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]

( 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.