for ancientlight

[jugglery]

[sure, it was all fun and games when the Beasts were in charge of Beast-Yeast. it was exciting when they were on the winning side. but, alas, winning had not been in their cards, and Shadow Milk Cookie hated that he had to retreat when he did. he had not been strong enough to beat GingerBrave and his band of merry cookies. gross. worse yet, Pure Vanilla Cookie had made a fool out of him. so, for a while, Shadow Milk had been lying low, waiting for another opportunity to strike.

things were starting to crumble after his visit to Eternal Sugar Cookie's Garden. he could feel it in the air, something wasn't quite right. these awakened so-called Ancient Heroes seemed to be getting stronger. but was that really what was bothering him? no, it felt like there was something else out there. and Shadow Milk Cookie was determined to discover what he was up against.

as cleverly and as dramatic as possible, naturally.

his latest disguise had not fooled Eternal Sugar Cookie, but he was pretty sure it would fool ol' Silly Vanilly. as he wandered into the Vanilla Kingdom, he kept his ears open for any clues he might hear from the citizens. the word 'witch' came up quite a bit, but there wasn't a lot of information to go on. what about the Witch? what did They have to do with anything?

he made his way to the grand library and opened a few books, idly flipping through pages about cookie history. Shadow Milk hated not knowing something. he was smart! and super cool! but he was nervous about the uncertainty he was feeling. he didn't want to have to find out that whatever this problem was was too big for him to handle alone. though, just the fact that he was in this kingdom was telling. he would not have rolled into the enemy's territory for any other reason. he wouldn't dare pick a fight with Pure Vanilla on his own turf. he was no fool.

no, he was strictly here to get information. never mind that it was the first place he'd ventured to after Eternal Sugar's paradise. and he wasn't scared, honest. he was just. here. because!]

Comments

[ancientlight]

( Witches and wizards? How peculiar... There's so much that's still unknown about their creators. )

Follow me. There are a few tomes that have what information is known to cookiekind.

( He begins to walk forward, staff gripped securely in hand. )

Though... my apologies, I must ask. Have we met before?

[jugglery]

[you fool, Shadow Milk Cookie thinks. he has to be one step ahead of Pure Vanilla Cookie at all times, and he expected this question. instead of saying no, however, he wants to leave the other with doubt in his mind. that's better than simply brushing him off outright]

You know, it's possible we've bumped into each other at a party, or out shopping, or something. You seem so familiar to me.

[perfect!]

[ancientlight]

( Was that it? Certainly, it was more than that... But, he's not one to doubt the word of a fellow cookie. )

I see. If that is the case, allow me to welcome you back to Vanilla Kingdom. My name is Pure Vanilla Cookie.

( He continues to walk forward, trusting his staff to help guide him as always. )

May I ask for your name in return?

[jugglery]

[no, you may not! but Shadow Milk Cookie planned for this, too. he feigns surprise when Pure vanilla Cookie gives the lady his name, like, oh, that's YOU?]

I'm Blue Spirulina Cookie.

[he manages to say this evenly, without his voice cracking. HEH, he's so amazing. he gives Pure Vanilla Cookie a delicate curtsey]

It's a pleasure.

[ancientlight]

( A curious name... But, he's not one to judge. )

Please, the pleasure of mine.

( He offers his own smile and nod in response to her curtsy. )

I believe that the section you're looking for is just around the corner. Was there any reason in particular you were looking for information about witches?

[jugglery]

[hmm, a tricky question. Shadow Milk's expression falters slightly as he glances downward, not meeting Pure Vanilla's gaze]

I have reason to fear that something big might be coming. I just would like to be prepared.

[ancientlight]

( His expression seems to drop then, grip tightening a bit on his staff. )

I admit that myself and my fellow comrades have the same feeling. But, rest assured that I will do everything in my power to protect both you and cookiekind as a whole.

[jugglery]

[foolish. stupid. pure of heart, dumb of a--]

Oh? You and what army?

[ancientlight]

( Those words are enough to make him stop, expression falling. That feeling from before... it's only nagging at him all the more. If he didn't know any better, that would sound like something he would say...

But, why would he be here of all places? )

... Are you certain that we have never spoken before now?

[jugglery]

[that was a little oopsie!!! the cookie clears his throat. her throat. or maybe the charade has gone on long enough. it takes a split second before the cookie smiles and rests her hands on her hips]

Did you think they'd let me step foot in this kingdom if I looked like that? Oh, my Silly Vanilly!

[as Shadow Milk speaks, he walks around Pure Vanilla, circling him like a vulture while the icing melts away to reveal the form that he shows to most cookies in this era. his voice warps into something more familiar, more masculine]

But, you see? I had to get in here, to visit you~

[ancientlight]

( In the past, Pure Vanilla may have felt far more wary than he was now, but during the last time they had met, he had... felt as though he had truly come to understand his other half. If anything, there's surprise that Shadow Milk is here after how their last confrontation had ended.

His voice is soft when he speaks, his staff's gaze following him as he walks. )

All are welcome here. That was my intention when this kingdom was founded.

( Shadow Milk had other ways of attempting to cause harm if that was his intention. No, perhaps the threat that was coming was truly greater than even the Beast Cookies could fight alone. )

I did not expect to see you again so soon.

( How odd, there's so many emotions surfacing for him now. He knows what he's capable of, but... to think that he'd find an understanding with this cookie more than he's ever found with anyone else. )

[jugglery]

[don't flatter yourself, Pure Vanilla. Shadow Milk is in your territory of his own volition, only because he seeks more information. actually, he hates that he doesn't know everything, particularly about an enemy. but, whatever! his feelings on the matter at hand are far more important than his feelings about their last meeting]

Heh. I'll bet you didn't! But, I am here, so consider your day that much more amazing.

[he gives a grand bow, gesturing with his arms]

Anyway, I'm here on business. Sorry to spoil your fun.

[ancientlight]

( Seemingly joyous as always, Shadow Milk has always exaggerated quite a bit with his actions. It's something that he's grown used to.

Still, his expression grows more grim as he continues to speak. )

You felt it, too. The witch that will show themselves will be a formidable opponent. However... I'm afraid that the knowledge kept in these tomes is fairly limited.

If you're here, then that must mean that you also were unable to know your creators years ago.

[jugglery]

[he guffaws]

You assume too much, as usual! Hate that about you. But, it is as you say...

[ancientlight]

( He smiles. )

Is it a bad assumption to make if it's accurate? ( He frowns a little. )

But, if our goals are one in the same, then perhaps we should find somewhere more private to speak. I do not wish to alarm the citizens here.

[jugglery]

[hee! oh, right. maybe he should... you know, turn his disguise back on. or, change into something new!]

I guess that's fine!

[his body begins to shrink down, until Shadow Milk has taken on a different form. a little blue owl that flies up and perches on Pure Vanilla's hat. hoothoooo! he's pretty cool, huh?]

[ancientlight]

( Shadow Milk lands on his head, and Pure Vanilla can't help but laugh a little. )

I'm afraid that you may still raise some suspicions, but it shouldn't take long to find somewhere more private.

( He'll exit the library, making his way to the castle. As cookies greet him, he'll offer a polite 'hello' in response, making small talk before continuing. At the least, speaking with others like this is the best way to help ease some worry for others. )

[jugglery]

[careful, PV, he'll make a nest up here if you take too long.

actually, Shadow Milk is enjoying the ride, and... the sights! he is finally getting to witness the Vanilla Kingdom from the inside, and it's actually stunning. much brighter than, say, the Blueberry Yogurt Academy, for sure. he hoots and fluffs up, turning his head this way and that.

some cookies do take notice of the blue bird perched on Pure Vanilla's head, but most don't seem to think anything is wrong. PV is in tune with all creatures, it seems!]

[ancientlight]

( It doesn't take far too long before they reach the castle. It's still rather empty, but far more lively than it was when the kingdom had been abandoned. Pure Vanilla finally stops when they make their way into the garden.

The white lilies have been tended too lovingly by Pure Vanilla. It's a bittersweet place for him, but still one so important to him. )

Here we are. No one will disturb us here.

[jugglery]

[yuck. how sentimental! the owl hoots and hops out of Pure Vanilla Cookie's hair, transforming into Shadow Milk Cookie before his feet barely touch the ground]

My, my! White lilies, hmm? You just can't let her go, can you?

[ancientlight]

( Pure Vanilla falls silent for a moment. It hurts to think about how much time he's lost with her, yet he's grateful for being able to meet her again even more than that. )

... I have always been fond of the scent of white lilies. This garden was planted even before we parted ways.