god I really want Truthless recluse and The sage of truth to bond and get closer. Like I want Truthless to slowly but surely let down his walls and allow Sage of truth to befriend him.
Them becoming debate buddies maybe even more than that perhaps 👀
Me too! The Bond Story left a lot to interpretation, but Truthless Recluse and Sage of Truth still inherently have the same core aspect as their canon counterparts. With Shadow Milk always spreading Deceit/Truth and Pure Vanilla always protecting everyone from Deceit/Truth. I can see them bonding much more faster than canon shadowvanilla though...
Writing-wise, I truly do want to write Truthless Recluse and Sage of Truth bonding and being happy together! But it will still take some time. I want to be able to genuinely portray both SoT and TR's struggles over becoming friends. They have a lot of baggage to unpack, the costume trailer is quite interesting don't you think so? 🤭 And that's just being friends,,, more than that would take, much, much longer.
... I might write canon shadowvanilla only after I've gotten a good grasp writing smilk and pv's personalities.,,
(2.2k words short fic, again; based on the Peak of Truth, Despair Not Bond Story)
The Sage of Truth may have descended from the Peak of Truth, but the unknown Cookie before that had to ascend. To reach and grasp the pinnacle of Truth. To witness it in its finest.
Let us rewind the time, shall we?
Back to the time before the Sage of Truth was called by that title– before he could even be called the Sage of Truth. He couldn't accept being called that without his life’s greatest accomplishment.
And to attain that, one must reach the peak.
To say nothing of the trials and hardships that comes with the ascension would be too dismissive, but like with every Truth, it has to be unknown. Otherwise there would be no point seeking it, no?
When he finally reached the last steps to the peak, there were no heavenly light gracing him nor golden bells ringing harmoniously for his greatest achievement. Nothing at all. Did that disappoint him? Admittedly so, as it's simply a natural instinct to seek validation after such a deed, but not so much.
What truly drove him though; to keep trying, to go through many ordeals, was the thrill of seeking the Truth.
Are you surprised? Oh don't be.
It's always been fascinating how such basic instincts can drive any Cookie to the point of obsession. Desire, Greed, Love, Passion, and oh so many more. After all, aren't you also driven by curiosity right now?
Now that's mentioned, there was another thing aside from thrill-seeking. There's always curiosity as well. Of the years that have gone by, fleeting time as it is, there's been a constant within the endless change.
The Cookie that stood at the top of the Truth and never came down— the Hermit of Truth, the Truthless Recluse.
He wanted to meet that Cookie so badly. To see if the rumors are true, to appease his neverending curiosity, seeking the Truth in every way and form.
To meet someone who can understand him.
Yet what greeted him was nothing, nothing waited for him at the very peak of Truth.
"Stop pretending. You know all too well that there is nothing at the Peak of Truth.”
Is this truly the Truth that he has long sought for? Nothing? Nothing at all?
Eyes of yellow and blue brimmed with sorrow, despair curled around possessively, like a tight noose.
“I, too, once made the same mistake, and for that, faced despair upon the Peak... There was no Truth expecting me. No Truth to save us all. And I cursed myself hundreds, thousands of times over for my folly.”
Liar. Deceiver.
There was something– no, someone at the Peak of Truth.
Would've been unnoticeable too, if he wasn't looking thoroughly for a speck of anything. Ironic, considering the Cookie’s bright white clothes. The Cookie’s stature looked small with their back turned, their clothing seemingly oversized on them.
“Hmm? Oh! My apologies, I thought I was alone here.” The Cookie finally turned around. Long golden locks of hair cascading down. A soft angelic smile greeting him.
Perhaps it was a good thing that the white Cookie's eyes were closed or else they would've seen the way he was gaping in surprise, completely shell shocked. Though unfortunately the silence from him was too obvious.
“Um..?” The white Cookie tilted their head in confusion, yet patiently waited for his response.
This.. This is definitely not the Truthless Recluse he has heard from the rumors.
He shook his head, trying to regain his sense of self. How embarrassing of him to lose composure in front of an audience!
“I apologize, this humble scholar was simply just dazzled by your beautiful appearance, good.. sir? ” He trailed off, looking at the Cookie in front of him. He couldn't tell. He just hoped that his words weren't taken as an offense by the other.
Luckily, the Cookie merely chuckled in response, even taking the compliment in stride. “Sir is fine, do not fret.”
“Though I must apologize again for not noticing you sooner. I am currently unable to see, for the staff I use as my aide is still being fixed at the moment.” The Cookie continued to softly speak, expressing himself in movements gentle and graceful.
He nodded, then quickly stopped in embarrassment. That explains a lot. He only now arrived here though, yet he didn't clear up the misunderstanding the other had. He was too curious about this enigmatic Cookie.
“That's completely reasonable. I can not fault you for that. I must ask, what is your name? If you don't mind me asking, of course.” He asked, respectfully, keeping his hand behind his back like a gentleman.
The beautiful Cookie chuckled again, surprisingly taking his respectful yet dramatic attitude, almost in a fond way. Then he bowed, playing along. “It seems I've forgotten my manners. My name is Pure Vanilla Cookie. Yours is?”
Pure Vanilla Cookie, he mouthed, testing. He almost didn't respond immediately, a little too awestruck if he had to admit. The name felt, familiar, somehow.
His name though? “Call me the Sage of Truth.” he announced, taking off his hat and bowing in return. The name rolled off his tongue effortlessly, sounding right and true.
Then he paused, momentarily feeling confusion as well as a growing sense of uneasiness. He wasn't called that, no one called him that, and he didn't have that title— Not yet.
Huh?
“Sage of Truth? Are you feeling alright?” A gentle melodious voice called, worrying for a stranger. Pure Vanilla’s hand was raised in front of him, as if wanting to hold him steady but was unable to accurately find his position
The Sage(?) shook his head, feeling off-centered, but he didn't show it. “Ah, no worries. I'm as perfectly fine as I could be!” He wouldn't admit it. Not in front of Pure Vanilla. Not in front of an audience.
Something is terribly wrong here.
Pure Vanilla didn't take his words at face value, didn't take it as the absolute truth. That seems wrong. Why is he not following the script? He still looked worried. The Sage was about to reassure him again, to lie—
“... Do you feel its influence too?” Pure Vanilla’s words shut his mouth closed. Influence? Of what, exactly? He didn't need to ask as Pure Vanilla thankfully elaborated his words.
“Here, time and space are intertwined. The future of the past and present coexist.” Pure Vanilla spoke in a wistful tone, as if fondly recalling a memory. Weirdly enough, it did feel like that. Everything seemed like it has happened before, here, yet it hasn't passed, not yet.
The Sage could not find the usual words he would say. In fact, what should he say in the face of such concept? It's the Truth. Pure Vanilla spoke of no lies. The Sage instinctively knew, and felt it too.
That Truth revealed the core of everything. Answered the familiarity, the distortion between time and memories, the feeling of not being himself— and Pure Vanilla Cookie’s presence at the Peak of Truth.
The Sage plopped down on the ground rather ungracefully, he couldn't keep himself afloat anymore. When did he start floating again? Ah no, don't question it. He sighed rather tiredly, perhaps the whole ordeal of climbing a seemingly endless peak has finally caught up to him.
Pure Vanilla Cookie only chuckled, only becoming at ease after hearing the Sage’s sigh. He too, sat on the ground, gracefully sitting down in a seiza position. Not even a single speck of dirt staining his white robes. How envious.
“.. This is all really confusing.” The Sage of Truth finally admitted, his lips thinning in annoyance. Pure Vanilla only chuckled in response, that traitor.
The Sage’s face soured, pinpointing the unusual feeling, the feeling of betrayal(?) that he shouldn't be feeling that intensely at the very moment. He shook his head, again, trying to keep his mind back on the track.
This anomaly intrigued him, of course, but by the Witches, is it so frustratingly mind-boggling. How is he meant to keep a calm enough focus to thoroughly analyze this if it kept influencing his mind, personality, thoughts, his everything down to his very soul?
Ugh, he shuddered, it was rather invasive and violating now that he thought about it. Is this really the Truth he worked so hard to get to? Then he glanced at Pure Vanilla, who was just patiently humming to himself.
Does he feel that too? Those lapses of insanity, disorientation, and feeling so unlike yourself? Thank the Witches that his memories haven't gotten influenced yet– or maybe it already has and he just hasn't noticed? Ugh, how annoying!
Perhaps it's just the Sage of Truth feeling this way. Only him. After all, he can notice it now. The sense of distortion around Pure Vanilla Cookie, he wasn't meant to be here. He's not from this time.
“.. Do you think I'll be able to meet you?” The Sage couldn't help but ask, some of the words left unsaid. His voice was placid, void of the dramatics. He has to ask as many questions as he can before Pure Vanilla goes back, he reasoned to himself.
Pure Vanilla hummed, already knew what the words that were left unsaid. The Sage of Truth solemnly stared at the broad night sky. The stars shone brighter here, at the Peak of Truth. Nothing else was brighter than the one beside him though.
“I'm sure you will meet me again.” Pure Vanilla softly whispered in the dead of night. He looked away but the Sage of Truth listened closely like it was the Truth he has always sought for.
“You and I... We are meant to be together.”
"Stop teaching about the Truth."
How bold of them to demand such a thing.
Yet the Sage of Truth could not help but entertain it anyways. It's always better to hear out demands, he was interested in what kind of reasons this visitor of his had to say such words.
"Why must I?" he asked instead, probing for answers.
The guest stepped closer. The ray of light illuminated his visitor’s face, revealing the dark robes and shadows hidden within. It couldn't erase the golden locks of hair, the gold and blue eyes, and the oh so dreadfully familiar face.
The Sage of Truth could not stop himself from exclaiming delightedly, like he was greeting a beloved old friend of his.
‘Pure Vanilla Cookie, I've finally met you.’
"Aaahh, if it isn't the Truthless Recluse himself. To what do I owe such a pleasure?” is what the Sage of Truth said instead.
He continued to speak, ignoring the true words he wanted to say out loud. "It is said that the Truthless Recluse never descends from the Peak of Truth... How may this humble scholar be of service to you?"
The Recluse's eyes brimmed with sorrow, the sight caused the Sage of Truth to clench his fist tightly, restraining himself. Yet the words of the Recluse struck him more.
"Stop pretending. You know all too well that there is nothing at the Peak of Truth.”
‘Liar. Deceiver.’ rang in his head. ‘You were there.’ he didn't say. ‘Don't you remember?’ That would be pointless to ask.
What did you find when you reached the Peak of Truth? The Sage of Truth wondered as he looked at the Truthless Recluse. Did you truly find nothing? Or are you lying, like the Cookie of Deceit that you are?
Are you really the Pure Vanilla Cookie I met at the Peak of Truth?
The Sage of Truth did not ask. He knew the answer already.
He only pointed upwards and said, "Alas, the Truth is imperfect by design... and yet, one must not turn away from the light of one's own Truth.”
The visage of Pure Vanilla’s gentle smile overlapped with the Truthless Recluse’s sorrowful look. Unsightly. Imperfect, and yet the Sage of Truth could not turn away from his Truth.
And with a welcoming gesture, he added, "Not unlike yourself whose Truth is to protect others from anguish.”
You are still the same.
Yesterday's visitor was long gone. The Sage of Truth stared upwards, reminiscing that time at the Peak of Truth. It was so long ago.. He could still remember it clearly though. Further drove him to spread the Truth to seekers, so he could meet him, once again.
‘You already knew who I was and who'd you be, didn't you, Pure Vanilla Cookie?’
The Sage of Truth let out a sigh, it felt like it was merely yesterday when Pure Vanilla was beside him, chuckling so tenderly. Yet the perfect image he had of Pure Vanilla was stained by the Truthless Recluse, like ink dipped into clear waters.
Idly, he traced his fingers on his Souljam and remembered the same shape on Pure Vanilla, just tilted upside down and minus the slit of eye. Everything.. All the questions he had over that day.. It all clicked, when he finally met the Truthless Recluse.
Fitting, since the Truthless Recluse was who he sought to meet from the very start.
The Sage of Truth wondered, If Pure Vanilla and the Truthless Recluse are merely counterparts… Those intense feelings, the fondness that Pure Vanilla had for him..
Who was the Sage of Truth’s counterpart?
‘Was it me, whom you had met at the Peak of Truth, Truthless Recluse?’
Did he want to know?
Did he dare to seek the Truth like always?
The Sage of Truth smiled. He found his Truth. “We'll meet again,” he promised.
(1.2k words short fic; based on "At the Peak of Truth, Despair Not" Bond Story between Truthless Recluse & Sage of Truth, can be read as platonic or romantic)
“Why do you not tell your disciples of your name?”
A tap, carefully placing down the delicate yet priceless scroll. The Cookie adorned with white and gold looked at the other Cookie. Once again, another unprecedented visit by this guest.
“Oh? Is the Truthless Recluse seeking the truth now?”
A playful smile, mismatched eyes glinting with subtle intrigue. The other Cookie draped in black and gold merely looked away, disinterested unlike the former.
The Sage was used to it however, unable to keep his eyes away from the Recluse. It was hard not to take notice of that peculiar Cookie. Darkness always curling around the Recluse’s figure, robes dark as midnight, stark against the pearly whites of the square.
A huff, “My my, I know you do not like leaving your beloved peak, but do inform me of your visits beforehand, would you? You might scare away my students.” The Sage teased, watching the other, as he pulled a teacup from his other-realm. His feet left from the ground, untethered, as he crossed his legs.
The Recluse was quiet as usual, seemingly gazing at the paintings hung around the square. Ever since that fateful encounter, he did not speak more than necessary. It didn't explain his rather spontaneous visits though. As much as the Sage hated to admit it, he could not glean any answers from the elusive Cookie.
The Sage couldn't help but twitch in annoyance at the reminder, he sipped from his teacup to compose himself. There is nothing that he shouldn't know, this is the Truth he sought for, always seeking for…
“You did not answer my question.”
Oh?
The Sage couldn't hide his surprise. How unexpectedly uncharacteristic! The Truthless Recluse himself still trying to seek for answers? From the Sage of Truth too? How intriguing. Even more unexpectedly, the Recluse continued to speak!
“They all call you ‘The Sage of Truth’, but that's not your name. You did not give your name, why?” The square seemed to dim with darkness, yet the Recluse kept his back turned.
The Sage smiled in delight, the excitement of being able to educate, give Truth to those who seek was thrilling as always. He gracefully waved his hand to dismiss his teacup back to the other-realm, before clapping his hands.
“Why, it is such an honor to answer your question! Just like you, the Cookies themselves were the ones to bestow this title of mine. I did not see any fault in letting them do so.”
“Omission is lying, therefore you lied to them?” The Recluse finally turned around. His expression is as neutral as his words, not a hint of accusation, just asking a simple curious question. Ah, if he were his student, he'd be an exemplary one!
“Me? Lying? That is a bold assumption to make!” The Sage couldn't help but play with theatrics, placing his delicate hand on his chest. “No, of course not.” He huffed, then placed a finger on his lips, “They did not ask, did not wish to seek my Truth, therefore I did not provide either.”
The Sage of Truth would welcome any query with open arms if they truly wish to seek the answers to it. However, one would ask questions, if they wish to seek the Truth. If not, then how would they gain the Truth of it? There are always those who refuse to reach enlightenment…
Like, this Cookie, in front of him. Ah but that would be inaccurate, wouldn't it? Both of them have already reached it, it is merely the ending that has changed them both distinctively. Mismatched eyes locking with similarly mismatched eyes, yet so utterly different. Just like their fates.
As any good scholar would do, every after a question is answered, there should be more questions next. The Recluse was quiet once again, perhaps thinking about the answer? Nonetheless, it is the Sage’s turn with the questions.
“Pray tell, have you shared your own name, Truthless Recluse?” A genuine question, so curious of this fickle and mysterious Cookie. It's not everyday one could get an audience with the Truthless Recluse himself, much less ask a question.
The Recluse stood there in silence, eyes with dark rings underneath staring at the Sage. It is hard to tell whether the Cookie is looking at him judgmentally after that or simply unaffected as usual. That Cookie is always either wallowing in despair or disconnected from reality, nothing else.
The silence continued to stretch longer and longer, it was disappointing, really. The Sage could not hide the sag of his shoulders, it was fun to provide answers as the professor but he's still a scholar at heart, always seeking more. Perhaps he was too optimistic, hoping that the Cookie well known for Deceit, would give a sprinkle of Truth.
The clock chimed in the distance, signaling the time of the hour. The Sage of Truth has been here in the square much longer than usual even though his lectures are all done, done with the reviewing of his precious collection of scrolls too, all because of his inconsistent bizarre guest.
“Ah, alas, the day is ending soon. Care to come back tomorrow, or whatever time you prefer?” The Sage offered, not exactly expecting an answer as these attempts of his are usually met with the sudden disappearance of the Recluse.
However, the Recluse still stood there quiet, almost as if trying to blend and pass off as the shadows in the corners. The Sage watched, mildly amused yet curious. Is the Recluse perhaps waiting for him to go first before he would? But why so?
“.. My.. answer.”
Huh? The Sage wasn't hearing things, was he? His attention instantly focused on the unexpected voice of Truthless Recluse, and he watched with intensity, wondering.
“My name.. does not exist in this reality anymore.” Truthless Recluse spoke softly, his constant look of sorrow deepened as a tone began to seep into the supposedly monotonous voice.
The Sage of Truth parted his lips, staring at the other with obvious surprise. Was that.. an answer?... A Truthful one too? Given by the Truthless Recluse? What…
Within under seconds, the shock was immediately replaced with utter glee. The Sage could not stop the spread of his smile, fang showing and all, across his face.
“So you CAN tell the truth.”
The Truthless Recluse closed his eyes, speaking nothing, neither confirming nor denying, but the Sage knew the answer anyways.
Before the Sage could feel even more delighted, the Recluse spoke up again. With eyes closed, he asked, “Do you, remember your own name?”
Slightly taken aback by the rather simple, easy, common-sense of a question, the Sage opened his mouth to answer truthfully.
“Obviously, I do—!”
Then shut it abruptly.
The Truthless Recluse opened his eyes, darkened eternally crying eyes gazed at the Sage of Truth. The darkness seemed to grow around them, and the shadow of despair hanging over the Cookie of Deceit felt suffocating to the Cookie of Truth.
“Do you?”
When was the last time you were called by your name? How many titles have you been called now? Do you still remember your own Truth, after you've sought more? How long has it been…
Has your name been forgotten by this reality too?
The Sage of Truth; adorned with gold and whites, light and life, knowledge within every Truth, seeking and always seeking, spoke—
“With full certainty. I, of course, remember.”
The Truthless Recluse; draped in gold and black, darkness and sadness, hiding behind Deceit, wanting to protect, always, looked at him with similar eyes like his.
Tried a different way of rendering. Practically drew this in one sitting, I could never pass up the chance to draw more wings ✨ Oh, and, please check out Univarna's SevenAU!!!
I KNOW that the signature for wind element is butterflies BUT— when you think of wind, don't you think of birds?
(aka me trying to justify my obsession with drawing wings)
> Rant & ramblings below cut, basically an info dump of my thought process/reasonings behind thy art.
OKAY SO. I REALLY like wings, drawing a bunch of them is even better.
Wind = Birds ; Birds = WINGS !!!
While I did draw this with just the intent of being able to draw wings on my baby boi.. I couldn't help but add in some lore(?) behind it too y'know.
In BBB, wind is associated with butterflies (Maripos has butterflies, Kuputeri has butterflies, Taufan angst has so much butterflies–) I had thought that, maybe, just maybe that the association of wind with butterflies is for Windara only. Then for Earth, the association of wind is with birds.
Because, really. What are the creatures that practically live in the skies? That soar through the wind? Birds. And what symbolism do we see birds as? Freedom. The wind is meant to be the embodiment of freedom.
(That does, make the underlying angst of butterflies = wind even worse/better. Butterflies fly lower than birds, butterflies die within 1-2 weeks. What a fleeting existence, only meant to taste freedom for mere moment.)
I thought it'd fit more for BBB's wind element to be associated with birds instead of butterflies. (Windara can have all of the butterflies, thank you very much). It would be a significant distinction between Kuputeri and BBB too, wouldn't it? Hence, the birth of this drawing.
I wanted BBB to already have wings since tier 1 as Angin though. However, I still wanted to keep the progressive evolution of Angin riding in small tornadoes, Taufan riding on his hoverboard, and only then on Beliung can he actually fly.
As such, I drew it so that Angin's wings are undeveloped, can't fly yet. The wings are specifically positioned on the lower back so it'd would even be harder for Angin to try and fly. Angin has these baby blue wings that he can't really use yet.
Then when he evolves into Taufan— the wings, of course, develops as well. There's now a gradient of white feathers to blue feathers, a new layer of feathers. Much larger than before, but still not enough. He has to use his hoverboard. Additionally, tiny wings also have sprouted at the back of his ears. Why? Because why not. Also, that new pair of wings is to show that he's in Tier 2.
One pair of wings = Tier 1
Two pairs of wings = Tier 2
There comes the big change for Beliung though. Beliung can now fly. The wings have now matured enough to be able to take flight. Of course, the elephant in the room is obvious the fact; Beliung now has, not just 3, but technically, 6 pairs of wings. Truly taking on the appearance of a Seraph.
For this one, technically it should be; Three pairs of wings & three pairs of ear wings = Tier 3
(I have also kept the scarf for Beliung, I can never draw him without it. To give the poor boi less of a hassle, I drew it so that his scarf is mostly wrapped around his neck rather than the long ends freely trailing behind him. It would be too hard to fly with that scarf, the risk of it tangling with his wings is high.)
Now, you my dear reader, has probably noticed the last drawing on the bottom portion. It's Beliung again, but this time, there's even. more. wings. For me, this one is a special case.
The wings itself aren't really truly wings though. Those wings are merely a byproduct of wind manifestation. The more wings that appears = the higher the power that can be used. (This is really just me making things up, but it's fun, so why not?)
Beliung has the ability to manifest as many wings as he wants.
The catch is that— BBB, he's human. These wings are basically limbs, parts of him. He can't handle too many appendages as once. At maximum he can only have 6 pairs of wings in total. Having more would result in overstimulation and loss of control.
Beliung though, Beliung himself– the wind element itself, or when in elemental split; He can handle many wings at once, as much as he wants too, and I would assume the personification of wind itself would love to have many wings.
That's basically it. My obsession with wings have resulted in this art of mine. Angin/Taufan/Beliung has become the Biblically Accurate Angel that I've always wanted to draw <3
If you've actually read it fully to this point, props to you and thank you for reading this info dump of mines!
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