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Pain. That was all the Fount of Knowledge could remember. Distantly, he realized his entire body was covered in that indigo jam of his. His head wasn't fully attached and only hung on by the magic rapidly reattaching it to his body. He'd be alarmed if it weren't for the issue of the large amount of pain his body was sending at him.
A quick assessment showed that he was officially blind in one eye, specifically the right eye. His robes were tattered, ripped in multiple areas, showing far too much for the Fount's liking. A large gash went down his side, and everything else just minor cuts and bruises. Coughing up an alarming amout of jam, Fount of Knowledge held back a whine. Every movement sent seering hot pain rocketing down his body.
Now, why did this happen? A familiar mocking voice asked him. Fount of Knowledge reached to grab his Soul Jam from the broken part of his staff. His head rolled, tearing at the dough, restarting the entire process. He reached up to agonizingly hold it in place while it stitched itself back together. Had this been any other cookie, they would've been long dead, but Fount of Knowledge was not a cookie.
"Shut... up," Fount of Knowledge hissed through gritted teeth. He coughed harshly, realizing far too late that talking hurt a lot more when your vocal cords had been severed. How he even managed it, he didn't know.
You know, cookies only use you. They always have, and always will. You're a tool, Fount of Knowledge, The Light of Deceit cooed, its words sickening him to his empty stomach. Fount of Knowledge attempted to ignore its horribly true words.
Do not listen to it, Fount of Knowledge. You know the truth is much better than comforting lies. The Light of Truth was far kinder to him. However, the Light of Knowledge was supposed to be one, not two. The large crack down the middle of his Soul Jam was likely the reason it had separated. It no longer held strong. Instead, the magical connection had created two beings rather than one.
Fount of Knowledge reached out a hand and sloppily performed a spell. Said spell immediately numbed all his pain, allowing him to stand and walk normally. He needed to find his fellow Virtues.
Cookiekind hasn't treated only you unkindly, The Light of Truth whispered sadly. Fount of Knowledge cried, tears spilling and mingling with the jam, his jam. He steadied himself against the walls of his Spire. The Spire responded in kind, thrumming with magic to lay its poor master at the front gates. Milkcrowns shown in the moonlight. The Spire of All Knowledge cried, too. They were not kind to it either. Cracks ran along it and the poor rabbits hid under its protective hand.
Fount of Knowledge clenched his fists, holding the Soul Jam as close as he could. He turned his gaze away, promising to come back. Once he did, the Fount of Knowledge would not be as kind as he once was.
How could they hurt him? Hurt his home? He'd never done any harm. Only answered question after agonizing question. No matter how stupid, he held his tongue and offered a polite smile. He was not a cookie to them, never was it seemed.
They believed lies about you. No matter how much you helped, they still believed in them. The Light of Deceit bemoaned, humming a sweet tune. Fount of Knowledge closed his eyes as he stumbled down the path.
Do not allow their actions to change you, Fount of Knowledge. They do not deserve that satisfaction, The Light of Truth whispered. It seemed to only grow quieter as the jam drained from his body.
Fount of Knowledge reached up to push his head back into place. It only kept ripping down from the weight of it. If only he had enough magic to hold it in place and teleport to where he needed to be. Unfortunately, his magic was drained in its attempts to keep him in one piece. As powerful as he was, he was not able to do too much at the moment. That would result in more magic exhaustion on top of everything else.
Jam curled out of his mouth, dribbling down to stain more of his robes. The cookies had torn down everything, treated him and his home harshly despite everything. Nothing, he felt, could possibly cure him of this feeling of boiling wrath. No. Cookies deserved nothing but to feel how he felt.
That's what I'm talking about. Give in to me, The Light of Deceit murmured like a soothing balm to his now numb wounds. He stumbled against a tree, nearby collapsing. A retching noise filled the air as slick jam cascaded out of his mouth. Fount of Knowledge sat there, vomiting up everything. He worried that his very intestines would come up next.
He stood up again after that was over, shaking and nearly toppling into the slick covered jam. Why? Why? He begged to the Witches. Why did they not stop it? Why did they abandon him? Did they not love him anymore? Did he do something wrong?
Fount of Knowledge stumbled into a nearby village. He gasped and immediately rushed to the nearest cookie. Unfortunately, he probably looked horrifying to any average cookie that was out this late.
"Excu...se me! I-" Fount of Knowledge started, getting cut off by a shrill scream from the cookie. He startled backwards, landing back, upsetting every wound in his body. The spell barely holding the pain at bay broke like a dam against rushing water. He barely suppressed a scream.
"AAAA!!!!" The cookie shouted, running back away from him. "It came back alive!!!"
Fount of Knowledge stared after the cookie. It. They view you like an object, The Light of Deceit whispered. Don't you just want to make them bleed just like you are now?
He wasn't sure. Fount of Knowledge scrambled to his feet, stumbling to the left before righting himself fully. He walked down the dirt path. Windows closed and he was sure that all of them would hear it when he was back to full strength. How could they do this to him? What had he done wrong?
You have done nothing wrong. My Fount, cookies are cruel, but we shouldn't give up hope on the good ones, The Light of Truth stated, voice still small, but overwhelmingly true. Fount of Knowledge swallowed thickly, hissing at the sharp pain. The good news is that his head was almost entirely attached to his body again. Much better than before.
Everything swam. He steadied himself on an old building, watching with dead eyes as cookies ran. After all, no cookie should bleed this much and still be alive. Puddles of his jam laid at his feet, reflecting his sorry visage.
"Please," Fount of Knowledge whispered finally. He stumbled forwards, slamming his knees onto the dirt. Rocks dug into his dough causing fractures. "What have I done... to deserve this?"
"Oh my witches!" A voice shouted, clearer than anything else. Whoever it was immediately rushed to support his weight. Calloused hands expertly checked his pulse and shouted for some cookie by the name of Black Raisin.
"Witches, Healer Cookie!" A woman yelled, helping Fount of Knowledge up more. "What the hell?!"
"We need to get them to my tent," Healer Cookie explained, already putting pressure on the large gash cut into Fount of Knowledge's side. As his vision cut in and out, Fount found himself being hoisted onto a wagon. Healer Cookie, as he'd come to learn was his savior's name, rushed to stem the bleeding. The feeling of healing magic pulsating through his body, curling around his injuries and purring at his coiled stomach. It warmed him to his very bones and soothed minor injuries over as though they never existed.
Fount of Knowledge found himself closing his weary eyes, pressing his head close against Healer Cookie's lap. Of course, the healer pressed something over his right eye. The marking that had been carved over his eye burned, but had already scarred over by the time the gauze was pressed against it.
"Healer Cookie," Black Raisin Cookie started, voice low in an attempt to keep Fount from hearing most likely. "Do you know who this is?"
"Um... no? I don't, and I don't think it matters much who they are," Healer Cookie replied, kindly smoothing some of Fount's hair back. The Soul Jam hummed softly in his grip. "I help all cookies. No matter who they are."
"...that's the Fount of Knowledge. The divine Virtue," Black Raisin reiterated, sighing. "I heard through passing gossip that cookies had rioted against his lies."
Fount of Knowledge shot up. His lies? HIS LIES?! He nearly shouted an indignant protest, had it not been for the horrible gurgling that came out instead. He coughed, jam smearing onto his fist. Healer Cookie immediately steadied him, rubbing his back and reaching up to pulse healing magic through his neck. The magic stitched his windpipe back together and finalized the work on his vocal cords.
"Lay back down. You're far too hurt to be moving around so much so soon," Healer Cookie explained, carefully guiding Fount to rest back against his lap. "It'll all be okay."
"...lies?" Fount of Knowledge finally rasped, staring up at Black Raisin Cookie. She startled for a moment before hesitantly nodding.
"I heard it while grabbing supplies. Cookies had become fed up with the heresy and lies that had come from the Fount of Knowledge," Black Raisin explained hurriedly. She sat down on a bit of hay, glancing back at the driver. "I don't know how much of it is true."
"...I... did not-" Fount of Knowledge retched and heaved jam and stomach acid into Healer Cookie's lap. Of course, the Healer just gasped and swiftly grabbed a towel to wipe it up and cradle Fount's face.
"Oh my," Healer mumbled, grabbing something and strapping it around Fount of Knowledge's torso. "It's okay. Shh... don't speak. I'm going to ask you yes or no questions. Tap once for no, twice for yes."
Fount of Knowledge nodded, wincing at the pain the movement inflicted onto his still sore neck.
"Is breathing difficult?" Healer Cookie asked, waiting to feel the tapping. Fount took in a stuttering breath and tapped twice. "Alright... hm... am I holding up four fingers?" Fount squinted up at the cookie and tapped twice. Healer Cookie frowned. "Black Raisin, can you grab the herbs on the shelf in the bottom jar on the right, please?"
Black Raisin dug around for a moment but handed Healer Cookie the jar, already opened for him. "Thank you, my friend." He pulled out some of the herbs and brought them towards a drink. He placed them inside and stirred. Fount of Knowledge swallowed thickly. His vision was too blurry for him to notice what kind of herb it was.
Healer Cookie helped him sit up and held the drink to his lips. "It's okay. It's something to help with the pain." Fount of Knowledge drank the mixture slowly. It hurt to swallow. Healer whispered some praise and allowed him to lay back down. His eyes drooped and soon he'd slipped from consciousness for the second time in his life.
He awoke in a bed, it was very raggedy, but much more comfortable than the hard, cold floor of the Spire. Sitting up, Fount of Knowledge looked around, grumbling in pain. He held his head, feeling incredibly warm. Likely a fever. Fount of Knowledge swung his legs over the side and stood up shakily. The world tilted onto its side and he tilted with it, barely catching himself on the bed.
No one was inside the tent from what he saw, though he could hardly see from how badly everything was spinning. It was like his vision was a globe being spun around by one of the younger children. He attempted to stand up again. Fount of Knowledge thought he was well enough to go back home to his Spire. He was sure it needed him around.
However, he only made it one step before the cookie from earlier, Healer Cookie, if he recalled correctly, ran in and carefully led him back to laying down, tucking him back in while sighing.
"Witches! Why does everyone I treat try to get up before they're fully healed?" Healer Cookie asked, resting a hand onto his forehead. "Goodness. You have a terrible fever... probably due to your internal bleeding."
"What?" Fount of Knowledge uttered, unsure whether he heard that right. Healer Cookie brushed his hair out of his face. He unwrapped a bandage around his right eye and hummed thoughtfully.
"Well, you have a severe amount of internal bleeding, and a huge gash along your side, but that is looking a lot better now," Healer Cookie explained, turning away to grab a cup and fill it with a liquid. "My magic doesn't work nearly that fast, but Black Raisin Cookie said you were a Virtue. Not sure what that is, but regardless of what you are, you need rest."
Fount of Knowledge watched Healer Cookie ramble on as he collected some supplies before he walked back over. "Do you think you can sit up?" Healer asked, grabbing the cup from the tray he'd sat down nearby. Fount of Knowledge did as he was told. Healer Cookie helped him drink whatever it was. "There. You need to get some fluids in your system. It really helps."
Fount of Knowledge laid back down once he was finished. "Where am I...?" Fount asked, voice quiet like it hurt to talk. He swallowed thickly, looking towards both his savior and his now captor.
"You're safe. We're in my tent. I'm Healer Cookie. You're in the Raisin Village," Healer Cookie explained, smiling softly. "I hear you're the Fount of Knowledge."
"That'd be correct," Fount of Knowledge said, slowly. He remembered what had happened before he'd presumably passed out from exhaustion and jam loss. The screams, the pleading, and the savior. Said savior was making sure that he was properly tucked in.
"Alright. It's nice to meet you," Healer Cookie replied, grabbing onto a rag and dunking it into a bucket of water, careful not to spill any. Fount of Knowledge watched and waited. The rag was carefully rung out before Healer Cookie took the rag and draped it over Fount's forehead. "Can you close your right eye and tell me what you see?"
Fount of Knowledge sighed internally, but obliged. Flour of Volition always had him do this during checkups and the like. "I can see... you and the tent."
"Good, good, now do the same, but for your left," the healer said, smiling in his peripheral. Fount obliged and promptly found himself met with... nothing but blurry blobs in inky black. Fear rose in his chest. This has never happened before. Why was he blind? Why couldn't he see? Fount of Knowledge needed to make up for his lack of sight immediately. Casting a quick spell, his vision expanded as eyes started to appear in his hair. Healer Cookie startled. "Oh! I- wow, I didn't know you had eyes in your hair."
"I usually don't," he stated simply, voice calm despite the inner turmoil. The eyes looked around the room, surveying everything. They wouldn't need to be there if he could see, but he could see in one eye at least. This failure would never be allowed by the witches. He had to fix it before they became too disappointed in him.
"Then why-" Healer Cookie cut himself off. "You can't see in your left, can you?"
"Not very well..." Fount of Knowledge replied, voice detached. He wasn't a cookie, so why was he so distressed over this?
"You don't need so many eyes to make up for vision loss," Healer Cookie explained, lightly poking his cheek. The feeling brought him back to reality, twisting his head to look fully at him. "Trust me."
"But my vision is impaired. Naturally, I'm at a disadvantage," Fount of Knowledge responded, frowning slightly. "I need to make up for that."
"Haha! Well, there are certainly better ways than casting a complex spell while you're not fully recovered yet," Healer Cookie stated, smiling despite his slightly firm tone.
"Wha-" Fount of Knowledge floundered for a response, mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Huh?" Usually cookies couldn't tell when he cast spells. He supposed this cookie must be magic sensitive.
"I can sense you casting. I'm very sensitive to other kinds of magic, being a healer and all," his savior replied, cleaning off a tool. "So uncast it before it finishes. It'll waste mana, you can re-cast once you're fully recovered."
Fount of Knowledge mulled over it for a moment before finally dismissing the spell, the eyes dissipating. Healer Cookie smiled at him. He found himself offering a small smile in return.
"Thank you."
Fount of Knowledge settled back down to rest. He quickly found that recovering took a long time, especially when a certain healer refused to allow him to do more than rest and drink soft foods. It was terribly boring, so he resigned himself to sleeping most of the day.
He awoke in the night, and sat up. Everything was bathed in darkness, but the sounds of soft snores filled the room, looking over, he saw Healer Cookie fast asleep. He could get back to his Spire. Now was his only chance. No one was awake, he felt fine, and he had just enough mana for one trip back. Carefully and quietly, he stripped the sheets off of him, and walked towards the tent's exit. He stumbled slightly, but caught himself, glancing at the still-asleep healer.
The night air was fresh and crisp. Fount took in a deep breath of air, filling his unnecessary lungs and breathing out soon after, already beginning to open a portal. It was incredibly loud in the silent night, or perhaps that was just him. The Spire was just a few feet away. Swaying on his feet as he walked and feeling incredibly lightheaded, Fount of Knowledge closed his eyes. A hand grasped onto his arm and he gasped, eyes flying open and jerking his entire body forwards. Whoever it was went with him.
They tumbled down onto the cold hard floor of the Spire of All Knowledge. A fairly light weight landed on top of him, forcing the air out of his body and reopening his wound. The cookie on top of him scrambled off, immediately rushing to check on him. Fortunately or unfortunately, Fount of Knowledge recognized those hands. Healer Cookie, his savior.
"Oh my Witches! Are you alright?" Healer Cookie fretted, helping him up and checking over him. "Ah, your wound reopened. Sit down, I'll go grab- oh." Healer Cookie stopped talking to gape in awe and wonder. "Woah... is that-?"
"The Spire of All Knowledge?" Fount of Knowledge finished, looking up at the grand building that contained all of the knowledge any cookie could ever dream of. The small little rabbits ran around, one rushing up to him and holding up a key for him. He smiled and carefully took the key, wincing at the pain in his side.
"It's beautiful, I- oh! Right, um... do you have any medical supplies?" Healer Cookie asked, tenaciously. Fount of Knowledge sighed and walked to the door, ignoring his pain.
"I do, but you mustn't concern yourself. I'm fine," he answered, shoving the key into the lock and turning. The large door opened and he held it for Healer Cookie, who immediately huffed at him and started to guide Fount of Knowledge to the nearest area where he could sit down. "Wha- pardon me, I just said-"
"Hush now! I'm going to patch you up whether you like it or not," Healer Cookie exclaimed, sassily. He sat the Fount down onto a seat. It wasn't very comfortable, and it hurt to sit down, but Healer Cookie made sure he was properly supported and as comfortable as he could be. "So, where exactly are those medical supplies?"
Fount of Knowledge breathed out a resigned sigh and gestured to one of the rabbits. They came hopping over, ears perked, awaiting a command. "Please go retrieve the medical supplies."
The rabbit rushed off with a nod, disappearing down the long corridors. Healer Cookie looked on in confusion, or at least, Fount assumed he was looking on in confusion. "I could've gotten them," he said simply, turning back to the Fount of Knowledge. He shook his head, ignoring the growing pain throbbing at the sides.
"No, you would've gotten lost," Fount of Knowledge replied, frowning. Healer Cookie hummed thoughtfully in response.
"Is this place really that grand?" his savior inquired, gesturing at the vast walls filled with books.
"Mhm," Fount hummed, glancing up at the ceiling. There was an entire galaxy layering the top. It swirled around, shifting stars and twirling planets. They danced above him, spinning and taunting him. The silence hung around them until the rabbits hopped back, holding up the various medical supplies towards him. He gestured towards Healer Cookie. "Ah, give those to him, please."
The rabbits nodded and held the supplies up to Healer Cookie, who carefully collected them into his arms and sat down in front of Fount of Knowledge. He opened the kit and searched around grabbing out a needle and thread. Fount tensed. He knew that, theoretically, he was safe. Healer Cookie was unlikely to harm him, but the events leading to his vast amount of injuries were still fresh.
"May I lift up your robes for a moment?" Healer Cookie asked, grabbing the hem, but not pulling up, merely waiting for permission. Fount of Knowledge nodded tersely. He turned his face away, trying to ignore the growing feeling of unease. Healer Cookie numbed the area and started to stitch the wound back together. "What's your favorite color?"
"What?" Fount of Knowledge inquired, staring at him for a moment before sighing and turning away. "Blue... or yellow, I guess. I don't really have a favorite color."
"Mm. I like those colors, too," Healer Cookie replied, smiling. He politely hummed thoughtfully, not allowing the silence to potentially dominate Fount of Knowledge's mind. "Why don't you have a favorite color?"
"Never thought to have one; never needed one," Fount of Knowledge mumbled, staring up at the swirling stars circling the ceiling of the Spire. "That's a thing cookies have, not Virtues."
"You're a cookie, too," Healer Cookie assured firmly, snipping the thread. "Just because you have a fancy rock doesn't mean you're any different."
"...It's not just a fancy rock," Fount of Knowledge grumbled, huffing slightly. "It's my entire soul."
"Really?" Healer Cookie wondered, angling his face upwards towards him. "What happens if you lose it? Or it breaks?"
"I..." Fount of Knowledge paused, going quiet. He knew, but at the same time he didn't know how to respond. He'd never lost it and it'd never broken until earlier. Though that was just a simple crack that would hopefully heal over. "I am incapable of losing my Soul Jam as I am connected to it at all times. I know where it is at all times. If it breaks, as in a small, simple crack, then the Light I carry splits in two. If it shatters, I die or... lose my Virtue entirely."
"Huh," Healer Cookie replied, humming thoughtfully. He put the supplies away and smoothed his robes back down, covering him back up. "Well then, I hope your soul never shatters."
Fount of Knowledge stared at Healer Cookie, who only smiled back and stood up. The rabbits took the medical supplies back where they belonged. "Thank you..." he said finally, coming back from his momentary lapse in speech.
"You should rest," Healer Cookie ordered, tone firm. He was probably incredibly sick of Fount of Knowledge trying to escape his care. To be fair to Fount, he'd never been to a medic besides Flour of Volition... speaking of her, he wondered where she'd gone. Recently, he'd been the only one actually showing up to their meetings. At first, Fount of Knowledge thought they were all busy, but a few hadn't responded, the only one who had was Salt of Solidarity. For all his solidarity he was incredibly busy and didn't show up sometimes.
Vaguely, Fount of Knowledge noted that Healer Cookie had turned to admire the vast bookshelf from afar. Ah, his savior did seem like learning, a trait he used to love nurturing. Nowadays, he was losing that spark, especially after the cookies had decided to thoroughly punish him. "You can look if you'd like. I have a braille section."
"Really?" Healer Cookie asked, turning around with a bashful air to him.
"Mhmm... it's in the second section. I fear it's a bit small because I haven't finished translating them into braille," Fount of Knowledge stated, pointing at the shelf. "If you need something on the higher shelves, just ask."
"Is there a ladder?" Healer Cookie asked, already wandering towards the shelf. He ran a gentle hand over the worn wood, smiling at something and looking up.
"No. I can just float up and grab it for you," he replied, shifting to lay down. One of the rabbits jumped over to drape a blanket over him. The Spire shifted and dropped some pillows down onto him. Fount of Knowledge rested his head onto it.
"Oh no you're not," Healer Cookie sassed, glancing back at him. Fount raised a brow and glanced at him from his perch on the couch. "You need to rest. If I hear you getting up, I will strap you down until you're better."
"You wouldn't," Fount of Knowledge replied, staring up at the ceiling. He highly doubted that Healer Cookie would be able to restrain him for long, but regardless, he'd rather not test the theory outside of playful banter.
"I would," his savior replied with a chuckle, already opening up a book and running his fingers along the raised bumps and ridges. Fount watched him for a moment before raising his gaze back up to the stars.
He stared up at the ceiling. It stared back. He allowed his mind to wander. Did the rabbits clean up his jam? Had it even fully been cleaned? Perhaps it was just sitting there, drying out. The memories of the shouting, the pulling, the pain filled him. He hadn't realized the Spire had started to respond to his distress, not until he heard Healer Cookie gasp.
Fount of Knowledge snapped out of his thoughts and turned to him, noticing the horrified healer gaping at the large jam pool. Sitting up, he almost gave himself vitiligo. The edges had since dried, but the thicker pools in the middle hadn't yet reached that period.
"Oh my witches... is that... all from you?" Healer Cookie asked, placing the book down onto the shelf and walking forwards slowly. "This... oh my... what... happened?"
"...you don't want to know," Fount of Knowledge replied, standing up and shakily walking over. A rabbit noticed the mess and immediately called over others to clean it all up. The jam listened underneath the light, reflecting his face as he stared over it.
"I do..." Healer Cookie whispered, voice choked from emotions. That alone told Fount of Knowledge that he really didn't. Some truths were too hard to handle, he supposed.
My dear Fount. You truly lost a lot of jam, The Light of Deceit piped up, finally speaking after days of silence. I wonder what you taste like. Drink it.
No. Do not drink your own jam off the floor, the Light of Truth tacked on, sighing deeply and sounding a lot louder than before. Fount of Knowledge had to agree with it. Drinking his own jam off of the floor sounded disgusting.
Awww! C'moooonnn! I want to mess with the annoying healer. Ugh, he radiates truth, the Light of Deceit groaned, whispering lies into his mind and trying to twist it to its own accord.
I rather like Healer Cookie. He's pure of heart. The Light of Truth sounded wistful. Fount of Knowledge just sighed through his nose, ignoring them both.
"I understand if you don't want to tell me. After all of that? I wouldn't want to talk about that with someone I'd just met either," Healer Cookie added, resting a comforting hand onto his forearm. He looked over at his savior. "It'll be okay, though. I know it will. You're safe as long as I have a say about it."
"They know I'm still alive," Fount of Knowledge whispered, bringing his gaze forwards again. "Can you fight against a large mob?"
"Well... no, but I can try," Healer Cookie muttered, cheeks flushing. He looked up at him again. Silence reigned over them for a moment. "Do you want a hug?"
"...yes," Fount of Knowledge said, voice a small whisper. His reflection in the jam stared back, broken but alive. Healer Cookie hugged him and Fount paused for a moment. He relaxed after a moment, hesitantly accepting the affection. It was nice. Warmth filled his chest. Fount of Knowledge hadn't had a hug in... witches, he didn't know how long. He pulled the healer as close as he could, relishing in the vanilla scent.
"You're cold," Healer Cookie pointed out, raising his hand, lightly brushing Fount's side and finally landed onto his cheek. Pinpricks lit up beneath his skin when his savior ran his thumb in slow, soothing circles. Fount of Knowledge nearly whimpered when that calloused hand pulled away. "Do you have a more comfortable spot? Like a bedroom?"
Fount of Knowledge blinked, unsure of what to respond with. He did have a bedroom, but he rarely used it. One of witches once told him to never neglect his duties, always help cookiekind, but why should he listen when they abandoned him? He nodded, leading Healer Cookie up a long flight of stairs. It hurt his body with every step, but he did not mention it, nor showed an ounce of weakness besides one harsh wince.
Unfortunately or fortunately, Healer Cookie noticed and tugged on his hand, urging them to stop. The Fount was slightly grateful, but quirked his head to the side, curious as to why they'd stopped. As he opened his mouth, his savior scooped him up and started to carry him up the steps. Fount of Knowledge let out an undignified squeak.
"What are you-? I can walk perfectly fine!" He exclaimed, a bright indigo blush creeping up his neck. Healer Cookie just chuckled and readjusted his grip.
"As much as I'd like to agree with that, you're not only injured, but you shouldn't walk up so many stairs regardless," Healer Cookie explained, blond hair tickling the Fount's face. The vanilla scent was much stronger. It calmed him down like nothing else had. "Your dough is a lot more fragile than that of other cookies. This is far too much of a strain for you."
"Pardon me?" Fount of Knowledge asked, attempting to keep the pure shock from taking root into his voice. Healer Cookie giggled, the melodious sound echoing through the hallway they'd soon reached.
"You're pardoned," Healer Cookie teased, smiling brightly, so bright it would've blinded the Virtue. Perhaps it already had. Perhaps he was looking at a literal angel. "Um... Which room is it?"
"Farthest down the hall on the right," he answered, leaning his head against his savior's shoulder. Mismatched eyes slipped shut and a deep shuddering sigh escaped him. Healer Cookie was very warm, and very comforting. The steps were methodical, lulling him into the cusps of sleep. He barely realized he was being laid down, and barely realized that his savior had crawled in to cradle him. For once, Fount of Knowledge allowed himself to rest.
I don't like this other cookie. He's too full of the truth.
Do not say that. I know your thoughts about the truth are as harsh as mine are about lies.
You're just saying that because you're the truth. You must like this sooooo much. Psh. I'm sure this cookie would leave the second he learns of what happened to Fount of Knowledge.
Your insecurities are showing. This cookie strives for the truth. I know that.
Want to put that to the test?
Yes. I do.
Alright then! Let's show them the truth.
Fount of Knowledge stood, staring out at the expanse from the top of his Spire of All Knowledge. One of the rabbits hid behind his leg. Off in the distance the glow of fire and loud shouting cascaded towards him. Violence. That seemed to be what cookies defaulted to. Heaving out a sigh, the Fount looked down at the poor rabbit. He couldn't blame it for being afraid. A part of him was too.
"You may go. Take the others and hide. The Spire and I will deal with them," Fount of Knowledge said, voice soft. He crouched down to stroke its soft fur. The rabbit nodded quickly and jumped up, rushing off to disappear into the depths of his home. Fount of Knowledge took a deep breath and stared up at the stars. "I'm sure the witches will help if anything goes ary."
They did not help. They have left. They left you. They don't care. Did they ever care?
Harsh scents assaulted the Fount of Knowledge. He'd spent a few hours delaying the mob, but had stopped once they'd harmed the Spire. Soon enough they would reach him. He wasn't sure what they'd do, but it surely wouldn't be anything good.
My Fount, the Light of Knowledge whispered, voice calm, but carrying undertones of nervousness. Do be careful.
Fount of Knowledge had every intention of being careful. He was familiar with his actions and words having consequences with the masses. Recently, lies had been all that cookies cared to listen to. It deeply saddened him. Why did Cookie no longer seek the truth? Why did they only want the comfort of lies and quick answers to stupid questions?
The Spire groaned and the shouts followed. Fount of Knowledge steeled himself and stared ahead, poised. There were a lot more cookies than the Fount had expected, quite a few of them had weapons of some kind.
"THERE HE IS!!" One of the cookies shouted. A chorus of screams followed. Fount fought to not cover his ears from the onslaught of noise. The cookies rushed forwards, dropping torches onto books, of which Fount protected with his magic. The room shifted, the Spire reacting to the violence. A cookie seized his robes, harshly dragging him down to the cold floor.
Fount of Knowledge yelped, struggling away. These cookies were misguided, he did not want to hurt them. He couldn't. The witches instructed him to protect them and not bring any harm, so the Fount would refuse to bring any pain, even if in self-defense.
"Wait! Ah, I believe you all are misguided," Fount of Knowledge tried, pulling away as much as he could, but more cookies forced him to his knees, harshly pulling his arms tight behind his back. "Please! We can all talk about this!"
"There's nothing to talk about, heretic! You've been lying to us. You think you can just trick us because you want to and get away with it?" The presumed leader asked, harshly grabbing his chin and pulling it up. Cookies sneered around him.
"No-" a harsh slap reverberated through the air. The stinging feeling erupted like little flames underneath his skin. Fount of Knowledge recoiled back, but hands found fistfulls of his hair and roughly forced him back.
"Lies! All of it! Tell me, Mr. Know-It-All, do you know what happens to liars?" The cookie asked, grinning madly. Fount of Knowledge took a deep breath.
"Depending on the culture, one could have a punishment as light as a simple slap on the wrist or even as harsh as execution-" Fount of Knowledge answered, getting cut off by another tug on his hair.
"Tell me which one do you think you're getting?" The cookie asked, a malicious glint within their eyes. His breath caught within his throat. Even someone who was baked yesterday would know what they planned to do to him.
"You're going to harm me," Fount of Knowledge replied, being purposefully vague so that they would not get any ideas. Another resounding slap echoed.
"Be more specific!! Isn't this your purpose?! Witches, I wonder why no one has done this before," the cookie exclaimed. Fount attempted to pull away, again, but he was shoved to the floor, face smashed into the cold tiles. "Don't fight it. You deserve this."
Fount of Knowledge didn't want to hurt them. Cookies were so much weaker than him. To crumble them in self-defense was deplorable. How could he take a life to save his own? He wasn't even a cookie worthy of life. Simply a living encyclopedia.
"Tell me," the leader started, shoving his face farther down into the tiles. Gritting his teeth, Fount of Knowledge looked up at him. "Why did you lie to us?"
"I didn't-" Fount tried desperately. A harsh kick was delivered to his side. Animosity filled the cookie's hearts with each blow. Fount tried in vain to fight back, to at least get away without harming his attackers.
Unfortunately, this struggle only angered the mob more. They got more violent. Tearing at clothes and slicing through dough with ease, the cookies were relentless. A few burnt his dough, leaving dark marks that blistered and boiled. Others cut gashes into his dough. Mostly they landed blow after blow to him. Fount of Knowledge nearly used his magic to shove them all away, but the moonlight hit his face from the window and he remembered that he could not, should not.
The leader finally grabbed his face after what felt like hours. "Hand me a knife," they ordered, holding out their hand towards the mob. Fount of Knowledge stared wide-eyed as the blade drew closer. Wrenching his face back as far as he could, the Fount of Knowledge renewed his struggles. His cheeks were squished and pulled forwards. "Quit struggling."
Fount of Knowledge screamed when the knife sliced through his eye. It created the same mark that was on his forehead. He was released for a moment to cup the bleeding orifice. He choked on a sob, only allowed a few seconds of relief before he was thrown back down.
"Hmm... he doesn't just deserve this," the leader mumbled under his breath, glancing back at the rest of the group.
"So, what are we waiting for!!" Someone in the back shouted already pulling out a large axe of sorts. "Let's go and show that old fool what happens when you try to fool everyone!!"
A chorus of 'yes's erupted from the cookies. Fount of Knowledge cried as quietly as he could as one cookie punched him over and over again. He was so disoriented that he didn't notice the axe being traded over to the leader. It was raised high above his head and brought down into the Virtue's side. Fount of Knowledge shrieked in pain, the Spire groaned and cried out, responding to the pain. The entire building shook and trembled.
"Shoot. We have to cut this short. Hold his head down!! I will relish this," the leader barked. Hands pulled on the solar system surrounding him, breaking off shards of it. Other hands pulled his head down and held his body so that his neck was fully exposed. Fount of Knowledge keened, opening his eyes to stare up at the glinting blade. His vision swam and his jam pooled below him. The axe came down with a loud swish.
Fount of Knowledge's head rolled a few feet away, bumping against a piece of furniture. His body tried to gulp in air, but he was only met with rasping noises. Air whistled through his severed windpipe and he closed his eyes. The Fount waited until the footsteps disappeared, waited until they'd all left, and then reached out with his body to pull his head back and align it. The Spire cried, wailing in despair. Fount of Knowledge felt his body start to stich his head back on before all went black.
Fount of Knowledge shot up in bed, hand on his head and checking to make sure it was still fully connected. His heart felt like it was beating out of his chest. His hair stuck to his blue dough, body slick with sweat. Healer Cookie awoke soon after, breathing just as quick. His savior reached out slowly, tapping his arm. Fount flinched, burying his head into his hands and shaking with resounding sobs. It wasn't real, but it'd still happened.
"Fount of Knowledge," Healer Cookie started, scooting closer. He avoided touching the Fount lest he accidentally spook him. "You're safe now. I- I'm so sorry that happened to you. Breaking in and- and harming you so much…? You didn't deserve any of it. It'll be okay. I promise to protect you. I promise."
Fount of Knowledge sniffled but shifted to bury his face into Healer Cookie's vanilla scented chest. His savior let out a small 'oof' at the sudden motion. A gentle hand reached up to comb through Fount's liquid like hair. Healer Cookie whispered reassurances and love into his ear, speaking of safety and care. The Virtue melted with each word until he felt completely safe and relaxed.
"You'll be okay. I'll make sure that never happens to you again," Healer Cookie whispered, burying his face into Fount of Knowledge's slightly blueberry scented hair. The Virtue smiled, curling closer to his savior. The vanilla scent enveloped him and soothed all his nerves. "I promise."
Fount of Knowledge purred and nuzzled closer to him. The warmth filled his whole, aching body. Despite the slight ache in his side, he cuddled closer to him, squishing as far as possible into that safe warmth. Healer Cookie didn't seem to mind too much, and simply held him close. However, that blind comfort was cut short when the conversation finally caught up to Fount of Knowledge, and he froze, lifting himself up.
"How do you know what happened...?" Fount of Knowledge asked. He didn't state any specific details to the cookie. How could he have known anything? The cookie hadn't been there during that day. He'd have known.
"Oh, um... I had a dream about it. Not sure if it's true but-" Healer Cookie trailed off, nervously smiling. "But regardless, it's not okay."
"...you had a dream?" Fount of Knowledge asked, tilting his head curiously. His hair cascaded down his shoulder, tickling his cheek. Many of the stars had dimmed. "What happened in it...?"
"Well... I was like a floating spirit and saw you and then um, a bunch of cookies invaded your Spire and hurt you and it ended with... um... your head coming off," Healer Cookie recounted, voice wavering slightly with suppressed worry. Fount of Knowledge blinked, frozen with conflicting emotions he could hardly describe filling him. That couldn't even have been possible unless...
Fount of Knowledge flopped back down and took a deep breath. Healer Cookie immediately petted him, fully trying to comfort the Virtue. His savior carded his fingers through Fount's star-filled hair. The Light of Deceit and Light of Truth were silent. He hoped it would stay that way after what they just pulled.
"I'm sorry that happened to you," Healer Cookie whispered finally. He pulled the blanket farther up again, shifting to lightly ghost a hand against his cheek. Fount of Knowledge let out a deep sigh. Witches, he loves his savior. The only cookie who actually cared. The only cookie who had yet to leave him. The only cookie who didn't outwardly hate him. He had to keep Healer Cookie with him.
"It's not your fault," Fount of Knowledge mumbled, pushing his face farther into his savior's side. His arms encircled Healer Cookie's waist and he pulled him closer. They'd only just met, but it felt like Fount of Knowledge had known him for his whole existence. The Light of Truth thrummed happily, while the Light of Deceit remained cold, hateful. How dare it hate his Healer Cookie! "You are nothing like them."
Healer Cookie chuckled slightly, hand coming to a resting point on top of the Virtue's head. "I'm glad you think so. I don't want anyone hurt, regardless of what perceived fault they've done."
"You're very kind, Healer Cookie. Cookiekind doesn't deserve someone as kind as you, but I'm glad you still can find it in yourself to help those that could hurt you," he replied, smiling faintly. His body ached, but his heart ached more. He needed to get closer. An unquenchable loneliness would fill him again if Healer Cookie ever left him. Oh, how he loves his savior.
"Thank you, Fount." Fount of Knowledge's smile widened at the melodious chuckle that erupted from his beloved Healer Cookie's mouth. He hadn't even registered the slight pulse of magic that filled his body, weighing it down with deep-seated exhaustion. Soon enough, he'd drifted back off.
Morning came far too quick. However, when Fount awoke, he'd expected to feel that warmth resting next to him, but he was greeted with cold. His eyes shot open and panic stabbed his chest. Eyes opened up into his hair, looking around wildly. Healer Cookie was nowhere to be found. Standing up, Fount of Knowledge stumbled and caught himself against the wall. Carefully, he walked back down the stairs, worry and fear already starting to gnaw on his mind.
Healer Cookie was not in the halls; he was not in the library; he was not on the bottom floor nor the balcony; he was not in the main room; not in any of the side rooms; he was not outside. Where could his savior have gone?? He paused, taking a deep breath and yanking at his hair to calm down. The sound of a soft humming sound drifted from a room Fount rarely visited: the kitchen.
His legs pushing him towards the room. The Spire had a kitchen, but Virtues did not need to eat. It was merely for the cookies that used to visit in search of knowledge. Those days were far gone, but perhaps his Healer Cookie had wandered off around the Spire in search of food. Fount of Knowledge stepped into the room, many eyes settling upon the form of his savior. The scent of jellies and some medicinal herbs filled the room.
Healer Cookie noticed his presence and offered a wide smile. "Good morning, Fount of Knowledge! I hope you don't mind that I used your kitchen." The healer glanced back at the soup he was attempting to make.
"Good morning, Healer Cookie," Fount of Knowledge responded, relief flooding his entire being. The stabbing in his heart immediately warmed at the sight of his savior cooking a meal. Oh, how lovely he truly was. He stepped over towards Healer Cookie and peered into the pot. It smelled delicious. The eyes on his face looked at the food, while the ones in his hair stared straight at Healer Cookie. "That looks delicious."
"Why thank you! I hope it tastes as good as you say it looks," Healer Cookie stated, smiling brightly. So bright that Fount was sure it would light up the darkness creeping into his heart. Cookies didn't deserve someone so kind. "It's almost done, so you can go sit down and rest for a moment."
"Of course," Fount of Knowledge responded, very eager to listen to his savior's every whim. He sat down at the table, summoning his Soul Jam to attach it to his chest. The crack seemed to have started to heal over again. That was good. He was getting sick of hearing two voices rather than one.
Healer Cookie scooped some soup into a bowl and set it down in front of Fount of Knowledge before sitting down across from him. The Virtue narrowed his eyes.
"Are you not going to have any?" Fount of Knowledge wondered, frown pulling at his lips. Had his savior already eaten? He didn't want to eat alone, and he wanted his Healer Cookie to be healthy.
"Oh, no. I'm not hungry," Healer Cookie answered, chuckling nervously. The Light of Deceit pulsed, emphasizing that it sensed a lie. He hummed and rested his cheek onto his palm. His savior was lying to him. Now, why would such a truthful being do that?
"My dear, I know you're hungry. Please, at least have a spoonful," Fount of Knowledge urged, smiling lovingly. He had to be careful with how he went about it. Healer Cookie worked his lower lip before sighing and smiling up at him.
"Alright," his savior said, standing up to scoop himself some. Fount of Knowledge smiled triumphantly. Joy filled his entire being. Was this how Sugar of Happiness felt? Perhaps that was why she emphasized happiness so much. He wanted his Healer Cookie to be happy and by his side. Forever.
Watching him sit back down, Fount of Knowledge only started eating after Healer Cookie had taken a bite. The flavor filled his tongue, warming his entire body and possibly his soul. His savior was so talented. Oh, how his love for the cookie only grew and grew.
They idly chatted for a while. Fount of Knowledge was sure hearts were filling the eyes in his dripping black hair. Wait... the Virtue glanced down at his hair. The stars were exploding and fading away with the lower parts quickly blackening. The top stayed blue, however. Fount of Knowledge sighed slightly, shaking his head and focusing back on the conversation.
"Oh, also," Healer Cookie continued, "I believe you're out of jellies. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to use so much."
"No, no, it's quite alright. Don't worry about that. We can go get more," Fount of Knowledge replied, smiling. "In fact, we could go right now if you'd like."
"Ah, are you sure?" Healer Cookie wondered, smiling nervously. "You're still hurt."
"I'm fine, my dearest!" He exclaimed, already summoning a portal that led straight to the markets. "I heal rather quickly in comparison to others, but you've really sped up that process. So much so that I believe I can handle a simple trip around the markets."
His savior contemplated it for a moment before smiling and grabbing his staff. "Okay. I suppose you're right, but if anything goes wrong we're coming right back here and you're going straight back to bed."
"I accept those conditions!" The Virtue grabbed his Savior's free hand and walked them through the portal, closing it behind them. As soon as they stepped out, cookies exclaimed out in shock. Likely due to the fact they didn't think he'd still be alive.
The walk to the very specific stall didn't take too long. Cookies gawked at him wherever he went, but Fount of Knowledge merely ignored them and listened to Healer Cookie's beautiful voice. His savior could tell him to do the most despicable things and he'd still listen. Perhaps that wasn't a good thing, but he couldn't care.
Healer Cookie spoke to the owner of the stall, seemingly oblivious to the shocked look sent Fount of Knowledge's way. The Virtue smiled with faux kindness. These cookies didn't deserve kindness. Not when he recognized the stall owner from that fateful night. No. Cookies didn't deserve the truth. If they wanted deceit, then that is what they will get.
"I- um... yes," the stall owner stuttered, eyes locked onto the 'undead.' Don't they know that he can't truly crumble and die like they can? They only tortured him. Nothing more than that. "That will be five uh- five coins please."
"Of course!" His savior stated, ignorant or at least ignoring the stuttering bewilderment of the cookie in front of him. How pathetically silly they looked. Fount of Knowledge nearly giggled aloud, but held his tongue. Healer Cookie held out his hand with the coins, but Fount of Knowledge stopped him.
"No, no. Please. Allow me to," Fount of Knowledge summoned some 'coins' onto the table. Healer Cookie looked at him for a moment, still smiling.
"No, please. I insist. I'm the one who used up your ingredients," he added, trying to set down his coins. Fount of Knowledge shook his head. No, he wanted to do this for his savior. There was no need to waste his coins on such trash.
"Nonsense! I'm quite alright with paying," Fount of Knowledge assured, grabbing his shoulders and the bag, leading Heaker Cookie away from the stall. The stall owner stared in shock until they were out of their sight.
The Virtue internally snickered, wondering what their reaction would be now that he'd removed the illusionary spell from the coins, revealing them to be nothing more than pebbles. It filled him with such joy. Who knew deceiving others would feel so good?
They walked in silence for a while. Fount had opened up a portal for Healer Cookie and him. The Spire was quite a ways away, after all. He set the bags down onto the counter, a rabbit already jumping up to put the groceries away where they belonged.
"I know that you didn't actually pay them," Healer Cookie started. Fount of Knowledge only glanced back at him, expression unreadable. He should've known his savior would know. It's okay, though. He'll explain himself. "Why?"
"Why is a very good question, Healer Cookie!" Fount of Knowledge started, turning around to smile widely at him. "Why was also a very good question when that gnat invaded my home!!"
His savior was quiet for a moment, frown tugging on his lips. The Virtue faltered for a moment. Had he upset his gorgeous savior? Was he going to leave him alone, too? Fount couldn't let that happen. He really, truly couldn't. He'd fall apart even more if Healer Cookie left him.
"I... suppose I can understand your resentment for them... but next time, just let me pay for it. No need to trick cookies, okay?" Healer Cookie said, offering a slight smile. Fount of Knowledge allowed himself to relax, smiling back at his beloved.
"Yes. Of course. I'm sorry, Healer Cookie," Fount stated, desperate to appease the cookie he loved.
"I forgive you, Fount. I get where you're coming from." His savior smiled before walking over to him and grabbing onto his hand, lifting it up towards his chest. The Virtue's heart jumped up into his throat, choking up any responses. "Now, let's go back to your room. I want to check up on your wounds."
Fount smiled as he was picked up, those strong arms carried him up the stairs, blonde hair tickling his blue dough. The Virtue smiled brightly as he was gently sat down onto the bed. His blue dough flushed as Healer Cookie lifted up his robes and peeled back the bandages. There was nothing more than a scar.
"Looks like it's healing nicely," Healer Cookie stated, tracing a hand over the scar. Fount suppressed an involuntary shiver. "I still suggest you rest, but otherwise you should be well enough to do most tasks you'd done beforehand."
"Thank you, Healer Cookie!" Fount of Knowledge smiled, eyes blinking slowly at his savior like a kitten. Healer Cookie smiled brightly and pulled his robes back down, taking the dirty bandage and throwing it away into the garbage.
He spent a moment just watching his Healer Cookie work. Fount hoped that one day he'd get to kiss that tan dough and find out everything about his savior. He wasn't able to get fully immersed when a distant squeaking noise filled his ears.
A rabbit quickly ran up to the Fount, squeaking in fear. He stood up and crouched down to converse with it. Healer Cookie stared at him, creeping worry stringing his body together. The rabbit cried and hurriedly chattered in a voice only those who knew the language could understand. It spoke of danger, of cookies storming the Spire, again.
Fount of Knowledge stood up again and hurried out the door, willing the Spire to shift and change to try and shepherd the cookies into a more strategic position. This time, Fount would not be so kind. He refused to hold back in fear of harming them. Not after what they've done. Healer Cookie rushed to catch up, nearly tripping over himself.
"Fount! Ah, what's going on?" Healer Cookie asked, catching up to walk in stride with the Virtue. Said Virtue worked his lower lip, hair dripping more black. The eyes looked around wildly, expanding his field of view a lot more than he'd previously had.
"The rabbit said cookies were breaking into the Spire by force, again," Fount of Knowledge explained, not sparing a moment. He listened for voices, pausing to better hear. His abrupt stop caused his savior to bump into him.
"Ough! Sorry," he stated quickly. Fount of Knowledge smiled down at him. His Healer Cookie did not need to apologize for anything. He was perfect, so utterly perfect. Fount was convinced he was a gift from the witches, meant to keep him sane and bring him back from the edge.
"Don't apologize. I'm alright," he stated, smiling fondly. He kept Healer Cookie in his sights at all times as he redirected towards the distant voices. He swore one sounded incredibly familiar. They stepped into an incredibly open room. Perfect if anything became ugly. His savior paused before perking up at the voice. Fount realized soon after that he, too, recognized that voice.
"Black Raisin Cookie!!" Healer Cookie called, waving his hand excitedly at her. She quickly rushed over, a few cookies Fount did not recognize followed her. He instinctively went to protect the healer, but Healer Cookie ran ahead towards her. He stared, letting his hand drop back down.
"Healer Cookie! Are you alright?" Black Raisin Cookie demanded, quickly checking him over for any injuries. Healer Cookie chuckled softly.
"I'm quite alright! What are you all doing here?" He wondered, tilting his head, blond hair cascading down. Black Raisin rested a hand onto his shoulder. Fount of Knowledge narrowed his eyes at that.
"We noticed you and Fount of Knowledge were missing. We thought he took you!!" She explained, narrowing her eyes at Fount of Knowledge. She pushed Healer Cookie behind her and jabbed a finger at the Virtue. "You!"
"Wait!! Black Raisin Cookie, please! He didn't take me! I came on my own volition!" his savior shouted, shoving to stand between them, arms out as though he were scared Black Raisin would harm the Fount.
Fount of Knowledge smiled at Healer Cookie slightly, before letting it drop when his eyes flitted back to Black Raisin. She stared at him as though unnerved by all the eyes. To be fair, it was incredibly intimidating to have that many eyes fixed on someone. Fount relished in the powerful feeling it gave him.
Black Raisin swallowed thickly before she looked back at the healer. "Okay... I believe you, Healer Cookie, but... we need you back at the village. Cookies are hurt and no one else knows what to do."
"Oh my... of course! I'm so sorry I wasn't there." Healer Cookie grabbed her hand smiling apologetically. She nodded her head once. Fount of Knowledge watched, sadness slowly filling his entire body. Was Healer Cookie leaving him... alone? He kept quiet, hoping this was all merely a dream.
"Ah, Fount," his savior addressed, whirling around to face him. The healer took a few steps towards him. "I'm sorry, but my village needs me to help them. I promise to come visit you sometime."
"You... promise?" Fount asked, hesitantly. He didn't want to be left alone forever, but he could survive for a little bit. The hope of Healer Cookie coming back made him feel a bit better. He knew that his savior would be incredibly upset if he wasn't allowed the chance to at least try to heal another. Fount of Knowledge had heard about what happened to Sugar of Happiness. He did not want to mimic her.
"I promise." Healer Cookie took his hand and squeezed it, offering a reassuring smile. Fount reluctantly smiled back, hope and trust in the healer's words mixing with his incredible fear of abandonment. "I'll see you soon!"
"Okay... I'll be waiting, Healer Cookie," the Virtue stated, letting the healer slip out of his grip. He let them walk out of his Spire and waved goodbye at the gates. He watched until they'd walked out of his sight. By that time, the moon hung heavy over him. Darkness swirled around him.
He'll never come back, The Light of Deceit said plainly. Fount clenched his teeth. It seems that his Soul Jam was still somewhat split. He prayed that it would fix itself soon. I can't believe that a being so full of truth would lie so blatantly.
Do not be so pessimistic. I'm sure he will be back within a few days. The Light of Truth was comforting. Doubt creeped into the back of his mind. Fount of Knowledge hoped for his sake that it was right.
Healer Cookie never came back, and milkcrowns sprung up at just about every inch of space around the Spire. Within the month, the Fount of Knowledge was long since dead, replaced by a conniving Beast.
A Beast that would never forget the one lie he fell for from the most truthful of cookies.