Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The morning was bright, with a shining star above, the heat radiated across the surface of the murky grass of the lake. The bushes hummed in symphony and the flowers danced in the calming winds of the morning sun. The creatures of the forest have awoken in awe, for what a rare day this was on the land between Beast-Yeast and Crispia. One sheep centaur came out of the bush where he layed, a common choice of home among his species. He let the air go through his blonde locks and fur before speeding off into the sun. Who was going to waste such a rare day? Definitely not Pure Vanilla! He wanted to see his friends after such a long time. Well it really wasn’t much time but he was still awfully happy and missed them so dearly.

He trotted along the fluffy sage grass close to the glimmering and thoughtful lake, it mimicked the beautiful rays the sun warmly gave it. Before going any further he fell with thud to the ground, so much for the excitement. He carefully stood up in case of bruises and marks, but luckily they were none, he ruffled the dry leaves out of his hair with a frustrated expression. Once he finished checking he immediately went to make sure he didn't lose the souljam he had on his chest. He was gifted to him by someone important so he can't go out losing it at this moment. He let out a sigh of quick relief once he noticed it didn't break or fall. All of a sudden he heard a quiet noise coming from somewhere. "That can't be good. . ." he mumbled quietly, then he went off into the forest.

His hooves hit the ground softly as he trekked the bright forest, quite hastily as he wasn't kean on hearing that awkward noise again. The chirping of the birds grew louder as he got deeper into the forest and he started to get a bit questionable. As he trekked through the forest he swore he heard a loud swoop in the air, what was it? He didn't know, But all of a sudden-

CRASH!

He fell to the floor with harsh thud as something heavy landed on his body. "AHA! I knew it was you! If it wasn't I would've been I'm great deal of trouble. . . " The feathered being climbed off Pure Vanilla's body as he coughed and slowly got up. "Well well well! If it isn't Pure Vanilla!" He looked up and let out a small smile as he picked out the leaves. "Hello Golden Cheese. . . just because it was me it doesn't mean your not in trouble". Golden Cheese let out a laugh as she grabbed Pure Vanilla's hand and lifted him up, she was a rather eccentric Harpy always decked out in gold and jewels she finds or steals, which compliments her bright gold feathers and turquoise gradients. "Anyways, what are you doing out here? On your way to Dark Cacao's area?" she calmly asked, practically ignoring the previous incident but he didn't mind. "I was! Along with finding all of you guys as well, I thought maybe we could see each other?" he said with a bright smile like always. " You read my mind Vanilla, it's been awhile so why not welcome eachother? Oh I have so much to tell you of what I saw!" she grabbed Pure Vanilla's hand and ran off with him racing behind her by force. "Dark Cacao's place is this way! Hurry up!" she spread and furrowed her wings before taking flight above the trees, Pure Vanilla ran after Golden Cheese as she flew above him, the souljam on her head glimmered like a small sun was on her headress, oh how beautiful it was. . .

Playing Catch up with a Harpy is NOT easy if you ever tried! Luckily Pure Vanilla trekked fast enough to stay under her view, until she got covered by trees. He sighs quietly before walking to a open spot where trees won't cover. No where. He gets frustrated but breathes in before trekking the rest of the way by what he remembers, he slowly walks upon the grass being covered in small pretty flowers, he could be close to the area by the looks. He passes by multiple decadent looking bushes of beautiful white flowers, he gently holds it in his hand looking at it fondly and curiously. It felt like a one of a kind, he calmly pulled it off the bush and went on his merry way.

・・・

Whenever he felt closer to the place he always felt so far off the trail, he got more annoyed everytime he notices the pattern of his whereabouts. He collapsed on the grass against a tree and let out a heavy sigh, oh how will he find Dark Cacoa's place now? "I suppose I have to stay the night somewhere. . . I'm to far from my place. ." he quietly mumbles to himself as he rose from the grass he layed on. While walking through the quiet sounds of grass ruffling against his hooves, he notices a small entrance way in between a couple Berry bushes. He looks at it carefully and swore he saw a calm light peek through the hole, he walks closer to the hole and crouches on the ground. He pushes the Berry bushes out of the way and wriggles his body inside, oh what he saw!

The beautiful shining moon gazed upon his skin and made him shine, as he looked around a vast lake appeared and it's beautiful! A vibrant blue sets the water into a motion that seems charming, and the moonlight enhances it so well! He never gazed upon something so beautiful before, well as much as he could with his poor eyesight. He spots a small cave close to the surroundings like it was waiting for him, Pure Vanilla steps closer to it and walts in. It wasn't as vast as it looked outside but it was perfect for a one day sleep, he goes to a small corner and let's out a sigh of relief, he lays on the ground in bliss, slowly drifting to a unspeakable rest.

The water trickled silently as the moon still rose high, it carresed the scales of the creature as it's bright blue duo toned eyes gazed silently on the sleeping sheep.

Chapter Text

The water slid down his scales as he arose from the lake, he stared down at the cave he knew a helpless centaur climb into. The water trickled down his body and face as he pulled himself to the lakes edge, his long duo colored hair clinging to his face and along his body. His tail moved to curl against his body as he used his power to rise and and get a look at the centaur, why not as he hasn't seen one in ages. The centaur looked just about as well rested as a pathetic child despite looking like a adult, Shadow milk wiped his mouth with his claws before turning to the sky, sunrise is just about to happen. Curse whatever luck he had. . . Prey tastes better when eaten awake
anyways. .

・・・

Pure Vanilla pulled his head away from the soft grass as he yawned, that night felt oddly awkward, as if someone was targeting him. He hadn't felt that way ever so it felt rather confusing for him to genuinely feel like that. He lifted his body up from the corner and loosened up a bit before checking the outside, the sun sparkled so brightly and left a pretty shine on the lake, he still preferred it at night but enjoyed this version. He walked outside of the small cave he slept in with a smile on his face like always, he had to get on his way to Dark Cacoa's place, he wasn't abandoning the plan to see his friends! As he trekked towards the Berry bushes, he snapped his head towards the lake as he swore he heard gentle breathing. His face showed a curious look and he quietly went towards the shining lake, the closer he got the louder the breathing got, he didn't feel safe. He backed away for a minute and quickly turned around just until-

SLASH

His back got hit with such a sharp pain he winced, he turned his back and fell to the ground as a stream of blood covered his hand and back. He looked up and his eyes widened like never before, before he could process the creature pinned him down and seeped his claws into his skin as Pure Vanilla quickly held his hands out to try and stop him. The snake-like being looked at Pure Vanilla with a face full of distraught, using his chance Pure Vanilla managed to kick him off using his legs and standing up. The creature got thrown into the water and lashed out back at Pure Vanilla but this time he wasn't able to stop him and the creatures tail wrapped around him compressing his body. The injuries seeping more of the liquid Ruby as his body got tighter. Pure Vanilla let out a gasp of air as the creature grasped his neck harshly and threw him to the ground with a harsh thud leaving him helpless and suffocating.

Shadow milk compressed the Centaurs body using his tail, the blood from the wounds he given it trickled down Shadow milks hand and dripped like a stream. Shadow milk suddenly loosened his grip and slithered his tail away unwrapping him but leaving the centaurs body lifeless and out of breath. He looked fondly at it with a sharp fanged smile before stretching his jaw revealing pointy fangs and a toxic venom, just as he was about to bite him. .

BAM

He had a direct hit into his abdomen and fell to the ground knocking the wind out of him, he carefully looked up and saw a dark figure with large horns flash punch him, that was the last thing he remembered.

・・・

Pure Vanilla softly stood up from the cold stone form, he felt really stiff and weak even after resting for awhile. He look down at his hands which had some dried up red spots where blood was left, he looked at his chest which was all bandaged up and dry. He put his hands down and left his eyes half open, they felt so sunken into his face, he remembered about the creature he saw. It looked like a giant snake, he didn't study it's facial features very well so he can't remember that. His fur and hair was all matted but that was the least of his worries. . .where was he. .?

"Finally you woke up! Oh I was so so worried when I didn't see you!" Golden Cheese barged into the room with a worried expression on her face, her wings looked all dusty and dirty like she crashed multiple times into the trees. "You know, I went everywhere looking for you! When me and Dark Cacoa saw you on the floor all bloody I swore you died!" she latched onto him as tight as possible with her wings wrapped around them like a she was protecting a baby bird, small drops of tears streamed down her face. "It's okay Golden Cheese. . . I'm fine now" he smiled warmly as her hug got tighter. "My own question is. . . where am I?" he pulled away slightly and looked at her with a questioning look,"Oh! Your in Dark Cacoas home! We ran here as fast as possible, I tried flying but the stress and worry knocked my flight so my wings are all dirty!" she quickly stated while twirling a strand of her curly golden hair with her talon. "Dark Cacoa? Where is he?" he said like it was an order, before they both heard heavy footsteps nearing them. A tall lean man walked into the room with hard footsteps, a long feathered tail swooshed side to side in a calm tone. His eyes a glaring purple. "Aha! There you are!" she gets off the floor and walks towards Dark Cacao, his face turns slightly furrowed. "Hello, Golden Cheese. . Is Pure Vanilla okay?" he turns his face to Pure Vanilla with a softer expression. "Ah! I'm okay, I feel a bit tired is all" he says while looking down at his blood stained hands, they feel like they don't belong to his body. He can never picture himself with this much blood pouring out until now. . . Why did he choose that area out of all the others? The lakes beauty sickened him and made him believe it was safe. . . the most asked question he asked is who was that? It didn't look like any magical creature he'd seen before. Golden Cheese snatched a seat next to him as he was thinking, "What are you so deep in thought for Vanilla? Your fine now!" she said with a bright smile as she played her turquoise bracelets, Dark Cacoa joined them as he sat down gently in front of both of them. "Take this Pure Vanilla" he hands him a cup of Mint tea he prepared quickly as he begun to speak again. "That creature you faced, was a Naga Pure Vanilla" he said with a stern face "That one roams the Stardust lake near the border of the Faerie village, my son told me he encountered it before from a distance. He didn't believe it was a pleasures sight to see" The jewelry and bangles on his horns tinked together as he moved his head and hands around, it felt echoing and charming in such a quiet place like this. "I have never encountered a Naga in my life as there quiet rare-" "So basically your saying a grandpa like you has never encountered one but Pure Vanilla did...HES THE YOUNGEST!!" Golden Cheese said unannounced, Dark Cacao looked at her like she had a death wish, but alas he continued. "As I was saying, I've never encountered one before and after seeing him, he was relatively small for a Naga, he looked about 14 to 15 feet long conoared to the ones I read about who were 20 feet long." Pure Vanilla sat bewildered, relatively small for a Naga felt like a understatement as it did not feel small at all. "Ah. . . Makes a lot of sense. ." he moved his front legs in a more comfortable position as he tensed up just thinking about that Naga. . It was terrifying and not something he thought he would see for a long shot. . .

・・・

Her still twinkling legs crawled across the large oak base infront of the large estate, her eyes were a peirceing black, her glowy exoskeleton glistened in the warm moonlight. "I assume we have some prey to be fond of.." her eyes softened, and legs got tensed as her spindly legs carried her to the front. . .

Chapter Text

"You missed once and it created a whole problem Shadow Milk, what do you have time say for yourself" her eyes showed a disheartening touch of apathy and cruelty. He stared at her annoyed, he furrowed his eyebrows, "It was one time Misty, what are you acting like this is a daily occurrence bud?" he snickered as he laid on his tail out of boredom. "They know, that's what im worried about" she came out into the quiet sun, onto the large web that layed in the middle of the giant choco trees. Her long legs carefully place upon each tiny trinket of string, she was a beautiful arachnid, but what a horrible one. Shadow milk curled his tail around the tree and layed on the large branch, "Cmon Misty! You should live a little, what would a pesky little centaur do to us? Your hilarious!" he gave a wide smiled before sneaking up the. "Your so paranoid it worries me, just tell Silent Salt to kill him and were done here" he carried his head in his hand all joyfully, until a arm lashed around him. "You are to find that creature and finish the job, take the souljam while your at it and complete your set" she tinked the souljam around his neck with a delicate finger, he stared at her wide eyed and shocked. A quiet nod did the trick.

・・・

“For what reason is to end the life of a low life who already escaped. .” Shadow milk mumbled to himself quietly while shuffling his body across the wide tree branches, wriggling under his weight quietly. He always looked below him to the surface, looking for any sign of that centaur. Occasionally he tied himself to a tough branch and took multiple naps, the EXHAUSTION of this exploration bored him oh so much. The air was felt cloudy and so was he, he just wanted to go back to the lake and relax. After he woke up from another random nap that he took, he scuttled off through the thick growth of this specific tree along the dryer areas of the land. As he was climbing up the tree he started hearing what appears to be mumbling, whoever lives in this giant tree is definitely not his target, but he hopes it wasn’t that annoying harpy back when he got attacked by the dragon. All of a sudden while dragging down the tree to get back to the ground he ended up getting-

CLASH

He was immediately tumbling down the tree with along with a large object, it was NOT pleasant. The speed they were rolling down went so fast he swore he saw his life flashing through his eyes before landing on the ground with a harsh and painful crash.

He opened his squinted eyes wider as the blur got intense before clearing up, he gradually stood up from the worst place to fall which was hard dirt and sand. The pain affected mostly his spine by obvious means but a loud bicker awoke him further and his emotions evolved into acceptance. “DUDE ARE YOU OKAY?? My bad I thought you were that annoying ass Harpy…” he was shook so hard he wished he blacked out again, it was the stupid centipede he meets like their coincidences!“Uh. .HELLO?” he says louder and Shadow Milk snaps back to reality, the towering figure still shook him intensely. “YOU IDIOT IM ALIVE” he pushed the centipede off and quickly went through his hair in an effort to remove all the dust. “Good! I thought you died” Burning Spice said with that stupid smirk he does all the time, how it annoyed him. “What are YOU doing here??? You always said you hated this region. .” Burning Spice looked at him with squinted eyes and a questioning expression, he is not escaping the interrogation at any moment in time. “Let’s get things straight, WHAT WAS THAT AMBUSH??” his duo colored eyes widened fully and he jumped onto Burning spice in annoyance and anger. “I thought you were that stupid Harpy girl! Plus you as deranged soooo. .” he quickly pulled out this statement and that just gave Shadow Milk the shocked expression, he was NOT here to be compared to a HARPY. “Listen here. . .im looking for someone and it’s NOT you, Mystic Flour’s little boring ass is forcing me to.” He yapped on, Burning spice staring at him with an interested expression. “Is the person you’re looking for like. . . those centaur folk I see a lot here. .” he quickly added as he listend on, that small statement lightened up Shadow Milk. “WHERE’D YOU SEEN EM??” he yanked on Burning Spices necklace, desperation to finish the idiotic offer filled him to the brim. Burning Spice obviously shocked went on “Uh. .Yeah I’ve seen one near the other region, he was with the smartass Harpy. . .and a really cool looking dude!” he said with a spark of enthusiasm, Shadow Milk stared at him in awe. “The Hot Shot really does help! I can’t owe you enough” he lets go of Burning Spices necklace’s and gets ready to climb the tree again. “Please. . . don’t fall on top and proceed to BREAK MY BONES” he yelled at him, Burning Spice gave a not so helpful thumbs up. “If you ever actually need me, IM IN!” he said scruffing up Shadow Milk’s hair. “Anyways im gonna go break some stuff, have fun with your little job” he stated rather fast before scurrying up the tree easily with his hands and legs.

Shadow Milk watched him walk up before pacing through the dirt towards the region he obviously knew the little centaur was in. . . he grinned happily before speeding up his pace

・・・

Her wings were spread wider then ever, Golden Cheese flew hastily through the now auburn sundown of the day, she loved the feeling of the breeze through her hair. This time she was getting distracted by the view and crashed into a tall tree, her wings quickly got tangled in the miniature branches and leafs got blown into her hair after getting plunged into. “ACK-! This is terrible!” she squirmed around prying the branches off with her claws, the branches were so tough that her surprisingly sharp and strong claws couldn’t remove them so easily. She sat on the tree trying to pry the branches off still until she heard rustling. She slowly turned around, looked right and left, no one but the same rustle sound coming from somewhere on the thick bushels of trees. She see’s a large shadow on the branches, her face turns to paranoia as the creatures shadow got bigger and bigger, until suddenly the noises got louder and out when running a teenage harpy. Golden Cheese let out a large sigh of relief as it wasn’t anyone dangerous. The teen harpy went towards Golden Cheese, their Candy Apple shaped buns bounced up and down joyfully and her red and black tinted wings complimented the now dark sundown.

“Well well well! Who are youuuu?” she let out a sharp and grinning voice, Golden Cheese stared a bit surprised but it calmed down. “Why hello there youngling! I am Golden Cheese! The Golden Sovereign” she said with a laugh and a warm smile. The little harpy let out an excited giggle, “Im Candy Apple! The prestigious helper for the BESTTT person EVERRRR!!” she screamed so excitedly, Golden Cheese enjoyed her enthusiasm she forgot she was stuck. “Oh you! You look like a stuck little baby bird, need some help with that?” Candy Apple said sounding helpful, Goldeb Cheese realized she was stuck and gave an awkward smile. “As much as I am stuck! I know I’ll get out of here as quick as possible!” she said, not even trusting her own words. "Ah pfftt! Cmon let me help silly billy!" Candy Apple quickly leaped towards the branches, and took out a weird looking accessory. Golden Cheese stared in amusement, "Please darling! Don't use those cute little accessories for me!" she quickly said but a bit too late when Candy apple slashed away a chunk of branches. Golden Cheese was shocked! She wondered how a child could even do that! Golden Cheese took this time to flutter her wings and-

BOOM!

Her wings were freed! She held them looking for significant damage but the least there was is a couple things caught between her feathers. She let go of her wings and folded them back on to her back, she looked at Candy Apple with disbelief. "Thank you so much Candy Apple! If you want you could take one of my treasures as a thank you gift~" she told her, Candy Apple looked so excited and happy." AWWWW thats to much!! I'm really am fine without!! But I do have a favor..~" she said with a mischievous look. Golden Cheese offered to do it without any thoughts." Have you seen a reallyyyyyyy tall Naga named Shadow Milk??" she quickly described. Golden Cheese just froze in place, "S-Shadow Milk? NAGA??" "Yup! I've been looking for him for FOREVERRRRR!!" She said with a exaggeration, Golden Cheese just looked at her, then quickly answered. " Last time I saw him was at Stardust lake. . ." she hesitantly gave before pointing a direction. "THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!! Buh bye now!!" she excitedly yapped and she flew off into the heavy ocean of trees and leafs. Golden Cheese was confused, would this Naga be of higher importance to her then she thought. . .?

・・・
He laid on a thick branch of a tree, like a predator. Pure Vanilla was walking with Dark Cacoa below him in a rather cold region. This stupid centaur was going to be the death of him if he doesn't lash out and kill him already. He's been here growing impatient as the Dragon keeps staying close to him, when has he ever went to kill a dragon? Does he have a death wish? Obviously no so he just has to play the waiting game with these little creatures, until he heard a loud ruffling noise in the tree above. . . And down came out his worst distraction. "What are YOU doing here?" Burning Spice said as he spotted Shadow Milk from the distance in the tree, oh he knew this was going to be a long night. . .

Chapter Text

A butterfly fluttered around the chrysanthemums, the bright gorgeous orange battled against the sunny yellow. It was a amazing day, which rivaled the last day where Pure Vanilla got attacked by that Naga. He sat calmly in the flower field, Dark Cacao sitting next to him with a stiff sitting position like always. "Why don't you loosen up Cacao? Hm?" Pure vanilla stated with a calm voice, even if it gives him a short pang of pain through his chest. "I here to watch over your injuries, not to do mindless stuff" Dark Cacao said, "I can't get distracted from watching over you" the wind blew through his delicate long hair, the white highlights stand out easily. "Ah come on! You deserve breaks! Walk with me once again will you?" Pure Vanilla said with hopeful eyes and a soft smile. Dark Cacao sighed and stood up from the field along with Pure Vanilla sitting up. Both men walked into the forest side by side, Dark Cacao peered his eyes at Pure Vanillas bandages. He hasn't complained about pain yet so he felt way better about that, but he could never shake off the feeling that someone or something was watching them. Pure Vanilla walked near Dark Cacao, holding what seemed like a rose he quickly plucked off a dense bush. He then placed the rose quietly in Dark Cacaos silky hair, he placed it in delicately and Cacao did notice. "I have no time for silly acts" he sternly said, feeling the light petals of the rose against his face. Pure Vanilla just let out a small laugh, "You really should let yourself go dear friend, You were always so tense ever since I met you! But today I'm giving you a quiet day, a break!" he quickly said with a joyous tone, Dark Cacao couldn't say no to him, so he went along with Pure Vanillas little plan.

・・・

Shadow Milk watched over the two with tightly locked eyes. Every now and then he sadly sighed and looked up, Burning Spice was on the branch higher then his, also watching over the two. He would watch them with a quiet voice as he always intended to be loud, but he always meant good. . . most of the time. .

"Are you done watching over these pathetic creatures? I'm si BORED!" He said annoyingly before crawling down to the branch Shadow milk was on, while he was still watching the two creatures and practically ignoring Burning Spice. "Can you shut up for a second I'm not here to lose them. . ." He placed his hand across Burning Spices mouth as a attempt to shush him. He continued to stare down at the two as Burning Spice attempts to pry his hand off. Both the centaur and dragon walked away from the flower field they originally were in, quickly catching Shadow Milks attention and he started to slither up the trees to catch up, removing his hand off Burning Spice in the progress. "DUDE YOUR SHARP ASS NAILS WERE DIGGING INTO MY SKINNN!" he yelled annoyingly. Catching Shadow Milks attention and gave him a shushing sound. "If you don't shut UP they'll notice me and end up KILLING me!" he said aggressively before quickly slithering away while staring at Burning Spice making sure he's quiet. He was, very much, quiet now. They both followed the two creatures, Shadow Milk with watchful eyes and Burning Spice just staring at the surrounding areas. Both of them stopped at the same time the dragon stops walking, did he notice them? Why did he suddenly stop?

Dark Cacao plants his feet on the ground, frozen on sight. This feeling he has of being watched has worried him to death. Pure Vanilla turned back to look at Dark Cacao, he had this confused expression on his face. "It's no longer safe out here, let's go" he walked carefully towards Pure Vanilla and grabbed his hand, he was still so confused by this random announcement. "There's nothing out here. . ." he was concerned but assuring, Dark Cacao isn't convinced. "Let's go" he gently grabbed Pure Vanillas hand and they went off towards Dark Cacaos estate.

"How. . . We are catching up to them NOW" Shadow Milk swept back towards their location, Burning Spice following right behind him. Dark Cacao walked slightly faster as he feels the presence growing stronger. The once beautiful day turned cloudy and grey as night began falling which meant the creatures of the night have awoken, and Shadow Milk gets an advantage. Shadow Milk stealthily grabbed branches and dragged himself to catch up easily to the duo while Burning Spice blazed through the tree tops withe ease. Dark Cacao stopped and at the same time Shadow Milk and Burning Spice stopped. He looked behind and at the thick dense trees, his sharp eyes quickly finds the flashes of blue eyes, the exact same as the one from the Naga he found who was willing to kill Pure Vanilla with no mercy. "Go ahead to the estate it's right around the corner. . . that Naga is after us. ." Pure Vanilla jolted awaked at the mention of the Naga, he carefully placed his hooves to the ground and went around the corner. "Go along and occupy this hazard and I'll go deal with what has to be done" he whispered to Burning Spice and he quickly nodded to agreement, what could this dragon practically have in store against a seasoned fighter like him? "I got it!" Burning Spice disappeared into the trees as fast as possible, Shadow Milk went on towards the centaur.

--

Pure Vanilla went around the corner like said by his friend, the first thing he noticed was the familiar Choco roses he saw when he walked out for a breath of air at the beginning of the day. He gave a small smile and silently walked up to the lighted up door, he never felt so glad to be safe until now-

"MMFG-!" A large hand grabbed his face covering his mouth from any screaming, the sharp nails dug into his skin. He was instantly pulled into the dark forest by the arms.

・・・

His eyes opened gently, trying to adjust to the incredibly dark place hes in, his eyes widen as he looks down at his chest and the souljam. . . his souljam. . is gone. The bandages are also gone, revealing a large scarred wound on his back and smaller one in the front. His eyes felt sunken, his already blurry eyes just restricted his vision all together. Droplets with the same weight as rain fell out of his eyes. When his face rises the drops spill down his cheeks, the only reason his face rose was because the person who kidnapped him stood right there. "Is something wrong hm? Missing something?" he smiled widely as he tinkered with the smooth blue crystal in his hands, Pure Vanillas souljam. "Listen bud, I'm only taking back what's mine, I have no other issues!" The Naga added all joyful. "This? The souljam? Never belonged to you" his voice went stern after the last line. "Mystic Flour said I had to kill you, but I really don't want to u know. .?" He laid his back against the cave walls with his tail propping him up. "It can't be THAT easy! There must be a trick! I'm all in for a little tomfoolery! HAH-!" He kept tossing the souljam like it was a replaceable toy. Pure Vanilla stood up, still awfully aching from the pains on his abdomen. "Just give me back my souljam, let's just talk" Pure Vanilla stared right in to Shadow milks duo colored eyes. "Hm, I almost feel threatend! But that's ridiculous! I'm not giving this back" Shadow Milk gave a sinister smile, Pure Vanilla just stared, his gaze getting stern. "You know, we aren't really that different. . " Pure Vanilla took a step forward towards Shadow Milk. The Naga was so confused, what does this mean."I mean hey! We have the same eye condition, yours are an interesting color, hm?" Pure Vanilla gave a small smile, trying to be reassuring. This just tipped of Shadow Milks plan, there was NO way he is talking like that to a creature thinking there friends. "You are exactly as annoying as you look, Wow, I'm so moved" He added with a monotone tone, of course it was sarcasm. "Can't we talk? Maybe you don't act as terrible" Pure Vanilla gave as a reassuring hook. It didn't work but pissed off Shadow milk. "Your so under whelmingly pushy, THAT'S a terrible quality" Shadow Milk just stared with this disgusted stare. "Just TAKE your fucking SOULJAM" he threw the souljam against the cave wall, hitting the rocks with a large thud, the souljam left a harsh dent into the solid stone before falling and giving the floor a calm bit loud hit. Pure Vanilla quickly went across the cave to check the souljam, taking this opportunity Shadow Milk slithered away without notice. Vanilla sighed deeply as the souljam was left without a crack, he was so surprised by this sudden action he turned behind and noticed the Naga was gone. What a bastard, he left Pure Vanilla shaking and in distress when first caught and quickly walked off leaving him in the same state as he was at first. He tied the Souljam back on to his chest and walked out of the cave, he couldn't help but wonder why the Naga hadn't accepted any of his attempts to be kind. He was left with a new chance, maybe he could manage to befriend him? It felt so sudden even he was appalled by it, but it felt like he was meant to meet him eventually. Pure Vanilla left with a new plan to at least become a good friend to the Naga, ask him to apologize for the gashes he left, maybe for everything else so far.

・・・

"UGH WHAT A NUISANCE-!" Shadow milk banged his head against a thick tree, he pulled on his hair hard. That idiotic centaur thinks he can get his way with him? He was not standing here letting him do it anyways. Shadow Milk went across the branches back to the location Burning Spice should be at, but was shocked that he wasn't there. "Shadow Milk I'm here. ." he looked down to see bloody gashes all around Burning Spices body. "DAMN ARE YOU OKAY??" Shadow milk jumped down and grabbed Burning Spices shoulders shaking him hard. "Does it LOOK like I'm fine-? NooooooOoo. . ." Burning Spice looked devastated, had he really lost a fight against someone like that dragon? He felt utterly weak. "Uhhh I'll try and find some of those herbs mystic mentioned about- wait your basically a insect right?" He quickly asked, followed with a slow nod. "Then you'll heal up rather quickly-" "Im already healedddDdd. . . I'm just covered in blood both mine and not. ." Shadow Milk wasnt very concerned as this was easily something that happens a lot but all of it Burning Spice wins. "He pulled out a whole SWORD out of his cloakkkkkKk, I can't believe it. .Isn't that unfair. ." Shadow Milk ignores his last statement quickly and pulls him up, 'I suppose we have to be more careful around the dragon. . . ' He quickly thought and both him and Burning Spice walked off into the trees. Using this cloth he stole earlier he quickly wiped off the blood on the centipedes body. "Sorry man for sending you to that I guess. ." he handed the cloth to Burning Spice, his facd not making it very reassuring but he certainly meant it. "Nah, I finally found someone i swear I'm gonna beat, ain't nothing stopping me" He yapped in his normal loud voice, making Shadow milk snicker a bit. "Also he is very pretty" Okay that just made him freeze, but he shook it off. "Whatever bud, the Suns coming up and I'm leaving first chance I get" Shadow milk pushes himself into the grass "Alright, bye man" Shadow Milk went through the soft sage grass with a annoying feeling he can't remove, what is this centaur doing? He should've killed him when he had the chance. . .

・・・

"It's perfect! I'll just try and talk to him! I hope it works!!" Pure Vanilla said with excitement across his face. Dark Cacao looked paranoid and worried while Golden Cheese looked concerned. "Listen Vanilla. . . I'm not sure your little plan with befriending a KILLER would work. ." Golden cheese said still astonished by the idea. " I don't know, but I just ready want to befriend him already! I want to see his true colors" he took a gentle sip if his tea before setting it down. He will put his plan into good use even if it means risking his life . .

Chapter Text

The morning felt so damp and humid, maybe because he felt the rain on his skin last night and didn't sleep a wink. Shadow Milk pulled himself off the large branch he attempted to sleep on. He rubbed his eyes with his palms and hunched on the oak trunk. "I just want to go home. . ."he mumbled to himself, pissed off at himself for being so far from home. He looked at his surrounding areas, the smell of the warm humid air bothered him a bit. The grass was dripped with water which shined iridescently in the small sunshine the clouds parted to show. The flowers danced in the wind as crunchy leaves whispered to the ground. The area made him feel so sleepy and tired. He felt himself slowly drift to a slumber he felt he was going to enjoy. . .

"OHH HEYY SHADOW MILK!"

He jumped up and awake, his eyes widened as quickly as time. The sigh he emitted was deep and annoyed. . .

"Hello. . . Candy Apple. ." he placed his hand on his face and rolled his eyes. "OH HOW I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU!!" her smile emitted so much happiness it could've gotten an award. "Listen! There was this stupid harpy who led me the wrong WAYYYYY!!! I swear I'll watch you EVERYDAY from now on!!" she squealed in joy and flew up on his branch. "Whatever do you want?" he looked at her in dismay but she just looked oh so glad. "AHA!! There is SOOO much going on in Beast Yeast!! I can't BELIEVE you left without me knowing. ." She looks at him all mad and jealous. That caught his attention. “What about Beast Yeast-?” he lifted an eyebrow and positioned his body to face her, this definitely got her talking. “OHHH there's LITERALLY sooooo much. . . like Black Sapphire kept finding these really weird plants around the border. . . It's SOOOO weird. . .” she kept blabbing on about the stuff in Beast Yeast but Shadow Milk didn't really care about that, plants? He would like to see that. “Quit your yappin! I wanna check out the plants!” he quickly jumped down from the branch and Candy apple froze before quickly following him from behind, flapping her little wings to catch up. Her wing beats echoed through the vibrant forest of Crispia. A small detour to visit Beast Yeast won't destroy his plans.

As he slithered towards the border with the little devil trailing him, he felt rather good about this day. What was their to go wrong anyways, detours are never bad and he always has good luck on them-

“Oh why hello Shadow Milk!" that voice went into his brain and he immediately furrowed his eyebrows in anger.

“Where are you heading off hm?" Pure Vanilla stared at him from below as Shadow milk quickly mumbled some curse. “Whatever are YOU doing here??" Shadow Milk dove down to Pure Vanillas level in annoyance, Candy Apple looked distraught at the new visitor. “I just wanted to talk to you, you know?” he gave a simple smile, Shadow milk stared at him just unphased. “Listen bud. . . im not in the mood to talk and I'm going to check something, okay? I don't want anything to do with you.” He left before Pure Vanilla could object with Candy apple following closely behind him sticking out her tongue to Pure Vanilla. He sighed with a crooked smile as he knew this was going to be hard. “Then why don't I come with you? Just a simple walk!” he trotted up next to Shadow Milk, which surprised him. “No, that's it and FINAL” he looked at Pure Vanilla in a deranged expression before continuing. “Cmon! I won't be doing anything” Pure Vanilla kept persisting and that was making Shadow Milk so pissed. “ALRIGHT, if you just shut UP” he said rapidly, without taking a second glance. Candy Apple just looked at Pure Vanilla in amusement, a smirk appeared on her face. “Sooooo, who are youuu?” Candy Apple flew towards Pure Vanillas face which spooked him but he looked back. “My name's Pure Vanilla, and yours?” He gave her a bright smile. “Candy Apple OBVIOUSLY!” she twirled her hair around her finger before staring back at Pure Vanilla. “Listen if you lay a hand on my master I will not be afraid to fight.” She took steps back and continued looking at him in disinterest, Pure Vanilla just sat there spooked, what was that. . .

Pure Vanilla continued to yap to Shadow Milk, he never paid any attention to the questions as most of them were just weird icebreakers. “So where did you get your souljam?” Pure Vanilla asked, with a more interesting tone. “HAH! Where did that one come from?” Shadow Milk stated while looking at him with a smirk. “You know, ours look rather alike and the events from yesterday didn't leave my mind. . .” His tone went from excited to wonder, that didn't bother Shadow Milk at all, but it certainly did bother Candy Apple. “What events? DID YOU ALREADY MEET??” she swooped above Shadow Milk with quiet and fast wing beats, she looked at Pure Vanilla with more curiosity than when she first met him. That very much scared Pure Vanilla but amused Shadow Milk. “I really hoped you'd forget about that. . .” he mumbled through his teeth. The surroundings around the trio grew more and more dark and gloomy, with more blue accents popping up instead of the classic warm colors of Crispia. Pure Vanilla looked around in wonder and amazement. The interesting species of plants and the numerous floating yeast spores above him just got him more invested. “This is where you live? It's amazing!” he said with excitement in his voice, the landscape was beautiful and the sun did its job to make it seem vibrant. “Yea. . . what makes you so excited for this place?” He stared at Pure Vanilla in confusion, when has he ever seen a creature like that be so excited about his home. Candy Apple immediately stopped flying as soon as she heard the rumbling and rustling sounds behind the giant bushes of trees. “Guys. . . were here at the placeeeee. . .” Candy apple pushed forward in front of the two and looked between the bushes, she turned her head back to them and pointed into the area. That caught both of their attention as they also peeked into the area.

A towering great flower stood proudly in the landscape, the petal seemed to outweigh its desires. The colors felt so childish and luminous, vines encircled it in a promise. This huge plant looked wonderous, but a giant gaping jaw stood out. Saliva slipped down this giant carnivore's mouth. Its pointy fangs were just an invitation to heaven. It was certainly terrifying and yet tempting. “It’s. . . nothing like I've ever seen. . .” Shadow milk mumbled to himself, despite living here and knowing all its land's knowledge this seemed so unnatural to him. Pure Vanilla really just stared in awe at a new plant and Candy Apple seemed impressed. But on the other hand, Shadow Milk stared in fear. What was this strange plant, if you could call it that. It's nothing like he ever heard about or seen, and he lived here his whole life. He didn't trust it one single bit. “THIS! This is what I was talking about!” Candy apple squealed in the built up excitement, Pure Vanilla chuckled at her little burst of energy before looking back at the plant. He was rather in wonder, were Beast Yeasts plants all like this? He could find out more about them!

“I have never seen this plant before. . .” Shadow milk whispered to Candy Apple, her mouth widened at the thought. “Arent you practically a holder of KNOWLEDGE???” “SHUSH YOU, I swear you're so annoying. . .”

Scuttling through the grass was a large cheese bird, it was rather cute but its size was intimidating. Compared to the plant it wasn't so big and was relatively the size of Candy Apple. It let out small tweets and jumped forward before reaching the front facing part of the flower. “What a cute bird!” Pure Vanilla smiled, Shadow Milk sensed something and it made him shiver. The flower twitched as vines rotated around and about the surrounding area, the roots poked out like an invasion. The cheese bird pecked the ground in search of seeds. Saliva dripped down the sides and petals of the flower, if you could even call it that. It was like it was preparing. The trio stood in curiosity, not moving a slight bit. Until it hit.

The large crunches of the cracking marrow made their blood run cold, the molars held on to the cheese bird's now limp body. The now shattered bones were parted open revealing extensive nerve endings. The plant flipped and flipped the avian about and feathers blew and flowed to the ground. That crimson liquid seeped down in buckets onto the tainted grass. It squished and throbbed before the plant swallowed the bird whole. It quickly gagged out a large femur, it thudded on the ground along with a pulsating heart, it beat and beat all gangrenous on the once sage grass. The carnivorous plant slid into the ground with the vines cracking into the dirt. Blood flowed through the grass in puddles, the heart as so standing in the middle with the blush of reds and faints of blue and its pulsating veins lowered down. Pure Vanilla whipped away and gagged, he swore he would have vomited on the spot but he withheld himself. Candy Apple froze into a state of mind, it was terrible seeing her without that joyous expression all the damn time. Shadow Milk witnessed a one of a kind item. It was foul.

Pure Vanilla couldn't help but look back and then immediately turned around holding his hand to his mouth as he pressed himself to not throw up. “Damn, are you okay-?” Shadow milks showed a strong face of concern. Pure Vanilla looked up at him, “I'm sorry I have to go. . ." He weakly stood up and trekked through the forest. “You are not leaving this land alive without me, let's go." Shadow Milk threw Pure Vanilla's head back and went in front. Candy apple flew behind them. “DID YOU SEE THAT?? Those plants seem to come out like. . .ONCE A MONTH!" her face gained that beam of light “That was horrible disgusting though. . ." she mimicked a gagging sound before taking a glance at Pure Vanilla who still looked down and seemed so traumatized. Can't blame him. He held his hand close to his mouth and occasionally pressed it against his face, any moment he did that Shadow milk froze in place. At any moment he was about to throw up and he wasn't in the mood to see that.

“Urgh. . . I don't feel like going to beast yeast. ." he let out as a quiet whisper, you could hear the disgust in his voice. “Thats why you DON'T follow me." Shadow milk said as he scooted over next to PV.

They arrived at the border of Crispia, battling against that gloom of Beast Yeast. What a refreshing site to see after that horrible view. The site felt intoxicating, not being seen was a heavy sigh of relief, he does believe eventually his luck runs out.

“Bye Shadow Milk. . ." Pure Vanilla wandered off into a different direction, he let out a scoff. Shadow Milk has seen worse during his long life, from Candy Apples view she maybe seen worse as well. As he heard the trekking sounds of PV disappear, he swore he felt bad for having Vanilla see all that. But what could ever be an apology gift. Nothing really, like what does he have? And it's not like he actually cared that deeply for him, he goes off in to the forest and doesn't give a second thought.

Chapter Text

This aching guilt kept sweeping over Shadow Milk, oh how it tormented him. 

It WAS the stupid centaur faults for going with him and Candy Apple, but he should've tried harder stopping him. He pulled his hair out of stress, and a calm chilling voice calmed him. “Oh darling! What is wrong with you? You seemed soooo stressed~” Her ivory wings curled around his cold body in an embrace. “When have I ever seen the Master of Deceit act like this?” she gave a sincere face at him and that just pissed him off. “Well how we doing then Bringer of Happiness??" he quickly exclaimed, her pleased expression just stared at him. "Oh! I just talked with Mystic Flour about your failed mission!" she gave him a sweet polite grin but Shadow milks face was pure anger. “I HAVE NOT FAILED, YOU-” she covers his mouth with her hand before he could continue screaming.  “Shush darling, wouldn't want you getting found by that harpy~” she fluttered her wings gently and looked at Shadow Milk with half closed eyes. He swore he saw a frown appear on her face. He smirked and pulled her hand off his face, she gave a confused expression but it turned to shock as Shadow Milk bit her hand. “AGH GET OFFFFFF!” she shook her hand aggressively but he had a firm bite. He did eventually let go but not without Eternal Sugar not realizing and scrambling around trying to catch her balance. “YOU LITTLE NUISANCE” she grabbed ahold of the choker around his neck and stared dead in his eyes. “Don't do that again” she glared at Shadow milk for what he thought was 5 minutes and let him go. “IT WASN'T EVEN THAT SERIOUS” he snapped at her, but she gave a blind eye and ruffled her wings. “As I was about to SAY, I overheard some commotion near the border. . . “ she wiped her hand and Shadow Milk's eyes widened. “Did you really? Wow I thought you were deaf, it was a loud ass plant “”Plant?" she showed a look of interest" How is a plant able to scream that loud?” she chuckled quietly but realized in his tone he was serious. “It was a large flower thing, I was with. . . Candy apple” that silence between his words caught her interest “Just you and Candy apple? Your voice says otherwise” she smiled sweetly, but it felt mocking. “YES, just me and Candy apple-” Eternal gently put her hand over his mouth, way more gently than last time." No no no. . . There was someone else, I know” her sweet smile turned down as she grew more invested. Shadow Milk was about to say or more or less yell something but she interrupted him. “What if it was that centaur you were supposed to kill? “ he went awfully silent. Her eyes widened with anticipation. “LISTEN HE INVITED HIMSELF-” “AHA! You still failed~” she giggled and Shadow Milk gripped her shoulders tightly forcing her to look at him. “He had invited himself over, and that's what made me feel terrible” she gave a concerned expression.  She paused before staring and saying “What did you see at the border. . .? “

・・・

Pure Vanilla was in Dark Cacao's estate, he felt calmer there then returning home. That sight has never left his mind. He wondered why he did go with Shadow Milk. It felt necessary but he felt pathetic. Maybe he should apologize-

“Hey Vanilla you okay?” that voice snapped him back to reality as he looked up and saw Golden Cheese at the entrance, he felt calmer. “I don't feel good. . . that's all” she dragged herself closer and crouched down to his level. “Genuinely answer, you look so distressed." She gave a look of sympathy, he paused before speaking ”I do maybe feel sick” he managed to release. Her wings flopped to floor as she dragged herself next to Pure Vanilla. “Vanilla, if you feel sick we could go look for some herbs. That helps right?" Vanilla looked up at her and gave a confusing look “What about Dark Cacao-?” “Bah! He said he's leaving for some ‘meeting’ with another person, it's like the 3rd TIME! ” she said with an impression. Pure Vanilla chuckled slightly before resting his head against the wall. “Then let's go, that'll let my headaches go away” Golden Cheese gave a warm smile and stood up excitedly. “Let's GO!!" she flew off and out the door and Pure Vanilla giggled, stood up and followed her. 

That warm breeze definitely made Pure Vanilla feel better, he loved the outdoors so much especially with his friends. Golden Cheese hovered above the ground and her wing beats echoed through the whole forest, it felt relaxing just hearing it. They arrived at this corner near large birch trees, the leaves obstructed the view of the sky. Below laid a bunch of bushes, covered bottom to top in berries. He recognized them from one of White Lily's little speeches about herb and fruit types and their side effects. He wondered where she was right now. Golden Cheese grabbed a handful of them and poured them in a small pouch she kept around her waist, usually for jewelry she managed to steal from others. “Alright! Got one ingredient down!" he snapped out of his thoughts and gave her a little tilt to the side, like he was questioning what she said. “Eh? You thought I was giving you them like that? Nah I'm going all out on a recipe Hollyberry taught me!" she gleefully smiled at him, and he was surprised but interested. “What are the rest of the Ingredients?" he smiled gently and warmly, and Golden cheese took out a small list. “Take this! You search for these ingredients and I search for the rest! Here's a small bag and see you in a minute! “ he held on to the list tightly and put the bag over his chest and nodded at Golden cheese as she flew into the tree tops. He looked down again, only 3 items, seemed easy enough. 

Pure Vanilla wandered into the forest, he kept looking up and down on the small note Golden Cheese gave him. The first herb was Mint, what an easy one to find. He easily spotted some near the foot of a tree so he was completely fine on that note. The other two stumped him though, like where could a ‘rosefern’ even be? He’s never heard of one! So he moves on to the third one, a gummy fruit, he's seen one before in those super tall trees with the lockets of gold tints on the trunk. But. . . he can't really climb super steep and tall trees exactly. He's a bighorn sheep in a forest, those two things don't mix at all. He sighed dreadfully as he trekked farther into the forest, reaching his destination before hearing some loud bickering among the tree branches. It definitely caught his interest and he took a detour towards the location of the sound. “There are other ways of persuasion, y'know? So WHY would you try and do THAT??” “I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY SORRY TO HIM!” The noises sounded a lot more like screaming now that he was right under the talking tree branch. The only thing he could see with his blind eyes were silvery white feathers cutting off the rest of his view, not that he could see much anyways. He decided to interrupt the conversation even if he felt rather rude. “Is everything okay up there. . . ?” Vanilla said rather quietly but loud enough for the creature above the tree to look down. Pure Vanilla could definitely see some silky pink hair mixed with magenta hues, but he also noticed some flashes of cyan in the mix. “And who must you be?” said the swan-like avian, her voice felt sweet like honey but her tone made it bitter. “My name is Pure Vanilla!” he said, hoping to get on the avian's good side, but what he could see instead was the swan flashing a wide eyed smile. Their wings lowered slightly to reveal the very familiar face. “Oh! Hey Shadow Milk!” he said with a bright smile, but it blew off slightly as he remembered the events of the past day. Shadow Milk gave a stone cold face, was it pity? Right now, this whole thing feels awkward. “. . . Hi. .” Shadow milk said, pausing in his words during the duration of saying it. The emotion he felt was guilt, why did Pure Vanillas look so sick? “Ohhh! Well, aren't you cute~?” The avian spread her feathered wings and glided down, landing her talons onto the crisp sage grass. “My name is Eternal Sugar! Nice to finally meet you.” She gave him a smile full of pure happiness, which made Pure Vanilla feel welcomed. “I was just talking with my friend here about the problem arising between you two!” He paused for a minute to recognize the problem before realizing it. “Ah! It's nothing too serious, it was my fault after all y'know?" He felt intimidated by her glare, even though it felt sweet with her long eyelashes and candy-like smile. “Obviously it was your fault” Shadow Milk said as if it was a thought that came through. Eternal Sugar lifted her pointer finger towards him like a sign to be quiet. “Well, now that you're here! How about we have a chat? The three of us!” Eternal Sugar recommended, she clasped her hands together excitedly to see if he says yes. “Ah! I would love to but I can't” Pure Vanilla gave a sad expression and he gripped the satchel tightly in his hands. Shadow Milk raised an eyebrow at him from the branches. “Oh what a pity, what are you doing that you can't chat?” She said, wondering what he actually was doing. “I'm looking for some fruits and herbs for some recipe” he states, his tone shifted to a surprising voice. “Ah! What don't we help you?” she gave, his sheep ears perked up at the sound of that, he smiled warmly. “Oh yes please! I need help with the last two” “Wait did you say we? Who said I was doing this?!” Shadow Milk yelled from the tree tops, Eternal Sugar looked at him and glared. “I said WE so you're doing it as well, get down from the damn tree before I force you” Pure Vanilla giggled quietly and light pink dusted his cheeks out of embarrassment. “ALRIGHT JESUS I'M COMING DOWN!" he rotated around the trunk before thunking on the ground."Let's go I want to get it over with” He crosses his arms and passes both of them in a rush. “You heard him I suppose!" Eternal Sugar flew ahead to catch up, grabbing onto Pure Vanilla's hand gently to follow them. He was still processing the fact that two creatures are helping him find some small fruits. 

“Alright what's the first one?" Shadow Milk asked, sounding hurried. Pure Vanilla snapped out of his thoughts again and looked back at his list. “Erm. . . Gummyfruit!" “Oh I know a place with a bunch!!" Eternal Sugar said gladly, she took her place in the front. “Follow me!” her wings were out spread and she flew through the branches with such ease it was mesmerizing. While following her, Pure Vanilla kept sneaking glances at Shadow Milk. He looked rather tired, well to be honest he always does. His arms were crossed and his long two toned hair toiled down his back. He noticed some eye-like patterns along his hair he never took a glance at. “What are you staring at?" Pure Vanilla widened his eyes and realized Shadow Milk noticed his staring." Sorry! Sorry. . . “ he gripped the list like it was going to run away out of embarrassment. Shadow Milk lifted an eyebrow before stopping in his path. “Listen, Uhm. . . about yesterday” he stuttered through his words but Pure Vanilla understood what he was trying to say. “Listen it was definitely my fault for leaving, don't apologize for anything” he sighed as if he just always wanted to say that. Shadow Milk just smirked “Of course it was your fault, but that doesn't stop me from saying sorry” is smile went down as he showed a face of seriousness. Pure Vanilla widened his eyes “Then im sorry as well, Lets just try and forget it” he gave a weak smile, but it held a lot of hope. Shadow Milk gave more or less a thumbs up but that brightened up Pure Vanilla's mood. “Alright, we're here at the grove!” Eternal Sugar turned back to look at the two men, Pure Vanilla looked up and yet again, it was a gigantic tree. He gave a heavy sigh but he had help this time. “Is it possible if one of you can help me get perhaps three fruit. . .?” He asked politely, Eternal Sugar looked back at him with a wide smile. “I would love too darling!” she spread her ivory wings and flapped them hard. She flew to the top of the tree and sat on a branch politely. “Remeber to catch!” she yelled to the two as she began breaking off a fruit. They were as big as her hands so they were quite heavy as well! The fruit fell before she could have caught it. Pure Vanilla quickly noticed the fruit speeding down to land on the grass, but Shadow Milk caught it with his arms, it looked like an attempt but it succeeded. “WHY’D YOU DROP IT SO SUDDENLY?! IT WOULD HAVE SPLATTED ON THE GROUND!!” He screamed as loud as he could, definitely got on Eternal Sugar's nerves. “Next time I'll have it hit your HEAD!!” She also screamed at the top of her lungs. “Ugh, take the stupid fruit.” He threw the fruit at Pure Vanilla, which tumbled into his hands but he secured it. Vanilla looked at the fruit curiously, it was a gorgeous golden color and looked yummy. He ruffled it into his satchel as another fruit was instinctively thrown at him when he wasn't looking. It hit the side of his temple harshly. “ACK” he held the side of his head out of pain. “Oops, my bad.” Shadow Milk said, with not really any sympathy in his voice. “Be more sightful please. . .” Vanilla said as he picked the fruit up from the grass.

He placed it in his bag but as soon as he did, loud noises were coming out of the bushes. Shadow Milk noticed as well, Eternal Sugar hearing it as soon as she came down from the tree with the last fruit. 

They felt watched, and it wasn't by something small by the noises.

Chapter Text

“Wow, isn't that guy stealthy” Shadow Milk stated through the awkward silence, Eternal slowly turned her head towards him and gave a questioning look as he just smiled. Pure Vanilla raised an eyebrow before walking closer to the bushes. Eternal looked back in alarm. “Pure Vanilla I don’t think you should do that. . .” “It's fineee Sugar! If he dies it ain’t my problem.” Shadow milk stated, which was very helpful. Pure Vanilla arrived at the bushes and looked about, nothing out of the ordinary. Until a loud fluttering sound came on. It sounded like leaves were falling to the ground at an alarming rate. The cause of it was found out instantly as a large hatchet started SPEEDING toward him. Pure Vanilla rapidly ducked away without time to process and the hatchet splintered deep into the tree next to Eternal Sugar whose ruffled her feathers out of fear. She slowly moved her head to stare at the hatchet, it had gold streaks which stood out from the symphony of reds and oranges. Her face once full of fear succumbed to a deep anger. “That bitchy little CENTIPEDE!” Eternal Sugar pushed Shadow Milk out of the way and swiftly dove through the bushes without a second thought. Vanilla sat there on the grass awkwardly before carefully standing up and making his way towards Shadow Milk. “Pfttt! What a scene-!” his little remark was cut short as gentle fingers held on to his own hand. “Lets go find Golden Cheese. . .” Vanilla said as he dragged Shadow Milk out of his spot. He's convinced himself this centaur never has thoughts, but he couldn't help but feel a calm sensation along his spine. “While you're here. . .Have you any idea what this ‘rosefern’ plant is?” Shadow Milk lifted an eyebrow before tilting his head to the side. “This way, I have seen TOO many of those around that weird rose field.” He straightened his back and came to the front. Vanilla gave a bright smile before following him soon after. “Ah! Show me later though, I have to find my friend” Vanilla realized and said, making Shadow Milk turn his head round and slightly squinted his eyes. “Sure whatever” He flopped to the ground and curled up tightly using his tail. “You look for your friend or something, I'm too tired for a detour” He stretched his arms and laid on a tree trunk behind him. Vanilla stared at his little routine, which is when he fully noticed that little choker on his neck holding a blue crystal which rested on his chest. It was really normally covered by the long locks of vibrant blue but this was the first time he actually saw it clearly. It looked like his own, which made him smile slightly. “And what are you looking at?” Vanilla snapped out and looked at his face. “Nothing! I'm going to go look for Golden Cheese now!” He said all quickly, some embarrassment crawling up on his face. “Stay there-“ ”WATCH OUT!!!” Once again Pure Vanilla was body slammed to the ground. His head thudded harshly onto the dirt, air getting knocked out of his body. Golden Cheese was on top of Vanilla with a wide eyed smile on her face when she literally probably killed Pure Vanilla. Shadow Milk witnessed the whole thing with wide eyed shock, before bursting out laughing. “BAHAHAHAH! I CAN’T I CAN’T-“ His fangs and gums were easily visible through his stupid smile. Golden Cheese lifted off Pure Vanilla and he was still seeing double of everything. “My bad Vanilla! Here!” She held her hand out and helped Vanilla up. He held his head calmly with his fingers moving through his roughed up hair. “Aha. . . ahhhh. .” That was the little laugh he gave out, his eyes practically spinning in the sockets. He tumbled into Golden Cheese's arms, his muscles strained trying to grasp on to her. “Ah! I think I went way too rough. . .” she held on to Vanilla's upper body before shooting a quick glare at Shadow Milk he was giggling under his breath. “You! Serpent! Hold him real quick! He's too heavy for me!” Golden exclaimed, Shadow MIlk lifting his eyes to her. “You, wait what-?” Too late for him to answer as a wobbling sheep was now in his arms. His eyes darted to Pure Vanilla then back to Golden Cheese, who looked like she was preparing to run off. “Im going to get some medicinal herbs for him, be right back!” “Wait DONT LEAVE ME HERE-“ she was gone. The quiet ruffles of leaves was all he could hear. His head looked down at the centaur who was perhaps unconscious? What? He's not an expert at this, that's Mystic flour. Sometimes he wonders what Eternal Sugar really sees in that annoying ass arachnid. But right now all he has is himself and a sleeping ram. “Worst day ever. . .” he mumbled under his breath. He untangles his tail to get more comfortable and position this body to something LESS heavy. He thumps his head on the grass, looking at the sky. He suddenly thinks about the original mission Mystic Flour gave him to kill this dude. He thinks over it and maybe, befriending this man would be fine. It was a pathetic choice but he couldn't really think about killing this creature. Shadow Milk glances quietly at Pure Vanilla, he looked rather angelic like this. Shadow Milk pushed away his roughed up bangs and saw a unique star marking on his forehead. He let out a chuckle before really looking at his face. The fluffy white eyelashes made Shadow Milk's heart flutter, the delicate features of his face were enough to light up a fuse not even water could burn out. Shadow Milk's eye twitched slightly as this deep warmth came to his cheeks. He carefully let his fingers go through that blonde hair, it was delicate and soft. It was rather long, but he looked so memorable in that hair. All he could think about was him, and how beautiful he really looked. Like an angel who fell from the sky. Shadow Milk cracked a small smile and that blush deepened the more he looked at Pure Vanilla, what a name, whoever chose it for him didn't disappoint. ”I'M BACKKK!!” Golden Cheese announced from the tree tops, Shadow Milk jumped and quickly and gently pushed Pure Vanilla to the ground next to him. He felt so embarrassed about his thoughts he gave himself an awkward smile. Golden Cheese landed carefully this time compared to the other mishap. “So how's this sleeping beauty doing?” She laughed softly and took off the bag that was around her body. She scrambled through it looking for something. Shadow Milk sat against the tree and attempted to erase the thoughts. “He's uhm, fine, unconscious I guess” Golden Cheese looked back and down to Pure Vanillas body which could probably pass for a dead body. “Ah, I really should stop diving on people. . .” she gave a guilty face before taking out a surprisingly big spine looking thing. “Corpse flower bud!” she stated like she knew what Shadow Milk was thinking. He looked at it, he knew what this flower was but how did this Harpy find such a rare flower. . . The answer came quickly with his nose being hit with the most HORRID smell ever. He wrinkled his nose and covered it. “EW WHAT-“ He gagged to the side and gave Golden Cheese a disgusted look. “Unlike you, I'm not sensitive to smells!” she smiled warmly at him, that pissed him off. Before she could get any closer, out from the bushes came Eternal Sugar, holding on to a very recognizable centipede. “ETERNAL LET GO-“ “Shush yourself” She blocked Burning Spice from talking with her wings. From behind them came a tall creature with batted up hair. Shadow Milk flinched at who he realized it was. The man also recognized him and squinted his eyes with a glare. “I have returned my dear, with some other tag alongs!” her voice was so sweet compared to the problem occurring. “IM GONNA KILL YOU-“ Burning Spice yelled out between her words but was punched in the head before saying anything else. “Hello Golden Cheese I hope you're doing well, and what is that awful smell-?” Dark Cacao stated after his words, he held talons up to his nose to prevent any smells from entering. “Ah Cacao! Pure Vanilla over here fell unconscious so I'm clearly here to help!” She held up the corpse flower bud towards him, he backed up from the smell immediately. “How did he fall unconscious. . .” He asked with a worrying tone in his voice. “I might have crashed into him really fast and hard-“ she answered, Dark Cacao sighed heavily and shook his head, the adornments on his horns clanked together with the movement. “I'll do it” He gently grabbed the bud from her hands and walked smoothly towards Pure Vanilla. He crouched beside him and lifted the flower bud to his nose. Pure Vanillas eyebrow twitched and he blasted awake. “Ugh EW-!” He double downed and held his hand close to his mouth. “What is. . . wha-“ Vanilla moved his head up and looked at the flower bud, then to Dark Cacao’s face. Cacao threw away the corpse flower bud into the forest, the smell finally limited. Shadow Milk stared at Pure Vanilla wide eyed, Dark Cacao asked before he could. “Do you feel alright?” He sat with his legs crossed, in front of Vanilla. “Ah yes. . . but who is that?” He slowly pointed to Burning Spice, who was being held hostage by Eternal Sugar. “Thats Burning Spice, the one who shot the damn hatchet.” Shadow Milk said, with an annoyed tone. “Is that where it went? I apologize on his behalf” Dark Cacao said, which sparked interest between Pure Vanilla and Shadow MIlk. “How? You met him?” Vanilla asked. “I was battling him, yes, he challenged me to it and it's rude to say no” Cacao stated. “That's rare I suppose” Shadow Milk added, his head resting on his hand. “How… how much did I miss?” Pure Vanilla questioned. Shadow Milk switched his gaze to him, Vanilla had this keen look which looked fair. Shadow Milk's eyebrow twitched and he covered his face with a hand, blush creeped along his face. He felt so embarrassed. Dark Cacao looked at the serpent with confusion. He slightly raised an eyebrow at him. Did he feel sick or anything? It didn't matter to him, the naga had too many chances to kill Pure Vanilla and never followed up on it. He believes it isn't necessary to get him away, as long as it doesn't go any further than a friendship he will believe in second chances.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you can’t just walk with us?"

Pure Vanilla asked Dark Cacao with a devastated tone as he was preparing to walk back to his estate. “Sadly no Pure Vanilla, my son is arriving from a long mission and I do want to speak to him” it was in that stern voice he always uses, but you could tell he was sincere.

”Of course of course, have a nice day!” Pure Vanilla waved rapidly as Dark Cacao left into the trees and bushes, he looked a bit sad, that made Shadow Milk raise an eyebrow. 

Golden Cheese surprised hugged Vanilla with a wide smile. “Dont worry Vanilla, I'll come with yall!” Pure Vanilla jumped in surprise but gave a grin at her antics. “Can we be off? I wanna get this over with thank you” Shadow said, interrupting the peace. “Okay of course!” Pure Vanilla gave an awkward laugh before walking to the front. Shadow Milk was on a branch during this whole thing, he kinda felt bad, or no he didn’t. His feelings are all over the place.

Golden Cheese looked up at him and noticed his distressed face, she looked confused and fluttered up to face him. Shadow Milk jumped out of surprise, luckily he was curled onto the branch. “Are you gonna come or not bud?” She tilted her head in confusion, he stared at her for a couple seconds before giving a pissed look. “Yeah yeah I'm coming, sure. .” he slithers to the floor and Golden Cheese lands as well. They manage to catch up to Pure Vanilla with Golden Cheese hovering above them, while Shadow Milk slid across the grass. He occasionally looked around at the trees for fun and stared at the little animals you can easily see in the bushes. “Eternal Sugar told me the route to get the last ingredient before we left” Pure Vanilla said in the loud silence, Golden Cheese swooped to Vanilla’s side enthusiastically. “So where is it! I can scout from the sky!” He smiled at her remark and told her the directions. Shadow Milk was off to the side, for some reason seeing Pure Vanillas smile now, kinda irked him. First thing he was gushing over him and now it feels weird. It’s so complicated, like wasn’t he supposed to kill him? Yeah, and look at where he is now. He thought over that moment, he cringed. He would rather be like a person for him to talk to then befriend him IMMEDIATELY. 

“Are we getting any closer. . . i don’t wanna hear your yapping. .” Shadow Milk said to interrupt their conversation. Vanilla spoke up “We're close I promise!” after that Golden Cheese flew to his level. “I have a couple questions for you. . .whose this Mystic girl Eternal Sugar, whatever her name, is obsessed with?” she stared at him, Shadow MIlki gave a smile. “Mystic Flour, there like a pair or something” 

“Ah, no wonder! I remember before we met here I saw her soooo many times around the GIANT ass arachnid” Golden Cheese said with a voice full of mockery. He smirked “I don't even know how they actually met and I’ve been friends with her for like years” he remarks, which lightened something Golden Cheese. “Ive been here on Earthbread for awhile and I haven't EVER seen this Mystic Flour”

“Mystic is obsessed with staying unknown, it's crazy” that sparked their conversation into something interesting. “Oooo also y'know Dark Cacao? That dragon? He's been sneaking out of his estate to fight someone and I don't know who yet” “Could it be Burning Spice? They came out at the same time when Eternal sugar dragged him " "It could POSSIBLY be!” they giggled at each other and Pure Vanilla just looked at them with a confused look. 

“To be honest I have never seen him fight ANYONE despite being known around the region for being bad tempered” Golden Cheese stated, Shadow Milk followed up. “Burning Spice is like my best friend, you DON’T understand how much he challenges others”  Golden Cheese looked surprised. “Does he really, I steal from him a lot he has so much jewelry and they're so pretty, where does he GET it” “He steals from the people he challenges and he actually keeps talking about some ‘bitchy ass harpy’ stealing them  from him” Golden Cheese giggled and pointed at herself and Shadow Milk understood.

They gossiped on and on about everyone and occasionally talked shit about them. Pure Vanilla was off to the side with a concerned expression. 

After walking for what seemed like forever, the bushes were full of roses and magenta poppies. They looked gorgeous. Golden Cheese fell to the ground gently and looked around and quickly answered “Are we here? Pretty sure this looks like the place.” Shadow Milk’s gaze landed on a lively thorn vine climbing up the tree. “Is that what you're looking for?” He questioned and pointed at the tree with the vine. Pure Vanilla gave it a look and smiled. “Yeah! That's exactly it!” He trekked over to it and grabbed a couple pieces. While he was doing that, Golden Cheese's sharp hearing picked up distant steps. It felt like a shudder across her spine. She turned back to the boys then into the distance. Until she felt a towering figure behind her, which immediately pulled her into a bear hug.

”GOLDEN CHEESE!!” that was an unmistakable powering voice. The smile on her face was immeasurable.

”HOLLYBERRY!!!” she hugged her back and they twirled in the air which felt reliving. Both shocked by the screams, Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla turned around to see them embracing. Pure Vanilla gave a huge grin and Shadow Milk looked rather confused. “Wait. . . ANOTHER DRAG-“ he was shushed by Pure Vanilla. “Let them be, I haven’t seen them see each other in a long time.”

The wyvern’s hair was distinct, it looked like the color of raspberries with light hints of silver. A single braid with gold hoops hung nicely over her shoulder. By this time the wyvern let go of Golden Cheese. 

“Pure Vanilla my good friend!” I never expected to see you here!” Vanilla smiled at the warm greeting, Shadow Milk was still staring at the dragon or whatever.

The wyvern shifted her gaze curiously to the Naga, Shadow milk felt intimidated since this was the first time someone felt taller than him. Other than Mystic Flour and Burning Spice of course. . .

”Hey! What's your name?” her voice was energetic and bright, Shadow Milk slightly jumped at her tone. “Shadow Milk. . .” he tried to sound loud but it didn't really work, yet she heard him alright. “Ah Shadow Milk! Good to meet you!” She wrapped her arm around him and pulled him close. He had never been treated like this before, and by someone he just met. 

“Whats your reason for coming here? Not that I have a problem!” Hollyberry stated, her startling happiness felt annoying. ”Ah! We were just looking for a specific plant, nothing too bad” Pure Vanilla said, rather quickly too. Golden Cheese smiled, which got Hollyberry interested. “Are you making a meal? Sounds great!” 

“Yeah for like the past 5 HOURS or some shit. . . oh did I say that out loud?” Pure Vanilla looked at Shadow Milk with more or less an annoyed expression. He's never seen that on him before, but it made him smirk. 

“Anyways, we do have to go now, we got what we needed!" Hollyberry looked at him with a frown. "Aw c'mon, It's been months Vanilla! Stay for a bit! I do want to show you something” That got Shadow Milk intrigued and everyone else. Hollyberry definitely noticed that. “Here I'll show you quickly! I know you'll like it” She started walking off into the forest, her tail dragging behind swooping the dirt. Golden Cheese looked back and gave a thumbs up, oh how Shadow Milk sighed. “Another fucking detour jeez. . . “ he mumbled to himself quietly as he gently followed the others. I mean what else does he have to do for the rest of the day. 

The walk felt like a hot minute, the area that Hollyberry was taking them to felt so far. Shadow Milk really wanted to get this detour over with so he could leave these people alone. “But I could've left so many times. . . Now I feel dumb. . “ He looked around occasionally since he's never been to this region, but he always had this feeling something's going to happen. It's threatening, but he tries to shove it aside anyway since it's never important. 

“Look!" He immediately snapped away from his thoughts and caught up to the rest, his eyes widened.

“It's beautiful!" Golden Cheese's voice really made him realize, it was like a small paradise filled top to bottom with rose bushes and vines, it reminded him of Eternal Sugars 'garden’ but this one was smaller and filled with way more flower species. A small pond took the spotlight though with the sun making it look heavenly. 

“How did you find this Hollyberry. . .?” Pure Vanilla asked after staring in awe, Hollyberry whipped her head around to face him and she just smiled. “I have a lot of time on my hands when Golden Cheese isn't here!" Golden Cheese gave a sad expression and Shadow Milk overheard her mumble “Maybe I should visit her more often. . ." which made him raise an eyebrow, but nothing he cared about to be honest. He was suddenly grasped on the wrist and taken away, it immediately startled him. 

“Let's go explore! Just us for once!” It was Pure Vanilla and his stupid smile. He was dragging him somewhere that felt like it was under the literal ground and he almost made him trip which pissed him off but nevertheless. 

It was like an underground water cave with sparkling fluorite embedded. In the middle was a smaller shallower pond. It seemed like it was disconnected from the larger one hundreds of years ago. Oh how he wanted to swim for once, it's been so long since he last went to his own lake.

 “Isn't it pretty?" Pure Vanilla's voice echoed through the cave which made Shadow Milk twitch, but he was definitely right." Yea. . . Guess it is pretty-” well actually he admired and loved the beautiful crystal formations of Quartz and Lazurite, he's never seen so many before, so many to put in his collection. What a nice idea after this whole thing. Pure Vanilla notices the small smile that appeared on Shadow Milk’s face when he was in thought, it made him shocked and laugh a bit which got Shadow Milk out of his little trance. 

“And what are you laughing at-?” He clearly didn't notice his expressions while thinking, Pure Vanilla just gave a bright smile and spoke up. “Look around, don't stand here for an hour”. Shadow Milk realized quickly and shook it off “Sure sure I was gonna do that. . ." He then immediately slithered off into the cave to try and reach for the crystal formations above. Pure Vanilla sat down on the rough stone and giggled at Shadow Milk's attempts, he felt so warm seeing this unique side of him. Were they friends? Maybe his plan did work! He gave a huge smile and wide cheery eyes. 

He was so happy, he hoped he wouldn't abandon this friendship ever. 

             ・・・                                   

  “Have a nice day Shadow Milk!"

Pure Vanilla waved at him while Golden Cheese and Hollyberry were already leaving for Dark Cacaos estate. They wanted to make the fish together and Shadow Milk frantically refused to participate. He had enough walking that day.

“Yeah bye” he was carrying in his hands two minerals he collected from the underground cave, he wished he could've gotten more than intended but he never brought a bag anyways. He gave a small wave as he saw Pure Vanilla catch up to the rest. Finally he could go home for once, go into his lake and sleep for eternity. Nagas are water creatures why was he outside for so long. . . 

He shrugged, “I don't really care anyways. . ." he mumbled to himself as he felt closer to his place. He suddenly thought back to the feeling he had earlier that day, he still cringed at it, why did he think about Pure Vanilla like that? 

Maybe sometimes he can't change the future, he guessed Pure Vanilla thought of him as a friend. It made him slightly mad but is it something to be mad about, he doesn't know. The emotions from that moment came swarming back, he had a light blush under his eyes and a steady face. He shook the feelings away rapidly. That's the one thing he couldn't understand, EMOTIONS. One moment someone's pissed off at someone else then they have this burst of happiness seeing them. 

When will he actually understand his own...  well not in years he suppose. 

Chapter Text

Hello, I'm the author and it's been about 3 weeks.

A lot of stuff happened and because of that I don't think this fanfic will update in the long run. I've been struggling with school and recent shit surrounding my actual well being and health.

I'm not discontinuing obviously, I love writing this but right now I can't write at all due to so many issues. I don't want to stress about updating this while juggling so many things so you won't see an update untill maybe Halloween or November (especially with PSATs coming up or somethin).

Thank you for taking your time to actually read this and I promise to come back.

:)