Chapter Text
Azure pools of water were scattered across the sides of the pathway. Multicolored sugar glass was embedded in the stones of the footpath. Bright fuchsia hearts and violet diamonds. A golden triangle here and a green flower-shaped stone there. “I think those are meant to represent the Ancient Hero’s Soul Jams,” Licorice Cookie said, comparing the stones in the path to a page in the book. Dark Choco Cookie nodded, “Yes, the Soul Jams were a special set of magical artifacts. They gifted the Heroes with-”
“-Strength unlike any mortal Cookie ever wielded before or since! As well as… Immortality!?” Licorice Cookie exclaimed, cutting Dark Choco off as he read aloud from the book. Red Velvet did a double take, “Wait, the Ancient Heroes were immortal?” Dark Choco chuckled, “Well, in theory. My father was well into his thousands when I was born.” Red Velvet’s jaw dropped, “Shut. Up.” Rye Cookie whistled, “No wonder they were called the Ancient Heros,” she said with a laugh. “And he wasn’t even the oldest,” the prince said, joining in with the sheriff’s laughter. “Hollyberry was 20 years his senior. Actually, Auntie Hollyberry was the oldest of the Heroes. Though Father said she never acted like it. Hahahaha.” Pomegranate chuckled with her mouth behind her sleeve. She looked around at the beautiful white columns as they came to the end of the road. A giant, sleeping Brown Sugar Lion blocked off a large doorway carved into the side of a mountain. The Cookies hesitated when they saw the sleeping wildcat, but Rye Cookie was undeterred. She walked right up to the sleeping lion.
Red Velvet and his friends looked at one another in disbelief. They knew Rye Cookie had a reputation for being fearless, but this was a whole new level of boldness. Chiffon whimpered, placing his tail between his legs as he hid behind Red Velvet. Rye Cookie patted the lion on the side of its head. “Leon,” she said firmly. The sleeping lion snorted in his sleep but slept on. “Leon!” she said a bit louder as she made a fist and hit the side of the wildcat’s head with it. The Brown Sugar Lion stirred in his sleep, lifting his head slightly before flopping it back down with a sigh. Red Velvet tilted his head in confusion. “I guess she knows him?” Pomegranate whispered to Licorice, to which Licorice shrugged in response. Rye Cookie groans and pulls her pistol out. Taking a step back, she fires a single shot which bounces off the Lion's hard sugar. The group gasped softly. “Relax, he's fine. Didn't even graze him.” Rye Cookie said as she spun her gun and placed it back in the holster.
The Brown Sugar Lion grunted as he opened his eyes and lifted his head. Blinking sleepily as he looked down at Rye, “Oh, hiya, sheriff!” He said, yawning as he reared back and sat on his haunches. “Morning, Leon. Busy, I see,” she replied with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. The lion shifted his eyes sheepishly and straightened himself. “Uh, I was just… Taking a quick break is all, sheriff. Guarding the Gate is a tiring job y’know,” he said, sticking his nose up in the air and flicking his tail once or twice. Rye Cookie chuckled and crossed her arms over her chest, “Uh huh, I know. By any chance, while you’ve been busy guarding the gate so diligently, have you seen any spicy, red-haired Cookie running through here?” Leon looked away uneasily. “Uh, I uh… Nope. Can’t say I have, of course if anyone did try to get through here I would have-!”
“Oh, how would you know!? You were sleeping on the job again!” Wheat Cake snapped. “I was not!” the Brown Sugar Lion roared, jumping to his feet, “I was just resting my eyes,” he said timidly with a sweatdrop trickling down the side of his face. “It gets exhausting keeping an eye out for bandits and waiting in the hot sun for Trial challengers all day y’know!” Rye slowly smiled, “Speaking of which,” she said, gesturing to Red Velvet Cookie and his friends, who were starting to relax upon seeing the casual exchange between the two. The Gatekeeping cat’s eyes widened and he gasped, “No way… Real challengers! You guys actually completed the first two trials?!” The Cookies had to hold back their laughter at the Lion’s excited tone. “Yup, my name is Red Velvet Cookie, and there are my friends-” he was cut off by Dark Choco Cookie stepping forward before he could begin introductions. “I am Prince Dark Choco Cookie of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, first-born son of the Hero of Resolution! My friends and I seek entrance to Hero’s Gate, so that we may uncover my father’s whereabouts!”
The Guardian of the Gate let out a soft snort, “Wow, you been practicing that speech?” he asked with a chuckle. “Only about a hundred times on the way here,” Pomegranate said, laughing behind her sleeve, which earned her a soft twack on the head from the prince. Dark Choco turned back to the lion with a stoic, serious expression, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “So then, whatever challenge comes next, we’re ready for it!” he exclaimed, brandishing his sword. The lion snorted again and tucked his front paws under his chest, “Put the shiny stick away, Lance-a-lot. The final trial doesn’t involve a fight.” Dark Choco lowered his sword with a perplexed expression. The rest of his friends whispered among themselves, they were so sure the last test would involve defeating the Guardian of the Gate in battle. “I don’t get it,” Red Velvet Cookie said, “If the trials are meant for the challengers to prove themselves as Heroes like the Ancients, don’t they need to prove they can fight?”
Leon smiled and flicked this tail, “A hero is not always a fighter, not all problems can be solved with weapons. A hero must know how to protect their loved ones, yes. But, they must also be able to solve problems without force or violence. A true hero must also be wise! Able to discover answers peacefully.” Dark Choco Cookie smiled as he put his sword back in his sheath, “Of course… Braving the desert was the test of strength, the final test is one of the mind!” Rye Cookie smiled and stood off to the side with Wheat Cake, “Yeah, hurry it up so we can get to Hero’s Gate, ‘ight? Chili Pepper Cookie could be in there snatching up treasures as we speak!” Red Velvet nodded, “So, what do we have to do?” he asked the Guardian. “For the final Trial, you must answer my three riddles. If you can answer all three successfully, you will have proven yourselves to be selfless, strong, and wise. True Heroes worthy of treading the ground upon which the Ancient Heroes once-”
“Get on with it, Leon!” Rye Cookie snapped impatiently. “Alright! Alright! Sheesh… Bossy,” Leon mumbled, before clearing his throat and turning back to the group of Cookies and their Cakes. “Are you ready to begin, challengers?” They nodded in response. “Heck yeah, Licorice Cookie is great at riddles!” Red Velvet Cookie said, smiling at the Dark Wizard. Licorice chuckled, “Ooh, I just dabble in them from time to time,” he said with a sheepish laugh. “Let us hope that is enough to get through this last trial,” Healer Cookie said. Dark Choco Cookie started racking his brain for memories of his childhood, he knew there was an entire shelf full of riddle books in the castle library. Not that he’d bothered to read many of them, he would usually be outside practicing his martial arts. Now he wished he hadn’t been ignoring Affogato when he’d pull one of these books off the shelf and bother him with asking questions from the book and laughing at some of the answers when they were younger. (Of course had it not been in the middle of training he wouldn’t have been so annoyed.) Now he could only hope some of those answers were buried deep in the back of his mind, or that his friends’ combined experience would be enough to pass this trial.
The Prince took a deep breath, he wasn’t going to get this far just to fail now. If there was something in there he could use to find his father, he had no choice but to succeed. “We’re ready to begin.” The Prince said with a firm nod. Leon sat down with his paws in front of him and closed his eyes. “First riddle, what can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?" Dark Choco Cookie gulped. Licorice Cookie tapped his chin, “Uhhh… I know I’ve heard this one before somewhere…” he mumbled. Red Velvet Cookie whistles, “Runs but never walks? I mean, we’re great at running but can you imagine only being able to run?” Chiffon barked in agreement. “It must be something quiet, like a mouse, if it has a mouth but doesn’t talk,” Schwarzwälder reasoned. “But it also has a bed but never sleeps, and mice sleep, don’t they?” Pomegranate asked. “Yeah, why wouldn’t it sleep if it has a bed?” Poison Mushroom Cookie asked. “This is gonna be harder than I thought…” Dark Choco Cookie mumbled worriedly.
“A river!” Licorice Cookie suddenly exclaimed. “Huh?” Everyone else said in unison. “It’s a river! A river runs through a forest, the river’s head is where it begins, the mouth is where it flows into the ocean, and its bed is the channel it flows through!” the Dark Wizard exclaimed. “Is that your final answer?” Leon asked solemnly. “It makes sense but are you absolutely certain, Licorice?” Dark Choco Cookie asked, kneeling down to whisper in Licorice’s ear. The Dark Wizard nodded, “Yes,” he then turned to the Brown Sugar Lion, “The answer is river!” The lion closes his eyes, “That is…” he paused for dramatic effect before smiling and flicking his tail, “Correct!” The group let out a sigh of relief as Licorice beams proudly. “Nice work, Licy!” Poison Mushroom Cookie cheered. “That’s my Meowster!” Bat-Cat purred.
“Next riddle! If a hot air balloon carrying 14 passengers crashes in between two kingdoms, where do you bury the survivors?” Leon exclaimed. “Um… If you’re in between two different kingdoms…” Red Velvet mumbled. “Wouldn’t you send them home to be buried with their family?” Pomegranate reasoned. “Guys! You don’t bury the survivors, they’re survivors!” Dark Choco Cookie said with a laugh. There was a beat of silence before the rest of the group let out a collective “Ohhhhh.” Licorice laughed, “Good catch, Dark Choco. Logic. Hehe, I shoulda known that one,” he said sheepishly. “That is… Correct!” Leon exclaimed. Rye Cookie whooped, “Y’all are on fire!” Wheat Cake nodded, “One left to go, let’s hope they don’t screw this up.” The group turns back to the Gate Guardian as the Lion smiles. “Final riddle! How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”
“Huh?!” everyone says in unison. “That’s not a riddle, that’s a tongue twister,” Red Velvet said flatly. Poison Mushroom Cookie cleared this throat. “Is there even an answer to that!?” Licorice Cookie said, with a slight bit of panic in his voice. “Guys,” Poison Mushroom Cookie said. “Is this one of those things where it’s a trick question is the answer?” Pomegranate wondered aloud. “Guys!” Poison Mushroom Cookie says, tugging on Red Velvet’s cape. “I can’t believe we're going to lose this thing to a nursery rhyme…” Dark Choco lamented. “GUYS!” Poison Mushroom Cookie shouted. Everyone turned to look at the little fungus-flavored Cookie as he put his hands behind his back, smiled and said, “A woodchuck could chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck wood!”
“Correct!”
There was a full minute of silence while everyone stood, mouth-agape and wide-eyed at the little Cookie who was grinning proudly. “H… H-how did you know that?” Licorice Cookie exclaimed in disbelief. “Onion Cookie taught me that rhyme when we were playing jump rope!” Poison Mushroom Cookie said, throwing his arms up excitedly. Schwarzwälder laughed heartily, “You really are full of surprises aren’t you, Shroomy?” the Werehound said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Good job, little buddy,” Licorice Cookie said, giving the smaller Cookie an approving pat on the head. “So… Does this mean?” Dark Choco Cookie said, looking up at the Brown Sugar Lion as he stood. “Yes, this means you have officially passed the Heroes Gate’s Trials!” The group cheered, Red Velvet and Licorice high-fived, and Rye and Wheat Cake rejoined them. “Congratulations,” Wheat Cake said flatly. “Y’all are the first to ever finish the Trials! I knew there was something special about you kids,” Rye Cookie said with a grin.
Dark Choco blinks as Leon steps aside. The entrance to Hero’s Gate was wide open, beckoning them forward. “I can’t believe it…” The prince breathed. “Do you need a minute?” Pomegranate Cookie asked quietly. “Are you kidding!? I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire life!” Without warning Dark Choco Cookie dashes into the tunnel shouting, “Cookies onward!” Rye Cookie laughed and ran after him, whooping and brandishing her pistols. “Yeehaw! Let’s go catch us a thief!” Wheat Cake sighed and filed in with the rest of the group who were excitedly talking as they entered the gate. Leon smiles as Poison Mushroom Cookie waves goodbye and watches them disappear down the path.
The Brown Sugar Lion was about to return to his spot in front of the gate when he heard footsteps. He turned and smiled at the approaching Cookies. “Oh, hello there. Are you challengers as we- AUGH!” That’s as far as he got before a bolt of magical lightning coursed through his body. He collapsed to the ground and moaned in pain, unable to do anything but watch their feet pass by as the two chuckled cruelly.
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“Wow! Look at all those cool curtains!”
Licorice Cookie snorted in an attempt to suppress a laugh, “Those aren’t curtains, Red Velvet Cookie. Those are tapestries.” Poison Mushroom looked up at the Dark Wizard, “What’s a tappa tree?” Dark Choco chuckled, “Tapestry, Shroomy. They’re decorations that tell stories, look here! This one shows a young Pure Vanilla Cookie on his pilgrimage to build his kingdom,” the prince said, stopping and pointing at a tapestry on the wall that depicted a cloudy mountainscape with a vanilla Cookie surrounded by sheep overlooking a mountain-covered land. “Hey, Dark Choco, isn’t this one of your dad?” Red Velvet asked, pointing at one that showed a warrior in a snowy landscape, pointing his sword up at two dragons who were intertwined in battle. “Ah, yes, that’s the day he split apart the Black and White Dragons and restored peace to the-”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s great, Choco. Reminisce later, keep your eyes peeled!” Rye Cookie said, bending down and smelling the ground. “Uh, Rye Cookie, what are you doing?” Poison Mushroom Cookie asked. “Trying to pick up that darn Cookie’s scent! The trail’s gone cold…” She huffed. “It doesn’t make any sense. Chili Pepper would never pass up treasure, I know she’s been this way!” She stood up and dug into her pocket, taking out a wrinkled seed. The color and scent had faded, but there was just enough to rekindle the righteous anger in her heart. It took all her self-control not to crush it in her fist.
Chiffon noticed her shaking and trotted up to her. The pupcake started rubbing up against her leg and wagging his tail. She was broken out of her daze and she looked down at the little Cake. Chiffon let out a small yap and the sheriff smiled. She knelt down to scratch the pupcake’s ears and sighed. “I’m just so sick of her always getting away.” Red Velvet placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. “Hey, don’t worry, Rye Cookie. As long as you don’t give up there’s always hope!” Rye Cookie stood up and readjusted her hat with a smile, “Ha! I don’t know the meaning of give up!” Wheat Cake snorted, “I can vouch for that.” Rye Cookie turned to continue down the path, “I hope we’re not too late. She’s pretty fast and if she has that wizard friend of hers with her who knows how much they could have gotten away with before-”
“Hey, what’s that?” Wheat Cake said, pointing ahead of them. The group looked up to see 3 Cookies in hooded robes, throwing sharp stones and broken glass along the path. One was tying sharpened sticks together and placing them down on the path in what looked like a makeshift barricade. (A very small and pathetic one but an obstacle nonetheless.) “What is happening?” Healer Cookie asked, noticing the sudden shift in the atmosphere. “There's some Cookies up ahead, it looks like they’re trying to block off the path… Poorly,” Pomegranate Cookie replied. “Aren’t those the same Cookies who sabotaged the bridge?” Wheat Cake remarked. “And tried to crush us back in the canyon!” Red Velvet growled. “HEY!” Rye Cookie shouted, pulling out her gun and rushing up to the trio of hooded Cookies. They jumped to their feet and started waving the sticks and stones in their arms.
“Ya! None shall pass! None may enter Hero’s Gate!” shouted the Cookie who seemed to be the leader of the trio, his voice muffled by a layer of fabric covering the lower half of his face. Rye Cookie pointed her pistol at the Cookies and they froze up a bit. “Listen you crooks! I ain’t in the mood for games! You’ve been trying to sabotage the trials and now you’re getting in our way! So you have 3 seconds to put yer hands up and drop the sticks or I’m gonna revoke yer kneecap privileges!” She shouted, pointing her gun lower. “Um, Rye, they’re wearing cloaks, you can’t see their legs,” Red Velvet Cookie whispered. The sheriff chuckled, “C’mon Red, you know I never miss.”
The other two shrunk back but the leader stood his ground. “No one enters Hero’s Gate,” he said firmly, slowly accenting each word. Rye Cookie raised an eyebrow, there was something familiar about that Cookie’s voice, but it was hard to tell with it being muffled. Dark Choco Cookie stepped forward, brandishing his sword, “We have already passed the three trials. Unless you want to face us in battle I suggest you step aside!” He said sharply, glaring at the Cookies as the gem on his sword began to glow in an eerie light. Now even the leader shrunk back a bit. Red Velvet watched the prince with an apprehensive expression, the crimson sparks around his sword and the dangerous look in his eye was a little scary.
Before anyone could make another move, one of the hooded Cookies looked up, gasped, and reached for the leader, “Elder! Look out!” That was the only warning before a burst of blue lightning appeared out of nowhere and sent the trio of Cookies flying and knocking Red Velvet and his friends back. Schwarzwälder shielded Licorice and Poison Mushroom in case of another blast. Chiffon was picked up and thrown by the blast, letting out a frightened yelp. “Chiffon!” Red Velvet shouted, regaining his balance after being almost knocked off his feet and diving for his Cake. He hit the ground and slid a foot or two but luckily managed to catch the pupcake. Healer Cookie wasn’t as lucky and landed on his back, he pulled himself onto his hands and knees and began groping around until he found his staff and used it to get back to his feet. Dark Choco was knocked back but quickly placed his hand to the ground and dug in to slow himself and keep from falling over.
Upon regaining their bearings, the group looked up to see a smoking crater of ash and the trio of Cookies blown back, strewn around the ground, groaning in pain. The makeshift barrier had been demolished, leaving only a few small twigs and glass shards. Red Velvet panted as he tried to catch his breath, he was about to speak the question that was on everyone's mind, what happened? But before he could speak, a familiar voice spoke behind them.
“Welp, that was annoying. Now, that we’ve got that out of the way…”
The group gasped softly as they turned around. Rye Cookie saw red. She gritted her teeth and quick as a flash she pulled her pistol from her belt. “Chili Pepper Cookie!” The thief groaned, “You again?” She snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. Wizard Cookie stood next to her, his Candy Wand still sparking with magic. Red Velvet and his friends readied their weapons. “It’s about time you cowards showed your faces!” Dark Choco Cookie snapped, “You’ve been causing trouble for us the entire trial!” Chili Pepper held up a hand, “Ah, ah, ah, let me stop you right there, Pretty Boy. Wiz and I haven’t been causing any trouble for any of you, this time,” she said with a smirk. “What are you talking about?” Rye Cookie growled, “You let the Ginkgoblins loose from the jail! And don’t try to deny it! You may not have been working directly with Ginkster but I know you were in their town! I found one of your seeds in the village!” Rye Cookie pulled the seed out of her pocket and waved it like it was court evidence.
Chili Pepper scoffed, “Yeah, we were in the village. Who do you think cut you loose when Ginkster had you tied down?” Rye’s eyes widened, she looked over to Dark Choco Cookie, the look on his face made it clear he was thinking the same thing she was. “Aaand, who do you think it was that knocked him off course with their magic? Me, duh!” Wizard Cookie quipped. “What…? But, why?” Red Velvet Cookie breathed. “Uh, because we’ve been following you, dumdum. Have been since you left Pilgrim’s Village,” Chili Pepper said with a scoff. Wizard Cookie grinned behind his scarf, “Yup, you all blazed the trail for us and we just followed along. Much faster than wandering through the desert trying to find our way to Hero’s Gate.” Rye Cookie seethed, “You little-”
“That’s right, sheriff! You led me and Wizard Cookie right where we wanted to go! You were just so busy running after me that you didn’t bother to look back. Ha! Guess working for those soft doughed Cookies back at Pilgrim’s Path has made you rusty, huh?” Chili Pepper jeered. Rye Cookie grit her teeth so hard they were about to crack. Unable to control herself any more she fired several rounds at the spicy Cookie, but she didn’t even flinch. Wizard Cookie quickly put up a magic bubble around them. The bullets bounced off the shield as Chili Pepper continued to stand and grin. Rye Cookie pants, her hands shaking as she glared at her nemesis. She couldn’t think straight, all she wanted to do at that moment was wrap her hands around her neck and strangle her until that smug grin disappeared. She felt a soft hand on her shoulder and turned to see Red Velvet giving her an understanding yet worried expression. “Rye Cookie, I know you’re angry but you have to stay in control. She’s just trying to get under your skin.” Rye Cookie forced herself to breathe, glaring at Chili Pepper as the shield went down.
The leader of the hooded Cookies slowly lifts his head from the ground, “Those Cookies… They’re… They’re the Blind King’s minions!” Wizard Cookie chuckled, “That’s right! The Cookies of Night! That’s us! And there’s something in there that’s bound to summon our King back from his banishment! So, if you don’t want to get hurt I’d suggest you move out of the way!” Red Velvet Cookie dug in his heels, “In case you’ve forgotten, we’ve beat you guys before! You don’t have Cremlins or a Dragon on your side now, so what makes you think you can win?” Dark Choco Cookie added, “We won’t let you step foot in the Heros’ sacred halls! Those treasures belong to the Ancients! Not your King!”
Wizard Cookie raised his wand, “Yeah, yeah, we know. That’s why we’re not gonna force our way through. You’re gonna lead the way, just like you did before, once you’ve tasted Master’s Blessing that is.” He slammed his Wand to the ground, and three bright blue portals of lightning appeared. The group had to shield their eyes from the brightness of the flash as a Cookie stepped out of each of the portals. As the light died down, Dark Choco Cookie looked on in horror when he saw the Cookies. Each one had glowing bandages wrapped around their eyes, they all had a blank, wide smile on their faces. Red Velvet stepped back in fear. “D-Dark Choco, a-are those Cookies…?”
“Cursed…” The prince said gravely with a nod. He looked over the trio of Cursed Cookies. They all wore tattered and dirty clothes, their hair was disheveled, and the smiles on their faces unnatural. The first wore what looked to be a summer outfit and her long red hair tied back in a ponytail. The vibrant reds and yellows of her blues and greens of her skirt long faded and her yellow tank top full of holes. She was barefoot and sunburned in a few places. The second had pale green dough and light yellow hair with baggy green clothes, just as tattered and wrinkled as the first. Her body was covered in spikes, almost like a cactus, some were even poking through her clothes and hair. But the last one, Wheat Cake recognized. “Sweet Mint Cookie,” he said softly. Rye Cookie blinked, she looked to her deputy, who was watching the Cookie with leafy-green hair and a mint blue dress. He was shaking, the Cookie giggled, and Rye sighed. “No way.”
“Wait, is that… Is that your old Cookie, Wheat Cake?” Schwarzwälder asked. Wheat Cake nodded mutely, trembling like a leaf. “Oh, so you know each other huh? Oof, that’s gonna be rough for you. Especially when they start to ATTACK!” Wizard Cookie shouted, pointing his Wand at the group of Cookies. The Cursed Cookies leapt forward. The red-haired one cupped her hands to her mouth and let out a stream of ice breath that froze the ground beneath the Cookies’ feet. Licorice and Poison Mushroom began to slip on the ice, flailing their arms trying to keep their balance. “Woah! Wooooaah!” They both crashed into each other and ended up in a heap on the ground.
The spiny Cookie launched herself at Pomegranate Cookie, arms spread wide as if going in for a hug while giggling madly. Pomegranate quickly put up a shield around her and the Cookie bounced off it and fell on her back, still laughing wildly. Healer Cookie felt the ice at his feet and lifted his staff, light magic swirled around, melting the ice as he pointed his staff down. He followed the sounds of Licorice’s and Poison Mushroom’s cries, the ice melting around him, clearing a path. “Are you two alright?” he asked, holding his hand out. “Yeah, I think so.” Licorice Cookie groaned as Poison Mushroom took Healer’s hand and climbed off Licorice.
Healer Cookie felt the air drop in temperature again and heard the manic giggles of the cursed red-head. “I’ll keep her busy, you two, help the others!” Healer Cookie said, rushing in the direction of the ice-wielding Cookie, his staff glowing bright in front of him, using the heat of the light to counter her ice blasts.
During the confusion, Wizard Cookie and Chili Pepper took the opportunity to rush past. Rye Cookie quickly drew her gun, but with each pull of the trigger the only thing she got was the sound of hollow clicks. “Dagnabbit!” she hissed, opening the chamber to find it empty. She looked up to see Wizard and Chili Pepper being stopped by the leader of the hooded Cookies. He was shakily holding his arms out to his side but standing firm in their path. “Guess he’s on our side now,” he murmured as she dug in the pockets of her poncho for her bullets.
“Rye Cookie! Look out!”
The shout gave her just enough time to duck out of the way of Sweet Mint Cookie diving for her. The Cursed Cookie stumbled, almost dropping the glowing bandages in her hand, giggling all the while. Rye Cookie gritted her teeth and carefully put her gun back in its holster. Guess I’ll have to do this the old fashioned way, she thought, holding up her fist and planting her foot in preparation for the next dive.
“I’m warning you, if you don’t get out of our way!” Wizard Cookie hissed, holding out his sparking Candy Wand. “Hey!” Red Velvet shouted as he and Dark Choco readied their weapons and took battle stances, “You two must still not be tired of getting your butts kicked over and over huh?” Red Velvet chided. Chiffon yipped in agreement as he took his place at his Cookie’s side. Chili Pepper and Wizard turned around to face the two swordsmen. “Pfft, and you must have been top of your class at the school of being a pest!” Wizard Cookie snapped, blasting a Lightning Strike towards the two which they had to dodge. “Nice comeback, Pointy Hat!” Chili Pepper said with an approving, toothy grin. “Thanks,” he replied, glancing over to her for half a second before holding up his wand to block a strike from Red Velvet.
“You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” Wizard Cookie snapped as he dug his heel into the dirt, Red Velvet had gotten a lot stronger since their last fight. “Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you,” Red Velvet quipped, jumping out of the way just as Wizard Cookie swung his staff, crackling and sparking with blue lightning. He rolled and drew his sword, allowing his instincts to guide him whenever he felt the air charge with magical energy. He scooped up Chiffon in his free hand as he dived and placed him on his shoulder. “Hang on tight, buddy,” he said as he stood up and leapt forward while Wizard Cookie was taking a breath.
While Wizard’s limitless mana reserves meant he could cast spells back to back, that didn’t mean it didn’t cause a strain on his small body. Every dozen Lightning Strikes or so Red Velvet had a second-long window of opportunity to attack while Wizard stopped to take a breath. It was risky but Red Velvet could only hope he could land one good hit before Wizard had time to raise his staff again. Wizard Cookie looked up and placed his staff in front of him to block the swing. Sword and Wand met with a loud clash. He gritted his teeth as he was pushed back by the strength of the older Cookie. He gripped his staff tight and tried to summon his magic but then he made one fatal mistake.
He looked Red Velvet in the eye.
There was something about the Cake eye, black as the abyss with only a single slit of blue that seemed to glow with an animalistic intensity. And being so close to it now, he could feel Red Velvet’s hot breath on his face as his teeth bared, the sound he made was not the grunt of effort of a Cookie but the growl of a hungry Cake Wolf. Wizard’s eyes were drawn to the sharp incisor and the trail of saliva that connected both rows of teeth as Red Velvet bit down into the wood of his staff, which began to crack and splinter.
Wizard’s arms began to shake from the effort of trying to hold him back. His breath came in quick gasps and his heart began to race. He felt frozen to the spot as he stared into that inky, dark eye. He felt in that moment that Red Velvet was somehow gazing into his soul and that if he kept looking long enough he would fall deep into that abyss, never to return. With an adrenaline fueled cry he pushed Red Velvet off his staff, the Candy Drop crackling with magic.
Red Velvet returned to jumping to avoid his attacks but he noticed they were much more erratic and hesitant than before. Whereas before the strikes would follow Red Velvet in an almost perfect line, leaving a trail behind him. Now they were striking in areas he had been. He looked up in disbelief to see Wizard had shut his eyes, and was now throwing spells randomly. Or, maybe not randomly, but… Red Velvet slowly came to a stop and held his finger to his mouth to tell Chiffon to stay quiet. He watched as Wizard, with his eyes still shut, lowered his staff and threw his head around.
>i>He can’t see us with his eyes shut, so he’s trying to listen for where to strike. Red Velvet didn’t know why Wizard had chosen to do such a thing in the middle of a fight, but it did give him an opportunity. He smiled at Chiffon, who wagged his tail and lowered his ears in preparation for their next move. Red Velvet knew the sand shifting beneath him would give away his position with every step, but there was one thing he could do. He carefully picked Chiffon up off his shoulder, nodded to the Pupcake, and tossed him.
Chiffon landed a headbutt square in Wizard Cookie’s chest, knocking him back and dazing him. By the time Wizard Cookie had opened his eyes, Chiffon had yanked his Candy Wand out of his hands and was running away with it, barking victoriously. “Hey! Get back here with that, you mangy mutt!” Wizard shouted, giving chase to the surprisingly fast Cake Hound. “Atta boy, Chiffon!” Red Velvet cheered, running to get in between Wizard Cookie and Chiffon and hopefully hold him off long enough for his friends to take down the cursed Cookies.
Dark Choco and Chili Pepper were currently at an impasse. Chili Pepper was too fast for Dark Choco to properly land a hit, but Chili Pepper couldn’t get close enough to strike without risking one of Dark Choco’s crimson lightning attacks. So Chili Pepper weaved in and out, jumping back from the magical lightning bolts and sprinting forward at the first sight of an opening. But the warrior would quickly spot her and parry her dagger slashes. She looked over to see Wizard trying to avoid getting clawed by Red Velvet and retrieve his staff from Chiffon at the same time. She could go help him but that would mean letting up on Dark Choco and risk him joining forces with Red Velvet. No, it was safer to keep them both occupied while their Cursed Cookies picked off the rest of their group one by one. Soon enough they’d have numbers on their side, she just had to keep the prince busy long enough for the Cursed Cookies to get the bandages in place.
Meanwhile, the red-haired Cursed Cookie cupped her hands together and blew frost breath into them, creating a ball of glowing frost magic in her hands. “Snowball fight!” She cheered, and tossed the magic ball while giggling like a child at play. It landed near Licorice Cookie’s feet and sharp spikes of ice grew several feet from its target, some climbing up onto Licorice’s robes and trapping him in place with a thick sheet of magic ice. He let out a startled yell and tried to pull himself free but the ice held fast. The red-haired Cookie lunged forward, cursed bandages in hand, but just before she could reach Licorice Cookie, Pomegranate jumped in front of him and held out her mirror.
She created a magic shield between them, the Cursed Cookie slammed into the barrier, falling on her back, and laughing. Pomegranate panted, sweat dripping down her forehead as she spun to put up another shield behind them as the spiky Cursed Cookie threw herself towards them, arms open wide and cursed bandages in hand. Licorice continued to struggle and tug on his robes in an attempt to free himself from the ice but it wasn’t budging. He summoned his scythe and tried to hack away at the ice with it but Pomegranate stopped him.
“Licorice, don't! You could cut your leg off if you're not careful!”
Poison Mushroom clung to Licorice’s sleeve as he watched the Spiky Cookie create a Cactus ball in her hands and throw it at the shield, “Catch!” She cheered, laughing as the spiky ball exploded on the shield, cracking the magic barrier and scattering cactus thorns on the ground. From the other side the red-haired Cookie was pummeling magic snowballs onto the shield, freezing it and also weakening the walls. “My shield isn't going to hold against their attacks long enough for the spell to cooldown! We need to get you out of this before they break it!” Pomegranate shouted over the sound of the two Cookies’ laughter. “Maybe Choco Werehound Brute could SMASH 'em free!” Schwarzwälder said, waving his hammer. “No! No! No! No! If my scythe was too dangerous that hammer of yours definitely won't work. I'd like to keep my leg intact thank you very much,” Licorice replied, still tugging on his frozen leg. “Well, we better think of something quick!” Bat-Cat exclaimed, his ears pressed flat against his head as he watched more and more cracks appear in the weakening shield.
Healer Cookie slowly approached the Red Haired Cookie from behind, his staff glowing faintly in his hand. “Come now, child. They already have a playmate, why don’t you come play with me instead?” He said, one hand on his staff, and the other he held out in a way he hoped looked warm and not suspicious. The Cookie not only stopped her freeze breath attacks, but as she turned to him, she shouted excitedly, “My King!” before running to him and embracing him in a hug. Healer Cookie flinched, staff at the ready if the Cookie tried to curse him, but to his surprise, she didn’t. She seemed to melt into him like a Cookie greeting an old friend.
He could use this to his advantage.
He gently took her hand and began to lead her away from Licorice and the others. “Yes, that’s right, come with me,” his voice taking a soothing tone. He was surprised how obedient she was, but he was even more surprised how… Familiar this felt. Like he’d done this before. But he had no such memory, not that he had many memories at all, but there was just something unsettling about how familiar she was with him. Once he had her a safe distance away he gently sat her down on the ground, she giggled softly, but made no move to resist him. Almost as if she trusted him. Almost as if she knew him. Healer Cookie pushed aside the uneasy feeling settling in his stomach and waved his wand. “Hold still,” he said, his mouth turning up into a… Odd smirk. She did, even though they both were blind he could feel her looking up at him, if her eyes weren’t hidden behind the glowing bandages he felt they would have been staring at him with an intense gaze.
The light around his staff condensed into ribbons and strings which wrapped around the cursed Cookie and pinned her arms to her sides. She started to struggle but Healer Cookie gently placed a hand on her head and she stopped, “Shhhhh, quiet,” he said softly, like a father soothing his child. Her smile stretched across her face, “Yes, my king,” she replied mindlessly. He didn’t know why she was calling him that, he didn’t know why it felt so familiar, so… Right. But he forced himself to pull his hand away from her head. “Now, you be a good girl and wait right here, I’ll bring the others over to play with us soon,” he said, slowly backing away from her as she giggled excitedly. He let out a sigh of relief once he was sure she couldn’t (or wouldn't try to) escape. “One down, two to go,” He said, turning back to Licorice, Pomegranate and Poison Mushroom.
Meanwhile, inside the slowly weakening magic bubble, Poison Mushroom Cookie was planting a few of his Shroomies at Licorice Cookie’s frozen foot. The group backed up as much as they could when Poison Mushroom shouted, “Fire in the hole!” And the shield filled with a purple haze. The force of the blast broke the magic bubble from the inside and spread the cloud of spores. The Spiky Cursed Cookie made the mistake of breathing in the purple mist and the spores quickly took effect. By the time the spore smoke had cleared, Licorice Cookie was free and the cursed Cookie was tottering and muttering in a daze. Licorice and Pomegranate looked at one another and then back to the stumbling Cookie. Licorice smirked, “I have an idea! Poison Mushroom Cookie, you distract her and keep her dizzy! Schwarzwälder, get ready!” So while Poison Mushroom danced around the spiky Cookie, Shroomies at the ready, Licorice got to work on a magic circle. “I hope this works, I'll have to use the last of my Mana for this.”
“La la la la la~ Can’t catch me!” Poison Mushroom Cookie cheered as the confused Cookie tried in vain to grab him over and over. Not only was she blind, she was now so disoriented that she couldn’t tell where his voice was coming from. And why did she smell butterflies? She didn’t even register Licorice shouting, “Poison Mushroom Cookie, now!” But she did feel the smaller Cookie tug on her tattered clothing and cheer, “Tag! You’re it!” and dash off, giggling. The sound of his playful laughter was too much to resist and she smiled widely as she ran after him. Her mind had cleared just enough for her to tell which way to follow him and she was overjoyed at the prospect of playing with her new friend. Poison Mushroom Cookie jumped over the magic circle, Schwarzwälder catching him and pulling him out of the way just as the Cursed Cookie ran into the circle, which activated the spell.
Ribbons of shadow erupted from the glowing circle and wove into a net, which closed around the Cursed Cookie and lifted her into the air. She squealed and thrashed trying to get herself free but anywhere her spikes managed to damage the net would quickly repair itself. Licorice and the crew backed up a bit and held their breath, watching for a moment to see if the magical net would indeed hold the struggling Cookie. Despite her flailing the magical trap held up, and the rest breathed a sigh of relief. “Good work, Licorice Cookie!” Pomegranate Cookie cheered as Licorice collapsed onto the ground in a sitting position with his scythe in his lap, panting and sweating a bit as he smiled in response.
Rye Cookie was having equal luck, as she had been able to dodge her opponent until the Cursed Cookie dived at her and the sheriff managed to grab their wrists and flip her onto her back. While the Cursed Cookie lay on the ground, dazed, and the Cursed Bandages knocked out of her hands, Rye Cookie quickly reloaded her pistol. By the time Sweet Mint Cookie had caught her breath and was feeling the ground in search of the dropped bandages. Rye held her pistol out, ready to strike as soon as she got back to her feet. Just below the knee to incapacitate ‘em, that should put her down for the count and- “AUGHH!" Rye Cookie cried in pain as her pistol was suddenly knocked from her hand. She held her wrist and hissed through gritted teeth as she saw Wheat Cake helping the Cursed Cookie to her feet. “Easy, Sweet Mint Cookie, I've got you,” he said gently. “Wheat Cake~”
“Yeah… Yeah it's me, Minty. It's gonna be ok.” Rye Cookie glanced at her fallen pistol a few feet away as her deputy caught his boomerang. “Wheat Cake,” she said firmly, “don't do this…” He turned to her with a weary look, then back up at the Cursed Cookie who was playing with his hat, and then back at the sheriff with a sorrowful, but determined expression, “I’m sorry, Sheriff.” Before Rye Cookie could react, Wheat had thrown his boomerang again. She jumped out of the way, but didn’t realize it wasn’t her he was aiming for, but the tapestry above her, which was knocked off its rod and fell on top of her. By the time Rye Cookie had pulled herself out of the layers of thick fabric, Wheat Cake was already running off, dragging Sweet Mint Cookie by the hand. “Wheat Cake!” Rye shouted, quickly grabbing her gun and giving chase, “Get back here, or you’re gonna regret it!”
Meanwhile, with 2 Cursed Cookies captured and one on the run, that left Wizard Cookie and Chili Pepper to fend off Red Velvet and Dark Choco on their own. They weren’t doing too well. Chili wasn’t gaining an inch of ground and Wizard was basically in a tug of war with Red Velvet and Chiffon with his Candy Wand. “Give. It. BACK!” Wizard Cookie groaned as he gripped his staff with both hands and tried to avoid eye contact with Red Velvet. If he could just keep his hold long enough to get some mana flowing into it he could blast the Cake-Cookie back but his hands kept slipping as Red Velvet yanked back. Red Velvet didn’t even have both hands on the wand. He was holding onto the head of the wand with just his Cake claw, in his Cookie hand he held his sword on his hip while smiling smugly at the struggling Wizard. Red Velvet finally gave a strong pull and yanked the wand out of Wizard Cookie’s hands. Causing the smaller Cookie to lose his balance and fall onto his face. Red Velvet tossed the Candy Wand into the air and, with a swing of his sword, split it in twain. Wizard Cookie let out a cry of anguish as splinters fell at the Cake-Cookie hybrid’s feet as the two halves of his Wand fell to the ground.
Red Velvet pointed his sword at Wizard Cookie, “Give up?” he said with a smirk. Wizard Cookie nervously glanced around, “Uh, yeah um… About that, uh… Oh look, is that the Witch?!” Wizard said, pointing behind Red Velvet Cookie. “What?! Where!?” Red Velvet Cookie exclaimed in fright as he and Chiffon turned around. The distraction gave Wizard Cookie just enough time to scramble to his feet and escape. Red Velvet blinked and turned back, groaned loudly, and facepalmed, “Chiffon, please tell me I didn't just fall for that…” To which the pupcake responded with a soft whine. “No, Chiffon, knowing you fell for it too does NOT make me feel better!”
Wizard Cookie meanwhile, ran past Dark Choco Cookie, screaming like his hat was on fire and failing his arms about. The Prince paused and raised an eyebrow at the sight but from Red Velvet giving chase he figured his apprentice had it under control. Besides, Chili Pepper had disappeared a minute ago and he was having trouble tracking her movements. That was because she was hiding behind a marble pillar. By now she had learned Dark Choco was able to use shadows to track her movements, so as long as she hid her shadow in a larger one it would be harder for him to sense her. She swiftly removed the belts wrapped around her legs and tied them together. She carefully peeked out from behind the pillar to ensure Dark Choco still had his back to her before throwing the belt around the pillar and holding tight to both ends. She took her dagger out of her pocket and held it between her teeth. By leaning back and using the leverage of the belts holding her in place, she was able to climb up the smooth column until she was just above the prince.
Luckily, before she could jump down and strike, one of the hooded Cookies who had finally gotten to their feet saw her and gasped, “Your Highness! Behind you!” The shout gave Dark Choco just enough time to realize she had jumped, and just a second before she could strike he drew his sword. Dagger met sword, the sound of metal clashing reverberated throughout the chamber. Dark Choco’s eye flashed a crimson glow as he swung, his sword coated in dark magic as Chili Pepper was thrown back against the pillar. Leaving a crack in the marble and knocking the breath from her lungs as she dropped to her knees, head bowed, panting as she tried to catch her breath with electricity still coursing through her body. Slowly, shakily, she lifted her head, only to see after images of everything shifting back and forth through her vision.
Dark Choco remained in a battle stance, as he could see from the look in her eyes Chili Pepper wasn’t ready to surrender just then. “This fight was over before it begun, admit defeat!” the prince shouted. Chili Pepper breathed through gritted teeth as the last of the crimson energy faded from her dough. Inhaling sharply through her nose she replied, “My King would never admit defeat…” She pushed herself into a kneeling position, “My King would never falter…” She planted her dagger into the ground and placed a hand on her knee, “My king… Would never surrender!” She shakily stood, swaying as she lifted her head, trying to fight past the double vision as she rushed to tackle Dark Choco, “And neither will I!” Unfortunately for her, her injuries left her movement slowed quite a bit, so Dark Choco didn't even have to lift his sword. This time, once she was close enough, he kicked his knee hard into her stomach, which sent her to the ground in a crumpled heap. She held her stomach and groaned in agony, a thin trail of saliva leaking from the corner of her mouth as she tried to fight through blurred and darkening vision to see Dark Choco’s foot on her chest and his sword pointed at her face.
“Your devotion is admirable, but sadly misguided,” he remarked, staring down at her. Chili Pepper didn't even have the strength to respond besides a weak groan. He looked up to see the one Cursed Cookie still tied up with the light ropes, the other struggling in the shadow net, and Wizard being tied up by Red Velvet and Healer Cookie with similar ropes while the rest of their crew took a breather. But upon doing a second headcount, he realized someone was missing, “Hey, where are Rye Cookie and that last one? Weren’t there three Cursed Cookies?” Licorice Cookie shakily stood up, “I think I saw her running after them, they were heading back towards the entrance.” Dark Choco hummed softly, that was strange. In all his years of dealing with the Sonmum Aeternus Curse he had never known a Cookie afflicted with it to retreat. Unless…
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“Wheat Cake! C’mon, you know you can’t run forever!” Rye Cookie shouted as she ran through the pristine white halls in search of her deputy. She sighed, her pistol swinging at her side. “She’s gone, Wheat. I’m sorry but whatever she is now it ain’t your old friend. Once the Blind King’s Curse has ahold of them there’s no going back.” She stopped, sighing. She’d seen plenty of families and friendships be torn apart from this curse. She’d never lost anyone close to her to it herself, but it’s hard to get close to anyone in her line of work. Although she was fond of the Cake who had been by her side since she took up watching over Pilgrim Village. But she also knew how a Cake’s loyalty worked. She’d seen the way Wheat Cake looked at travelers who came through town with their Cakes. The anger, the jealousy, the guilt… “I get it, she’s your Cookie, you wanna protect her now because you couldn’t then… But she’s not the Cookie you knew, Wheat Cake. She’s just another one of the Blind King’s drones now. She’s dangerous! Get her around another Cookie and she’s just gonna try to spread the curse!”
She peeks behind pillars and looks over ledges as she continues to hunt for the duo. “Yer gonna be on the run for the rest of yer life! Not just from the Blind King’s forces but from the rest of society! When we find Cookies like them we gotta lock 'em up so they can’t cause any more damage. I know it hurts, but she’s gone, Wheatster! You’ve gotta-” She paused, gasping softly as she rounded a corner. No sign of her deputy or the cursed Sweet Mint Cookie, but on the ground, slightly buried in the sand, was a golden star-shaped deputy badge. Rye Cookie knelt down and with a shaking hand picked it up. Holding the badge in both hands as she carefully brushed the sand off. “Wheatster…” She said, shaking her head.
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“OW! Not so tiiight!” Wizard Cookie screeched as Healer Cookie finished the knot on the rope of light he had bound Wizard and Chili Pepper with. Healer gently bonked him over the head with his staff. “There is no need to shout, now, you two sit here and think about what you’ve done,” he said as he stood up and joined the rest of the crew. Wizard Cookie shrunk back, he didn’t know why, but there was something eerily familiar about that Cookie. “Is everyone safe?” Healer Cookie asked. “All good here!” Pomegranate cheered and Dark Choco nodded. “Is it getting easier to beat those guys, or is it just me?” Red Velvet remarked with a laugh. “I’m a little low on mana, but otherwise all good,” Licorice Cookie said, as he sat cross-legged on the ground while he scratched Bat-Cat behind the ears (he was laying in the Dark Wizard’s lap).
“What about… Them?” Healer Cookie asked, pointing to the two tied up Cursed Cookies. Licorice raised an eyebrow, “Uh, why? They’re our enemies.” Healer Cookie shook his head. “From what I understand they are not in control of their actions, and besides as a Healer, I have no enemies. Only patients,” he said walking up to the two Cookies. Pomegranate reached out a hand as if to stop him but Dark Choco gently placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded, as if to say “he knows what he’s doing”. Healer Cookie started with the red-haired Cookie, who was using her frost breath to create small clouds of frost above her head and giggling when the snowflakes fell into her hair. Healer Cookie smiled, there was something about the way that Cookie laughed, she was so happy and carefree. Free from pain or fear.
If only he could make her feel like that forever. If only he could protect her from the horrors of this world. If only he could ensure that smile would never fade. If only…
“Hey, uh, Healer Cookie, you good?” Licorice Cookie asked, startling the blind healer out of his thoughts by placing a hand on his shoulder. “You seem kinda spaced out.” Healer Cookie shook his head and smiled. “Yes, of course, everything’s fine.” He then knelt down and began to examine the Cursed Cookie. She giggled as his hands roamed over her face, searching for any injuries. It was a bit concerning how tattered and dirty her clothes were, and her figure was a bit too trim to be considered healthy. “Mmm… No visible injuries or ailments, but she’s possibly a bit malnourished, and her personal hygiene doesn’t seem to be in the best condition either.”
Dark Choco stepped forward, “That’s because the Curse makes them completely dependent on The Blind King. Once cursed a Cookie no longer has any form of self-preservation. Even if they grow hungry they will not seek out food. Even if they are too injured to battle they will keep on fighting. Because the curse prevents them from feeling pain or discomfort of any kind.” The Cursed Cookie laughed, “Indeed, and it’s a wonderful feeling. No more need for toil and tears, no more worries or problems or fears. Our King cares for us and all of our needs. For never ending dreams was his Blessing's creed.”
“Does the curse also make you speak in rhyme?” Licorice Cookie raised an eyebrow. The Cookie chuckled again, and then began swaying back and forth as she chanted, “Silence, quiet, rest in peace, close your eyes and sleep, sleep, sleep.” The spike-covered Cursed Cookie inside the net stopped struggling to join in the chant, “Quiet, silence, rest in peace, close your eyes and sleep, sleep, sleep.” Licorice Cookie took a step back, “Okahhhy, that’s creepy.” Red Velvet knelt down in front of the Red-haired Cursed Cookie and hummed softly. “And all this is because of those bandages over her eyes?” Dark Choco nodded, “Yes, those bandages carry the curse.” Red Velvet raised an eyebrow, “So… Why can’t we just take them off?” Dark Choco sighed, “Because it causes the afflicted individual immense pain, sometimes pain so intense their heart stops from it. I should know… Father and I lost a few good men from our warriors trying to get their old companions back that way.” Red Velvet shudders. “So… That’s how The Blind King made sure they stay his slaves once they're cursed.” Chiffon whimpered softly, tucking his tail between his legs.
The spike-covered Cookie began thrashing again, only this time she managed to snap some of the shadowy ropes. Licorice Cookie yelled in horror, “Yipe! The magic on that net is getting weak! Dang it I don’t have enough mana to repair it… Maybe..” Licorice ran up to the thrashing Cookie just as she got her head free and placed his hand on her forehead before creating a magic circle underneath them. It wasn’t as big or bright as the one to summon his net but as the soft glow washed over the Cookie she began to calm down. “Ohh, a calming spell, good thinking Licorice Cookie,” Pomegranate said. “Takes a lot less mana then a Shadowbolt, I used to use these to help get Bat-Cat to sleep when he was a baby.” The winged feline hissed softly in embarrassment, “Meowster!” Licorice chuckled, “What? It worked.”
“Where am I?”
The group all turned to the Cursed Cookie, who was now not only calm, but she had stopped giggling and… Dark Choco did a double take, was the glow of the bandages fading? Licorice Cookie stepped back in surprise. The Cookie had begun rubbing at the bandages on her face. “Wha– What is this? I-I can’t see…” The group slowly came closer to the Cookie. Meanwhile, Chili Pepper had been gnawing on light ropes in an attempt to free herself and Wizard Cookie. She stopped, “What’s happening?” she whispered to Wizard Cookie, who was now staring forward with a blank expression. Suddenly, a magic portal appeared next to them and a Cookie stepped out. Chili Pepper gulped when she saw who it was. “W-we can explain,” she whispered, glancing over her shoulder at Red Velvet and the others. “Don’t bother,” GingerGrave hissed, drawing his sword, the small colorful gems on the hilt glowing softly. He swung and in one swift motion, cut Chili Pepper and Wizard free.
He glanced at the group of Cookies who were still too focused on the Cursed Cookie who had suddenly regained awareness to notice them. He swiftly picked up Wizard’s broken wand and shoved the two into the portal, right as Chiffon perked his ears up and turned around. The pupcake began barking and ran after them, and nearly bit the end of GingerGrave’s cape as he disappeared through the portal. Red Velvet groaned loudly as he realized what had happened, “They got away again!” The Cursed Cookie stopped rubbing at her bandages for a moment, “Who did?” Dark Choco sighed and knelt down, “It’s not important, first things first, can you tell us your name?”
“I-I’m Cactus Cookie.”
“Cactus Cookie, ok, can you tell us what’s the last thing you remember?”
“Ummm, it’s all kinda fuzzy… But… Oh, right, h-he said he could help me, a-and he made me put these on,” she said, rubbing at the bandages as the glow on the symbols seemed to flicker as if trying to come back to life. But Licorice Cookie cast the spell again and the flicker died out. “He who?” Red Velvet asked as Chiffon came back to his side. “He… He called himself, Bitter Truth Cookie, he said he could make it so that I wouldn’t have to be afraid of hurting anyone anymore,” she said with a soft whimper. “Hurting anyone?” Dark Choco asked, raising an eyebrow. “My spikes,” she replied sadly, “They make it really hard to make friends, you know? No one wants to be around me if they risk getting pricked by my spikes…” Poison Mushroom frowned, “Awwww, that’s sad…”
“What I want to know is, how is the curse not affecting her anymore?” Dark Choco hummed. “It would seem Licorice Cookie’s Dark Magic is blocking it,” Healer Cookie said softly as he came over and gently caressed Cactus Cookie’s face. “Do you think it’s safe to try to remove them now?” Licorice asked. “I… I don’t know… I don’t think we should risk it-”
“AAHHHH! OW!” Cactus Cookie cried as she tried to tug one of the bandages off her face, she stopped, holding her head and breathing heavily. The Bandages grew damp, and a few tears managed to escape the bindings. Red Velvet reached out and held her shoulders to support her. “Hey! Easy, take it easy. It’s ok. We’ve got you.” Cactus Cookie shuddered, “It hurts… *sniff* it really hurts.” Healer Cookie gently ran his hand through her hair, “I think it’s best we don’t try to remove them, imagine living a life free of pain and fear for so long. If those bandages are the only thing preventing her from feeling that way, then removing them will cause all those feelings to come crashing into her at once. Like a dam breaking and the water behind it causing a flood.”
Pomegranate hummed softly, “But what if… We let the water out slowly, so it doesn’t flood?” she said, placing her hand to her chin in thought. “What?” Red Velvet asked, raising an eyebrow. “What if I use my Healing Magic to ease the pain while Licorice uses his Dark Magic to soothe the fear and we help Cactus Cookie remove her bandages without it hurting so much.” Red Velvet looked to Dark Choco, who shook his head, “I.. I don’t know. I mean, we did try using magic but we always believed that the bandages would simply fall off once the curse was broken.”
“Maybe the curse can only be broken if the Cookie affected fights to break it,” Red Velvet suggested. “Yeah, and I can’t just keep casting my soothing spell on Cactus Cookie forever and ever,” Licorice added. “I think it’s worth a try, what do you think, Cactus Cookie?” Pomegranate asked. “I… I don’t know, maybe I’m better off being alone I mean… It won’t change anything…” she said sadly. “Cactus Cookie,” Red Velvet Cookie said, taking her hands. “I know you feel different from everyone else, but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone. You just have to find the right Cookies who accept you for who you are-ow-hehe, pricks and all,” he said, pulling his Cake hand back and shaking it slightly from where he nicked it on one of her spikes. She hummed softly. “Red Velvet,” Healer Cookie said softly, his voice oddly strained, “If Cactus Cookie is happy the way she is-”
“But I’m not…” Cactus Cookie said softly, “He promised me I would be but… I dunno, I haven’t felt real happiness since I put these on,” she said, rubbing at her bandages, “I’ve just felt… Strange, floaty, like I’ve been walking in a dream I can’t wake up from.” Red Velvet took her hands again and squeezed them softly. “Well, it’s time to wake up now, Cactus Cookie, we’re willing to help you if you’re willing to try.” She lifted her head, her brow furrowed, and she nodded, “O-okay… I’ll… I’ll try!” Pomegranate and Licorice got into position to better cast their respective spells and Red Velvet held tight to one of Cactus Cookie’s hands. “I-I don’t think this is safe!” Healer Cookie exclaimed. “Hey, if you’re so worried, you can help them, you know?” Schwarzwälder remarked. Healer Cookie stuttered, but having no proper argument, relented and stood besides Pomegranate to help her with his Healing Magic. Light and shadow flew from each wizards' respective staff, twirling around Cactus Cookie as she took a deep breath, Red Velvet held her hand tight as she reached up to the bandages. The symbols' light slowly dying and turning a muted gray color as layer by layer they began to fall to the ground. Cactus Cookie breathed heavily as she felt an icy fear grip her heart, she gritted her teeth and using one of the spikes on her arm, ripped though the last layers. Everyone took a step back as Cactus Cookie steadied her breath. Slowly, she lifted her head, and opened her eyes. The others stood in quiet shock for a moment before Red Velvet stepped forward to help her to her feet. “How are you feeling?” He asked her. “Better,” she replied with a smile.
“How is this possible?” A voice said. The group turned to see the trio of hooded Cookies coming over. Their leader being supported by another as he walked with a limp. “Not even the five Ancient Heroes could destroy the curse… And yet, you all have found a way to undo Bitter Truth Cookie’s magic.” Licorice Cookie snorted, “Yeah, but that aside, why have you three been causing so much trouble for us? Who even are you guys?” The hooded Cookie supporting their leader spoke up, “We’re really sorry, we just couldn’t risk anyone successfully entering Hero’s Gate. If you really do want to bring the Ancient Heroes back, that comes with the risk of bringing The Blind King back as well.” The last Hooded Cookie stepped forward, “We were there when the destruction of the Vanilla Kingdom sealed them away. Whatever magic made the Heroes disappear, it also made The Blind King vanish. If the Heroes return, so will he! So it’s… It’s better if they all just stay gone.”
Red Velvet stepped forward. “But Bitter Truth Cookie’s minions are trying to revive him as we speak! What if they don’t all return at the same time? If The Blind King returns before the Heroes do he’ll have that much more time to do even more damage! But if the Heroes return before Bitter Truth Cookie, then they can help us to defend Earthbread from his evil plans!” Dark Choco nodded approvingly, “Well said, Red Velvet Cookie,” he whispered to the Cake-Cookie hybrid. “You don’t understand! You haven’t seen the destruction that vile Wizard is capable of! We were lucky to escape with our lives!” The leader of the Hooded Cookies exclaimed. Now it was Dark Choco’s turn to step forward, “Actually, I do. After my kingdom fell to Bitter Truth Cookie’s forces, I had to lead a mass exodus of the survivors. We had to rebuild the entire kingdom on the other side of the Great Icing Ridge. It took us two years to restore what took our ancestors hundreds. I lost many friends, many of my friends lost family… I… I lost my father in the Dark Flour War… So don’t lecture us about not understanding what we’re up against! I know from first hand experience! But I refuse to run and hide! As Prince of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, I will not rest until Bitter Truth Cookie has been vanquished or I crumble trying to defend what my Father held dear!" He shouted, planting his sword into the ground.
“So wait… You three have been messing with the Trials, going so far as to almost kill us with that rockslide back there-!” Licorice began to say before the leader cut them off, “It wasn’t meant to get that far, you were supposed to turn back at the bridge, but…” He sighed, “You Cookies were just too stubborn…” He said, finally removing his hood. The group collectively gasped as they realized, they recognized him. “Elder Waffle Cone Cookie?!” Red Velvet exclaimed in disbelief. “Gramps?” Rye Cookie breathed. The group looked to see the sheriff returning with a golden badge in her hands. “Oh, there you are, Rye Cookie!” Poison Mushroom Cookie cheered, “Hey… Where’s Wheat Cake?” Rye Cookie looked between the Elders, Red Velvet and her friends, and the no longer cursed Cactus Cookie. “What is going on?” She said, shaking her head.
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“Can you feel the river run? Waves are dancing to the sun,” Sweet Mint Cookie sang as Wheat Cake gently took a cloth and cleaned the dirt and sand from her arms and face. “Take the tide and face the sea, and find a way to follow me.” Wheat Cake smiled as he listened to her sing, even adding a verse of his own as he worked to clean her cuts, “Leave the field and leave the fire, and find the flame of your desire,” Sweet Mint smiled and swayed a bit as her Cake gently smoothed her torn dress out. “Set your heart on this far shore,” the two sang together, taking each other's hand in their own, “and sing your dream to me once more.”
“You still remember,” Wheat Cake said softly, tears coating his eyes as she smiled. “Of course! We used to sing that all the time back at the bakery!” Wheat Cake laughed, “Oh yeah, that little old shop we ran together back in Happy Herbville. Gosh, that seems like a lifetime ago…” he said, lowering his head. It always hurt to think back to the life he used to live with her. He remembered when Sweet Mint first arrived in Happy Herbville, something about her kind nature and charming clumsiness captivated him. From their first conversation he knew… This was his Cookie, the one he was meant to protect. “But I failed…”
“Huh?” Sweet Mint said, tilting her head to the side with that unnaturally wide smile never leaving her face. “I failed to protect you… I couldn’t… I should have…” He held back a sob that had caught in his throat. “I’m so sorry, Sweet Mint… it’s all my fault.” Sweet Mint could feel the Cake shaking in her lap, just barely holding it together. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in for a hug. Even with her memories cloudy and her mind broken, she still recognized her old friend, he was hurting, and she wanted to take away that hurt. “It’s not your fault, Wheaty. I’m just glad you’re ok… I’m glad… I’m happy… Happy, happy, happy…” Her voice was too robotic and strained to be convincing. “No, you’re not… You’re suffering. And it’s all because of me.” She ran her hand through his golden blonde stalks of wheat hair. “I can’t suffer anymore, I’m not afraid, and nothing can hurt me with my King’s Blessing,” she said, her voice monotone and her smile strained. Wheat Cake sighed, “Yeah, I know.”
“Arf! Arf! Arf!”
Wheat Cake stiffened and jumped to his feet, boomerang at the ready as he realized Chiffon was standing at the doorway to their hidden corner. “Chiffon…” He hissed through gritted teeth, “What are you doing? Shoo!” Sweet Mint stood up and clapped her hands together, “Ooh! Puppy!” Wheat Cake tugged on the back of her dress as she tried to run to Chiffon, arms outstretched. “Minty, no,” he said firmly. “It’s ok, Wheat Cake,” Red Velvet said as he rounded the corner, scratching Chiffon behind the ears as the pupcake wagged his tail proudly. Wheat Cake stood in front of Sweet Mint Cookie. “How did you find us?” he hissed, boomerang pointed outwards in a display of bravado. Red Velvet chuckled, “Chiffon has an excellent sense of smell, and you left your scent on this,” he said, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out Wheat Cake’s discarded deputy badge. Wheat Cake sighed and lowered his weapon. “Look, I don’t know what Rye Cookie told you, and I am sorry it has to be this way, but I’m not letting anyone take her from me again.”
“Wheaty…” Sweet Mint said softly. Red Velvet held up his hands, “Hey, it’s ok, I get it. I’d be the same way if it was one of my friends.” Wheat Cake scoffed, “No, you don’t get it, have you ever lost someone you cared about because you were too much of a coward to just stand your ground?” Sweet Mint knelt down and placed a hand on his head reassuringly, “I told you to run, remember?” Wheat Cake looked up at her with a sigh, “I shouldn’t have.”
“No, Wheat Cake, you did the right thing,” Red Velvet said, “If it was me I would have wanted to make sure Chiffon was safe as well.” The pupcake wagged his tail happily with a yip. “But escaping to safety meant you were able to go on to help others. If you got caught by Bitter Truth Cookie’s army you never would have made it here, and we never would have met.” Wheat Cake scoffed, “And what good did that do me? What good did that do her!?” He shouted, pointing at the cursed Sweet Mint Cookie. “It means we’ll be able to help her,” Red Velvet replied. “Yeah right, Rye Cookie just sent you to drag me back so she could send her away!” Wheat Cake snapped. “Hey, in all the time you’ve spent working with her, have you ever known Rye to have someone else do her dirty work for her?” Red Velvet reasoned. Wheat Cake paused, looking to Sweet Mint Cookie as she played with his hat. He sighed, “No… Where is she anyway?”
“Chewing out the Village Elders for tampering with the Trials,” Red Velvet replied. “What?” Wheat Cake asked, raising an eyebrow. “Heh, yeah, long story. I can explain on the way back,” Red Velvet said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “Hey! I never said I agreed to-”
“Wheat Cake, we know how to cure the Curse.” Wheat Cake blinked and looked back at Red Velvet in disbelief, “Wha- That’s… That’s impossible.” Red Velvet held his hand out. “Come back with us, I can show you. The other two Cookies are back to normal, we can do the same for her.” Wheat Cake placed a hand on Sweet Mint protectively, “I… I dunno, it just sounds too good to be true.” Red Velvet frowned, but then looked up at the Cursed Cookie who was swaying and humming softly, “Sweet Mint… What about you?” She looked in the direction of his voice. “Do you wanna go back, do you wanna keep running for the rest of your life? Or… Do you want to be with Wheat Cake again?” The Cursed Cookie’s brow furrowed in the closest thing to contemplation her expression could manage. Wheat Cake looked up at her expectantly, he knew the Curse made her inclined to be loyal to the manic that cursed her. But to his surprise, she knelt down, and hugged him tight before replying, “I… Want to be with my friend.”
“Mint…” Wheat Cake said softly, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Well, that settles it, right?” Red Velvet said with a soft chuckle. Wheat Cake gave him a distrusting look. “Hey, come on, would you ever expect a fellow Cake to lie to you?” Wheat Cake scoffed, “You’re only half Cake.”
“Yeah, but my Cookie half is honest too,” Red Velvet said with a laugh. Sweet Mint hugged her Cake tighter. Wheat looked up to see her smile seemed… Almost genuine. He sighed, and nodded, “Okay.”
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The soft glow of shadow and light swirled around Sweet Mint’s bandages. Slowly the glow of the symbols began to fade and the two cured Cookies stepped forward to help her unwrap them. Once she was free, she rubbed her eyes and slowly opened them, as if awakening from a long sleep. She looked up at the two Cookies holding the fading bandages in their hands, then to Red Velvet and Rye, and finally her gaze landed on Wheat Cake, who had been nervously fiddling with his boomerang the entire time. She smiled, not a wide, tense, unnatural smile, but a real one. One that spoke of a true joy and not a forced, artificial one. “Wheaty!” She exclaimed, running up to him, almost knocking Rye Cookie over in the process, and scooping him up and hugging him tight. She laughed, a musical laugh, not the crazed chuckle of a Cookie Cursed, but a genuine laugh. Her laugh. Her smile.
Wheat Cake couldn’t hold back the tears any longer as he gripped the front of her dress, clutching her as if he feared he would lose her again if he dared let go. “I missed you so much,” he said with a hiccup. “I missed you too,” she said, a few tears of her own falling freely as she nuzzled into his wheat locks. The rest of the assembled desserts smiled at the sight, their happy reunion eliciting a few “awww"s from the group. (Schwarzwälder even started crying and hugging his own Cookie, to which Licorice had to tell him to ease up as he was hugging too tight and couldn’t breathe.)
Rye Cookie then gave the three elders a look. Elder Waffle Cone Cookie sighed and approached Red Velvet and his friends. “We owe you all an apology. Out of fear from trying to prevent another Dark Flour War, our actions put you all in great peril.” Another Elder stepped forward, “We hope you all can forgive us.” The third added, “You’ve more than proven yourselves worthy, not only have you followed in their footsteps, but you kids did something not even the Ancient Heroes could do,” she nodded to the three freed Cookies, “You found a cure for the Sonmum Aeternus Curse!” Rye Cookie stepped forward, “And once I get word out to my fellow law enforcement, we can start rounding up all the Cookies we had to lock up to contain the curse and get 'em back to their families!”
Chiffon barked happily. “That’s great news, Rye Cookie!” Red Velvet cheered. Licorice Cookie hummed in thought, “What I wanna know is, why didn’t the Ancient Heroes find the cure? After all, Pure Vanilla Cookie was a Light Magic based Healer, and Dark Enchantress Cookie was a Dark Wizard. How had they never thought to combine their powers?” Dark Choco then spoke up, “Because when the curse was first discovered, Pure Vanilla Cookie had been away on an expedition. For three long years he had been in search of what he called, The Ultimate Healing Spell. And he only returned the day of the invasion of the Vanilla Kingdom. They didn’t have time to look for a cure when they were busy defending the Kingdom from the Blind King’s forces.” Red Velvet raised an eyebrow, “Wait, if Pure Vanilla was away for 3 whole years, then… Who was ruling his kingdom during that time?”
“Dark Enchantress Cookie was,” Licorice Cookie spoke up, “I’d read about it in chapter 10 of the book,” he said, summoning the book they’d been using as a map out of his pocket dimension. Dark Choco nodded, “Right, Pure Vanilla had asked her to look after the kingdom in his absence as the de facto queen. I remember father telling me in the evenings she could be found sitting on a small couch looking out a window overlooking the castle courtyard. Every single night she would sit there, watching, waiting for his return.” Healer Cookie gripped his staff a bit tighter, “For three years?” he said softly, “Every single night? She must have… Cared for him very deeply.” Healer Cookie fell silent, deep in thought before the feeling of Poison Mushroom Cookie tugging on his robes broke him from his musings. “Healer Cookie! C’mon! We’re finally going inside!” Healer shook his head as if to clear it, “Inside… Inside what?”
“The Heroes’ Chamber,” Elder Waffle Cone Cookie said as he stepped aside to clear the path for the group. “You all have proven yourselves to be more than worthy. I hope you find whatever you're seeking inside.” Dark Choco Cookie took the lead, staring down the white hallway that led to the inner chambers of Hero’s Gate. He took a deep breath, this was it, the moment of truth. “Cookies…” He said, brandishing his sword as their voices rose in unison before running down the halls.
“Onward!”