.
"Now, now! We haven't even discussed what you're going to do since you lost the game, kid." He lightly tapped the pink cookie on the forehead with the end of his cane.
"Whatever you saw~" Shadow Milk singsonged, his smile turning into a shark-like grin, "You didn't, alright? There was nothing."
With that, he ruffled Pavlova's hair and nudged him off, "Alrighty, that's your punishment for losing, better luck next time!"
He then turned to Eternal Sugar, crossing his legs in mid air as he made a show of looking around, "Anyways, love what you've done with the place, it totally doesn't burn my eyes in some crevices!"
Shadow Milk… if you are going stay you cannot torment my little angels. And my paradise is perfect thank you very much. Now… what’s this… crush Pavlova was speaking about?
Pavlova looks between the two. Shadow Milk's just threatened him about what he saw, and Eternal Sugar's basically telling him to tell her. A threat from the Beast himself and a request from the Bringer of Happiness..
"He has a crush!" Pavlova Cookie blurts out, grinning. They were in the Garden now- Eternal Sugar wouldn't let anything happen! She obviously knows she can handle it; so Pavlova can too!
"Looks like.." Pavlova gets in Shadow Milk's face, grinning before quickly backing up in case the other tried to bite him, "Someone you deeply care and worry about! Oh, but it seems like you're mad at them too? You can't seem to decide if you love them or hate them~"
He coos, "Awwh, that's sweet! I wonder if this mysterious person feels the same way? It doesn't look like you'll talk it out anytime soon though."
Shadow Milk clicked his teeth as he made said mock bite, warning the fluttering cookie to mind his space, huffing as the other spouted nonsense!
"Hey, sugarcube, I thought being the Beast of Deceit is my thing. What's with your fledgling spouting lies? Is this an invitation to add another minion to my Spire~?" He smiled threateningly, his tone is light but the snarl that rumbled out meant there was a threat to his words.
Who was Pavlova even talking about? There's no such cookie that comes to mind! None, nada, absolute zilch!
The only cookie that could even fit that subscription was impossible to be the one who he's crushing on, more like he'll crush that stupid healer and that cone hat of his!
*Eternal Sugar looked to Pavlova and thought for a bit. She knew the jester was known to always lie. But her little angel? Never. So she decided to take a look herself. She hummed a bit as she looked deep before gasping and her wings fluttered.*
Oh happy days! For once your heart isn’t just a black void! Who knew the cookie of deceit would find love after all these years! Thank you for bringing my attention to this Pavlova.
"I would never lie about love!" Pavlova argues back, pouting, "You're thinking about him right now, in fact! I can see the way your heart yearns for them even now - you're just a bit confused, is all!"
He giggles to himself. Oh, a Cookie who hates his crush so much they can't even see the love! It's kind of bordering on obsession a little bit, too!
"Whose the Cookie you got in mind? Maybe we can bring them here, right?"
The Beast grinned, teeth bared and voice straining to contain the sudden burst of dark magic, his hair rising like hackles on a rabid mutt.
"You bring him here and I'll bring the Moon's Eye see this place and watch the Đ₳Ɽ₭ Ҫөҋѕҵӎє ɎØɄ. He's ₥ł₦Ɇ to keep, ғꙇєԁԍꙇїҋԍ."
He doesn't float any closer, ovens forbid when his fellow Beast was still idle. As quick as his threat, he snapped his fingers and changed his tune, back to playfulness as if he hadn't threatened destruction on a whim, humming sweetly.
"Anywaaays~ Where's that stash of berry juice you keep around here? I'm parched!"
*The temper tantrum Shadow Milk portrayed did not phase Eternal Sugar not one bit. She just sighed and rolled her eyes as she has seen this plenty of times before.*
Shame… would’ve liked to meet this… him. Oh well.
*She leaned back into her cloud more as her wings stretched a bit.*
The berry juice is where it’s always been… near the candy-eyed rose garden. Should be a sugar column with the juice stacked on its shelves.
Pavlova clamps his mouth shut, freezing in place - dropping to the ground as he clutches his bow. Now that was the reaction of a Beast- and Eternal Sugar wasn't phased one bit! Yet the color on Pavlova's dough seemed to fade.
"I can go grab it-!" He squeaks, already gearing up to leave again, "You two should catch up!"
And he's off like a spooked little bird, wings flapping wildly even as he tries to steel his nerves. He doesn't even wanna think about what any of that even was! And- Eternal Sugar was fine with it, somehow-! Wasn't he always told to stay away from the other Beasts?! Why is she-!
As he flew, Pavlova shook the thoughts out of his head. Those were bad thoughts that got little cherubs "taken away". And he knows what that means.
"That kid of yours is a handful." Shadow Milk sighed, leaning back into nothing, twirling his vane in thought before sending Eternal Sugar an innocent smile.
"Mind if I borrow him from time to time? He's got the beans to even lie to you." Sure, Pavlova was currently terrified of him but what's a little scare? Keeps the jam pumping, it's good for him!
No. You cannot “burrow” my child. He’s not a toy. He is safer here. And here is where he will remain.
*Eternal Sugar sat up a bit and looked at him.*
Though… you are always welcome to stay too. Maybe even… bring that little crush of yours. You can happy together in my gardens. No more of this chaos you and the other keep spreading. It’s up to you really…
Flying back is Pavlova Cookie. He has a woven basket with juice bottles and glasses in them - having to fly slower to make sure they didn't shatter. Once he saw the two in the distance, he slowed down.
"I'm back-!" He sing-songs, laying the basket down to get out the drinks. He's not skilled enough to carry full glasses on plates yet (he always breaks them because he "goes too fast", but that just means he's quick at doing his chores!) so instead, he prepares them there.
He gives each of them a glass before picking up the basket once more - leaving the juice bottle on a nearby rock, should they want to drink the rest.
"Can I go now?" He tries to be polite about it, but.. no, he's really not being polite, "I think.. maybe one of the other angels wants to help."
"Well- okay." He chirps, floating over and laying down on the grass next to her. Spread out, he's already lazily watching the sky. It's already boring... Eternal Sugar didn't like playing games with him, but she also seemed a lot more lively today, sooo-
"Wanna play a game?" He turns towards her with a giddy expression. Today could be his lucky day! "Me and Sugarfly Cookie have this one game where we see how many clouds we can count in a minute! You don't even have to get up for it!"
After awhile, Pavlova Cookie started mumbling the numbers. He even sat up, counting clouds along the horizon. After the 60 seconds were up, he proudly exclaims, "56-57-58! 58 clouds!"
Turning to face Eternal Sugar, he beams, "Alright, how many did you count?"
"I won!" Pavlova shoots his hands upwards, laughing. He lowers his arms, trying to think of another game to play.. She probably wouldn't like the how-many-trees-can-he-hit game or the how-many-Candyworms-can-you-grab game or the how-many-Toothlings-can-you-stack game... What's something she'd like?
"Hmm.. Do you know any games?" He looks down at her, "I know they're not your favorite thing, but I can make them fun! Promise!"
Pavlova pouts, trying to think. What's some games he knows of where Eternal Sugar doesn't have to move..
"I'll be right back!" Pavlova stands up, grabbing his things before flying off. He's gone for several minutes, almost 20, before he's flying back. In his arms is a bunch of patchwork dolls made of twigs and scraps of fabric.
"I have these!" Pavlova yells as he approaches again, stopping just shy of Eternal Sugar. Looking down at his toys, he jostles them slightly as he speaks - placing them down on the ground next to her.
"Have you ever played with toys? All you do is just look at them and think- here, I made you one!" Kneeling down, he lays out his dolls. While some aren't reminiscent of anyone, some look like some of the angels around the Garden. He picks up one that looks like Eternal Sugar - handing it to her, "It looks just like you!"
Sticks and dry grass make up the main body, tied together with more grass. Her dress is obviously some scrap fabric tied at the "waist", with the head more fabric dyed pink. Her hair was made out of pedals from a flower, same as her wings. On the face is an awkward dye job, giving her a lopsided smile and eyes. Overall, it was a decent attempt at making a doll.
"I made Sugarfly and myself too!" He holds up their versions briefly before putting them down. Pointing at some of the unrecognizable ones, Pavlova continues to ramble, "I came up with these ones; their names are Mulberry and Sweet Juice. They're married and have five kids, and their eldest son Mulled Wine likes this one here, Lemonade, and they have a pet candyworm but I haven't made it yet, and-"
He's just rambling at this point, excited to show them off. He's kept them secret up until now, worried how she'd react.. but she seemed to want to know, so Pavlova was more than happy to share while he could.
*Eternal Sugar looked at all the dolls and then to Pavlova. She sat up a bit looking around her Paradise. She then looked back at the dolls and picked one up.*
You… made these?
*She looked at the dolls with intent and then to him.*
"Well-" Pavlova beings to pick the toys back up, "Yeah, but they're just stupid toys. Sugarfly's the one who suggested it! I was just.. uhm..."
He stares at the one in Eternal Sugar's arms with a worried expression. He's probably gonna get a lecture about spending too much time on something when he could've just been relaxing instead.. but that was boring sometimes! And he relaxes with them too! It's not all bad, right?
"I can go toss them somewhere! So- can you give it back..?"
"Huh.. Really?" Pavlova Cookie stares at Eternal Sugar. Clutching the dolls, he looks at her with a bit of surprise, "I mean- yeah, of course. They're just toys."
He looks down at them, blushing slightly out of embarrassment.
Just the other day, they were frolicking in the fields. It wasn't a Cookie he spoke to all that often - it was one of the older angels who would often spend their time sitting in the meadows near the edges of the Garden. They were lazy and weren't that much fun to hang out with; they were a good angel. But just the other day, he saw them running around. They seemed blissful, flying quick and fast. He was going to join them; it seemed fun!
But then he felt Eternal Sugar's hand on his shoulder. She told him that he should go play somewhere else, so he did.
He didn't see that angel the rest of the day and the thought never left his mind. He tried to go play, he really did; he tried to enjoy the flowers and the baths but he just couldn't stop thinking about it. That next morning, when he knew Eternal Sugar was near the mulled juice baths, he decided to enter the maze. Just to make sure they weren't there.
But they were. A statue made in their likeness, kneeling with their hands in front of them. Their wings were gone; looking at the back of the statue, Pavlova could see frozen the fresh scars he knows of. He doesn't even know this Cookie's name, he's never wanted to. He doesn't even know why he's here - he knows he's not supposed to be hanging around this area, not without a reason, and looking at the statues wasn't a good one. Floating back to the front, he stares at the kneeling angel.
Their heart.. It still beats from within, full of love. All of the statues were like that; all of them, overflowing with love frozen in time. Black, rotting, but it was still love.
He felt.. sad. Looking at them. The air was so full of love, but he felt sick in the maze. Like the air was instead heavy, keeping him grounded. It felt hard to breath the longer he kept looking at the angel; out of the rest, their love was overflowing for Eternal Sugar. So much that it hurt just looking at it. That just meant there was a lot of it, and really, he should be happy, overjoyed that they've become like this. Because wasn't that eternal bliss?
Pavlova Cookie's dough goes cold as arms wrap around his shoulders. Large angel wings obscure his view of the statue as pink bangs come down around his face. He looks up at Eternal Sugar, who raises an eyebrow. Her hand comes up to wipe away tears.
"Pavlova Cookie.." Eternal Sugar frowns as Pavlova hiccups, "Dear, I thought I told you not to come in here..?"
"I-" Pavlova stutters. He looks down, bringing his own hands to try to wipe away his tears himself. He can hear Eternal Sugar shift, going to kneel in front of him as she gently pulls him into her lap. Her wings still surround him in a comforting blanket, her wings rubbing his arm and head soothingly as she calmly shushes him.
"I wanted- I wanted to see if they were- were here and- and I'm sorry-"
"It's okay, Pavlova Cookie," Eternal Sugar brings him in closer as he hiccups once more, rocking him gently back and forth to try to calm him down, "I'm not upset at you. You're okay, dear."
"It- it hurts, it hurts-"
"I know it does." Eternal Sugar's hand goes to cup his cheek, turning him to look up at her, "It feels like a lot, doesn't it?"
Pavlova nods. Eternal Sugar wipes away his tears, even as they keep on coming. He's in so much pain- the air was so thick with that love that it was squeezing him. Surrounded by Eternal Sugar, he only felt worse- and he felt guilty for realizing that.
"That's why I told you not to come here, my dear," Eternal Sugar moves to stroke his head, "Your gift makes this hard."
She brings him back, nestling his head against her chest as he continues to cry. Scooping him into her arms, she stands and starts to walk. Still wrapped in her angel wings, Pavlova closes his eyes.
"Focus on me, okay?" She softly guides as they walk through the maze. The air is still making it hard to breathe, but with every struggled breath Pavlova takes in the sweet smell of Eternal Sugar Cookie. He's really trying, he swears he is, but everything is just so much-
"I just want you to breath. In.. and out. In... and out."
As they walked, the feeling gradually disappeared. He followed Eternal Sugar's instructions even as his body shook. All he had to do was listen to her, though, as she rocked him and cooed so gently. It was hard not to focus on her. Soon enough, the body-wracking sobs and wails were quieted into soft murmurs. He felt tired as Eternal Sugar came to a stop, kneeling down and coaxing him onto the grass. He held onto her arms as he tried to stand on his two wobbly feet. She lets him, crouching down to meet his level.
"Am- am I in trouble?" Pavlova weakly answers. They were out of the maze now - the air felt much cleaner, though there was still the thick love that hung around. It wasn't as much as before. Eternal Sugar frowns at his words - and it's enough to get him to feel sick in his stomach again.
"No, I think you learned your lesson," Eternal Sugar speaks - the knot in his stomach, as quick as it formed, disappeared, "It's my fault for not telling you why-"
"It's not your fault!" Pavlova immediately interjects, sniffing away the last of his awful feelings, "I shouldn't have gone in there anyway.."
"Oh, Pavlova.." Eternal Sugar smiles kindly. He can see her heart; contained, with ebbs of love dripping out. It's still a lot but he knows why hers is like that. She said it was for his own good, when he was given his gift, so that he wouldn't become overwhelmed with love.
Like now.
"You're just a little child," While he doesn't like anyone calling him a kid.. when Eternal Sugar says it, he feels comforted. Pavlova let go of her arms - and Eternal Sugar takes the opportunity to ruffle his hair, "You're going to be curious. Though.. there are some rules you should never break."
"I know.."
"Do you?" Pavlova winces as Eternal Sugar's comforting expression, while not changing, seems to become colder, "This was a pretty serious rule. You still broke it, dear."
"I'm sorry..."
"You could've gotten very hurt if I didn't come by."
"I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize to me, dear," Eternal Sugar brings her arm back. Pavlova digs his feet into the grass - those little droplets of love, making the air sweet yet thicker. Eternal Sugar stares at him. He can't help but look down at the grass due to her gaze, "I said you learned your lesson. But.. remember this for next time you want to break a rule, okay?"
"Okay..."
The haze seems to disappear. He still continues to look at the grass. Eternal Sugar sighs, standing back up. She gently takes his hand; Pavlova looks up at her. Her expression is still the comforting, loving face that he knows well.
"You're a very special boy, Pavlova Cookie," Eternal Sugar speaks softly, "You can see all of the love in the world. But you're still young. It'll be overwhelming... so, just relax, okay?"
Pavlova nods. Eternal Sugar smiles and begins to walk away from the maze, Pavlova in tow.
"Let's go take a nap. I'm sure that was exhausting."
"Yeah... it was a lot."
"Love can overwhelm any Cookie. That's what makes it so powerful."
He can feel his eyelids wanting to close. They're walking so slowly.. he can feel himself getting more tired even after a couple of steps. Once again, without warning - without needing warning - Eternal Sugar scoops him up into her comforting arms. Sleepily, Pavlova wraps his arms around her neck as she continues to walk.
"Even if it might hurt, it's still love.." Eternal Sugar softly murmurs as Pavlova finally fully relaxes into her arms. He nods along, though mostly because he's tired. Eternal Sugar gently pats his head as she speaks, "Please remember that, Pavlova Cookie. Even when I tell you rules.. or when you or others feel upset when you break them, or when you feel the statues' hearts.. know that it's all because of our love for each other."
𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 : what grief does your muse carry quietly, and how do they cope when no one is watching?
𝐨𝐚𝐤 : what gives your muse strength when everything feels uncertain?
𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 : what soothes your muse's mind when they are overwhelmed? how do they manage stress?
𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 : what memory does your muse hold onto most tightly, and why?
𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐡 : when was the last time your muse had to start over, and what did they leave behind?
𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐫 : what traditions or values does your muse consider sacred?
𝐢𝐯𝐲 : who or what has your muse clung to and why?
𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫 : how does your muse protect the people they love?
𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 : what parts of your muse are considered hard to love, and how do they deal with that?
𝐟𝐨𝐱𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 : what lies has your muse told to protect themself or someone else? how far are they willing to go?
𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐬 : where does your muse feel most safe, what does that look like?
𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 : what does endurance mean to your muse?
𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 : how do they express longing, especially for something or someone that they think they cannot have?
𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐞 : how does your muse heal - physically, emotionally, spiritually?
𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 : what does joy look like for your muse? how do they let themself feel it?
𝐚𝐬𝐡 : what has your muse lost that still haunts them?
𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 : what inner wounds does your muse hide? do they hide it behind humour or confidence? do they hide it at all?
𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚 : what does love mean to your muse - how do they show it? how do they want to receive it?
𝐞𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐬 : when your muse needs clarity - who or what do they turn to?
𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧 : are there any details from your muse's childhood that sticks with them - good or bad?
𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐨 : how does your muse handle change and adaptability - are they flexible or resistant?
"Now, what do we have here?" Shadow Milk tilted his head, plucking Pavlova up and away from whatever that bright light was.
"Say, aren't you one of Sugar's fledglings?"
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ @false-ouroborus ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Pavlova's still trying to get out of their bindings, squirming and their wings flexing.
"Sugar? Do you mean the Bringer of Happiness?" They stop squirming briefly before pouting, staring at their captor. They do not look friendly at all- in fact, it's almost as if a monster has him instead of a Cookie! "Why do you care? Let me go already!"
"I care because shouldn't you be in paradise, little bird?" Shadow Milk smiled wide, almost innocent were it not for the way he tucked Pavlova into a football carry, floating away from the area.
"Gasp!" He didn't even try to mimic shock, his teasing voice gaining a sharp edge, "Could it be? Did you wander off and leave?"
Pavlova stops his squirming. Not only did they seem to know of the Bringer, but they knew of the paradise as well. Could it be.. did he miss a new guest? They seemed too.. terrifying to be allowed to stay long. A shapeshifting monster? A... Beast?!
Pavlova freezes stiff, cold sweat rolling down their dough. Uhhh oh. Uh oh. Ooooh nononono-
"I-I didn't wander! I heard someone was lost in the forest and- I was just going to tell them about the Garden!" He stammers, "Looks like it was you! Hehe.. you can let me go now! I'll even still lead you to paradise! I bet you'd like to meet the Bringer of Happiness, right? She'll really take care of you!"
"Hmmm, nah. The fact that her own fledglings don't know about me is breaking my heart over here." He crooned, not looking like anything at all with the way he twisted his head to pop off, carrying it to maintain eye level with Pavlova.
"Relaaax, let good old Beastly Shadow Milk take care of you for once! Tell you what, you come along with me and I'll even take the fall if we get caught~" Whether or not Shadow Milk kept his word was merely a decision he'll make on a whim if it ever happens.
So he was a Beast- he was most certainly not like the Bringer of Happiness! He's heard horror stories of the other Beasts; how they caused plagues and destruction and war! So many poor, innocent Cookies crumbled to their rampages.. and they thought that the Bringer was apart of them too! But she's been more than kind to her Cookies-
But now he's in the arms of one! One of the most frightening ones, according to the Bringer. The most dangerous! He's supposed to go straight to Eternal Sugar if he even caught a whiff of another Beast, but he's tied up and being carried away... he's scared. He tries to put on a big-boy face, but he can't possibly hide the way his voice shakes.
"Sh-she'll really hurt you! You're not supposed to be around here- y-you should just let me go instead! I won't tell her I saw you at all, then she won't get upset!"
Shadow Milk snickered then cackled, plopping his head back on as he lightly tossed Pavlova as if he were an excited father throwing his child up.
Except, well, the poor cookie was tied up, not at all his kid and he was doing this mostly for fun.
"Oh, silly fool. That's what I'm betting on! She gets really fun when she's angry." He tutted, catching the pink winged cookie before he could even touch the ground, tugging at the strings that binded the poor thing.
"Buuut, how about this, I'm not so unreasonable. I'll help cut these off and you stick around for one game, hm?"
"Oh no, you gotta do it the proper way, fledgling." Shadow Milk singsonged, his claws enough to break the measley string, even going so far as to preen the ruffled feathers as he worked.
"Repeat after me, Pavlova." He grinned, teeth sharp as a hound and gleaming, "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye, if the Beast catches me in a lie..."
"I definitely won't get caged and–" The Beast hummed, tapping his chin before shaking his head, cutting the last of Pavlova's strings, "Ah, no, let's censor that shall we?"
As the strings were plucked, Pavlova stayed very very still. At least, he tried to - he couldn't help flinching with every torn string and his wings were practically begging to be freed.
"Cross my heart," He repeats, still with a shaky and hesitant voice, "And hope to fly-"
Pluck. He feels his breath pick up.
"Stick a cupcake in my eye-"
Pluck pluck. Oh, what's he got himself into now?!
"If the Beast catches me in a lie-"
Pluck pluck pluck. He knows where to go, can't he just..
"I definitely won't get caged and-!"
With the final string plucked, Pavlova Cookie remains there. He's still as stiff as a board - as stiff as he can be with his little shivers and clutching his bow like it's a lifeline. He's heard awful things about the Beasts and even more awful things about the supposed mastermind of them all.
Shadow Milk Cookie was known to kidnap Cookies and turn them into lifeless doll and force them to hurt and crumble their friends. He'd sneak into their homes in the middle of the night and give them nightmares when he sticks strings throughout all of their dough! Then, once he's done torturing their friends and family, he'll make them fight strangers until they finally crumble or he's done toying with them! Out of all of the Beasts, he's the most terrifying of them all! And just one look at the Cookie before him.. Pavlova Cookie knew that the Cookie was telling the truth.
But maybe... if Eternal Sugar Cookie was called a Beast, but she's as caring as she was... But wasn't it her that told him those stories in the first place?
"There, I did your nursery rhyme." Pavlova puffs out his chest, trying to seem tall and confident.. but it really just comes off as a kid playing tough, "What kind of game do you want to play..?"
Let it be counting-the-clouds or seeing-how-many-Toothlings-you-can-stack-on-one-another-before-they-topple...
Shadow Milk stopped the snicker from seeping out, the other cookie just looked so ruffled, how could he even take this one seriously? Well, as if he ever takes anything seriously, which is not at all.
"There's a good lad, no wonder you're such a fledgling, so cute!" He pinched Pavlova's cheek and jiggled the soft dough, the pink cookie didn't even notice how he knew his name! Such naive obliviousness.
"And my game is simple! All you have to do is guess the lie. Do that and I'll let you go on your merry way." Shadow Milk cleared his throat, with a sleight of his hand, his blueberry cane dropped down out of the aether, caught before it could fall out of his reach.
"Alright, Pavlova, listen up. I've never met you. You've never heard of me and Eternal Sugar has definitely been keeping secrets from you, it's almost funny."
Pavlova flexes his wings, still keeping his bow held close defensively. Though, he doesn't try to fly away. This had to be a trick.. all three of those were lies!
"You're just trying to fool me. All three of those are lies!" Pavlova pouted. This Cookie's met him, he's heard of him, and Eternal Sugar would never keep secrets from him... at least, he knows that this Cookie shouldn't know that.
He's not a dumb kid. He knows Eternal Sugar doesn't tell him everything, but that's because he doesn't need to know everything! He knows how everything in Beast-Yeast was destroyed and he knows how it was destroyed, but he didn't need to know the nasty details. It was scary enough just hearing about how Cookies would be reduced to nothing while calling for help or Cookies whose entire homes would burn in fire- he's lucky to be where he is right now! He doesn't need to know all that other stuff!
"Or you're just trying to scare me." Pavlova crossed his arms, keeping the bow held in one hand as he tries to seem calm and collected (it's not working), "But I'm a pretty brave Cookie!"
Shadow Milk giggled madly, resting his chin along his palm as he twisted and turned,floating upside down to lean closer, "Is that so?"
"Then pray tell, fledgling. Did you ever stop and tell me your name? Don't you think it's only proper to meet someone by introducing yourself? Now that's one truth, is it not? I've never met you." He clicked his tongue and tutted, such lack of manners would have a normal cookie be turned into a card and ripped apart.
But this one was tied to paradise and he was a kind cookie after all, he can be merciful.
"And I made this game so easy! You've heard of me! I know that look of horror when cookies hear my name, very well. That makes the second one a lie."
Shadow Milk let the implications linger with a cheshire grin.
(( I COMPLETELY MISREAD THE FUCKING GAME oh pavlova i accidentally stole your braincell
Pavlova doesn't look at Shadow Milk, instead choosing to look at a particularly cool twig on the ground. He didn't tell the other his name, but he knew it. And he's made it clear that he knows Shadow Milk Cookie, even only by name- though, that was just because his heart was so.. messed up! He's never seen a Cookie with such a black heart before!
And the third one-!
"I just thought this counted, that's all," Pavlova hovers just a bit further away. He does not want to be close. Or within any distance to this Cookie, "And I didn't need to know your name to know you're messed up!"
Pavlova looked back, still with a grumpy look, "Your heart is black! Completely black! I couldn't even tell you were even a Cookie until you started talking!"
"I think there's something in there... but is it even worth trying to get it out?" Pavlova unfurls his arms to hold his bow more properly, "Hmm.. now that I look a bit closer though.. Maybe it is?"
The earlier fear ebbs just a little bit as Pavlova gets a bit closer. He's looking at Shadow Milk, but at the same time, it's almost like Pavlova is looking through him. Now that he saw that little, itty-bitter glimmer.. he's looking further. Deeper. It looks like.
"Awe, you got a crush~!" Pretty much all of the built-up anxiety has disappeared as Pavlova gushes, happily bouncing around, "All that black goo is just a barrier keeping it in! No wonder you came off as really scary, you're just worried that they were going to see it, ehe!"
"Eternal Sugar Cookie-!" Pavlova whips around. His hands clutched his bow just a bit harder - he wasn't supposed to be out here! Not this far, anyway!
Pavlova Cookie points to Shadow Milk Cookie, "I heard there was a lost Cookie, and I found this guy! I was just gonna bring him back, but then he started being creepy. He tied me up and wanted me to play some weird game!"
He floated over to Eternal Sugar's side - notably, a little more behind her, as if to put her in between him and Shadow Milk. If things turn sour, he certainly doesn't want to be in the middle of it. After all, all those stories.. even if Eternal Sugar would've made it up, the other Cookies from the Garden surely wouldn't have! He's just happier now that Eternal Sugar's here.
"Do you know him?" Pavlova Cookie pretends not to know.
"Eternal Sugar! Long time no see, Sugarwings!" Shadow Milk greeted the Beast, nodding towards Pavlova, ignoring whatever the other cookie just said about his heart. There was no way, maybe he should snatch this one up for coming up with such a bold lie.
"Found your little fledgling over there all tied up! Of course, I was ever so gracious in freeing him and even played around to keep him calm." He weaved his own spin of the story, giggling just a tad unhinged.
"And know me? Oh, buddy, Eternal Sugar and I go waaayyy back!"
*She was about two seconds from hitting Shadow Milk with her lyre but stopped.*
Ooooh! Oh ok. Alright I see now.
*She cleared her throat.*
Yes it’s true me and Shadow Milk Cookie have known each other for years. And Shadow Milk… the next time I catch you with one of my little angels and you try to pull this again, well, you know.
*He giggles but it really wasn’t as sweet as it sounded.*
Still hanging around behind Eternal Sugar, Pavlova makes the discomfort on their face known. That was the Shadow Milk of legend.. but why was Eternal Sugar so calm? Weren't they a terrifying Cookie? That heart of theirs certainly matches, but with that glimmer he had saw - maybe the stories weren't that true.
But he knows better than to comment on it, especially out here.
"Eternal Sugar Cookie.." Pavlova Cookie gently tugs on Eternal Sugar Cookie's dress sleeve, "Can we go back now? I think.. I hear some monsters coming!"
Another little lie; he knows Eternal Sugar Cookie would protect him, he shouldn't be scared anymore! He handles monsters by himself all of the time- not to Eternal Sugar Cookie's knowledge, of course. She'd freak! But- he really just wants to go home now.
Shadow Milk raised a brow, amused with the guts this guy had to lie to not one but two Beasts. Really, Eternal Sugar was hiding a lot of interesting cookies that would be great actors in one of his shows!
"Oh definitely, pretty sure whatever was trying to nab your little birdy over there is heading over with more to try and get him again." He coaxed, twirling his cane idly, searching through the trees.
"Wouldn't wanna risk them following us to your safe haven if we stick around any longer~"
*Eternal Sugar’s feathers fluffed slightly before pushing her emotions back down to calm down.*
Very well… we shall proceed then with returning to safety. After all, we have been out here long enough and I see no one who would need my aid. Pavlova… lets go child.
*She spreads her angel and devil wings before taking flight once more.*
Pavlova Cookie's quick to follow, looking over his shoulder to make sure that Shadow Milk Cookie wasn't following them. He can't stop him if he does choose to come, so it's not like he has a choice... but he'd really rather that Cookie stay far far away from the Garden!
He is surprised that the Cookie followed along with his little lie... which makes him all the more worried if he does follow. Just imagine the trouble he'd be in if Eternal Sugar Cookie found out! Maybe she'd be nice since he just wanted to go home? Or maybe she'd be upset that he thought he couldn't just ask to go home openly.. he hates thinking about it!
Unfortunately for Pavlova, Shadow Milk also knew how to fly, though float would be more appropriate as he followed closely, humming all the while.
As for why he was following the pair in the first place, that was for him to know and never let anyone find out. He was just having a bit of a road trip, that's all.
Though, with him at the back, his eyes trailed after Eternal Sugar's form with a neutral gaze. To think the other Beast had mentioned him to her cookies, what else did she tell them?
"Hope you don't mind me lingering just a tad, it's been a while since I've visited!" Shadow Milk called out, making sure his intentions to stick around were known.
*Eternal Sugar looked back at Shadow Milk and sigh. She didn’t want him to come with but she cannot refuse anyone to enter her garden. After all that would defeat the whole purpose of her paradise. She looked forward again to her paradise*
Oh Divines he's in for it now. Pavlova clutches his bow, saying nothing as they headed back towards the Garden. Maybe Eternal Sugar Cookie will be too distracted with the sudden guest and he can slink off? He really hopes that. Sure, there might be a little bit of love at the center of Shadow Milk Cookie's heart, but all of that gunk wormed its' way there somehow!
｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡⋆ ˚｡⋆˚ʚ♡ɞ˚⋆ ˚｡⋆｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡
Once they finally arrived at the Garden, only then could Pavlova relax a little. His adventure led him to an interesting place, that's for sure, but.. maybe a little too much for today. He's strung so high and just wants to take a long nap now.
"We're back home.. I'm sure you'd like to hang out with them alone, so-" Pavlova tries to fly off.
Only for Shadow Milk to grab the back of Pavlova's tunic, the Beast chuckling at the little fledgling's desperate attempt to escape.
"Now, now! We haven't even discussed what you're going to do since you lost the game, kid." He lightly tapped the pink cookie on the forehead with the end of his cane.
"Whatever you saw~" Shadow Milk singsonged, his smile turning into a shark-like grin, "You didn't, alright? There was nothing."
With that, he ruffled Pavlova's hair and nudged him off, "Alrighty, that's your punishment for losing, better luck next time!"
He then turned to Eternal Sugar, crossing his legs in mid air as he made a show of looking around, "Anyways, love what you've done with the place, it totally doesn't burn my eyes in some crevices!"
Shadow Milk… if you are going stay you cannot torment my little angels. And my paradise is perfect thank you very much. Now… what’s this… crush Pavlova was speaking about?
Pavlova looks between the two. Shadow Milk's just threatened him about what he saw, and Eternal Sugar's basically telling him to tell her. A threat from the Beast himself and a request from the Bringer of Happiness..
"He has a crush!" Pavlova Cookie blurts out, grinning. They were in the Garden now- Eternal Sugar wouldn't let anything happen! She obviously knows she can handle it; so Pavlova can too!
"Looks like.." Pavlova gets in Shadow Milk's face, grinning before quickly backing up in case the other tried to bite him, "Someone you deeply care and worry about! Oh, but it seems like you're mad at them too? You can't seem to decide if you love them or hate them~"
He coos, "Awwh, that's sweet! I wonder if this mysterious person feels the same way? It doesn't look like you'll talk it out anytime soon though."
Shadow Milk clicked his teeth as he made said mock bite, warning the fluttering cookie to mind his space, huffing as the other spouted nonsense!
"Hey, sugarcube, I thought being the Beast of Deceit is my thing. What's with your fledgling spouting lies? Is this an invitation to add another minion to my Spire~?" He smiled threateningly, his tone is light but the snarl that rumbled out meant there was a threat to his words.
Who was Pavlova even talking about? There's no such cookie that comes to mind! None, nada, absolute zilch!
The only cookie that could even fit that subscription was impossible to be the one who he's crushing on, more like he'll crush that stupid healer and that cone hat of his!
*Eternal Sugar looked to Pavlova and thought for a bit. She knew the jester was known to always lie. But her little angel? Never. So she decided to take a look herself. She hummed a bit as she looked deep before gasping and her wings fluttered.*
Oh happy days! For once your heart isn’t just a black void! Who knew the cookie of deceit would find love after all these years! Thank you for bringing my attention to this Pavlova.
"I would never lie about love!" Pavlova argues back, pouting, "You're thinking about him right now, in fact! I can see the way your heart yearns for them even now - you're just a bit confused, is all!"
He giggles to himself. Oh, a Cookie who hates his crush so much they can't even see the love! It's kind of bordering on obsession a little bit, too!
"Whose the Cookie you got in mind? Maybe we can bring them here, right?"
The Beast grinned, teeth bared and voice straining to contain the sudden burst of dark magic, his hair rising like hackles on a rabid mutt.
"You bring him here and I'll bring the Moon's Eye see this place and watch the Đ₳Ɽ₭ Ҫөҋѕҵӎє ɎØɄ. He's ₥ł₦Ɇ to keep, ғꙇєԁԍꙇїҋԍ."
He doesn't float any closer, ovens forbid when his fellow Beast was still idle. As quick as his threat, he snapped his fingers and changed his tune, back to playfulness as if he hadn't threatened destruction on a whim, humming sweetly.
"Anywaaays~ Where's that stash of berry juice you keep around here? I'm parched!"
*The temper tantrum Shadow Milk portrayed did not phase Eternal Sugar not one bit. She just sighed and rolled her eyes as she has seen this plenty of times before.*
Shame… would’ve liked to meet this… him. Oh well.
*She leaned back into her cloud more as her wings stretched a bit.*
The berry juice is where it’s always been… near the candy-eyed rose garden. Should be a sugar column with the juice stacked on its shelves.
Pavlova clamps his mouth shut, freezing in place - dropping to the ground as he clutches his bow. Now that was the reaction of a Beast- and Eternal Sugar wasn't phased one bit! Yet the color on Pavlova's dough seemed to fade.
"I can go grab it-!" He squeaks, already gearing up to leave again, "You two should catch up!"
And he's off like a spooked little bird, wings flapping wildly even as he tries to steel his nerves. He doesn't even wanna think about what any of that even was! And- Eternal Sugar was fine with it, somehow-! Wasn't he always told to stay away from the other Beasts?! Why is she-!
As he flew, Pavlova shook the thoughts out of his head. Those were bad thoughts that got little cherubs "taken away". And he knows what that means.
"Now, what do we have here?" Shadow Milk tilted his head, plucking Pavlova up and away from whatever that bright light was.
"Say, aren't you one of Sugar's fledglings?"
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ @false-ouroborus ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Pavlova's still trying to get out of their bindings, squirming and their wings flexing.
"Sugar? Do you mean the Bringer of Happiness?" They stop squirming briefly before pouting, staring at their captor. They do not look friendly at all- in fact, it's almost as if a monster has him instead of a Cookie! "Why do you care? Let me go already!"
"I care because shouldn't you be in paradise, little bird?" Shadow Milk smiled wide, almost innocent were it not for the way he tucked Pavlova into a football carry, floating away from the area.
"Gasp!" He didn't even try to mimic shock, his teasing voice gaining a sharp edge, "Could it be? Did you wander off and leave?"
Pavlova stops his squirming. Not only did they seem to know of the Bringer, but they knew of the paradise as well. Could it be.. did he miss a new guest? They seemed too.. terrifying to be allowed to stay long. A shapeshifting monster? A... Beast?!
Pavlova freezes stiff, cold sweat rolling down their dough. Uhhh oh. Uh oh. Ooooh nononono-
"I-I didn't wander! I heard someone was lost in the forest and- I was just going to tell them about the Garden!" He stammers, "Looks like it was you! Hehe.. you can let me go now! I'll even still lead you to paradise! I bet you'd like to meet the Bringer of Happiness, right? She'll really take care of you!"
"Hmmm, nah. The fact that her own fledglings don't know about me is breaking my heart over here." He crooned, not looking like anything at all with the way he twisted his head to pop off, carrying it to maintain eye level with Pavlova.
"Relaaax, let good old Beastly Shadow Milk take care of you for once! Tell you what, you come along with me and I'll even take the fall if we get caught~" Whether or not Shadow Milk kept his word was merely a decision he'll make on a whim if it ever happens.
So he was a Beast- he was most certainly not like the Bringer of Happiness! He's heard horror stories of the other Beasts; how they caused plagues and destruction and war! So many poor, innocent Cookies crumbled to their rampages.. and they thought that the Bringer was apart of them too! But she's been more than kind to her Cookies-
But now he's in the arms of one! One of the most frightening ones, according to the Bringer. The most dangerous! He's supposed to go straight to Eternal Sugar if he even caught a whiff of another Beast, but he's tied up and being carried away... he's scared. He tries to put on a big-boy face, but he can't possibly hide the way his voice shakes.
"Sh-she'll really hurt you! You're not supposed to be around here- y-you should just let me go instead! I won't tell her I saw you at all, then she won't get upset!"
Shadow Milk snickered then cackled, plopping his head back on as he lightly tossed Pavlova as if he were an excited father throwing his child up.
Except, well, the poor cookie was tied up, not at all his kid and he was doing this mostly for fun.
"Oh, silly fool. That's what I'm betting on! She gets really fun when she's angry." He tutted, catching the pink winged cookie before he could even touch the ground, tugging at the strings that binded the poor thing.
"Buuut, how about this, I'm not so unreasonable. I'll help cut these off and you stick around for one game, hm?"
"Oh no, you gotta do it the proper way, fledgling." Shadow Milk singsonged, his claws enough to break the measley string, even going so far as to preen the ruffled feathers as he worked.
"Repeat after me, Pavlova." He grinned, teeth sharp as a hound and gleaming, "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye, if the Beast catches me in a lie..."
"I definitely won't get caged and–" The Beast hummed, tapping his chin before shaking his head, cutting the last of Pavlova's strings, "Ah, no, let's censor that shall we?"
As the strings were plucked, Pavlova stayed very very still. At least, he tried to - he couldn't help flinching with every torn string and his wings were practically begging to be freed.
"Cross my heart," He repeats, still with a shaky and hesitant voice, "And hope to fly-"
Pluck. He feels his breath pick up.
"Stick a cupcake in my eye-"
Pluck pluck. Oh, what's he got himself into now?!
"If the Beast catches me in a lie-"
Pluck pluck pluck. He knows where to go, can't he just..
"I definitely won't get caged and-!"
With the final string plucked, Pavlova Cookie remains there. He's still as stiff as a board - as stiff as he can be with his little shivers and clutching his bow like it's a lifeline. He's heard awful things about the Beasts and even more awful things about the supposed mastermind of them all.
Shadow Milk Cookie was known to kidnap Cookies and turn them into lifeless doll and force them to hurt and crumble their friends. He'd sneak into their homes in the middle of the night and give them nightmares when he sticks strings throughout all of their dough! Then, once he's done torturing their friends and family, he'll make them fight strangers until they finally crumble or he's done toying with them! Out of all of the Beasts, he's the most terrifying of them all! And just one look at the Cookie before him.. Pavlova Cookie knew that the Cookie was telling the truth.
But maybe... if Eternal Sugar Cookie was called a Beast, but she's as caring as she was... But wasn't it her that told him those stories in the first place?
"There, I did your nursery rhyme." Pavlova puffs out his chest, trying to seem tall and confident.. but it really just comes off as a kid playing tough, "What kind of game do you want to play..?"
Let it be counting-the-clouds or seeing-how-many-Toothlings-you-can-stack-on-one-another-before-they-topple...
Shadow Milk stopped the snicker from seeping out, the other cookie just looked so ruffled, how could he even take this one seriously? Well, as if he ever takes anything seriously, which is not at all.
"There's a good lad, no wonder you're such a fledgling, so cute!" He pinched Pavlova's cheek and jiggled the soft dough, the pink cookie didn't even notice how he knew his name! Such naive obliviousness.
"And my game is simple! All you have to do is guess the lie. Do that and I'll let you go on your merry way." Shadow Milk cleared his throat, with a sleight of his hand, his blueberry cane dropped down out of the aether, caught before it could fall out of his reach.
"Alright, Pavlova, listen up. I've never met you. You've never heard of me and Eternal Sugar has definitely been keeping secrets from you, it's almost funny."
Pavlova flexes his wings, still keeping his bow held close defensively. Though, he doesn't try to fly away. This had to be a trick.. all three of those were lies!
"You're just trying to fool me. All three of those are lies!" Pavlova pouted. This Cookie's met him, he's heard of him, and Eternal Sugar would never keep secrets from him... at least, he knows that this Cookie shouldn't know that.
He's not a dumb kid. He knows Eternal Sugar doesn't tell him everything, but that's because he doesn't need to know everything! He knows how everything in Beast-Yeast was destroyed and he knows how it was destroyed, but he didn't need to know the nasty details. It was scary enough just hearing about how Cookies would be reduced to nothing while calling for help or Cookies whose entire homes would burn in fire- he's lucky to be where he is right now! He doesn't need to know all that other stuff!
"Or you're just trying to scare me." Pavlova crossed his arms, keeping the bow held in one hand as he tries to seem calm and collected (it's not working), "But I'm a pretty brave Cookie!"
Shadow Milk giggled madly, resting his chin along his palm as he twisted and turned,floating upside down to lean closer, "Is that so?"
"Then pray tell, fledgling. Did you ever stop and tell me your name? Don't you think it's only proper to meet someone by introducing yourself? Now that's one truth, is it not? I've never met you." He clicked his tongue and tutted, such lack of manners would have a normal cookie be turned into a card and ripped apart.
But this one was tied to paradise and he was a kind cookie after all, he can be merciful.
"And I made this game so easy! You've heard of me! I know that look of horror when cookies hear my name, very well. That makes the second one a lie."
Shadow Milk let the implications linger with a cheshire grin.
(( I COMPLETELY MISREAD THE FUCKING GAME oh pavlova i accidentally stole your braincell
Pavlova doesn't look at Shadow Milk, instead choosing to look at a particularly cool twig on the ground. He didn't tell the other his name, but he knew it. And he's made it clear that he knows Shadow Milk Cookie, even only by name- though, that was just because his heart was so.. messed up! He's never seen a Cookie with such a black heart before!
And the third one-!
"I just thought this counted, that's all," Pavlova hovers just a bit further away. He does not want to be close. Or within any distance to this Cookie, "And I didn't need to know your name to know you're messed up!"
Pavlova looked back, still with a grumpy look, "Your heart is black! Completely black! I couldn't even tell you were even a Cookie until you started talking!"
"I think there's something in there... but is it even worth trying to get it out?" Pavlova unfurls his arms to hold his bow more properly, "Hmm.. now that I look a bit closer though.. Maybe it is?"
The earlier fear ebbs just a little bit as Pavlova gets a bit closer. He's looking at Shadow Milk, but at the same time, it's almost like Pavlova is looking through him. Now that he saw that little, itty-bitter glimmer.. he's looking further. Deeper. It looks like.
"Awe, you got a crush~!" Pretty much all of the built-up anxiety has disappeared as Pavlova gushes, happily bouncing around, "All that black goo is just a barrier keeping it in! No wonder you came off as really scary, you're just worried that they were going to see it, ehe!"
"Eternal Sugar Cookie-!" Pavlova whips around. His hands clutched his bow just a bit harder - he wasn't supposed to be out here! Not this far, anyway!
Pavlova Cookie points to Shadow Milk Cookie, "I heard there was a lost Cookie, and I found this guy! I was just gonna bring him back, but then he started being creepy. He tied me up and wanted me to play some weird game!"
He floated over to Eternal Sugar's side - notably, a little more behind her, as if to put her in between him and Shadow Milk. If things turn sour, he certainly doesn't want to be in the middle of it. After all, all those stories.. even if Eternal Sugar would've made it up, the other Cookies from the Garden surely wouldn't have! He's just happier now that Eternal Sugar's here.
"Do you know him?" Pavlova Cookie pretends not to know.
"Eternal Sugar! Long time no see, Sugarwings!" Shadow Milk greeted the Beast, nodding towards Pavlova, ignoring whatever the other cookie just said about his heart. There was no way, maybe he should snatch this one up for coming up with such a bold lie.
"Found your little fledgling over there all tied up! Of course, I was ever so gracious in freeing him and even played around to keep him calm." He weaved his own spin of the story, giggling just a tad unhinged.
"And know me? Oh, buddy, Eternal Sugar and I go waaayyy back!"
*She was about two seconds from hitting Shadow Milk with her lyre but stopped.*
Ooooh! Oh ok. Alright I see now.
*She cleared her throat.*
Yes it’s true me and Shadow Milk Cookie have known each other for years. And Shadow Milk… the next time I catch you with one of my little angels and you try to pull this again, well, you know.
*He giggles but it really wasn’t as sweet as it sounded.*
Still hanging around behind Eternal Sugar, Pavlova makes the discomfort on their face known. That was the Shadow Milk of legend.. but why was Eternal Sugar so calm? Weren't they a terrifying Cookie? That heart of theirs certainly matches, but with that glimmer he had saw - maybe the stories weren't that true.
But he knows better than to comment on it, especially out here.
"Eternal Sugar Cookie.." Pavlova Cookie gently tugs on Eternal Sugar Cookie's dress sleeve, "Can we go back now? I think.. I hear some monsters coming!"
Another little lie; he knows Eternal Sugar Cookie would protect him, he shouldn't be scared anymore! He handles monsters by himself all of the time- not to Eternal Sugar Cookie's knowledge, of course. She'd freak! But- he really just wants to go home now.
Shadow Milk raised a brow, amused with the guts this guy had to lie to not one but two Beasts. Really, Eternal Sugar was hiding a lot of interesting cookies that would be great actors in one of his shows!
"Oh definitely, pretty sure whatever was trying to nab your little birdy over there is heading over with more to try and get him again." He coaxed, twirling his cane idly, searching through the trees.
"Wouldn't wanna risk them following us to your safe haven if we stick around any longer~"
*Eternal Sugar’s feathers fluffed slightly before pushing her emotions back down to calm down.*
Very well… we shall proceed then with returning to safety. After all, we have been out here long enough and I see no one who would need my aid. Pavlova… lets go child.
*She spreads her angel and devil wings before taking flight once more.*
Pavlova Cookie's quick to follow, looking over his shoulder to make sure that Shadow Milk Cookie wasn't following them. He can't stop him if he does choose to come, so it's not like he has a choice... but he'd really rather that Cookie stay far far away from the Garden!
He is surprised that the Cookie followed along with his little lie... which makes him all the more worried if he does follow. Just imagine the trouble he'd be in if Eternal Sugar Cookie found out! Maybe she'd be nice since he just wanted to go home? Or maybe she'd be upset that he thought he couldn't just ask to go home openly.. he hates thinking about it!
Unfortunately for Pavlova, Shadow Milk also knew how to fly, though float would be more appropriate as he followed closely, humming all the while.
As for why he was following the pair in the first place, that was for him to know and never let anyone find out. He was just having a bit of a road trip, that's all.
Though, with him at the back, his eyes trailed after Eternal Sugar's form with a neutral gaze. To think the other Beast had mentioned him to her cookies, what else did she tell them?
"Hope you don't mind me lingering just a tad, it's been a while since I've visited!" Shadow Milk called out, making sure his intentions to stick around were known.
*Eternal Sugar looked back at Shadow Milk and sigh. She didn’t want him to come with but she cannot refuse anyone to enter her garden. After all that would defeat the whole purpose of her paradise. She looked forward again to her paradise*
Oh Divines he's in for it now. Pavlova clutches his bow, saying nothing as they headed back towards the Garden. Maybe Eternal Sugar Cookie will be too distracted with the sudden guest and he can slink off? He really hopes that. Sure, there might be a little bit of love at the center of Shadow Milk Cookie's heart, but all of that gunk wormed its' way there somehow!
｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡⋆ ˚｡⋆˚ʚ♡ɞ˚⋆ ˚｡⋆｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡
Once they finally arrived at the Garden, only then could Pavlova relax a little. His adventure led him to an interesting place, that's for sure, but.. maybe a little too much for today. He's strung so high and just wants to take a long nap now.
"We're back home.. I'm sure you'd like to hang out with them alone, so-" Pavlova tries to fly off.
Only for Shadow Milk to grab the back of Pavlova's tunic, the Beast chuckling at the little fledgling's desperate attempt to escape.
"Now, now! We haven't even discussed what you're going to do since you lost the game, kid." He lightly tapped the pink cookie on the forehead with the end of his cane.
"Whatever you saw~" Shadow Milk singsonged, his smile turning into a shark-like grin, "You didn't, alright? There was nothing."
With that, he ruffled Pavlova's hair and nudged him off, "Alrighty, that's your punishment for losing, better luck next time!"
He then turned to Eternal Sugar, crossing his legs in mid air as he made a show of looking around, "Anyways, love what you've done with the place, it totally doesn't burn my eyes in some crevices!"
Shadow Milk… if you are going stay you cannot torment my little angels. And my paradise is perfect thank you very much. Now… what’s this… crush Pavlova was speaking about?
Pavlova looks between the two. Shadow Milk's just threatened him about what he saw, and Eternal Sugar's basically telling him to tell her. A threat from the Beast himself and a request from the Bringer of Happiness..
"He has a crush!" Pavlova Cookie blurts out, grinning. They were in the Garden now- Eternal Sugar wouldn't let anything happen! She obviously knows she can handle it; so Pavlova can too!
"Looks like.." Pavlova gets in Shadow Milk's face, grinning before quickly backing up in case the other tried to bite him, "Someone you deeply care and worry about! Oh, but it seems like you're mad at them too? You can't seem to decide if you love them or hate them~"
He coos, "Awwh, that's sweet! I wonder if this mysterious person feels the same way? It doesn't look like you'll talk it out anytime soon though."
Shadow Milk clicked his teeth as he made said mock bite, warning the fluttering cookie to mind his space, huffing as the other spouted nonsense!
"Hey, sugarcube, I thought being the Beast of Deceit is my thing. What's with your fledgling spouting lies? Is this an invitation to add another minion to my Spire~?" He smiled threateningly, his tone is light but the snarl that rumbled out meant there was a threat to his words.
Who was Pavlova even talking about? There's no such cookie that comes to mind! None, nada, absolute zilch!
The only cookie that could even fit that subscription was impossible to be the one who he's crushing on, more like he'll crush that stupid healer and that cone hat of his!
*Eternal Sugar looked to Pavlova and thought for a bit. She knew the jester was known to always lie. But her little angel? Never. So she decided to take a look herself. She hummed a bit as she looked deep before gasping and her wings fluttered.*
Oh happy days! For once your heart isn’t just a black void! Who knew the cookie of deceit would find love after all these years! Thank you for bringing my attention to this Pavlova.
"I would never lie about love!" Pavlova argues back, pouting, "You're thinking about him right now, in fact! I can see the way your heart yearns for them even now - you're just a bit confused, is all!"
He giggles to himself. Oh, a Cookie who hates his crush so much they can't even see the love! It's kind of bordering on obsession a little bit, too!
"Whose the Cookie you got in mind? Maybe we can bring them here, right?"
"Able to make friends everywhere, but they can easily become your partner! Maybe you'll find you soulmate on this expedition? What could be more noble than looking for your one true love?" Pavlova smiles, gushing, "Oh, you won't find them in this forest though! I know a place where there's a bunch of Cookies!"
Her face is now as pink as her hair. "S-soulmate?! That's a little much to expect from a safari! But, wait...there are cookies here? I thought that most cookies were scattered around the continent, not many in one place at the same time."
"Yeah! It's a lot safer there, too, so a lot of Cookies show up." Pavlova flies around, before settling on a direction, "It's a paradise made for everyone! All of you have to do is follow me, and I'll take you there!"
"Well- okay." He chirps, floating over and laying down on the grass next to her. Spread out, he's already lazily watching the sky. It's already boring... Eternal Sugar didn't like playing games with him, but she also seemed a lot more lively today, sooo-
"Wanna play a game?" He turns towards her with a giddy expression. Today could be his lucky day! "Me and Sugarfly Cookie have this one game where we see how many clouds we can count in a minute! You don't even have to get up for it!"
After awhile, Pavlova Cookie started mumbling the numbers. He even sat up, counting clouds along the horizon. After the 60 seconds were up, he proudly exclaims, "56-57-58! 58 clouds!"
Turning to face Eternal Sugar, he beams, "Alright, how many did you count?"
"I won!" Pavlova shoots his hands upwards, laughing. He lowers his arms, trying to think of another game to play.. She probably wouldn't like the how-many-trees-can-he-hit game or the how-many-Candyworms-can-you-grab game or the how-many-Toothlings-can-you-stack game... What's something she'd like?
"Hmm.. Do you know any games?" He looks down at her, "I know they're not your favorite thing, but I can make them fun! Promise!"
Pavlova pouts, trying to think. What's some games he knows of where Eternal Sugar doesn't have to move..
"I'll be right back!" Pavlova stands up, grabbing his things before flying off. He's gone for several minutes, almost 20, before he's flying back. In his arms is a bunch of patchwork dolls made of twigs and scraps of fabric.
"I have these!" Pavlova yells as he approaches again, stopping just shy of Eternal Sugar. Looking down at his toys, he jostles them slightly as he speaks - placing them down on the ground next to her.
"Have you ever played with toys? All you do is just look at them and think- here, I made you one!" Kneeling down, he lays out his dolls. While some aren't reminiscent of anyone, some look like some of the angels around the Garden. He picks up one that looks like Eternal Sugar - handing it to her, "It looks just like you!"
Sticks and dry grass make up the main body, tied together with more grass. Her dress is obviously some scrap fabric tied at the "waist", with the head more fabric dyed pink. Her hair was made out of pedals from a flower, same as her wings. On the face is an awkward dye job, giving her a lopsided smile and eyes. Overall, it was a decent attempt at making a doll.
"I made Sugarfly and myself too!" He holds up their versions briefly before putting them down. Pointing at some of the unrecognizable ones, Pavlova continues to ramble, "I came up with these ones; their names are Mulberry and Sweet Juice. They're married and have five kids, and their eldest son Mulled Wine likes this one here, Lemonade, and they have a pet candyworm but I haven't made it yet, and-"
He's just rambling at this point, excited to show them off. He's kept them secret up until now, worried how she'd react.. but she seemed to want to know, so Pavlova was more than happy to share while he could.
*Eternal Sugar looked at all the dolls and then to Pavlova. She sat up a bit looking around her Paradise. She then looked back at the dolls and picked one up.*
You… made these?
*She looked at the dolls with intent and then to him.*
"Well-" Pavlova beings to pick the toys back up, "Yeah, but they're just stupid toys. Sugarfly's the one who suggested it! I was just.. uhm..."
He stares at the one in Eternal Sugar's arms with a worried expression. He's probably gonna get a lecture about spending too much time on something when he could've just been relaxing instead.. but that was boring sometimes! And he relaxes with them too! It's not all bad, right?
"I can go toss them somewhere! So- can you give it back..?"
"Well- okay." He chirps, floating over and laying down on the grass next to her. Spread out, he's already lazily watching the sky. It's already boring... Eternal Sugar didn't like playing games with him, but she also seemed a lot more lively today, sooo-
"Wanna play a game?" He turns towards her with a giddy expression. Today could be his lucky day! "Me and Sugarfly Cookie have this one game where we see how many clouds we can count in a minute! You don't even have to get up for it!"
After awhile, Pavlova Cookie started mumbling the numbers. He even sat up, counting clouds along the horizon. After the 60 seconds were up, he proudly exclaims, "56-57-58! 58 clouds!"
Turning to face Eternal Sugar, he beams, "Alright, how many did you count?"
"I won!" Pavlova shoots his hands upwards, laughing. He lowers his arms, trying to think of another game to play.. She probably wouldn't like the how-many-trees-can-he-hit game or the how-many-Candyworms-can-you-grab game or the how-many-Toothlings-can-you-stack game... What's something she'd like?
"Hmm.. Do you know any games?" He looks down at her, "I know they're not your favorite thing, but I can make them fun! Promise!"
Pavlova pouts, trying to think. What's some games he knows of where Eternal Sugar doesn't have to move..
"I'll be right back!" Pavlova stands up, grabbing his things before flying off. He's gone for several minutes, almost 20, before he's flying back. In his arms is a bunch of patchwork dolls made of twigs and scraps of fabric.
"I have these!" Pavlova yells as he approaches again, stopping just shy of Eternal Sugar. Looking down at his toys, he jostles them slightly as he speaks - placing them down on the ground next to her.
"Have you ever played with toys? All you do is just look at them and think- here, I made you one!" Kneeling down, he lays out his dolls. While some aren't reminiscent of anyone, some look like some of the angels around the Garden. He picks up one that looks like Eternal Sugar - handing it to her, "It looks just like you!"
Sticks and dry grass make up the main body, tied together with more grass. Her dress is obviously some scrap fabric tied at the "waist", with the head more fabric dyed pink. Her hair was made out of pedals from a flower, same as her wings. On the face is an awkward dye job, giving her a lopsided smile and eyes. Overall, it was a decent attempt at making a doll.
"I made Sugarfly and myself too!" He holds up their versions briefly before putting them down. Pointing at some of the unrecognizable ones, Pavlova continues to ramble, "I came up with these ones; their names are Mulberry and Sweet Juice. They're married and have five kids, and their eldest son Mulled Wine likes this one here, Lemonade, and they have a pet candyworm but I haven't made it yet, and-"
He's just rambling at this point, excited to show them off. He's kept them secret up until now, worried how she'd react.. but she seemed to want to know, so Pavlova was more than happy to share while he could.
"Now, what do we have here?" Shadow Milk tilted his head, plucking Pavlova up and away from whatever that bright light was.
"Say, aren't you one of Sugar's fledglings?"
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ @false-ouroborus ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Pavlova's still trying to get out of their bindings, squirming and their wings flexing.
"Sugar? Do you mean the Bringer of Happiness?" They stop squirming briefly before pouting, staring at their captor. They do not look friendly at all- in fact, it's almost as if a monster has him instead of a Cookie! "Why do you care? Let me go already!"
"I care because shouldn't you be in paradise, little bird?" Shadow Milk smiled wide, almost innocent were it not for the way he tucked Pavlova into a football carry, floating away from the area.
"Gasp!" He didn't even try to mimic shock, his teasing voice gaining a sharp edge, "Could it be? Did you wander off and leave?"
Pavlova stops his squirming. Not only did they seem to know of the Bringer, but they knew of the paradise as well. Could it be.. did he miss a new guest? They seemed too.. terrifying to be allowed to stay long. A shapeshifting monster? A... Beast?!
Pavlova freezes stiff, cold sweat rolling down their dough. Uhhh oh. Uh oh. Ooooh nononono-
"I-I didn't wander! I heard someone was lost in the forest and- I was just going to tell them about the Garden!" He stammers, "Looks like it was you! Hehe.. you can let me go now! I'll even still lead you to paradise! I bet you'd like to meet the Bringer of Happiness, right? She'll really take care of you!"
"Hmmm, nah. The fact that her own fledglings don't know about me is breaking my heart over here." He crooned, not looking like anything at all with the way he twisted his head to pop off, carrying it to maintain eye level with Pavlova.
"Relaaax, let good old Beastly Shadow Milk take care of you for once! Tell you what, you come along with me and I'll even take the fall if we get caught~" Whether or not Shadow Milk kept his word was merely a decision he'll make on a whim if it ever happens.
So he was a Beast- he was most certainly not like the Bringer of Happiness! He's heard horror stories of the other Beasts; how they caused plagues and destruction and war! So many poor, innocent Cookies crumbled to their rampages.. and they thought that the Bringer was apart of them too! But she's been more than kind to her Cookies-
But now he's in the arms of one! One of the most frightening ones, according to the Bringer. The most dangerous! He's supposed to go straight to Eternal Sugar if he even caught a whiff of another Beast, but he's tied up and being carried away... he's scared. He tries to put on a big-boy face, but he can't possibly hide the way his voice shakes.
"Sh-she'll really hurt you! You're not supposed to be around here- y-you should just let me go instead! I won't tell her I saw you at all, then she won't get upset!"
Shadow Milk snickered then cackled, plopping his head back on as he lightly tossed Pavlova as if he were an excited father throwing his child up.
Except, well, the poor cookie was tied up, not at all his kid and he was doing this mostly for fun.
"Oh, silly fool. That's what I'm betting on! She gets really fun when she's angry." He tutted, catching the pink winged cookie before he could even touch the ground, tugging at the strings that binded the poor thing.
"Buuut, how about this, I'm not so unreasonable. I'll help cut these off and you stick around for one game, hm?"
"Oh no, you gotta do it the proper way, fledgling." Shadow Milk singsonged, his claws enough to break the measley string, even going so far as to preen the ruffled feathers as he worked.
"Repeat after me, Pavlova." He grinned, teeth sharp as a hound and gleaming, "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye, if the Beast catches me in a lie..."
"I definitely won't get caged and–" The Beast hummed, tapping his chin before shaking his head, cutting the last of Pavlova's strings, "Ah, no, let's censor that shall we?"
As the strings were plucked, Pavlova stayed very very still. At least, he tried to - he couldn't help flinching with every torn string and his wings were practically begging to be freed.
"Cross my heart," He repeats, still with a shaky and hesitant voice, "And hope to fly-"
Pluck. He feels his breath pick up.
"Stick a cupcake in my eye-"
Pluck pluck. Oh, what's he got himself into now?!
"If the Beast catches me in a lie-"
Pluck pluck pluck. He knows where to go, can't he just..
"I definitely won't get caged and-!"
With the final string plucked, Pavlova Cookie remains there. He's still as stiff as a board - as stiff as he can be with his little shivers and clutching his bow like it's a lifeline. He's heard awful things about the Beasts and even more awful things about the supposed mastermind of them all.
Shadow Milk Cookie was known to kidnap Cookies and turn them into lifeless doll and force them to hurt and crumble their friends. He'd sneak into their homes in the middle of the night and give them nightmares when he sticks strings throughout all of their dough! Then, once he's done torturing their friends and family, he'll make them fight strangers until they finally crumble or he's done toying with them! Out of all of the Beasts, he's the most terrifying of them all! And just one look at the Cookie before him.. Pavlova Cookie knew that the Cookie was telling the truth.
But maybe... if Eternal Sugar Cookie was called a Beast, but she's as caring as she was... But wasn't it her that told him those stories in the first place?
"There, I did your nursery rhyme." Pavlova puffs out his chest, trying to seem tall and confident.. but it really just comes off as a kid playing tough, "What kind of game do you want to play..?"
Let it be counting-the-clouds or seeing-how-many-Toothlings-you-can-stack-on-one-another-before-they-topple...
Shadow Milk stopped the snicker from seeping out, the other cookie just looked so ruffled, how could he even take this one seriously? Well, as if he ever takes anything seriously, which is not at all.
"There's a good lad, no wonder you're such a fledgling, so cute!" He pinched Pavlova's cheek and jiggled the soft dough, the pink cookie didn't even notice how he knew his name! Such naive obliviousness.
"And my game is simple! All you have to do is guess the lie. Do that and I'll let you go on your merry way." Shadow Milk cleared his throat, with a sleight of his hand, his blueberry cane dropped down out of the aether, caught before it could fall out of his reach.
"Alright, Pavlova, listen up. I've never met you. You've never heard of me and Eternal Sugar has definitely been keeping secrets from you, it's almost funny."
Pavlova flexes his wings, still keeping his bow held close defensively. Though, he doesn't try to fly away. This had to be a trick.. all three of those were lies!
"You're just trying to fool me. All three of those are lies!" Pavlova pouted. This Cookie's met him, he's heard of him, and Eternal Sugar would never keep secrets from him... at least, he knows that this Cookie shouldn't know that.
He's not a dumb kid. He knows Eternal Sugar doesn't tell him everything, but that's because he doesn't need to know everything! He knows how everything in Beast-Yeast was destroyed and he knows how it was destroyed, but he didn't need to know the nasty details. It was scary enough just hearing about how Cookies would be reduced to nothing while calling for help or Cookies whose entire homes would burn in fire- he's lucky to be where he is right now! He doesn't need to know all that other stuff!
"Or you're just trying to scare me." Pavlova crossed his arms, keeping the bow held in one hand as he tries to seem calm and collected (it's not working), "But I'm a pretty brave Cookie!"
Shadow Milk giggled madly, resting his chin along his palm as he twisted and turned,floating upside down to lean closer, "Is that so?"
"Then pray tell, fledgling. Did you ever stop and tell me your name? Don't you think it's only proper to meet someone by introducing yourself? Now that's one truth, is it not? I've never met you." He clicked his tongue and tutted, such lack of manners would have a normal cookie be turned into a card and ripped apart.
But this one was tied to paradise and he was a kind cookie after all, he can be merciful.
"And I made this game so easy! You've heard of me! I know that look of horror when cookies hear my name, very well. That makes the second one a lie."
Shadow Milk let the implications linger with a cheshire grin.
(( I COMPLETELY MISREAD THE FUCKING GAME oh pavlova i accidentally stole your braincell
Pavlova doesn't look at Shadow Milk, instead choosing to look at a particularly cool twig on the ground. He didn't tell the other his name, but he knew it. And he's made it clear that he knows Shadow Milk Cookie, even only by name- though, that was just because his heart was so.. messed up! He's never seen a Cookie with such a black heart before!
And the third one-!
"I just thought this counted, that's all," Pavlova hovers just a bit further away. He does not want to be close. Or within any distance to this Cookie, "And I didn't need to know your name to know you're messed up!"
Pavlova looked back, still with a grumpy look, "Your heart is black! Completely black! I couldn't even tell you were even a Cookie until you started talking!"
"I think there's something in there... but is it even worth trying to get it out?" Pavlova unfurls his arms to hold his bow more properly, "Hmm.. now that I look a bit closer though.. Maybe it is?"
The earlier fear ebbs just a little bit as Pavlova gets a bit closer. He's looking at Shadow Milk, but at the same time, it's almost like Pavlova is looking through him. Now that he saw that little, itty-bitter glimmer.. he's looking further. Deeper. It looks like.
"Awe, you got a crush~!" Pretty much all of the built-up anxiety has disappeared as Pavlova gushes, happily bouncing around, "All that black goo is just a barrier keeping it in! No wonder you came off as really scary, you're just worried that they were going to see it, ehe!"
"Eternal Sugar Cookie-!" Pavlova whips around. His hands clutched his bow just a bit harder - he wasn't supposed to be out here! Not this far, anyway!
Pavlova Cookie points to Shadow Milk Cookie, "I heard there was a lost Cookie, and I found this guy! I was just gonna bring him back, but then he started being creepy. He tied me up and wanted me to play some weird game!"
He floated over to Eternal Sugar's side - notably, a little more behind her, as if to put her in between him and Shadow Milk. If things turn sour, he certainly doesn't want to be in the middle of it. After all, all those stories.. even if Eternal Sugar would've made it up, the other Cookies from the Garden surely wouldn't have! He's just happier now that Eternal Sugar's here.
"Do you know him?" Pavlova Cookie pretends not to know.
"Eternal Sugar! Long time no see, Sugarwings!" Shadow Milk greeted the Beast, nodding towards Pavlova, ignoring whatever the other cookie just said about his heart. There was no way, maybe he should snatch this one up for coming up with such a bold lie.
"Found your little fledgling over there all tied up! Of course, I was ever so gracious in freeing him and even played around to keep him calm." He weaved his own spin of the story, giggling just a tad unhinged.
"And know me? Oh, buddy, Eternal Sugar and I go waaayyy back!"
*She was about two seconds from hitting Shadow Milk with her lyre but stopped.*
Ooooh! Oh ok. Alright I see now.
*She cleared her throat.*
Yes it’s true me and Shadow Milk Cookie have known each other for years. And Shadow Milk… the next time I catch you with one of my little angels and you try to pull this again, well, you know.
*He giggles but it really wasn’t as sweet as it sounded.*
Still hanging around behind Eternal Sugar, Pavlova makes the discomfort on their face known. That was the Shadow Milk of legend.. but why was Eternal Sugar so calm? Weren't they a terrifying Cookie? That heart of theirs certainly matches, but with that glimmer he had saw - maybe the stories weren't that true.
But he knows better than to comment on it, especially out here.
"Eternal Sugar Cookie.." Pavlova Cookie gently tugs on Eternal Sugar Cookie's dress sleeve, "Can we go back now? I think.. I hear some monsters coming!"
Another little lie; he knows Eternal Sugar Cookie would protect him, he shouldn't be scared anymore! He handles monsters by himself all of the time- not to Eternal Sugar Cookie's knowledge, of course. She'd freak! But- he really just wants to go home now.
Shadow Milk raised a brow, amused with the guts this guy had to lie to not one but two Beasts. Really, Eternal Sugar was hiding a lot of interesting cookies that would be great actors in one of his shows!
"Oh definitely, pretty sure whatever was trying to nab your little birdy over there is heading over with more to try and get him again." He coaxed, twirling his cane idly, searching through the trees.
"Wouldn't wanna risk them following us to your safe haven if we stick around any longer~"
*Eternal Sugar’s feathers fluffed slightly before pushing her emotions back down to calm down.*
Very well… we shall proceed then with returning to safety. After all, we have been out here long enough and I see no one who would need my aid. Pavlova… lets go child.
*She spreads her angel and devil wings before taking flight once more.*
Pavlova Cookie's quick to follow, looking over his shoulder to make sure that Shadow Milk Cookie wasn't following them. He can't stop him if he does choose to come, so it's not like he has a choice... but he'd really rather that Cookie stay far far away from the Garden!
He is surprised that the Cookie followed along with his little lie... which makes him all the more worried if he does follow. Just imagine the trouble he'd be in if Eternal Sugar Cookie found out! Maybe she'd be nice since he just wanted to go home? Or maybe she'd be upset that he thought he couldn't just ask to go home openly.. he hates thinking about it!
Unfortunately for Pavlova, Shadow Milk also knew how to fly, though float would be more appropriate as he followed closely, humming all the while.
As for why he was following the pair in the first place, that was for him to know and never let anyone find out. He was just having a bit of a road trip, that's all.
Though, with him at the back, his eyes trailed after Eternal Sugar's form with a neutral gaze. To think the other Beast had mentioned him to her cookies, what else did she tell them?
"Hope you don't mind me lingering just a tad, it's been a while since I've visited!" Shadow Milk called out, making sure his intentions to stick around were known.
*Eternal Sugar looked back at Shadow Milk and sigh. She didn’t want him to come with but she cannot refuse anyone to enter her garden. After all that would defeat the whole purpose of her paradise. She looked forward again to her paradise*
Oh Divines he's in for it now. Pavlova clutches his bow, saying nothing as they headed back towards the Garden. Maybe Eternal Sugar Cookie will be too distracted with the sudden guest and he can slink off? He really hopes that. Sure, there might be a little bit of love at the center of Shadow Milk Cookie's heart, but all of that gunk wormed its' way there somehow!
｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡⋆ ˚｡⋆˚ʚ♡ɞ˚⋆ ˚｡⋆｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡
Once they finally arrived at the Garden, only then could Pavlova relax a little. His adventure led him to an interesting place, that's for sure, but.. maybe a little too much for today. He's strung so high and just wants to take a long nap now.
"We're back home.. I'm sure you'd like to hang out with them alone, so-" Pavlova tries to fly off.
Only for Shadow Milk to grab the back of Pavlova's tunic, the Beast chuckling at the little fledgling's desperate attempt to escape.
"Now, now! We haven't even discussed what you're going to do since you lost the game, kid." He lightly tapped the pink cookie on the forehead with the end of his cane.
"Whatever you saw~" Shadow Milk singsonged, his smile turning into a shark-like grin, "You didn't, alright? There was nothing."
With that, he ruffled Pavlova's hair and nudged him off, "Alrighty, that's your punishment for losing, better luck next time!"
He then turned to Eternal Sugar, crossing his legs in mid air as he made a show of looking around, "Anyways, love what you've done with the place, it totally doesn't burn my eyes in some crevices!"
Shadow Milk… if you are going stay you cannot torment my little angels. And my paradise is perfect thank you very much. Now… what’s this… crush Pavlova was speaking about?
Pavlova looks between the two. Shadow Milk's just threatened him about what he saw, and Eternal Sugar's basically telling him to tell her. A threat from the Beast himself and a request from the Bringer of Happiness..
"He has a crush!" Pavlova Cookie blurts out, grinning. They were in the Garden now- Eternal Sugar wouldn't let anything happen! She obviously knows she can handle it; so Pavlova can too!
"Looks like.." Pavlova gets in Shadow Milk's face, grinning before quickly backing up in case the other tried to bite him, "Someone you deeply care and worry about! Oh, but it seems like you're mad at them too? You can't seem to decide if you love them or hate them~"
He coos, "Awwh, that's sweet! I wonder if this mysterious person feels the same way? It doesn't look like you'll talk it out anytime soon though."
