Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They thought it was over when the first three beast were defeated. Oh, how wrong they all were.

</>

Dark Cacao was inspecting the wall against the Licorice Sea. It was a new moon, so the monsters were few and far in between, preferring to come out when the moon shined brightly.

Caramel Arrow saw him and saluted. "Your Majesty."

"Caramel Arrow Cookie, report."

"Only twenty-one monsters fought as of now and all have been vanquished. The only two main injury was Chocolate Bunny Cookie, who sustains a cracked leg after trying to help Cinnamon Scroll Cookie, who’s icing was melting. They’re both receiving treatment as we speak."

"Excellent." He nodded. "I need you to come with me and Crunchy Chip Cookie."

Crunchy Chip looked at him and frowned, scratching his Cream Wolf's ear after he noticed his worry. Caramel Arrow thought for a second before nodding. "Of course. I'll appoint Peanut Butter Choco Cookie to take care of the other Watchers."

Dark Cacao nodded. "Be quick about it."

She bowed and left. He turned to face Crunchy Chip. "Wait for Caramel Arrow to return, then gather your wolves and meet me at the castle's door. Understood?'

"Yes, Dark Cacao Cookie." He nodded and Dark Cacao left.

The three cookies were now travelling throughout the snowy forests of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, the moon high in the sky. Sleep didn’t bother them as long night patrols were common for the cookies.

Silence hung in the air. The only noise was the low growls of Crunchy Chip’s wolves that surrounded them. Crunchy Chip was the first to break the silence.

“So, can I ask where we are going?”

Dark Cacao nodded. “Do you know about the rumours going around?”

Caramel Arrow nodded. “They say that a cloud of white haze has been forming at the edge of our borders.”

“Yes. I gather that you two know something about a white cloud?”

The two shared a nervous look.

Caramel Arrow responded. “Your Beast counterpart was vanquished during our adventure to Beast-Yeast.”

He grumbled. “I wish to see what is it all about.”

A growl came from one of Crunchy Chip’s wolf. He sighed and urged the Cream Wolf he was riding to check him out. “I’ll be back in a second.”

Dark Cacao nodded briefly.

He wasn’t sure entirely if Mystic Flour was behind it or not. But he had to make sure.

Crunchy Chip let out a yell and the two cookies shared a look before heading over.

One of Crunchy Chip’s wolves was snarling, agitated. Crunchy Chip was trying to get them under control, but was struggling immensely, which was rare for him with his wolves.

“Hey, girl, calm down-OW, Don’t bite me! What is it?”

The wolf growled and ran off. Crunchy Chip turned to the other two. “She’s sensed something, but I don’t know what.”

“Then follow her.” Dark Cacao ordered. Crunchy Chip whistled and the other wolves snapped to attention. Two ran to Caramel Arrow and Dark Cacao, giving them a ride. The three chased down the other wolf.

The wolf stopped and growled at a large dense of trees. The other wolves stopped and Dark Cacao slid from his wolf.

“Who is there?” He ordered. “Reveal yourself, now!”

Crunchy Chip headed back to Caramel Arrow and he heard the two discuss how the air seemed to look white.

The bushes rustled. A sigh echoed from them that made Dark Cacao’s jam run cold.

A familiar face emerged, one with dough pale as the snow surrounding them.

“Mystic Flour Cookie!?”

Caramel Arrow readied her bow instantly and Crunchy Chip whistled, calling the wolves back.

Dark Cacao got ready to kill the Beats but-

Something was wrong. Her posture was not held high as it used to be, and she was shivering from the cold. Her dough also seemed to drip downwards.

Was she soggy?

“Dark Cacao Cookie.” Her face remained expressionless, devoid of true emotion. “I wish to talk.”

"If you try anything, Beast, I will cut you down from where you stand."

Mystic Flour nodded.

"Explain why you dare set foot into my kingdom after everything you've done to me."

</>

"CHIRP! Your Majeztyyy!"

A small cheesbird flew and landed in front of Golden Cheese. She turned away from the window in the mines and looked down at them.

"Scout Cheesebird!" She asked. "What is it?"

"I-I zaw a faze I wish to not zee again! Chirp! The Beazt you fought iz heading here!"

Golden Cheese's heart flutter with fear that she quickly wiped of her face. "How far away is he?"

"Chirp! A two-minute flight for me!"

"Alright. Stay here until I come back and warn the other cheesebirds to lay low. I'm going to face him."

Scout Cheesebird nodded and flapped away. Golden Cheese didn't even think, instead flying through the mines to find her adviser.

"Smoked Cheese Cookie!"

"Here!"

She landed next to him and gestured for her spear, which he was repairing after a part of it shattered. He tossed it over. "What's the rush? And why are the cheesebirds going into hiding?"

"Our friendly Beast is back."

Smoked Cheese frowned. "That is frankly impossible."

"I thought so as well. Turns out, he's heading to the mines." Golden Cheese spread her wings. "Stay here. If I'm not back in ten minutes, come and find me."

"Of course, My Queen." He nodded, and Golden Cheese flew through a hole in the Mine's walls to find the Beast.

How dare Burning Spice show up here, unannounced, with no warning of his arrival? If he wanted a rematch, he'll get a rematch.

And yet...something felt off. Really off. Burning Spice did not strike her as the person to roll up to her kingdom by himself. It would make more sense if he'd brought the Spices with him to destroy more stuff.

There.

The red colored cookie was walking towards the mines where the cheesebirds worked. He seemed to be limping slightly, which did seem odd, and his axe was slung over his back.

Golden Cheese dived downwards and landed in front of him, causing sand to lift into the air. She spread her wings as the sand lifted, gripping her spear in a death hold.

He just looked at her with annoyance and tiredness.

"You dare come to my lands? I will crumble you unlike last time, so why are you here?"

"I had nowhere else to go."

Golden Cheese blinked. That was...not the answer she expected. "I'm sorry. WHAT?"

Burning Spice didn't respond. Instead, his eyes unfocused for a second. Then Golden Cheese noticed the bandages around his chest was leaking a heavy amount of jam. Right where his soul jam usually sat.

"Like I said. It was the only place I could go." He stepped backwards and winced.

"What happened to your chest. And you. Tell me now."

Golden Cheese lifted her spear and pointed it at his neck, not causing a flinch from the beast.

"...Fine."

</>

Pure Vanilla was resting in his quarters peacefully when a knock at the door alerted his attention. He opened it to see a distressed Black Raisin.

“Black Raisin Cookie! Is everything alright?”

"I was out scouting and I found someone who we think you'd like to see." Black Raisin frowned.

Pure Vanilla's mind immediately went to a familiar blue cookie, but that was impossible.

He nodded politely. “Very well, may I see them?”

Black Raisin left and within a minute brought back-

Oh. His suspicions were correct.

Shadow Milk looked at the floor, avoiding his rival's gaze. His hands were tied around his back with think ropes.

Pure Vanilla remained calm. “Are you alright?"

Shadow Milk blinked in surprise but regained his composure. "Of course, Nilly! Why would you ever think that I need help?"

He blinked and looked the cookie up and down. His icing was shriveled, the magic holding it in place gone and his cape was torn. He was also walking, not floating above everyone else. And his eyes looked tired, broken, unlike the confidence they usually held.

"You're not okay." He decided. "What happened?"

His smile faltered. "That! Is none of your business. I was simply travelling and your friends captured me. So, may I please go?"

"No."

"I said, let me go-"

The ropes around his hands fell with a wave of Pure Vanilla's hand. Shadow Milk blinked. Black Raisin looked at him in shock. "Pure Vanilla Cookie-"

"Black Raisin Cookie, could you please leave me and Shadow Milk Cookie alone for a bit?" Pure Vanilla smiled. Black Raisin simply nodded without questioning and walked out, glaring suspiciously at Shadow Milk.

Once his friend had left the room he approached the beast. Shadow Milk stepped back, lifting his cane. "Don't try anything, I will kill you right here and now-"

"You can't. You're too weak."

"Pfft-HA! Is that an insult?"

"No-you looked shattered."

"Oh, silly as always, Nilly! Why-"

Pure Vanilla took his arm. Shadow Milk was so dumbfounded he didn't even react. Pure Vanilla noticed all the small cracks in his dough, most likely from burn marks.

An easy healing spell patched up the cracks, but the burns remained. He looked at Shadow Milk, who eyes were wide. "I don't have the right stuff to heal burns yet, but I'll try to."

That was all it took for Shadow Milk to crumble. He whimpered and almost fell over, right then and there. Pure Vanilla caught him easily and held him up. Shadow Milk didn't even try to break free from his hug, just sobbing milk tears.

"What happened?"

Shadow Milk didn't respond. Instead, he just sniffled and wiped his eyes.

"I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."

"..."

</>

"The Witches." Mystic Flour sighed. "They were not happy we escaped the tree once again. So, They hunted us down. They punished us for escaping. Worse than before."

</>

"Torture." Burning Spice gasped slightly. His breath was running low. "Drowned Mystic Flour Cookie. Turned Shadow Milk into a puppet and set him on fire. And-I think you know what they did to me."

</>

"They left us to rot away. We had nowhere to go. Eternal Sugar Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie vanished; none of us have seen them. The only thing we could do was to hide. I don't care what you do to me, Nilly. It'll be better than whatever They did." Shadow Milk rubbed his eyes and parted from the hug.

...

"You'll stay here. I won't hurt you as long as you don't attack anyone."

</>

"You need medical attention and quickly. I'll call the cheesebirds and they'll help you out."

</>

"I have reason to suspect suspicion. So, you will be watched the entire time you are here."

</>

"Tomorrow, we will sort this out more."

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk was heavily confused.

He'd expected Pure Vanilla to be mad. He'd expected a punishment.

But no.

Instead, after that heavily embarrassing confession, Pure Vanilla had led him to a simple room and given him something to eat before leaving him be, saying he'll heal his burns later.

At this point, Shadow Milk was just bored. He couldn't do anything until his strength returned, so he was left powerless.

When Pure Vanilla appeared on the second day, he'd explained that Shadow Milk would have to remain hidden until the other Ancient Heroes showed up. When he asked why, he just brushed by the question.

It was four days later when Pure Vanilla said they were going for a walk.

“Why?”

“You’ll see soon.”

So, the two walked through the halls of the castle. Any cookies who saw them left quickly. One cookie saw him and jumped, startled when Shadow Milk flared at him icily.

"Please don't startle my guests, Shadow Milk Cookie."

"I literally just looked at him."

"Shadow Milk Cookie."

He took that as his stage cue to shut the Oven up.

The two continued, climbing higher and higher through the palace. Shadow Milk couldn't remember how long it had been since he'd had to walk this long, and he was exhausted.

They finally, finally reached two doors that were adorned with all the colors of the rainbow. Pure Vanilla turned to face him.

"Do not try anything. We are simply having a meeting with the other members of the consul. I have every right to excuse you from this if need be. Understood?"

A consul? Oh, lovely. An audience. He nodded, forcing himself to not roll his eyes. Pure Vanilla opened the doors and beckoned for Shadow Milk to follow him.

Inside the room was a large table. Multi-colored light from the stained windows poured into the room, draping over the cookies who sat at the table. A jolt ran through him as he first noticed two cookies.

Mystic Flour and Burning Spice sat next to each other, both avoiding his gaze. And when he looked around, he saw the other Ancient Heroes. Except for one green-robed cookie. And that stupid child was here, along with a blond-iced cookie he'd never seen before. They all sat at the table, waiting patiently.

Shadow Milk saw a seat was available next to Burning Spice, so he walked away from his counterpart and sat next to him.

Pure Vanilla took the main seat, which reminded Shadow Milk that foolish cookie was in charge here. "Hello, my friends. Thank you all for gathering here on such a short notice."

The pink-iced cookie, who Shadow Milk cleverly deducted as Hollyberry, spoke up. "Yes! Unfortunately, White Lily Cookie isn't here at this moment?"

"Yes, I know, but she sent me a message that she would remain neutral during this. So, we can continue without her for now."

The three Beasts all shared a look while Pure Vanilla began to speak. "As we all know, a few days ago, these three showed up in our Kingdoms." He gestured to him, Mystic Flour and Burning Spice. "My experience may have been different from all of yours, but Shadow Milk Cookie told me what happened. So, may you please repeat what happened?"

Shadow Milk rolled his eyes, not really having a choice. "Fine..."

"I basically told you this already, but the Witches weren't happy that we escaped, so they resorted to the most sensible thing, being torture! Cause what else could they do?" His bared his teeth and continued talking. "They drowned Mystic Flour Cookie repeatedly, turned me into a puppet and set me on fire, you can see my burns, and Buring Spice-just look at his chest and you'll figure out the rest."

The three ancient counterparts had heard this story, clearly, as they seemed mostly unfazed. Hollyberry seemed very shocked, taking in the injuries they all held. GingerBrave (that was his name, right?) was surprisingly not freaking out, just a bit pale, and the blonde-iced cookie seemed the calmest.

"Eventually, they left with Eternal Sugar Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie. So, they're either dead or escaped. They also took our own Soul Jams, so now we're basically powerless. Anyways, that's pretty much everything. Any questions?"

The cookies all glanced around the cookies with mixed expressions of worry and distrust. The unfamiliar cookie was the first to speak.

"Pardon me for asking, but how do we know that you are not lying?" He asked. "You are the Beast of Deceit, no? How do we not know that you three are lying to us?"

"I agree with Clotted Cream Cookie." Mystic Flour flinched at the cookie who spoke. Dark Cacao looked entirely unimpressed with this. "You could've easily faked the injuries and hid your part of the Soul Jams under your clothes.

Clotted Cream Cookie nodded. "Yes. So why are you-"

Burning Spice slammed his fist on the table, causing everyone to jump. "Do you think I would willingly tear out my Soul Jam just to fool you? How is that not enough proof? The jam pouring from it?"

"And my burns!" Shadow Milk joined in. "Sure, sometimes I fake injuries for plays, but burns hurt!"

"...I believe them."

Burning Spice looked quite shock that his own counterpart had stood up for him. Golden Cheese crossed her arms, glaring at Clotted Cream. Not at Dark Cacao though. "I know my counterpart well, and though I may dislike him, I know that inflicting pain upon himself is not something he would do. Others, though? Sure! But not himself."

Pure Vanilla nodded. "Me too. Shadow Milk doesn't strike me like that kind of cookie, unless, like he said, it was for performance."

"Me too." Hollyberry joined in, with GingerBrave nodding. "Do you three know anything about the whereabouts of Eternal Sugar Cookie? And Silent Salt Cookie, of course."

Mystic Flour shook her head. "They vanished. We are unsure where they might've ended up."

Dark Cacao still was unconvinced. "I still do not trust them."

"Trusting them, that is a different story." Pure Vanilla nodded. "But the matter remains what to do with the Beasts now that they are practically defenseless."

The three shared a look before Shadow Milk spoke up.

"Can I talk to my collages in private?"

The others looked at each other.

"Do you not remember the whole "defenseless" part? Helloooo? I just want to talk to them in private."

Pure Vanilla looked at the others, who all nodded (a few reluctantly) so the three Beasts were allowed to stand outside the door, within earshot of the others.

Once the door was closed, Shadow Milk turned to his companions.

"So, we're screwed."

The other two nodded. Mystic Flour spoke up. "Unless we can convince them we are truly harmless, they will most likely take revenge on us."

"Then what do we do? It's not like we can just fight back." Burning Spice agreed. "I know I can't with this hole in my chest."

"And my dough is still recovering from the sogginess."

"...Ugh, I can't think of anything! Maybe we should just surrender. Death sounds better then all this."

"We're immortal, remember?"

"Arghhhhh..."

The three stayed in silence for a bit before Shadow Milk spoke.

"I say we just go in and deal with whatever they put up with."

Mystic Flour sighed. "It'll be meaningless."

"You think everything is meaningless." Shadow Milk retorted, causing her eyes to flicker black for a second. "It's our only hope."

Buring Spice nodded and Mystic Flour sighed before agreeing as well. They headed back into the meeting room and sat down again.

It was clear that the other cookies had been discussing things while they were gone. Pure Vanilla was the first to speak.

“We all have an agreement that killing you wouldn’t really solve any problems. But, it seems that GingerBrave has an idea.

Oh really? What’s this kid gonna say?

"Weell," GingerBrave smiled awkwardly. "Pure Vanilla once told me that everyone deserves a second chance-"

"GingerBrave, with all due respect, the Beasts are called Beasts for a reason-"

"I know that Clotted Cream Cookie, but listen. We assign two cookies, an Ancient and a helper to look after them. Like, for example I can help Pure Vanilla Cookie watch Shadow Milk Cookie! And if they try anything, then you can punish them with whatever creative ways you think." He nodded. “Then maybe, you guys can try changing for the better?”

Redemption?

In these cookie’s dreams.

Pure Vanilla nodded. "It isn't a bad idea."

“It is.” Dark Cacao grumbled. He truly was an old man. “I trust those three as much as I trust Dark Enchantress Cookie.”

Pure Vanilla nodded. “Perhaps the test can be about an exercise of trust and-"

"And what about all the cookies of mine she killed? I watched HUNDREDS turn into pale flour before my very eyes! She doesn't deserve redemption, none of these Beasts do." Mystic Flour held no reaction to this. 

"My friend, please think about this." Pure Vanilla tried to calm the situation down. "We haven't decided yet, so there's no need to argue-"

Dark Cacao rolled his eyes and grabbed his sword. "I'm leaving before we have a repeat of what happened with Clotted Cream Cookie." With that he left the room, slamming the door shut and leaving everyone in silence.

"Well, there's our first no." Shadow Milk sighed. "Anyone else want out of this tomfoolery?"

Golden Cheese shrugged. "I do not care either way if I try to redeem him or if he is punished. I choose to remain neutral."

"I vote yes! I think that's clear already." GingerBrave chimed in.

Hollyberry nodded. "Me as well! I think it's fine."

Clotted Cream looked at the others in confusion. "I. Do not. When we received your letter at the Creme Republic, the Elders all agreed no. We are against the idea of redemption. Letting these..." He gestured to the three Beasts. "dangerous foes roam free with no repercussions is against the ideals we hold."

Burning Spice rolled his eyes. 

"Counting the votes, three vote yes, two no and one is neutral. Two if you count White Lily Cookie. So, it's settled. They will stay with our counterparts until we sort out possible redemption."

This worked?

At least it was better than death.

"Wait." Clotted Cream looked frustrated, but Shadow Milk had to admit he was doing a good job of keeping his tone under control. "Please, let us think this through much clearer. They are dangerous and could, no, can and will turn on you within seconds in necessary."

"Look, with all due respect, which is none currently by the way," Shadow Milk sighed. "I don't want this either. But would you rather have us roam free or under watch?"

He had gotten him there. Clotted Cream didn't have a response to that. Instead, he asked, "What about Dark Cacao Cookie? I do not think he would like to have Mystic Flour in his walls."

"Well, since my own counterpart is missing currently, I'll take care of her until Dark Cacao agrees!" Hollyberry chimes in.

“That settles it then.” Pure Vanilla smiled again. How does his face not hurt from doing that smug smile all the time? “The Beasts will stay and we will look after them.”

So.

How did Shadow Milk feel about this?

Mixed.

On the one hand, he can easily just use this to get his Soul Jam back and take control of it once more. But the other did not want to put up with redemption just for that.

So lose-lost either way. Great.

Hollyberry took Mystic Flour with her when she left, presumably to talk with Dark Cacao. Golden Cheese and Burning Spcie kept their distance and Clotted Cream just sighed and left himself, leaving GingerBrave and Pure Vanilla alone with Shadow Milk.

This’ll be fun.

Chapter Text

When Mystic Flour arrived in the lands of her rival's kingdom, she'd expected to be sliced down where she stood.

She would've preferred that. To crumble away into nothingness. True peace.

Instead. She'd been led to his palace and put under watch before two days later, travelling to another Kingdom.

Her dough was still freezing throughout the meeting. 

The decision was made for the Beasts to redeem themselves. Without any of their consent.

Now she was following a far too joyous cookie who claimed herself as Hollyberry to meet her rival and discuss things.

They arrived at the campsite and walked throughout it to Dark Cacao's tent. Cookies seemed to recognize her, walking away quickly and avoiding her gaze. Eventually they arrived at the tent.

"Stay out here for a little bit." Hollyberry explained. "I'll call you in when I think the situation has been best resolved. Okay?"

She nodded, not wanting to talk with this far too exclaimed cookie. So, she waited outside and Hollyberry went inside.

While outside, two warriors saw her waiting and paused, looking at her in worry. She glared at them, and they quickly excused themselves.

Spacing out all pointless noises allowed her to listen in on the conversation.

"-Sorry, but I refuse to let that Beast walk in the same halls as my warriors."

"Is there any compromise?"

"No."

"...You don't really have a say in the matter, and you know it. You agreed to uphold anything the consol agreed on."

"This is far worse-"

"I can help! I'll let her stay with me-"

Pointless arguing. Eventually, she'll regain her strength. She would rather drown then agree to try this idiotic plan.

Hollyberry opened the door, catching her off guard. "Come in! I think we've agreed on something..."

Once inside, she sat down in a seat opposite to her rival.

"Look." He started. "I do not wish to host you in my Kingdom, and I assume the feeling is neutral. You will come back to my Kingdom and spend two weeks there, then two weeks at the Hollyberry Kingdom. It will be back and forth until anything happens. Understood?"

She bowed to show that she was unfortunately also a part of this deal.

"And if you try anything, anything at all. I will cut you down from where you stand. Understood?"

"Yes."

So that is how a few hours later, she was riding in a carriage back to the Dark Cacao Kingdom, seated in the back while Dark Cacao and two other cookies drove the carriage.

She was alone in the backroom, sitting on the floor crossed-legged and praying quietly. Her veil had been taken off as it was torn. Dark Cacao had promised new clothes when they arrived at the Kingdom, but that would take another full day of nothing but waiting.

That was fine, though.

She was used to waiting in silence.

Mystic Flour used to pray to the Witches.

But now, she simply prayed to whatever god would hear her prayers.

They arrived in the Kingdom two days later. The cold air did nothing to her, as now her dough had dried out. Dark Cacao ordered her to stay with his two other warriors, who went by Caramel Arrow and Crunchy Chip.

The air was tense.

Cold.

Quiet.

Meaningless.

The two took her to Dark Cacao, where he explained things once again.

"I will watch you with every step, Beast." He told her.

Her eyes flickered black for a second.

He raised his sword. "Do you understand?"

She bowed. "I'm sure of it."

"Good."

Caramel Arrow had been ordered to take Mystic Flour to the rooms Dark Cacao had organized for Mystic Flour's stay. Silence hung thick in the air as they climbed up a tower, passing windows that showed a snowstorm raging outside.

Mystic Flour had seen thousands of snowstorms. In the end they all blended together. Like everything else.

They arrived and Caramel Arrow unlocked the door before finally speaking. "There are clothes inside for you to better suit the climate of this Kingdom. We've organized bringing you food every day and if you need anything then simply find a watcher."

Mystic Flour nodded and stepped inside, Caramel Arrow closing the door behind her.

The room was simple, circular shaped with a table, two windows and a large bed. On her bed lay a box, which when opened contained her clothes. They were similar to her original outfit, but with extra layers and fur as well as no veil. Once on, she felt slightly warmer.

There was an icing-brush in there as well which she used to re-do her icing in a large half up-half down. She then sat on the bed and thought.

Redemption.

A foolish idea, really.

She was far from it.

It was useless.

This was stupid.

Everything was.

Useless.

</>

"So, how was it?"

Carmel Arrow fired another arrow into her target. Today was a training day with her and some other watchers. Crunchy Chip had shown up as well, watching his friend train.

It was a few days later after Mystic Flour arrived and the tension had mostly gone, but she was still on edge. Thankfully, training easily put the First Watcher back to her normal self without any nerves.

She shrugged to Chocolate Bunny's question, loading another arrow in her bow. "Quiet, mostly. She seems to not want to cause harm right now, but that could change easily."

"Odd." Chocolate Bunny mused. "She sounded horrifying from the stories you told me!" Her friend grabbed her dagger and sliced down another target as Caramel Arrow fired another shot, gaining a bullseye.

"She was!" Crunchy Chip chimed in. "But if the Beasts story is true, then Mystic Flour Cookie is currently powerless."

"So, no flour plagues?"

"Hopefully no."

"Oh, thank Witches. One is enough."

Bittersweet Tart had remained silent while they chatted, but they finally spoke up as they grabbed their sword. "I still don't trust her. We lost a lot of Warriors to the plague, including my sister and my father. She might still be willing to attack us."

"Exactly. We cannot let our guard down for a moment." Crunchy Chip agreed.

A bell ring signaled the end of the training. Caramel Arrow collected her arrows from her target.

"Ooph, I still got medical training after this..." Chocolate Bunny sighed. "I'll see y'all soon then!"

"I can walk with you." Bittersweet Tart asked.

"Oh really! Yeah sure! Will you two be fine?"

Caramel Arrow nodded. "We've finished our training, so we're gonna get sleep before the watch tonight."

"Alright!" Chocolate Bunny grinned. "See ya there!"

"See you!"

Caramel Arrow and Crunchy Chip headed back to the castle.

"Has she actually done anything?" Crunchy Chip asked.

Caramel Arrow shook her head. "No. Usually I drop off food and we don't talk. I don't think she's asked for anything."

"How long until she goes to the Hollyberry Kingdom?'

"Another week, I think."

Crunchy Chip nodded. They arrived at the wall and climbed up the stairs to their rooms inside the palace. As they did, they passed Mystic Flour's room. It was meant to be casual but then they heard a large thunkfrom inside the walls.

The two shared a look. Caramel Arrow nervously headed towards the door and knocked on it.

"Hello?"

No response.

Crunchy Chip walked over to the door but stopped when he heard something.

It sounded like...crying?

Soft, very quiet sobs came from the room. It almost sounded like a whisper.

The two glanced at each other again before Caramel Arrow brought out the key she took with her everywhere and hesitantly opened the door.

The room had no lights on. It was dark with the sun setting in the sky. Caramel Arrow could make out a silhouette of Mystic Flour next to the bed. She walked forward slowly and knelt down.

"...Are you alright?"

Mystic Flour didn't pay attention. Milk tears still poured from her eyes.

The faint sliver of light shined on an object in her hands and Caramel Arrow's heart flutter for a second.

"Crunchy Chip, go get bandages, stat."

Crunchy Chip didn't even hesitate, he just left.

Caramel Arrow felt like she was playing with fate, but she spoke with the Beast again.

"Can you look at me?"

Mystic Flour brought her head up and opened her eyes.

"I need you to breathe. Slowly and carefully. In for four, hold for four, out for four, rest for four." This was a strategy she used when a Watcher was panicking on the wall.

Mystic Flour slowly began to copy her instructions. Caramel Arrow slowly took away the broken glass shard from her hands and slipped it into her pocket.

Crunchy Chip returned with a roll of bandages and tossed them to Caramel Arrow who wrapped them around Mystic Flour's jam-covered arm swiftly.

"I'll stay with her tonight. Make up an excuse because I couldn't guard the wall tonight."

Crunchy Chip nodded without hesitation. "I'll pretend the bands I got were for you?"

"Sounds good."

He left the room. Caramel Arrow finished wrapping up Mystic Flour's arm and helped her stand before leading her over to the bed.

The sheets were messy and not done up properly. Caramel Arrow did them quickly before seating Mystic Flour in front of her and brushing her icing gently with the icingbrush she’d found on the bedside table.

“Just relax. I promise I won’t try anything as long as you don’t either.”

Mystic Flour nodded.

She brushed her icing, tidied up her room and took care of the broken window, cleaning up the glass and closing the blinds so less snow would come in.

Some of the food that Caramel Arrow had given Mystic Flour had been hidden, so she cleaned that up as well.

The entire time, they both stayed silent.

The sun rose faster than she expected.

After that, she politely excused herself from the Beast.

But she felt less tense.

The situation between her and Mystic Flour remained a secret between the three who witnessed it. It was a silent agreement to not tell a single soul.

Caramel Arrow decided to check up on Mystic Flour again later that day.

</>

"Hello again."

"..."

"I brought some more food today. They're Cacao Fruit buns. I hope you enjoy them."

"...Mhmm."

When Caramel Arrow came back to collect the tray of food, she saw a note in simple handwriting.

Thank You-Mystic Flour Cookie.

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk wanted none of this tomfoolery.

Redemption? A chance to change? HAH! As if! The idea almost made him laugh out loud. He was a Beast! And the most powerful at that! These idiots. Honestly, they should've just let them die. Much faster and less torturous for everyone involved!

But noooooooooo!

Of COURSE!

Now they have to play along with their counterparts until hopefully they "changed for the better!" Absolute bullshi-

He snapped out of his annoyed mind rambling when him and Pure Vanilla arrived at the latter's quarters. GingerBrave had left them to go to his own place, as to send a message to his "friends" at the Cookie Kingdom.

Pure Vanilla opened the door and Shadow Milk followed him inside.

The room was just...simple. He expected something grander. But this just looked similar to the rooms he was staying at, except more spacious and larger windows.

"So, why am I here?" He asked, not trying to hide his irritation in his voice.

"Well, first of all, you need a new cape. Your old one is torn horribly." Pure Vanilla walked over to his cabinets and dug around.

Shadow Milk shuffled awkwardly and pulled out the chair from the desk in the corner, sitting down. Silence filled the room as he awkwardly swung his legs on the chair.

Okay, this was boring.

He fiddled with his staff before slicing the air in front of him, causing a portal to his other world and pulled out a rabbit plushie before knitting up the gap. He began changing its outfit to look similar to his own, except far less rugged and ruined.

Pure Vanilla emerged from the closet, holding a golden cape with blue and white stitches embraided into it. "Is this alright?"

He shrugged. "I don't care."

Pure Vanilla nodded and handed him the cape. Shadow Milk draped it over his shoulders and tied it up. It felt pretty similar to his old one.

"Now what?"

"Well, would you like your burns healed?"

Oh. Shadow Milk had forgotten about that. The pain had blended together in his mind. He nodded and Pure Vanilla gestured to his arm which he handed over reluctantly gave him.

After a moment, his arm didn't sting anymore. He looked down in slight amusement as the slight ashen marks of burnt dough with cracks slowly crumbled off his arm, leaving bare dough that slightly leaked jam. Pure Vanilla seemed prepared; grabbing some bandages that were on his bed and wrapping them up.

"There you go." Pure Vanilla smiled so brightly that Shadow Milk thought he was going to go blind just like his rival. "Now, before you go, I have a few things I wish to talk with you about."

Shadow Milk rolled his eyes and sat on the chair. "Talk away, Nilly."

"First, rules."

"Ugh, that's boring."

"...Just listen. The only two I have is no leaving this place until I allow it and no scaring my guests. That's it."

That's it? "HAH! Easy."

"And now, two questions. One. When will your magic return? I've noticed that you aren't flying as much as you used to."

He rolled his eyes. "Dunno. Could be a day or a week. Mysteries, mysteries...next question? I don't have all day."

"Alright." He smiled again, and Shadow Milk wanted to slap him. "How much distance would you like?"

"What."

"Like, how much time would you like to spend with me?"

"...I choose to remain silent."

Pure Vanilla nodded. "Alright. You're free to go."

Thank the Wizards. Not the Witches, he'd given up on them ages ago. He left the room, Pure Vanilla watched him carefully.

</>

"You're kidding."

"Nope!"

GingerBrave smiled awkwardly at Wizard's exasperated expression. The two were talking through a spell that Wizard had casted so that way they could communicate while GingerBrave was off doing more problematic stuff.

Wizard sighed and pinched his nose. "Don't ever tell anyone I said this, but sometimes the Ancients are a bit quick to judgement."

"Yeah, sometimes they are. But you are too." GingerBrave shrugged.

"No, I'm not!"

GingerBrave giggled at his friend's annoyed face. Wizard composed himself and sighed. "So how long are you going to be at the Vanilla Kingdom?"

"Hmm... I actually don't know!" He realized. "It could be a few weeks. Or days. I might be away for a while to help Pure Vanilla Cookie. So, yeah."

Wizard surprisingly took this news well. "Alright. I'll let the others know. Though, what about the other cookies?"

GingerBrave frowned. "Huh?"

"Like their minions. Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie. I assume the other Beasts have cookies who work for them as well. What happens to them?"

"Oh! Uhh..." No one had brought up the use of minions. "I think we need to discuss that at the consol again. But no, they're not with us."

"Maybe you should sort them out? If they think their Beast was captured, then they might seek revenge."

"Oh, that is true. I'll have to ask Pure Vanilla about that."

"Yeah, but it's pretty late, no?"

"I was going to go to bed and tell him tomorrow. Is that okay?" 

"Of course."

"Okay! Night, Wizard Cookie!"

"Goodnight, GingerBrave."

</>

It had been two days and Shadow Milk was regretting ever agreeing to this.

Everywhere he turned, Pure Vanilla was there. Trying to sneak out of the window? Pure Vanilla would enter his room and catch him. Crawl through the vents? Again, busted.

It was like an annoying game that you would play on the playground that you didn't want to play, but someone dragged you into it and you were waiting to find a way to stop playing it.

And he was sick of it. At least his magic had fully returned today.

He wanted to crumble that annoying cookie and scatter his remains in the wind.

Crumble Pure Vanilla...

Why not?

A knock at the door meant Pure Vanilla was there with dinner. He'd always come to the room, explaining that he wished to eat with him. Usually, they sat in silence, but today was the first day Shadow Milk asked a question to him.

"When do I get to leave?"

Pure Vanilla wiped his mouth and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

He rolled his eyes. "Like, leave the area I'm staying at. I haven't left the quarters at all and every time I do, you stop me. I wanna explore! Staying in here is bo-ring!"

"I never actually stopped you, you know." He shrugged.

"Uh, yeah. You did."

"I stopped you from leaving the palace. But, if you want, I can take you around the place tomorrow."

"Wait, seriously?"

Pure Vanilla nodded and went back to eating his food. Eventually, he finished up and wished Shadow Milk goodnight, leaving the room.

Little does that cookie know, it's also goodnight for him.

Shadow Milk waits. He waits until the sun is fully gone, and the moon is high in the sky. He waits until the moon is shining before sneaking out from his bedroom, grabbing his staff for the first time in days.

He glided above the ground to hide his footsteps, down the hallways until he arrived at Pure Vanilla's bed chambers and slithered under the doorway, blending into the shadows before re-emerging at the foot of Nilly's bed.

"Sorry, my dear Vanilly." He twirled his cane, the edge sharpening to a spike. "But this is what I do."

"I am a wolf, and you are a lamb."

...

Why weren't his arms moving?

His arms were gripping his staff tightly, so much that his dough was turning white and yet they refused to stab Pure Vanilla in the chest.

Shadow Milk growled and tried to move his arms, but they stubbornly held the can right above his rival's(?) dough.

 Just do it!

  What's stopping you?

   You've crumbled thousands!

    You don't care about him. You never did!

     You don't need anyone!

      Break him!

       Smash him into pieces!

        You hate him! no you don't-

         You hate him.

          You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You haTE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOU HATE HIM. YOUHATEHIMYOUHATEHIMYOUHATEHIMYOUHATEHIMYOUHATEHIM-

"ARGHHHH!"

Shadow Milk slammed his fist into the wall with so much force a crack appeared. causing a large clang. He fell backwards and buried his head into his knees.

Why? Why does he care so much about this pathetic cookie who stole his Soul Jam?

It should be easy to crumble him. He'd crumbled so many cookies, and he'd argue some are far more annoying than this fool!

A movement in the corner of eye caused him to jump and stand up again. Pure Vanilla had shifted in his sleep, his face screwed tight. Panicked that he might be caught, he got up and ran out the door, closing it behind him and wincing at how loud the slam was.

He ran all the way to his bedroom, sprinting until he arrived, shutting the door and curling up on his bed pathetically, screwing himself up into a ball and trying not to let the waterfall of tears fall from his eyes.

Why was he crying?

He punched the pillow angrily, slamming his fist into it over and over and over and over and over and-

A knock at the door.

"Shadow Milk Cookie?"

Ah, biscuits.

He shut his mouth quickly, doing his best to muffle his pathetic, pointless sobs. After what felt like a century, footsteps signaled Pure Vanilla had left.

He got up and coughed into his elbow before wiping his milk tears away. That was...pitiful. Miserable. Why couldn't he had just crumbled him?

Shadow Milk didn't care about Pure Vanilla.

He didn't.

At all.

But...

His anger and sadness had practically vanished now, but he was still coughing a little. Stupid cookie illnesses.

He pulled the sheets over his head and closed his eyes to sleep.

Chapter Text

Everything hurt.

That was the first thing Burning Spice thought when he woke up in the morning. His chest throbbed with pain as if someone had, oh, well, RIPPED OUT HIS SOUL JAM. 

He sat up and groaned, clutching his ribs. Golden Cheese had wrapped them up with fresh bandages when they arrived in the morning. It would've been worse if not for the Cheesebirds's medical attention when he arrived.

It still hurt.

A lot.

And he was angry about it. Every time he moved even a single part of his body, pain shot through his entire self to the point it was driving him CRAZY.

Anger bubbled in his chest.

Why was he angry?

He grumbled and got out of the bed, his body screaming in agony. This was starting to become the worst injury he'd had in centuries. Rolling his shoulders simply caused more pain to throb.

So, this is what hell feels like.

He managed to get to the mirror and leaned against the sink counter, grabbing the brush and ran it through his hair. It was slightly sticky with a red tint, probably his own jam. He washed it out and finished his hair, which was slightly messy still.

He couldn't care less.

Burning Spice took a look at his own reflection. Long, messy black icing, a bandaged chest that leaked jam, partly hidden by a long cloak Golden Cheese had given him. His pants remained the same, and still no shoes.

If he looked closely, he could see the huge bags under his eyes. He looked horrible.

This was stupid.

For a moment, the mirror changed.

 Someone else was there.

  Someone who stared at him.

   Judging him.

   Watching him.

    He-

CRACK.

The glass lay in front of him in shards. His face looked back at him, broken and scarred. For a moment, he couldn't even recognize himself. A shadow with nothing but blazing eyes.

Burning Spice's rush of fear and adrenaline died down as fast as it appeared. He groaned and sat back down on the bed. This was suffering. Perhaps facing his counterpart again would've been better.

Shadow Milk better have a plan. He's not staying here forever.

</>

After a while, Golden Cheese had arrived to fetch him. He followed her to a much larger room in the caves to help fix up his bandages. She explained how they would have to swap them constantly to care for his wound.

So, he sat in the chair awkwardly while she swapped out the bandages for fresh ones. The two sat in dead silence.

Burning Spice couldn't remember the last time he'd treated his injuries. Mostly he just let them bleed out until his body healed itself naturally. It felt wrong to be looked after another cookie.

Especially Golden Cheese. His rival. The thief who took his Soul Jam while he was imprisoned. The one who he'd fought and lost to only a few months ago was now the one finishing up his bandages.

Once she was done, she handed him a large cloak.

"Here. If your scar bothers you so much wear this to cover it up."

Burning Spice tied it around his neck and tossed it behind his back. It was pretty long and was shaped in a way that when his arms were at his sides his chest was covered.

The two met eyes for a few seconds before Golden Cheese spoke.

"You know, I'm still waiting for an apology." She narrowed her eyes at the Beast.

Burning Spice just raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For WHAT?! My wings! My Soul Jam!"

Burning Spice crossed his arms. "I don't think I need to apologize for you choosing to save a measly Kulfi's life over your own. What's one life to save your own?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Just thought you would understand having a part of you ripped out from your body."

He snapped his mouth shut.

"Exactly." Golden Cheese turned around. "Luckily for you, I am a generous goddess who is willing for second chances. Now, follow me."

</>

The two arrived at the top of the hill. From there, you could see miles away: the whole desert stretched outwards as far as he could see with huge sand dunes and mountain ridges. Sand swirled in the air that reached high upwards.

Near one of the mountains stood a temple; one that Burning Spice deducted was Golden Cheese's palace, considering the statues of her outside of it. Strangely, the doors seemed closed, with no one guarding it.

"This is the best vantage point I can give you of the Parmesan Desert." Golden Cheese explained. "You are allowed anywhere in my Kingdom, no leaving the sands and you must return to this exact mountain every night. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Rules are: no attacking my citizens. Any acts of violence on them will result in an attack from me. No destruction of any properties and you listen to what I say. Got it?"

He nodded.

Silence hung in the air. Neither spoke. It reminded Burning Spice of a question he had earlier.

"May I ask you something?"

Golden Cheese frowned. "Go ahead."

"Where is everyone?"

"...What do you mean." Her tone dropped colder. Buring Spice pressed forward.

"Everyone. All the cookies. I know about the fall of your Kingdom, yet not a single cookie in sight apart from us. Are you hiding me or no?"

Golden Cheese didn't answer. Burning Spice crossed his arms. "Quiet now, hm?"

"That is none of your business."

"..." He just raised an eyebrow at her and decided to let it drop. "Fine. Now what?"

</>

The halls of the mine stretched on and on. Burning Spice continued to walk down the stone path.

Golden Cheese had been...fine. Not terrible, not perfect, just fine. She'd let him off the hook for now, but it was clear that if he tried anything he would immediately get his axe handed back to him.

And where were all the cookies? She brushed off that question like it was nothing.

After the tour, she had sorted out a schedule for the for the two to swap his bandages and redid his icing in a style similar to the Cheese Kingdom denizens. Not like he had seen any to prove that. His long black icing now hung in a bun behind him, done with a red bird clip. It wasn't that bad.

Golden Cheese was called away to a meeting with some of the Cheesebirds, and allowed Burning Spice to wander the mines, saying that after the meeting they could talk more.

So, Burning Spice descended deeper into the cavern tunnels.

The caves reminded him of another old Kingdom. The Tropical Fruit Kingdom also would hide underground from the heat, and they decorated their own cave walls with murals. Most contained Golden Cheese, but there were a few others.

A rather large Cheesebird was drawn as the sun, with others as clouds. And there was one with three cookies, helping build the same temple. One looked familiar, with his staff and hat.

It was like the Tropical Fruit Kingdom, in a way.

Would it be as easy to destroy as the Tropical Fruit Kingdom?

Ugh. He shook his head and continued downwards.

A slight rumble in the ground caused Burning Spice to stop walking. Frowning, he pulled his axe from his belt and glanced around the room. The shaking of the ground increased. On instinct, Burning Spice held his axe tighter and walked forward down the stairs.

Cracks appeared in the ground. Burning Spice took a step back as the floor in front of him gave way to a huge drop. Sliding up from the hole was a large, lumpy snake with a gaping mouth. It was a huge Sand Jelly Worm.

Huge was an understatement. That thing was tiny. Barely 200 feet tall.

He heard a mix of a scream and a chirp. A few cheesebirds, maybe twenty or so, were panicking. 

"Cheep!" One squealed in fear. "Thiz Zand Jelly Worm iz trying to kill uz all!"

"What do we do? Chirp!"

"Her Majezty is in a meeting! Chirp! We can find her!"

"Yez, cheep! Quickly now!"

The cheesebirds split up, all flapping away, leaving the Sand Jelly Worm alone to rampage throughout the mines. They didn't even notice him.

Now, there were two options. One: walk away and not deal with this worm. Or two...

He hadn't really gotten into a fight for ages.

And he wanted his rage out.

So yeah, it was an easy decision.

"HEY!"

The Sand Jelly Worm large, gaping mouth filled up his vision. Large rows of teeth that dripped saliva and a large tongue covered in rock dust.

Burning Spice slammed his axe into the ground in front of him. The pressure of the slam caused the ground to rise upwards with a jagged spike, scratching the jaw of the snake. It reared its head back in pain and slithered forwards.

Usually, Sand Jelly Worms intimidated their opponents in combat to make them easier to kill. But Burning Spice had faced much bigger challenges. So, he held no fear towards the snake.

It darted forwards and he ran to the side. Sand Jelly Worms have no turning skills, so he slammed his axe into it side, drawing a long, dark red slash in its side. The Sand Jelly Worm roared in anger, using its tail to try to whack Burning Spice away, but he just laughed and pinned the tail down with his axe.

The Sand Jelly Worm was stuck in place now. He summoned his spare axe from thin air and walked calmly over to the head of the worm, slamming it down directly into the forehead.

It stopped struggling after that and was clearly dead. Burning Spice just stood there for a moment.

Why had he done that?

"Burning Spice Cookie?" 

He turned around to see a familiar winged cookie, surrounded by the cheesebirds from before. With his luck, Golden Cheese must've seen the whole fight with the Worm. Lucky him.

Burning Spice slung his axe at his belt and crossed his arms. The two glared at each other until Burning Spice spoke.

"Listen." He sighed. "I... understand what it's like. To lose something that...makes you." He gestured to his injured chest. "I won't give you an apology. Not yet, I still think my decision was valid at the time. But. I understand. Happy now?"

"...Well, small progress is better than none, my friend." She shrugged. 

Friend?

"Let us leave now. I wish to understand what truly happened here."

Burning Spice nodded reluctantly and followed Golden Cheese back through the tunnels.

Chapter Text

Dark Cacao knew something was up when talking to Crunchy Chip.

His bodyguard had mentioned that he had visited Mystic Flour a couple of days ago. He'd immediately denied anything and quickly changed the subject, but Dark Cacao had picked up on it.

The other three Ancients had continued to write to one another about their own Beasts. Pure Vanilla seemed to be taking Shadow Milk well; even with all the hiccups the cookie provided. Golden Cheese was keeping a very close eye on Buring Spice; as she had lost her limbs fighting him. But he hadn't made a move yet.

And that left Dark Cacao and Mystic Flour. 

When he first met his counterpart, he had felt rage. Anger. Fury.

But now he felt sympathy. When he first laid eyes on Mystic Flour, he noticed how frail she looked. It seemed as if the wind of the snowstorms would've blown her over. Even now, she still looked like she was about to stumble onto her knees.

He'd been keeping his distance with his counterpart for reasons. But he decided to visit her, just once.

He stood outside her room, simply talking. There was never any response. But he knew she was listening by the pause of movement, followed by footsteps to her bed where she would sit and listen.

Dark Cacao would talk for an hour or so. Just about the Kingdom, his day, anything really. Mystic Flour didn't respond for the first two days.

On the third day, she spoke up to his talk of the room and how if she wished, he could take her for a walk around the palace.

"It does get a bit...tiresome in here."

Dark Cacao paused. "They why not leave?"

"I see the fear in your soldiers' eyes whenever I pass." Her voice echoed from the room. "They are... afraid of me."

"Do you blame them?" He asked.

"...No."

She remained silent again. But that was fine.

He should hate her. And yet, he never could.

He just didn't know why.

</>

She'd never expected such...kindness from these cookies.

Mystic Flour didn't remember much from the night. It was all hazy to her. But the two cookies had found her and treated her injuries, one even staying the whole night and checking up on her the next day.

Kindness from the people she had dissolved only months ago was unexpected.

She was thankful, though.

They would sometimes talk to her as well. Simple greetings, sure. But it did make her feel...something inside.

She learnt their names.

Crunchy Chip. He was very...energetic, to put it nicely. He talked far more than the other cookie did, but his words never had any ill intention.

Caramel Arrow was more level-headed and quieter, but like her friend she meant well.

Mystic Flour sighed. She brushed her icing gently, doing it up in a large bun for sleeping. The sun was setting, casting an orange and yellow glow over snow coated fields. Hollyberry would be arriving to take her to her Kingdom soon. Two weeks had passed since she'd first arrived, which happened faster then she expected.

The Hollyberry Kingdom was much warmer than the Dark Cacao Kingdom, she knew of that. She stood up and began to pack her belongings. Dark Cacao would be introducing her to Hollyberry tomorrow as there was a snowstorm too heavy to safely cross the borders of the Kingdom, meaning she couldn't arrive in the Kingdom until it passed.

Dark Cacao. The holder of her old Soul Jam, now known as the Light of Resolution, instead of Volition Apathy.

Why did she not hate him, she would never know. All the other Beasts hated their counterparts. Except her and Eternal Sugar.

Eternal Sugar was the only one who truly loved her counterpart and wished for her safety. During their time in the tree, she would constantly talk about her, praising her. It drove all of the Beasts insane.

Mystic Flour didn't care about Dark Cacao. He was a threat, yes. But she was never the violent type.

She would rather watch silently as he brought himself down with his own struggles.

They would talk. He knew nothing of the incident a few nights ago, which Mystic Flour appreciated. But he would stand by the door, simply talking about his day. She didn't answer at first.

But after the first two days, she finally responded.

"It does get a bit...tiresome in here."

Dark Cacao was silent for a moment. "They why not leave?"

"I see the fear in your soldiers' eyes whenever I pass." She responded simply. "They are... afraid of me."

"Do you blame them?"

"...No."

Over the course of the two weeks, they talked more. Just simple interactions. But it was something.

She wished she could feel something.

Her eyes trailed over to her pillow. A small, shining blade rested underneath it.

...She might as well try it.

</>

Before she had left for the Dark Cacao

"Listen." Shadow Milk pressed something into her hand. Something cold and sharp. "I know murder isn't your style, but just in case you need to defend yourself, take this."

Mystic Flour looked at the knife and looked up at the blue-colored cookie with a look of distain. Shadow Milk nodded eagerly.

"I do not wish to have this, Shadow Milk Cookie."

"Well...just as safety protection then? Or a plan B?" He grinned. "Just need-want you to be alive a little longer before the Ancients inevitably decide to kill us. I've gotten one for Buring Spice as well."

"Where did you even get these-actually, never mind, I don't want to know." Mystic Flour rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll take it."

Shadow Milk grinned and quickly walked off before Dark Cacao arrived. She uncertainly hid the knife in her sleeve so that her counterpart wouldn’t lay eyes on it.

This wouldn’t end well.

</>

Looking back, she didn't truly know what tempted her to try to kill him. Perhaps a certain thing he said. But whatever it was lead her walking down the chambers to find his bedroom. 

She walked down the quiet halls, clutching the knife carefully. Mystic Flour knew where to go. She didn't know what to do, however.

Even before the greedy cookies had come to steal from her, she had never been the warrior. Even Eternal Sugar was a better fighter than her. She simply chose to avoid weaponry, opting to use the magic her Soul Jam provided. 

That was coming back to bite her, however.

Upon arriving at Dark Cacao's quarters, Mystic Flour was confused when seeing the door was unlocked. Surely, he would have more protection. She opened the door and crept inside.

Witches, she'd never done this before. How did she even hold the thing?

She assumed that she should aim for the neck. She's paid attention to Burning Spice's rambles in the tree long enough to know where to strike. So, Mystic Flour slowly brought the knife to the base of the neck.

The blade brushed Dark Cacao's dough right before a hand reached out and snatched her wrist.

"I was wondering how long it would take for you to make a move."

Her jam froze. Dark Cacao's eyes opened up, and he looked at Mystic Flour with slight boredom.

"First of all." He grabbed the knife by the point. "This is the slowest assassination attempt on me I have ever seen. Second, you must be more careful and precise when cutting someone's throat with a small blade."

Dark Cacao gently (gently?) pulled the knife to his throat. "Like this. Hold the neck in place and put the sharpened side to my neck. Then, you slice."

The two were still. Neither moved for a moment.

"I..."

"Please. This isn't my first time."

Mystic Flour pulled back. She shook her head and looked at her feet. Dark Cacao sighed.

"Interesting."

"This...this is unlike you." She started.

"Same with you. Murder doesn't seem like your thing. How desperate are you?"

She backed up. "I-I'll leave now."

"Give me the knife first." He held out his hand. Mystic Flour handed it over without hesitation. Good riddance. "You're lucky I'm not the type of cookie who has the heart to execute someone."

"...Why not..."

"Do you wish for me to kill you?"

"...It would be fair."

Dark Cacao sighed. He put the knife on his side table. "No. Go back to your room and live."

She stood up and slowly backed away, breaking eye contact with Dark Cacao. She left the room, shutting the door behind her.

As soon as she did, she slid down, sitting in front of the door. She looked at her hands. They were shaking. Liquid budded at her eyes which made her vision blurry.

Why was she crying?

She felt an emotion-sadness. Mystic Flour hadn't felt real emotions in centuries. It felt wrong

She brought her knees to her face, shedding tears for no one.

Well, not for no one.

There was one who heard her cries.

She was lifted up by strong arms. She accepted the help back to her room. For the second time during her stay, she allowed someone to help her.

"I don't hate you. And I know you don’t hate me.” He sighed.

“I will admit. I am more violent them most of my friends. But I would rather let you live then only see you as a memory."

"Goodnight, Mystic Flour Cookie."

</>

The next morning Dark Cacao said nothing about the night before when he came to take Mystic Flour to Hollyberry.

But Mystic Flour couldn't help but feel as if there was more trust with her and her successor now than before.

For the first time in ages, she felt something.

Hope.