Chapter Text
It was dark and cold. The vast void draping over Shadow Milk Cookies consciousness as he floated in the space. The stars showering the skirts of the subconscious mind that he was dwelling in.
‘where am i...?’ he thought to himself as his vision was blurred.
It felt heavy way too heavy.
Suffocating and pressing this heavy weight onto his chest until he started gasping. His mind was very muddled and now he felt his throat burning horribly.
‘Keuk!’ the coughing was harsh and raspy.
‘someone help me! Please’ he tried to call out mentally. The darkness was swallowing him whole. A horrible chill that frosted his cookie crumbs while this throat burned and swelled like it was on fire.
‘please help someone, anyone! I don’t want to be alone- it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts IT HURTS’
The pain...
As Shadow Milk Cookie desperately trembled in fear as he reached out, tears trailing down his face.
Time continued to flow as he struggled in vain.
Right as he was losing consciousness in his own subcon, a light fluttered through the dark void trailing through the air before making it in front of Shadow Milk Cookie.
His eyebrows were scrunched together as he bit his lip terribly in pain.
The glowing light had an outline like a butterfly, fluttering its wings before pressing itself against his blue cold lips. The sudden warmth spreading from his lips to his face. His fuzzy mind could barely process what just happened.
‘Disgusting light...how DARE YOU-’
The warmth spread further before the light dissipated, and the pain was no longer there choking Shadow milk cookie.
The sudden relief was too much whiplash causing him to finally lose what kept his subconscious awake in his coma.
----------
Pure Vanilla had gone and picked up the flowers from the florist, ‘a wonderful bouquet’ he thought to himself. ‘It would definitely look wonderful in the room with Shadow Milk Cookie.’
His fingers trailed along the dark blue ribbon that tied the flower stalks together as he then placed them into a vase. A gentle care that even the flowers knew to bloom brighter under Pure Vanilla’s gaze.
His eyes then drifted over to Shadow Milk Cookie as their soul jam’s pulsed softly within rhythm. The gentle reminder that he was his other half.
‘I wish for his wounds to heal quicker, if only they didn’t keep unweaving themselves.’ His gaze softened as his fingertips moved to touch Shadow Milk Cookie’s arm. The wound was slowly unstitching itself as if to reject the light from Pure Vanilla Cookie.
The only solution was to bandage and clean the wounds every few hours with healing magic. Pure Vanilla Cookie had to be very attentive towards Shadow Milk Cookie each day to care for his body.
His presence was slowly receding from the front of the kingdom of the press, conferences and many talks with officials. Pure Vanilla himself had started to take notice in the shift as well.
While his mind swayed to take care of Shadow Milk Cookie personally.... he soon would have to step away and find himself a substitute to watch over in his stead. He needed a trustworthy cookie.
Of course he could trust his friends, but he did not doubt they would be anxious at the sight of a Beast Cookie sleeping under the same roof as Pure Vanilla Cookie; their king. Their reasons are valid, and he knew he would have to tread lightly on this course.
The next few steps he would have to take would be very cautious as he moved accordingly to his citizens. He could not disappoint or deceive anyone of his plans; he just needed them to understand. For now, it was not a cause for concern.
Pure Vanilla shifted up off the wooden chair that sat near the bedside. His hands sliding from the cold cookie’s dough to his side. His soft gaze sweeping across Shadow Milk Cookie’s face to the door.
‘a maid should do the trick...I’ll have to find a cookie that’s adept to medical cookie care.’
His golden threaded robes trailed behind him, giving him a soft angelic look. Pure Vanilla Cookie found his way to his office on the 3rd floor before calling in a few cookies with a simple call.
Paperwork was scattered across the desk as words crossed his eyes. The cookies entered the room wearing fluttering uniforms of a white and gold maid uniform. Akin to Pure Vanilla Cookie wore outfits that represented the Light of Truth.
Just three cookies in the room lined up in front of the door. Pure Vanilla Cookie sat in the chair eyeing them through his staff for a mere minute. Not any longer before moving into interviews.
He had to get this right. Find a cookie worthy of staying by Shadow Milk Cookie’s bedside.
From the butler and Custard Cookie III, he was entrusted with these three cookies with their excellent abilities.
The interview is much smoother than Pure Vanilla expected as they all perfectly fit the criteria perfectly however he really only needed one cookie.
Having more than one cookie could result in rumors and unnecessary gossip that Pure Vanilla Cookie could not afford at the moment. Stirring up gossip while the Creme Republic was on their way soon in a month would result in chaos. Surely Shadow Milk Cookie would be more than receptive to stir up trouble in that regard.
He did not need any more on his plate from others unless it was Shadow Milk Cookie. He let out a hefty sigh as he regained his composure. He would have to test them another way for now another time as he dismissed them with a simple wave.
For now he needed time to start replying to his friends in many of these letters that had been sent to him in the past few weeks. His troubling heart ached in worry for his friends. Pulse.
He moved his hand to touch his soul jam in a tender motion. ‘oh shadow milk cookie, I wonder if it is in traditions for writing letters to your friends as I love sending my friends letters.’
As the thought crossed his mind, his hand grabbed a letter that was on the top of the other letters. It was from White lily cookie, a soft smile played at his lips as he cut the wax that was sealing the letters contents. Flipping the letter out to read it before letting out a sigh of relief.
“Dear Vanilla,
I write in earnest concern about how you’ve been. Your usual letters seem to have a drag in latency. I hoped for your letters each week to keep me updated. I pray all is well as I have some concerning news. I fear the Silver Tree in the fae’s realm seems unsteady as I read into the barrier.....It seems it is unstable and I fear that the seal might be weaker than before. For now it seems the Beasts sealed inside are of no threat currently.
Please take care of yourself and eat well, I wish to see you soon,
From,
Your dearest friend.”
He would have to write in return to her concerns to reassure her that he is all well. Despite the growing bags underneath his eyes, he would be in great condition in that regard. A tight feeling in his chest slowly rose as he traced back to the rising issue regarding the seal of the Silver Tree.
That most definitely had something to do with Shadow Milk Cookie.
He could not reveal it just, yet that Shadow Milk Cookie had found a way out of the seal. However, the way the seal remained on the tree and not releasing the rest of the beasts had made him very much more interested.
‘Just what happened to make him able to come to me in such horrid injuries’
It started to feel stuffy within the office. Perhaps he really needed to go on for a walk if he was feeling unwell.
As he walked down the hallway, that heavy feeling never disappeared, just weighing down on his shoulders. The paintings in the hallway are slightly off putting. Maybe it was just the draft that came in through the windows that made him feel a little on edge.
The soft colors of the hallway were asethically pleasing to the eye. Waffle cone paintings draped across, full of paintings of the past kings that sat upon the throne. At the end of the hallway there was a huge staircase that spiraled downwards. Two staircases on the edges giving a grandiose stage above for the ballroom below.
Pure Vanilla Cookie wandered to the railing as he stared below. The empty space glittering as the chandelier tinkled above. The many crystals gleaming like stars. ‘perhaps a ball should be set in order once the creme republic arrives’
He turned his face to look behind him. The very large intricate painting of a younger Pure Vanilla Cookie was framed to loom over the ballroom as a reminder of the hero.
A soft sigh escaped his lips as he pondered softly for a moment within the room before making his exit. His footsteps made their way back to his room. A hand grasped onto the doorframe as he took in the serene moment.
It was calm and peaceful, mainly because Shadow Milk Cookie was sleeping but he would not mind the disturbance of course. The flowers delicately framing the room with a gentle floral scent. The blankets draped over the sleeping cookie were a matching gold to Pure vanilla cookies general palate of colors.
The windows were opened, wind blowing in as flower petals were softly falling through the air till they laid upon the ground. One stray petal landed upon Shadow Milk Cookie’s face. Pure Vanilla Cookie chuckled softly as he strides over in grace.
Fingers trailing across the still healing wounds that were bandaged before carressing the cookie’s face.
The petal landed on his cheek, a pale blue soft petal with gold accents. It was pretty, and it looked fitting to choose Shadow Milk Cookie as a landing spot.
His fingers finally strayed over to the petal and carefully picked it up as his eyes warmly looked at him.
SMACK!!
A sudden smack hit him with such force he made him stumble backwards before a sudden tearing pain was felt in his arms.
Blood trickled down his arm slowly as he let in a harsh breath due to the pain.
A set of blue eyes with catlike pupils stared at him fiercely.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie...” A low growl rumbled from the now very awake Shadow Milk Cookie. His claws had snatched up Pure vanilla’s arm and were digging into them harshly as he pulled him closer.
“Careful-”
“What did you do to ME!” He interrupted with a harsh snarl.
Pure Vanilla Cookie stared for a moment, finding a second to find the right words before speaking. In his eyes it was like a scared cake hound who was growling out of fear.
“Shadow Milk Cookie....” He started while waiting for a moment to see if he would be talked over again.
“You disgusting filthy ancient! How dare you lay your feeble hands on me. And kidnap me! Oh wow silly vanilly~ I did not take you for such a terrible cookie....or did I?” The words were being choked out between growls and hisses that Shadow Milk Cookie was throwing his way.
His long hair with a mind of its own, was expanding in the air whipping around like hissing snakes.
Strands of his hair ensuring Pure Vanilla’s throat, and wrists.
“I only wanted to heal you from your wounds you were terribly in pain. I could not let you suffer even if you harbor destruction and ill-will towards me and my people. Please let me...my friend” He added warmly at the end after another thought.
Pure Vanilla Cookie only relaxed, letting him trap him in his hair doing so while watching with gentle eyes. A dark shadow over-looming the room as if to swallow both of them whole at any moment.
A terrible feeling of dread and terror was wanting to rise in Pure Vanilla Cookie’s chest but he could not let such feelings affect him.
Pulse...
A sudden feeling of hurt bloomed in his chest, making his chest tighten as the hair strands tightened around him.
“You take ME the Beast of Deceit for a FOOL! How dare you mock me with you offer of friendship and this....name calling! Utterly disgraceful and mind you horrible on the ears. I should just cut them off shall I since you dare tell me horrible lies!” Shadow Milk Cookie was now very close and personal in his face. His eyebrows knitted together as he frowned greatly.
All of his eyes staring upon the cookie with great intent before two hands engulfed Pure Vanilla Cookie’s throat.
“I do not take you for a fool. I will never lie to you....” Pure Vanilla Cookie choked out as the pressure was put against his throat tightened. His throat burned but he did not dare move.
But he did not have to, a horrible backlash affected Shadow Milk Cookie due to the sudden stress of movement and magic. His hands going limp as he started coughing violently.
Pure Vanilla Cookie was released back onto the floor as he immediately went to his side despite the pain. “ I only want to help you, please let me help you?” He asked in a pleading tone as his hands hesitated to touch Shadow Milk Cookie. “May I touch you? I will only heal you from your pains and will let you be alone.... however I cannot let you leave my kingdom just yet. As much as I don’t want to restrict your freedom. I wish to look over you until you are well.” He said warmly.
“N-no! Ho--” Another violent coughing fit, black ooze splattered everywhere....getting onto Pure Vanilla Cookie’s robes and arms. If Shadow Milk Cookie did that on purpose or accident it wouldn’t have mattered or crossed the healer’s mind.
The pain was obviously affected him in such a horrible manner due to the sudden fit of rage Shadow Milk Cookie has cooked up.
Pure Vanilla Cookie gently laid his hands upon Shadow Milk’s back after seeing that his health was declining rapidly.
Shadow Milk’s eyes were hazy and looking everywhere for a sign of exit. His Soul Jam was flaring like crazy and it was starting to affect Pure Vanilla Cookie from the amount of distress that was being shared to him through the link.
It was an ache that Pure Vanilla could feel and understand.
“Y-you vile!” Shadow Milk Cookie hissed before a sudden heave....
Black goo..or blood? The liquid was thrown up on the floor as Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes squeezed shut. “GO AWAY” He suddenly screamed as he thrashed his claws. A few of the swiped tore at Pure Vanilla’s clothes but it didn’t seem to be an issue pressing to him.
Despite the attempts to deter Pure Vanilla which were ending up miserably to the shakes and tremors due to the pain; Pure Vanilla Cookie’s light never wavered and the magic that procured from him shone softly like a blanket that covered Shadow Milk Cookie.
The coughs lightened and something was in the air. A pull at the soul jams that made Shadow Milk stare at Pure Vanilla Cookie. Observing him with wide eyes as he felt something warm bloom in his chest....something fuzzy feeling.
It felt like the healing magic that Pure Vanilla was casting on him so he didn’t spare another glance due to his soul jam clearly liking the idea of being near his other half.
He was so close...he could just grab it and make a break for it but he knew that he couldn’t. Not now. His magic was depleted and whatever he had saved up from being in a deep sleep had been quickly taken away from his outburst earlier.
He was back to square one, his powerless self stuck underneath Pure Vanilla Cookie’s thumb. ‘how vile’
Shadow Milk Cookie was not stupid, he had realized it the moment his eyes shot open that his body was in the worst conditions. On top of that he was practically like the common cookies.
Weak
Pathetic
Useless
Much to his dismay he understood that Pure Vanilla Cookie was affecting him in some manner ever since that last battle. It wouldn’t hurt being close to the healer to torment him.
Top it off that he also is out of the Silver tree so he no longer had to deal with being trapped in that horrible nightmare.
Life seemed to always laugh at him though, he was merciless and in the palms of his enemy. The sweet taste of freedom his thought in his mind was quickly squashed away that he was now a prisoner.
And his jailer was an affectionate traitor who smiled warmly and held his arms open for him.
Pure Vanilla’s eyes met his and he HATED IT.
He loathed how he seemed to look right through him....right down to his very soul. ‘you don’t know ANYTHING...what flimsy tricks of magic’ Shadow Milk Cookie just held his gaze as the pain lessened. He was finally able to catch his breath, his nails that were digging into the ground finally loosened and stopped their movement.
“I do not expect you to be happy with your environment nor putting up with me.” Pure Vanilla took his time to speak softly in a hushed tone to Shadow Milk Cookie. Words only for him to hear.
“I want to try and fix my mistake. I truly desire to be friends with you, to see you as a whole and who you truly are Shadow Milk Cookie. I am here to look past that and heal those wounds of yours if you would let me. I won’t force it upon you if you do not want to.” He firmly stated. “However, as I stated before, I cannot simply let you roam free. Your injuries and your status....you are hurt and wounded and I will not have you hurting others due to such reasons”
“Friend...? Open arms? Woooow” Shadow Milk mocked. “Really turning up the heat here after kidnapp-”
“I did not kidnap yo-”
“WHATEVER-! You pathetic excuse half-baked cookie trying to fool me with your words. You just want to imprison me here; keep me sealed away. Even luring me here with your soul jam to finally get rid of your enemy how commendable nilly!” Shadow Milk cookie started clapping and took in a quick sharp breath of air before suddenly moving far away from Pure Vanilla Cookie.
Almost like he was afraid Pure Vanilla Cookie would bite him.
“I would never wish for you to disappear.” Pure Vanilla Cookie gently corrected as he stood up. The black goo staining the front of his clothes looked like something ink-like exploded on him. Like a squid, squirted ink in fear.
“Lies! Even you know I the great Beast of Deceit can tell when even YOU are lying.” Shadow Milk Cookie smirked.
“I will never lie to you Shadow Milk Cookie.” Pure Vanilla’s eyelashes fluttered, the white lashes complimenting his mismatched eyes that were looking warmly at Shadow Milk Cookie. However they looked fuzzy...blurred even. It was like he was trying to see something but couldn’t.
“Yeah yeah sureeee silly. After putting me in this...”Shadow Milk Cookie trailed off finally taking a look around, finally observing where he was. “Is this your room...?” He asked as if he already knew the answer.
“Oh yes...I wanted you to be in the most comfortable room where I could observe you. The rest are occupied or under cleaning.” Pure Vanilla Cookie quickly affirmed in a dismissive tone while waving his hand. “ You are more than welcome to occupy this room. I have another room in the meantime. I would hope you would want something you’re more familiar with.” His eyes fluttered shut.
Shadow Milk Cookie only silently stared at the cookie in a bewildered understandment. An awkward air filling the room as Shadow Milk Cookie was in the corner like a trembling cat.
While standing in a defensive position he took the time to look at the carefully bandaged arms and hands. It was marvelous care and he noticed the ache in his arms. A burning sensation of overexercise.
“I believe it was about time for me to rebandage your arms....I did not expect you to wake up so soon. The amount of pain you were in seemed to be....from a deep wound. It seemed to exceed my expectations from how much you were truly suffering. It was truly terrible to see you in a long deep slumber.” Pure Vanilla Cookie breathed out. There was a slight shake in his hands as they moved to find his staff.
“...how long.” he whispered.
“Sorry?” Pure Vanilla quirked his head not hearing him.
“How LONG. Have long have I been trapped here in your....”His face turned in disgust at the thought of being in Pure Vanilla Cookie’s bed. Just being in this room was stifling to him.
“I believe...a week?” He tilted his head to the other side as he recounted how many days he has been tending to Shadow Milk Cookie.
“A w-week?” he choked out as he started to heave. His breathing picked up and he started to panic.
“Yes.” The staff’s eye was now watching as Shadow Milk Cookie’s chest was rising and dropping in quick succession and only speeding up in an erratic manner.
“How long u-until your little friends are here then. I’m sure you’ve told them about me already and how to quickly make it here! Its only a matter of time until you rid of me and finally get rid of me for good.” Shadow Milk Cookie hissed, his words tumbling out his mouth as he floated into the top of the corner. Trying to be the furthest he could away from Pure Vanilla Cookie as he could.
“ I would never, my own priorities are not to be discussed with my friends. I would never lie to them or hide something like this from them if they asked. However, it is not my place to be parading around gossip that could hurt you. That would never be something I could ever do or will ever do.” Pure Vanilla Cookie slowly moved forward at the same time as he healed his own injuries earlier.
“While I trust my friends...they have their own kingdoms and worries to settle than to be prying into my life about something like this.” He reassured to the frightened cookie.
“Oh wow really!” Shadow Milk Cookie snarled. “Not even in those little letters of yours, writing such intimate details of your days to them. I’m sure you’ve recounted many things about me to them.”
“I have not, you may not believe me but my word is true-”
“OH SHUT IT” Shadow Milk Cookie only inched further into the corner.
Pure Vanilla stopped in his tracks not wanting to enclose Shadow Milk Cookie in the corner. He wanted to be close in case something happened but making Shadow Milk Cookie uncomfortable was something he did not want to happen.
“I will leave you be in here...I will have another cookie to tend to you. If you would like you may join me at a later time to appoint someone to tend to your wounds. I would like under my supervision to have someone tending to you. While I would typically tend to you it has halted prior business and paperwork regarding my kingdom that has surely backed up. I want you comfortable and taken care of within my castle.” His sickly sweet warmth was making Shadow Milk Cookie gag and he suddenly caught his breath.
‘Pure Vanilla Cookie was leaving another cookie to take care of him? Oh wow how stupid! Utterly stupid!’ He would gladly take the chance to no longer see the putrid face of his, and he could easily slip underneath his radar and leave this place.
It was almost as if Pure Vanilla could see right through him but if he could read his mind.....he did not comment on it.
“Wow really leaving all that authority to me.” Shadow Milk Cookie flipped like a switch. That fearful shattered aura immediately switched to his prideful mask. “You really are putting so much trust into me right after I just cut you up pretty good” He snickered.
“I would be at ease having you pick someone you are more comfortable with, or at least under your own conditions.” Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled.
“You might just find your kingdom in flames if you do that. But who am I to refuse such an offer! How generous of you Silly-Vanilly! I might just forgive you for earlier....except for this disgusting room you put me in.” he frowned once again before looking over at the flowers. Disgust flashed in his eyes before looking back at the cookie infront of him.
“I suppose these flowers....were an attempt of some sorts” He pointed lamely at them almost offended that they were in the same room as him. “What a horrible pick of flowers!”
“I apologize that it is something you dislike. I personally picked it myself with you in mind.” Pure Vanilla Cookie watched his reaction before moving to the side to get a good look at the flowers he arranged around the room.
“I wanted you to be surrounded by something beautiful when you woke up.” The sudden confession made Shadow Milk Cookie blush before shaking his head feverently. Moving quickly and tearing up the flowers, crushing them and throwing them at Pure Vanilla Cookie.
Pure Vanilla Cookie caught whatever flowers were tossed his way.
“WELL if I am staying this room- which is ugly mind you. Might as well decorate how I want it” Shadow Milk Cookie said mischievously as he started clawing at the walls and tearing up the decorations around the room. He only got so far before two soft tan hands stopped him in his tracks holding his hand.
It felt like his hands were burning at the touch.
Badum.....badum...
There it was the pulsing of the soul jam. As if it was reacting to the touch. Shadow Milk Cookie hissed quickly but then stared as Pure Vanilla gently placed the flowers he caught into Shadow Milk Cookies hands.
“I don’t want you to hurt yourself while you redecorate your new room. Please rest....please” Shadow Milk Cookie flinched as he heard Pure Vanilla Cookie beg, but when he looked at him there was this icy cold stare that bore into his eyes.
It was a demand.....a command from a cookie who was inferior to him.....
“How DARE YOU command me.” Shadow Milk cookie tore his hands away from the others, still holding the flowers.
“You are still in my kingdom, and I do not wish to threaten you. I advise you to rest for now as I have many things to do.” Pure Vanilla stated but his voice was more stern than the warmth from earlier.
“Hah! Like I will listen to you half-baked cookie.” He mocked.
“You may not listen to me, which I don’t expect you to. But your body clearly cannot handle the stress you’ve put on it for today. So for now you’ll have to abide for now.” A smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“ Disgusting kidnapper, traitor, liar, you’re such a stupid unbelievable cookie who has horrible taste. Believing your above me! I AM going to rest but not because you told me to. You have clearly done something to MY soul jam and I will find out what you have done. For now GET out. I have no more patience for you.” Shadow Milk Cookie glared harshly.
It was ironic.... telling Pure Vanilla Cookie to get out of his room, which was now Shadow Milk Cookie’s but still it brought a refreshing feeling to his chest. Like a breath of fresh air to finally have that feeling of control of his surroundings.
However, Pure Vanilla Cookie just had to ruin the moment for Shadow Milk Cookie with his disgustingly overbearing care.
“Very well, It was time for me to leave for tonight anyways. You can call me if you like anytime. I will answer. At a later event I will come to you and if you don’t want me to that is okay.” He looked utterly ridiculous saying this while covered in grime and Shadow Milk’s inky throw-up(?) the contents of the liquid were unknown to be sure.
“Have a goodnight Shadow Milk Cookie.” those were the final words not leaving any room for Shadow Milk Cookie to get any other words out. Pure Vanilla Cookie was already out of the room by then.
Flower petals and broken flower stalks were strewn across the floor and bed. The flowers were very pretty but Shadow Milk Cookie would not admit that.
He had taken notice of the absurd amount of flowers laid in the room.
“What a fool” he muttered underneath his breath as he stared at the torn paintings. There were many paintings within the Vanilla Kingdom....a fan of art. He would not let this be something to bond with that fool.
His muscles ached, his head was fuzzy, and everything. His soul jam was beating in a rhythmic manner, fluttering occasionally. His legs were wanting to buckle, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe again. The suffocating smell of vanilla and floral scents were getting to him.
He hated vanilla.
The room itself....he actually did not mind that it was Pure Vanilla’s room, in fact it made him inspired and grateful that fool gave the room to him. He could snoop around and find anything Pure Vanilla Cookie left in the room as dirt to torment him later when he had his magic powers back or not.
Shadow Milk Cookie stared at the door before looking over at the closet. “Let’s see what this wardrobe holds”
Opening the doors he stared at the many clothes filled to the brim. They were brittle and light. It was very dusty; they had not been worn in a very long time for sure. Shadow Milk Cookie thought to himself debating on whether he should tear these clothes up or what he should do with them.
“Tsk” He muttered as a wave of exhaustion rolled over him. He would deal with this later for now he needed sleep terribly. Yes....once he woke up he would have energy and either escape or find a way to torture Pure Vanilla Cookie.
He needed answers to this precarious situation he ended up in, especially for why his soul jam seems to be rejecting him so strongly.
For now sleep was the only option and he desperately needed it.
He set the flowers down on the desk before falling onto the bed and quickly sleep took him under. The pain, the stress and everything about the situation dealing with Pure Vanilla Cookie wore him out terribly so.
His eyes had drifted to the camellia flowers he placed on the desk earlier before they had shut.
‘what a foolish cookie....’