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Mere moments ago, Pure Vanilla Cookie was with his companions. He had been heading towards the Spire of Shadows, a land he wished he did not have to travel to but to save all his cookie friends, he had no choice. The closer he and his party got, the more that knot in his stomach tightened. Oh how terribly anxious he had already been, only to now have no one by his side. Where had they gone? Or rather, was he the one who had gone? After all, he is most certainly not at the gate anymore. No no no, instead of a split sky of day and night, all that covered above him was a rather decadent ceiling. How wonderfully ornate it was, he could not help but stop and stare but a moment, his staff resting its eyes as he opens his own, to marvel at the beauty over him.The roof overhead would appear gaudy, but it was not tasteless. The details depicted in the art are breathtaking, glistening golds and the most soothing midnight blues collide in a beautiful but chaotic harmony. The colours collide, chaos, yet so very beautiful, enhancing the other's allure and allowing their counterpart to stand out more. Black and white mingle in chaotic harmony, splattering here and there, looking entirely misplaced but so very perfect as they are. Whoever had this made clearly had some form of taste, perhaps not perfect or organised, but a taste unique and entirely their own that clearly worked well. It was only when his eyes adjusted from the minor details to the bigger picture that he held his breath in his very throat.Why, it was him. Beside the artistic depiction of him atop a throne, was a jester decked in black and blue, a devious grin on the performer's face. It felt surreal, uncanny, the cookie lacked the words to describe just how he was feeling but that knot in his stomach was back with its vicious vice once more. Whatever this was, Pure Vanilla Cookie did not like it, not one bit! It takes him immense willpower to look away, feeling like prey in the eyes of a predator, that doing this was a danger to him. 'Come on Pure Vanilla, you need to focus. This is clearly some trick, if it is then Shadow Milk Cookie will be nearby. Take a breath, count to 5, and then evaluate the situation.' He had to tell himself, willing all his courage to pull himself together. It was difficult, but after taking a deep breath and counting 5 of his beloved Cream Sheep in his head, he turns his attention to the rest of the room while trying to ignore the chill along his spine.White pillars stood tall, floor to ceiling, each one having been carved to perfection and yet now stand chipped and abandoned with no one to marvel at the craftsmanship. His unsteady feet bring him over to the ginormous pillar, a gentle and unsteady hand reaching out to touch the cold stone. It was firm beneath his skin, cooling and soothing, yet made his very crumbs tingle with nervous energy. This all feels so real, could such detailed art and craftsmanship be part of an illusion? Surely no one was powerful enough to do that, though Pure Vanilla Cookie didn't know just how far Shadow Milk Cookie's power could stretch. This could very well be in his capabilities, and the idea of that makes him whirl around in a hurry just in case that Cookie was standing behind him at that moment to pounce.Every crumb in his body is telling him to run, that something is so very wrong here. Pure Vanilla had to swallow the nerves working up his mind, shaking his head to dispel his fears. 'Don't fret now Pure Vanilla, you must find out where you are.' A beat passes before he finds his legs beneath him again, ignoring the pattering of his heart as he explores this... Cathedral, he had come to realise just what it was when taking in all the pews lined up in neat rows despite the clear decay. A few steps forward he found himself at the chancel, with the two parts of the transept barely behind him, to his sides, and an even longer, larger one behind him, where all the pews reside. If he remembers correctly from the cathedrals in his own kingdom, past the pews down the long hall would be the exit. And so without any further delay, he decides that is where he should go.The moment he reaches the end of the dozens of lined-up seats, he hears a soft snicker behind him. It was barely louder than the wind on a warm summer day, yet it felt so loud it made his very core tense. It only solidified his desire to be out of this place, it may be holy ground but something about it was so fundamentally wrong. It was so normal, gorgeous even, in a place like this... He was not one to be rash but considering he wants to save the entire world as they know it, it makes sense he errs on the side of caution. That is, if only he hadn't turned his back on the entrance. Upon turning back around, he found himself back at the chancel, the distance he had walked was before him once more. Dread was the main emotion he felt, settling in his stomach, a churning weight that felt as though it was being rocked around by a vicious sea."I swore I just walked to the end..." He couldn't help but mumble aloud, earning another breezy laugh. No, he would not fall for it a second time but rather chose to walk down the nave once more. The moment he was even remotely close to the porch, he felt a light tap on his shoulder only to find no one there when he turned his head to look. This time, when turning back forward, he found himself back at the top of the cathedral, with a black and blue cookie standing before him with the most devious grin on his face, as though proud at what he's doing."Welcome! How did you like my little trick? Wasn't it just hilarious!" The cookie, no, Shadow Milk Cookie beamed with pride, twirling his staff in his hands like one would a baton behind his back, leaning forward to be just that little bit closer to Pure Vanilla. His heterochromic eyes scanned Pure Vanilla's face, and his playful joy took a turn for the sinister. "What? You didn't like it? That's too bad, I thought you were so silly running around like a scared mouse!"The gasp Pure Vanilla let out was not intentional, backing up a step, only for the cookie before him to match it by taking a step forward, which repeated a second time as Pure Vanilla tried to back up a little more. "Shadow Milk Cookie..? What did you do to my friends?" Despite the fact it seems like he's trapped in this cathedral with a cookie who very likely wants him crumbled, he finds himself more worried about his friends. The sentimentality of it made the taller cookie gag, rolling his eyes and mindlessly waving a hand in dismissal, as though this was boring to him. That the state of the other cookies had to effect on his life, which would be true. If anything, he likely wants those cookies gone, just not as bad as the current owner of what he thought of as his soul jam."Oh nothing, those little gnats are still by the gates of my kingdom, wondering why their dear friend abandoned them in their time of need. Now! What do you think? Isn't this just like the one you had built back in your little kingdom? I think it looks better like this." His bored tone changes in an instant as he leans forward again to be eye-to-eye with Pure Vanilla Cookie. There was something in his eyes that made Pure Vanilla feel like he could see into his very existence, as though he was taking him apart crumb by crumb to inspect each and every single piece.Even though Pure Vanilla shakes his head, he finds he cannot back away from the threatening cookie before him anymore, a table blocking his retreat. He knew the cookie was of a different class than him, a Beast, one of the first cookies ever made... But the sheer difference in their size only further served to show that the witches had been careful with their later cookie creations so that they wouldn't become like the original 5. Shadow Milk's teeth glint as he smiles, tilting his head to the side like a confused puppy. "No? You don't like it? That is suuuuch a shame. Oh well, I find it quite homely!"Of course, Shadow Milk didn't care what Pure Vanilla had to say. The cookie did what he wanted, he was rude, and brash, making a mockery of the building Pure Vanilla helped construct back home years ago, and the darker of the two revels in the torment he's inflicting. Could the two be more different, empathy and apathy, sadist and healer? They are complete opposites, is that why Shadow Milk acted so quickly to get him alone? The questions spun in Pure Vanilla's head, barely slowing down for him to come to a reasonable conclusion before moving to the next one. This definitely won't go well.
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"Knock knock, anyone home?" The sinister voice perks up, bringing Pure Vanilla out of his stupor with a rap of his knuckles on the shorter cookie's forehead. The unexpected touch, with such a force behind it, was more shocking and startling than painful. No doubt Shadow Milk Cookie could crumble him with his bare hands, yet he instead wanted the blonde to focus on him instead of whatever train of questions was circling in his head. "There you are! And here I thought the lights were on and nobody was home. You didn't answer my question!" Shadow Milk giggles, sharp teeth glinting as light from behind Pure Vanilla hit them. Was he getting some sort of pleasure out of this torment?Pure Vanilla shakes his head, turning to face away from the jester. "Is this just a mockery of me and all I have built?" His voice was low and steady, more steady than he truly felt but that's probably for the better. One hint of fear and the Beast cookie would probably pounce. No, he cannot have that! He must get back to his friends and if that is by acting more confident and unafraid than he truly feels, then so be it. As if his resolve strengthened, he stood up straighter and turned back to Shadow Milk with a scowl. "If you think this is enough to upset me, then you're sorely mistaken. Now, excuse me, my friends are waiting for my return."Pure Vanilla holds his head high as he moves to go around Shadow Milk, though why would Shadow Milk simply just let him go? No no no, he wasn't done playing with him. He's quick, stepping behind Pure Vanilla and curling his fingers around the cookie's free hand that isn't holding his staff. As for his other? Why, it was resting on the shorter cookie's abdomen, of course, he couldn't risk Pure Vanilla getting away now. "No, why would I make a mockery of you? You've worked so hard haven't you Pure Vanilla Cookie? Worked so hard to build a glittery kingdom of safety and sanctity... It's all broken now though, isn't it? All that work returned to crumbs because you abandoned it. You do like to run away little cookie, but you're awful at it."It felt like his tongue was flicking against the blonde's ear, a shiver running through his body as he attempts to free himself from the other cookie's grasp. The claws softly sinking into his skin, toying with it mindlessly for a moment, not violent or vicious, just softly rolling the cookie's skin between his claws. It seems like that had captivated him actually, just how soft this little cookie's body was. His own was flaky and dry, he was tall but thin compared to this little replacement. Is that what the witches thought would be better? But look at him, he's squirming around so much and he can't even break free of Shadow Milk's clutches! It took a moment for Shadow Milk to act again, spinning Pure Vanilla around with his hand a few times, and replacing his other on the cookie's back to stabilise him, making the two meet face to face again. It was more comfortable than the previous position, despite how Shadow Milk had to bend over both times, at least this time he got the enjoyment of being able to see his counterpart's face.The gasp Pure Vanilla let out was delightful, not expecting to be spun around and pulled into such a position. This felt far too close for Pure Vanilla's liking, especially now that the light was behind the taller cookie. His imposing form blocking out the little light that did make its way inside the Cathedral leaving him in darkness akin to an eclipse. "Shadow Milk Cookie... Just what are you doing? Let me go." Had this been a different situation, Pure Vanilla Cookie might not have been so opposed, but knowing this cookie wants him dead just unsettles him. The way his slit pupils roam over Pure Vanilla's face, taking in the way he's struggling to keep up a strong front and hide his fear. Of course Shadow Milk knows exactly what's going through his head, he's a liar! And liars are awfully good at spotting when others are lying or acting."You're not a bad dancer Pure Vanilla Cookie." The compliment is condescending, dripping with sarcasm. "Looks like someone put in some practice since that time with White Lily in the school." The second line only makes the small cookie freeze up, the sneer on the jester's face only further serving to hit all the right nerves. A sputtering Pure Vanilla is only met with giggles and snickers from Shadow Milk, whose hand is now teasingly dragging up and down the smaller cookie's back. Oh, the feeling has Pure Vanilla almost melting! But no, he has to stay strong, even if that means moving away from the soft touches... He has no idea why the affection is shifting from sickening to sweet, or why he's struggling more with the fact his body wants to accept this treatment."Look at you! Trying so hard to keep up an act, but that won't work little cookie. I can see right through you hahaha!" The laughter echoes through the halls, full of mirth and amusement at the little performance Pure Vanilla is putting on. It really is so funny, seeing his counterpart like this, the little flickers of bravado he tries to fake that quickly get smothered out by insecurity. "Now now, if you really want to lie to someone you should put your all into it! This little cookie has soooo much to learn but I think I can teach you." He doesn't even give Pure Vanilla a chance to respond as he practically carries him up the few stairs they went down, back to the table Pure Vanilla had been backed up against only moments earlier. The items on the table make Shadow Milk's eye twitch, feeling irritated at anything that is getting in his way.A sweeping arm and some clatters follow, the table being cleared in a moment as Shadow Milk sets Pure Vanilla upon it. The light coming in from the stained glass window hits Pure Vanilla's back, a soft warmth emanating from it as though reassuring him that this isn't going to be bad somehow. Shadow Milk steps back and finds himself getting comfortable on his knees so he's on the same level as the smaller cookie. The table gave Pure Vanilla a little height, so Shadow Milk could finally be eye to eye with him comfortably. There was something more than comfort here, the kingly figure on a table- pedestal while the lowly jester is on his knees, it felt cathartic, and that disgusted Shadow Milk.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Pure Vanilla could feel the way the light hit his back, a warmth that felt out of place in this situation... The beast cookie, kneeling before him so they could be eye to eye? Just what on earth was he planning? Not that Pure Vanilla Cookie would have any time to ponder, the jester isn't the patient type. As though to protect him, Pure Vanilla raises his staff across his body, using the wood to protect him for any unforeseen attack that may be launched against him, the flower is glaring daggers at Shadow Milk though he seems entirely unbothered, of course he would.Rather, Shadow Milk shuffles closer on his knees, leaning in close to the king as sharp teeth remain in what seems like an eternal grin, wicked to its core. "Now now silly Nilly, you don't need to be so on edge! I'm not going to kill you, not when I'm sure we can reach a fair agreement." His tone has a soft lilt to it, almost making him seem believable. Almost, that is, because Pure Vanilla can see the others eyes flickering down to his soul jam every so often, looking ever so hungry. "Such as... You hand over MY soul jam, and I'll return you and your little friends home, safe and sound!" And there it was.Pure Vanilla immediately shook his head, bringing his staff up to block access to his soul jam should the other cookie just try and snatch it... Yet where was the fun in that? "Shadow Milk Cookie, this is not your Soul Jam. And I will most certainly not be handing it over to you, nor will you be harming my friends." Once more, he sounds more confident than he truly is, watching his counterpart's eyes rake over his body from the top of his crown to the bottom of his dress and feeling every crumb radiate a desire to run, hide, anything to get away from this beast before him.How dare this pitiful cookie reject his oh so gracious offer, just who does he think he is?! Shadow Milk cannot help but slip up, letting his anger show on his face as it darkens in the shadows, eyes glowing viciously before its all gone, replaced with another of his playful faces, tongue stuck out as he scratches the back of his neck. "Oh well, can't blame a cookie for trying! Now now, don't go thinking about running away Pure Vanilla Cookie, surely we can talk, right? You wouldn't deny this lonely jester that, would you?" He taunts, almost seeming to plead and play into the healers empathy, knowing he knows loneliness all too well, almost as well as Shadow Milk knows it.It pulls a sigh from Pure Vanilla as he fights his every instinct, as he fights against his better judgement to lower his staff and regard the cookie in a different light, it's disgusting to the clown, but oh well, it works out for him so who is he to complain? Instead he snickers, tilting his head and making the bells on his hat jingle at the motion. Slowly, Shadow Milk reaches forward, a clawed finger dragging over the edge of his counterparts soul jam, of course it makes Pure Vanilla anxious but he is trusting to a fault... Or rather, the action leaves him struggling to say anything as he has to bite his own lip. His shoulders hunch up to his ears, and his grasp on his staff tightens, all indicating fear, though that wobbly smile on his face says otherwise.Shadow Milk's eyes take note of all the reactions, almost as greedily as he had been eyeing up just the soul jam, taking his time to enjoy the little shakes and small breathes the shorter cookie takes. Pure Vanilla does his best to compose himself, which was certainly difficult with those devilish claws dragging along his soul jam. "Shahadow Milk Cookie, what on Earthbread are you doing? You said you wanted to talk, not- whatever this is." He takes a hand to gently remove Shadow Milk's, which feels like steel or rock, not something he can move with ease. Instead, all he's faced with is a far too giddy jester, who's fingers feel like they're itching now."Why Nilly, what was that? Hm? A conversation is a two way street so why don't you answer me?" He doubts the king will answer, so he instead adds a second claw to the motions he is making along the soul jam, walking along it's edge, sliding over each curve oh so gently. What he wasn't expecting was the cream cookie to press one hand holding his staff to the table for some form of support, and bending forward with his other hand moving to his mouth to muffle those oh so glorious giggles! Now that is an absolute crime if Shadow Milk knew of one, not that he cared much for crimes and rules and all that mumbo jumbo, too much faff for his liking."Come on it really isn't that hard to answer a simple question!" Shadow Milk goads, his grin turning from sinister to something much more playful, something he didn't realise, and nor would Pure Vanilla based on how he's squirming in his arms and trying oh so hard to stop the larger cookie from tickling him. Seriously, was he made of some sort of metal that couldn't be bent? For what reason is he so strong?! Perhaps this is some peculiar plan to lower Pure Vanilla's guard so he can snatch the soul jam away while he's practically indisposed. That would be cruel, and it's not like Pure Vanilla can ignore the feeling of claws along his sides, walking along his dough, ghosting over his curves. He knew he was connected with his soul jam, but to think even this sensation is shared is not something any cookie would expect.It's so hard to think straight, especially while he's being teased and taunted in such a way from someone who he would expect to be trying to kill him, not... Tickle him to death! "Nohoho, it was nothihihing," he tries his best to keep his giggling to a minimum but one well placed skittering of claws against gem makes him snort as he tries to shake his head, "This ihihihis unfair! How am I supposed to tahahahalk to you lihihike this?! Shahahahadow Milk Cookihihie!" Its honestly rather adorable if Shadow Milk was to say so, seeing this almighty cookie king a snickering, giggling mess just because he was playing with the cookies- his- soul jam.Hearing Pure Vanilla say his name like that made his stomach twist, or rather flutter as Shadow Milk watches him squirm around, attempting to get his soul jam away from the ticklish claws. He's telling himself it's just because of how awful that lie was, how he was so horrendous at covering up how ticklish he is and absolutely nothing to do with the cute giggles, the pretty smile and blush that seemed so perfect on his cheeks. Perhaps he can relent, allow the cookie a chance to breathe and compose himself after that sudden onslaught, and so he pulls his hand away. Not that he backs away, oh no, he leans forward to the king's ear, forked tongue flicking as he hisses a soft tease. "Now now Nilly, don't tell me that the cookie made to replace me, who stole my soul jam and is supposed to be a saviour to all cookie kind is... ticklish."