Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The light of resolution. A full awakening, giving way to a lord of dragons. A bright, blinding, virtuous light.

And then silence.

Dark Cacao wasn't sure how long he was unconscious for. The room he was in when he finally opened his eyes was cold and damp. The floors were an uncomfortable and unwelcoming sort of concrete, and his back ached with age as he sat up.

The sword. Where is his sword?

The scramble needed only last a moment, as it rattled in response next to him, just within reach. Grasping it tightly, Dark Cacao allowed himself a breath of relief.

Secure in his implements, the old king finally stood to survey his surroundings.

It almost looked like a dungeon cell, somewhere deep underground. There was a thick, windowless door across the room, the only light from a lantern hung on the wall.

Was this a trick? Dark Cacao had won. He felled the beast, united the dragons within his sword. Why is he here? Where is here?

“Finally awake, are we?” Came a soft, tired drawl from the corner.

Dark Cacao turned, assuming a defensive stance.

“Relax. I can't hurt you. You're the one with my soul jam, after all.” Mystic Flour’s gaze was heavy with exhaustion and pain, her dark eyes barely focusing on him.

“Where are we?” He grunted, not yet lowering his weapon.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Her head lolled to the side, turning her attention to the door. “I’ve tried it already. It's heavy, and locked. I’m too weak to bust it on my own right now.”

“… You were not the one who brought us here?” Dark Cacao narrowed his gaze suspiciously.

Mystic Flour ignored him. “I wonder if someone bothered to feed the little Haetae before we disappeared…”

Figuring he wouldn't get any more answers out of her, Dark Cacao moved to investigate the door himself. If the beast’s words were to be believed, the door isn't immovable. As she said, she was too weak to break the lock on her own, but she had indicated it could still be broken.

He tested the handle a couple times, examining the lock’s mechanism. The handle was being stalled in place by a latch, much too thick and seated into the wall to move or break on its own. However, the latch was strung to a metal piece on the wall, likely the mechanism to open it. Dark Cacao’s gaze followed the mechanism, up the wall and across the ceiling, and ultimately disappearing into a hole in the opposite wall.

The hole itself wasn't too small, a cookie of a slimmer stature than himself could probably push themselves through with some help.

The hole was also situated just above Mystic Flour’s head. She didn't seem to have moved from her spot since their arrival, so it was likely she was too weak to stand on her own, let alone climb to the hole. In a way, it was a shame, since she seemed the perfect size to fit, and the wall just short enough that she'd be able to climb through standing on his shoulders- almost like this room was a puzzle made for them to solve together.

Glancing back down at the defeated beast, Dark Cacao searched his pocket for any rations he had left- finding only two halves of a peach bao he had brought on the journey to use as a last resort.

She wouldn't be able to stand unless she regained her strength. He wouldn't be able to return to his kingdom without her help.

In the end, his rationalization became that as long as he had both halves of the soul jam, he could still defeat her again if she turned against him.

“… What are you doing?” Her voice was hoarser than it was before, as she eyed the peach bao Dark Cacao held out to her.

“The only way to open the door is to trigger the latch. The other side of the latch is through the hole above your head, and I’m too large to fit.” He explained, not one to beat around the bush. Nothing of significance would be lost by telling her the truth.

Mystic Flour stared at the peach bao for longer than Dark Cacao thought necessary.

“You don't have to take it if you'd rather go stale in here, I can find another way out-”

“I don't need your charity.” She responded, snatching the fruit from him regardless. The tension left her shoulders upon the first bite.

Dark Cacao opened his mouth to comment, but she cut him off again.

“How is he doing?”

“Hm?”

“Peach Blossom Cookie. It has been a very long time since I last saw him. How is he?”

“He tends the orchard well.”

“It ought to be beautiful this time of year.”

“… It was.”

It felt strange, conversing like this while watching her eat. Against his better judgement, Dark Cacao sat down across from her and took a bite of the other half he had saved for himself.

“Were you friends with him?” Dark Cacao asked hesitantly.

“Mm.” Mystic Flour paused to savor another bite. “Not exactly. But he never asked anything of me, and so I grew fond of him.”

The Haete had told him that many had demanded the beast grant their wishes, growing desperate and forceful- it isn't much wonder why she'd prefer the company of those who ask nothing of her.

“… It is nice to know they still bloom.” There was a melancholy tone to Mystic Flour’s voice, one that could suggest self pity if Dark Cacao didn't believe her to be too proud a person.

“Why wouldn't they?” His curiosity got the best of him, the question leaving his throat before he could stop it.

“The last time I spoke to that gardener… There was a blockage in the rivers, and the irrigation was running dry. The peach trees were at risk of wilting. He asked me- the one thing he had ever asked of me- to find a way to restore the irrigation, to save the orchard.” She stared down into the remaining bites of the peach bao in her hands with an unseeing gaze. “I panicked. It was immature of me. I left the orchard and sealed myself away. I never even gave him an answer.”

Finally, Dark Cacao could distinguish the emotion in her voice. Guilt. To push away her only friend when he asked her for help- he knows the feeling clawing at her all too well.

“Everything I had done was in defense of my kingdom’s walls.” He had no reason to tell her this. “I would raise my blade against whatever I believed to be a threat, regardless of whether I was right.” She had no need to know. “I allowed lies to poison me, all for the purpose of defending my walls.”

She looked up to meet his eye. He ignored the tears breaching her cheeks.

“I raised my blade against my closest friends, my most loyal soldiers, my- … My own son.”

“You were afraid to lose what you held dear.”

“Yes.” He took a slow breath, pushing himself to face a truth he knew he wouldn't enjoy. “Just like you. But while my solution was to carry forth and shoulder the pain and guilt on my own- you chose to hold nothing dear at all.”

Mystic Flour stared at him with an unreadable expression. “… We are similar in that way.”

“Yes.”

“And you are the righteous one.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Neither of us were right in our answers. We simply had two different solutions to the same problem. That doesn't make either of them good.”

“… What is the solution, then?”

“I don't know.”

“I ought to.”

“But you don't.”

“No.”

“I cannot return to the mountain.”

The admission was blunt and sudden, and it took Dark Cacao a moment to realize what she had said.

“I don't intend to leave you here when I escape.” He frowned. Surely she didn't think him cruel enough to abandon her in this place?

“The mountain only permits those seeking enlightenment. I no longer seek such a thing.” There was longing in the beast’s voice. Despite her adamance that she cannot return, she clearly wants to go home.

“You're powerless without the soul jam.” Dark Cacao asserted, testing the waters.

“Only rubbing it in now?” Mystic Flour frowned, her tone dripping with venom. He had clearly struck a nerve.

“I’m not trying to offend you.”

“You're doing a terrible job.”

“At least let me finish.” Dark Cacao grunted, but relaxed when she did not respond. Meeting her expectant gaze, he took a breath and laid his offer. “Return to the Dark Cacao Kingdom with me. You do not possess the power to harm anyone, and are therefore not a threat. If you have nowhere else to go, at the very least the city walls are safe.”

Mystic Flour's eyes widened. She had never looked quite as surprised. “What… What reason do you have to offer me your kindness?”

“Obligation.” He answered bluntly, with no intention to lie to her. “My conscience wouldn't allow me to leave you with nowhere to call home.”

A beat of silence. Perhaps he had misstepped in offering?

“Pff-”

… What?

“Hahaha!”

She's laughing?

“I can't say I took you for someone quite that blunt, but I appreciate your honesty.” Her smile was small, but warm. “I’ll return with you. But let us escape here first. I should be able to stand now- with some help.”

He could hear the shake in her voice, however slight- someone hesitant to ask for assistance, but trying her hardest in the face of the task at hand.

Dark Cacao nodded and stood wordlessly, holding out his hand for her to take. Shakily she stood, using his arms as support until she was fully on her feet.

“Thank you.” She mused, turning to look up at the wall behind her. “You want me to climb in there?”

“You should be able to reach if you stand on my shoulders.” Dark Cacao confirmed, repeating the assessment he made earlier.

Mystic Flour hummed in agreement, pondering for a moment. “Alright. Kneel facing the wall, I’ll climb up your back.”

Though he pursued the action hastily to hide his face, Dark Cacao flustered for a moment at the thought. He would have to kneel for her if she were to get on his shoulders, wouldn't he? And yet he, the stalwart king, had never knelt for anyone.

… Desperate times call for desperate measures.

He felt one delicate foot after the other climb his back and come to stand on his shoulders. She really was rather light, wasn't she?

Slowly, as to ensure she did not fall, he rose to his full height, keeping his eyes respectfully low.

“I think- I can reach it.” Her voice came from above him, and he felt her slight weight leave his shoulders.

“Follow the metal strip on the ceiling.” He called to her as she disappeared into the tunnel. “The mechanism should be on the other end.”

Dark Cacao considered moving back to the door to prepare for it to open, but then realized he ought to wait where he is to catch Mystic Flour. After all, there may not be enough room in the tunnel to turn around, and she wouldn’t be able to see if he was still in position to catch her- until it's too late, that is.

“It’s too dark to see.” Her voice echoed from deep within the tunnel. “Ah- I think I found a lever. Tell me if something happens when I pull it.”

A click from the tunnel, and the metal strips all flipped to the side, the mechanism finally releasing the latch on the door.

“It opened!” He called to her. “Try to back out, I’ll catch you!”

“… Don't drop me.” He heard her voice getting closer once again as her pale form emerged from the tunnel- dropping over the edge of the opening and landing safely in Dark Cacao’s arms.

He fought a smile as she opened her eyes, having squeezed them shut when she fell.

“… Not a word.” She chided, seeing through his poker face regardless.

With the latch now pried from its position, a hefty tug at the handle was enough to pull the door open, giving way to a stone hallway. Out in front of them was a small stretch of cobbled flooring and a staircase leading upwards. Finally exiting the room, the wooden door at the top of the stairs had light filtering through the stained glass window- and outside of it, the vast expanse of Beast Yeast’s thick jungle.

“We’re just… Outside?” Dark Cacao marveled, turning back at the sound of the wooden door shutting behind them- only to see the passage gone, replaced with a grassy clearing.

“Fascinating.” Was the only comment Mystic Flour offered.

Steeling himself, Dark Cacao cleared his throat. “Is there anything you'd like to retrieve from the temple before we leave? I know you're not one for worldly possessions, but-”

“There is… one thing.” She answered, pursing her lips.

The temple was just as desolate and otherworldly as Dark Cacao remembered it to be. He hoped to retrieve whatever it was the beast wanted and leave quickly.

Mystic Flour allowed her steps to grow in volume as they wandered the courtyard, almost like she was trying to make her presence known.

Before Dark Cacao could question her, however, a blur of warm white fluff came bounding out of one of the vacant buildings.

“Master!” The little Haetae barked excitedly. “You're alive!”

“By a stroke of luck, perhaps.” Mystic Flour answered, kneeling to gently rub the soft creature’s head. “This temple is unsuitable for residence, little Haetae. How long have you been here on your own?”

“Since you sealed yourself away, master! I waited here for you the who~ole time!” The yipping Haetae seemed proud of themself, and Mystic Flour’s smile grew saddened.

“You need not wait any longer, then. We have a new home awaiting us. You will accompany me.”

Dark Cacao almost smiled himself at the way the Haetae lit up, bouncing from their hind to front legs and back again in excitement.

Mystic Flour lifted the dog-like creature into her arms and turned to Dark Cacao. “I have retrieved what I came here for. We may leave now.”

The Haetae paid Dark Cacao no attention, happily burying their face in Mystic Flour’s shoulder and basking in her hand smoothing the fur on their back.

The boat ride was thankfully rather uneventful, a message by carrier raven had informed Dark Cacao that the soldiers he brought with him had already returned to the kingdom safely.

As the ship prepared to dock, Dark Cacao frowned to himself on the private deck.

“You're brooding again.” Mystic Flour's voice was less jarring than it was the first time she had appeared like this. Upon the ship, with just the two of them and the captain steering it, she had grown accustomed to coming and going wherever she pleased- and her Haetae had begun to do the same(much to the detriment of Dark Cacao's sleep schedule).

“‘Brooding’ is not the word I would use.” Dark Cacao huffed.

“Alright, what are you ‘pondering’ then? We're docking now, you should be preparing to depart.”

“I am preparing. The soldiers I brought with me to Beast Yeast have already returned to the kingdom safely. I haven't figured how I’ll explain your presence to them.”

“Why bother? Are you not the king? It's not like you owe them an explanation.”

“My people have less trust in me than before. After previous incidents, I have to restore their faith in my judgement.”

“… This is the ‘poison’ you mentioned?” Mystic Flour asked.

“You remember that?”

“It was only a few days ago.”

“… An advisor I believed I could trust had turned my kingdom against me and deprived my people for his own gain. Though his conspiracy was uncovered and my authority restored, I cannot deny that my own judgement had faltered. There are many of my subjects that have reason to distrust me now. I have to tread carefully to earn their respect once again.”

Mystic Flour mulled over the admission for a moment. “You're far more patient than I am.”

“Didn't you meditate in a cocoon for centuries?”

“Matters of the self are very different from matters involving others. I don't have as much grace when it comes to people.”

The docking bell interrupted their conversation.

“Well, it's time to depart regardless.”

“Have you decided what you'll do?”

“… I’ll ‘wing it’, as the youth say.”

Dark Cacao left the balcony first, if only to hide his smile at the sound of her laughter.

“Sir! Please exercise caution! The beast has followed you within the city walls!” Caramel Arrow had already drawn her bow upon the pair stepping off the ship, aimed directly at Mystic Flour.

“There's no need for that, Caramel Arrow Cookie.” Dark Cacao put up a hand to stall his soldier. “Without her soul jam, she is harmless. I have granted her a chance at redemption.”

Caramel Arrow furrowed her brow, searching Mystic Flour for any hint of conspiracy. Finally, she lowered her weapon, taking a step back.

“She is… Harmless, sir?” Failing to hide the skepticism in her voice, Caramel Arrow turned to her king for answers.

“She intends to reside in the kingdom peacefully.”

“… As you wish.” Caramel Arrow conceded, deciding it best to pick her battles. “And the dog, sir?”

The question, admittedly, caught Dark Cacao off guard. “The dog?”

Mystic Flour wordlessly lifted her Haetae by the scruff of their neck as they bounded off the ship. “The little Haetae is mine, and I will accept full responsibility for any mischief they may get into.”

“… The dog is hers.” Dark Cacao affirmed.

Caramel Arrow, sensing another battle she ought not to pick, nodded in agreement. “As you decree, sir.”

The people accepted Mystic Flour more readily than Dark Cacao initially thought, but he was thankful nonetheless.

“This will be your chambers.” Dark Cacao opened the door to the guest suite, holding it wide for Mystic Flour to enter, Cloud Haetae trotting in time beside her.

“It's more luxurious than I expected.” Mystic Flour commented, looking over the richly decorated room.

Dark Cacao did not show that he was slightly offended by the accusation. “This is the main palace. All the chamber rooms are decorated in this style.”

“Even yours?” She glanced over at him with a soft, teasing smile.

“I-! … Even mine.” Dark Cacao admitted reluctantly. “I did not choose the decorations.”

“Of course not. It looks very nice.”

By the time Dark Cacao realized the true intent of her statement, she had already changed the subject.

“All the chamber rooms are in this wing, then?” She asked.

“Mm. Mine is at the end of the hall, two rooms down from this one. Caramel Arrow Cookie has a room on the other side of yours as First Watcher, but she rarely uses it.” Dark Cacao explained.

“And the fourth room?”

“Mm?”

“There are four rooms in this hallway. Who does the one between yours and mine belong to?”

Dark Cacao’s breath hitched, and he hesitated for a moment. “… Someone who has not lived here in a very long time.”

Mystic Flour did not press the subject further.

“Would you like to share some jellies with me? One of the watchers gave them to me. Supposedly, they give you more energy.” She offered, kneeling across from him at the table.

“Mm, I suppose I have some time before my next meeting.” He knelt upon the vacant pillow at the table, cracking a small smile.

“I’ve never had this kind before, are they eaten raw?”

“They can be, but they taste better cooked. These tables come with a small induction stove, I’ll show you how to prepare them.” Dark Cacao turned the knob on the side of the gas panel in the center of the table.

Cloud Haetae lept from their spot on the bed to peer over the table. “Are you cooking? What are you making? Can I have some? Ple~ease?”

Mystic Flour put her hand on their head with an amused smile. “I’ll let you try some of mine, but you have to be patient.”

The Haetae settled, but their stout tail continued to wag in place.

“I’ll see if I can prepare them with the regular skewers, I’ll have to get you a proper stand for them-”

“Just don't burn them.”

“I have enough cooking experience not to do that much.”

“Are you sure? Perhaps I should take over~”

“Absolutely not!”

“You don't trust me to cook, Dark Cacao?”

“It's not a matter of trust, it's a matter of my pride as king!”

“To do what? Cook a couple jellies?”

“I can assure you, I am fully capable of-”

“Well your highness, your jellies are burning.”

“What?! Already?!” 

The evening continued much the same way, with teasing and laughter and Mystic Flour sneaking every other roasted jelly handed to her to her Haetae(no matter how many times Dark Cacao tells her that the jellies are for the two of them).

Dark Cacao never attends the meeting, but those who go searching for him hear the sound of his laughter through the door and think better of disturbing him.

Chapter Text

The Dark Cacao Kingdom is placed at the northmost coast of the continent, right on the border of the cold, unforgiving Licorice Sea. Pure white snow covers the area for miles no matter the season, with the dark walls of the grand citadel standing out in stark contrast, a bastion of life amidst the frozen wastes.

However, there is one singular place where plants of humid varieties grow, beautiful and colorful and teeming with life, deep within the castle and forgotten by its residents.

Well, most of them.

Mystic Flour had first discovered the greenhouse while supervising Cloud Haetae’s daily excursion. Following an unfortunate incident involving a market stall and a very flustered Caramel Arrow, the Haetae was deemed to require supervision when out and about. However, all manner of creatures require exercise, and Mystic Flour had rationalized that the Haetae was more likely to behave with their master around.

Hesitant to let the little creature out into the bustling city so soon, Mystic Flour decided it best to roam within the castle walls for the time being. Within such walls, a heavy door gave way to a seemingly abandoned courtyard. The bamboo stalks were overgrown, and the brush was thick and wild.

Mystic Flour, though a self-proclaimed hermit, was once a wise sage in her own right. However, curiosity takes all beings, and with that she lifted Cloud Haetae into her arms and began to wade through the unruly plants, caring not for her coat being snagged and torn.

On the other side of the small forest of bamboo and brambles was a building. Wood frames holding glass panels, some so rotted through it was a miracle the glass hadn't fallen.

That miracle was short lived, as a firm push to the door sent a ceiling panel crashing to the ground. Once the broken glass had settled, Mystic Flour once again pushed the door open to explore the decrepit building.

Planters lined the walls and rested toppled on the floor, as if they had once hung proudly from the ceiling. The plants within had all withered and decayed long ago, unable to withstand the cold air that had crept in over the years.

Suddenly, Mystic Flour yearned for the lush, beautiful flowers and ivy that decorated her temple in its glory days, the lotuses that danced in the water and the golden trees that swayed in the wind.

Perhaps having something to do would make the days more bearable.

Over the next several weeks, Mystic Flour would slip off to the hidden courtyard, roll up her sleeves and tie up her coat and cut through branches, replace wood and glass, bring new soil and planters, and little by little, rebuild the greenhouse.

And Mystic Flour was nothing if not meticulous. The bamboo was beautiful, but there was far too much of it. Filling the area around the stalks she'd keep with pebbles would provide aesthetics and prevent the shoots from propagating- sectioning the area with cinder blocks would keep the roots retained and create paths to navigate the garden. Plants adapted for the cold would be planted and tended outside, while the climate within the greenhouse could be more easily controlled. Heaters and misters inside to keep the room humid and warm, tempered sugar glass on the ceiling to amplify the light from the sun, and though Mystic Flour was not as young as she used to be, Cloud Haetae was still small enough to weed the ground beds without even needing to bend over.

When it came time to choose the plants inside, Mystic Flour was struck with a realization.

“Haetae.”

“Yes master?” Cloud Haetae answered happily.

“Do you still have the pouch I gave you? Before we left the temple?” She had given them a small bag of edible plants from the temple to eat on the boat ride, since it would be a few days and she wasn't sure if the food aboard the ship would be fitting to their diet- she wasn't even sure if they hadn't eaten it all yet.

“I still have some of the plants inside, too!” Cloud Haetae answered, proud of their own self-discipline.

They handed Mystic Flour the pouch, and she carefully pulled off whatever she thought would propagate, attentively planting them in the soil.

It wasn't her temple. Nothing would ever be her temple. But it was already starting to feel like home.

Several more weeks passed, with Mystic Flour tending the garden in her free time, letting Cloud Haetae burn their excess energy chasing all manner of insects and small animals that had come to settle in the garden that had become her sanctuary. The water planters in the greenhouse had turned a deep gold as the lotuses and mandu buds inside took root. At some point, Dark Cacao had noticed her habit of picking flowers(planning to propagate them) and left a bouquet from a faraway kingdom in her room.

Though the vibrant pink and blue berry flowers looked stark in contrast to her gold and ivory blooms, Mystic Flour couldn't deny they were beautiful(and lucky that the climate was similar enough to grow in the greenhouse without issue). Perhaps she ought to visit the Hollyberry Kingdom one day- though she cringed at the idea of Eternal Sugar finding out, knowing she'd never hear the end of it.

Mystic Flour didn't turn her head immediately at the sound of the greenhouse door opening, knowing the Haetae was playing in the garden still. They must have finally tired themself out, and come in to rest at her feet while she tended the berry roots.

However, she never did feel her little Haete’s soft fur at her ankles, nor the gentle pressure of their chin on her foot. Instead, she only heard a deep voice.

“Did you do all of this?” Dark Cacao’s voice wasn't quite devoid of emotion, but it wasn't one she could identify.

“Nobody else had used it for years when I found it. I could barely get to the greenhouse with the bamboo so overgrown.” She answered simply, moving straight to defending her case rather than answering him directly.

“These plants…” Out of the corner of her eye, Mystic Flour could see him take a petal from one of the lotuses between his fingers.

“Buds I saved from the temple before we left Beast Yeast.” She looked over at him, finally meeting his eye. “They grow surprisingly well here.”

“You did this all yourself? Why?” Dark Cacao asked in slight disbelief.

“The Haetae helped with the weeding, I’m not as flexible as I used to be.” She shrugged. “As for the why… I suppose you've finally been rubbing off on me, virtue of resolution.”

Dark Cacao did not respond to her coy smile in kind. If anything, he seemed to be searching her expression- for what, she wasn't sure. After a long silence, however, he seemed to have finally found his answer.

“You're homesick.”

Mystic Flour would be taken aback by his bluntness if she hadn't grown accustomed to it by now. “The temple has not been home to me in a very long time.” She turned her attention to the lotus petals he had been observing. “But I do long for what it used to be.”

“These flowers weren't in the waterways when I was there.” Dark Cacao observed, finally.

“The lotuses dried up shortly before I retreated to my cocoon. I preserved a few petals in yarn before everything began to wither. I didn't expect them to propagate anymore.”

“You were rather lucky, then.”

“Quite.”

Dark Cacao opened his mouth as if to say something, but shifted the look in his eye as if to say something else. “The plants here are beautiful.”

Mystic Flour could not glean what he wanted to say, no matter how she searched his eyes for an answer.

“Is this what you did with the flowers I gave you?” He asked, moving to observe the berry bushes.

“So it was you who left them. Nobody would give me a straight answer.” She teased.

“I sent you flowers because I thought you liked flowers. I see you picking them all the time.” Dark Cacao frowned.

“I do enjoy flowers. But the ones I pick are to propagate in the garden.”

“If I had known you were going to mutilate them anyway, I would have just sent you seeds instead.”

Mystic Flour could sense the dissatisfaction in his tone from the moment he noticed the berry bushes, but it was only now that she realized why.

“I did not take your gift in the manner you intended.”

“It shouldn't matter what you do with it. A gift is a gift.”

“But you're upset with me.”

“I’m not upset with you.”

“Then you're upset with something else?”

“I’m not upset, why would you think-”

“Because you're shouting.”

Mystic Flour's soft and level tone had finally made Dark Cacao realize how his voice had raised in volume. The quiet humming of the humidifier was all that broke the silence now.

“… Forgive me. I’ve been working on my temper lately-”

Mystic Flour placed a lotus in his hands, only just harvested from the water planter. “Here.”

“What?”

“I’ll give you a flower to do as you please with. You can use it to upset me in some way, and then we’ll be even.”

“Are you… Mocking me?” Dark Cacao's brow furrowed, but he sounded more confused than offended.

“No?” Mystic Flour tilted her head in earnest. “We’re settling the score. Once we’ve each had a turn to be upset with one another, there will be no more imbalance.”

Mystic Flour, a self-proclaimed hermit, had no experience mediating conflict when it involved herself. It took such an absurd proclamation for Dark Cacao to finally register that this was her genuine attempt at fixing the problem.

Dark Cacao looked down at the lotus resting in his hands. “Before I arrived at the temple, how long had it been since you spoke to another cookie?”

“Before you arrived at the temple, my spirit was sealed in the silver tree. Several centuries before that, I had meditated in my cocoon for nearly double that time.”

“You're a very patient person.” Was the answer Dark Cacao chose to give her.

“No, you just don't like to be alone with your thoughts.” Even in such a somber conversation, she still proved to be rather fond of teasing him.

“Mystic Flour. Cookies do not operate on an ‘eye for an eye’ doctrine when resolving conflict.” He was struggling to find his phrasing, but pushed through his statement regardless. “I wanted to give you a gift you would enjoy. Gifts are meant to be used as the recipient sees fit, but I was still… Disappointed, to find that you tore the flowers apart.”

“But I do enjoy the gift.” Mystic Flour answered, echoing her previous response. “The flowers were beautiful, but they'd wither with time. By propagating them here in the greenhouse, they can keep growing, and I can have them for longer.”

As Mystic Flour turned her attention back to the vibrant plants, she did not hear the king beside her respond right away.

“You prefer tropical plants, then?”

“If I wanted something from another climate, I’d have to build a whole separate greenhouse.”

“The Hollyberry Kingdom neighbors a vast jungle. I’ll bring you with me next time I visit, and you can take clippings of anything you like.” Dark Cacao did not meet her eyes when he made the offer.

“Your friends would not like me.”

“My citizens have the faith in me to trust you. My friends will do the same.”

She searched him for any hint of a lie. His eyes did not meet hers, and the warm tint to his cheeks must be embarrassment. He rarely puts out such offers- perhaps his friends are important to him in such a way? He was chewing on his bottom lip, though sucked between his teeth to hide it- a nervous habit that she had not told him she noticed. He was being shy. His friends are likely not the trusting type- it would take a lot to earn their welcome, but Mystic Flour is nothing if not proud.

“Very well. The next time you visit this Hollyberry Kingdom, I will accompany you.” Warmth crept into her smile again. The stoic king is rather cute when he's embarrassed.

Mystic Flour, a self-proclaimed hermit, had not spoken to another cookie in almost two-thousand years. However, the warm interior of the greenhouse is the perfect climate for beautiful plants- and the seedling of something else, finally beginning to sprout. 

Chapter Text

If there was one thing Caramel Arrow prided herself on, it was her loyalty. She believed wholeheartedly in her king, and would follow him and his just rule unquestioningly for as long as she remained in the snowy lands.

Which is why it bothered her that the beast continued to roam the citadel freely. Caramel Arrow had always believed her king to be an intelligent man, that even if she did not understand his actions immediately, she would come to in time.

But it had been six months. Six months, and Caramel Arrow was no closer to understanding her king’s decision. Even if the beast truly wanted redemption, why would it be the Dark Cacao Kingdom’s job to provide that? What do they owe her, to allow the beast that plagued and nearly crumbled their people to roam the city freely.

That Haetae has a habit of nabbing food, which would be more bearable if the only thing that prevented them from doing so wasn't the presence of the beast herself.

The most pressing issue, however, was that her king, her intelligent, resolute king, had placed the beast in the vacant room directly next to Caramel Arrow’s.

Sleeping in the citadel was never something favored by Caramel Arrow. She preferred the forest when she could, camping beneath the stars and among the snow and trees. The other watchers believed her the independent sort, like an untamable creature of the wilderness. Of course, Caramel Arrow pretended not to understand that they were  simply calling her ‘uncivilized’ in the politest manner they could come up with.

Rarely did Caramel Arrow stay in her room in the citadel, and even less with the beast sharing her wall. Yet, the one night she found herself with no choice, was the night a heavy knock came to her door.

The sound of the fist was armored, thick metal that would require a considerable stature to carry. There was no shifting outside, no anxiety. And yet, she had not heard the footsteps before it.

Steeling her analytical habits, Caramel Arrow rose to her feet and slid open the door. “Sir?” She greeted, respectful yet pointed. It wasn't often the king came to visit her, even on the rare nights she did stay.

“Caramel Arrow Cookie. I have a request of you.” Dark Cacao responded, watching her expression intently. Whatever he came to request must be sensitive, to take so much care in not offending a subordinate.

Caramel Arrow stepped aside without hesitation, retaining her composure where she could. “Of course, sir! Please, come inside.”

Dark Cacao entered the room, yet lingered by the door. He did not continue until the door had shut. “I am leaving tonight, and will personally inspect the western walls tomorrow. I have already assigned people to oversee any necessary administrative duties in the two days I will be gone.”

Caramel Arrow had not heard of this. Not the king leaving, not even the assignment of administrative duties, nor the wall’s inspection. “Any responsibility you have for me, I will attend with the utmost vigilance-”

“There is no need.” Dark Cacao reassured her, quickly enough that it seemed he was trying to discourage her from pursuing these assignments. “I will only be gone for two days. In the meantime, I have a different job for you.”

Caramel Arrow blinked in surprise. “A different job, sir?”

“I would like you to keep an eye on Mystic Flour Cookie.”

Observe the beast, of course. Without the king himself to keep her in check, there'd be no telling whether she would try something! Caramel Arrow cookie fought a sage smile, once again secure in her faith in the king before her.

“As you wish, sir. I will ensure the beast causes no harm to the citadel in your absence.” Caramel Arrow graciously accepted the assignment, unaware of how Dark Cacao’s frown deepened.

“That… Is not what I meant.” Dark Cacao answered. “Mystic Flour Cookie remains a self-proclaimed hermit, such habits may slow her attempts at redemption. She wanders beyond her room, but she still only speaks to the Haetae and myself.”

“Sir?”

“She could use a friend.”

Caramel Arrow did not like the emotion that settled in her chest at his gentle expression, and Dark Cacao seemed to realize this, quickly clearing his throat.

“By which I mean, a companion would be useful to guide her in the right direction.”

In the end, Caramel Arrow accepted her task, but never before had she so worried for her king’s mental health.

Caramel Arrow stood outside of the door to Mystic Flour’s room, fist poised to knock, hesitating. She had been hesitating for a few minutes now, actually. What would she even say? How would she greet the beast? Does she even know about Caramel Arrow’s task? Would it be a detriment to tell her? Questions that never receive answers are a waste of time to ask, and Caramel Arrow finally knocked on the door.

No response.

As she prepared to try again, a voice startled her before her fist could reach the wood.

“Can I help you?”

Caramel Arrow felt a shiver down her back, turning to meet Mystic Flour's eye. The beast’s expression was neutral and unchanging, and it unsettled her. “I-I was-” Caramel Arrow paused to clear her throat and regain her composure. “I was looking for you. His majesty left last night to inspect the western wall. It's just you and I right now.”

“I am aware. Dark Cacao Cookie visited me before he left. He told me to expect a visit from you.” Mystic Flour’s response was factual and to the point. “What is it that you're here for, then?”

Caramel Arrow ran over the mental list she had made in preparation for this. She really ought to have properly chosen one. “I'm going hunting this morning.” She decided. “It'd be inappropriate to leave you here by yourself. The uh… Haetae can come too, though I’m not sure how well they’d fare as a hunting dog.”

“The Haetae enjoys chasing the squirrels and insects in the garden. They are yet to catch any.” Mystic Flour offered this confirmation and nothing more. “However, I have never been hunting before.”

Excitement stirred within Caramel Arrow. The other watchers always said she was a good teacher. “I’ll show you how. You can borrow one of my spare bows.”

Mystic Flour nodded. “Very well. Please wait for me at the gate. I’d like to prepare a different outfit.” With that, she disappeared into her room, leaving Caramel Arrow alone in the hallway.

To the beast’s credit, Caramel Arrow didn't need to wait very long. Mystic Flour arrived within the hour, dressed in pants and a tunic, the dark hiking boots clearly not her own. Cloud Haetae had rolled up their own sleeves in an act of preparation, or perhaps just to mimic their master. The two of them looked as prepared to hunt as they could be- almost.

“Ah… Your hair.” Caramel Arrow blurted out upon seeing her.

“My hair?” Mystic Flour's expression did not change, but she did tilt her head to indicate confusion.

“You should tie the rest of it up, too. If it sits over your shoulders like that, it could get caught in the drawstring.” Caramel Arrow pulled an ornate black comb from her bag, positioning herself behind Mystic Flour(who did not move or react, oddly).

With a small amount of fiddling, she had used the comb to pin the long strands of hair into the bun atop Mystic Flour's head that held the rest of her hair. “There! Now it should stay out of the way.”

Mystic Flour did not comment immediately, reaching upwards to feel out the hairstyle for herself. “This comb feels rather expensive.”

“It's fine, I got it discounted at the end of a sales day from a traveling merchant. I bought it on impulse years ago when I got my first bonus, but I never wear it. You can keep it, you'll get more use out of it than I did.” Was the explanation she gave. This is what friends do, right? Give each other gifts? It was quickly dawning on Caramel Arrow that she did not have many friends.

“Mm… Thank you.” Mystic Flour’s voice was so soft that she almost missed it, and for a moment she thought she had seen a warm smile grace her lips.

“Anyway, let's get moving. If we wait much longer, it'll be dark by the time we get to the campsite.” Caramel Arrow lifted her bags and began to prepare the gate’s opening mechanisms.

“Campsite? I was not aware we would be camping.” Mystic Flour did not make any indication of disapproval, but that had not stopped Caramel Arrow from worrying before.

“Oh! I just thought that since his majesty will be gone for two full days, we could hunt best in the early mornings and- w-we don't have to camp if you'd rather not-!”

“I never said that.” Mystic Flour asserted, and for a moment something changed in her tone. “I was simply mentioning that I was not aware. I would like to try camping. This is… Small talk, yes?”

Caramel Arrow was starting to realize why Dark Cacao chose her of all people.

The walk to the campsite wasn't as unpleasant as Caramel Arrow had expected it to be. Mystic Flour was not one to complain, and they kept good pace. For a former tyrant, the beast was a surprisingly good listener, and seemed at least politely interested in Caramel Arrow’s stories about the forest and her previous hunting trips.

“You've never been hunting or camping before, you said?” Caramel Arrow asked, realizing she ought to talk about something other than herself.

“Neither. I did not leave my temple often, and before sealing myself away, my days were far too busy with those seeking answers to their wishes.” She answered. “However, I did enjoy gardening- I still do. I was hoping to find some plants out here that I could bring back to propagate. You would know about those things, wouldn't you?”

“The plants? Yeah, I know the forest pretty well by now. There are some bushes that grow edible fruits, they go great with roasted meat after a hunt!” Caramel Arrow answered, proud to finally make some progress. Mystic Flour was very reserved and devoid of any relatable expression for the most part, and in a way, it was a relief to know that she at least had a hobby.

“Perhaps we should look for these bushes once we reach the campsite.” Mystic Flour's smile lingered a bit this time, only fading when they reached the end of the forest path.

“We’re almost there.” Caramel Arrow told her confidently. “We’ll have to go through the bushes for a while, though, so I’d carry the little one.”

Mystic Flour nodded, calling Cloud Haetae from the butterfly they had been chasing to lift them in her arms and follow Caramel Arrow through the brush.

The bushes stretched on, and Caramel Arrow almost lept out of her dough when she heard a humming behind her.

“Oh. Did I startle you?” Mystic Flour asked when she stopped.

“A little bit, yeah. You never struck me as a musical kind of person.”

“I don't sing often, but there's an old traveling song that had come to mind. I used to listen to the wish makers sing it as they arrived at my temple.” The beast explained. “It's very prevalent. I wouldn't be surprised if it had made its way to Crispia at one point.”

Caramel Arrow lit up. “I thought I recognized the tune! My mentor used to have the other trainee watchers and I sing it with her while on patrol!”

Their march through the brush continued on, this time with an accompaniment of song.

“The world’s too wide,
And the ocean’s just too small,
But if this world is big enough
For armies to stand tall,
Then the trees will grow,
And reach the great blue sky,
And when their leaves have lost their green,
We’re at the other side!”

Mystic Flour had a remarkably high singing voice for how deep she spoke, but it completed Caramel Arrow’s nicely in pitch. However, there was an unidentified guest that soured the harmony before the second verse, and remained as their voices faded.

Caramel Arrow raised an arm to stop them, finally identifying the uninvited tenor hidden among the trees. “Crunchy Chip Cookie, what are you doing out here?”

The messy haired cookie peered around the corner of the tree he had been hiding behind, a sheepish grin on his face. “… Not following you?”

Annoyed by the interruption, Caramel Arrow’s brow furrowed, reaching for her bow. “Talk, wolf boy.”

“Alright, alright! I was stopping in at town to pick up some supplies when you guys were leaving, and one of the watchers at the gate asked me to keep an eye on you! Y’know, just in case!”

“Just in case of what?” Mystic Flour's response was sudden and dark, and Caramel Arrow’s stomach lurched at the idea that they had offended the beast.

Ever oblivious, Crunchy Chip answered her bluntly, “In case you turn on us, y’know?-”

Caramel Arrow lunged forward to cover his mouth with her glove, giving him a panicked glare. “Don't do that!” She hissed, looking back to Mystic Flour. “He didn't mean it, don't- j-just ignore him!”

“What’d I say?” Crunchy Chip mumbled when she finally released him.

Mystic Flour tilted her head. “What did he say? After everything that's happened, it's completely understandable that he would not trust me. Have I missed something?”

Realizing she had jumped to conclusions again, Caramel Arrow finally relaxed. “Nevermind. We’re just going to camp tonight and hunt in the morning.”

“Oh. That makes sense!” Crunchy Chip began to bounce on his heels.

“… Did you want to join us?”

“Can I?!”

By the time the tents were set up and the campsite readied, night had long since fallen, leaving the three with a blazing fire and no food to cook on it.

“We really should have brought evening rations with us…” Caramel Arrow chided herself, jaw resting in her hands.

“If I had known you guys didn't bring anything, I would have saved some of my lunch…” Crunchy Chip latmented.

Mystic Flour did not offer any contribution to their musings, instead standing wordlessly and rooting through the small pouch she had brought with her.

“Caramel Arrow Cookie.” She beckoned, “Did you bring a pot with you?”

“Uh, yeah… I should have one I brought just in case. Why?”

Mystic Flour didn't answer right away, simply rummaging through the camping bag Caramel Arrow had brought with her and retrieving the pot. “Did you bring a canteen?”

“Yeah, here. There's still plenty of water in it, and a river nearby-”

Mystic Flour poured the contents of the canteen into the pot and set it up over the fire, dropping some buds from the pouch into the boiling water. After a few moments, the buds began to grow and bloom, and Mystic Flour lifted them from the water carefully.

“Dumplings.” She answered their confused expressions simply, handing one to each of them. “They're better while they're hot.”

Crunchy Chip lit up at the smell. “Where did you learn to make this? Is it some weird magic or something?”

“They grew around my temple. I used to watch the wish seekers that arrived, remember? I could see many of their camps from my bedroom window. They prepared the plants this way.” She explained. “I’ve never tried them before, personally. It's nice to finally have the opportunity.”

“Well, they smell delicious!” Caramel Arrow complimented, already taking a bite.

Mystic Flour felt a warmth in her chest. She had felt it before, when singing with Caramel Arrow, and before that when she spoke with Dark Cacao in the greenhouse. Perhaps this is what that faerie had meant about companionship.

The meal didn't last long between the three of them, all hungry from a long day of traveling. Retiring to their sleeping bags was just as easy, and Mystic Flour took comfort in the stars above her. She wondered how her old friends were doing. It had been the first time in a very long time that she thought about them, and a part of her hoped that they would find a situation like her own. Perhaps a carefree life like this was not so bad.

The sun hadn't even risen yet when Caramel Arrow woke her, handing her a bow before she even spoke.

“C’mon, we’re gonna go hunt!” Caramel Arrow hadn't looked this excited before, and as Mystic Flour saw Crunchy Chip already ready and waiting for them, she resigned herself to draw up her sleeping bag and slip on her boots.

She followed Caramel Arrow through a different part of the woods, this time trudging through snow rather than foliage.

“Here.” Caramel Arrow stopped her. “Look.” Slowly, quietly, she gestured towards a cake deer trotting through the woods. She gestured to Mystic Flour, and after a moment the former beast realized she wanted her to try to shoot it.

Mystic Flour drew the arrow steadily, calculating the perfect shot. The wind, the draw, the angle, all perfect. Find the opportune moment, and…

She completely missed.

The deer took off running, but Caramel Arrow didn't hesitate. She took Mystic Flour's arm and began chasing after it. The icy wind bit their faces, but the howling did nothing to muffle Caramel Arrow’s joyous laughter. Mystic Flour could see it in her face, this was her element, where she felt she belonged. Perhaps this was why Caramel Arrow spent so little time in her own room, she couldn't envision anything in the citadel that was like this.

Mystic Flour didn't see the shots Caramel Arrow fired, but the deer was dragged back to camp and made a wonderful breakfast.

The walk back to the city was a relieving sort of uneventful, but must have been longer than the walk there. Despite leaving much earlier, it was after dark when they returned to the citadel, and Dark Cacao was speaking with the gate guards when they reached him.

“Sir!” Caramel Arrow greeted, still high on the adrenaline of the hunt.

“Ah, Caramel Arrow Cookie-” Dark Cacao paused as he saw the trio, all covered in mud and grass stains, exhausted but smiling. “What… On Earthbread happened to you three?”

“We went hunting.” Mystic Flour answered first. “That's all.” She led Crunchy Chip past Dark Cacao without worry, imploring him to show her the cream wolves’ nursery he had mentioned before they cleaned up for dinner.

Dark Cacao, bewildered, turned back to Caramel Arrow for an answer.

“I fulfilled your task, sir.” Was her only answer.

Caramel Arrow prided herself on her loyalty. To her king, to her country, to her fellow watchers. And now, she had begun to extend that loyalty to her friends, as well.

Chapter Text

Following the hunting trip with Caramel Arrow, Mystic Flour found herself venturing outside the citadel more often- occasionally even by herself.

Perhaps it was the crisp air or the satisfying crunch of the snow as she walked, but Mystic Flour found her peaceful walks in the wilderness comforting, filling her with nostalgia for the average life she'd never lived.

It was on one of these such outings, on a day colder than most, that she chose on a whim to wander a path she had never taken before. The snow was less trodden than her usual route, but still imprinted enough to indicate a somewhat popular path. And so Mystic Flour thought nothing of the unpaved road, allowing herself a soft smile at the snowflakes glistening in the afternoon sun.

The peace was short lived, however, at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching rapidly, the yowl of a rather large creature about to strike its next meal. Before Mystic Flour could prepare to counter, summon her magic or find a weapon, the sound of a metal ‘CLANG!’ beat her to any reaction.

A familiar-looking cookie had his back to her, short black hair and a long cloak were all she could gather from the brief moment, as he seemed preoccupied with fending off the wild animal that had nearly struck her.

The struggle was over as quickly as it began, and the monster retreated into the trees. Mystic Flour made no move to speak, instead cautiously observing the other cookie for hostility.

He turned to look at her, red eyes holding a neutral expression- despite the scar that sealed one shut. He made no move to speak immediately either, the two staring one another down in cautious silence.

Realizing that no progress in the interaction would be made without conversation, Mystic Flour glanced downwards, finding a subject to speak of.

“… You're injured.” She noted, turning her gaze to the wound on his arm.

“I’m fine.” The mysterious cookie grunted, attempting to hide his arm in his cloak. “Are you hurt?”

“No.” Mystic Flour reached into the satchel tied around her waist, making a mental note of the way he tensed as if anticipating her to draw a weapon. “You saved me. I refuse to leave you like this, so at least let me tend to your wound as thanks.”

The cookie eyed the roll of bandages in her hand suspiciously. “You mean to help me?”

“You helped me. Don't be stubborn.” Mystic Flour retained a neutral, unreadable expression, simply waiting for an answer.

Reluctantly, the stranger sat on a nearby rock with her, allowing her to tend to the injury on his arm.

“Are you a watcher? I haven't seen you before.” She commented as she worked.

“W-Why are you asking?!”

Noting the way he had jumped to the defensive so quickly, Mystic Flour gave the stranger a neutral hum in response. “Simply making small talk. I’ve been practicing it lately.”

“What a strange woman…” She heard him mumble, humbly pretending not to hear him. “I’m a visitor from afar. I happened to be in the area when I saw the snow lion pounce.”

“I see. But you're from here, aren't you? I can tell by your clothing. Are you paying a visit to your hometown?”

“Something like that. You're dressed far too formally to be from one of the villages. You must be a foreigner, I assume?”

She allowed herself a soft smile at her own triumph in making conversation. “Yes. I’m a… Guest, for the time being.”

Though Mystic Flour had come to enjoy her quiet life here, the tugging sensation of it being torn away was not lost. A part of her worried and worried that just as she had gained such things, she would lose them even quicker. Perhaps this paranoia seeps into everyone who has lost so much. She briefly wondered if her old friends were experiencing the same thing, wherever they may be.

“Will you tell me your name, then? Since you seem so interested in getting to know me.” The stranger frowned, though he seemed serious in his inquiry.

For only a moment, she hesitated, wondering if he had heard of her. “Mystic Flour Cookie.” It's not like she had anything she wasn't already prepared to lose.

“Hm.” If he recognized the name, he did not show it. “How long have you resided in this kingdom, Mystic Flour Cookie?”

“Roughly six months.” There was no reason to lie at this point.

“I see.” The stranger showed hesitation of his own. “My name… Is Dark Choco Cookie.”

Something foreboding tugged at her chest. The name was familiar, though only in the form of uneasy whispers in the halls of the citadel, rumors in the markets that she had ignored the details of. Dark Cacao seemed anxious when he heard it himself.

Mystic Flour remained outwardly neutral. “Well, thank you for saving me, Dark Choco Cookie.” She finished tying off the bandage, standing to smooth out her dress. The curiosity of her former self spurred her forward once again as she retrieved a small harvest of herbs from her satchel.

“Here,” she held them out to him, “these will help the healing process. If you happen to get injured again and find yourself within the citadel, come to the greenhouse. I’ll gladly give you more.”

Dark Choco tensed at the mention of the greenhouse, but did not comment on it. “You're being far too kind to me. Why?”

“A life is invaluable, is it not? That's something I’m just now learning for myself, but this seems proportionate to me.”

He seemed to search her expression for any lack of sincerity, but seemed to give up when it had not changed at all. “Very well. I’ll try to stop by soon.”

“I’ll be glad to see you.”

As the cookie disappeared back amidst the trees, Mystic Flour could not shake the feeling that she had just made an irreversible decision.

It was nearly a week later when the courtyard doors opened, scraping heavily across the stone pathing.

The sound was cautious, like that of someone trying not to be spotted. It was unconfident, unsure, as if the arrival already believed themself unwelcome. It was most definitely not Dark Cacao.

That ancient curiosity tore at her attention once again, and Mystic Flour found herself turning around to meet her guest, raising her watering can as she did.

Dark Choco did not remove his hood until the heavy door shut behind him, barely masking a sigh of relief.

“I was beginning to think you weren't coming.” Mystic Flour smiled softly, making her best effort at being welcoming to her anxious guest.

“The garden looks beautiful. I thought it had gone to ruin.” Dark Choco commented, marveling at his surroundings.

“It had seen better days when I first arrived, but repairing the area gave me something to do.” Mystic Flour shrugged, motioning for him to follow her into the greenhouse.

“Those herbs you gave me. What were they? I’ve never seen anything like them, they worked miracles.” Despite the awe implied in such a statement, there was unmistakable suspicion in his tone.

“They’re not native to Crispia. They're cuttings I took from my home in Beast Yeast before I came here.” Mystic Flour explained, harvesting some more herbs from the garden bed.

“I’ve heard of dangerous things coming from Beast Yeast lately. You're better off away until the crisis is solved.” Dark Choco offered, watching her intently.

“… So I’ve heard.” Try as she might, Mystic Flour could not disguise the sadness in her tone. There was a guilt that weighed on her, no matter how much she pushed it to the back of her mind.

“Ah- I didn't mean to offend you, of course. You must be homesick. I…” Dark Choco stumbled through his words, trailing off as something changed in his eye.

“I understand. You have good intentions.” Mystic Flour tied the freshly cut herbs with twine, packaging them in a roll of rice paper. “Here. These should last you a while.”

Dark Choco looked at the herbs in his hands, nodding. “I should leave before anyone realizes I’m here.”

There was an unspoken request in the statement. Even Mystic Flour could pick up on it- ‘Don’t tell anyone you saw me’.

She nodded in kind. “It's coming up on the time the guards at the back gate rotate positions. If you hurry, you can get through before the shift change ends.”

Dark Choco seemed to soften at the unspoken affirmation. “Thank you. I- I’ll be sure to visit.”

Mystic Flour gave him a gentle wave as he pulled his hood back on and hurried out those heavy garden doors, disappearing into the maze of hallways.

The former beast had barely turned back around when they opened again, and she did not move to acknowledge them- simply assuming Dark Choco had forgotten something.

Instead, she heard a gruff voice clearing his throat. “Someone just left in quite a hurry.”

Mystic Flour took care not to tense as the king made his presence known. She had made an unspoken promise, and she intended to keep it.

“One of the watchers asked for some herbs. The ones that grew by the temple have exceptional healing properties, you know. I can imagine they'd be rather useful in the field.” She did not turn around to look at him, a part of her worried that her expression would give away her lie.

She really couldn't understand how that jester did this for fun.

Dark Cacao only grunted in response, but it seemed he had believed her. “I’ve received word that Hollyberry Cookie’s companions have returned from Beast Yeast without her.”

“Your companions arrived at the kingdom without you.” Mystic Flour offered, noting the concern lacing his tone.

“My point exactly. She won't be more than a few days behind them, most likely. When she returns-”

“Eternal Sugar Cookie will likely be with her.”

“… Yes. I’ll be visiting once I receive word of their arrival back in Crispia.” Dark Cacao states, straightening his posture awkwardly. “I’d like you to accompany me. Consider this a formal request.”

Mystic Flour turned to him with a teasing smile. “You know, usually a proper date comes before a getaway for two.”

Dark Cacao stammered, flustering at the notion. It always amused her, watching the stoic king sputter in shock and flounder for a response. However, the response he gave caught her off guard in turn. “Very well. I’ll… I’ll make arrangements with the staff, and have someone send for you when this date is ready.”

It had been a very long time since Mystic Flour's eyes had widened that much, nor could she remember the last time her face burned so. She couldn't recall much afterwards, either.

Mystic Flour awoke in her room, a cold towel having been placed on her forehead. She did not remember fainting, but she felt another spell as she recalled the events prior.

Cloud Haetae was fast asleep, curled up at her feet and snoring softly, and the sound grounded her enough to slip out of bed and investigate the note left on her desk.

I apologize if I startled you. I still intend to honor your request. Tomorrow evening, I’ll have someone send for you. If you require formal attire, I’ve instructed Caramel Arrow Cookie to assist you. Otherwise, I will see you for dinner.

-Dark Cacao Cookie

Mystic Flour felt faint again. 

Chapter Text

The dinner was… Awkward, to say the least. Sitting across from one another in silence, wearing ornate yet uncomfortable clothing, eating food far too fancy to bother tasting good, the whole ordeal felt more like what a date should be rather than anything that actually spoke to either of their personalities. 

A more thoughtful person would mind the effort put into the dinner, but Mystic Flour thought it naught more than pointless if neither of them were truly enjoying it. 

Furrowing her brow, the former beast set down her fork upon the decision that she could no longer stomach another bite. “Shall we move on to other plans for the evening?” She spoke up, expression blank yet intent. 

“You've eaten your fill already?” 

“The food does not taste good.” Bluntness always seemed to be her default, delicate language to spare the feelings of others had never been something Mystic Flour excelled at. 

Though surprise was clear in Dark Cacao’s expression, there was also a hint of relief, as if she had finally said what he had been thinking the whole time. 

“I see.” Dark Cacao cleared his throat, and nodded at the guard stationed by the door of the dining room. He rose to his feet- it felt out of place, hearing fabric instead of metal when he moved- and held out a hand to Mystic Flour. “Shall we, then?”

The air was still tense as they made their way through the castle, yet curiosity began to grow within Mystic Flour as they exited the heavy doors and began through the streets of the city. 

The paths began to bustle, an evening market in full swing- only somewhat disturbed by the royal guards tailing them. Children laughed and screamed, chasing one another between stalls, vendors shouted the names of their wares and conversations between passerby struggled to be heard amidst it all. 

Mystic Flour would have objected to the noise sooner were it not for the smell of skewers nearby. She glanced over to Dark Cacao, who seemed equally uncomfortable with the volume, and decided to take his hand and pursue the scent. 

Stopping in front of the stall, Mystic Flour took a moment to browse the selection. 

“Mystic Flour Cookie.” Dark Cacao had finally gotten her attention, letting go of her hand. 

“Hm?” Mystic Flour already understood the intention of his beckon. “The food we had was awful. Why not take the opportunity to eat something good instead?” She tilted her head, already pointing to a selection. “I’ll take this one, please.” 

“Please don't be so haphazard…” Dark Cacao mumbled, approaching the stall fully. 

“Y-Your majesty!” The vendor squeaked. “I’m humbled! And honored!” 

Mystic Flour smiled at him. “Go on then, choose something you like. I’ll pay for it.” 

“Oh, there's no need!” The vendor seemed to practically bounce on his toes. “I could never ask someone to pay on his majesty’s behalf!” 

“No, I insist.” Mystic Flour was already reaching for her wallet. Evidently, there was no changing her mind. 

Dark Cacao only briefly dwelt on the relief that her stubbornness could be turned towards good, but soon had to relent and make a decision. Glancing over the options, he finally pointed to… The exact same thing that Mystic Flour had gotten. 

Though he found himself a slight bit embarrassed, Dark Cacao did not waver in his choice, and they were quickly and gratefully served two identical skewers. 

Dark Cacao stared at the skewer in his hand for a moment. It did smell delicious, and he hadn't eaten much himself, either… 

He caught Mystic Flour smiling at him as he took a bite.

For the most part, their nerves had calmed as they strolled the market together, but the sound and stares still grated on their backs. It took until they had reached the edge of the market stalls for Mystic Flour to realize that Dark Cacao was taking her somewhere. 

“The market was loud enough.” She teased. “I couldn't possibly imagine what you have planned next.” 

As they followed a narrow path around the market and up a hill, Dark Cacao only grunted in response. “We’re almost there.”

The terrace they stopped at was only a bit more peaceful, the city still loud below them. 

Finally, Dark Cacao cleared his throat. “When it comes to popular ‘date’ venues, this was the last one I could find.” He admitted. “The others I researched weren't exactly feasible, aside from the dinner, the market, and-” 

The deafening burst of fireworks cut him off, and Mystic Flour noticed how his shoulders tensed. 

“Ahem.” To his credit, Dark Cacao pulled himself together rather quickly. “It's rather anticlimactic, but I do hope you enjoyed this date.” 

Despite the full stop, Mystic Flour caught the expectant look in his eye. He wanted an affirmation. Say something, confirm he did a sufficient job organizing this ‘date’. 

No, not date. 

Performance. 

The fancy clothes, the fancy food, the guards and people who stared and whispered. None of it was for either of them, was it? This imaginary audience they played these roles for, what place did it have between them?

Dark Cacao continued to stare at her with expectation. Very well. 

“I hated it.” Mystic Flour did not like to lie. Noting his bewilderment, she added, “And so did you.” 

Another firework prevented him from responding. 

“Neither of us enjoy any of these activities. Dates are meant to be bonding experiences, yes? What matter is it how conventional things are? We’re both solitary people, neither of us are very inclined to put on a show in public like this.” Mystic Flour frowned, only a bit. “What on Earthbread made you think I would enjoy this kind of thing?” 

Dark Cacao, at a loss for a rebuttal, instead chose to respond with his own question. “Well, what would you rather we do, then?”

Mystic Flour settled onto the plush seat next to Dark Cacao, now adorned in her white evening robes. “Thank you for waiting. I can't stand the feeling of lace.” 

Dark Cacao nodded in kind, holding up a book. “This was the one you wanted to read, correct?” 

“That was the one I suggested. We don't have to read it if you'd rather a different genre.” Despite her huff, Mystic Flour’s tone was much lighter. 

“We agreed I’m making this up to you, did we not?” Dark Cacao raised a brow amusedly. 

“I said nothing of the sort.” She hummed, curling up against him as she turned the pages in his hand.