[honestly, the whole soulmates idea is strange to him. Stardust thought that he and his sister were kind of like familial soulmates, but, even then, she had her own duties, and did not accompany him on his journey. and, sure, Stardust made a few friends on the train, but he doesn't consider Space Doughnut or Milky Way to be particularly close to him.
so, what does he want out of this? he has no idea.
he listens, humming thoughtfully]
I do love traveling. I wish to learn more about other Cookies, and the various lifeforms I meet on other planets. My own Creator also wrote something similar to what your father said; he believed that I should carve my own path, and that I would have the opportunity to become something "beyond imagination." I believe that is why he sent my dough into space.
[ If it were him, he'd probably be worried about if what he wanted was grand enough to fit words like that. On some level he already feels pressure just due to his parentage. ]
Hmm. I can't say I know everything, but I might be able to answer some things if you have questions. I've been around for a really long time.
[ It seems like they both have, though. How long must he have been in space for... despite everything he's gone through, he can at least say there were people around even if he had to be careful interacting with them.
Part of him wants to say he doesn't have to be alone anymore, the other part doesn't want to wake up and become a liar.
But he can give Stardust Cookie tonight if nothing else. ]
[ His gaze falls to his lap for a moment while he thought of how to phrase this. ]
The reason she became a beast was due to happiness being so fleeting. She often would grant Cookies happiness only for them to leave and for something horrible to happen. In her eyes if we stay with her, she can keep us safe and happy. That's part of it.
[ he sighs softly ]
And the other part is that she's my mother. When I said I've never known anywhere else, I meant it. I was raised there since I was a baby dough.
She probably did, before she fell. She just... became so desperate to hold onto any scrap of happiness she could and preserve it.
She couldn't see the merit in risking the danger of the outside world after having lost so many to unavoidable things like illness and monster attacks, and even though I can fight well I've always... somewhat feared leaving the Garden's safety. At least I know how to handle things there.
Especially now, with the war, it feels like there's no place for me outside its borders.
[ Child of the Beasts, servant of sloth. Many would hold a grudge against him for having been involved, willing or not. And it isn't as though he started completely unwilling. He just... came to see how far they'd fallen. He has no excuses he can really give. ]
[they're still holding hands, even as dream Milky Way Cookie comes to check their tickets. all things are good. she's only a dream, so she doesn't really react to seeing Stardust, but he smiles at her before focusing on Pavlova again and she goes on her way]
...For eons, I was drifting through space, with only the stars as my comfort. I, too, was trapped, by my own thoughts, my own worries. Even after I was thawed and baked by starlight, I was trapped in an endless cycle of my fears. The only one keeping me locked up was... myself. It took me meeting others to realize I did not have to stay in this prison of sorrow.
[he's still sad, but he's also free to do as he wants. he doesn't think his words will hold water when compared to Pavlova's plight. after all, Pavlova is being trapped by someone else, and it sounds like he believes he is unworthy of freedom]
[ He's quiet as he considers Starlight's words, handing over the ticket when prompted. ]
It was a "friend" of mine... that made me dream of freedom the most. She was a prisoner of the Garden herself, the enchantment on her made her loyal and she did whatever she was asked... but I would try over and over to get her to question her containment. Question what she thought was happiness. Try to get her to want to leave.
[ His smile turned a little bitter ]
I failed. She finally found freedom, but I couldn't join her. She didn't look back even once.
[ It's not to say he's not happy she's free, but it stung that he meant so little to her after so long. ]
... All that to say I'm probably similar. It's not easy to do that kind of thing alone.
[Stardust listens, and, boy, Pavlova’s story continues to tug at his jamstrings. the more he learns, the more frustrated he feels. the guy can’t catch a break.
at first, he was happy that Pavlova seemed to have a friend, even if they were both prisoners together. Stardust cannot blame Pavlova’s friend for running while she could, but he can’t blame Pavlova for being bitter about that, also. Stardust believes Pavlova, and doesn’t question his actions]
…But you want it, don’t you? You wish to run away, the same as her.
[he looks in Pavlova’s eyecings, serious and almost covert. what if Pavlova had help?]
[ Is it any wonder he feels so trapped when things always seem to go wrong for him? At some point you just give up. ]
I... I do. I don't want to leave my mother, but nothing I've tried can snap her out of it.
[ And it's to the point he doesn't doubt she'd hurt him to keep him there like anyone else. To the point he's scared of her, which only enables the behavior in the end. Maybe leaving would... help her see what she's become more than staying?
Or maybe that's what he's telling himself to offload his guilt. He's not sure anymore. ]
[that’s all the confirmation Stardust needs. after a moment, a small smile comes to his face. a gentle expression]
Then, I will assist you. I don’t know how, but I will try to get you out of your Mother’s Garden.
[he’s not saying Pavlova should hate his Mother, or the Garden, or even the rest of the Beasts. Stardust simply wishes for Pavlova to be able to leave if he wants. his hand curls a little tighter.
[ He could try to run now while she's distracted, but would that make things worse? At this point Dark Enchantress Cookie seems like more of an active threat than the beast cookies, and that's saying something.
He can try to look on the brighter side, though. Even if its a weak effort. ]
[yes, the war still looms. and... they should probably try to find each other after that. Stardust doesn't even know where to begin looking. Pavlova said something about a mountain range, and it's in Beast-Yeast.
but he's not afraid. he's strong!]
Indeed. I wish I could do more for you, now. I can at least start making my way towards you.
With how things were going the islands will be covered in char and crumbs, So I doubt it will be hard to find...
[ And also the giant evil spell circle Pav could see from where he was hiding. He is not looking forward to finding what that was about! ]
There's a set of islands to the south of Beast-Yeast. That's where the war is being fought. The Garden is usually on the peninsula on the southern, central part of Beast-Yeast. West of the mountains.
[ since he's not sure how quickly Eternal Sugar will retreat afterward. Better to cover their bases... ]
She... technically can move it anywhere she wants to. She even opened several entrances to it on the battlefield. The main Garden is there, though.
[ probably better if he just... tried not to go back in, though. Getting inside without her knowing is nearly impossible, and he doesn't... want to cost someone else their freedom. ]
If you aren't sure, you could ask Hollyberry Cookie. She'll probably have a pretty good idea of where to find the Garden.
[ah, he knows of Hollyberry Cookie. Stardust nods in affirmation. realizing that the Garden can be moved by magic might make things difficult, but Stardust is willing to try his best...]
Alright. I will do that--
[the dream is getting hazy, and Stardust gasps as he feels the seat cushion suddenly start to stretch, taking Pavlova away from him. he reaches to hold onto the other Cookie's hand tighter, so they can have a few more seconds together]
[ Ah- well good dreams do usually end too soon. The scent of scorched earth and the tang of spilt jam means he's waking up, but he holds onto the dream until he can't anymore ]
I won't, just...
[ The fear is in his eyes, the desperation, but perhaps even more heartaching is the small glimmer of hope. ]
Don't forget about me?
[ His hand slips from Stardust Cookie's as the dreams separate again. ]
[he calls out to Pavlova even in the waking world, sitting up in his seat. he's... he's on the train. and he's alone. other creatures are staring at him because he shouted.
Stardust brings a hand to his head. cold sugar sweat and even tears cling to his face. he wipes them away, then looks out the window at the surrounding space. he's sad, but also determined.
at the next stop, Stardust will get off this train, and start heading back to Earthbread. wait for him... Pavlova!]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
so, what does he want out of this? he has no idea.
he listens, humming thoughtfully]
I do love traveling. I wish to learn more about other Cookies, and the various lifeforms I meet on other planets. My own Creator also wrote something similar to what your father said; he believed that I should carve my own path, and that I would have the opportunity to become something "beyond imagination." I believe that is why he sent my dough into space.
no subject
[ If it were him, he'd probably be worried about if what he wanted was grand enough to fit words like that. On some level he already feels pressure just due to his parentage. ]
Hmm. I can't say I know everything, but I might be able to answer some things if you have questions. I've been around for a really long time.
[ It seems like they both have, though. How long must he have been in space for... despite everything he's gone through, he can at least say there were people around even if he had to be careful interacting with them.
Part of him wants to say he doesn't have to be alone anymore, the other part doesn't want to wake up and become a liar.
But he can give Stardust Cookie tonight if nothing else. ]
no subject
...I wish to know more about your ke--
[he was going to say "keeper" but thinks better of it. that would be rude!]
Erm, Eternal Sugar Cookie. Why is she so insistent on keeping you in the Garden?
no subject
Well...
[ His gaze falls to his lap for a moment while he thought of how to phrase this. ]
The reason she became a beast was due to happiness being so fleeting. She often would grant Cookies happiness only for them to leave and for something horrible to happen. In her eyes if we stay with her, she can keep us safe and happy. That's part of it.
[ he sighs softly ]
And the other part is that she's my mother. When I said I've never known anywhere else, I meant it. I was raised there since I was a baby dough.
no subject
I did not doubt you. I would think that, as your mother, she would wish for you to forge your own happiness, not thrust her own upon you.
[but that is why she is a Beast, correct? her sense of happiness is obviously warped]
no subject
She probably did, before she fell. She just... became so desperate to hold onto any scrap of happiness she could and preserve it.
She couldn't see the merit in risking the danger of the outside world after having lost so many to unavoidable things like illness and monster attacks, and even though I can fight well I've always... somewhat feared leaving the Garden's safety. At least I know how to handle things there.
Especially now, with the war, it feels like there's no place for me outside its borders.
[ Child of the Beasts, servant of sloth. Many would hold a grudge against him for having been involved, willing or not. And it isn't as though he started completely unwilling. He just... came to see how far they'd fallen. He has no excuses he can really give. ]
no subject
...For eons, I was drifting through space, with only the stars as my comfort. I, too, was trapped, by my own thoughts, my own worries. Even after I was thawed and baked by starlight, I was trapped in an endless cycle of my fears. The only one keeping me locked up was... myself. It took me meeting others to realize I did not have to stay in this prison of sorrow.
[he's still sad, but he's also free to do as he wants. he doesn't think his words will hold water when compared to Pavlova's plight. after all, Pavlova is being trapped by someone else, and it sounds like he believes he is unworthy of freedom]
no subject
[ He's quiet as he considers Starlight's words, handing over the ticket when prompted. ]
It was a "friend" of mine... that made me dream of freedom the most. She was a prisoner of the Garden herself, the enchantment on her made her loyal and she did whatever she was asked... but I would try over and over to get her to question her containment. Question what she thought was happiness. Try to get her to want to leave.
[ His smile turned a little bitter ]
I failed. She finally found freedom, but I couldn't join her. She didn't look back even once.
[ It's not to say he's not happy she's free, but it stung that he meant so little to her after so long. ]
... All that to say I'm probably similar. It's not easy to do that kind of thing alone.
no subject
[Stardust listens, and, boy, Pavlova’s story continues to tug at his jamstrings. the more he learns, the more frustrated he feels. the guy can’t catch a break.
at first, he was happy that Pavlova seemed to have a friend, even if they were both prisoners together. Stardust cannot blame Pavlova’s friend for running while she could, but he can’t blame Pavlova for being bitter about that, also. Stardust believes Pavlova, and doesn’t question his actions]
…But you want it, don’t you? You wish to run away, the same as her.
[he looks in Pavlova’s eyecings, serious and almost covert. what if Pavlova had help?]
no subject
[ Is it any wonder he feels so trapped when things always seem to go wrong for him? At some point you just give up. ]
I... I do. I don't want to leave my mother, but nothing I've tried can snap her out of it.
[ And it's to the point he doesn't doubt she'd hurt him to keep him there like anyone else. To the point he's scared of her, which only enables the behavior in the end. Maybe leaving would... help her see what she's become more than staying?
Or maybe that's what he's telling himself to offload his guilt. He's not sure anymore. ]
I don't want to do this anymore.
no subject
Then, I will assist you. I don’t know how, but I will try to get you out of your Mother’s Garden.
[he’s not saying Pavlova should hate his Mother, or the Garden, or even the rest of the Beasts. Stardust simply wishes for Pavlova to be able to leave if he wants. his hand curls a little tighter.
Moonlight Cookie, is this his purpose?]
no subject
We'll have to see what happens first, I guess...
[ He returns the tight hold ]
I'm not sure how this war will end.
[ He could try to run now while she's distracted, but would that make things worse? At this point Dark Enchantress Cookie seems like more of an active threat than the beast cookies, and that's saying something.
He can try to look on the brighter side, though. Even if its a weak effort. ]
But... it's something to look forward to..?
no subject
but he's not afraid. he's strong!]
Indeed. I wish I could do more for you, now. I can at least start making my way towards you.
no subject
With how things were going the islands will be covered in char and crumbs, So I doubt it will be hard to find...
[ And also the giant evil spell circle Pav could see from where he was hiding. He is not looking forward to finding what that was about! ]
There's a set of islands to the south of Beast-Yeast. That's where the war is being fought. The Garden is usually on the peninsula on the southern, central part of Beast-Yeast. West of the mountains.
[ since he's not sure how quickly Eternal Sugar will retreat afterward. Better to cover their bases... ]
no subject
..."Usually?"
no subject
She... technically can move it anywhere she wants to. She even opened several entrances to it on the battlefield. The main Garden is there, though.
[ probably better if he just... tried not to go back in, though. Getting inside without her knowing is nearly impossible, and he doesn't... want to cost someone else their freedom. ]
If you aren't sure, you could ask Hollyberry Cookie. She'll probably have a pretty good idea of where to find the Garden.
no subject
Alright. I will do that--
[the dream is getting hazy, and Stardust gasps as he feels the seat cushion suddenly start to stretch, taking Pavlova away from him. he reaches to hold onto the other Cookie's hand tighter, so they can have a few more seconds together]
Until then, you must stay strong, Pavlova Cookie!
no subject
[ Ah- well good dreams do usually end too soon. The scent of scorched earth and the tang of spilt jam means he's waking up, but he holds onto the dream until he can't anymore ]
I won't, just...
[ The fear is in his eyes, the desperation, but perhaps even more heartaching is the small glimmer of hope. ]
Don't forget about me?
[ His hand slips from Stardust Cookie's as the dreams separate again. ]
no subject
[he calls out to Pavlova even in the waking world, sitting up in his seat. he's... he's on the train. and he's alone. other creatures are staring at him because he shouted.
Stardust brings a hand to his head. cold sugar sweat and even tears cling to his face. he wipes them away, then looks out the window at the surrounding space. he's sad, but also determined.
at the next stop, Stardust will get off this train, and start heading back to Earthbread. wait for him... Pavlova!]