reverie

Same Beginnings

Thousands of years ago, there was the demi-god of knowledge. One of the five great (& first) cookies created to govern society. Mortals would come to his castle for advice and mentorship through magic. But even he didn't know everything. There was no one who could validate his conflicting feelings about his purpose - the Witches long gone. Why help cookies who ignore reason? Blame him for life's simple facts? Should he lie just to get them off his back or shove the truth in their ungrateful faces? Shadow Milk was born to get control back, yet the overwhelming need to be superior cast him as the villain.

Pure Vanilla, though raised as a mere shepherd, took on the responsibility of the broken soul jam. Also compelled to find the Truth of life's curiosities. He had a kingdom where citizens sought out his words. Knows white moon magic better than any other student - only a tier below Shadow Milk since he can wield all moon magic. Now, he struggles with the same questions the Fount of Knowledge was plagued by. How can world peace be achieved? Is playing pretend (lying) so bad when the goal is to provide comfort? Why did he accept the soul jam, really? The level of empathy presented here is off the charts. Living almost exactly the same, but in different time periods.

Self-Image Insecurities

Both of them are people-pleasers, which might not make sense initially for Shadow Milk, but stay with me.

This yellow healer has a tendency to feel guilty when he is imperfect. Agreeing to the children's request because they wanted to help, thinking that Shadow Milk would solely focus on him. Even needing a break feels like failing to him (though he's slowly getting better). A lot of cookies rely on his guidance, so being an infallible role-model is important through his blind eyes. "I will not falter!" is his pre-awakened battle cry.

Shadow Milk detests liars. They're ignorant fools who reject the truth because it isn't always sunshine and rainbows. The Fount of Knowledge's corruption was putting on a mask made by their accusations. Ever wonder why Sage of Truth (a version who accepted the opposite) seems happier? It's because, though morally questionable, he spreads the truth blatantly. Disregarding the haters' opinions. I still think it's another mask, but one built with his own ideology in mind. PV can recognize when he's acting and vice versa. They don't have to pretend in each other's presence.

Fantasy Mindset

The real kicker, that few talk about, is how their relationship isn't on friendly terms after BY: Episode 8 for two reasons. Shadow Milk is traumatized to be vulnerable and a very untrusting cookie, so his evilness is almost like a crutch to feel validated. That's the first reason. Pure Vanilla's mindset of a happy ending is the second. He fell in love with the idea of Fount, not Shamil himself (yet).

PV is convinced that he understands his entire past, but that's incorrect. He's holding onto a dead cookie that Shadow Milk would rather crumble than bring back. Asking for the jester's perspective using open terms would probably be the best solution. I never agreed with fanon that he's dumb or a lovestruck fool. He's desperately lonely and wants an equal just as bad as Shamil secretly desires it. Communication is the main problem. I think both are scared of being rejected on some level, so they just assume things. Shamil with fantasies about betrayal (which is kind of fair considering PV lied about being together before), and Pure Vanilla with fantasies about revival. They need to let go of the past in order for this relationship to avoid being doomed.

Ultimate Purpose

In my opinion, Pure Vanilla's best trait is his compassion for the simple life. Though he holds himself to high standards, he considers everyone else to be worthy just by breathing.

"The Truth to me... is just the way things are."

"Imperfections are what makes us... us."

He has hope that can't be shattered, because he has friends + allows himself to rely on others. Meanwhile his blue counterpart is left bitter.

"Don't be a fool and give up! Before it's too late..."

"Bravery and hope? Oh, the hypocrisy..."