#echoes and experiments

[winter-cheshire-writings]

Echoes and Experiments - Chapter 23 :

The next morning, Mieko heard Diluc and Traveler talking about going into a domain. “A domain?” She asked, smiling as she walked over. 

“Oh, Mie.” Diluc nodded. “Yes, Traveler has been thinking about who to bring.”

“I can go. It's been a while since I fought with you. And I'd like to see the Traveler in action.” She added. 

“Oh? It has been a while.” Diluc stated. “Very well. If Mieko is going, I shall as well.” He stated. 

“Good. And you're too tall, Diluc.”

“I've been taller than you since I was 16, Mieko.”

“But you're extra tall today.” She replied. They went into the domain together, Diluc keeping at Mieko’s side and talking to her. “You should talk to Natalie.”

“I'll pass.”

“Diluc.” She didn't push him further, but she worried about him. She glanced over her shoulder at the sky, feeling a bad feeling welling up inside of her. She shook her head, continuing to talk with him and getting the same kinds of responses. This banter continued into the domain, Traveler and Paimon piping in occasionally. While inside the domain though, Mieko had begun feeling strange. She felt more weighted than usual, like she was carrying double her own weight. Diluc checked on her, shaking his head. 

“We should get her out of here.” He stated. “If this continues too long, she might end up dying.”

“I’m fine. I’m sure it’s just because I haven’t been training enough with Albedo.” Mie retorted. “I’m fine.” She added, continuing forward. Diluc walked with her, keeping an eye on her. She never dismissed him like that, but instead of arguing with her, he just did his best to be aware of her condition. Upon entering a room, something changed. Mieko turned, eyes widening to see many large forms appearing around them.

“The Abyss Order?” Traveler asked. 

“This is definitely them.” Diluc stated, a Pyro Abyss Mage appearing in front of Mieko. “Cornering us is a bad idea.” He said calmly, Mieko shifting her weapon in hand. “Mie.”

“On it.” She replied, smiling and spinning, slamming her weapon right into the shield of the Abyss Mage, activating her power as well to quickly dismantle the shield before going after the creature, Traveler aiming for the hilichurls and mitichurls that were coming their way. Mieko silently cursed to herself for not noticing them sooner, and for clearly not hitting as hard as usual. She was just glad that a majority of the enemy were wielding Pyro, so she was still of use. The fight continued for a short while, but then Traveler and Diluc noticed something coming out from a portal right next to Mieko as a Mitichurl began fighting with her.

“Mie, move!” Diluc was mortified as the Abyss Herald ran his weapon right through Mieko’s side, the woman having not been able to turn because of her weapon being yanked in the other direction by a Mitichurl. Mieko was ripped off the Abyss Herald's weapon, sent flying across the domain's floor. “Mie!” Traveler managed to catch her, but it was clear she was injured badly. “Get her to the church!” he exclaimed, slamming his claymore into the Mitichurl. 

“But the Abyss Herald!”

“Get her out of here!” Diluc stated. “I’ll handle this!” Traveler nodded, picking up the injured woman and hurrying to leave the Domain. They ran all the way to the church, leaving her with Barbara. Diluc was capable of handling the Abyss on his own, there were only the Abyss Herald and maybe 2 other monsters left.

“I'm sorry. I need to go find Albedo.” Traveler said, hurrying off to find the alchemist. Mieko was hurt badly, Albedo needed to know. But when they turned to the door, there he was. “Albedo…”

“What happened?” He walked past Traveler without looking up at them, kneeling next to Mieko. 

“She volunteered herself to go into a Domain with us… We were ambushed by the Abyss. Diluc said he'd handle it, while I got her out.” Traveler said.

“I asked you to watch over her, why did you take her into a domain?” Albedo deadpanned. 

“You said to keep her busy… We figured a domain would be-” Paimon began, only for Albedo to cut her off.

“Busy? You were well aware she hasn’t been well.”

“Please, don't fight you two… Mie… I can't stop the bleeding…” Barbara cried. “It isn't working… Is it because of the Abyss?” As she kept trying, the blue haired woman groaned a little.

“Barbara…?” Mieko mumbled, opening her eyes slowly.

“Mie!” When Albedo called her name, she looked up at him blearily. 

“Albedo…” She smiled up at him. “I’m… Sorry… I tried to move in time… I guess I didn't train enough… I was so slow…”

“Don't worry about that right now, darling.” He said, his voice softening significantly. “Try not to move.”

“Where is Diluc? Is he alright?” She asked, clearly sore. 

“He was still in the domain.” Paimon answered. 

“Mm, by himself? What a reckless boy… I'll scold him later.” She said, flinching a little as she turned to look at Traveler. “Ah, my wound won't close though, I take it?”

“I'm sorry Mie… I can't…” Barbara sobbed.

“Shhh, don't cry Barbara.” She soothed the young woman. She felt Albedo's hand on her head, leaning back to look up at him. Her eyes were so dull, she was clearly fading fast. She didn't even see when Diluc arrived, tattered but otherwise mostly unharmed. She was exhausted, but she kept smiling. 

“Mie, you… You promised not to leave me…” Albedo said, his hands shaking just enough to be visible.

“Archons, please, don't take Mie from us.” Barbara cried, trying her damndest to heal the woman in front of her. 

“Goodness, I don't think you need to call on the Archons for that.” Everyone in the room turned to see two women walking in. One in all red with familiar red eyes and blonde hair, the other with hair and eyes just like Albedo.

“Miss Alice?” Diluc asked.

“In a moment, dear. Sorry, this matter is quite pressing.” Alice said. The woman next to Alice walked over immediately to Mieko and Albedo. 

“Step aside, Deaconess Barbara.” The woman said softly, kneeling next to Albedo and placing her hand over the injury. “Alice.”

“Yes, Rhine?”

“Stabilize her for me. She's been poisoned by the Abyss for a very long time…” 

“Poisoned by the Abyss?” Traveler asked. They realized, what they could do to help. “I can purify her.”

“Oh, that would help immensely, Traveler. If you could.” Alice chuckled. Traveler knelt down next to Mieko, taking a moment to purify the Abyss energy in the woman, sensing how torn up she was inside, and how frail she was.

“Has anyone around her died very suddenly?” Rhinedottir asked.

“When we were younger, her best friend died suddenly one day.” Diluc replied as Alice knelt next to Barbara and did what Rhinedottir requested. 

“Collapsed, and unable to be healed?”

“Correct.” Diluc narrowed his eyes. 

“The poisoning has been slow, but since that happened, it's no wonder she's falling apart now.” Rhinedottir shook her head. 

“Falling apart?”

“The majority of human bodies without visions cannot tolerate the poison of the Abyss. In those who are susceptible, it can kill them very quickly. Suddenly.” She stated. “But in those who are less susceptible, but who are exposed… it can take years to show any real signs.”

“Are you saying… That Mie has been suffering this whole time?” Albedo asked. 

“It appears that way. She held her own, but she could only tolerate so much. Even her vision couldn't protect her for this long…” Rhinedottir stated. 

“It's like… Yuki has been protecting her.” Traveler said softly. 

“A very intriguing thought, Traveler. Explain.” Diluc and Traveler explained what they knew and had seen. While they explained, Albedo leaned over Mieko.

“I love you… Please, don't cry.” Mieko said softly to Albedo, the alchemist gripping her hand tight. His chest felt like it was caving in, and he felt something warm dripping down his cheeks. However he didn't make a sound, and he wiped them away quickly, head down to avoid it being noticed.

 “I see… 15 years of poison would definitely wear her body down to the point of breaking…” Rhinedottir nodded, turning to Albedo as Alice worked. “Do you wish to save her? No matter the cost?” 

“I would give anything, Teacher… Please, don't let her die, not like this…”

“Very well.” She nodded. “I am glad, Albedo. That you have finally found someone to experience the joys of life with.” She stated, placing her hand back over the wound once Alice was done, pressing her hand against it. Mieko flinched, but Rhinedottir pulled the woman's hand to Albedo’s, and that settled her down. “I am sorry, little one… You will be alright soon.” She said, a soft glow that Albedo recognized as Alchemy radiating over the injury. Mieko’s whole body was soon alight, Albedo holding her hand still and watching to make sure she wasn’t in pain. Rhinedottir smiled to herself, finishing her work and removing her hand. “Tomorrow she will be alright.” She stated. “For now, she needs to sleep it off…”

“Sleep what off?” Diluc asked. 

“... You are close enough to her to be called her friend? Would you treat her any differently, if she was no longer human?”

“No longer… Human?” Paimon asked, concerned. 

“No. I would not.” Diluc stated.

“I used Alchemy to save her body. I changed her. She is now not human, and thus not susceptible to the poison any longer.” She stated, Albedo’s eyes widening. “A homunculus… An artificial being… But she has a human soul, as she is still living… All I did was change the casing she is in, to alleviate the strain of being poisoned for so long. Now that I have changed her, she will be stable and on her feet again once she wakes.” She stated. “She will need to sleep until she gets accustomed to the new body around her.”

“Artificial…?”

“I assume you can keep this quiet, Deaconess Barbara?”

“O-Of course. I would never tell a soul…” She replied, Traveler nodding in agreement. 

“Good. All of you must not speak of this to anyone.” She stated. “Albedo. We need to talk.”

“Barbara, Diluc, Traveler and Paimon, come with me~” Alice cooed, leading them away so that Rhinedottir could talk to Albedo. 

“I know you have questions. But I will only answer your questions about her.” She stated. “I cannot stay longer than that.” Albedo gripped his hand into a fist, but nodded and asked all the questions he could think of. “She will be no different than she was when you saw her last, aside from perhaps being a tad younger looking.” She added, smiling a little. “Yes, well. I am far more unwelcome here than you.” She added. “Oh, also. Because her body is artificial, it won’t age… Of course, you could alter the appearance with Alchemy should you wish it. But otherwise, she will remain the same… As you do.” Rhinedottir stated. “Her hair should still grow… Though it is quite long already. You must enjoy playing with it.” At his embarrassment, she quirked an eyebrow. 

“Teacher, that's not…” His cheeks were pink.

“My apologies.” She replied. “Do you love her?” As he nodded, she smiled. “Good. I am glad that I saved her. Until we meet again.” She said, heading to leave. “Alice.”

“Yes, yes, I'm on my way.” She turned to Albedo. “Albedo, dear, if you need anything, I'll be around for a few more days. I'll come and see you at the Knight's Headquarters when she wakes. Probably tomorrow.”

[echo-bleu]

Voleuse d'étoile - Star Thief

Inprnt | Commissions

[demigods-posts]

i'm one hundred percent certain that after percy and annabeth made out underwater. and he wanted to make their relationship official. the question was not "will you be my girlfriend?" but "can i be your boyfriend?" i don't care what the canon says. percy gave annabeth the space to take the lead in the relationship. because after a lifetime of being abandoned by everyone she dared to care for. and then watching her on the brink of a panic attack at the thought of losing him the last four years. he wanted to honor a new beginning between them by follow her lead and moving at her pace.

[milkcioccolato]

My piece for @womenofswzine

Omega, my darling🥺💖

[probadbatch]

Echo is the last person in the galaxy who's going to let you get away with that excuse

[spacey-xannabelle]

[Major Outer Wilds/EOTE spoilers below the cut!]

HUOHKAY, After chipping away at this for over a month, my Outer Wilds comic is finally done!!

Initially I wanted to do this in two parts, like how many other versions of this beloved Undertale quote have done. But in the middle of thumbnailing the sketch, I thought why not illustrate Hatchling's journey too and I further expanded this project, by a lot hfjdjg

Outer Wilds is such a fantastic game and truly one of a kind, I only hope I did the game justice with this comic I made

----

Some artist notes below, if you're interested in reading all of it!

I began this project around early August!

I separated each page to their own canvases so I don't have a ridiculously huge file size. And each canvas has a different name. From the first to the last, their names go: It's you > Nova > Loop > Lonely > Glade > Despite everything.

Glade was actually a really long canvas that I split into two, bc I wanted to experiment with like a vertical scroll thing. So the Glade pages were split into Glade A and Glade B

My favourite page to work on was page 2, the supernova was fun to make, especially with the pointilism brush that CSP had which made it way easier.

Page 4 initially had a way different layout before I settled with this one. As shown below here:

But when I did a second pass, I rearranged the panels and instead decided to illustrate scenes that Hatchling had with the two.

With Solanum, it's learning and translating her texts on the QM. With Prisoner, it's when you discover the truth and after the vision…

For the Gabbro and Hatchling panel, I changed it so that both are at a distance and facing away from the viewer. As like a sort of way to show that Hatchling is having the reality of the situation dawn on them and try to cope with it. I did name this canvas "lonely" for a reason ::)

My Hatchling's name is Pyrite, or Pyre ::)

[kiragecko]

Story Idea

Telekinetic supervillain who REALLY loves historical architecture. Living in a superhero universe where heroes keep crashing through stained glass windows and leveling entire streets. As well as the normal corruption causing building to be demolished or “restored” in extremely destructive ways.

Kinda has Poison Ivy vibes, without any of the femme fatale trappings - her entire focus is preserving historical valuable buildings, and she doesn’t really care if humans that get in the way die. But she also isn’t going out of her way to kill people.

And the leader of the local superhero team can see where she’s coming from. And decides that just throwing her in jail every time she acts up is a sign they’re failing in their duty to protect the city. Instead, he starts trying to gain her trust. He doesn’t care that much about buildings, but he works on lessening his team’s collateral damage. He promises the supervillain that he’ll try to pressure the city government if she brings problems to him rather than taking them into her own hands. Eventually, he convinces her that she can protect the city’s infrastructure better by being on his team than she can on her own.

She’s incredibly helpful! She will keep burning buildings from collapsing until everyone can get out and the fire is extinguished. She’ll hold skyscrapers up while supervillains reign destruction down around them. She’ll deconstruct traps and grumpily direct her teammates towards the hidden mastermind who set them up. And when the crisis is over, she’ll see what can be salvaged and rebuild it if possible.

But she’s a PR nightmare.

Former Supervillain refuses to help people. She DOES NOT care. Your kid is trapped in the burning building? That is not her problem. Go bother someone else. Dude is holding a bunch of people hostage? It’s fine, he’s not causing any damage to the building he’s in.

People DO NOT like this attitude. People do not accept that she’s part of a team, and other heroes are capable of filling the “empathy” and “human rescuing” gaps.

And she’s high maintenance! The team frequently end up in situations where protecting lives is in conflict with protecting property. They take missions that mean very little to them, because they’re important to her. And the leader is constantly having to talk her out of rampages, pressuring the government to drop lucrative and unethical contracts, and making sure she’s sticking to the plan in the field. And she isn’t interested in interpersonal relationships or social niceties, so none of them are even doing this out of friendship!

-

Sometimes, you help someone not because they’ll be grateful, but because it will make your community better. Sometimes, you help the local drug addict not because he’s likely to turn his life around, but because he smashes less windows when he has a warm, quiet space to stay. And sometimes, keeping that community benefit takes a long term commitment.

I want to see a superhero team turn a villain as harm prevention and then willingly bear the cost of keeping that villain from causing harm. Not because it’s rewarding (though there are rewards) but because it’s more effective than any other method. And I want the villain to go along with it because the heroes actually found a more efficient way for her to reach her goals.

And it being messy for everyone, but I want them to make it work. And it to be worth it, in the end.

[lucabyte]

A belief in Nominative Determinsim

[blackseafoam]

✨ARC TROOPER ECHO✨

[gaylactic-fire]

Y'all: Because we can't physically go up to an enemy and press A to stab Nintendo are obviously trying to suggest Zelda is too dainty and feminine for combat

Nintendo: Here is Zelda killing things with a rock. Here is Zelda killing things while riding a giant beyblade. Here is Zelda killing things by using twisted clones of their fallen brethren. We have invented many new ways to kill

[eggplantgifs]

yuzuru hanyu: echoes of life // saitama, 2024.12.07

[winter-cheshire-writings]

Echoes and Experiments- Chapter 16:

“Anniversary?” Albedo looked up at Sucrose and Timeaus, both looking horrified at the questioning tone in his voice.

“M-Mister Albedo, please tell me you know what an anniversary is.”

“I do.”

“D-Did you just not plan anything yet? Your anniversary with Miss Mie is coming up isn't it?”

“Oh… I suppose it is.”

“Mister Albedo… Have you ever celebrated an anniversary with Miss Mie in the 3 years you two have been together???”

“No, not that I recall.” He stated, both of his assistants looking like they might faint from this knowledge.

—

“Huh? Anniversary?” Mieko looked up at Jean and Lisa. “Albedo and I don't celebrate.” She shook her head, not wanting to incur the wrath of either one if she told them the relationship with Albedo was an experiment. But their faces at this moment were just a little terrifying.

“He doesn't do anything for your anniversary???” Jean asked, a dark energy looming over the normally bright woman.

“Now Jean, don't worry.” Lisa chuckled, the same darkness looming over her as well. “We'll go have a talk with him about this. He's in the headquarters today, isn't he?”

“Wait, wait you two.” Mieko shook her head. “Don't bother Albedo, it's fine. I don't need an anniversary celebration.” She added.

“Mieko.” Jean's hand rested on her shoulder. “Please don't worry. I will ensure that Albedo gives you a proper anniversary. Of all the things for him not to do… This I will not allow to pass.”

“Jean, really, it's fine.” Mieko said, trying to calm her friend down. But it was useless to try and stop her. When Jean made up her mind, changing it was extremely difficult. Mieko took the better part of the hour trying to soothe Jean's mind that she really didn't need Albedo to do that sort of stuff for her. “Albedo and I don't need that sort of thing, you know? It's just dating.” she reminded them. “It's more my fear of celebrating something that might end that's in the way, really.”

“Are you absolutely certain, Mieko?” Jean asked. “Albedo is nothing like your ex. And he's absolutely not the type to think about these things, since he's always working.”

“I'm sure. Really, I'm sure.” Mieko sighed in relief when it seemed like she was listening. “I thank you for your concern Jean, really I do, but I promise it isn't something to worry about.” She smiled.

“Just make sure that he doesn't think we aren't keeping an eye out for you.” Lisa chuckled. “If he messes up…”

“Now don't go threatening him.” Mieko sighed. When they finished their tea, Jean walked Mieko to where Albedo was, not wanting to let her walk alone after hearing from Albedo that she had been sleeping less and was having dizzy spells recently.

“Have you been eating properly? Drinking enough water? Making sure you're taking care of yourself?”

“Jean, breathe.” Mieko reminded her, smiling up at her friend. “I'm fine. Just stressed and worrying about how to make rent… I'll be okay.” Jean wasn't inclined to believe her, but she knew Mieko was going to be stubborn about this.

“If you ever need, you know we would welcome you here, Mie. Your training with Albedo has made you much better at fighting. And you were able to hold your own against me in a sparring match.” She added cheerfully. “That hasn't happened in years.”

“Because you're always working to better yourself, Jean. You're amazing that way.” Mieko replied as they arrived at the lab. Jean opened the door and let Mieko inside, seeing Albedo at his desk. The ashy blonde glanced up, smiling when he saw Mieko. “How was work today, Albedo?” She asked as he walked over to her and took her hand, kissing the back of it.

“It went well, darling.” He nodded his head to Jean, the woman smiling a little. “I have been told I need to make amends.”

“Amends?” Mieko asked.

“For not celebrating our anniversary our first 2 years, darling.”

“It's really fine…” Mieko smiled at him. “I don’t need it.”

“But considering that even Sucrose and Timeaus scolded me… I feel like I should do something. Perhaps I could take you out to Starsnatch for a picnic? Or would you prefer we go have a nice dinner somewhere in the city?” Jean smiled, glad that Albedo had said something.

“I'll leave you to it.” She said before leaving the room, Mieko sighing once her friend was out of the room.

“Are you unhappy, Mie? You've been sighing a lot recently.” Albedo asked her, holding her hand still.

“No, Albedo, not unhappy.” She shook her head. “Just… A bit tired.”

“Oh, then let's head home. Perhaps my place this evening? I don't want you going back to the shop right now.” He smiled at her.

“You know I'll have to go back tomorrow.” She reminded him gently.

“I know. But, at least for tonight.” He led her out of the Headquarters, holding her hand in his as they walked back to his home. “What would you like for dinner, Mie? Shall we order out?” he asked, turning to look at her and seeing a blank look in her eyes. “Mie?” She jumped a little, looking up at him.

“I'm sorry, Albedo, I was lost in thought again… What was that?” she asked, putting on a smile. Albedo had noticed her not paying attention more and more frequently. She was also making mistakes when she worked, or when she was in the kitchen too. The alchemist was starting to worry more, seeing as Jean and Lisa said she never used to be like that, even when she was absolutely exhausted.

“Nothing, my darling. Let's order out tonight. We can share.” He smiled at her. They got their dinner and headed home, and before Albedo realized, Mieko was essentially asleep on his shoulder. “Mie, lay down if you want to sleep.”

“Huh?” She looked around, blinking at Albedo as he took her glasses. “Did I fall asleep again…?”

“You did, darling. Come along. Time for bed.” He was a tiny bit disappointed, but he knew she needed the rest. He handed her a potion and pet her head once she drank it all. “Good job, Mie.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, go to sleep.”

“I'm sorry… I know you're pent up and waiting on me.” She mumbled as the potion took effect. Albedo shook his head, petting her hair as she began to drift off to sleep.

“You don't have to worry about any of that, Mie… Please, just get some rest.” He said softly, watching as she knocked out. “Mie… My darling Mie…” He sighed, feeling awful. He didn't know what else he could do for her, or how he could help her. The potions put her to sleep, but they never seemed to be enough. Some nights they barely did anything at all, and Mieko was always so exhausted. A thought crossed his mind that made him shake his head. “No… I can't lose her like this.” He mumbled to himself. “I'll tell her about Sumeru tomorrow… That should raise her spirits, and make her feel better.” He told himself, staring down at his partner, gently playing with her hair as she slept.

-

Mieko sat up slowly the following morning, hearing Albedo in the kitchen. She rubbed her eyes and went to get dressed, seeing that Albedo had laid out some clothes for her. She smiled and got dressed, braiding her hair over her shoulder before heading downstairs. “Albedo.” He turned to her and smiled.

“Morning, Mie. Are you feeling better? Did you sleep well?” He asked as she walked over. “I made you something light, unless you want something more.”

“Thank you, Albedo.” She hugged onto him, kissing his cheek. “Would you count as more?” She asked, Albedo's cheeks coloring.

“If you're up to it… I don't mind.” He replied. “But food first, and drink some water. And then I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” She asked, letting Albedo finish cooking and plating the food. He lead her to the table where he had an envelope waiting.

“Yes, but please eat first.” He smiled. “And perhaps we'll have some fun after.” He teased, feeding her a few bites and allowed her to return the favor, taking their time. Once they ate and dishes were done, he sat with her and held her in his lap, trying to not push her since she had been so tired. “Mie?” He asked, nuzzling against her shoulder, trying his hardest not to give into his urges as she leaned against him and tangled her fingers in his hair.

“Mmm?”

“Darling.” He sighed shakily, his hands gripping her clothes. “I can't stop myself if you do that.”

“Then don't … You've been holding back on my account.” She whispered into his ear, Albedo shivering. “You're too considerate sometimes, Albedo.” She added, Albedo taking a deep breath and sliding his hand down to her thigh. “Whatever you want… Anything. I'll give it to you.”

“Yes, my Mie…”

-

After they were done, Albedo laid with Mieko in his bed as she stayed curled up next to him. “Do you feel better now?” She asked, smiling at him.

“You noticed…” He leaned over and kissed her. “You indulged me even though you were still exhausted.”

“I did. Because I wanted to.” She chuckled. “Now, tell me.” She said, playing with his hair. “What sort of surprise have you gotten this time? And how long will I be repaying it?” She asked, Albedo chuckling.

“Well, I'm not sure.” He said, rubbing her back, kissing her a few times before grabbing the envelope. They sat up and Albedo draped his shirt over her shoulders and held her around the waist as she opened the envelope. She read the contents, eyes widening as she kept going. “What do you think? Is this a good anniversary present, to make up for the 2 years I missed?” He asked, Mieko turning to him quickly and knocking him down before peppering his face with kisses.

“You… I can't believe…” She laid on top of him, tears in her eyes as she smiled. “Albedo…”

“I'll take that as a yes?” He chuckled. “A trip to Sumeru to study the flowers, courtesy of my new friends Tighnari and Cyno, to make some expansions on your merchandise. And of course, I paid your rent for the next 2 months, so you have no reason to refuse.” He smiled. “You're not upset?”

“If you ever do this again I will be.” She said, kissing him again. “You're absurd… And I love you so, so much.”

“I love you too, Mie.” He smiled. “Now, let's take our time today? I don't want to let you go… I need to make sure you rest, and have energy for our upcoming venture to Sumeru.”

“Alright… I'll indulge you for now.” She told him, relaxing with him and staying with him all day.

-

A couple of days later, they were packed and ready to leave the day after next for Sumeru. Mieko laid on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, Albedo sitting down on the bed next to her. “What are you thinking about, Mie?”

“Just making sure I packed everything.” She replied, looking up at him, smiling. “Thank you again, Albedo… For everything you've been doing for me.”

“Oh? You know I did promise… we worked out a plan together, after all.” He tucked her hair behind her ear.

“I didn't think you'd implement it this year, though.” She said, smiling still. “You work too fast. I can't keep up.”

“There are also other things I do that you can't keep up with.”

“A-Albedo.”

“Yes, Mie?” He smiled, letting her pout at him. “Don't pout too much, darling. Or I'll end up tempted again.”

-

Albedo felt Mieko shift in her sleep, opening his eyes to see her face scrunched up. “Another nightmare…” He sighed, pulling her against him and tucking her head under his chin. “It's alright… I'm here, Mie…” He whispered, slipping his hand under her shirt and rubbing her lower back. She whined in her sleep, clearly distressed. Albedo just held her until she woke, smiling when he heard her apologize. “Shh, don't worry.” He shook his head, burying his nose in her hair and kissing the top of her head.

“I have to worry… Its causing you trouble, Albedo.” She replied, clearly put out by the knowledge that she was causing him to lose sleep, even if he didn't need as much as most people. “I… I can't handle the thought of distressing you…”

“And if I tell you, my darling, that I would rather worry about you than myself?”

“Then I will worry about you more.” She said softly, kissing the mark on his throat, making him pull her closer. “Albedo…?”

“Yes, Mie?”

“I've told you, haven't I? I would do anything for you… Go anywhere with you…” She said, Albedo tangling the fingers of one hand in her hair.

“I am well aware.” Albedo said softly. “My darling Mie… Go back to sleep for a while.” He added, kissing her forehead while Mieko clung to him and gently pressing against the mark on his throat. “I'm here… I'll make sure you're safe.”

“Thank you…” She said softly, smiling and kissing the mark again a few times, Albedo's cheeks coloring. He held her there, finally feeling her settle down and drift back to sleep, clinging to her. Why did he feel like she was slipping away when she was right here in his arms? This feeling made him clingier to her, he had noticed it many months ago, but he was so attached to her. Almost obsessively so.

“Mie… Do you know that I would do anything for you as well? And if anything ever happened to you… I cannot imagine the potential fallout that would follow…” He felt his eyes closing slowly, keeping his grip on Mieko until he couldn't stay awake any longer.

Once Albedo was deep enough in sleep, Mieko's eyes opened. She looked up at him, smiling softly. “Albedo…” She whispered softly, wrapping one arm over his side and pulling him as close as they could get, her hand gently dipping under his shirt and resting against his skin. “I'm so sorry… You're always putting up with me…” She felt compelled to apologize, to tell him sorry every time he did something for her. She hated it, and she knew he wasn't fond of the apologies either. She sighed and tried her best to settle back down. She had started to notice he was looking at her differently, and so her insecurity of being left behind was getting the better of her. She hated that feeling. She didn't know what else to do, which was why she kept saying things like she would follow him anywhere. It was definitely true that she felt that way, but verbalizing it eased her mind that she was making it clear. She could only hope that it wasn't irritating him as she closed her eyes and did her best to fall back asleep.

[archivewriter1ont]

Bountyhunter: Everyone stopped shooting...I’m going to check it out.

Echo: (handcuffed to a chair) I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

Bountyhunter: Why?

Echo: I’m pretty sure there’s a mean, scary monster on the other side of that door.

Bountyhunter: *scoff* Whatever. *opens door*

Hunter: *charges in snarling, knives drawn*

Bountyhunter: *screams*

Echo: Told you. ☺️

Part Two of "Echo Gets Kidnapped" | Part One

[sirens-alias]

[fatedroses]

More than just the Demon.

[thebiscuitlabryinth]

[prev]

In the end, it doesn't matter. His plans, his intentions, his hopes, none of it matters.

In his dreams, it is disturbingly easy for Pure Vanilla to forget that the world is larger than the two of them, full of Cookies with their own plans and motives. In the careful cradle of his dreams, cocooned within Shadow Milk's constant presence, he hadn't even considered that there were other options.

Now, he is forced to confront them, and he can barely pay attention to anything. He isn't sure what happened in the first place, everything moving too quickly for him to process a thing. There is chaos everywhere, a flurry of colours and sounds and happenings whipping around him like a hurricane, the veil of darkness turning it all into a blur. The air is thrumming with unleashed archaic power, pricking his dough like pins and needles, and it all goes straight to his head, making him dizzy.

His grip on his staff is tight, leaning against it as he closes his eyes and borrows its gaze in the hopes of having a clearer view. It is just as indecipherable through his staff though, which means he isn't seeing things – the world really is coming apart at the seams, his nightmares unfurling before him.

And worst of all, Pure Vanilla is awake. He is wide, wide awake and cold with shock.

"There you are!"

Arms wrap around his shoulders from behind, the voice chiming delightedly in his ear. Pure Vanilla pulls away with a violent jerk of his body, not quite having the mind to be surprised that the arms let him, spinning around to face the other.

Shadow Milk stands, practically glowing with giddy joy, in a newly-crafted body of fresh dough, and it is strange to see him so solid. He stretches his arms above his head, leaning from side to side, before turning in a circle with a flourish, as if to show the body off.

"Wonderful, isn't it? And with this, Little Miss Guardian can't lock us back up again so easily! Certainly not with a dirty little trick like patching up some cracks." His voice is jovial, even as irritation flickers over his eyes at the memory of his encounter with White Lily. It disappears quickly, swallowed by tide of something that could almost be taken as childlike excitement. "Ah, it's so fun to have my own body again!"

It's the sort of happiness Pure Vanilla had hoped to see from him, but seeing it now, it just makes his heart ache fiercely, his chest seconds away from caving in. He is beautiful, a fact preserved even through the filter of his staff's eye, and everything is falling apart around him.

"What are you doing?" He asks, hardly more than a whisper, hardly able to manage those words anyway. It isn't the fact that Shadow Milk is out, physically here in front of him that makes him feel queasy. If it were only that, Pure Vanilla suspects he'd match him in his joy. It isn't even that he grabbed the first opportunity to escape, even if it wasn't following Pure Vanilla's plans for negotiation.

It is the upheaval sweeping around him, a complete lack of care for the surroundings and exactly as Shadow Milk was before, that is what hurts. Pure Vanilla had never lied when he said he believed in him.

"Celebrating, of course! This is my greatly anticipated grand return!" Shadow Milk announces cheerfully, taking an overdramatic bow before glancing at Pure Vanilla with a cheeky grin. His eyes glitter like stars, in that way that always mesmerises him. "Come on, Vani, dance with me!"

He reaches for both of Pure Vanilla's hands, not fazed by the fact that one is still holding his staff. He simply traps Pure Vanilla's hand between his and the staff as he pulls him towards him, using the momentum to whirl them around. Pure Vanilla stumbles, and without thinking, he scrambles to hold Shadow Milk back, his stomach and head churning uselessly.

It must show on his face, the horrible turbulance within him, because Shadow Milk's eyes all squint at him, some softly, others teasingly. He lets go of the hand not on his staff, instead wrapping his arm around Pure Vanilla's waist to offer him more stability. "What are you looking so gloomy for? Isn't this what you wanted?"

"Not like this, you know that." Pure Vanilla whispers, his now free hand balling into a fist and falling weakly to rest against Shadow Milk's shoulder. His sadness leaks heavy into his tone, but he can't help it, can barely articulate himself. "I wanted you to be better."

Shadow Milk doesn't reply for a moment, still dragging him through the motions of a partner dance. He seems to realise Pure Vanilla isn't planning to open his eyes anytime soon, because his eyes slide over to make contact with him through his staff, his grin simmering down to a smile, still unbearably cheerful. "You didn't truly believe that would work, did you?"

It's a harmless question, in the grand scheme of things, in the whirlpool of everything happening around them, but it feels like a cracking punch to the stomach. Shadow Milk had seemed reluctant at first, but he had never outright refused his idea. By the end of it, he even seemed to be considering it seriously, but something said as bluntly as that must be his true feelings–

"So you lied to me." Pure Vanilla murmurs hollowly, the cracks in his heart filling with sticky disappointment, all towards himself. He can't bring himself to hate Shadow Milk for acting within his own nature, not when he should have known. "...Of course you did."

For the first time since he regained a physical form, Shadow Milk's smile drops completely, replaced with a fake pout. Though it seems lighthearted, the stars in his eyes spark with annoyance.

"I would never! How could you say such a terrible thing about me, after all we've been through?" Shadow Milk laments with exaggerated sorrow, throwing Pure Vanilla into an awkward twirl as his free hand rests against his own forehead like a hapless maiden. Pure Vanilla's brain seems to scramble at the sudden movement, barely gathering his bearings as Shadow Milk's arm returns to his waist. He thinks he may be sick.

"Remember, I said you could try your little plan out, not that I ever agreed to it." Shadow Milk reminds him in a low croon, lined with condescension. "I even told you I thought it was a stupid idea! I may be the Beast of Deceit, but I never directly lied to you. I'm a little hurt you assumed I did. I thought you knew me better than that!"

And Pure Vanilla can't muster a response to that, spirit growing soggier by the second, because it is true. His hope had led him into assumptions that were misguided, how can he blame Shadow Milk for that?

Somewhere in the background, there is the rumble of an explosion.

"You might have been able to convince me, you know." Shadow Milk adds with a gossamer thin smile, his voice growing more serious. "There was just one eensy-weensy problem with your argument."

Pure Vanilla trips over something behind him with a frazzled yelp, unconsiously gripping Shadow Milk's shoulder as his hat falls off, and Shadow Milk uses the momentum to lower him into a dip, bowing over him as he finally pauses their dance.

"You assumed that I need to be fixed," Shadow Milk spits the words through his teeth with a slight growl, curling his lip disdainfully as he pushes their faces far too close together, "but there's nothing to fix. We paid the price for having power the Witches' themselves gave us, all because of their cowardice and fickleness." He huffs, smiling with a lack of mirth. "Good punishments always teach a lesson, you say, but our punishment was unjust, decided on a whim. What lesson could it possibly teach?"

Pure Vanilla stares at him wordlessly, ears buzzing nervously. He feels vaguely like he is in freefall, his body tensing in anticipation of hitting the ground.

Instead, like a switch is flipped, Shadow Milk's stormy expression clears back into that pleasant merriment.

"But enough about all that," Shadow Milk says with faux politeness as he straightens up smoothly, jerking Pure Vanilla back onto his feet and sweeping him back into a circling dance, "now is the time for celebration! Relax!"

Shadow Milk draws Pure Vanilla even closer to him, almost pressing their bodies together, and Pure Vanilla, despite himself, is struck by the warmth of it. Shadow Milk has always been cold to the touch in his dreams but here, in this new body, he is too warm, radiating a heat that suggests getting too close will burn.

Shadow Milk hums a jaunty tune in his ear as they sway to and fro, and Pure Vanilla's darts his gaze around in an attempt to ground his thoughts. He must focus. He isn't sure where the others are – are the children safe? Where is White Lily? Shadow Milk isn't the only one who escaped, of that he is certain, so it is likely they are surrounded by danger on all sides, and that isn't even taking Dark Enchantress' forces into consideration. But if Shadow Milk is focused on him here, that is at least one less Beast for them to handle.

There you are, he had said when he found him. Shadow Milk had been seeking him out specifically, and surely not just for an innocent dance, so why—

Pure Vanilla glances down with sinking dread and realisation, jam turning cold.

"You're here for the Soul Jam, aren't you?" He murmurs, more to himself than Shadow Milk, but he must hear anyway, because his humming trails off. Pure Vanilla doesn't give him time to process the words though, yanking his staff up and suddenly there is light.

It is an extremely clumsy spell that misses by a mile – Pure Vanilla isn't awfully practised in offensive magic, and on top of that, his dough is shaking with too many emotions – but it does the trick. The bright flash startles Shadow Milk just enough for his grip to loosen, and Pure Vanilla wastes no time in scrambling back and away.

He gets a good few paces away before he is stopped by firm tug on his wrist, almost knocking him over. The beginning of real fear begins to well within him as he looks down to find himself caught by a dozen strings, shimmering like spun silk, all leading back to Shadow Milk's own hands as he approaches through the parting haze.

"I didn't know you had that in you. Bravo!" He laughs as he claps, seeming to be at ease, the attack doing nothing to dampen his mood. He comes to a stop nearby, wrapping the strings around his hand once, twice before pulling Pure Vanilla forward in a long, smooth motion that allows Shadow Milk to tuck his arm behind his back as he leans forward to meet him. "But to answer your question..."

Shadow Milk reaches up to grab the clasp that holds his Soul Jam as Pure Vanilla strains against the strings, knowing that despite any fondness he might have for him, he had never planned to let him have this. He braces for it to be ripped off, he braces for it to be gently pried away for him – he isn't sure which would be worse.

He does not brace for Shadow Milk to bend down and press a delicate kiss against its smooth surface.

"I'm here for the Soul Jam and you." He smirks against it, eyes flicking up from its sapphire shine to Pure Vanilla's stunned face, frozen in place. "That shouldn't be a surprise to you, after all our time spent together."

"You must be joking." Pure Vanilla chokes out before he can say any more, voice stuffy with conflicting emotions, gripping his staff so tightly he's distantly worried it may snap. His head is swimming, so much so that he worries he will faint, even though he's never been prone to it. "You don't mean that."

"I do." Shadow Milk replies with breezy confidence, his expression falling neutral as he straightens up just enough to press their foreheads together. It is not quite as impactful with Pure Vanilla seeing through his staff, but the contact between their dough still burns. "I like you. So, because I like you, I've come to collect everything."

Pure Vanilla is seeing through his staff, so he knows he is not imagining the solemn furrow of his brow, the slight pinch of his mouth, the lifetimes behind his eyes, the lifetimes he has fallen for. He is sure, almost instinctively, that he is telling the truth, and the mere thought makes his insides collapse into themselves like an agonising supernova.

"Please," he begs helplessly, strangely hoarse, abandoning his staff's eye and welcoming the darkness, unable to look anymore, "don't do this to me. It's–"

–cruel, but the word gets stuck in his throat. It is an accidental cruelty, and it hurts, hurts more than anything else, more than words can describe, even more than the all-encompassing ache of Dark Enchantress' first appearance, and the realisation that she shared White Lily's shadow. At least, then, Dark Enchantress was clear in her hatred, never allowing an opportunity for hope to fester. For all the pain that caused, the distance kept his head clearer.

But what is he meant to do now, knowing that Shadow Milk Cookie, for all he has done and will do, is sincere when he says he likes him? It is an irony that burdens him like a curse, but he almost wishes that it was a lie. It would be painful either way, but surely being tricked outright and mocked for it would be easier to cut clean from, to compartmentalise.

An ugly, painful sob rattles through his chest, and he bites down on it before it can leave his mouth, shoulders curling inwards like a wilting plant. Shadow Milk's arms loop around them, weighing them down further.

"Look at me." He calls, calm and low and stern, a professor's tone, and Pure Vanilla shudders with another swallowed sob.

"Look at me, Pure Vanilla." He repeats, a little louder, but it is the use of his name that catches his attention like a snare. Shadow Milk doesn't often use his proper name, not when it is just the two of them.

Pure Vanilla finally opens his own eyes, slowly and with difficulty, gummy with unshed tears and unable to make out anything beyond colourful shapes. Shadow Milk's face takes up his whole vision either way, and it makes his pain worsen. He can't look at him, not now, with everything that makes up Pure Vanilla jumbled into a mess and the world around them jumbled to match.

Surprising himself, Pure Vanilla sluggishly shifts to bury his face in Shadow Milk's shoulder, his shaking hands dropping his staff to clumsily grip his back in tight fistfuls. It surprises Shadow Milk too, judging by his slight jolt, but his arms tighten like a noose around his neck, pulling him close into a hug.

"You're awful." Pure Vanilla croaks, muffled and aching, squeezing his eyes shut again and soaking in the searing heat of the other, eating him alive.

Between them, the Virtue of Knowledge hums discordantly, its fractured pieces reunited at last. Shadow Milk chuckles, a sound Pure Vanilla feels rather than hears.

"If I'm awful," he says lightly, rocking them from side to side in a soothing rhythm, "then you must be too."

fin.