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The crimson colored silk fabric, the slight jingle of pomegranate gems, the mysterious stare accompanied with white lashes and the condescending smile that hid behind a sleeve.
This is how the residents of the Pomegranate Village described the former priestess; she was a force to be reckoned with, even before she had fallen to the twilight. A powerful being that could see the future and twist fate into something more pleasurable.
Unfortunately, she had retreated to the shadows. None of the villagers knew why, and the priestess wanted to keep it that way. Pomegranate Cookie was the unsaid sentence, the hushed whispers, the forbidden topic no one dared to leave their lips. It was like that in a lot of places, such as the Pantheon of Starlight.
It had been months since the Tournament was held, the day that Pomegranate tainted the Nebula Spring and shook Starfruit Cookie to her core. She could still vividly remember the hurt in her friend’s eyes and the distant sobs when she had left.
It was viciously delightful, yet it also harbored another feeling when the former priestess thought about it.
Guilt.
It was strange. It made Pomegranate uncharacteristically choke on her words whenever it bubbled up in her throat. She could barely speak on the trip back to the headquarters after destroying the Spring.
It was like the pomegranate snakes that wrapped around the tree branches, strangling her tightly. She shouldn’t be feeling this. She should feel proud, yet here she was. Pomegranate felt twisted, undeserving of Dark Enchantress’s respect after that day. It made her skin bristle with uncertainty whenever anything had to do with Starfruit Cookie. Pomegranate despised it.
“Unnecessary feelings..” She muttered to herself quietly, raising her head at the sight of the porpoise colored door.
“Dark Enchantress?” She called, creaking open the large entrance. It groaned, making a sharp squeak.
“Pomegranate! My dear, please, do enter.” Her master lightened at the sound of her voice. It made Pomegranate snicker internally.
“I have completed the task of warding off the Raisin Crows.” She spoke. “They shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”
“Excellent!” Dark Enchantress clapped her hands together. “And just in time too, I have another request that I’d like to be fulfilled.”
Pomegranate nodded, twirling her mirror in her hands. The diamond shaped pendants shone in the red light.
“Earlier, Dark Choco Cookie found the way that Gingerbrave and his friends were headed. I need you to make your way there and intervene. He’s progressing too fast for my liking.”
“Yes, my master.” She bowed. The priestess quickly left after seeing the dismissive wave of her master’s gloved hand.
Pomegranate’s heels clicked along the stone quickly, hurrying towards the tower. She took a quick right turn into a dark corridor, then clambered up the cracked stairs. She hadn’t been up in Dark Choco’s tower in a very long time, cobwebs were starting to gather at the windows.
“Dark Choco Cookie?” Pomegranate clicked her tongue, briskly knocking on the door.
No response.
She frowned, red eyes flicking to the burnished doorknob. The priestess squeaked open the door, seeing the former prince sprawled out his bed. At the sound of the door, he sat up.
“Pomegranate.” He replied, curt. Black hair stuck to his cheeks, it was clear that he had been balled up in his bunk for a while. His eyes were hazy and drowning in sorrow.
I can smell the salty tears from here. She thought, pressing her lips into a thin line. “Dark Enchantress mentioned you have found the way that Gingerbrave and his allies are headed?”
“What about it?”
“Where is it? I have a task there.”
“They are heading towards the tangled thorn vines and then deeper into the forest.” Pomegranate’s eyes lowered to slits.
They make quick use of the explosive mushrooms and jelly worms. She thinks, furrowing her brow for a moment.
“Is that all?” Dark Choco hissed. Pomegranate concealed an amused smile with her sleeve.
“My my, what’s the hurry? It’s only late morning.” says Pomegranate, retracting her sleeve and back to her stoic nature. The prince slightly bares his teeth, twitching.
“None of your business. Get out.” He grumbles, grimacing. Unsatisfied, Pomegranate presses further.
“It is my business. After all, instead of doing favors to ensure Dark Enchantress’s reign- You sit in your tower all day and mope.” She taunts. Dark Choco’s gaze unwavers, unimpressed.
“Oh sweet prince, how you’ve fallen.” Pomegranate turns around dramatically, her dress swaying. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see his hands ball up into fists.
“Don’t mention the Cacao Kingdom.” He snaps. Pomegranate grins sinisterly, feeling complete. She had made the monotone soldier break his face.
She doesn’t say anything, instead replying with a small giggle that makes the former prince inhale sharply.
Pomegranate leaves, elegantly walking through the halls with cherry-glass windows that stood tall. She twirled the mirror idly, feeling the thoughts of the Nebula Spring starting to creep back into her mind.
She sighed, heavy and forlorn; stopping in her tracks. Pomegranate rubbed her eyes, muttering a few curses. Focus on the task at hand, and everything will be fine. She thought. Biting her lip and forcing down a lump in her throat, she resumed her stride.
Pomegranate soon arrived at the rusted gates, a few pomegranate crows staring back at her. They cocked their heads, chirping low; similar to a growl. Pomegranate paid no attention. She heaved open the cold metal, carrying a bag of fine garnet-colored sand. It would be used to help Pomegranate curse the thorn vines and the entity that wandered there. Hopefully it would hold off Gingerbrave long enough for whatever Dark Enchantress planned.
Pomegranate treaded deeper into the forest. The moonlight served as her guide to the thornvines. It was serene and tranquil, the only sounds were her own footfall and rustles of rodents scurrying about. Pomegranate let her shoulders fall, dropping her stoic nature.
Her face was worn and tired; a rare sight to see on the monotone Pomegranate Cookie. The freezing wind nipped at her fingertips and ears, causing a small shiver to travel up her spine. The priestess walked further on, she knew this forest like the back of her hand. It was easy to navigate once you knew it; she always teased Licorice whenever he got lost.
Speak of the devil.
Pomegranate’s eyes lowered to slits at the sight of the necromancer. He was hunched over, scowling while trying to bury a pomegranate seed. Poison Mushroom Cookie stood idly by him; chattering about shroomies.
Pomegranate chuckled quietly in amusement, before revealing herself from the light pink tree she watched from.
“Licorice Cookie.” She mused, hiding her small giggle with a crimson sleeve.
“Oh great, and now Pomegranate of all cookies is here!” He exclaimed, throwing his soil-covered hands into the air.
Licorice turned over to his Poison companion. “You’re not DOING anything, make yourself useful and help me plant these stupid seeds!”
Pomegranate rolled her eyes and strolled over. “You’re a full grown adult, yet you still need help from a child?” She seethed.
“It’s not my fault they tagged along! I never liked Poison Mushroom Cookie ever since they got here!” Licorice hissed, lips shaping into a scowl.
Pomegranate furrowed her brow, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Must I do everything myself?”
————
Pomegranate Cookie sighed, entering the darkness-shrouded castle. Her head was pounding, and her hands felt sore and battered. She took a brief look at them, seeing red marks and cuts bleeding. She frowned momentarily, before wiping her hands on her dress and striding quickly towards the center of the castle.
Pomegranate entered the dimly lit room, seeing her familiar peers circling around the table. They all raised their heads upon the creak of the door, amusement and annoyance evident in their eyes; Especially Licorice.
Pomegranate grimaces. “Took you long enough!” The necromancer sneers, propping up his scythe against the ashy wood. “For once, I’m on top.” The priestess frowns, her and Licorice both know well that her own mission was delayed by his stupidity.
For once, Pomegranate doesn’t have any bitter words on the tip of her tongue. She doesn’t reply, sitting down quietly. The priestess could feel her eyelids lower, the threat of sleep hanging above her.
The previously filled bag of red sand sits limp in her lap, smelling of cherries and smoke. The ritual to curse the forest-dwelling entity had gone horribly wrong and right; resulting in Pomegranate being injured but the thorn vines and anomaly cursed.
The hot blood oozed down her hands and to her wrists, dripping onto the pavement below. It stung as it traveled down, her lips convulsing to a frown. The conversation happening at the table was tuned out by the priestess, preoccupied by the threat of exhaustion and pain.
She ran her tongue along the top of teeth. Her eyes stare down at her hands, vision darkening.
“POMEGRANATE!” Licorice Cookie angrily snaps, slamming the table. The priestess hits her knee on it, hissing in pain soon after. Licorice basks in his own enjoyment of seeing Pomegranate so disheveled.
“What happened, bit off more than you could chew?” The necromancer muses, poking at Pomegranate’s recent behaviors. She glares back at him, digging her nails into her thigh. She quickly retracts at the jolt of pain.
Licorice Cookie stares curiously at her, abruptly reaching for her hands. Pomegranate gasps lightly. The necromancer’s eyes widened at the sight of her burned and bleeding hands, before she rips them away from his grasp.
“Sorry.” He quietly says, only enough for the priestess to hear. She averts her gaze back to the floor, pressing her lips into a thin line. Awkwardness hangs in the air, Licorice edging away and grabbing his scythe hastily.
“That concludes our meeting, I guess.” The necromancer announces, although more like stammering. Pomegranate stands up promptly, quickly walking out of the room. The necromancer catches up quickly.
“Uh- sorry about earlier. I shouldn’t have done that..” He apologizes. Pomegranate raises a brow.
No shit..
“I can get some bandages! If that would help for your injury..” Licorice quickly follows up. The priestess considers for a moment, before shaking her head. More socializing might blow a fuse in her brain.
“No thank you.” She says. “I’ll be on my way now.” And with that, the priestess quickens her pace; leaving a concerned Licorice Cookie.
She sighs with relief as soon as the familiar click! echoes in her room. Pomegranate slinks over to her vanity, opening a drawer roughly and searching for bandages. Multiple items spill out, but it’s not her concern.
Pomegranate pulls out a yellowed pack of bandages. There’s fraying at the end, and a musty smell that fills her nostrils. She quickly pulls at the end, wrapping her hands in the cloth. Blood immediately seeps into the thin fabric.
After tying the ends and shucking off her day’s wear, Pomegranate lays in bed in a hand-woven nightgown. The familiar feeling of guilt and embarrassment bubbles up in her chest when the priestess reviews the day’s earlier events. Pomegranate sighs, close to a cry, and shuts her eyes tightly.
Witches, please bless me with sleep tonight.
Hours later, Pomegranate blinked awake. She felt just as exhausted before she had fallen to her slumber. The priestess groaned, rubbing her eyes. She glanced over at the wall. It had a clock located on it, a sharp crack on the glass. It used to be an elegant red, but had been ripped of its glamor from resting in the sun for years on end.
Pomegranate brought her knees to her chest, looking out the window. The tattered curtains flowed briskly whenever the breeze came near. Her lips convulsed to a frown. Had she left the window open? The window lock jammed years ago. The redhead thought, slipping off her bed and heading towards the window.
Pomegranate let her shoulders slump. The window was still closed, and just as dusty as ever. She blinked once, then twice, staring at the curtains. They weren’t moving anymore. The priestess soured at this revelation, how was she suddenly imagining things now? Get some sleep Pomegranate, your Master has more tasks waiting for you tomorrow and you’ll need some energy. She thought, heading back to her bunk. The priestess crawled into her sheets and shut her eyes, hoping for another lapse of sleep.
————
Pomegranate didn’t get a wink of sleep last night; not after waking up from the first one. Eyebags hung from her eyes, the priestess tried her best to wash them away with water from the bathroom sink. They didn’t magically disappear to Pomegranate’s expected disappointment. She sighed, slipping on her usual robes and tidying her hair.
Unexpectedly though, as she took a step out her door, Licorice Cookie was there, waiting with a smug smile that made Pomegranate freeze up.
“What do you want?” She murmured, morning grogginess still prominent on her.
“Dark Enchantress assigned us a mission together to go scout out Gingerbrave and his allies.” He answered, his grin widening.
As if this day couldn’t get any worse. She thought bitterly, lips turning into a scowl.
“Didn’t get any sleep last night, Pomegranate Cookie?” The necromancer teased, turning away. The priestess followed along, trying to get ahold of her senses. Her bones felt stiff and stuck.
“Fuck off..” She huffed. Licorice raised a brow, Pomegranate only swore whenever she was incredibly annoyed. He blinked away, she was acting more uncharacteristically than he was familiar with.
“Do you wanna stop by the kitchen for a quick bite?” The necromancer spoke, nudging Pomegranate’s elbow. He shot her a friendly gaze- or at least the best one he could muster without souring at the face of his companion.
The words startle the priestess, retracting her elbow abnormally. Her sleeve rolls back towards the crease of her arm. Licorice’s gaze softens, spotting the thoroughly-bled through bandages.
“Hey- Shouldn’t we change those?” He points out, frowning. “Leaving them like that for too long can make the injuries worse, y’know..”
The priestess angrily shoves her sleeve back up to her wrist. “I don’t need your help.” She hisses, striding past him and towards the rusted gates again. The necromancer shakes his head.
Licorice pressed his lips into a thin line, before inhaling and continuing along. Pomegranate rubbed at her hands, they still ached terribly. Along with the cold air nipping at her fingers, it made Pomegranate more agitated.
She sighed, cracking her knuckles and more wisps of air gnawing at her skin. The priestess could remember the fresh days of springtime just yesterday. The same springtime that the Tournament was held-
No.
Pomegranate promised to herself she wouldn’t think about it. She had buried it into the back of her mind as much as she could, distracting herself with meandering tasks. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why must Starfruit Cookie haunt her at every turn? It made Pomegranate’s skin bristle.
Her brows furrowed. The priestess swallowed, a lump forming in her throat. Perhaps filling the air with idle talk would give her some relief; even for a moment.
Pomegranate turned to Licorice Cookie, forcing down the bile that had formed from her own thoughts. “So, how far away is Gingerbrave? We’ve been walking for about-”
“Seventeen minutes.” The necromancer finished for her. Pomegranate frowned, unamused.
“You’ve been counting?” She chided. The priestess could see Licorice’s expression sour. “Aren’t you supposed to be leading us to Gingerbrave?”
“I can multitask, you know.” He uttered.
She rolled her eyes. “Sure you can..”
Yellow eyes glared back at her red ones. Pomegranate hid a smile behind her sleeve, a small giggle escaping her lips. She could hear Licorice Cookie mumble something, before stopping abruptly.
“We’re here.” He spat; leaning against the silver-colored bark. The priestess stood beside him, and squinted. She could see the distant silhouettes of cookies running around; most notably the red-haired one, Chili Pepper Cookie.
Chili Pepper had Custard on her back, sprinting around the camp while laughing joyously. Custard giggled along as well, waving his specter in the air. Not too far from them was Strawberry Cookie. She was leaned up against a tree, playing some sort of game on her Pocket Berry. And finally, there was Gingerbrave, wrapping a passed out Wizard Cookie in bandages. His wand was set aside next to Strawberry.
Pomegranate felt her heart sink. Her fingers curled back towards her palm, edging away from the bushes that hid Licorice and herself. A sense of guilt and longing started to tug at her chest, piling up in her throat.
“Done moping, Pomegranate?” The necromancer seethed. “We don’t have all day.”
The priestess resisted the urge to strangle her companion right then and there. “Why must you be such a pest?” She whispers, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Let’s get back to the castle, you need to eat and get more sleep..” Licorice says, grabbing his scythe and stepping back onto the gravel path.
“I don’t need you to baby me. I can take care of myself- besides, since when did you know anything about self-care?!” Pomegranate quotes. “From what I remember, you used to lock yourself up in your room for months at a time.”
Licorice becomes bitter again. Then his brows furrow. “That was a long time ago. I don’t do that anymore-”
“And you relied on Poison Mushroom of all Cookies! And look at you now, spewing insults at them at every turn!”
“I’M JUST TRYING TO HELP!” The necromancer suddenly yells, eyes filled with rage. “I’ve been trying to help from day one, yet here I am! Still being chided around and never good enough for any of you!” He exclaims, tightening his grip on the scythe. Pomegranate shudders, stepping backwards.
“I’ve been trying to be a good friend! I’ve noticed all of your bad days and how you’re being more distant than normal! I want to help! But no, NOTHING I DO IS EVER GOOD ENOUGH. I’M CONSTANTLY TRYING OVER AND OVER TO NO AVAIL. NO APPRECIATION, NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, NOTHING. And yet, you still have the GODDAMN audacity to shittalk me?!”
Pomegranate’s eyes widen, though she reduces them to their normal size just as quickly. She twitches, unable to reject the fact she was a bit shaken from Licorice Cookie’s sudden outburst. The priestess’s head is stuck to her feet, unable to muster up any quip. She takes a cautious glance at the necromancer, whose gaze is still full of rage but with a shadow of sorrowness behind it.
“All I’ve ever wanted is some type of recognition, acknowledgement, working my ass off for Dark Enchantress Cookie just for you to come in and say I’m doing it wrong.” He croaks out, voice lowering.
“I’m trying, Pomegranate. I really am.”
The necromancer’s words cut like ice; though the priestess keeps her stoic nature and continues watching him. His lips convulse to a frown, then his gaze softens. Licorice Cookie quickens his pace, and soon he’s out of sight. Pomegranate wonders briefly if he’d get lost again. His words echo in her mind.
Never good enough for any of you..
It’s.. Not true.
At least in Pomegranate’s eyes. Sure, she had been a bit strict on the fellow, but it was all to ensure Dark Enchantress’s success. The priestess shrugged, she was sure Licorice Cookie would get to his senses and realize he’s just below average and finally improve.
Would he, though?
Pomegranate shook her head. She must push doubtful thoughts away, just as Dark Enchantress taught her early on. Doubt leads to fear, fear leads to vulnerability, and vulnerability means weakness. And weakness was the last thing Pomegranate wanted to be labeled as. She would be a laughingstock for all of the other Cookies of Darkness.
Pomegranate exhaled, arriving at the decaying entrance to the castle. It seemed Licorice Cookie had left it open in his rush of getting back here. The priestess frowns, closing the gate behind her gently. She blows a stray piece of hair out of her face while proceeding inside.
The castle is quiet, per usual. The only sounds Pomegranate can hear is her jingling of the bells and her own footfall against the black stone. As the priestess strides in the dimly lit corridors to notify her master, she hears distant sobbing. She stops in her tracks.
Pomegranate’s grip on her mirror tightens. Did Poison Mushroom get hurt? But Poison Mushroom’s cries didn’t sound like that, their wails were louder and more drawn out. These cries sounded muffled, as if someone was trying to hide it.
Pomegranate looks to her left, and down the hallway. Then, she pinpoints where the muffled bawling was coming from. Her heart panged in guilt.
It was Licorice Cookie’s room.
Pomegranate pressed her lips into a thin line. The priestess was met with conflict. One side, her more caring side she reserved for Poison Mushroom and her master nagged at her to check on her companion. He did have some points, did he not? Pomegranate always saw him working.
The other side ordered her to keep walking. The necromancer would get over himself, just as he always did. He was a pest, a nuisance. Licorice would probably push her away anyways, just as he always did.
Her grip on the crimson colored mirror tightened more, her knuckles turning white. It hurt too much to look at his door.
Keep walking, Pomegranate. He’s not worth your time.
The priestess’s feet were glued to the floor, she could hear every ragged breath Licorice took in between sobs.
Walk, Pomegranate. Master will be severely disappointed if she finds out.
She felt bile rising up in her throat, and her head started to hurt. Surely, surely, she couldn’t have been the cause of this. It can’t be. It couldn’t be.
Get going, Pomegranate. Your words didn’t hurt that much, Licorice is just weak.
How blissfully she’d been unaware how her words cut like ice. Pomegranate let out a weak wail, before dropping her bells and mirror and sprinting frantically out of the castle. Her ears rang sharply and her mind could be compared to what felt like a tornado; swirling of information and emotions.
Pomegranate ran and ran, tripping over fallen sticks and whatnot, but getting up each time. Her knees were scuffed and hands were bruised, but it was the least of the priestess’s worries. Choked sobs echoed throughout the scarlet forest. Eventually, Pomegranate slowed her pace and she was treading weakly.
“A walk will clear my mind..” She stuttered out to herself. Pomegranate let her feet guide her, rapidly losing the capacity to care where she would end up. The priestess looked up at the trees, trying to shove away any thoughts of Licorice or the other Cookies of Darkness.
The forest was serene and tranquil, calming the priestess’s nerves immensely. All she could hear was the rustle of pink leaves and chirps of distant birds. Witches, even the cold wind nipping at her fingertips didn’t bother Pomegranate as much.
She exhaled, stumbling upon a fallen log. It seemed that lightning had knocked it down. The priestess sat down on the silver-colored tree trunk, curling up. Pomegranate closed her eyes, burying her head into her knees.
The priestess wasn’t sure how long she had sat there when she heard footsteps behind her and a light gasp. Her head snaps up, glancing around and lowering her legs back to the dirt. Pomegranate’s eyes widen and her stomach drops.
It was Starfruit Cookie. She was exactly the same how Pomegranate remembered her. The same distinct citrus-y smell, peachy cheeks, and the same soft gaze; Although in a more shocking way this time.
“Pomegranate Cookie..” Her voice is meek and unsteady, similar to the behaviors of a mouse. Pomegranate is equally as shocked, mouth agape and hues wide. Starfruit grips her scepter, hesitantly stepping towards the log.
“Starfruit Cookie.” Pomegranate responds, shaking off her shocked demeanor and hiding her mouth behind her sleeve. She focuses her eyes to slits; white eyelashes temporarily blur her vision for a moment. She carefully watches the Oracle’s every movement. Her palm began to form sweat, and in return Pomegranate wiped them on her dress.
“Have- have you no shame in coming so close to the grounds of the Pantheon? After what you’ve done?” Starfruit Cookie stammered out after what felt like eons staring at each other.
Pomegranate smiles, shuffling to her feet. “My dear Starfruit-”
“Don’t call me that.”
The priestess briefly frowns, before continuing. “Apologies, I never realized I trespassed on the Pantheon’s grounds.”
“Fat chance, Pomegranate.” Starfruit hisses. “I won’t fall for your manipulation again.”
A loud chuckle rings through the air. Pomegranate grins, shifting her sleeve slightly. “Manipulation? Starfruit, the tainting of the Nebula Spring was all your fault. If you hadn’t been so trusting, we wouldn’t be here right now.”
Starfruit Cookie presses her lips into a thin line, and the priestess’s grin widens at the sight of her lip trembling and eyes filling with tears.
“And I won’t make that mistake again. Leave now, Pomegranate Cookie.” She concedes. The pomegranate gems jingle as the priestess straightens her posture. A sickening, sinister smile grows onto her face. It makes Starfruit twitch.
“Why should I? Without the Nebula Spring, you’re nothing.” Pomegranate quips. She can see Starfruit visibly fuming, holding her tongue. “You’re a failure to the stars, Starfruit Cookie.”
A flash of hurt is seen in the Oracle’s eyes, before a violent rage fills them. “I..I.. The audacity of you! I am not a failure to the stars, for you were the one who ruined my fate!” She protests. The priestess chuckles in amusement.
“I am not a failure! If I was, I wouldn’t be here, talking to you. I wouldn’t still be serving under the stars, would I?” Starfruit snaps.
“Doesn’t change the fact that you were stupid enough to trust me and let me taint the Nebula Spring.”
Starfruit scowls, and her eyes start to shift from sorrow to a slowly rising anger. Pomegranate was already aware that Starfruit resented her, but she was also aware that she loathed herself for being so trusting of the priestess.
Despite fully knowing that she was in the upper hand, Pomegranate could feel the air heating and warmth crawling up her back. It didn’t help that she was already suffering earlier. She might shatter at any second, dropping her stoic demeanor.
“I didn’t mean to.”
“Oh,” A sarcastic laugh fills the air. “You didn’t mean to let someone taint the holy spring you and your people worship?”
“Weren’t you the one who manipulated me?” Starfruit fumes. “I can’t believe Licorice and Dark Choco and all the others… Still follow you!”
“Starfruit Cookie.” Pomegranate’s brows furrow, skin bristling with annoyance. “You still fucking let me! Perhaps if you were smarter, you wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Starfruit recoils at the priestess’s words. She swallows her fear, and steps forward. “Leave, and never return.” She orders.
“Or what?”
Now Starfruit is boiling with anger, about to overflow. It causes a wave of satisfaction and amusement to fill Pomegranate. She sinisterly smiles, hiding it with a quick adjustment of her robes.
“I don’t- I don’t understand, Pomegranate!” A pained voice comes from the Oracle. “Why have you come here? To taunt me?” The priestess chuckles softly, briefly messing with her hands to distract herself. To be honest, Pomegranate hadn’t realized she was so close.
More like that you’re the one haunting me.
“It seems fate has made us meet again.” Pomegranate replies, curt. Starfruit’s brief sorrow is quickly replaced by more irritation.
“That’s it; No more of you.” Starfruit finally is face to face with the priestess, her condescending smile unwavering. The Oracle frowns in return, before wrapping her fingers around Pomegranate’s wrist and yanking her up abruptly. The priestess clicks her tongue.
“That’s no way to treat your friends, is it?” She contends, a small satisfied hum escaping her lips. “We’re not ‘friends’,” Starfruit responds, tightening her grip. The priestess frowns, tugging on her arm. Starfruit doesn’t let go.
“Let go, you vermin.” She snaps, tugging harder. Starfruit’s grasp unwavers, and the Oracle gives an annoyed grunt.
“Not until you leave these grounds.” Pomegranate can hear the rising spite in her voice, Starfruit trying to cover it up with her usual calmness. The priestess is familiar with it, thanks to Dark Enchantress Cookie and her.. Outbursts.
I can’t let myself be dragged around like a Cakepup. The priestess declares in her mind, souring at her behavior.
The air is sickly warm to the priestess’s disliking. She would’ve liked the wind gnawing at her skin again. The only thing Pomegranate can hear is their footfall and the ragged breaths of Starfruit. She tries her best to not look at Starfruit; As all the memories start to wander again.
The awkward, angry silence was broken when the priestess spoke. “No wonder I was your only friend.”
“Excuse me?” Starfruit scoffs.
Pomegranate shrugs. “I mean, think about it. If you had some actual relationship experience, you wouldn’t be such a birdbrain.”
Starfruit stops, and let’s go of Pomegranate’s wrist. The priestess looked at it briefly, the oracle had slightly ruined the gauze a bit. She frowns.
“Are you kidding me? Actually no- What did I expect?” Starfruit pinches the bridge of her nose. “Why do you have such a superiority complex?” She hisses. Pomegranate looks up, crossing her arms. “I’m just better than all of my companions. That’s it.”
“Gosh, you are so dense!” The Oracle suddenly yells. “I don’t get what Dark Enchantress sees in you! Or any of the others, why do they follow your lead for that matter!”
Now this makes Pomegranate’s blood boil. “Excuse me, you gnat?!”
“How dare you insult my master! I am her successor for a reason; Enchantress isn’t a bumbling fool like you!”
Pomegranate would’ve been strangling the Oracle if it weren’t for her sore hands.
Starfruit throws her hands up into the air in exasperation. “It’s like scolding a child! You’re so condescending and rude; No wonder Licorice or Dark Choco despise you! You manipulate everyone and everything, even Poison Mushroom Cookie! A literal CHILD.”
Her words cut Pomegranate like ice for the second time today. She retracts her hands close to her chest, her gaze faltering for just a moment. “No I don’t..” She utters quietly. I didn’t manipulate Poison Mushroom. I just wanted the best for them.
“You act like you’re better than everyone, when you’ve destroyed your own village, your people’s own hope.. And you still have the audacity to give yourself the title of priestess?”
Pomegranate’s eyes widened. She can’t find any words to shoot back at the Oracle. Starfruit Cookie’s brows furrow.
“You don’t deserve the power you’ve been gifted with. You rely so much on your mirror; even I know that.” The Oracle takes back her staff, turning aggressively towards the former priestess.
“Without it, you’re nothing Pomegranate. Nothing. At least I have friends and family to turn to.” Starfruit snarls.
Pomegranate’s shoulders slump, and for once her stoic nature is gone and the least of the priestess’s worries. She attempts to speak, but all that comes out is air.
“You’re a shit person, and a sorry excuse for a priestess.” Starfruit says with vitriol. “I’ve taken you back to the outskirts, now never come back into my sight again.”
The oracle leaves Pomegranate at a loss for words, frozen in time. Her hair is disheveled and close to falling out of their neat buns. Her dress is stained with dirt and bandages are holding on for dear life on her arm.
“I.. I don’t manipulate everyone, do I? I’m sure I have a few actual cookies to rely on.” Pomegranate murmurs, turning on her heel towards the castle.
“And I don’t rely that much on that stupid mirror! I’m capable by myself and surely Dark Enchantress wouldn’t just.. Abandon me.” Pomegranate whispers.
“Right? I have Licorice and Dark Choco and..”
They’re not my friends. Starfruit is right, they despise me.
A hot heat starts to settle in Pomegranate’s eyes. It makes her want to wail out. Bile rises in her throat.
Talk to Dark Enchantress, she’ll reassure you that you’re fine and everything is fine and no one despises you and you’re better than all of them!-
Pomegranate quickens her pace, forcing back choking sobs and tears. She shoves open the gates and rushes inside, not stopping to look elegant while walking or to make sure she looks neat for her master.
The priestess is out of breath by the time she’s in the corridor that leads to her master’s residence. She takes a few breaths to collect herself, adjusting her robes; Although not as orderly as she usually did it.
Finally, Pomegranate knocks on the door, forcing back any bile.
The voice of her master echoes throughout the hall. “Enter,” She says, and the voice is soothing to Pomegranate already. She can’t help but still feel alert, cautiously taking a step inside and looking up at her master.
“Ah, Pomegranate! I haven’t seen you..” Her master’s smile convulses temporarily as she sees how disheveled the priestess is. “In a while. My dear Pomegranate, what has happened?”
“I- Uhm, I went on a walk and I saw that vermin again, Starfruit Cookie.” The priestess quickly explains, clearly out of breath. She wipes her sweating palms on her dress.
At least try not to seem like a nervous child, Pomegranate. Her mind scolds her. The air feels too hot, and Pomegranate breaths quicken.
“And?” Dark Enchantress muses, sighing.
“It just brought up some.. Doubts?”
A loud sigh is heard. “Pomegranate, what have I told you countless times?” She seethes.
Pomegranate swallows thickly, her gaze subconsciously turning to look at the floor like a child caught in the act. Her cheeks flush a bright red from embarrassment.
“Doubts lead to weakness. And you here are ignoring my advice each time. Now you’re running to me like a cakehound to its owner.” She spits, amusement evident in her voice. Pomegranate feels the threat of tears spilling out, pressing her lips into a thin line.
“I’m sorry my Master, I’ll do better next time-”
“That’s what they all say.” Dark Enchantress Cookie suddenly snaps, hissing. “You don’t realize how lenient I’ve been to you, Pomegranate.”
“First it was taking a walk. You and I both know that you should focus solely on your duties as my successor. I’m not going to hand you everything on a silver platter.” Enchantress remarks, rubbing her fingers against her staff.
“I know, I know.. I was going on a walk because Licorice Cookie-”
Dark Enchantress angrily stamps her staff against the ground, looming over the priestess. “And now you’re listening to the necromancer? You know better than that.” She argues, brows furrowing. Now Pomegranate regrets ever speaking.
“If you’re just gonna keep ignoring my advice and leadership, you might as well leave!”
“Get out, Pomegranate.”
“But-”
“OUT.”
Pomegranate is stunned, red eyes staring back at her master’s. “Are you serious?” The priestess is baffled, asking genuinely.
“Get out.” Dark Enchantress flicks her hand angrily, thin fingers in a claw like motion. “Fine,” The priestess mutters under her breath, turning on her heel and leaving her master to her own thoughts.
Once outside, Pomegranate lets out a long, heavy exhale. Her shoulders slump and her lips tremble with a weak wail on the tip of her tongue. Pomegranate looks down at her arms, the gauze unfurling and a long strip of it hanging.
A choked sob echoes through the hall, and then a wheeze. Tears begin to string down Pomegranate’s face, while the priestess desperately tries to wipe them away with her sleeve.
Pomegranate sniffles, starting to run down the dimly-lit corridors and to her room. The world flies by her like a breeze; Ragged breaths and her own unsteady steps are all she can hear.
She opens her door hastily, the wooden gate bumping into her vanity and knocking various vials of potions of witches-know-what over. The priestess shuts it just as quickly, and drops to her knees.
“Where is it, where is it, where-” She mumbles to herself, fingers rummaging through the desk for her mirror. It reeked of the familiar mushroom smell that Poison Mushroom carried around. She assumed they’d found it and placed it back in her room.
She holds it close to her chest, muttering the chant that her village had taught her when the highest priestess foretold her upbringing.
So much for an upbringing, anyways..
A fizzy red light encircles her mirror, and the pomegranate gems on it start to glow. The priestess lets out a breath, relief starting to wash over. She hoped it would work; It had to. She couldn’t be this- this disgusting.
“Mirror, show me Pomegranate Cookie’s fate.” She whispers hesitantly, eyes unwavering from her reflection in the mirror.
The pomegranate gems flicker, and the red light fizzes and pops, but ultimately, nothing happens. Pomegranate’s skin bristles, and she grips the mirror harder.
“Show me Pomegranate Cookie’s fate,” She repeats, more tears starting to spill out of the corner of her eyes. The mirror doesn’t change, and all she’s left with is her same sorrowful reflection staring back at her.
Pomegranate lets out a shriek, suddenly throwing the mirror across the room. It shatters instantly, the red light fading and reflective pieces sliding across the wooden floor. Pomegranate’s stomach drops as she realizes what she’s done.
She’s destroyed her mirror; her vessel to see the future and the thing that Dark Enchantress used her for.
What does she have left now?
Starfruit was right.
Oh.
Oh.
How blissfully naïve she had been.
Pomegranate lets out a cry, dropping to her knees. Her mind was utterly useless, bombarded with overwhelming emotions that was like a strong wave from the ocean washing over. She was drowning; desperately trying to grab air but to no avail.
Pomegranate wailed out, she had nothing left. If Dark Enchantress learned what she just did, she would surely be a disgrace in her eyes. The priestess wiped her eyes of tears, before her hand landed on another shard of the mirror.
“Stay calm, stay calm, everything is fine,” She croaks out, grabbing more of the shattered pieces. She winced at the pain when the pieces of metal began to cut her palms.
I can fix this, I have to fix this-
Her mind feels like it's going to burst with all of the muddling thoughts and emotions. Pomegranate despises it, trying to take some breaths in and out. All that happens is more ragged breathing and shrieks of sorrow.
The priestess desperately tries to fit them back together, wiping her blurry eyes every so often to see which cracks are devoid and need a shard. She mutters the chant again, praying to the witches that it works and that her only hope isn’t gone.
Nothing.
“Why- why?” She sobs out, digging her fingernails into her hair. Strands of scarlet-colored hair fall down, her buns coming loose and brushing her back briefly. She tries to separate her brain into something- something comprehensible. Her world is spinning, the clock on the wall sinking into it and the vanity muddling to the floor.
She lets out a desperate cry, ears ringing. Pomegranate’s room feels desolate, like she’s the only one there and there's no exit. There’s no one she can turn to, no where she can run away to without being reminded of her shitty behavior. The priestess sobs even harder, pulling her hands up to her eyes.
What will they do if they catch me like this?
I’ll be a laughingstock. The joke. They can’t catch me in this state.
Starfruit was right- I am a sorry excuse for a priestess. I’ve ruined the only thing going for me.
Pomegranate can hear distant rainfall and a few cracks of lightning striking the ground. It makes the situation all the more dreary. The priestess lets out another wail, muffling it with her sleeve.
Knock, knock.
Pomegranate snaps her head up, and lets out a weak whimper out, a failed attempt at making words. Now I’ve truly done it. She thinks, letting her head drop to stare at her stained dress.
This is it.
As the door creaks open, a soft voice echoes through the room. “Pomegranate?” It was Poison Mushroom, holding the priestess’s bells.
They stare a bit confused, before shutting the door quietly and placing the bells on her bed side table. “Mm.. Are you okay?”
Poison Mushroom sits down quietly next to her. Pomegranate looks up, eyes red and cheeks wet. “..I-I’m sorry you have to see me like this.” She whispers, gaze softening.
“It’s okay.” Mushroom replies, closing their eyes and wrapping their arms around the priestess’s neck. “You don’t need to be sorry. You shouldn’t say sorry for crying.”
Pomegranate is a bit stunned at the hug, before hesitantly hugging them back.
“Thank you.”