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Chapter Text

"I feel... strangely... at peace... knowing that I have nothing else to protect..."

One.

"Now I don't have to watch my cream wolves fall..."

Two.

"You will feel at peace once you return to flour, Dark Cacao..."

"Please... PLEASE! Bring them back! END THIS NIGHTMARE!"

"Return... to flour..."

Three. Dead. Forgotten. Lost to the floury sands of time.

Or... that's what he thought would happen.

Dark Cacao woke up in a cold sweat, jittery and anxious. He woke up, Chocoblade in hand, to check his children's rooms.

He peeked into each one. Caramel Arrow? Check. Crunchy Chip? Check. Still alive. Still baked. Still safe. Not... flour...

He felt himself get tired. Now that he knows that each of them are alive and well, he can sleep peacefully again. And so he does, right outside of his son's door.

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"Caramel Arrow Cookie? You might want to see this."

She rubbed her eyes, and opened her door, still in her pajamas.

"What is it- oh. Again?"

"Again?! What do you mean 'Again'?!"

"Crunchy Chip, this is the 5th time he's passed out in random places this month."

Caramel Arrow walks over to Dark Cacao, crouching down and nudging him.

"Dad? Dad, wake up. Wake up, your majesty. I'm starting to get worried. Hello?"

"Huh...? Caramel Arrow? Wh-what are you doing here?"

"More like what are you doing in the middle of the hallway?!"

Crunchy Chip Cookie blurted out, concerned for his dad.

"Oh- I- I uhh..."

"It's... nothing. Don't worry about me, you two."

He ruffles Crunchy Chip's hair, before heading to his room.

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Why did they have to see him like that? He isn't meant to be weak, or have these incidents repeat in his head again and again and again. Did Beast-Yeast really get to him that much?

He put on his armor and decided to take a walk around the kingdom. Maybe that would clear his mind.

He walked around, the cold air cooling his dough off. Although... he walked by the painting shop. The art was beautiful, but the mountains looked a little bit too much like... Beast-Yeast. He turned back to the castle, speedwalking. Maybe that wasn't the best idea...

He went back to the castle, to his sacred place, reserved for him to take a moment of relaxation when he needed to.

When he got there, he lit his insence and just... thought. About his kingdom, son, subjects... then, he thought about... them. Crunchy Chip and Caramel Aroow Cookie. And, eventually... it led to Beast-Yeast. To HER. The pain and sorrow of losing them. He decided to leave before it went any further.

Caramel Arrow Cookie walked to him, just as he was about to leave.

"Father! We have visitors!"

Great.

Chapter Text

DC: "Visitors?"

CA: "Yes. Pure Vanilla has arrived, and has brought someone with him."

This piqued his interest.

DC: "Who?"

CA: "Somebody named... Shadow Milk Cookie? I think?"

No... no no no no NO NO NO. A BEAST?! In his castle?! The name almost sent him into shock, but he didn't show it. Not in front of his daughter. He walked back into the castle, where his two guests were discussing... something.

SM: "It's too cold here! Did we HAVE to travel all the way here just so I could meet him?!"

PV: "Could you at least TRY to be a little more considerate, Shadow Milk? We had already come here without any warning. Don't tell me you'll act like this with *all* of them."

SM: "But-"

Pure Vanilla looked at Shadow Milk with a look that said "be nice or else I'll shove this staff so far up your ass I swear to every witch on Earthbread" with a smile nice enough so that only the three of them knew that look.

PV: "Dark Cacao Cookie. I apologise for arriving on such short notice. Although, I have brought someone I would like you to meet."

The both of them looked at the beast. He reached his hand out and rolled his eyes, uninterested while he floated off of the ground. Dark Cacao put his hand up to meet it, but almost hesitated, his entire being shaking in the presence of a beast.

SM: "Shadow Milk Cookie. PLEASED to make your aquaintance, my LEIGE."

DC: "Don't call me that. Please. D-Dark Cacao Cookie is fine."

He stuttered. Why was he acting so weak? So... vulnerable. He felt so small, even though he was sure he was taller than the beast by a considerable amount.

SM: "Hello? Hello-o? Is he... there? All the way?"

He didn't even realize he was zoning out until- bonk. Shadow milk got hit with Pure Vanilla's staff.

SM: "Hey! What was that for?!"

PV: "You know what that was for."

SM: "I didn't mean it!"

Dark Cacao cleared his throat.

DC: "I apologise. ...Would you two like something to drink?"

PV: "Yes, please."

SM: "Does he have wine, Nilly?"

DC: "So... Cream Soda and Wine then?

PV: "Yes. Thank you."

He went to go get them their drinks, as well as something for himself. He felt a slight dread in Shadow Milk's presence, so maybe some of Hollyberry's berry juice could help him. Although, maybe that would be a bad idea, considering that if he didn't stay on guard, Shadow Milk could easily do whatever he pleased with him. He just decided to get a simple water, and returned with their drinks.

SM: "He beat HER?! I bet ol' spicy would get a KICK out of him-!"

PV: "Yeah, but- Speak of the witches!"

DC: "...hello to you both as well."

PV: "Thank you for the drinks, Cacao."

Dark Cacao's only reaction was a nod as he handed the both of them their drinks.

SM: "I didn't think you'd actually have wine, Oreo! Where'd you get this from, anyhow?"

Dark Cacao looked at him in anmoyed silence before speaking again.

DC: "...Hollyberry Cookie gives it to me so I can 'loosen up'. I mostly just give it to guests if they ask."

SM: "Not much of a drinker, huh?"

DC: "I can't let my guard down."

SM: "Aww~ I wonder what it'd be like if you were drunk! I bet it'd be HILARIOUS!"

PV: "I think Hollyberry DID get you drunk that one time, remember?"

DC: "... you don't have to bring it up..."

PV: "You tried to fight a- pfft- a TREE!"

SM: "A TREE?!"

Shadow Milk is laughing his ass off.

SM: "Oh and I thought *I* was the clown!"

DC: "..."

PV: "Don't- hehehe- get too worked up about it, Dark Cacao. It was pretty funny, after all."

DC: "I guess it was..."

PV: "So... why don't you two... bond... or something? I'm going to go greet the kids."

DC: "Alright. You are dismissed."

A moment of silence is shared between Shadow Milk and Dark Cacao. It's less awkward and more... tense. Neither of them know where to start. Then, Dark Cacao decides to break the ice.

DC: "Do you... want a tour of the castle?"

SM: "Eh. Why not? I'm not leaving until Nilly thinks we're getting along well."

DC: "Ah... follow me."

He led Shadow Milk through his castle, explaining every little detail as best he could. They passed by Pure Vanilla on their walk and gave a quick wave before continuing.

DC: "Ah... The Altar of the Fallen. This is where we honor the great cookies who have fallen in battle, reserved for the greatest heroes. I hope one day my children will etch my name onto that Altar. It would be the only thing I desire after my death."

SM: "Jeez... how many people are on here, anyways?"

DC: "Hm... I... don't know..."

SM: "Did you know any of the people there?"

DC: "...many."

Dark Cacao takes a moment of silence to honor them before continuing.

DC: "Let's go."

SM: "Alright."

Eventually, they had toured the entire castle, and made it back to Pure Vanilla.

PV: "Hello! How was the tour?"

SM: "It... was great, actually. This castle has a lot more in it's walls than I expected."

PV: "You still have some Fount of Knowledge in you, huh?"

SM: "It never left."

DC: "Would you like me to prepare rooms for you two? Or are you heading back? It's no trouble either way."

SM: "Hmm... I'll take a room."

PV: "I guess I'll stay as well."

DC: "Alright then, I'll have them ready soon."

Soon enough, the sun had set, and they were all ready for bed. Dark Cacao had bid farewell to the pair before heading off to bed himself. But... something was awaiting him in his slumber.

Chapter Text

Piles of flour surrounded him. His body was too weak from hunger to fight back against her. His spirit watched as his servants turned to flour. It wasn't just Caramel Arrow and Crunchy Chip.

He watched as his other son, Dark Choco, crumbled, his face distorting and turning into flour. He felt helpless, like he was watching this from a tight glass box. Not able to move, or speak, or help.

Then... she targeted him. Pure vanilla. He could only try to look away and not vomit as he disintegrated into floury dust.

He woke up again, checking every room in the castle, tears prickling his eyes as he tried his hardest not to pass out from exhaustion, his pace much too quick for a man just waking up.

Dark Choco? Safe. Caramel Arrow? Safe. Crunchy Chip? Safe. Pure Vanilla? Safe.

He checked Shadow Milk Cookie's room too, just in case.

...

Safe.

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SM: "...what."

PV: "Oh... this..."

CA: "He'll wake up soon."

SM: "WHY are you so calm about this...?!"

CC: "He's fine. It happened to me yesterday. It's a bit weird... but..."

DCA: "Mnhh... Wh-wha...?"

Dark Cacao looked up at the four of them, realizing his position. He cleared his throat, getting up and starting to head back to his room to look more... presentable.

SM: "Hold on mister! You're not getting away until you tell us what the HELL is going on!"

DCA: "I..."

Shadow Milk drags him into the guest room he was staying in.

SM: "What I've seen so far is concerning. Your kids think this is normal. Explain. NOW."

DCA: "..."

Shadow Milk looks annoyed.

SM: "Talk."

DCA: "I..."

SM: "TALK."

DCA: "FINE!"

DCA: "Ever since my travels to Beast-Yeast, I... haven't been able to get... *her*... out of my head."

SM: "Okay, okay... continue."

DCA: "I... see them die again and again in my sleep. Fading away, returning to dust beneath my feet. She scares me... BEASTS... scare me..."

SM: "Hm... I see, I see..."

SM: "So *that's* why you were trembling when you saw me."

That caught him off guard. He knew. He saw his weakness. His mannerisms and the nervous way he spoke around him.

SM: "Yeah, yeah... She... she was scary. Apathetic and just... didn't fit in well... with the rest of us. The only reason we interacted is that we had a shared goal. It was stupid, in retrospect. But still. The fact you faced off against her and *won* is already insane. But I guess it makes sense that you would be terrorized by her even after the fact."

DCA: "..."

SM: "I mean... I know it won't help, but... she's gone now. You don't have to worry. She's in her own little apathetic world right now. I don't think you'd live long enough to see her again."

A moment of silence passed between the two.

DCA: "Thanks... for... listening?"

SM: "No problemo!~"

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Dark Cacao walked out of the room, going to his own and getting dressed in his usual hanbok before heading to the dining room. Breakfast was going to be ready soon, and the others were sure to be here soon.

Dark Choco was first to enter, nodding to show acknowledgement to his father. Dark Cacao nodded back, and Dark Choco took the seat to his right.

Crunchy Chip and Caramel Arrow arrived as well, arguing about something before just saying a simple "Hi dad" before heading to their seats.

Eventually, everyone was seated. Their breakfast was some rice, kimchi, vegetables, and soup. He decided to make small talk to the other nobles and guests in the room.

DCA: "How was everyone's rest?"

Lots of unanimous "good"s and "greats" came from the table, before Dark Choco asked:

DCH: "How did you sleep last night, father?"

DCA: "I slept fine."

Shadow Milk gave him an "are you sure?" look. Dark Cacao didn't look in his direction. Dark Choco was just confused. Shadow Milk knew he just wanted to protect his kids, but he knows they aren't stupid. Shadow Milk decided to leave it for another day.

The two of them notice that Pure Vanilla isn't eating, only twirling his rice around to make it look like he ate some. Shadow Milk Cookie says something to him in a whisper, almost like he's telling the other to eat. Dark Cacao lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding when he saw him take a bite.

They finish breakfast, and Dark Cacao heads straight for his Shelter of Solitude. He sits down again, thinking of what he needs to do for the day. Signing papers, trading, assigning rations... what else...?

Before he could think, Pure Vanilla and the jester were coming to get him.

PV: "Hello, Dark Cacao! Can we come sit?"

Although the Shelter of Solitude was a sacred place for him, he did let an extremely small set of people in. Pure Vanilla was one of the few people he did let in, and Shadow Milk was fine because he was accompanying his friend.

DCA: "Of course."

PV: "Thank you."

The three of them just sit. Shadow Milk watches the sun leave the Licorice Sea and start to run across the sky, while Pure Vanilla looks around with his staff. Dark Cacao sits and thinks of his duties.

PV: "Do you want to do anything before we leave, Shadow Milk?"

SM: "There was this pretty painting shop by the gates. I think I wanna buy one."

PV: "Alright. Should we get going?"

SM: "I guess so."

Pure Vanilla puts his hand on Dark Cacao's shoulder.

PV: "I guess we'll see you soon."

The two of them left, and he only felt... emptiness... in their place. Was he missing their company already? He left his shelter and followed after them silently.

PV: "You're... joining us?"

DCA: "Someone has to lead you through the gates."

SM: "I guess that's fair."

He walked beside them, listening to them blabber on about anything. Their voices were... comforting. Like a warm blanket wrapped around him in a blizzard. When they passed by the painting shop, he looked away, knowing that the paintings were still there.

PV: "You have good creatives here, Cacao. This art is incredible."

DCA: "You don't need to tell *me* that. I didn't raise them."

PV: "I guess you're right. You still play a role in their success, though."

SM: "Vanilla! Look at this one!"

He was holding a painting of the two dragons, like yin and yang around a shadowy figure, sword in hand.

PV: "I think this one's of you, Dark Cacao."

DCA: "It is? How... nice..."

SM: "I'm buying it."

Shadow Milk takes out 100 coins, the price of the painting.

PV: "Make sure to be careful with that, Shadow Milk."

Shadow Milk sets the painting comfortably in his mini-dimension, making sure it doesn't get in the way or get broken. The strange room intrigues Dark Cacao.

DCA: "What... is that?"

SM: "Storage room."

DCA: "Hm. How strange."

They walk to the gate of the Dark Cacao kingdom after their chat, but Pure Vanilla seems to have a request.

PV: "Actually... we're going to be visiting all of our old friends' kingdoms so they can meet Shadow Milk. Would you like to come with us?"

Dark Cacao Cookie thought for a minute. He had duties to attend to, but... he couldn't say no to Pure Vanilla, right? And plus, what if Shadow Milk *isn't* to be trusted? And maybe if he did go on this adventure, he would be able to get his mind off of... *her.*

DCA: "Hm... I'll go."

PV: "Wonderful! We can all see our friends again! Together!"

Ah, Pure Vanilla. Cheery, nice, sassy when he wants to be. It almost put a smile on his face.

DCA: "Let me tell my children, then we can go."

Chapter Text

Dark Cacao walked back to his castle, to a sparring area he knew his children would be. Dark Choco was giving Caramel Arrow another archery lesson. He felt warmer seeing the two interact so positively. Although, he needed to find out where Crunchy Chip was.

DCA: "Hello."

The two of them stopped, Caramel Arrow turning around and bowing.

CA: "Hello, father."

Dark Choco didn't do anything formal like his sister.

DCH: "Hi, dad."

DCA: "I will be leaving to accompany Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk Cookie. They are heading to the other Ancients' kingdoms and have invited me to accompany them. I entrust the kingdom with you two, as well as Crunchy Chip Cookie. Speaking of, where is he?"

CA: "In the mountains, with his wolves."

DCA: "Can you inform him that I have left when he gets back?"

DCH: "Yes, sir."

DCA: "I will be leaving now, then. Run the kingdom well while I'm gone."

CA: "We wish you well on your travels!"

DCA: "I love you both."

DCH: "...We love you too, father."

Dark Cacao goes back to the gate after gathering his supplies, where Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk have been waiting. Pure Vanilla's staff turns to him before he talks.

PV: "Ah, Dark Cacao! There you are."

He didn't know why, but he always felt warmer whenever he was in the blonde's presence, his grip on his sword slipping slightly because of sweat. He thought he would get used to the 'sickness' that Pure Vanilla made him feel, but after the Dark Flour War, they only amplified. He didn't bring it up to him, though, because it didn't cause him any pain or disable him in any way, so it was pointless to try to heal him.

DCA: "Apologies, Vanilla. I didn't realize I would take so long. We can continue now."

SM: "Yeah, yeah. Let's get going."

And off they went.

Chapter Text

They'd been travelling for as long as the sun had been up. Dark Cacao had put something lighter on, knowing that he was travelling somewhere that wasn't -10 degrees. He also brought hus travelling essentials. A tent, a couple outfits, food, water, a medkit, the Grapejam Chocoblade, ... the basics.

SM: "You really needed to bring all that?"

DC: "...Yeah."

SM: "You really are paranoid, huh-"

Bonk.

SM: "Ow!"

PV: "Didn't I say 'be nice'?"

Shadow Milk grumbled about nothing while they continued. Eventually, they made it to the Cranberry Forest, and found a spot to rest for the night. Time to test Dark Cacao's theory.

His dream... wasn't bad tonight. He found himself not in the Ivory Pagoda, but instead in the Spire of Deceit. There weren't nearly as many stairs, but he climbed, for some reason. He reached several dead ends and staircases that didn't make sense. He reached the top, and there they were. Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla, looking onward at the Dark Cacao Kingdom.

Dream PV: "Ah, Cacao!"

Dream SM: "Look who finally showed up! I thought you forgot about our promise!~"

DC: "What promise?"

DSM: "To climb up here and live life again, no fear of apathy or of your loved ones getting hurt."

DPV: "Doesn't this feel like Eternal Sugar's thing?"

DSM: "Eh- some. At least I'm not forcing him to be here."

While those two were bickering, he looked on at his kingdom. There was a tiny him, on a tiny replica of his throne. He wore a smile across his face. It seemed foreign. He never smiled like that. The smaller him was sitting by smaller versions of his kids, as well as Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk. Then, he laughed. It was loud enough for him to hear, up atop the spire.

DPV: "Huh. I wonder who told that joke."

DSM: "I bet 20 coins I did."

DPV: "50."

DSM: "A kiss from Dark Cacao."

DPV: "Gay."

DSM: "You can't be talking dude you're the twinkiest guy I know."

DC: "Eh. Who told the joke?"

DPV and DSM : "Us."

DC: "What was the joke?"

DPV: "Okay, we were at a party, right?"

DSM: "Yeah. There were two lines, one for juice, one for soda."

DPV: "So, I asked, 'Where's the punchline?'"

DSM: "And I said, here."

He punched Dark Cacao in his chest, although it didn't hurt. He was knocked into the air. This place was really weird. But, the joke was absurd enough so he would laugh.

DSM: "You owe me 20 coins...!"

DPV: "You owe me 50!"

DC: "What is going on here?"

DSM: "Look a little bit closer."

He looked at the both of them, then his surroundings changed again. He was in the Hollyberry Kingdom, seeing Hollyberry with a new shield.

PV: "Cacao! Wake up!"

SM: "That's enough beauty sleep, diva. Get up."

DC: "Ugh... weird..."

PV: "What was weird?"

DC: "The Spire. You were there, remember? There was a... promise?"

SM: "He's dense, isn't he?"

Bonk.

SM: "Are you gonna stop that anytime soon?"

PV: "If you behave, I will. Stop insulting my friend."

SM: "I'll try."

PV: "Good. Now let's get going."

They start to walk again, fighting some monsters... but there it was. The Hollyberry Kingdom. Hollyberry Cookie was talking to Pitaya Dragon, probably wanting a fight, before she noticed them.

HB: "Are those- Dark Cacao?! Pure Vanilla?! Come here, you two!"

Pure Vanilla did *not* wanna get hugged. He was gasping for air as Hollyberry squeezed him. Dark Cacao was next, but he was able to handle her squeezing.

PV: "Witches- Hollyberry- too tight-"

HB: "Oh, whoops! Sorry, Vanilla. I forget you're 'OlD aNd FRaiL'- hah!"

Pitaya Dragon: "Holly! Get back over here! Aren't we gonna fight?!"

HB: "Don't worry you old lizard. I just have to finish up with my old friends first."

Pitaya had a sad look on their face, pouting as they sat back down, waiting for Hollyberry.

HB: "Now, who's this?"

She points to Shadow Milk Cookie, and Pure Vanilla looks over at him. Shadow Milk Cookie rolls his eyes, but starts to introduce himself.

SM: "Shadow Milk Cookie. I assume you're Hollyberry Cookie, right?"

HB: "Correct! Always nice to meet new friends!"

SM: "Good to meet you too."

HB: "Now, I think the lizard over there is getting bored. I'll meet you two at the gates once I'm done."

PV: "Alright. We'll be waiting for you there."

Hollyberry Cookie ran towards Pitaya Dragon Cookie, who almost instantly tackled her. The sounds of their fighting and laughter faded out as they headed towards the gates of the Hollyberry Kingdom. Soon enough, Hollyberry was carrying a laughing Pitaya.

PD: "Looksss like you win again, old friend! I won't go easy on you nexssst time... hehe..."

HB: "You put up a good fight."

PD: "Can we do thisss again nexssst week?"

HB: "Of course! Why would I say no?"

PD: "Yesss...!"

Dark Cacao always liked seeing the pair interact. They knew each other like the back of their hands, and it was clear they had good chemistry. He was glad that his best friend found someone that fit her so well.

They walked into the bustling kingdom, passerbys and merchants and artists all crowding every public area in the city. Dark Cacao took in his surroundings and focused on Pitaya and Hollyberry's voices.

HB: "You know what I need? A drink."

PD: "More berry juice?"

HB: "I'm sure our friends here will appreciate the Hollyberrian liquor!"

PD: "Stay a *little* sober for our guests, Holly."

HB: "I'll be FINE, you big lizard!"

PD: "Promise me that you'll only have 2 more drinksss. You already had 3 beersss this morning."

HB: "What do you guys say?"

PV: "Hollyberry, not to say that the juice isn't amazing here, but I'm just not a drinker."

DC: "Pitaya said you had 3 beers already, right? How long ago was that?"

HB: "Uh..."

PD: "Two hoursss ago."

PV: "I guess we should head to the castle then."

They walk to the Hollyberry Palace, where Hollyberry 'walks off' to go get another drink. Pitaya knows they can't stop her, so they reluctantly let her go. They lead the trio to a sparring room and wait for Hollyberry to get back.

Dark Cacao decides to brush up on his skills while they wait, slicing dummies with precision and strength. Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla Cookie are both watching him, Shadow Milk eating some popcorn he got out of his void-room.

He felt weird, having the two of them watch him. The feelings Pure Vanilla brought him were still there, but there was also a mix of anxiousness in there with the Beast's presence. He felt like he needed to prove himself, to slice every dummy in that room if it was like a test he needed to pass, or if his life was on the line. His thoughts are interrupted when a door slams open.

Hollyberry Cookie returns with her shield, and Dark Cacao notices... it's different. It looks like the one he saw in his dream at the spire. Maybe that jumble of nonsense had some truth to it.

HB: "Getting aquainted with the dummies, eh?"

DC: "They're well made. I'm impressed."

HB: "Well, the old lizard wanted some that could handle their fire. I guess it doubles as something to challenge your sword! Not like it could handle the blade well, but I guess it's a nice thought."

DC: "They do say it's the thought that counts. Although, I think I've trained with dummies enough. Up for a round?"

HB: "How could I refuse?! I haven't seen you in eons! Bring it on, old friend!"

Dark Cacao takes a stance, warning Hollyberry he's about to attack, before rushing forward, swinging his blade. Hollyberry blocks it with her shield, before knocking him back, catching him off guard.

They continue this back and forth, Dark Cacao attempting to catch Hollyberry off guard while still remaining civil, and Hollyberry reading him each time. It was to be expected, her having a lot of experience fighting and getting good practice in with Pitaya often.

Dark Cacao glanced at the owners of the blueberry soul jam every so often, their gazes peircing into him and causing his nerves to act up. The bluer one had ditched his popcorn, and Pure Vanilla had his mouth agape as the fight went on.

They fought for a solid 30 minutes before they decided to stop and eat dinner. Pure Vanilla knew Hollyberry would force-feed him his entire meal if he didn't eat, so he took small bites, hoping he would eat enough so that she wouldn't question it.

Hollyberry was chatting with her royal assistants, save for Wildberry Cookie, who was quiet and trying to enjoy his meal. She and most of the other Hollyberrians were downing berry juice left and right, save for Pure Vanilla, Dark Cacao, Shadow Milk, and the aformentioned bodyguard.

Pure Vanilla eventually finished enough of his meal so that he was sure he could be excused. So, he did, and Hollyberry decided that she would finish what he didn't.

Dark Cacao left a couple minutes after Pure Vanilla excused himself, Shadow Milk following closely behind him. Their prepared rooms were close to Pure Vanilla's, so it made sense. Dark Cacao occasionally glanced at him, half because he didn't fully trust him, half to get a better look at him.

He floated around the halls with a bored expression, the warmth of the halls contrasting with the black and blue hues of his outfit. Anytime they would make eye contact, Dark Cacao would tense up and look in front of him again. Shadow Milk just looked at him confusedly anytime they did that, noticing his anxiety but choosing not to touch on it.

After what felt like hours, they finally reached their respective rooms. Hollyberry had arranged it so that the beast and ancient would be on either side of Pure Vanilla. Shadow Milk Cookie gave him a quiet 'goodnight' before heading off to bed, and Dark Cacao tried to do the same.