the-twisted-truth-au

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Hello, Shining Milk…

Leaves this here.

🦽

…Eh.?? A.. wheelchair..???

*The fount tilts his head slightly, his grip on his staff tightening.*

What am I to do with this.??? I don’t exactly need it..

I’m sorry, little seeker, but maybe.. possibly.. you could give this to someone who needs it more.?? I would hate for it to go to waste when there are cookies in need…

[the-twisted-truth-au]

(OOC: LIGHT OF TRUTH yes I’m reblogging my own post shhhhh ANYWAY GO COMMISSION THE PERSON WHO DREW THESE (( @cherry-blossom-qf )) OR JUST SHOW EM SOME LOVE IF YOU CANT! THEY’RE SUPER AWESOME AND TALENTED ^^)

IEHQOEHEOWHEOEHWIEBEKWBEJW GUYS I’M SCREAMING

I’ve been focusing a lot on twisted truth (lil au me and @peppermintstarsonamintyway made together) and decided to get some art commissions of the goobers..

…AND OH MY GOD THEY’RE SO AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL MY FUCKING CHRIST?!?!?!

BOTH ARE DRAWN BY THE TALENTED @cherry-blossom-qf , AND HOLY SHIT NOT ONLY ARE THEY GOOD AT ART THEY’RE REALLY GOOD WITH STORIES!!! PLEASE GO CHECK OUT THEIR ESCAPED TOO EARLY SHADOW MILK AU I BEG YOU 🙏

LOOK AT THESE!!!!!! LOOOOOOOK‼️‼️‼️

THEY’RE SO BEAUTIFUL AND OUTSTANDING!!! PLEASE GO GIVE THEM THE LOVE THEY DESERVE, THEY’RE SO TALENTED AND AMAZING I CAN’T IEGWOEEHOWHWOEHW

THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN FOR ALLOWING ME TO COMMISSION YOU CHERRY!!!!! <3

[the-twisted-truth-au]

The shadows on the walls.

It's dead silent in the spire, spare for the faint thump of a cookie's feet against the floor.

The flock is asleep- or at least, it should be. It's been so long Imitation Vanilla isn't sure they still have the same routine.

It's been so long since he's been able to be the one to put them to bed.

It hurt to think about.

He'd taken the time to apologize to Blue Raspberry, for leaving the boy to care for Cake Pop like he did, yet some part of him still felt, guilty, about it.

What a joke I am, hm? The thought crosses his mind before he can stop it, his hands clenching at his sides as he stares down a hallway.

He takes an unsteady step forward, into the hall.

His hand comes up to rest against the wall, and he squints his eyes as orchids begin to bloom from the cracks in the building.

It's not long before a thick blue mist starts to seep from the flowers, sinking to the floor in pools.

Slowly but surely it covers the floor, gradually filling the hallway, and Imitation Vanilla almost considers letting himself drown in it, if that were possible.

But he had promised he'd lay off on the mania, for Cake Pop's sake.

So he doesn't.

But he does let himself kneel down, hands against the floor as he takes a deep breath, the mist curling up towards his face.

It creeps past his lips, makes him squeeze his eyes shut as they sting.

They're a tinge bluer when he reopens them, everything seems tinged blue, and it's as nauseating as always.

As his mind settles, as much as it can, not too far down the hallway he sees something-

Or, well, someone.

Multiple someones.

Oh how he wished he could reach out to them- fall into their embrace like he used to when things became too much.

Oh how he missed them.

But he shakes his head, pushes away the thought of what used to be.

He ignores the brush of a hand past his shoulder as he catches a glimpse of a dark robe move past him, sparkling blue hair brushing by his cheek.

He forgot how cruel his mind could be in this state.

He finds that familiar blue hand that haunts his mind right in his face, and as he always does, he takes it.

He doesn't look up as he's pulled to his feet, he doesn't even bother.

He knows there's nothing TO see, not once did these, "apparitions", ever have a face.

Imitation Vanilla drags his feet behind him as he's led further down the hallway, his eyes softer than usual as he tries to keep up with the hallucinations silently taunting him.

He's pulled into a dance, spun in the hands of a fake as a false warmth surrounds him.

He always found it strange, these almost afterimages always had a pattern to them.

His former companions would be gathered further down the hall, and Shining Milk would pass by him, offering him his hand.

If he accepted, he'd be pulled to his feet, brought closer to the ancients and forced into a familiar dance, one his feet moved on their own to.

If he didn't?

Pure Vanilla did, the ancient would be dragged from his trembling body, as faceless as the rest of them as he took his place.

He hated when that happened, hated the way it felt to watch a dead cookie take HIS place.

He sighs, lets his eyes fall closed for once as he's spun around the hall, his hair brushing against the walls.

"Isn't this nice?" A distortion of Shining Milk's voice asks, Imitation Vanilla doesn't answer, so it continues. "Don't you miss this?"

Cruel, he thinks. This is cruel.

A laugh sounds from behind him, gaudy and laced with gold behind the broken static. "Of course it is!" A not quite right Golden Cheese responds.

"It's your mind, after all..." White Lily's voice follows, his body stills as pale, cold, arms wrap around him.

He leans his head back, it falls against something soft that isn't quite hair but doesn't feel like fur either.

His eyes open, he stares up at the blinding light of one of the light fixtures in the hall.

There's a small chuff, deep and grumbly as a dark clawed hand finds it's way to his hair. "We miss you..."

He turns his head away from the light, narrows his gaze just enough not to see it anymore.

"You miss a ghost."

It's the only response he gives, the one he always gives.

He can feel the softness under his head disappear with the arms around his waist and the warmth surrounding, can feel his feet slip as he loses the support of the "imitations".

He blinks,

And then he's laying flat on his back, his face just barely poking out of the mist pooled across the floor.

Ugh.

What Imitation Vanilla would give to bury Pure Vanilla for good.

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Oh godddsss~!

I bring gifts (cough cough, Caramel lol)

Plzworkplzworkplzwork don’t be peeking pleaseeeee

(caramel here (apologies this is so late!))

(my baabbbyyyy)

(look at him!!! he's so sparkly!!! my baby!!)

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Not sharing your burdens will only make things worse, Shining.

Another shadow at the edge of his vision, only just in his sight. Only…this one looks like a familiar shepherd…

Im so sorry I haven’t been interacting, finals have been killing me. I have a trip soon, but after that I should be home free! :D

..Mmm..

I’d rather hide them than share them with cookies I hardly know.

Besides.. last time.. no, EVERY TIME I did.. I just..-

*He doesn’t even get to finish.*

*after all.. there he was. A shadow of his bestfriend, right there.*

*as soon as he’d stopped speaking and registered its presence he whipped around, but yet again, nothing there.*

*The fount blinked, staring.. before huffing out, hiding his face in his hands.*

…This whole situation is messing with my head..

[the-twisted-truth-au]

. . .

*…Oh god you made him tear up*

*The fount, who at this point is just staring towards you, seems to immediately turn away once he notices the stinging in his eyes.*

Ah.. yes, I.. have heard of that phrase before..

*He goes silent for a moment or two..*

*and for a moment, all is still.*

*the founts hand then grips his staff a little tighter, letting out a sigh with a nod, keeping his face away from view.*

…Thank you. I.. appreciate it.

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Oh sweetie do you need a hug? Or just a shoulder to lean on or relax? I wouldn't mind and I'm told i run warm.

Also sorry if you don't like the nickname i often call people that or honey. It means I consider you a friend. I can call you something different if you want me to.

Oh no, I don’t mind, you can— ..I’m.. sorry, What.?

*The Founts expression softens as he comes to a stop, looking at the ‘camera’. He.. looks to be considering.. heavily considering, to be honest.*

*Now, if he were to accept this.. you would appear in the form of a cookie, just for a second to do as you said you would. However..*

*..as soft as his expression is, as badly as he wanted to accept just from the look in his eyes, opening his mouth to answer..*

*He quickly pauses, eyes widening slightly as he takes a moment, quickly shaking his head.*

Ah!- I, uh.. pardon me, I.. Spaced out a bit.. err.. I’m.. quite alright, Little Seeker.. It’s very appreciated, though..! Believe me.. more than you’d know..

*…it’s almost as if he’s scared. You’re not quite sure what of, though.. doesn’t seem to be another cookie.. it’s something else.*

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Here shining milk have a plushie :3 reminds me of you

Oh?-

*The fount gently holds the plush in his hands, gently and tiredly smiling at it*

…D’awww.. how precious.. I’m not sure what this creature is, but he’s quite precious.!! I can see the resemblance..

*The fount looks to the camera, willing his smile to grow, even if it is a little.. well, weak. He’s genuinely appreciative, you can tell that!…just uh.. tired-*

Thank you, little seeker.. I might have to put it up for now, but.. it means a lot..

*Seems like he liked the gift..*

*Shining Milk now trusts you a teeeensy bit more! Good job!*

[the-twisted-truth-au]

*throws a box full of cats in here as if it’s a grenade or something and runs*

TAKE THEM!!!!

I CANT DEAL WITH THOSE THINGS!!!!!

THEY ALMOST BIT MY FINGERS OFF!!!!

GOODLUCK!

…uuuhhmm..??

Why would you??-

*the fount catches the box and holds it gently, wobbling a bit as he does so and almost falling from how weak he currently feels, staring at it, dumbfounded.*

Oh, jeez.. I really don’t have time for a detour to drop these little guys off to someone more capable to take care of them..

…uuuhhhh…

I know there’s a village near the spire.. maybe there someone can take care of them…

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Imitation, what do you plan on doing with Shining Milk when you see him? Keep him or something?

"Trick him into believing Pure Vanilla can be brought back so I can take his half of our soul jam, of course!"

*He sounds incredibly sarcastic, rolling his eyes with an unamused grins.*

*Then he suddenly furrows his brows, his expression turning almost annoyed as he raises his voice.*

"What do you THINK I'm planning on doing?!- HE'S MY WITCHESDAMN-"

*He pauses.*

"...I shouldn't finish that-"

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Shining? Are you sure you're feeling okay? You seem out of it

Bravegang, go check on Shining Milk, please.

I’m fine.

*From the way the fount appears, to the way he walks, whispers, and the dull look in his eyes.. Yeah, uh. Doesn’t seem like it.*

*So heeeeres the bravegang :D (or at least Gingerbrave and Wizard)*

Shining Milk cookie!!!

Mr. Fount of knowledge, sir!!!

eh?..

*as the fount turns to look at the two the “camera” also shifts, showing that Gingerbrave is holding something. A flower, that is, its petals yellow and its pistols orange in hue. For a moment, you can’t exactly tell what type it is.. but the fount sure knows, given the way his eyes light up in both recognition and somber remembrance.*

We were looking around in the bushes and—

Look at this flower we found!!!

It’s not just a flower, Gingerbrave, it’s an Azalea!

Strawberry suggested we get you something but we didn’t know what.. so when we found this we wanted to give you it!! Y’know.. since you’ve seemed a little.. down, recently.. More than usua—

*Wizard Cookie swiftly slaps his hand over gingerbrave’s mouth so he can’t say more, and from the muffling it sounds like he’s saying “what?? What did I say?????”*

A-as Gingerbrave was TRYING to say, Fount of Knowledge, Sir.. Is that it’s a gift to hopefully lift your spirits!

*The little cookies lift up the flower, handing it to the ancient as he carefully takes it, holding it in his hands. He stares, and for a while all is still..*

*…Before he gently hugs it to his chest, closing his eyes and letting out a small sigh of content. You’re not sure if it’s the light, but you could’ve sworn his eyelashes looked glossier.. If it wasn’t light, maybe it was allergies making the founts eyes tear up ever so?*

…thank you..

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Meow

*The fount looks over at the ‘meow’, giving a confused albeit tired look as he lets out a sigh.*

..another one..?

*he kneels down and gently rubs its head a little, before walking on as if nothing had happened, steps sluggish and slow*

[the-twisted-truth-au]

Oh Shining~! Heading back to your old home, I see. That must be hard, I’m sure you have many bad and bittersweet memories there. Glad to see you enjoying your new friend!

You look…unwell. Is something bothering you, perhaps?

…No matter the memories, it’s for the good of cookiekind..

…Uh. No. Nothing’s bothering me.. I’m.. fine. Just focused on what’s to come and the path ahead.

*The fount yawns, rubbing his eyes a bit as he uses his key staff to help him walk, looking away with a solemn expression.*

*Then, he changes the topic, giving a grateful nod.*

Ah, yes.. Milkyway is indeed a great companion. Thank you again for him.

[the-twisted-truth-au]

I don't think you can tell me anything I don't already know, White Lily. I just want to see if you are... on track, so to speak. If you're close to solving this. You want to know why Shining Milk fits as a jester, and I can help you!

Sincerely,

the annoying and perceptive anon

*White Lily narrows her eyes, furrowing her brows as her hands tightened around her staff.*

"What on earthbread makes you think I want to know?..."

*From the way she's scrunching her face, I don't think she wants help.*

"...Besides; whatever you're talking about seems to be it's own private matter, and with just how much is already going on...I want no part in it."

[the-twisted-truth-au]

*The fount of knowledge, Shining Milk Cookie, seemed to be slowly flipping through books and scrolls in the faerie kingdom library, doing one final check before heading to The Spire of All knowledge, where he once used to reside. Turned away from the “camera”, he shuts the book he’s holding with a shaky sigh, setting it up and stepping back, finally turning to face the “camera” as he walks over to grab another scroll that could prove useful. Though, once his face is in full view.. well, besides the little snake poking out his hat, taking a nap inside its edges, he looks.. different. More so in the face area. His eyebags, which were already pretty dark, being heavier, the edges of his eyes being very slightly red as if to indicate emotion of some kind.*

*Finally, he looks towards the “camera”, his solemn expression remaining as he tries to find his voice.*

…So, uh..

We..

…

*The Fount clears his throat, staying quiet for a moment before continuing.*

…We have successfully fixed the seal of the tree, White Lily cookie using her newfound guardian magic to fix it, however.. I still assume that the beasts have fully escaped, and are after our souljams now. While I don’t have proof to my claim just yet, me and the others want to be absolutely sure that if found outside the tree, we can bind them to it once more. So, we’re heading to..

*He pauses again.*

*takes a deep breath..*

*and continues.*

…The Spire of Knowledge, to find the Beast Binding Ritual. I’m sure I have it there somewhere.. I remember something quite familiar. I just need to look in the right places.

I’m.. just going to put this book up, then we’ll be on our way. Hopefully we can find the spell we’re looking for..

[the-twisted-truth-au]

This must have really done a number on your identity. Was it hard, living your life again, knowing the future? Were you comfortable thinking you saved the world?

*Imitation Vanilla stares, narrowing his eyes before giving a lifeless laugh.*

"No, it was not hard, nor did I think I saved the world."

"I told you the shepherd was selfish, did I not? No we did not care for the world, we cared for our bluebird, and our bluebird alone."

*He leans in close, shifting his hand to rest under his chin.*

"If you wish to speak to someone about 'numbers being done to their identity', I would advise you speak to my other half sooner than me."

[the-twisted-truth-au]

White Lily, do you have any ideas, thoughts, theories? And would you share them?

Sincerely,

the annoying and perceptive anon

*White Lily crosses her arms, giving a seemingly confused look.*

"I have knowledge, sure, but why would I share it with a seemingly omnipresent voice coming from nowhere?"

"I've been a fool enough times in the last few thousand or so years, I don't think I wanna risk telling some intangible creature things that might make our situation worse."

*Seems you might have to convince her to share.*