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-HIAAA!- A scream in the middle of the forest, a deafening crash of a strong object against the mass, a crunch, and finally a howl of pain. -OUT OF MY WAY!-

   After several more blows, the forest was calm. And now she could collect all the monster bodies and make a small bonfire to warm herself. She needed to rest a bit before the sun finished disappearing over the horizon and the night monsters came out. She lit the small fire next to her pile of monsters, sat down, and took out a bottle of juice.

-It may not be as good as Hollyberrian Juice, but a drink is a drink!- She spoke to the growing darkness of the night, downing a third of the bottle in one gulp. -Hmmmm! Delicious!-

  This was her life: Spending weeks hunting monsters, taking the resources from the bodies, returning to the kingdom every so often to sell them, and spending her money on juice. A simple and pleasant routine for her. She wasn't always alone; sometimes other adventurers accompanied her on her journeys through the treacherous lands of Beast-Yeast. And other times...

   There it was, the sensation of something soft settling on her back like a cotton blanket. It wasn't real, just small sensations she'd had since the Soul Jam was given to her. Before, when she'd held her trusty shield in her hands, the sensations were stronger. Sometimes she could even feel a presence, a being apart from the Light of Passion with its own thoughts. Very sweet thoughts about her. The disconnection from her Soul Jam and the distance made it difficult to share the thought with it. But it was still there: faint and barely noticeable, but always by her side. She missed the connection, just as she missed her family. But she wasn't ready to go back. She was sure Jungleberry Cookie had everything under control, so she could continue her simple adventures a little longer. And there it was again, the sensation of something gently caressing her soul.

   Well, that's enough rest. One should never let their guard down in Beast-Yeast. The crunchy crust and strawberry jam scent of the monsters would immediately attract more, so she had to get to work: preparing the resources and subduing any other monsters that tried to attack her for her loot.

   And so she did. She followed her routine as always. She managed to get some charp horns, sinister eyeballs, enormous fangs, and black ichor. Excellent for selling. But on the way back to the kingdom, her routine would change completely. All because of a pair of young men who were causing quite a stir in the jungle.

-You two youngsters! What are you doing out here in the jungle?! It's dangerous, you know!- The conversation had to wait because a huge Cookievorous Plant was about to attack them. An easy opponent for her. -These plants and beasts can't wait to have you for lunch! Take cover behind my back, NOW!-

   She did it because she wanted to help. That was what she liked to do: help others. And boy, were they a very amusing pair of youngsters, the worried little knight and the young maiden who reminded her a bit of herself when she was young. But as the youngsters departed for the kingdom, a light confronted her. And this time, she couldn't decide if it was real or if it was all happening in her mind.

-Ha ha ha ha! Well, well, well! Long time no see.- The image was clear. A strong pink light enveloping a heart broken by the middle.

-This voice... You must be...!- This hadn't happened the previous times she had visited the kingdom. The Light of Passion was speaking to her.

-OF COURSE! WHO ELSE?- The shout echoed in her ears like barrels full of juice falling right next to her. -Looking good, old gal! Any exciting news?- Then came the sensation that something was trying to push her away, to form a wall between her and the Light of Passion. The presence also felt less weak.

-Ha... Can't keep secrets from you! Indeed, a little bird brought me a letter- She said as she rummaged through her bag full of things. From a pocket she pulled out the letter, slightly stained with juice. -I recognized my old friend's handwriting right away. He wrote that dangerous forces are on the rise once again... To be honest, I never thought I'd ever hear from that cookie again...-

   There was an equal amount of nostalgia and conflict in her voice. She was thinking about the past, its promises and its failures. What led her to the life of a monster hunter in the first place. The feeling of something soft covering her appeared as soon as her thoughts began to wander. The small amount of worry she could feel was enough to bring her back to the equally worrying, but improvable, present.

-Looks like my Kingdom needs my help!- This time she sounded convinced, ready for battle, excited. Just like her.

-A long-awaited reunion with an old friend? What could be better?!- The Light of Passion resonated with her, but then shifted to an inquisitive tone. -But I wonder... Is there anything else troubling your soul? Something you might have lost in your travels...? Hmm?-

-What are you talking about?- She said, trying to sound nonchalant.

-I can't tell. You must find the answer yourself.- It left her thoughtful for only a moment, before she shook her head and returned to her normal self.

-Bah... When did you get so "holier than thou"?!- Another sensation. This time a little nudge toward the woods. But no. She'd had enough fun. Now she had to put her dress back on and go home. -Looks like it's finally time to go back home! Ha ha!-

    And so, after many years of running and adventure, Queen Mother Hollyberry Cookie decided to put her kingdom in order. Much to the chagrin of someone who didn't agree with this approach.

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   It was still hard to believe she was finally back home. The entire kingdom still praised her despite having left them at a difficult time. The various noble houses still respected her. Her family had missed her and still loved her. Even her granddaughter, whom she had unknowingly helped in the jungle before, was very curious about Hollyberry Cookie. She and her friends. Even now, after so much time away, she had much to do regarding her kingdom and the future reunion with her old friends.

-Mother...? Are you still up?-

   Looking up, she found her son and king of the Hollyberry Kingdom: Royal Berry Cookie. He was looking at her from the doorway of her bedroom, nervous.

-Royal Berry Cookie! What Bringas you here so late at night?- She was sitting on her bed, some papers in one hand and a bottle of juice in the other. Her son looked at her with a bit of concern.

-It's very late. And your lights were still on. Are you not going to rest? It's been a very busy day-

-It really has been... Yet, I still have a lot to do with the kingdom's affairs. I've been gone for a long time...- Hollyberry Cookie looked at her son more closely. He hadn't changed much except for his height and his mustache. He still looked as soft and gentle as he had when he was a child. -Ha! Come in and drink some juice with me! You could help me go through this faster?-

-I...- His face lit up, but he still looked... uncomfortable. -I don't drink, mother.-

-YOU DON'T?!- She screamed in shock, making Royal Berry Cookie take a step back in surprise. This was a huge surprise for her, too. All the citizens of the kingdom drank, some more than others, and none like her. But her own son didn't drink? -Well... I guess it can't be helped, then... You could still help me go through this.-

-If my mother wishes to...-

   After a small bow, Royal Berry Cookie moved further inside, pulling out one of the armchairs to sit near the bed. Thanks to his help, she was able to understand the documents much faster, getting completely up to speed. Her son seemed to have learned quite a bit from Jungleberry Cookie. It only proved that she had left the kingdom in very good hands despite the problems. And Royal Berry Cookie had also turned out to be a very competent king in recent years. As they finished verifying the last details, she noticed how her son avoided looking at her face and instead stared at the corners of the room. Hollyberry Cookie recognized that gesture very well, when he was thinking about whether or not to say or do something.

-Royal Berry Cookie? Why so lost in thought?-

-It's nothing, Mother. Nothing to worry about...-

-If you say so...- His low tone and gaze fixed on the papers didn't seem very convincing. But if it really was important, then Royal Berry Cookie would tell her.

   Once they were finished (finally), Hollyberry Cookie said goodbye to her son and went back to bed. This time to finally rest. She needed some, after today. She arranged the papers on the desk in her room and began to settle in for sleep. Yes, she had a desk, an uncomfortable and somewhat small one that she hadn't changed in years. She changed into the nightgown she hadn't used in years, left her shield near the bed, and turned off the lights.

   At first, she couldn't fall asleep, tossing and turning a few times, trying to find a comfortable position. Until she finally felt her body relax...

   Then she was enveloped in darkness. It wasn't a dream; she was conscious. In a way, she understood what was happening and what was going to happen. It's just that it had been so long since this had happened to her. The presence of something covering her, an immense happiness that enveloped her in a soft, slightly suffocating embrace. The sensations were so strong that they could be transformed into thoughts. Even, with a good imagination, they could be used as words.

-Hollyberry Cookie! I have waited so long for you~- Happiness, adoration, and a little anger.

-Ha ha! I had missed you too. It's been a long time since we... Talked- She was also happy to be conversing with this presence again. Her feelings of camaraderie, friendship, adoration and happiness shining in colorful waves of pinks and yellows. Not as much as the other, but equally reciprocated. -How have you been?-

-Mostly okay.- The presence of the other cookie and her own enveloped each other. Like the essence of a hug, like the infinite shape of a touch from a long distance. -Sometimes I watched you from afar. You worried me so much...-

-I'm sorry for that... But you know me! I don't feel okay just sitting out things...- If she could take the hands of the being who held her so delicately, she would. -I knew everytime you watched over me. Thanks to you, I never felt truly alone. Did you like my adventures?-

-I liked seeing you have fun. Your genuine smile is so beautiful, Hollyberry Cookie. Radiant as the sun, enough to set fire to the very forest of Beast-Yeast.-

-Ohh! Shut up, you...- Even though she couldn't blush in this place, her feelings of embarrassment and excitement were perfectly visible. As she was thinking of something nice to say back, the presence and her stopped being connected -Uhh? Are you doing it already?-

-I am afraid, yes. As much as I'd love to hear you more, you also need rest. Let's talk more tomorrow.- The presence felt weaker and weaker, fading.

-Let's do that. I will go to bed extra early to chat more!- Her determination was met with the remnants of a laugh.

-Hehe... Goodnight, Hollyberry Cookie.-

   Everything faded to nothing, and her mind went blank. Waking from one dream to another, one where she imagined cotton candy clouds and a sweet, sweet voice whispering in her ear.

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   Oh, sweet, sweet Hollyberry Cookie. She'd never tire of seeing her. Even if she remained trapped in this dark space of reality, she didn't care. She was even grateful for it; she had nothing else to do but comfortably watch what her other half was doing.

   Hollyberry Cookie was her other half, not only because she possessed the other part of Eternal Sugar Cookie's Soul Jam, but also because she was so... Her. Caring for an entire kingdom, and failing, trying to be happy with her friends, and failing miserably, and continuing to fail while searching for her own happiness. Someone so passionate that she couldn't give up. How could someone expect Eternal Sugar Cookie not to fall in love? All she wanted was to hold her and kiss her, in the sweetest way possible. Make her happy, as incredibly happy as possible. One way or another. The small moments they spent together in the darkness weren't enough. In the end, Hollyberry Cookie would be alone and sad again, shielding her heart from the world. But she would make her change.

   Being in this state, trapped, there was little else she could do. Even though she'd felt changes in the last few days, she still wasn't free. The wait for her moment to arrive was shortened, yes, but it wasn't the moment yet.

   Today is the moment. The moment when a slightly irritating and familiar voice sneaks into her head:

-Wakey Wakey, Sugar Cube~-

   When she opens her eyes after a short eternity, she finds herself encased in a glass artifact, filled with liquid that doesn't make her body soggy. The first thing she does is check her wings. She moves them, shakes them a little, then covers her body with them protectively. And finally, she opens them with enough force to break her new, weaker prison. She steps out along with the waterfall, landing perfectly on the floor of the dark, cold place.

-Ohhhhh look at you! Years have taken a long time to pass in you, huh? I'm pretty sure you're confused as to what the latest news is, so let me fill you in! - ... Oh dear, some glass got stuck between her wings. Eternal Sugar Cookie couldn't leave them like that.

   As her former colleague droned on, she pulled out each and every one of the tiny pieces stuck in her wings. If she left them, she could hurt herself while moving, and that wasn't good. She paid a little attention to Shadow Milk Cookie's long explanatory monologue, confirming many things she already suspected. The status of the new and immaculate Crispia, the Ancient Heroes, and most of all, her beloved Hollyberry Cookie.

-She is a bound-round pink juice-addicted cookie with a shield. I know, right? A shield? So extra nowadays. You must be so eager to recover what belongs to you. I can tell you exactly where...-

-I don't need it.- Silence, as she pulled the last shard of glass from her wings.

-... You don't need what?- She could hear a slight crack as the other turned to look at her.

-The other half of my Soul Jam. I don't really need it. I have enough power already.- She shook her wings slightly, looking for any discomfort. Nothing, so everything was in order. The last thing she needed to do before parting was to deal with the unfunny clown in front of her.

-So you're going to let the weakest cookie of the group retain your Soul Jam just because?!-

-Yes. In fact, if Hollyberry Cookie wished to, I would give her more of my powers...- She emphasized her other half's name a lot. A threat to Shadow Milk Cookie, to see if he dared to call her bad names again. He made a face of disappointment and dramatic disgust.

-Oh by the depth of my hat, you like her. From every cookie that currently exists, you took a liking to the thief of your Soul Jam. Oh, this is just fabulous!- His dramatic act continued as he waved his scepter back and forth, as if conducting a symphony of displeasure.

-Awww, don't be like that. She's just so... Passionate, and pretty, and resilient. So perfect for me~- Just thinking about Hollyberry Cookie made her face burn. -You should understand. Doesn't your other half have such good and unique qualities?-

-NO HE DOESN'T!!!- Shadow Milk Cookie shouted angrily.

   Eternal Sugar Cookie stared at her opposite, studying his angry and pained expression. She instantly guessed the cause of such an outburst. Her tone instantly changed to one of concern, where she spoke with an extremely sweet and low voice.

-Oh no. Some cookie dared to break the heart of poor Shadow Milk Cookie. How could this be? You always got the upper hand on everything, had every ace inside your sleeve. What happened?-

-NONE. OF. YOUR. BUSINESS!- It was so easy to get him to this point that it seemed deliberate. But at this moment, she knew how to distinguish between the illusions and realities that were part of her former colleague's being. -You know what?! Do whatever you want! You'll end up regretting not taking back your Soul Jam from your beloved.- The poison he spat out didn't affect her at all. He was finally going to leave her alone.

-That I will--

   And without further discussion, she flapped her wings to fly out of the horrendous place. She had many things to do, now that she was free. Communicate with Hollyberry Cookie, or perhaps go visit her right now. Or stop by her garden first and attend to her angels and allies after so long. She would have to stop and think about which she did first. Both options were so tempting.

   If anything didn't require a decision, it was the certainty that now she would be able to make Hollyberry Cookie happy. And she'd have to prepare for it too. So much to do! And in the time she had left! The smile that grew on her face was so big, like that of a hunter savoring his prey before the hunt. But with a much sweeter touch.

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"Dear Hollyberry Cookie... I hope this frankly written letter finds you well. Luckily, enough of the Light of Freedom remained for White Lily Cookie to return to her true self..." 

   She didn't know what to think about that part. So she ignored it, and focused on the rest. 

"...It seems that our Soul Jams are connected to the power of these Beast Cookies. Now that they have been awakened, they will attack us to regain their lost Soul Jams." 

-Ah, Pure Vanilla Cookie... I've heard nothing from you since receiving this shocking letter...- Nor had Hollyberry Cookie heard anything about Dark Cacao Cookie or Golden Cheese Cookie. -They sure know how to get me worried...- Still, she was different from the others. She wasn't going to wait around for a new threat to come to her kingdom. Not this time -I, Hollyberry Cookie, cannot simply sit and wait when my friends are in trouble. I must travel to Beast-Yeast and see what is going on—And also overthrow the Beast that possessed the original Soul Jam. She raised her shield in a silent promise to herself only. Or so the mother Queen thought.

-Do you plan on traveling on your own... Again?- A serious and familiar voice surprised her with a jump.

-AHH! Wildberry Cookie! You startled me... How long have you been standing there?!-

-A while. From "Ah, Pure Vanilla Cookie!"- It still surprised her how someone so grown up could be so silent. Hollyberry Cookie could only laugh, a little embarrassed. -... I bring troubling news from the Dark Cacao Kingdom.- She became serious again, listening attentively. -A mysterious plague is spreading through the land, turning cookie's doughs pale-white.- Wildberry Cookie looked to the ground, showing a little bit of worry. 

-... It's just as Pure Vanilla Cookie said in his letter... We have to prepare as well...- Right now, all she could do was pray to the witches that her friend would emerge victorious from his predicament.

-Of course, that's why I am here.- Another small gasp of surprise. She had to raise her guard properly before entering the Beast-Yeast, or she will jump at every sound. 

-Jungleberry Cookie! Your steps have always been silent...-

-As have yours. You've always disappeared without so much as a word...-

-Hmmm... Why do I feel like I'm being scolded by both of you?-

   And the worst part was that Hollyberry Cookie was four times their age. And she was the one being scolded. But she couldn't deny that Jungleberry Cookie was very good at being queen. Better than herself. Not only at increasing the kingdom's defenses in case of an attack, but also at preparing a battalion to support the squire woman. And Wildberry Cookie was also accompanying her, as her loyal bodyguard. Even though they should have been cautious, such protection seemed unnecessary to her.

-Ah, you two baby me too much!- She said, raising her shield in a sign of strength and energy. -Do you forget? I am a seasoned adventurer of Beast-Yeast!- And she said it with great pride.

-...Hollyberry Cookie, you…- The Ancient Hero looked at her daughter-in-law curiously. Jungleberry Cookie rarely held back from speaking. And she wasn’t nervous about goodbyes either. What did the queen mother see in her successor’s expression? She couldn't tell at first glance. -...It’s nothing. I bid you a safe journey, Your Majesty.-

-...I’ll be back before you know it!- She said with her always energetic self, being as reassuring as possible.

   With that, Hollyberry Cookie and Wildberry Cookie headed to the rendezvous point with the rest of the expedition, leaving the worried queen behind.

   The path into Beast-Yeast was quite peaceful... Too peaceful. She knew the nature of the place extremely well, where dangers never before seen by normal cookies lurked around every corner. And yet... They hadn't encountered anything. Not a monster, not a tricky path, not even a single obstacle. The calm made the squire woman feel even more nervous than she already was. It was the first time she'd ventured into these lands with company. Would she be able to protect them all if a monster attacked them right now? And if the soldiers and the peaceful atmosphere weren't enough to worry her, she felt... alone. The presence that always accompanied her on her Soul Jam was silent. She could still feel it, very faintly, like the light of a candle in the middle of a tropical storm. Had something happened to it? Was it because of the Beast's power? Then they must be close...

   It was then that Raspberry Cookie found a certain inscription on a stone. According to her, it was a piece of history about the Beasts. The young lady continued ahead with a scouting group while Hollyberry Cookie and Wildberry Cookie read the stone. 

"O trespasser, heed these words.

Turn back at once, and go no further.

Before the demon arrives,

Cloaked in its sweetest guise."

-... It's sweetest guise.- What could that possibly mean? Hollyberry Cookie muttered to herself. At that moment, a monster roared in the distance.

   The scouting group was in danger! They both rushed to catch up with the group before the monsters could cause too much damage. They arrived just in time to see the warriors fighting. Hollyberry Cookie took the lead while Wildberry Cookie defended those who were injured. There was no more commotion after that as the mother queen sent all the monsters flying with just a strong push from her shield. Now everyone was safe.

-Cookie with shield... Strong...- Muttered a cookie who wasn't part of the advance guard. She seemed young, walking along a Butter Tiger like nothing, and hair with familiar colors. She seemed capable of fighting, so her help was very welcomed. 

-That was the last of them!- From what little the bodyguard could express, one could see his relief. But the Queen Mother remained on guard.

-Never let your guard down in this land, Wildberry Cookie... And I mean "never."-

   The soldiers stood their ground, all tense. Suddenly, many were aware of the small sounds of the forest, the insects, the wind, and the monsters that might be surrounding them at that moment. There were some wounded, and the soldiers didn't know how to deal with Beast-Yeast's monsters. The queen needed to be even more alert to protect her subjects from the next threat.

-Oh my my...! That fella you just slain...- An unexpected visitor made everyone turn around in unison.

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   As the sweet taste of sugar melted on her lips, she could only wonder how she ended up in this situation. Her mouth still smelled of juice, and her relaxed body offered no resistance. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring back at that devoted gaze, eyes that seemed to smile on their own. A strange sensation she'd never felt before.

   It was all because of the stranger they met in the middle of the Beast-Yeast Forest. Pavlova Cookie, a little boy very passionate about love. He began giving love diagnoses to those present: Raspberry Cookie, Wildberry Cookie, and even Tiger Lily Cookie's buttery companion, the young cookie who had helped them earlier and had apparently joined their group. He did the same to her, which caused some discontent among the troops. Pavlova Cookie said that Hollyberry Cookie had an empty and dark heart despite having many cookies who cared about her. Although everyone instantly defended her, she didn't know what to say. But that didn't matter at that moment. They had to move on. But the little one didn't let them go.

   A thick pink mist surrounded them instantly. Its sweet scent slowly lulled the soldiers to sleep.

-Hollyberry Cookie...- The Light of Passion spoke to her through the darkness. -Don't forget...! Never let go of your shield!- Its desperate and worried words began to sound more distant. No matter how hard the queen mother tried, she couldn't hear them clearly. -Holly... berry... Cookie!-

   And just like that, they appeared somewhere else. It seemed to be part of the forest, but much more well-kept and decorated. A beautiful, peaceful, and pleasant garden, where the injured cookies were being cared for by others with wings and horns. As strange as it was to have appeared in this place out of nowhere, Hollyberry Cookie was grateful to see the soldiers in good hands. But someone wasn't present among them.

-Here...- Tiger Lily Cookie appeared from behind some bushes, carrying a pair of berries. He extended them directly towards the squire woman.

-Is this for me?-

-Tastes good...- She couldn't help but smile in admiration at the young cookie's small tribute.

-Impressive! You managed to find food even though it's the first time you set food in the wilderness of Beast-Yeast. Thank you for these delicious berries!- Hollyberry Cookie made her signature gesture of raising her shield to indicate her good mood. Her speculation about Tiger Lily Cookie's inexperience in this land was based on the niche community that was Beast-Yeast explorers. If she and her animal companion were repeat explorers, Hollyberry Cookie would know.

   The young cookie smiled broadly at her, her fine pupils widening like a feline's. What a pleasant little girl. Hollyberry Cookie still didn't understand where the familiarity she felt with Tiger Lily Cookie came from.

-We are truly impressed by Tiger Lily Cookie. She has not a single scratch on her dough!- Said one of the winged cookies with horns, which held in its hands an amphora full of liquid.

-Thank you all for taking care of us- She said with a lightness in her voice. But everything was too convenient, too good and perfect to be found in the middle of Beast Yeast. Although she didn't want to seem ungrateful to the cookies who helped them, Hollyberry Cookie had too many doubts. -But you have a lot of explaining to do...-

-He he- An ethereal voice interrupted. -Why, Pavlova Cookie played a cheeky little trick on our guests.-

   The Queen Mother followed the melodious voice to the sky, where small colorful creatures were blowing trumpets and scattering petals. Several of them were surrounding a figure, which appeared after slowly spreading its wings. A completely pink mass, a small tiara with a gem inside, long, curly hair, kind eyes with long lashes and fine pupils, and a simple dress. The beautiful cookie flew toward Hollyberry Cookie, who could barely take a step back in surprise. But she couldn't stop staring at the newcomer. The beautiful pink cookie landed softly right in front of her, looking at her with such sweetness that it seemed more like a reunion than the first time they had met. For some reason, she felt all too familiar; her core was throbbing rapidly, and she had momentarily forgotten how to formulate words. What was happening to her? Why was this expedition causing so many complicated feelings?

-...And you are...?- Finally, she managed to say something logical and coherent without letting any intrusive thoughts get in. The mysterious cookie smiled even wider.

-Welcome, welcome to the Garden of Sweet Delights!- She extended her arms as if she were going to give her a hug, but instead, the pink cookie stepped away from her to address everyone. -I am the Bringer of Happiness who tends to this Paradise of Joy~ My little helper guides all who seek eternal Happiness to this Garden where they can find rest and healing aplenty~- Pavlova Cookie flew up behind her with a small, nervous smile. -It seems as if he was too eager to bring you all here. Is that right, my dear?- She turned to look at the boy with the sweetness of a mother who knew her children liked to get into mischief.

-Yuuup, heh- Pavlova Cookie smiled, amused by the situation. Which irritated Wildberry Cookie.

-That little...-

-House Raspberry would never treat their guests this way!- Raspberry Cookie muttered to herself, judging not the place but those who lived in it.

-Ha ha... He did help us out, so let's not be too quick to judge him- Hollyberry Cookie calmed down the young people. There was no need to worry about what already happened. And besides... -I believe a thank you is in order!- She energetically extended her shield to the sky, referring mainly to the mysterious pink cookie. -We extend our gratitude for your hospitality. These cookies, we're in great need of help and rest.-

-No, thank you for understanding- Raspberry Cookie wouldn't notice it given the short time they'd been together, but Wildberry Cookie had only ever seen the queen's eyes light up like that over a bottle of juice. -I wish you find happiness here.-

   She instructed Pavlova Cookie to show them the garden. But the moment the Mystery Cookie left, leaving Hollyberry Cookie a little disappointed, the little cookie changed his mind and left the tour to another cookie: Sugarfly Cookie. Made entirely of yellow dough, with large wings and heavy-looking prosthetic legs. The garden seemed to have every amenity in the world, including refreshing and hydrating baths for the dough. And best of all, juice to further relax after the bath. The Harbringer of Happiness was truly looking forward to making everyone happy. Although some weren't too keen on the juice offer.

   The baths were as good as the queen thought they would be. She felt like she'd rejuvenated by at least 100 years. Although she still preferred the juice baths of her kingdom. It was incredible that this little paradise existed in the dangerous land of Beast-Yeast, peaceful, safe, where even the monsters were friendly. She still found it hard to believe. It was then that the sweet song of a lyre reached her ears, comforting and mesmerizing, like an open invitation to come closer and listen better. Hollyberry Cookie followed the sound to a more private part of the baths. There, the mysterious and beautiful cookie played the melody. Her long, delicate fingers barely touched the strings to make them vibrate, her form relaxed and detached from the world. It was like looking at a work of art that didn't belong to her reality. As soon as the music ended, she couldn't help but clap in admiration.

-Bravo!-

-Why, thank you!- The pink cookie turned around to see her with a sweet smile. She wasn't surprised to see the queen there. -How was your bath in the Mulled Juice?-

-Fantastic! The warmth washed away all the weariness from my travels!- Hollyberry Cookie approached the other, shield in hand but with her guard down. For a minute they just stared at each other; it was so strange to want to be closer to someone she'd just met that very day.

-Thank you again for graciously understanding: you must've been quite started to find yourselves here.- That melodious voice was as if someone had given honey the gift of speech. -Pavlova Cookie is still young and has much to learn... He tends to do as he pleases without giving much thought.- Was it her imagination, or did she sound less sweet for a moment?

-Ah...- Oh no, she was struggling to form a sentence again. -I understand. Anyone can make the same mistakes. Even good old friends...- She didn't think of anyone in particular. Just... -That Pavlova Cookie... I am sorry to say this, but he seems to put his want above all.-The last thing she wanted was for the pink cookie to misinterpret her opinion. -I, myself, am guilty of that.-

   And she felt guilty for having done it. For having left her kingdom when they needed her, for letting one of her granddaughters be kidnapped...

-You simply sought your happiness. Did you not?- It didn't seem like a question, but a statement. As if this mysterious cookie could see right through her.

-Well...- It was incredible; she felt her face heat up a little. -Ha ha ha... We've only just met, you know?- She couldn't help but sound a little flirtatious as she tried to evade the issue.

-Oh, but please, do indulge me~- The burning sensation on her face worsened when the other responded in the same tone. -I am curious.-

-Oh...?-

-You see. I bestow happiness on all those who enter the Garden... Including you, of course.-

-Ah... Right. This is a paradise of joy and happiness...- Hollyberry Cookie looked away, trying to convince herself that this cookie was this sweet to everyone, seeking the happiness of those who passed by her garden.

-Yes, you are not wrong. But...- She heard her get up, heard her walk toward her, and felt her small, delicate hands grasp and clasp hers, larger and with gloves that covered cracks. -More importantly... I... Worry about you.- A blush. Faint and hard to detect. -I sense that you are a cookie who puts others first, forgetting about her own happiness...-

.. What should she do? Her hands were prisoners of the softest prison in existence and didn't want to escape. How strange. -Don't worry! I am having a good time here, with the mulled juice and you... I mean, your lyre performance!- The mysterious cookie laughed a little. A very charming laugh.

-But it's all fleeting and temporary, hardly sufficient to fill the void in your heart...- A hand traveled to where Hollyberry Cookie's core was, feeling it through her clothes and armor. -Although it might be too soon to mend your heart...-

   The squire was capable of withstanding dragonfire, pushing back monsters ten times her size, but the gentle push from a smaller, more delicate cookie was able to make her lay softly on the ground, defeated, with her opponent on top of her.

-Please... Try to forget your worries and troubles. And for the first time in a long time, allow yourself a moment of happiness.- She was getting closer and closer to her face. -Just for you alone~-

-...- She felt paralyzed, not out of fear; she didn't even know why her hand moved to caress the other's cheek. -Just for me...?-

-Just for you- was the response, along with a caress on Hollyberry Cookie's cheek.

   That was how her lips ended up tasting sugar when the mysterious cookie descended upon her. It wasn't her first kiss, but it felt so special. Her eyes narrowed, trying to define what was real and what felt like a dream. The lips she began to lick and bite gently were totally real. But the explosion of happiness she felt inside was very foreign. What dominated her mind was confusion, the strangeness that became addictive when she was around this cookie, and the guilt that she must have given this to someone else even though it felt so right.

Chapter Text

   That had been... Wow. Hollyberry Cookie couldn't even think about sleeping tonight after what happened. What she did—the kiss—felt so incredible, as if she'd waited her whole life to kiss the mysterious cookie, whose name she didn't even know. Her core throbbed with energy while a blush of embarrassment adorned her cheeks. She was sure that if one of the angels hadn't interrupted, called the pink cookie, the heat would have become unbearable and the kiss would have been insufficient. It was a good thing it all ended before that happened.

-... I feel so... Relaxed around her...- She let herself get carried away with the situation so easily. Barely fighting back. -I'm all flustered... It's not like me at all... Uh?-

-...- A cookie appeared behind her. Hollyberry Cookie quickly turned around and raised her shield. She lowered it in the same way when she saw who it was.

-Tiger Lily Cookie! I didn't hear you approaching!- Her face was still red, and even more so just thinking about... -Did you... See anything?- The little cookie tilted her head in confusion. Then she handed the queen some berries.

-For... You-

-Another tasty berry? I am impressed by your survival skills!- She ruffled her green hair, smiling happily. Somehow it felt natural, and she didn't move away. On the contrary, Tiger Lily Cookie sniffed her.

-Strong cookie... Smells different...-

-Do I?- She tried to smell herself, and she indeed smelled different... Familiar. Did she smell like Eternal Sugar Cookie's fragrance? By the Witches! -It... It must be the bath! You should go soak later!- She tried to sound convinced as she covered herself and her blush with her shield.

-Not... That... Smells... Sweet.- Tiger Lily Cookie continued to smell her, which made Hollyberry Cookie even more nervous.

-Ha ha ha! Then it might be the grape juice! Ha ha! I hope Wildberry Cookie doesn't find out...- She kept trying to mask the smell. Say any other excuse. At least this time the young cookie seemed to buy her explanation.

   The conversation stopped there, without any interrupted comments from Tiger Lily Cookie.

   The next morning, however, the peace they felt changed. The troops weren't ready to leave; they didn't want to leave this wonderful paradise despite their mission. Pavlova Cookie again tried to intercept them and stop them from leaving. Hollyberry Cookie had to fight him off. It didn't feel right, but it needed to be done. And she had to say goodbye to the Bringer of Happiness. She would have liked to talk more, get to know each other more, and do more things. But the strange feeling wouldn't go away, much less the confusion. Why did she feel so sad inside? It was such a foreign feeling that it didn't seem like it was really hers.

    Alas, she didn't have time to worry about what she felt in her heart.

-Maintain formation!- Raspberry Cookie shouted as she sliced a monster in half. Behind her, two more rose up against her.

-They keep on coming! It's endless!- Shouted the Cautious Hollyberry Soldier, defending himself from the new horde.

-Th-They seem even more vicious than before!- A Curious Hollyberry Soldier shrieked. 

-Follow my lead! The wounded, fall back, NOW!-

   Hollyberry Cookie fought with all her might against the hordes of monsters. It was easy to knock them out of the way, but more and more kept appearing. Still, she didn't worry. She was with trusty cookies, fighting side by side, just like in the days before her Soul Jam. And just like back then, she knew they could win. No matter how many monsters surrounded them, everything would be okay.

   Except she wasn't in that era anymore. The monsters around her seemed to focus only on her. She was completely surrounded, and despite her strength, she couldn't aim everywhere at once. The soldiers tried to protect her by forming a circle around her, but it was impossible between the monsters surrounding them and the queen mother insisting she had everything under control. As if that were the most important thing. To shut up the Voice of doubt coming from deep within. But there were too many adversaries, and they grew more ferocious with each horde. Hollyberry Cookie completely lost contact with her soldiers, finding herself alone among the immense wave of opponents rushing at her, like terrible bears attracted by the sweet scent of syrup. It was increasingly difficult to protect herself.

-Hollyberry Cookie...!!!- Until a desperate scream was drowned out by the roar of the monsters.

   When she realized what had happened, it was as if the entire forest had fallen silent at that precise moment. The growls of the monsters were no longer audible, the screams of the soldiers were drowned out by a beeping in her mind. The only thing the queen mother could hear in the silence was the sound of dough and metal breaking into pieces. As she turned, for a few moments she wasn't able to recognize the figure crumbling before her.

-W-Wildberry Cookie...?-

   She couldn't even hear her own voice over the beeping in her mind and the anguish inside that seemed to multiply.