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The Mask of Knowledge

Game: Cookie Run: Kingdom

Relationship: Shadow Milk Cookie x You, Fount of Knowledge x You

Chapter: 13

Chapter Word Count: 13,337

Warnings: Angst, Violence, Mentions of Blood, is Kissing a warning? Shadow Milk himself is a warning though.

A/N: I apologize for the wait. I wanted to give my concussion a bit to heal before writing. Anyway- Enjoy my longest chapter yet. I also have a Discord server: here. If you would like Pre-Release art and notes! It's also where you can post your own stuff heh! This chapter is filled with references, let's see if you can catch them all! Sorry for the long note, enjoy the chapter. Comment if you would like to be @ when a new chapter releases!

@'s: @bleh-im-in-different-fandoms (Gah dayum is that hard to type in.)

Chapter 1: Here.

Chapter 13: Life and Death will always lead you into Love and Regret

You laid there awake for half of the night. Shadow Milk had entangled his limbs into every crevice they could find. His hair was a mess as well, the eyes in it kept staring at you. If you stared back at them, it wouldn’t take long for them to avert themselves. Back then, there was a signature scent that aired around him, Blueberries. There was none of that now, only a hint of cologne.

You didn’t even try and force him off. If you laying there was enough to keep him content, it was worth it. The trials would be pushed off to a later time, and he would be in a better mood.

“You’re just laying here and doing nothing. C’mooon, snuggle a bit!” Shadow Milk rubbed against your cheek.

“Why?”

“Because I said so.”

“Not an excuse.”

“Well, you’re no fun!” He stuck his tongue out.

“Who said I have to be fun?” You turned away from him.

He sat up, leaning on his hand, “No one… But can you ever be fun? You’ve been in such a grouchy mood lately that it’s been killing the mood of the Spire.”

You brought the blanket to your face, “Wasn’t that the whole point of making the rooms and hallways dark and gloomy? To try and kill any ‘fun moods’ as you call them.”

Shadow Milk plopped down on your side, his legs dangling off his side of the bed and his head near your stomach, “Well, yeeeess… But not for you! I can make an illusion if you don’t want to look at it all if you want.”

You turned your head away from him, talking into the pillow, “I’d rather not look at a lie all the time. If I am to be wandering around here, I would rather have to look at the harsh reality of my situation.”

“Why are you so obsessed with looking at the Truth?”

You couldn’t think of a nicer answer, “Because I don’t wish to end up like you. Corrupted… Alone… And to go against every moral I’ve ever had… It’s truly a fate I don’t want.”

He didn’t say anything, only sitting up.

“I see how it is.” Shadow Milk had gotten off the bed.

He was already at your door, not even taking a glance at you, “Breakfast will be in the kitchen. Feel free to grab some.”

You looked up at where the door had shut. You POSSIBLY could have worded it better, but who cares? It was your brutally honest truth.

-----------

The kitchen had been quiet. Ginger Brave, Wizard Cookie, Strawberry Cookie, and Pure Vanilla Cookie had been eating their fill in silence. Today’s breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs with bacon, coffee was in the pot and milk was in the fridge. No matter how much you wasted it, the milk would never empty. Anyway, you had grabbed a plate and joined them at the table.

You were the first one to speak up, “So… Ready for the trials…?”

“No.” It was a collective answer.

“I am not either. I did my best to stall him, but once there is a will from him, there will be a way to get it done.” You played around with your food.

“What will happen after all the trials are completed? Is there a prize? Or will there be more mind games for a long while?” Strawberry Cookie had poked your arm.

“…”

“The games won’t end until he gets what he wants, the Souljam…”

“I only assumed. To try and pull me and the Souljam down to a point where it is unbearable, and to give the other half to him.” Pure Vanilla took a long, slow sip of coffee. Black of course.

‘The combining of the two Souljams wouldn’t do much. The Souljam is basically something where they get their power from, trying to put the two together won’t do anything. It takes the person to change, not an accessory.’ You thought to yourself.

“Are you sure there isn’t ANYTHING you can do to help us Prof? To help us escape from here? We came for knowledge but it seems we trampled into a far more dangerous situation. Does Shadow Milk Cookie really mean all those threats?” Wizard Cookie inquired.

You stared down at your plate, “Yes… He really means it.” Oh right, the other part, “I don’t think I can help much. Last time I saw him, I left him in a bad mood. I feel like I have only made today worse.”

The group grumbled, until Ginger Brave spoke above their mumblings, “How do you know he means it? Like have you seen him follow through after a threat?”

You clenched your fists, creating white marks from your fingernails. Were you really going to tell children this story? “He… He has done despicable things. To me, to innocent lives, and to everyone around him. I’ve watched him sew chaos that plunged the world into war. He even tried lying that he wasn’t doing any of it, to attempt to hold onto the little sanity he had left.”

“What did he do to you? From what I observed, he adores you.” Black Sapphire Cookie appeared in the kitchen doorframe.

“I… I uhm…” You stammered.

“Spit it out, darling, we don’t have all day.” He grinned.

You glanced around at everyone, attempting to appear confident, “He had murdered my family and placed the blame on me; thus, I gained a criminal record and banishment from my village. Once the rumor had spread across lands, I am banned from over 40 cities and towns.”

You heard multiple comments, “Oh geez…” “That’s horrible!” “I expected it really.” “How could he do that?” “Why place the blame on them?”

“… Are you going to avenge them…?” Black Sapphire stood behind you.

“There’s nothing in my power that I could even do. Besides, it has been several centuries since it had happened… Although the information that he did it was quite new. Well- a year old by now.”

“CENTURIES!? WITCHES, HOW OLD ARE YOU?!” Wizard Cookie exclaimed.

You lightly smacked him on the head, “Never ask for someone’s age you buffoon! I’m only a few centuries old!”

Black Sapphire Cookie mumbled, “Half a millennia.” He snickered.

“I… I’m a little older than that… I feel old now.” You internally sobbed.

“If you’re old, then I’m old as well.” He ruffled your hair.

“Unc.” Wizard Cookie said.

You blankly looked at him, “Huh?”

Wizard Cookie just grinned.

Candy Apple Cookie had walked into the kitchen with a yawn, still dressed in her pajamas, “Gmornin.”

“Good morning, Candy Apple.” You started to pick up the dirty plates.

“Whatcha talkin about?” She rubbed her eyes.

“Nothing much. Just small talk.” Pure Vanilla Cookie stood up.

“Oh… Is breakfast ready yet?”

There was a collective “Mhm.”

Everyone started to file out of the room, leaving Candy Apple behind. The only noise in the Spire was just footsteps, awaiting what was to come.

-----------------

Now that you had finally woke up enough to look back on this morning, you had realized that you had made a terrible mistake. Shadow Milk was certainly going to punish either Pure Vanilla, or the kids out of anger, all because of a comment.

The only radical choice would be to apologize, but he was nowhere in sight. Not even a small area of blue eyes could give you hints. Wandering the halls of the Spire, it felt empty, as if the last resident had finally left. Candles were their normal yellowish-red, the forced gloom was non-existent, and no sound at all. You couldn’t even find a ‘puppet’ wandering the halls. Your aid was gone as well; suppose you would have to rely on your crutch a lot more now.

A sudden, but rash idea flew into your head…

‘This is the perfect time to escape! No security eyes, no staff, no Cookies, just a straight getaway!’ You grinned ear to ear.

Limping as fast as you could with your crutch, you headed straight for the main entrance. You would devise a plan to get Pure Vanilla and the kids out once you have mapped the outside area; although you weren’t too sure on how Candy Apple would react if you suggested bringing her too. You wanted her to have a normal life, to live out her teen years like a normal girl in high school, not living with one of Earthbread’s most dangerous threats.

With a large tug, you yanked on the door handle. It moved maybe a foot… But you were making progress!

. . . . . .

A black cloud surrounded the door handle, slowly crawling up your arms. You were too busy thinking of freedom to even notice. It started at your hands, up to your shoulder, and slid to the middle of your chest. THAT is when you noticed it. A sharp pain going through where your heart should be. It felt close to a heart attack, but not quite.

You tightly grasped at your chest, “Wha- What is this pain?!”

“That is the final security measure.” A voice spoke behind you.

You fell to your knees, “Make it stop! Make it stop!”

“I unfortunately can’t. The only way it will stop is a change of will and mindset.”

“Change… to the ways of Deceit I suppose…?” You balled up the rug below you.

“Something of the like.”

Maybe just thinking of lies would work. It worked in the Yogurt River of Rebirth, why wouldn’t it work now? Circling through memories, again and again, nothing soothed it. You were full on crying, begging for it to stop.

“Have you ever felt guilt for harming a Cookie?” The shadow loomed over you.

Your face darkened. Memories flashed through your head, the tribe’s people, your comrades… ⱦħē łīӻē ɏꝋᵾ ⱦꝋꝋҟ… You claimed it was for justice, but in reality… It was unnecessary. The comrade was already dead and you knew that, yet still, the attacking tribesman lost his life as well in that battle.

“What are you saying!? Just tell me the way to stop this!” You tried focusing on conjuring a healing spell.

“Do you regret… him?”

A small ball of light was conjured in your hand, placed at your chest, “I don’t have the slightest clue on what you mean.”

“Do you regret ever loving him? Do you regret even being with him? Do you regret trying to save a lost soul? Do you-“ It was cut off.

“YES! Yes! I do!” You tried wiping away your tears, the pain slowly calming down, “At first… definitely not. But once he turned against both of our morals, the things we stood by, took an oath to… It made me look at him in a different light. He was-IS a murderer, he’s murdered my loved ones, he’s tricked others into either losing their lives or becoming his minion, he’s done atrocious things to innocent lives, he’s manipulative, he’s… he’s…” The pain was gone, but emotions flooded the hole.

“Do you still love him? Even after everything?”

“…Yes…”

“Hmph.” There weren’t footsteps, but you could feel whatever that was had left.

You gazed down at your hand. Your fingertips were stained black at the tip, then faded to your skin near your palm. You tried wiggling them around to see if you had any loss of feeling or touch, thankfully not. Whatever that thing did, you only hoped it would wash off.

-------------

It didn’t, but it was time for the trials. So, you had to keep quiet about the matter as there was no clear chance to speak up about it. You grabbed an old pair of black gloves to hopefully cover your fingers.

You stared at your crutch from your desk, thinking. It was still a medical grade issue, but it was getting wore out by the amount you used it. Suppose it’s time to swap it out for another one? Or perhaps a cane instead?

An idea flew into your head.

The Fount of Knowledge’s staff. Before his corruption, it was used daily as that is where he held his Souljam. The Souljam is a divine gift given by the Witches themselves, a promise to Cookie-kind, an unspoken oath to serve; displayed right alongside its user in a grand gold staff. You remembered a day when visiting the Fount that he had allowed you a special liberty not given to any mortal Cookie.

------------

The Fount had plopped down into his office chair. The two of you were in his more… secret… office, away from all the demanding Cookies. It was there that he was more than comfortable to speak his mind. The office was placed in a more secluded area of the Spire, but was easily accessible. It also had a large window in the back of it as well!

He had been complaining about a random Cookie that aggravated him that day, “So this young mistress had come here to seek information about a school project… BY THE ACADEMY I OWN BY THE WAY!” The Fount had slammed his fist on his desk, clearly being fueled by anger as of the moment, “Do you know what she asked me? Go on, ask. Ask. Ask. Ask. Ask.” He pestered you, who had become a victim to his daily yapping session.

You were sat on the opposite side of the desk, “What did she ask?”

The Fount laughed angrily, a chuckle if you will, “She- She asked-“ He burst out into a laugh, but pushing through to speak his words, “She asked if I could basically do the whole thing for her! It’s something for testing week as well too! If I do it for her, she would basically pass with a 100% since I’m the one who created the damn test!”

He then continued to point out all the features of every stupid person he talked to until the sun had set. You had quite literally watched it go down until the cosmos in his hair resembled the wall length window behind him. It was like one of those classes you took during your college days. Where you had a small piece of paper, or a canvas, and tried to match it almost exactly to your background image to make it seem like the painting wasn’t even there. You did almost fail that class if it weren’t for some of your more experienced classmates to teach you a few tricks of the trade.

“-so you see, the Souljam has been acting up lately.”

“Huh?” You had zoned out.

“…” The Fount had blankly looked at you, “Did… Did you just not hear what I said?” He looked almost disappointed that you missed out on his rant.

“I heard some of it. Then I got distracted by thinking of paintings.”

“Would you like us to paint?”

“Not right now. Your voice is calming and I’d like to hear more.”

“Oh!” He held his face in his hands.

“Something about the Souljam?” You leaned your head on your hand.

“Ah yes!” He coughed, clutching his staff, “The gold beneath my hand starts to warm up occasionally. I thought it was just overuse of holding it, thus making it warm. However, this isn’t like one of those, it’s almost a BURNING hot.”

“What are usually the circumstances for it?” A simple inquiry.

“It’s normally when I’m talking to other Cookies.” The Fount had gazed at the Souljam.

“Perhaps a lie being spoke to you? Or misinformation of knowledge being spread?” It was all hypothetical theories being thrown out there.

“Try it. Lie to me, or- or just say something that’s entirely false.” He gripped the staff tightly.

He wouldn’t yell at you for small white lies, right? Afterall, he DID tell you to lie to him, “The grass is blue. The sky is green. Fire is cold. Ice is hot. Coffee-“

“Don’t disrespect Coffee like that… Although continue.”

“Books are made to be used as air. Pencils write like quills. A clock moves backwards.”

You had noticed that he had pulled his palm away from the staff occasionally, only allowing his fingers to hold it upright. Then he swapped the two out. It definitely was burning him; he just didn’t want to admit it.

Light Milk Cookie had chuckled, it had been rung out like honey, “Continue! These are funny!”

You glared at where his hand was, “Bags can’t hold things. Light is dark. Dark is bright. On means off. Off means on. Reality is an illusion. The universe is a hologram. Gold is light as a feather. Feathers are heavy.”

It had got to the point where he had just laid the staff on his lap.

“It burned?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“You got yourself a lie detector.” You grinned, folding your hands together and laying your head on top.

“The Souljam does wonderous things I suppose.” He lightly placed his hand on the Souljam.

Light Milk Cookie glanced up at you, eyes half lidded, and a small smile, “Would you like to hold it?”

“Eh?”

“The Souljam I mean.”

You immediately scooched your chair backwards, “WHAT?!” It took you a moment to fully process what he was asking of you, “You want… ME, to hold something so sacred?! Are you out of your mind? I cou-“

“Perhaps I am.” He had unlatched the gem from its holder.

You grasped at words, trying to form a coherent sentence. Hands tapping on the desk, attempting to calm down, were taken softly. Your hands were laid face up, the blue Souljam being placed on them. It felt… warm. As if it were full of life. Every few seconds it had pulsated like a heartbeat, was it truly his heart? If so…

You blushed ferociously. He had taken “giving you my heart” to a new level! And to think it was unintentional! You tried brushing it off as he probably didn’t know, right? Just being curious about a sacred gem, correct?

You held it up to your cheek, the warmth enveloping your entire face. If there was a blanket like this, your bank account might need more coins. Light Milk Cookie swallowed hard.

“Am I allowed to examine it? For research purposes as this is a once in a lifetime chance to be able to be this close to something as precious as a Souljam.” You glanced up at him.

His hand was covering his mouth, facing away from you. All he gave was a simple nod.

You were eager to start your study on it, quickly twisting and turning your hands to look at it from all angles. It looked pretty much the same, its normal light blue color. Funnily enough, the shape of it looked like an ice cream cone. Gently gliding your finger along its edges, you kept it on the bottom portion. It was a curious thought, was it sharp enough to injure?

Sure enough, it is. It pricked the pad of your thumb, blood slowly dripping out, “Interesting.” You sucked on your thumb to stop the bleeding.

You drew a pretend smiley face on it. The Fount’s breath had hitched.

“Are you alright?” You stopped what you were doing.

“Yep… Yep just… Keep-“ He inhaled sharply, hoping you would understand.

You pondered. If you did something to the Souljam, would it affect him? As an experiment, you VERY slowly traced your finger across the edges. You could see how he grasped at his chest, avoiding any looks at you while facing a different direction. His breathing was uneven as well. All quite interesting, you must say.

“Do you feel what the Souljam feels? Like if I were to punch it, would you feel it as well?”

“…Yes… Please don’t punch it though, it would hurt much more to me rather than it.” He had a fake look of untrust, although it was merely playful.

You looked down at it, ‘It appears as though this is just a power holder for the Virtues. If anything, it might hold their heart.’ It wasn’t as interesting now as it was before. You had learned more about it, thus, the curiosity died down.

You grabbed his staff, which was laying against the desk, and carefully put the Souljam back in its place, “It’s surely something to study, but based on my own deductions, I can already tell you what these do.”

“Do share.”

“Hmmm…” You grinned, “No, I don’t think I will. Keep you guessing, eh?”

“Such a minx you are.” The Fount simply sighed.

Muffled yells were beyond the window behind The Fount. You could obviously tell he could hear it as well, but tried his best to act like he didn’t. He never was a good actor when something stressed him out.

“What’s outside?” You finally spoke up.

“A balcony.”

“What’s outside the balcony?”

“Cookies.”

“Why are there Cookies?”

He chuckled nervously, “I may or may not have forgotten about my meetings today to spend time with you…”

You stood up, in a small fit of anger, “WHAT. You KNOW the kinds of Cookies that come to you! They’re gonna- Well they ARE enraged because of the meetings! I’m not that important to potentially get the Spire raided all because you wanted to skip a few things!”

The Fount had shrunk in his seat. Not in the way you would think, but the literal way. He had changed his size to one of a child, looking up at you like a parent scolding their kid after they had done something bad.

“And don’t think that little… cute… adorable… act of being small will waver-“ You took one large breath, “Okay I wavered. C’mere while we go sort this out.” You extended your arms.

“Uppies.” He climbed right into your arms.

“Shut up.”

With one large swing of opening the glass door to the balcony, you saw almost an army of Cookies waiting outside, “What…?”

“There he is! The liar!” Screamed several Cookies.

The Fount had immediately gotten out of your hold, instead standing behind you.

You summoned a microphone, it was an old one that was never in use, “Dare I say, WHAT is the issue today?!”

One larger Cookie spoke up, “The Virtue lied! All of us had important discussions we needed to speak with him about, and you know what? He told us, ‘I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.’ And NOW, someone has died because of his incompetence to uphold a basic statement!”

Hundreds of Cookies all started explaining their issues at the same exact time, crowding one another. That is until a torch was raised by what seemed to be the leader of the mini revolution.

He was atop a horse with a heavy Southern accent, “Heed my words, Assistant. If you do not bring out the Virtue of Knowledge at this moment… He isn’t leaving this tower. The Grand Spire of All Knowledge will be burnt to ashes.”

You started to breathe heavily, hands shaking, and lip quivering. You were scared. Scared for your life, scared for Light Milk’s, scared for any innocent life to be caught in what was to happen, and scared to be in a life-or-death situation.

Light Milk had tugged on your sleeve, gazing down at the Cookies ready to burn down his pride and joy. However, he grew in size, stepping in front of you, “And heed MY words. You really dare to burn this place? Endanger countless innocent lives, whether it be your comrades here today, or the people under my protection… Lives will be lost… And it will be your fault.” He coughed, “Continuing, I shall reschedule appointments. I also deeply apologize for any negative things that has happened due to my absence, I will offer paid therapy and cover funeral expenses for the ones who have lost lives.”

It was a long moment of silence, occasionally the whisper or two discussing on what they should do…

Until a rock was thrown not even a foot away from your head.

Cookies had followed suit, throwing rocks or miscellaneous objects towards the balcony. You had tried conjuring a shield spell, but The Fount had taken your wrist to stop you from doing so, “Go inside, I will deal with this.”

“What?” You had to doge a rock, “I can’t just leave you out here in harm’s way!” Another rock.

The Fount had looked so, so tired. He took all the blunt blows of the rocks with no protection spell or armor, “I deserve this… I have done such a terrible job as the Witch’s Envoy… I’ve failed at being a teacher, a leader, someone to look up to… I’ve failed at being a Cookie…” He looked like he wanted to cry, but perhaps… There were no tears left to cry.

You pounced on him, hoping to gain cover from the large stone railing, “The hell do you mean? You’re by far the best Cookie I have ever met. You are a great teacher, a great leader, and I look up to you. I try and live up to your living legacy… just because of how you are.” You held his face with one hand, “You are a great Cookie. Never think you are anything less than that. Words from meaningless Cookies shouldn’t mean that much, they’re just jealous of you and your intellect.” You brushed through his hair with your other hand, occasionally twisting a strand of the cosmos, “I’d say… Don’t listen to the negative comments, they’re only out to get you, and everyone else. If you can be a great role model for me, then perhaps you might be someone else’s. Maybe a kid wishes to grow up to be a scholar like you… Or to be as kind and caring as you.” You gently swayed your thumb across his cheek.

Tears flowed out of his eyes, smiling, “Thank you… for everything.” He sniffed, “You have been the greatest part of my life yet, and I have all of our lives to spend it together with you.” Light Milk Cookie had held your face, leaning in closer.

Smack.

A rock had hit your head. It had rendered you unconscious and out of The Fount’s grasp. Blood gushed out of your head and you needed medical treatment, STAT.

------

Even in the present day, you couldn’t remember the events that happened after that. Being told by a doctor, you had been given a concussion. You were ultimately sure that whichever Cookie had thrown it, they were already long gone by now. There was no point in revenge, nor did you hold any grudge against them.

Now you pondered where you store The Fount’s staff back when you gained control of the Spire, ‘If I remember correctly, it should be in somewhere in the office.’ And to there you went. The secluded office.

-

Under the wallpaper, there was a secret brick that you had to push. You had it installed no later than when you gained the staff, ensuring that it would be safe. Feeling around, a piece had dropped.

“Hah! Guess I still remember it!” You felt accomplished as the wall dropped backwards and slid to the left.

There it was. The golden staff. It had collected quite the amount of dust over the years, but you could tell it was it already. A quick spell of air did the trick. The light blue crown had distorted into sharp edges, and there was a large hole where the Souljam used to go.

You had laid the staff against the window, and took off your gloves, placing them on the desk. What a shame, your fingers were consumed by the darkness, slowly spreading to your palms. You only hoped it wasn’t contagious. Gripping the staff tightly, you tried walking around with it to see if it was comfortable; it was. Great, it would be your new staff instead of your crutch.

It had spread to the staff as well. Darkness engulfed the bottom part of the staff, and stems of darkness had been sprouting where the Souljam would go. A sphere had formed with one large eye.

You had almost dropped it then and there, but you had to remind yourself that it would potentially break due to its age, “The Witches is this?!”

“A simple way to keep an eye on you.” The eye had spoken.

“It’s you again… Oh dear…” That blasted thing again. Why couldn’t it leave you alone? You had already learned your lesson from your last escape attempt, was it really going to be after you just to prevent you from escaping again?

“I have already learned my lesson; there is no need to helicopter over me.” You tried to shake it out of the staff.

“I am not here to watch you try and escape. You are simply an interesting character to observe; I have taken that into notice.”

“Are you going to be here the entire time I use this staff?” You finally stopped, staring at the top of it.

“Until the darkness fully consumes you… Yes.”

“The hell does that mean?” You slammed the staff on the ground.

“You’ll see. Now, now, don’t you have a trial to attend? Best to not be late.”

“I hate how you’re right.” Sighing, “I will allow you to stay there on one condition.”

“That is?”

“Don’t cause another one of those minor heart attacks again. You had almost scared the living shit out of me! Figuratively and literally!” You had clutched your chest.

“No promises, but I will try my best.” If it had a mouth, it would have a punch-able shit eating grin right about now.

You had picked up your gloves, placing them back on, “What even is your name? Do you even have one?”

It was silent for a moment, but it broke the silence not long after, “The Light of Regret… Call me ‘Lor’ if you would like.”

“Quite the interesting name, I’ll give you that, Lor.” You had stomped off out of the office, locking it shut with all of its locks. Took you a solid three minutes to do so.

“Tut, tut. Name shaming? I never thought you would stoop so low. I suppose that fits you. Judgmental, rude, hard headed, seeking truths that are insipid, and-“

“SHUT UP.”

It chuckled.

------------

Ah yes, one of THE largest staircases known in the Spire. It was a direct shot to the top of the Spire, only having one door each floor for access to it. If you wanted a specific floor, you would have better luck trying the other staircases. This one was the exact one you had to take everyday from your early college days, to when the Spire had been destroyed. Sweet nostalgia hits in the darkest times, doesn’t it? However, instead of the grand, luxurious, and warm feeling staircase, it felt like it went on endlessly, broken down, and cold. You always remembered the Spire had heated flooring as The Fount walked barefoot, but now it seems the boiler room was inactive for the stairs and floors. The Winter days when you didn’t feel like putting on slippers were the harshest, you had learned that lesson quite well.

Step after step. It felt like you could spend hours trekking up here and STILL not reach your destination. You did however sigh in relief when you could hear talking, at least you were getting closer to them.

“So! Who’s up for volunteers?” Black Sapphire had exclaimed.

“Volunteers for what exactly?” You had reached a midway point where the party was.

“Professor! You’re awake!” Strawberry Cookie and Ginger Brave had run towards you.

“Ahah, yes children.” You simply pat their heads.

“What’s that scepter you have there?” Wizard Cookie took a step forward.

You swung it around a bit, “A relic I had stored ages ago. My crutch was getting into disrepair and I needed a new one. Might as well put this back into use again.”

“Instead of simply asking… You had to use THAT?” Candy Apple Cookie had rolled her eyes, “What a piece of history. It couldn’t have been left there? In history?”

“Hey! It’s a perfectly good scepter and it still can deliver support for this body of mine.” You felt slightly offended.

“Why? Why that?” Shadow Milk Cookie had breathed heavily.

“I just expl-“

“No. Give me that. NOW!” He had lunged for it.

A cloud of darkness consumed his arm, “Back off.”

Shadow Milk had quickly retreated, “The fuck is that?!”

“Lor. My new… Well, I don’t know what to call the blasted thing, it’s a complicated relationship.”

“Why is it in MY staff?! Get it out! Out!” Shadow Milk was enraged, clawing at the top of the scepter.

“I’ve tried, Shadow Milk. It will not leave the staff even after I have shaken it several times.” You had demonstrated shaking it.

“Stop shaking me! You’re making me nauseous.”

A small pain was sent through your chest.

“F…fuck…” You mumbled, clutching your chest, the shaking had stopped due to it.

“Witches, is that the only way that I will get you to stop?”

“I have asked you, again and again, to take that damn shawl off… And now you are trying to take this scepter as well? What are you trying to do? Copy me? To take my old ways? To try and bring truth to this… THIS WRETCHED WORLD!” Shadow Milk had been shaking with anger, pushing others away. It wasn’t a push per se, but more or less throwing them a full hallways length away with a touch of magic.

“…”

“ANSWER ME!” He had shaken you by your collar.

“Yes.”

“Why…? Why would you try and serve these blasted Cookies? You have SEEN what they have done to me. You have even taken part of one of many acts against me! They are ruthless when they can’t accept the truth… Yet you still want to help them?” Small bits of tears swelled up in the corners of his eyes.

“Shadow Milk, let me expla-“

“NO!” He had let go of you, “I don’t want to lose you to them! Can’t you understand? They will hurt you; they will harm you; they will deceive you into believ-“

“SHUT UP. Let. Me. Explain.” You had finally snapped, “You think I haven’t thought of all that? Of course I have! It has tortured my mind for centuries! All because of you. I was devastated to know that you had caused such a calamity… And to know that you had lied to me about it!? I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t WANT to believe it. That is until I had found out for myself at the Silver Tree of everything you had done. I can’t even place it all on you, the other Virtues fell to cause their chaos as well. But I’m more pissed with you. You had DECEIVED me into thinking you were helping!”

Shadow Milk had yelled, “I WAS TRYING TO HELP!! I thought, that I could reshape Earthbread into a place where it was peaceful, where there wasn’t any harm to be done, where there-“

“WELL CLEARLY YOU DIDN’T! The world had to FIX itself because of you and your friends. It had to restart itself. I, had to restart. I thought I could make the world better, to give Knowledge to others. And guess what? It had worked… Until the war.”

“What war…? Where was I during this? Still stuck in the Silver Tree?” He now had a look of confusion rather than one of anger.

“The Dark Flour War. Pick up a book to inform yourself of what had happened during your absence, will you?” You had huffed.

“What exactly did you do? What do you mean it had worked? What?”

“I… Took your place. It was entirely accidental of course, but I was given the title ‘The Source of Knowledge’ for my efforts. I had rebuilt the Blueberry Academy into a high-school, the Blueberry Yogurt Academy. I had rebuilt some of the Spire that had been destroyed during the Beast War, opening it up to the public. Of course, I was still new to the occupation so I did not allow meetings. Instead, offering up the countless libraries we held here in the Spire for free use.” You sighed, “It had actually worked. The Cookies that came actually sought knowledge for themselves instead of merely asking for it.”

Shadow Milk was just listening. He appeared to have calmed down from his rush of anger.

“That is until the Dark Flour War… Where everything had turned sour.” A look of grief crossed your face, “Dark Enchantress Cookie had been chaotically causing chaos. Killing hundreds of thousands of innocent lives. Wreaking havoc onto every building in sight… Including the Spire and Academy.” You had leaned on your staff more, “There was nothing I could do to stop it. I tried making defenses, but it didn’t work. The best I could do was evacuate everyone before it all collapsed. It had all been destroyed…”

“Oh…”

“Living in the Faerie Kingdom was albeit a bit boring. I tried taking on several jobs, but nothing could compare to the workload of my previous occupation. Time had felt to have been slowed down. Before, it felt like a life could blink past you. A student I had taught could have already been in their old age before I even knew it. Then, it slowed down immensely. Work days at the Faerie Library felt like they would never end.”

Shadow Milk had stared at you for a couple of minutes, just gazing into your eyes. Unexpectedly, he had taken your available hand, trying his best to free your other one from the scepter. You just allowed it to be dropped, placing your hand in his.

“I… Had felt the same. But under different circumstances. Time felt rushing past me, never having enough of it. Deadlines were my worst enemy.” He chuckled lightly, then smiled, “But it all slowed down when I had met you.” His cerulean eye had lightly turned back to a light, pastel yellow, “I couldn’t have spent enough time with you. It felt great being by your side. Whenever you were around, I couldn’t wait to get rid of my work to be with you. The workday had felt much longer than it was.” Shadow Milk had lightly held your chin, “Because I love you. I couldn’t be as happy as I am now without you. I wanted… No, want, to spend more time with you. I want you by my side again. I want you… to love me again.”

He leaned in closer, lightly pecking your lips.

You had thrown your arms around his neck, “Who said I ever stopped?”

He simply smiled, leaning his forehead against you. He started to pepper your face with kisses, occasionally biting on your ear.

Pure Vanilla Cookie had finally returned to where he was visible, clearly a little out of breath with climbing all of those stairs again. The kids followed him along with Black Sapphire and Candy Apple.

Black Sapphire Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie stopped in their tracks, the kids bumping into them.

“What happened?” Candy Apple tried to look around Black Sapphire.

He coughed, “It appears we are interrupting a moment…”

“I do say, yes, we are. I suggest leaving with the kids?” Pure Vanilla Cookie had offered to Black Sapphire.

“Yes, lets.”

“Hold up you two!” Shadow Milk’s eye had returned to its normal cerulean color, leaving the embrace, “Don’t think I will just allow you to escape from the little game I have planned for you today!” He had walked over like a diva, circling around Pure Vanilla.

“Oh great… Golly, I am SOOOOO glad to be a part of this wonderous game… yayyyyy…” Pure Vanilla Cookie was clearly so done with this man.

You had picked up your scepter with a smile, ‘I don’t know how… But he had an inch of sanity being revealed… By me? Let’s see if I can make that be shown once again!’ You internally giggled, ‘He has gained some confidence as well. Back then, it was just accidental love poems being read aloud or I could make him blush with a small comment. Now it seems as he has gained some bravery.’

Lor had whispered, “You know… That had hurt. To be dropped for something as terrible as that? It was truly a sight for sore eyes. I’d hate to be the innocent eyes that had to experience that. Thank the Witches I only have one.”

“I need you to shut up.” You had lightly slammed the staff.

“Don’t you regret it? To have done something like that in front of the kids? To be shown kissing the villain in their eyes could lose a lot of trust in you. Not even an hour’s worth of explaining could help your case.”

“GENUINELY… Shut the fuck up.”

“Hmmm… No.”

“I won’t give you eyedrops.”

“NO WAIT-“

“Just what I thought.”

------------

You couldn’t understand what kind of game they were playing. Was it poker? No, too many cards. An extensive game of Black Jack? Still no. Perhaps it was tarot cards, they were speaking of future’s so it would make sense. The kids had been turned to cards along with Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie too.

It was odd. Shadow Milk Cookie had given several ‘second chances’ to the cards and Pure Vanilla. Quite out of character for him in your opinion.

“We kindly prepared rooms for you! You’ll find them most comfortable! Oh, and don’t even think about running away. You see, there’s nowhere to run from the top of the tower! Hehe.” Shadow Milk had stacked up the cards into one pile, “Unless you want to drop down and shatter into pieces! Who knows, your friends might follow suit? AFTER ALL, their position is far from enviable here!”

Oh, how you held back. You had wanted to smack him right then and there, whether it be with your staff or hand, as long as he got hit, you didn’t care which way. However, you picked your battles and didn’t… yet.

All of you were rushed out, told to go ‘practice card skills’ because apparently Pure Vanilla wasn’t great at tarot reading. Beats the hell out of you, you had never gotten that far into studying how they worked. It was mainly The Fount’s thing to learn.

The party had split into two groups. A, Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla. B, everyone else. It was a tossup between keeping an eye on the chaos bean, or to help protect the kids. You knew Black Sapphire wouldn’t allow anything to happen to them, yet you weren’t too keen on leaving them with Candy Apple Cookie. Leaving Pure Vanilla Cookie was also a tricky one. With no one by his side to keep him from falling into Deceit was a risky situation.

‘I… I’ll go with the kids. As long as Pure Vanilla knows the kids are safe, there will at least be a bit of clarity.’

And off you went to catch up to them.

---

The cards had been shoved into a dark purple bag Black Sapphire now carried. You could hear tiny screams to stop shaking them, and you did try and reiterate it… But you were quickly overtalked by Candy Apple whenever you tried.

Candy Apple Cookie had stopped in her tracks, “Black Sapphire Cookie!! Black SAPPHIRE CooKIE! BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE!”

He was clearly annoyed, “One time is enough. What is it?”

“Telll me, what are YOU gonna do with the cards?” She inquired.

You pondered that too, ‘What IS he going to do with them?’

He had a monotone voice with a touch of annoyance, “Try my best to keep them safe, as Master Shadow Milk Cookie ordered, obviously.”

She giggled, “Oh reaalllyyyy?”

Black Sapphire backed off, “…Stop it. I don’t like when you stare at me like that.”

He was right. She DID have that mischievous glint in her eyes. However, it was finally time for her to speak her idea, “Oh, you know, I’ve been thinking… Why don’t we let these Cookies go?”

‘Great idea Candy Apple. I will gladly take them off of his hands.’

His voice clearly told the tale that he was sick of her bullshit, “Say what now? Where did you even get such an idea…?”

“I’ll be glad to take them if you wish.” You had stepped forward, “I’ll take good care of them, I’ve taught kids so I know how to handle them.” Your plea was quickly dismissed.

“Just listen! I know you know what I’m talking about! Shadow Milk Cookie… is acting weird…er than usual!” Candy Apple Cookie tugged on Black Sapphire’s coat.

Looking back, she was correct. Black Sapphire Cookie could even admit as well, “…Hm, yes, he is not a Cookie who gives… multiple second chances.”

You ultimately decided to stop trying to butt in on their conversation. They were clearly ignoring you.

“RIGHT?! And, and! Back when we played chess! Did you see it?! Did you see how happy he was?!” Candy Apple had taken a step away from Black Sapphire, “I… I’d give all, ALL my syrups… AND MORE! Just for a glimpse of my beloved Shadow Milk Cookie’s smile…” She stomped her foot, “But those Cookies…?! UGH! They mad me feel… SO, SO JEALOUS!!”

You silently prayed in relief, ‘Thank the Witches that she did not see what happened earlier. Although I do have to say, her obsession with him is quite strange. Perhaps as Black Sapphire Cookie said, maybe she seeks validation from him?’

Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie started bickering while you had been in thought, ‘It is a little bit expected. The Fount held a deep hatred for when he was being lied to. To create something he made out of something he despised though? That must’ve been rough for Candy Apple. Either I, or Black Sapphire had to take care of her instead of the one that had created her. Almost felt like a disownment. I can see that Light- Shadow Milk has done a better job at it although. He at least pays minor attention to her, giving her ‘special’ jobs even though they just seem like errands.’ You sighed, ‘When will either of them learn to wake up?’

A voice in your head spoke, “You’re thinking awfully hard about something that isn’t your problem. Why?”

‘Lor?’

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. I will leave that up to your imagination.”

‘Just shut up, Lor.’

“I am not speaking.”

‘Get out of my head then.’

“No.”

You grumbled. All because of a failed escape attempt, did this monster really have to follow you around? He’s even getting into your head! Is there any way to kill this thing or will you have to find some ancient spell to remove him?

‘Fine.’

A quite sudden shove knocked you out of your conversation. Candy Apple Cookie had shoved Black Sapphire away after she had successfully taken the bag away from him. The bag had ripped and the cards had spilled all over the floor.

“YOU LITTLE BI-“ Black Sapphire almost lunged at her.

You had to hold him back, “Now, now, Black Sapphire. No need for violent language around the kids.”

“RUN MY COOKIES, BE FREE!” With a puff of smoke, she had turned the kids back to their original selves.

With small debates amongst the kids, they eventually fled. You were at least giving them a bit before you had released Black Sapphire Cookie. It was almost like holding back a tiny dog from catching a small animal, feisty, clawing, and talking back.

“RELEASE ME OR I SWEAR I WILL-“

“Shh.”

“DON’T ‘SHH’ ME!”

“Shhhhhh.”

“LET ME AT HIM!” Candy Apple had tried landing a hit on him while he couldn’t move, however unfortunately for her, she was easy to pick up.

So, with your left arm, you held Black Sapphire. With your right, you held Candy Apple up in the air. Simply diffusing a dog fight, that is all.

---

You had hardly escaped from them. You had looked like you had just been involved in a cat drama; full of scratches and minor wounds.

You had hidden behind a wall out of sight down the hallway, hoping to at least hear if they would act civil now or if one of them would go looking for the kids.

“Well, well, well! I hear someone was a bad Cookie. Now what should I do with you? Tear you to shreds, here and now?”

You heard a small rip.

“Hmmm… Hold on a moment! Our little friends likely went to Pure Vanilla Cookie. Just what could be happening in his chambers…?”

“Hm… You wish to volunteer? Very well, I trust you might find out something useful!”

You didn’t bother to hear the rest. All you were focused on was finding the kids as fast as you and your staff could take you.

---

You had quickly found them. They didn’t make much coverage via running. They at least made it across several hallways. Standing in front of a room, they had entered with hope that it was Pure Vanilla’s.

You didn’t have the heart to tell them. At least you could negotiate with the staff in that room.

It had been one large room that looked almost like a hallway. Paintings adorned the walls, ceiling, you name it. It had actually been one of the most famous parts of the Spire back in the day, Cookies had flocked to visit it once it had been revealed. The Fount was a very skilled painter and often hung his works in that hallway, you never had the guts to take any of the paintings down yourself. If anything, you added onto them. The add-ins weren’t the greatest, but you had centuries of practice so you were bound to improve. It was its own built-in museum for the Spire of Knowledge. You had even offered historical tours of it to explain each style of painting.

“Brush, Stroke, Dab!” The Painters of Lies had chanted, “Liven up the old boring truth with an intricate pattern of lies! More details! More colors!” “And spare no paint! Broader strokes! More layers!”

All the paintings… Had been redone…? Filled with the very lies you despised.

Surprisingly, all the ones you had added ages ago had not been painted over. OF COURSE it had to be the ones you didn’t like. You thanked yourself that you were able to salvage most of the paintings in your sub-space inventory stored along side all the books before the tower crumbled.

“All together! All together! Move your brushes! Brush, Stroke, Dab!” From what you observed, they were mass producing THEIR version of the painting.

One Painter of Lies had noticed your group. She immediately accused of everyone being trespassers. However, how could they trespass if they were technically stuck here? Same as you. You had to be dragged out of the room while you mumbled on about the loophole.

The next room was one made for weaving, ‘Ah, I remember this room. It was one shown to me by Candy Apple during her tour. She loves visiting this place. I’m not too sure if the Head Rumor-Weaver and I are on good terms, but let’s hope for the best.’ A clearly fake smile was planted on your face.

The Head Rumor-Weaver had stopped her duties, “Ohoo! What do we have here? Cookies, mm?”

“Who are you?” Ginger Brave asked bluntly.

“Hm, I take it that you’re not from around here? I’m the Head Rumor-Weaver.”

Ginger Brave thought he understood, but his tone betrayed him, “Oh! …What’s a ‘Rumor-Weaver’?”

You didn’t want her to yap endlessly when the four of you were on a quest, so, you spoke for her, “Rumor’s and gossip come in many kinds and it is the Head Rumor-Weaver’s job to turn those into fabric. There are countless forms of rumors so it requires skill, for example, Absurd, Baseless, Insidious, etcetera. She can tailor specific Rumor-Fabric to what kind you need.”

She stared at you blankly, with all six of her… eyes? “Yes… I was just about to say that…”

The Head Rumor-Weaver had shown all of you around her area. She even did a demonstration on how rumors are spun into fabric. You had tried the hobby only once; it came out nicely. You had made a light see-through shawl. But it was made out of the rumor that you were a murderer. You had vowed to never wear it, even almost burning it once. Something about it made you decide to keep it, to banish it to your closet instead.

You were too distracted by spinning the wheel, thinking. It took Wizard Cookie tugging on your sleeve to gain your attention, “Come on. She gave us directions to where Pure Vanilla Cookie is. Let’s go!”

Thus, yet again, getting dragged to another place. But not before the Head-Rumor Weaver could give you all a warning, “Never-and I mean, NEVER-open the door located in the middle of the hallway. It’s where they make the Phyllo Dough Masks! One wrong step and you may end up losing your own face! Hehehe…”

You piped in, “She’s right. I had almost lost mine one day when I was being curious. Thankfully I had enough sense to run… well to the best of my ability, away.”

“But how can I lose my…? N-no, I don’t wanna know!” Strawberry Cookie was fearful.

With a few thanks, off the group went.

---

‘This isn’t right… The chambers aren’t down this way.’ You were severely behind all of the kids who were running.

Dashing down the hallway, they eventually realized it was the wrong way. You slowly caught up and just observed them. You didn’t quite know where Pure Vanilla Cookie is, but you had a general idea of where he was. Now it’s up to the kids… No wait- You should lead them.

“The Rumor-Weaver lied!” Ginger Brave exclaimed.

“It’s kind of in the name…” Strawberry Cookie sighed.

“Eh, I guess this one’s on us. We shouldn’t trust anyone inside the Spire of Deceit.” Wizard Cookie had turned to the opposite way, “Now, this path looks right…!”

You had tensed up; only fearing the gaze that would befall you. Luckily for you, the kids didn’t think on it much. You released a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Lor was right… Trust could easily be broken if they started inspecting everything you did. Whether it be if they questioned why you were here, if Shadow Milk was getting too up close and personal, or rather it be why he wanted YOU stuck in the Spire. They were bound to be suspicious, so why haven’t they inquired on it yet? Did you hold THAT much trust with them? It’s odd although, you had met them for barely a full day. Why would they hold you in such high regards?

Why do you hold them in high regards too…?

Ⱦħēɏ ⱥɍē ꝋꞥłɏ ꞡꝋīꞥꞡ ⱦꝋ đɍⱥꞡ ɏꝋᵾ đꝋⱳꞥ. Ɏꝋᵾ ⱳꝋɍɍɏ ⱦꝋꝋ ᵯᵾȼħ. Ⱳħɏ ƀē ȼꝋꞥȼēɍꞥēđ ӻꝋɍ ⱥ ӻēⱳ Ȼꝋꝋҟīēꞩ ⱦħⱥⱦ đꝋꞥ'ⱦ ēꝟēꞥ ᵯⱥⱦⱦēɍ? Đꝋ ɏꝋᵾ ꝑīⱦɏ ⱦħēᵯ ɉᵾꞩⱦ ƀēȼⱥᵾꞩē ⱦħēɏ ⱥɍē ҟīđꞩ? Ꝋɍ īꞩ īⱦ ⱦħⱥⱦ ɏꝋᵾ ꞩēē ɏꝋᵾɍꞩēłӻ īꞥ ⱦħēᵯ? Ȼᵾɍīꝋᵾꞩ, ƀɍⱥꝟē, ꞩħɏ, ⱥꞥđ ēⱥꞡēɍ ⱦꝋ łēⱥɍꞥ. ₲ɍꝋⱳ ᵾꝑ. Ɏꝋᵾ ȼⱥꞥ'ⱦ ꞩⱥꝟē ⱦħēᵯ. Ⱳħɏ ꞩħꝋᵾłđ ɏꝋᵾ ƀꝋⱦħēɍ? Łēⱦ ⱦħēᵯ đīē. Đꝋ ɏꝋᵾ ēꝟēɍ ɍēꞡɍēⱦ ƀēīꞥꞡ ᵯⱥđē? Đꝋꞥ'ⱦ ɏꝋᵾ ⱳīꞩħ ɏꝋᵾ ħⱥđ ⱦⱥҟēꞥ Ⱳħīⱦē Łīłɏ Ȼꝋꝋҟīē'ꞩ ꝑłⱥȼē ⱥⱦ ⱦħē Ⱳīⱦȼħēꞩ ƀⱥꞥꝗᵾēⱦ? Īꞥꞩⱦēⱥđ ꝋf ƀⱥɍēłɏ ēꞩȼⱥꝑīꞥꞡ, ɏꝋᵾ ꞩħꝋᵾłđ ħⱥꝟē ɉᵾꞩⱦ ƀēēꞥ ⱥⱦēꞥ.

‘…Lor… Is that you talking…?’

‘Lor?’

Your body shook ever so slightly, grip loosening on your staff. Your eyes were unfocused and your breath was heaving, the area around you felt like it was spiraling. You swore that you heard one large sound, but it was muffled… Everything was muffled with a slight ringing.

What knocked you out of your senses was Strawberry Cookie clinging onto you tightly. Black Sapphire Cookie was in front of the group, ready to attack. He was rambling on about cameras or viewer discretion.

Ginger Brave held his candy cane sword, armed for a fight. Whereas Wizard Cookie held his staff, ready to cast a spell.

Black Sapphire Cookie was about to conjure something… But you weren’t going to allow him to injure the kids.

Your feet moved before you had even thought about it. Conjuring a defense spell around the kids, you and Black Sapphire stood alone outside the bubble of a defense.

“Dearest Professor… My issue is not with you, if you will be so kind to move out of the way… That will be greatly appreciated.” He held a forced smile, trying to appear civil with his microphone for a cane. He was clearly angered, maybe even annoyed.

“Black Sapphire… I’m afraid I cannot. I will not allow you to injure these kids as long as I am here to protect them.” You had slammed your staff on the ground.

“Then I’m afraid that we will have an issue.” The microphone had become a sword.

“Perhaps.”

You weren’t too familiar with the staff yet, but you knew transfiguration spells. With several spins, it had become a polearm. The blade was faded out in black while the handle was plated with gold, a small mint blue tassel hung at the end of it.

“I’ll give you one more chance to change your mind.” He had held the sword behind his back, closing his eyes as he appeared confident, “One… Two…”

With one glance at the terrified children, you had decided against other methods. Instead, forming the head of the polearm back to its original form. With one large swing, you had blunt forced Black Sapphire into near unconsciousness.

“Don’t even try to touch them.”

The kids had just cheered. ‘That’s a little morbid. To cheer after someone had nearly knocked another person out? Strange. Perhaps they are used to the conflicts of battle.’

The defensive spell had died down, the kids being set free, “Run.”

With that one word, they did as told without question. With a sigh, you knelt down to his level, “I’m sorry. Do you need any help?” You had extended your hand, a small ball of light shining in it; the other one held onto the reformed staff.

“If you will…”

You had tried your best to heal whatever wound you might’ve inflicted on him, including Candy Apple Cookie’s minor scratches on him as well, “I truly am sorry. Just please… Leave them alone…”

Black Sapphire had looked around before mouthing, “It’s just an act.”

You let out a small hum, quickening your duties.

It was odd. You had felt no nausea or weakness after all of those spells. Normally, a basic levitation spell would leave you bedridden for a day or so. Today was different. Was it perhaps the adrenaline coursing through your veins? Or was it something else…?

-----

With great power comes great responsibility they say. However, if you have too much responsibility… Perhaps the saying had been reversed for this case.

The group had been looking around the large hallways at a slow pace. You quite enjoyed it. However, with one small inspection, the darkness had consumed your entire hands, creeping its way up your forearm. What was happening? You didn’t know. All you could do was experiment.

You had tried miniscule versions of spells. Healing, fire, light, plant, aquatic, you name it…

Nothing had changed.

Then what was causing it? Was it some sort of illness? No, Lor came from it so it must be some sort of ancient spell unknown to you. Or was it new? Too new for you to know anything about. Perhaps it’s some sort of poison from Beast-Yeast. Maybe Lor was some sort of spore! Ah that explains it…

Right…?

---

It was an odd situation, that was the best word to call it. Pure Vanilla Cookie-or Truthless Recluse as he now goes by, had been calling himself a liar. Shadow Milk Cookie must’ve done something while the four of you were gone as Truthless Recluse was apathetic… More than he already was… You didn’t really speak up much, only hoping the kids would be able to change his mind. He had told all of you to escape countless times, yet they wouldn’t leave without him.

“I think I am beginning to understand him. And… It fills me with fear and self-loathing.” Truthless Recluse spoke blankly.

“Shadow Milk Cookie THINKS he made you join his side! He thinks he has won!” Wizard Cookie tried to reason with him.

“…He is not wrong.”

“WHAT?!” And you HAD to be the different one unintentionally, “Hm?”

He had sighed, “One the wise Fount of Knowledge, Shadow Milk Cookie turned into a vile jester. He finds twisted pleasure in luring his victims into his web of lies, manipulating them.”

‘Ah… Pure Vanilla found out his previous identity it seems.’

“And yet, my story is different from his. I simply let go of everything I once believed in. My Truth, my Hope to heal the world… I do not wish to fight for those things anymore. Just as I shall no longer lie to myself or wander in the fog of fear within my heart. I will reside in this tower, for I have lost any interest in the outside world. This is where I belong… The greatest liar of all.”

Now that you had thought about it… You almost related to him. However, you still had hope left. You had interest in going out, taking any chance you could to see your garden. You yearned to speak to someone else other than the Cookies inside the tower. Whenever there was a chance to escape, you took it.

Appears that your last, and potentially final one… Has cursed you.

You had lifted your arm ever so slightly, the long sleeve of the robe had fell. You had stared at it for a while, it eventually felt like your arm was moving quickly away from you, your ears had started to ring as well.

“AAAAAAAAAA!!” Someone had yelled.

You were already mid attack before you had gotten turned into a playing card. Everything rushed by you, what had just happened? You had tried to move around but it felt like you were in a box, “I feel… So two-dimensional…”

The kids were yelling at him. It was no use although, he didn’t even bother to pay attention. Instead, focusing on the doorway. You could hear a faint knocking, then a door being barged open.

“Master Shadow Milk wants your friends. Do you have them?”

You and the rest of the kids had been shoved into a card deck, “Here.”

You could now clearly hear whose voice this was, it was Black Sapphire. Being placed at the top of the desk was handy. He had refreshed himself before making appearances again with a new set of clothes, freshly combed hair, and if you could smell while being in a card, he would have his signature grape cologne spritzed on him again… Like he didn’t already use it enough…

“Well, well, well, as much as I would like to have my revenge, Master Shadow Milk Cookie ordered me to bring them alive.” You heard him huff.

All of a sudden, everything went dark.

“No! Not the bag again!”

A bag…? Oh right. The one they were in earlier today. Guess it was your turn to be thrown around.

“No surprises this time!” Black Sapphire Cookie accentuated his words with a heavy shake of the bag.

There was a small knock somewhere outside the bag. Black Sapphire tried to comment on it, but Truthless Recluse quickly shut the conversation down.

“Master Shadow Milk wants you as well.” Black Sapphire was referring to Truthless Recluse, “He will administer punishment to our… Bothersome little guests. Oh, I would love to see them suffer! What about you? Will you stand the agony of your former friends, heh?”

“They don’t mean much to me.”

‘What. What does he mean they don’t mean much? I understand that a simple teacher like I was won’t mean much… But the kids? Is he serious?’ You were filled with anger.

Black Sapphire laughed, “How cruel! Well now, it’s time to go! And make sure to avoid Candy Apple Cookie if you can. She’s been… Unsound as of late.”

And you were on the move. Now that you were a card and stuck inside here as well… You could understand where Strawberry Cookie was getting the nausea from.

--------

The game for this trial seems like a geography based one from what you could tell. Black Sapphire didn’t allow any of you to see the board all that well.

Shadow Milk Cookie had been spinning dice in his fingers, “Awh, failed to convince your friends to leave, hmm? TOUGH LUCK! What’s even worse, no one leaves this tower without my permission and goes unpunished!”

There was an awfully high-pitched voice from the other side of the table, “YES SHADOW MILK COOKIE! PUNISH THEM!”

“…Huh? And when did you become a card?” Black Sapphire inquired.

Shadow Milk coughed, taking over their little conversation, “You know, I’ve been observing you for a while now, and I realized: you really must be missing your dear friends, are you not?! I happen to know just the solution! Do you know what I’m talking abouuuttt….? Hehehe!”

“Those dice…”

“OOOOOOOH! Precisely! I see you’re getting the hang of it! Anywho! It’s time for a magical adventure around the continent!” He had thrown the dice onto the board, “And the destination is!”

Blinding light came your way. You felt as though you got slammed into a wall at full force. Then came the sheer cold. Your robe didn’t even feel slightly warm; it was made to be breathable after all. To be studying in the Spire for hours at a time, you didn’t really need the warmth.

The kids were shivering, “Where-“ “The Licorice Sea!?” “It’s freezing!” “I wanna go home.” “I don’t like this place.”

Taking a look to your right, large cocoa walls loomed over you all. If you remembered correctly, this was the Dark Cacao Kingdom. It did make sense with the architecture, location, and the utter coldness of it.

Shadow Milk’s voice was echo-y, “Ah! There you are! The rules are simple. Pure Vanilla Cookie and I will roll the dice and you will travel around the board! Sound good?! Safe travels!!”

“Why did we have to get roped into this game…?” You muttered, focusing on trying to conserve body heat.

The kids had stuck together, good idea. Although a previous thought had lingered, making you unsure.

‘I’m not too sure if they want me near them. Afterall, they did mention to not trust anybody in the Spire… Which rightfully so! They only met me for maybe a few days before I was taken away, why should they trust me?’ You walked behind them.

The gates had been protected by Cookies of all kinds. It didn’t seem fitting that they were all covered in blue icings… Odd for the Dark Cacao Kingdom.

“Watchers! Get into position!” Several of them had aimed bows.

You had tried to conjure a spell; however, it didn’t work. For the first time since all this had happened…

You truly feared for someone else’s lives rather than your own.

Leaping in front of the group, you had taken on the role of defense if necessary. But they had already ran right past you and attacked. You almost got hit by several arrows, yet none of them seemed to land. Almost as if they disappeared before you could register it did.

A Cookie similar to the others, but looked higher ranking than the rest appeared. Ah, this must be Dark Cacao Cookie, perhaps you could try and reason with him. You did remember meeting him once, it was right before the Dark Flour War. Maybe he would still remember you.

“I shall cut you down!”

“Oh no, no, no, no! I do NOT wanna fight Dark Cacao Cookie!” Ginger Brave had backed off.

‘Greaat… Yet another strong figure that we will have to fight.’

It took ages, but eventually the Cookie crumbled. You realized that these weren’t the actual Cookies, but rather imitations of them.

---

The same thing circled through countless kingdoms and their ruler. Hollyberry, Golden Cheese, but next was White Lily Cookie. You had pondered what that battle would look like…

How wrong you were. It was Dark Enchantress Cookie with a mix of White Lily Cookie. You had almost killed the poor imitation with brute force right then and there if she wasn’t already defeated thanks to the kids. Oh, if the actual thing could appear before you and gave you the opportunity… How quickly her dough would crumble by your hands.

----

The four of you had escaped the board, returning to your normal sizes. The three of them cheered. You were just glad to be away from all the fighting. Finding a random chair, you had sat down. If you didn’t have to keep an eye on that blue bitch of yours, you would have taken a small nap.

“No, seriously! Other Cookies should learn from you! The Brave, The Smart, The… Cautious? And the one to risk it all just to protect! Truly, the role models for all pathetic vermin! Excellent job! Truly remarkable!”

‘I suppose that he would’ve wanted to change how Cookies acted back then. Make them one of kindness. However, that wasn’t his specialty, perhaps the Herald of Change or the Sugar of Happiness could have advised him.’ Maybe just a minute of rest would be nice.

“But enough giggles.”

---

A sudden gush of wind had woken you up. You were scooped up by Black Sapphire Cookie atop one of the tallest towers of the Spire. Right on the very balcony you loved. Shadow Milk was dangling the kids over the ledge while Pure Vanilla watched.

“Sadly, for you, there’s nowhere to run. This entire tower is part of my dough! Remember? You’re in the belly of the Beast! Heh. I thoroughly enjoyed having you over! Hope you too had FUN!” He swung them around in the air playfully.

Wizard Cookie yelled, “NOT AT ALL!”

Shadow Milk scoffed, “Tsk, tsk, not a single word of gratitude for your gracious host! Need I remind you? A flick of my wrist will have your dough and souls scattered across my tower! Or, perhaps… There is a better solution…? What say you, Pure Vanilla Cookie?”

Pure Vanilla tensed up, “What do you want from me?”

“What would YOU do with these pesky Cookies? The choice is yours!”

“Why do you care…?”

He had grinned manically, “OPTION ONE! I silence them… FOREVER!” He slightly released hold of them all, “OPTION TWO, oh, you’re gonna love this one! You give your Soul Jam… to me.”

Ginger Brave had squirmed, “No! You can’t force Pure Vanilla Cookie to make this choice!”

Shadow Milk quickly hushed him. “Shshshshshhhhh! The adults, are talking!” He had casted a spell that physically shut his mouth closed.

What a barbaric way to use magic. You suppose that was the ugly side of Dark Moon Magic… The very thing that had started to corrupt The Fount…

To watch him study those forbidden spells made you curious to learn a few things from them as well. Now you deeply regret ever memorizing them.

“Oh, no, no, no, this isn’t a trick question! Just A, or B. I can’t wait to see what you’ll pick! Your friends, or the light of your Soul Jam? Which of these holds a greater value to you? Ohhhh, I wonder! Which of these… makes you who you are?”

Pure Vanilla tried searching for the words, but nothing came out.

--

“TIIIIMEESSS UPPPPPPP! Your choice is?”

“My… choice is…” Pure Vanilla slowly grasped at the Soul Jam beneath his robes.

Shadow Milk Cookie snatched it before the choice was even fully made, “How can one be this foolish?!” He laughed.

With that last remark… He threw the kids off the tower.

“NO!”

You had quickly gotten out of Black Sapphire’s grasp, quickly leaping off to hopefully catch them.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING! NO, NO, NO!” Shadow Milk had leaned over the balcony.

The ground had been quickly approaching and with not enough time. You had grabbed the kids and turned onto your back.

You’ve had limbs ripped off before, what’s a fall going to d-

CRACK

You coughed up blood, and your vision was darkening. With one last glance to check if the kids were alright, you let your eyes close.

O-o-O-o-O

Pure Vanilla Cookie stood there, watching as Shadow Milk Cookie let out a weak laugh, hoping to take control of the situation, “You… You might’ve won this battle! But it won’t bring your friends back. Heh.” His breath shook, “They’ve crumbled to dust! Nothing more than helpless souls that’ll roam my Spire for eons!”

Ginger Brave slammed the hallway door open, “PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!!”

“EH?!”

Pure Vanilla smiled, “My friends! I’m happy you’re unharmed!”

“We thought we were done for!” Ginger Brave shuddered, “The Professor-“

Shadow Milk almost lunged for him, “DON’T YOU DARE SPEAK OF THEM!”

“I suppose then… Fortune Teller Cookie had appeared to take us away from the… scene… And led us here!” Ginger Brave had opened the door widely.

The said Cookie in question appeared along with the others. A cloaked figure started to approach Pure Vanilla.

Strawberry Cookie question Pure Vanilla, “How did you pull it off though? I thought you and Fortune Teller Cookie were the same…”

‘It appears they have forgotten already.’ He lightly giggled, “Don’t you remember? In this tower, space and time intertwine in a myriad of reflections. Here, the future of the past and the present coexist. The cards showed me a glimpse of a possible future. A future that had yet come to pass. Fortunately, I was able to prevent it.”

Thanks were given to Fortune Teller, but he simply replied, “I’ve changed… Thanks to you, who believed in your own strength rather than fearing a bleak future. If not for you, I would’ve been wandering the fog of uncertainty within Pure Vanilla Cookie’s soul…” And with that, Fortune Teller Cookie disappeared once he merged with Pure Vanilla.

A large part of the tower was destroyed, “Excuse me? I’m, so sorry to disturb you… But I’m still THE MAIN CHARACTER here!”

“Shadow Milk, wait.” Pure Vanilla reached his hand out, “You are right. For me, nothing is more important than protecting my friends. But they are much stronger than you think. They helped me find my path again.”

“… One said ‘friend’ had to sacrifice their life for your worthless new outfit, your dumb new morals… Your wretched new ‘path’ too… How can you not have the guilt crawling up your spine? How can you go on seeking the truth when that is the harsh reality of it?”

“It… It haunts me too. But to live in a world where everything is cascaded in a lie? That is one the both of us would never want to live in.” Pure Vanilla grasped at his chest.

The eyes in his hair shot up, “SHUT UP! You know NOTHING of what I’ve done! You don’t know how much we went through! YOU don’t KNOW them! You think you can just take them away from me and think that it’s going to be alright?! NO! I WILL GET REVENGE!”

“Shadow Milk… Hear me out. Come with me to the Vanilla Kingdom, we can plan a proper funeral for them, and being by yourself will do no good on your heart after something like this. I can feel how lonely you must be. I felt a minute droplet of longing as well. I know it, for I’ve felt the same.” Pure Vanilla had proposed.

“Lonely?” Shadow Milk had laughed quite hard, “Now who is the clown here?! Why do you expect ME to go to your stupid kingdom?! I have my own place. Look at my Spire! Bask in its splendor! Here, I have anything I want! Fools, so eager to fall to their knees in exchange for one little lie!! You-You must’ve lost your mind!! I am the MASTER of this world! You DARE act like you know ME?! I’ll find the body and do it myself. I don’t need your help. I don’t need your friendship. I DON’T NEED YOU! I DON’T NEED ANYBODY!! ONE MORE WORD, AND I WILL WIPE YOUR PATHETIC DOUGH OFF THE FACE OF THE WORLD!”

“We share the same Soul Jam. We can understand each other like no one else can. You don’t have to be lonely… I’m right here. Please… Let me be your… friend.” Pure Vanilla held a small, but gentle smile.

“Friend…?” Shadow Milk gasped, “CURSE YOU!!! You know NOTHING! You ARE NOTHING! I HATE YOU! You and your SOUL JAM! I WILL DESTROY YOU!”

A battle had been sewn into the crevices of the floor.

---

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Shadow Milk Cookie.” Pure Vanilla had stopped the others from another attack.

Shadow Milk weakly giggled, “How ‘kind’ of you! Mark my words: one day, your ‘kindness’ will become your undoing.”

Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie appeared out of a portal, “Come on! We need to go!”

“He still has strength left?!” Ginger Brave exclaimed.

“You bet! Cookies, they just won’t stop telling lies, amirite? Don’t get too comfortable, we’re not done… yet!” He laughed manically, “I’ll be seeing you soon, little gnats!” Shadow Milk turned to Pure Vanila, “And you… You will live to regret your words. I’LLLLLL MAKE SURE OF IT!” With one final grand bow, the trio had left into the new, much larger portal.

“He just… Disappeared?” Ginger Brave stared at where the portal was.

Pure Vanilla simply pat his head, “It’s alright. Like Shadow Milk Cookie said, we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.” He collapsed, “I’m… just a bit tired, don’t worry.”

The Spire had started to fall piece by piece, “Without its master, the Spire will come down! Quick, let’s leave this place!”

-

“I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this.” Pure Vanilla Cookie apologized to the kids.

“It… It’s alright. It was… an experience…!” Strawberry Cookie quickly responded.

He sighed, “Without your help, everything would’ve been lost. Fear and doubt… almost consumed me whole. I almost became a Cookie of Deceit in that river, like Shadow Milk Cookie wanted.”

“But then the Professor quickly dove after you! Quite heroic if I have to say.” Wizard Cookie commented.

Everyone stayed silent, all averting their eyes away from him, “What? Did I say something wr- Ohhh… I see.”

“We may not have the body… But I will still arrange a funeral… Something grand for such a person as them, a historical figure.” The whole ordeal hit Pure Vanilla, hard.

“So… What’s next?”

Pure Vanilla was glad for the change in topic, “I believe that other Beast Cookies have already confronted other Heros, just like Shadow Milk Cookie did. Now, all of them will try to restore their former strength.”

Wizard Cookie huffed, “Oh… If only we could find the Beast-Binding ritual… I suppose, it all was Shadow Milk Cookie’s ploy to lure us here?”

“Perhaps. But I saw something, back in Shadow Milk’s other-realm. A glimpse of the past… I saw how Shadow Milk was imprisoned… A faint reflection that he, himself, probably never noticed. I believe that we must head back to Crispia to learn more. Besides, I must see if my friends are unharmed. Our journey took much longer than I expected…”

“Then… is this it?! Are we going back to Crispia? Back home?!” Ginger Brave had the largest smile he’s had since he arrived here, “YAY! I can’t wait!”

“Then let’s go!”

O-o-O-o-O

“My darling… No one shall have you but me.”

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