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Chapter Text

The Vanilla Kingdom was shimmering in the light below, the golden glow of the sun made everything look like it had been kissed by gold. Hollyberry sat on the back of the Legendary Greenish-Red Dragon. Their large wings gave a final flap as they slowly spiraled down. In the distance she could see familiar blobs in orange, yellow, white, and deep purple. Next to the shape that she assumed was White Lily was a smaller silver blob whom she didn’t quite recognize. As the ground came closer, she flipped through her internal catalog of cookies she knew, trying to find one that was silver. Nothing came up. 

Soon the stone tiles were below Pitaya Dragons' large green claws. They lowered their head to the ground, making it easy for her to slip off. A cloud of dust curled up from under her boots as she landed. Next to her, Pitaya changed into their cookie form, shaking their large mane of hair out with a soft huff.

“You, behave,” The Pink Cookie kept her voice firm, pushing a finger into their chest.

They huffed, “I wasss planning on it unlessss you’d like me to caussse a problem Hollyberry Cookie” 

The dragon cookie lashed their tail, her eyes narrowed and they walked forwards together to join the group. A small smile creeping up both their faces. To say her two fellow ancients looked amazing was an understatement. White Lily Cookie’s hair had traces of silver flowing through it. A large braid started on either side of her head to meet down the middle of her back, resting atop the rest of the waterfall of hair. And attached to her back were 2 sets of transparent wings that resembled ones of dragonflies. They caught in the sun and created rainbows between the veins. 

At her side, Pure Vanilla stood tall. His hair had turned a much softer yellow, nearly bleach white, and his much larger robes flowed behind him. The staff that never left his side had gained more gilding and it’s eye had turned a similar gold. Both were glowing with a new energy, power.

Though despite it, Lily’s deep maroon eyes were rimmed with deep shadows, her staff seemed to be the only thing keeping her steady. The green gem embedded into it was spiderwebbed with cracks, yet the Light of Freedom was glowing as brightly as the Lights of Truth and Passion, it was clearly severely damaged. Black crevices told of missing pieces similar to how her own had looked until she’d wielded her shield again so long ago. As if it still hadn’t fully accepted her back.

Before her mind even had a chance to delve into that thought train, she was pulled into a tight hug by Pure Vanilla Cookie, which she quickly returned. 

“Hollyberry! It’s good to see you! You look well” He grinned

She smiled back and laughed, “As do you my friend!”

She turned to look at Gingerbrave who’d come up to give her a hug.

“You! You’ve gotten so big! Stop growing!” She laughed and ruffled his hair.

He laughed with her, a shy smile on his face “Sorry Hollyberry” 

Gingerbrave managed to worm his way into everyone he met hearts. He was an interesting one for sure, she often forgot that he was no more than a teen. The older cookie let him go with one last hair ruffle and turned to the silver cookie at White Lily’s side.

He was dressed in entirely shades of silver and gray. Wings that resembled Lily’s were fluttering lightly to keep him a float in the air, albeit his were much smaller and more similar to butterfly wings.

“And who might you be?” She asked, he was small but held himself like a soldier

“Silverbell Cookie!” He chirped, landing to bow, “Head Advisor to Hi-Her Majesty, White Lily Cookie”

The slip in his words was short, he had corrected himself so quickly but it wasn’t lost on the two other ancients. Vanilla winced and gave Silverbell a sympathetic smile that didn't quite reach his eyes properly. Lily shuffled closer to him once more, a hand slipping to clutch his robes.

“Well pleasure to meet you” Hollyberry responded, attempting to cover the wave of tension that had fallen over the group.

At Vanilla’s other side, Black Raisin Cookie slipped off. The chirps of her crow giving away her silent departure. The King turned to look at her but nodded as he saw the large airship docking, signaling the arrival of Clotted Cream, Finiancer, and Madaline Cookie. 

While at the same time, Cacao Warriors began to set up camp in the gardens. Dark Cacao himself approached, Crunchy Chip at his flank. The Queen Mother’s lips quirked up knowingly at Cacao, as his youngest, not so subtly, was looking for Wildberry. Her friend sighed tiredly at her and waved a hand around to say, “yes yes I know I know”. She laughed as he came to stand beside her. 

“He’ll be along later today Crunchy” She assured.

The cream wolf cookie flushed red but nodded, mumbling his thanks.

The Kings exchanged smiles and ever so gently did Cacao reach a hand out to Lily. She gave him a nervous look but allowed herself to be pulled into a hug. When they were younger they always joked that Cacao was the older brother of the group, always worrying about them and keeping them in line like little ducks. Today, it seemed no different as he subtly attempted to reassure her that he held no resentment towards her and that things would be ok. 

Pure Vanilla shot him a grateful look which Cacao shook off, dismissing his thanks. Clotted Cream approached with a respectful smile and bow.

“Pleasure to see you all again, and it is my pleasure to meet you White Lily Cookie” The consul smiled and nodded his head to her.

She smiled nervously and nodded at him, attempting to hide behind Cacao who promptly put a hand out to stop her, not allowing her to shy away. The party moved into the gardens behind the castle, the 4 Ancients, Pitaya and Clotted Cream sitting around a table while their denizens played some sparring game. Pitaya’s tail wrapped around her ankle under the table, a more subtle gesture similar to hand holding.

A smile broke out across her face, boldly reaching over to take their claw in her hand. Idle chatter filled the air. The topic of the Radiant Queen of the Golden Cheese Kingdom soon being brought up along with her notable absence.

Hollyberry barked out a laugh, “You know that women, she’ll most likely arrive tomorrow, her and her ‘grand entrances’ and all” 

They laughed affectionately at the thought of their friend. They hadn’t heard much from her with everything going on but knowing her she would still want to keep her image upheld. Her thoughts were suddenly cut off by a small shout. They turned to look out at the gardens. Wildberry had been tackled down by a very enthusiastic Cream Wolf. Crunchy ran over to pull him off. Once more Cacao and Hollyberry exchanged knowing looks

They watch as Wildberry rubs his arm clad with the gauntlet and greets his ‘friend’. Vanilla’s face scrunches up, staff’s eye trained on the aforementioned arm. She shoots her friend a questioning look, which earns her a dismissive wave. 

“Vanilla…” She warns

He sighs and turns to her, “What happened to his arm?”

Worry seeped into every bone and crevice of her body, weights seemed to shackle her down, words tried to catch in her throat as she forced them out, “He… shattered it, took a hit directly to the center of his gauntlet. Shattered the metal, his arm and parts of his face”

Vanilla nodded and looked at her youngest son once more. Her heart stampeded in her chest, something about having Earthbread's best healer examining someone who had almost died for her and questioning his injuries made the world grow dim, fading in and out around her. Cravings clawed at her gut, begging to be able to blackout, to drink herself blind and abandon her problems. 

She was partially pulled from the fog by Pitaya’s tail tugging on her ankle roughly. Upon meeting their gaze they point at Cacao. He must have said something as he looked at her expectantly.

Trying to snap out of her daze she rubbed her eyes with her thumb and fore finger. “Apologies Cacao, I didn’t quite… catch that”

“I said, Beast Yeast must have been about as fun for you as it was for us” He spoke calmly, trying to convey he wasn’t upset nor frustrated.

His comment caused her to snort, “Please, don't get me started”

They all laughed grimly, each clearly having gone through something. Idle chatter filled the air once more as the sun crept down the horizon. Eventually goodnights were bid and Hollyberry retreated to her quarters, her shield strapped to her back. The room was only lit by moonlight as they entered, but it was enough to get where they needed to go. Her eyes caught on a basket of assorted Berry Juices on the loveseat. She shuddered and found her room, the armor had been easier to get off the more she practiced. Yet certain clasps were still just out of reach.

Claws gently pushed her reaching fingers away as Pitaya helped her out of the sheets of metal. The weight lifted off her shoulder, the world still blurring in and out of focus around her. Somehow her cheek hit a pillow, warm red curled around her in the dark. Words fell from their lips but her ears didn’t hear them. 

Black fuzzed in around the corners of her eyes, and soon she was swathed in it. Though no sleep came to her. Hands found claws, claws that pressed into callouses and gently slid up her arms. Claws that grounded her. Then she could feel once more, the bed that tried to suck her in, the pillow that held her heavy head. The sound of the balcony doors thumping against the walls in the breeze.

“Easssy, dont russsh. I wont bite” Pitaya teased and she have them a tiny smile.

They rubbed her arm and sat in silence for a moment. Resting their foreheads together. Pitaya’s wing flung out over her and tail coiled around one of her legs. 

“What’sss on your mind” The dragon cookie pressed lightly

Hollyberry sighed and fidgeted with their mane, which was splayed out every which way, “Im worried about Wildberry, you know what happened and- and it was my fault, and you saw how Vanilla was looking at him I-” She sighed as they ran their claws through her hair.

“Easssy, you worry too much. I’m sssure he’ll be fine. He’ss sstrong like hisss mother” 

She pressed her face more into their hand, “what if he crumbles… I brought him with me to Beast Yeast, I wasn’t watching my flank I-”

They growled and bonked their heads together, “I sssaid, you worry too much. Ssleep you bum”

Try as she might, she couldn't stop the giggles that erupted from deep in her chest. The dragon smirked proudly. They continued their ministrations through her hair, gently running their talons up and down her arms, gently trying to soothe her to sleep.

Eventually it began to overtake her, pulling her into its arms as the world faded away.

Day 2

As the sun poked her eyes and roughly woke her from a deep sleep, Hollyberry rolled out of the comfort of the bed. The Queen Mother stumbled around for a minute as she slowly began to wake up, tying armor to herself and somehow pulling up her hair. As sleep finally faded from her eyes, she stretched and examined herself in the mirror. She looked.. Healthy, happy, good.

The sight made her face break into a smile. Hands found her shield as she slipped out of the room, notably the basket of berry juice was gone. Silently sending thanks to Wildberry for doing… whatever he did with it. The Vanillan Kingdom was alive with activity that morning, Raisin Villagers, Cream Republic Denizens and Silver Faeries flittered about. 

It was an odd demographic that somehow worked as shops opened and vendors began to cry out what they were selling. Like a less chaotic version of the markets back in her own Kingdom. She waved to anyone who did so to her. A few of which she recognized from her first visits. The Raisin Villagers looked so much healthier now, skin no longer pale and sickly looking, and dressed in vanillan clothes that looked like they were from before the war. 

She found Wildberry in the gardens with Crunchy, the shorter complaining on and on about something and pacing while the former sat against a tree, cream wolf in his lap. While her son looked uninterested, she could tell by the way he kept only his eyes trained on him and how his hand was only resting on the wolf that he was intently listening. Committing every word to memory.

After making sure her son knew she was awake, she found her way to the Cacao Warriors tents. There were less than years prior, about 5 in total. The King himself was calmly sitting outside his tent, sharpening his sword, the large hat he’d worn yesterday replaced with his crown. The king's ear's twitched as she approached, he smiled at her and gestured for her to sit.

“Morning” She greeted, setting her shield against her knee, “New Sword I see, it looks nice”

“Morning, your new shield is nice as well, is it easier to handle?” Small talk, she could do small talk.

She nodded, smiling, “Somewhat, it’s nicer in the sense it’s larger and therefore I can block more, but, suppose it’s a little hard to lean on anything” 

Her point was proven as it tipped over, barely catching it before it clattered to the grass. He chuckled at her with a nod. 

“I can see that,” He flipped his sword over,

“Is that any easier to handle?” She swung her shield over her shoulder and let it clip to her back, not ideal but it would work for now.

He tilted his head side to side, “It doesn't resist me sporadically anymore, though it’s somewhat heavier but I feel as if I can handle it better,” He hesitated a second, “That was… contradicting but you understand what I mean yes?”

She nodded at him as a soft laugh fell from her lips, silence fell over the two for a moment. It was a comfortable one though, the morning sun began to warm the earth, allowing her to bask in it before it got too hot and cooked alive in the metal.

Cacao raised his head to her again, “So.. our children”

His words brought laughter to her lips, “Oh yes, those two seem to be enjoying each other's company, they’ve worn out all our best messenger birds.”

He chuckled as well, “Well, as long as they are happy and do not falter in their duties. I see no reason to intervene.”

“I agree, until we don't have any messenger birds left, then we intervene”

The elder man laughed, a deep and rich sound she’d heard only a handful of times before. She must have pulled a face as he shook his head at her. 

“Apologies”

“What happened to mister, ‘I do not know how to laugh’” She attempted a very poor impression of his voice.

He gave her an affectionate glare and sighed, “I suppose I can laugh, sometimes, rarely”

She laughed at him and stood up, “Alright, whatever you say, the council will be starting soon. I suggest you finish up”

He nodded and she headed inside the palace. 

It was even more majestic than she remembered every time she walked inside. The stained glass windows that stretched to the top of the impossibly tall ceilings, the carpets, the vases. Everything that screamed purity and perfection, yet welcomed you with open arms. Her feet took the familar path to the council room by their own accord.

While the glass had stayed the same a new table had been created to accommodate all the cookies that would have to sit in here. At the head of the table sat a large chair with a sapphire embedded into the head, shaped into the Light of Truth. On either side, slightly lagging behind it were two smaller chairs. On the left were 2 sets of chairs that followed the same formula with the largest embedded with a gem that was meant to replicate the Light of Resolution. At its side was one with the Light of Passion, then across from that was the Light of Abundance. The Light of Freedom sat between the Lights of Truth and Abundance. 

Hollyberry sat in her respective seat. Embedded to the side of her chair was a slot for her shield, though it was clearly made for the original one the gesture made her smile. At the opposite head of the table, the largest chair there had a 4 point star embedded into the stone. A spot she assumed was for Clotted Cream.

Pure Vanilla and White Lily walked into the room, greeting her with gentle smiles. Followed by Gingerbrave, Black Raisin, and Silverbell. She joined in on their conversation as Cacao, Crunchy Chip and Wildberry walked in. Wildberry took the seat to her left, while Crunchy took the seat to Cacao's right. Neatly placing them right next to each other. 

She glanced over discreetly at her friend who gave a knowing look back. Pitaya soon found their place at her right side. Clotted Cream, Financier, and Espresso finding their places at the table. Leaving only Golden Cheese Cookie to arrive. Two Oyster Guards were stationed at the closed door of the council room. Standing at perfect attention while the group chatted together, mindless small talk about trade and other diplomatic ventures. 

Vanilla seemed to be about to start the meeting early as suddenly one of the double doors cracked open. One of the guards spoke through it before nodding, and clearing their throat as both doors were pulled open.

“Queen Golden Cheese Cookie and General Smoked Cheese Cookie of the Golden Cheese Kingdom!”

The room fell dead silent at the sight of the two, at the sight of the one who had tried to steal a souljam, then erupted into noise.

Chapter Text

Everything around him was chaos. The general sighed, feeling Golden Cheese Cookies wing brush one of his own in reassurance. He glanced around. Black Raisin Cookie was standing up, waving her arm wildly while yelling at Pure Vanilla. Wildberry and Crunchy Chip were doing similar motions to their own Ancients. Pure Vanilla, Hollyberry, and Gingerbrave looked stunned, or maybe confused, while Dark Cacao like he wanted to punch someone, and White Lily like she might be the one about to get punched. 

Smoked Cheese Cookie exchanged nervous looks with his queen, who then shared similar looks with The Queen Mother. His ears ringing from all the noise, looking down to see feathers in his hands, not even remembering when the plucking started. Golden Cheese gently pushed his hand away from them. Without warning, Cacao suddenly stood up and slammed his hands on the table.

“SILENCE” He somehow managed to shout over the noise, making everyone stop in their tracks.

The room fell into quiet as Cacao sat back down, pointing a finger at her. “You, explain, not him, you”

She nodded as she took her seat, he chose to stand at her side rather than taking the chair. 

“I woke him up to take the Soul Cheeses of Mozzarella and Burnt Cheese Cookie to the Cheesebirds, but he chose to disobey me and risk his own life for my own. Despite the fact his powers were limited and only a shadow of his former glory, he used what he could to protect me against the Beast. Even when we were transported across the world with no preparation, supplies or knowledge on what we were to face; He kept me from crumbling when I believed I could no longer carry on. He has proven himself and where his loyalties truly lie. You will treat him with the same respect you would me. Am I understood?” Her words were sharp arrows pointed away from him for once, making pride swell in his chest.

There was for the most part, mutual nodding, faces painted colors of shock. Except for one. Crunchy Chip stood up.

“Are we serious right now? How do we know he’s not just another Affogato clone, using her to gain power and lead Dark Enchantresses forces right to her door?” He barked out, staring daggers into his soul as if he could claw the ‘truth’ from him.

Smoked Cheese’s eyebrows shot up, before he narrowed his eyes into a sharp glare. Golden Cheese liked to joke that the expression, 'If looks could kill' had been made just for him, something that must have held some kind of truth as the room filled with tension. Crunchy swallowed hard before puffing his chest up a little more, though his tail betrayed him to seek shelter between his legs. 

“Need I remind you what happened during the war? Need I remind you who took my SISTER’S life and hundreds of MY kingdom’s innocent lives?? Who took MY OWN LIFE?? Need I remind you that my little 'coup' was to join the war efforts? That without it you would only have 4 of the 5 souljams support?

"Do not EVER insinuate that I would align myself with that disgusting shell of a being. I would much rather go through the hell I have in the last 25 years tenfold, then ever give a crumb of my aid to her.” His heart was racing in his chest, the anger he felt only compared to how he’d felt when Burning Spice had held his queen over the cliff.

Silence stretched out through the room, Crunchy Chip curled in on himself, looking to the floor,

“Yessir.. Sorry sir” He sat down again.

Smoked Cheese sighed, wiggling his wings a little to try to relieve the tension that had taken over his body.

“Well then, lets get started shall we?” Pure Vanilla hesitantly stood up, beginning to go over what they knew. 

He felt himself zoning out as he attempted to pull his brain from fight mode, which he honestly didn’t mind. While Golden Cheese had defended him, his comments would hold no true weight to these people. No matter what, in their eyes, he was a traitor. Something he’d made his peace with.

He gently walked himself through his breathing, 4 in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold. Over and Over. Tension melted from his shoulders and pooled on the floor beneath him. The tension that was immediately back as Golden Cheese gently bumped his shoulder. He hadn’t even realized the meeting was over. 

He followed her out, rubbing at his burning eyes. She looked concerned but didn't comment until they were in one of the thousands of gardens he’d seen flying in. The Queen stopped and rubbed his shoulder, he found himself melting into her.

“You alright..?” 

“I’m tired, tense, my heads pounding, I think someone’s about to punch me and I want to hide. So I'm just peachy” He quipped sarcastically

A soft chuckle fell from her lips, “Alright grouch, why don’t I find Gingerbrave so we can get to our room, I’ll catch up with my friends and you take a nice long nap hm?”

“If you think I’m leaving your side you’re crazy,” He stood up and stretched his wings out to their full span, arching his back as he heard it pop, “C’mon”

She stood flustered for a moment, before quickly hurrying behind him, “Wh- I- Wha-? Are you insane!?”

“I thought we established this already” A smirk cracked across his face, as he darted off

She squawked loudly and the two chased each other around for a few minutes, no real rhyme or reason for it, just mindless fun. Slinging insults, trying to tackle one another. Rolling, diving, jumping. Smoked Cheese surrendered once she scooped him up bridal style. 

Which was a nice 30 seconds of rest before Cacao cleared his throat from behind them, causing the shorter to promptly drop him on his ass in shock. He hissed at her loudly, pulling himself back up while dusting off his poor clothes. Golden Cheese spun around and began animatedly chatting as she did, while the general groaned and yanked a damaged feather from her wings sharply. 

“Thank you for dropping me Your Radiance” He hissed

Feathers filled his face a moment later, he pushed her wing down, his eyes meeting hers. They glared at each other for a long, probably awkward, moment. Only interrupted by Crunchy Chip slipping up next to his father. Smoked turned to him, trying to force his face to fall flat, it clearly failed as the younger’s lips quirked up into a smirk.

“We should spar, it’ll be good practice! With a war coming it’s good to stay in shape!” The line came across as flat and rehearsed.

Smoked internally groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose, “You’re a child, that would simply be unfair.”

“I am not-!” He was cut off by a deeper voice.

“Not if it’s 2 v 1” Wildberry silently approached up to Crunchy’s side, Hollyberry not far behind with Pure Vanilla and White Lily.

For whatever reason, he turned to Golden Cheese for permission, who gave him a nod. Once more he groaned. 

“Fine” 

“Alright then! First things first, no cheating, no magic, no outside assist” Crunchy listed off as they moved to a large grassy area. 

It wasn’t perfect but it was large enough for what they needed. His heart twisted in pain as he remembered the last time he’d sparred with anyone. He forced the thought away as he prepared himself to fight.

Golden Cheese Cookie flicked her wings as her general carefully poised himself for a fight. Holding his wings above him and staggering his stance to be able to hold his ground. Toned muscles rippled underneath skin as he gently flexed his way down his arms, taking time to loosen up as much as he could. Staff held in front of him, ready to be used as a weapon.

Once all three had given the nod, Cacao sliced his hand straight down through the air. Crunchy was first to move, lunging with the fervor of the wolves that he trained. Wildberry moving to block his escape. But with 50 some years of experience under his belt, he was prepared. The hawk dove down, spinning mid-dive to land a well placed kick to Crunchy's chest.

The cream wolf cookie skidded across the grass, staining his clothes and opening a friction burn along his cheek, but the Cacaoian was not deterred. Springing right back up to lunge once more. Wildberry meanwhile had her general in a tough spot. Smoked was essentially being kicked around, not being given an opening to launch a counter attack if he wanted his dough intact.

As Crunchy joined the mix again, it gave the bird a small opening to roll away from them both, and he was back on his feet. The younger two went to attack once they realized Smoked was making no attempt to play offense. Carefully he ducked between the two, using his staff to trip the larger.

Wildberry barely caught himself, but not before colliding into his partner. The process repeated over and over, the two going to attack and somehow the elder managed to dip and dive away. But, the repetition was turned against him. As they went to attack once more, rather than slipping between them, one went for the legs, the other the middle. Effectively blocking the general's opening.

Smoked Cheese was fast on his feet, using his wings to just barely hop over the wall they'd created. She smiled affectionately as he laughed, nodding in approval at the two's tactic. They were clever and would grow into phenomenal leaders in their elder years, but right now he still had the advantage. More attacks were launched and carefully dodged, but they were getting better and better at predicting his next move. It felt like it would go on forever, their skills, for the most part, evenly matched.

Until Smoked Cheese forfeited. It had happened in a blink of an eye. One moment they were dipping and diving around each other. Then the next her general seemed as if he'd seen a ghost, eyes blown wide with paling skin. The feathers on his wings puffed up in a show of anxiety.

The 5 Ancients exchanged worried glances as the three stood in the grass. Sweat dripping down skin and chests heaving.

"Are you CRAZY!?" The general yelled, gesturing to the pink cookie, "What the ever loving CHEESES are you doing- doing ANYTHING with an arm in that state? Do you have a death wish?"

There was a beat of silence, Wildberry opened and closed his mouth a few times, somehow rendered speechless.

"One wrong hit to your arm and it'll shatter into a billion pieces, with no chance of restoration!"

She recognized the look in his eye, the fire that was burning so brightly, fear. While it came across as hot anger, she knew him better than that, his anger was cold and calculated, but his fear burned brightly.

"I-It's just scarring.. nothing to worry about" Wildberry attempted to defend himself, but the way he seemed to deflate signaled his imminent surrender.

"No. I've seen cracks that scar, that, is a wound ready to open at any minute. You need to rest and see a healer. It is not worth your life to pretend that you are a solider who cannot be defeated. Everyone has a limit. Learn it or crumble"

Memories swirled up in her head at his words. How many times had she heard him deliver that same exact speech to the rookie soldiers who thought they were better? The ones that treated fighting like some fun game. Golden Cheese knew her husband, and she knew that his yelling, in some way, meant he cared and would rather see someone alive with a bruised ego, than a dead cocky bastard.

A thick silence had fallen over them all, her wing reached out to Hollyberry next to her. The Queen Mother's face twisted up in worry and self-doubt. The bird leaned into her friend, trying to silently send her reassurances.

Her efforts were not exactly helpful but not in vain either. A small smile was sent her way before Pure Vanilla, White Lily, Wildberry and Hollyberry headed off. All four wearing some form of expression that screamed fear.

Dark Cacao looked somewhat worried as well, albeit he masked it better than their friends. Crunchy looked between his king and his friend quickly, deciding who to follow. The elder gave a gentle sigh and gestured for his son to follow the group. He bowed and ran off to catch up.

"I will be in my tent if you require me, there is catching up to be done when you are ready" Cacao gently bumped into her side, then walked off towards wherever he was staying.

Smoked Cheese slipped up to her, lightly leaning into her side, "I may take you up on that offer-"

Her partner was interrupted by an impatient looking cookie with round silver glasses, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and he radiated off an exhausted but restless energy.

"Queen Golden Cheese Cookie?" He gave a curt bow, "My name is Espresso Cookie, do you have what I've asked?"

Ah, this was Espresso Cookie? Then again, he seemed to fit his name well. A few letters had been exchanged between the two over the prospect of creating Magic Candies for her denizens. The process had been slightly altered to be more efficient and with the Vanillan Kingdom's tech it was much easier to make large batches at once.

"I have," She gently reached into one of the pockets of her dress, the fabric enchanted to give her extra pocket room for times like this. Out of it, she produced a brown fabric pouch, gently passing it to him.

Espresso took the bag from her with a nod, taking out the objects one by one. A flat triangular piece of gold metal, a beat-up, half deflated ball that might have once been yellow, and a singular brown hawk feather. The gears in his brain practically turning loud enough to hear.

"These will do, and I will require your Souljam for testing. You're welcome to accompany me if it would make you feel safer. It's my understanding that these gems are very precious to you all"

Golden Cheese nodded, sending Smoked Cheese a knowing look, one he was very clearly displeased with. She snickered and followed the scientist to a large hanger. It was filled to the brim with tech and the large robots, Wafflebots, she recalled.

A small child was currently perched on top of one, digging into a mess of wires that spilled out of the golden bot. She shot Espresso a worried look who just waved her off.

"That's Strawberry Crepe Cookie, they're my- er- I'm their assistant" He was fast to correct himself

The Queen laughed at the way he, somewhat fearfully, looked up at the place where they were working. She was led deeper into the hangar until they ended up in a corner with many fancy machines she didn't recognize. But, he seemed to know what he was doing, quickly sifting through mountains of papers, flicking switches, and rolling back up his sleeves all at once.

It was frankly impressive. She stood for a moment longer, resisting the urge to tap her claws against the cool floor, when he suddenly spun around.

"Alright, this shouldn't take too long hopefully. You can stick around or wander but I will need your Souljam throughout the entire process" The coffee cookie paced while he spoke, scribbling something onto a clipboard.

"How exactly long will it take?"

"Anywhere from… an hour to two or more depending on how your souljam reacts to the test candies and how drastically I may need to alter the formula based on that, but I could go on." He gave a smile that attempted to be comforting but came across more as awkward.

She nodded, flapping her wings worriedly. Parting with her souljam after everything that had happened… felt unfathomable to say the least. Discomfort rolled through every inch of her body, from her toes to the tips of her wings. Pure Vanilla's words from the meeting today were brought to mind, not soothing her anxieties any more.

'They could be anywhere and strike at any moment. We must always be prepared for a war to break out at the drop of a pin.'

His voice rang out clearly in her head, making her visibly shudder once more. Gently she brought her hands up and down the bare skin on her arms. What if they were attacked and it was taken? Or if she couldn't protect her friends, the innocents that lived in the kingdom… her lover?

Espresso was fast to pick up on her anxieties, "Like I said, you're welcome to wait in here if it would make you more comfortable"

She sighed and shook her head, carefully lifting the crown off her head, "No, it's alright. I'll be back in an hour to come check how things are going" Some part of her screamed not to, but another reasoned that this was good and that learning to not rely on it would be beneficial.

He nodded and bowed, "Ill protect it with my life"

Golden Cheese's heart swelled with an almost motherly love for him, the souljam would be in safe hands.

"Thank you again" She smiled at him and slipped from the room, it would be fine. Just fine.

Chapter Text

Espresso Cookie was carefully preparing everything, getting the souljam out of the headpiece had been frustratingly, and seemingly impossible. The metal that held it had a vice like grip on the gem, as if it couldn't bear to let it loose once more. At this rate, he'd have to just use the bedamned jewel with the metal attached, and who knows what kind of affect that might have.

He groaned loudly, attracting the attention of Strawberry Crepe Cookie. They wandered over, trying to see what he had. The kid pushed up to their tippy toes, peering over his forearm.

"Wh-? You know there's an unlocking mechanism right?" They shot a look of pure annoyance into him.

"There's a what.." He stared down at the golden piece and his very sore hands

"A unlocking mechanism, probably so the headpiece can be cleaned and repaired if something happens and the souljam can be kept safe, duh"

"Duh.." He nodded and flipped it over to where they had pointed, and sure enough, there was a tiny button.

Strawberry Crepe laughed as the gem was relased and fell right into his hands, maybe he really was their assistant. Rolling his eyes, he began to run tests, this was what he called the 'fun borning' part where the machines did their thing while he had to just sit, and watch, and take notes for an hour or so.

Espresso got comfy in his swivel chair, clicking a pen with a clipboard in hand, ready to sit… and watch….

—

His eyes were like marbles by the time the analysis finished up, the clipboard stuffed with notes. Golden Cheese had come in a few times to check up on things, though everytime she seemed more and more assured everything was alright, also concerend the more exhausted he looked.

It took mere minutes for the formula to be ready, perfectly made of spun sugar, and life powder. Espresso carefully opened the little sack once more, pulling the three objects out to lay on the table in front of him. It was an odd selection but, if it worked it worked. He started with the weird triangle, it was scuffed and unpolished, showing its age through the marks along the metal.

Yet, upon dropping it in, it reacted immediately, his vision going white before cutting to black.

She quickly hustled through the palace, holding a large stack of scrolls close to her chest. Trying not to trip over herself. The cheesebirds had been doing their best to help her out, but great cheeses, there was so much to do in so little time.

Mozzarella Cookie had a week, a week to plan a whole birthday party without letting their queen know, and so far it had been a pain in her ass. Her brother and nephew too busy with their own duties to assist her, the cheesebirds were at least trying, so it left her to herself.

As the halls whizzed by, she found herself passing the training grounds, going in circles to her office in an attempt to avoid Golden Cheese. She paused, peaking out the loggia. Burnt Cheese and Smoked Cheese, sparring in what they called, the sandpit, using long wooden sticks as weapons.

For a moment she watched, the two fighting with almost their all. Sliding and diving around each other. Striking with careful practice while Rich Cheese watched. The little princess carefully studying the way the two fought.

Rich had been training for only a few months now, but according to Smoked Cheese, she was a fast learner and would be a formidable opponent in time. Said princess eventually noticed Mozzarella watching and waved a little with her wing. Trying to focus on her lesson.

She smiled and gave the largest wave she could manage with her arms full just as Burnt flew backwards, hitting the tiles with a loud thump. Startling her 3 feet into the air and all the scrolls onto the floor. Her brother's eyes widened as the young gatekeeper groaned, wincing in pain. The princess broke out into peels of laughter, her mentor gently smacking her face with his own wing as he moved to help up Burnt Cheese.

Mozzarella started scooping up her scrolls, little hands joining hers as she neatly stacked them in her arms again. She turned her eyes to the hawk whom promptly scoffed.

"What!? He left his side unguarded and I took the shot," He turned to the smaller bird, firmly pointing his finger at her, "Never leave yourself unguarded."

Rich Cheese nodded and beamed, he gently pressed his finger to her nose and turned back to the sandpit, wing arching out to signal the two to follow. The advisor sighed and hurried off to her office to finish up, but smiling just a little more.

—

Things should have been great, their queen off to defeat whatever problem faced Earthbread now. But here they were, the enemy closing in. Everyone was panicking as Mozzarella sprinted to meet Burnt Cheese.

“Where’s Smoked Cheese,” He questioned, scanning the crowd behind her

“Guarding the princess,” She panted out, staring at the large city gate in fear

He nodded and turned to the gate as well, “Take the guards and get the people out the back of the city, I’ll create a distraction.”

“ARE YOU CRAZY?” The words slipped from her mouth before they could be controlled, her eyes wide in horror.

“Do you have a better idea?” He growled, “Now go. We do not have much time.”

She quickly pulled her nephew into a hug, “Please be safe…”

He returned the hug, “I will keep you all safe” 

Mozzarella turned around and began herding people towards the back of the city, shouting commands to their guards over the cries of the people. Attempting to avoid the pushes and the shoves. Though the sight of her seemed to soothe people. As she got to the back gate, a loud scream echoed from the crowd. Thick, black, smoke curled up and over the wall. There was a flash of white, the screams stopped.

—

Mozzarella Cookie hurried through the hallways towards the throne room. The first sound hitting her ears was screaming, like silverware being dragged down a plate amplified a thousand times. She winced and kept moving forward. Burnt Cheese Cookie was standing vigil at the entrance, small trembles radiating through his body.

“Same argument..?” She asked, glancing at the closed doorway

He nodded, “Never anything else” His voice was taught like a rope pulled too thin.

The smaller pulled him into a hug, he broke down into her shoulder. She coo’d at him, rubbing his back. The door next to them suddenly slammed open, the wood booming against the wall like thunder rollling. They both flinched as Smoked Cheese stormed out, face red with anger and cheeks glittering with shed tears. She watched her brother whip down the corridor, worry seeping through her. Burnt Cheese stood back up to attention.

Soft footsteps came from the entry, Golden Cheese Cookie stood there. Her own face red and glistening in the light from crying, the golden wings she held so highly were now drooping behind her, eyes dull and lacking the luster and shine they normally held. Her left hand fidgeted with her collar nervously, her ring finger bare with a lighter band of skin now revealed.

Mozzarella sucked in a breath, teeth clamping down on her lip. The queen turned to her, looking so utterly defeated. The two met half way as she attempted to keep the bird cookie from collapsing to the floor. 

How could they continue like this? The war was over, but soon she knew she’d be crumbling once more. The Kingdom wouldn't survive like this, no one could survive like this.

—

Cautiously, she took a small step forward. He looked crazy, he probably WAS crazy. Smoked Cheese was panting hard, his shoulders bobbing up and down with exertion, wings puffed up and desperately in need of preening, and eyes a little too wide. But it somehow didn’t surprise her, she knew this would happen. For 20 years he’d begged Golden Cheese for the one he'd cared for more than her own mother. For 20 years he’d been stuck in a cycle of never ending grief. Never quite reaching the final stage, always repeating it. Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Depression, Repeat. Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Depression, Repeat. And repeat and repeat, again and again. Eventually it would have driven anyone crazy.

“It's me, Mozzarella Cookie..” She held her hands out for peace, his eyes scanned her carefully, “I told you I also thought this Kingdom needed to change, and even ordered the Marzipan Cookies to aid you by controlling the citizens. Did I not?”

He huffed and rolled his eyes, another large glitch rolling through him and in turn the city, “Ugh... that's right, that you did… However... were you actually trying to help me?” 

She sighed softly, “I see you still do not trust me. I expected this…Well then, I shall lend the Marzipan Cookies to you. Will that earn your trust?”

It was a stretch, he was clever, she figured he’d see her trick right away.

Her brother laughed darkly, “No... surrender every last Marzipan Cookie... to me. Then…I will trust you.”

He fell straight for the trap… forcing herself to swallow her shock she nodded, “ If it's to earn your trust, no sacrifice is too big. Marzipan Cookies, Smoked Cheese Cookie is now your new master. As you've done for me, you must now follow his command.”

She felt relief flood through her as he accepted the command and they began to swarm him. She met his eyes sadly, his gaze filled with betrayal, a glimpse of the brother she once knew. Her lips mouthed the words, "I'm sorry” 

Mozzarella Cookie retreated backwards as more fighting ensued, how many years ago had it been since she’d predicted the fall of this kingdom? Built on instability, the magic of an item even the owner occasionally struggled to control. As the Golden City disappeared around her and sleep began to wash over her mind, she took comfort in knowing she was right once more and this was the best possible outcome. 

—

She stood in the courtyard watching Smoked Cheese and Burnt Cheese spar, the sun was just creeping up the sky painting the golden sand shades of pink. The two were in a sort of stalemate, blocking every attack, dodging and twisting around one another. Burnt Cheese was strong, he’d been trained by Smoked Cheese so he knew how he fought, but having trained him Smoked Cheese knew as well. 

The click of talons echoed in the corridor behind her, Mozzarella turned and smiled at Golden Cheese. She’d been glowing recently, after Beast Yeast she’d looked better but up until she’d finally sorted things with Smoked Cheese it seemed like her smile was never ending. Said cookie spotted her and the most love sick smile she’d ever seen split across his face.

Yet, his distraction allowed Burnt Cheese to send a well aimed blow towards him, which the former barely dodged. The practice stick caught on the beak of his hood and sent it across the sandpit. He scoffed and dove at Burnt Cheese, attempting to knock his own hood off his head. The spar turned more into a scuffle.

 Golden Cheese laughed with Mozzarella over the two, sharing affectionate smiles. While there had been no official announcement but she’d noticed her brother and queen adorned their rings once more. When she walked up to the throne room, Smoked Cheese would hurry out and Golden Cheese’s lipstick would be smudged. Little things that told of the two finally rekindling what they’d had before the war. She personally couldn't have cared less, they both were happier now. No longer did rooms feel charged with tension, peace had been restored. 

Smoked Cheese dragged himself up and over, panting, his feathers ruffled and sand sticking to the side of his face. He looked like a wet cat, grumpy and uncomfortable. Golden laughed as he stalked by, but not before letting their wings brush as he passed. Burnt was trying to knock sand out of his poor hood, glaring at it as hard as if he could to scare it into running away. He gave his mom a confused look, face drooping into a pout, her eyes softened as she took the hood from him. Sand swirled from the hood and obediently trickled back to the ground as she waved a hand over it. 

He smiled and happily put his helm back on, tail wagging behind him, with a respectful bow, he slipped off to venture back to the city gates.

The world came spinning back into view, Espresso collapsed onto the floor, his chest tight as sweat chased itself down his dough. He coughed hard, choking on air. Being thrown into the memories of the cookie's these candies were created for wasn't foregin to him. It was common almost. But never had they been so… strong and filled with emotion. Quickly he deduced it to her death, everyone knew what had happened during the war. But why that event itself was the specfic reason, he was unsure.

The scientist hauled himself up, staring at the pale magic candy, it shimmered brightly with a soft turquoise hue, the scent of cheese and sticky heat invading his senses. Muscle memory took over as he carefully used large tongs to transfer the orb to the case he'd prepared. They were normally no larger than a grapefruit, yet this one was more akin to the size of a pomelos. Suppose the Light of Abundance truly was abundant.

Quietly he laughed to himself, sinking into the swivel chair that he'd rested in what felt like hours before. It groaned under his weight, it's age loud and whiny. Espresso attempted to regain himself, feeling slightly sick. Praying silently to the light that the next 2 wouldn't be so draining.

He found himself sitting there for much longer than he should have, eventually forcing the chair away. The next object seemed to taunt him from where he'd set it. The little ball had the faded paint of what looked to be a cheesebird. He ran a finger over it, swiping a little bit of the grime away. Carefully the mixture was prepared, and he dropped the object in, everything going black once more

Air blew sharply around his little self, he whined and wiggled, the arms holding him were warm though and they were very high. His little tail tucked between his legs. Soon the ground was under the bright birdie holding him.

"Oh no. No. No way. Are you CRAZY!?" A grumpy voice yelled.

Burnt Cheese tried to look at where it came from only for the little hood he was wearing to slide down, conking him on the chin. The bright birdies hands came and lifted it back up, gently shushing him before the tears fell.

"Hush, he was alone, I wasn't just going to leave him to die are you crazy!?" The bird held him a little tighter.

Burnt held her back a little, clinging onto her neck tighter as he tilted back to look. The grumpy cookie sighed, he wore a red and white hood, it looked like a bird head, and he had fluffy brown wings. *Grumpy Bird Man*, yes that's his name, good name.

Suddenly a finger filled his vision, gently pressing down on his nose, a soft voice giggling, "Boop!"

Wiggling in the bright birdies arm, he couldnt quite see who'd done it, no matter how he twisted in her arms. More laughter joined the soft ones. A girl with very fluffy hair and lots of gold and pretty blues finally appeared.

"Well! I for one think he's pretty stinkin cute, I vote we keep him!" The gold one chirped

Grumpy Bird Man groaned and the bright one held him tight to her chest, "Of course we are, It wasnt up for debate"

The two laughed and he snuggled close to her touch, safe. Safe now.

—

Burnt Cheese growled as his mom tugged on his hair, trying to get through the knots in the long locs. To…no success. She gently whacked his arm with her wing.

"Dont growl at me, Im not trying to pull" Golden Cheese gently chided.

He let out a long huff from his lips, arms folding over one another.

"You know, if you brushed it more often this wouldn't be a problem" While her words were scolding, her tone was soft, teasing almost.

The ground thumped under his tail, "Forget…"

"If you keep forgetting I'll chop it off" The queen laughed softly at the face he supposedly made, "Im kidding I promise! You just need to brush it more often ibn"

—

Burnt Cheese quickly side-stepped the attack, careful not to trip in the loose sand underfoot. She was fast to swing again, leaving him seconds to barely dodge under the staff. Again and again, Rich Cheese came at him. Her training was going well so far, but she needed to learn how to defend against someone with a different fighting tatic than her mentor. Which is where he came in.

As the girl recovered from another swing, he carefully slipped around her, placing a well timed blow to her back. She stumbled for a moment but righted herself quickly, wings giving her the extra balance needed. The two circled each other for a moment, waiting for the other to strike.

He took the chance to lean forwards then jump back, effectively juking her and using his staff to sweep her legs out from under her. His sister screeched and fell on her back with a groan.

Smoked Cheese rolled his eyes, "again, you leave yourself too open when you attack, or let your openent study what they think you're going to do," he helped the princess to her feet.

She brushed sand from herself and scoffed, grumbling under her breath "I'm working on it, Im working on it", earning her a glare from the elder.

Rich smiled as he sighed, "Go again, but remember to guard yourself and act quickly"

The two lowered themselves, staffs held in front of them defensively, he lunged first, earning the staff to his chest. The gatekeeper skidded backwards, regaining his footing as he retailated, but this time, she carefully blocked his attack, swinging a foot up to connect with his ribs.

Burnt hit the ground with a thump, earning the princess an aproving nod from the general.

"Good, just like that, now do it again,"

He sat up, eyes burning into the hawk's side, "Are you sure you're not punishing me-?"

Smoked snickered, "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not, who's to say"

Rich helped her older brother up with a beaming smile, which he returned gladly. She was a good little sister, and would one day be a good fighter. Maybe even a general, but whatever she would be, she'd be strong, that was for sure.

—

Golden Cheese sighed once more as she hustled around the armory, gathering her bow, arrows, and her spear.

"Burnt Cheese, I assure you it will be fine" His mother gently spoke, attempting to soothe his anxieties to no avail, "I've defeated thousands of monsters before, this will not be any different"

The gatekeeper shuffled nervously, "Pure Vanilla Cookie sounded urgent, it is not like him to summon you with so few words"

And again she groaned, "My son, it will be fine! You worry too much, everything will be alright, I trust you, Mozzarella and Smoked Cheese to keep an eye on things. Its one villan, I am sure I will be back before the weeks end"

There was a stretch of silence before she gently pulled him into a hug, "I promise I will return,"

Gently he hugged her back, he'd grown tall over the years, now having to bend down to reach her. The two stayed like that for a moment, quietly hushing him as the pads of her fingers ran up and down his back.

"Now, look after your sister for me alright?"

He nodded, "I wont let you down"

—

His dough felt, weird, tingly almost as he stood outside the 'throne room'. The two were screaming at each other once more, for what felt like the thousandth time this week. The queen and her general spitting words of venom senselessly. Their anger creating a tidal wave of exhaustion that seemed to spread throughout the new Golden City.

Burnt Cheese had been trying to avoid doing much, the city was too.. flashy, bright. There was no way to get into the city as of now, no need for a gatekeeper or guards. So alone he stood at the ornate doors, the ones much too big for their own good, that dragged against the ground loudly to protest being moved.

Something shattered in the room behind him, his body flinching hard, Mozzarella carefully walked up to him as to not startle him more.

“Same argument..?” She asked cautiously, turning to look at the closed doors

The guard nodded "Never anything else,"

Gently she pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back, tears burned in his eyes and slipped down his face. How he hated this, he was terrified. He wanted to go home, but now this was home, and there was no changing it.

The yelling suddenly stopped and one of the doors was flung open, slamming against the stone wall with a sound that echoed throughout the 'palace'. Burnt Cheese snapped back to attention as Smoked Cheese stormed out. The cloud of anger seemed to follow him.

The two watched as he dissapeared, heads then turning to his mother. Her face was red, eyes puffy from the tears that stained her face. She scratched and adjusted her collar nervously, her ring finger pale, no longer bearing the metal that he'd seen her wear for years, so long he didn't quite remember when she'd got it.

Mozzarella gasped and bit her lip in front of him. Quickly swooping in to catch Golden Cheese as she fell into her arms. His mother cried and cried, he lowered down to his knees, gently pressing into her shoulder, silently sending her support as he'd done so many times when he was young.

They sat like that for a long while before Moz pulled the queen up, helping her walk off, most likely to the soverigns quarters. Yet his legs felt stuck as he sat there, what had his life come to? Could he even call it that anymore? Quietly he sighed, and sat for a while longer.

—

Careful not to startle her, he poked his head into her office, papers flew about as a cheesebird rattled off about something in her ear. The City was supposed to be good for them all, so they'd have no worries or hardships, yet in the process she seemed to forget about her own.

Her face seemed to be permanatly scrunched up in a confused glare, and eventually they'd stopped asking if she was okay when the light caught the shimmer of her cheeks. So far the simulation had held up alright, a few bugs here and there. But nothing too detremental to the citizens, but for her however…

Something he'd noted over the years of fighting by his mothers side was the importance of communication between the Queen and her highest ranking officers. Her advisors, cheifs, diplomats, and her general. The way the new city was built caused there to be no need for those things. No need for politicans if they kept to themselves and she could simply fufill every wish that was asked of her. No need for armies if there was no threat. Honestly, there was no need for her to have help at all. Only because of the stubborness of Mozzarella Cookie did she share her work load.

So, Mozzarella, Smoked Cheese and himself had kept their jobs, and it worked for them, mostly. It worked for 2 of them. Smoked Cheese and Golden Cheese had a large rift, the snide comments, the backhanded compliments, passive agressive was the only way to describe any interaction they had now days. So there was no longer communication between them, and it seemed to make her crumble.

The gatekeeper was thrown from his thoughts by the aknowledgement of the queen. She gave a weak smile to him.

"Something you require?"

He shook his head and moved to sit in the chair in front of the desk.

"I just wanted to check on you, is there anything you require from me?"

Golden Cheese blinked and smiled, "Is the city safe?"

He nodded firmly, "Of course"

"Then there is nothing I need" She smiled yet it didn't quite reach her eyes

"Are you s-"

"Yes, now I apologize but I have a lot of work to do"

Burnt Cheese frowned as golden feathers waved in his face, silently telling him to leave at once, with a sigh he stood, slipping out of the room quietly. Worry curling in his chest for his mother, silently hoping she'd be alright.

—

Dust swirled around his feet, chest heaving. He'd forgotten how strong he was, and how strong Smoked Cheese was. Their eyes met for a moment, the latters wide, pupils narrowed into slits and alight with a crazed fire. At this point they all knew he'd gone and lost it, yet for how long had he been like this?

A twinge of sympathy echoed in his chest, but he supressed it quickly, this was not the man who'd helped raise him.

"I see you are completely driven by greed and greed alone…" A growl found its way into his voice, "Stay where you are"

The hawk tilted his head a little, "Burnt Cheese... Cookie?" Confusion formed in the cracks of the elders face.

Did he really no longer remember him? How far gone was he? For whatever he reason his throat introduced himself once more, perhaps out of desperation, to attempt to connect to any semblance of self that may still be in the general,

"I, Burnt Cheese Cookie, am the gatekeeper of this place."

Smoked Cheese's eyes widen as he nods with a loud scoff, "Ugh... In these ruins... without a gate... you claim to be the gatekeeper?" Grim laughter fills the air, "All your presence is good for... is just- is just- buying time...!"

A smirk splits across his face, "It's not just buying time. If I can protect my ruler while she needs it, I will do so until my dough crumbles… Especially if that means blocking your path."

The (ex?) general huffed before crying out as he was nearly bowled over, one of his jackals lunging to defend the gatekeeper. The hawk flung the dog off, desperately trying to defend what little he had left.

"You said before there is no gate, well then, I shall become the gate which you cannot pass."

—

The sun was rising over the palace walls, turning the sand beautiful shades of orange and gold. The bones in his knees dug into his chin as he sat there, watching night give into day. There was a soft thump of feet landing on tile, he did turn his head as he knew who this was.

"Good Morning Smoked Cheese, have a nice fall?" His lip quirked up in a small smile

"Ha. Ha. Very funny" The general scoffed, sitting down beside him.

The two sat like that for a moment as the sun rose over the desert, the hustle of the sands night life coming to a close as heat rose from the dunes.

"I hear Beast Yeast was most rewarding to you"

"Only during our radiant queens most shining moment" The younger watched as a gentle smile crossed the elders face.

Quietly he snickered to himself, "You still love her"

"Wh-!?" Smoked Cheese stumbled over his words before sighing with defeat, "Suppose I do, what, you going to go off and tell her?"

The gatekeeper smiled, "No, but I will tease you for eternity"

"How rude"

Together they laughed quietly before another silence fell over them. '

"If I may, Beast Yeast was… interesting, terrifying almost, there was a time where I thought we may not get our or that I may crumble once more but, neither of us let it. Seeing her so gloriously conquer him… it was a reward I know I am undeserving of."

Burnt Cheese nodded at him, "I disagree, I'd say you deserve it for choosing to stay with her despite what she thought you'd do. You protected her as you should have then, but that is the past"

"You sound old"

"I am old"

Once more they laughed, the sun had passed over the horizon and the sky turning shades of brilliant blues. The sounds of people waking filled the air, in a moment the two had duties to return to but for now, he got to sit with his father once more.

Espresso coughed hard, and he was… soaking wet? Strawberry Crepe stood over him with a glass of water, lips curled into a mischevious smirk.

"Crepe…" Trying to keep his emotions under control at the moment was… hard to say the least.

The kid cackled at him, "Daaa- Pure Vanilla did say you needed to drink more water!"

Groaning and pulling himself to his feet, he snatched the glass from their hands. The newest magic candy glowed brightly, almost as if laughing at him too. The Coffee Cookie was soaked through, shivering as his wet shirt brushed his skin, the glasses perched on his nose, now smudged with water spots.

Feeling half blind, he stumbled around for a rag to clean the glass lenses with, and once he could actually use his eyes again, he left. Quickly running to the hangars loft where both his and Strawberry Crepes rooms were.

Once changed back into clean clothes, the second magic candy was moved to the case, one more to go. Espressos whole body ached, he felt exhausted, and his brain muddled, but the sooner he did it, the sooner it was over.

With a loud sigh, he picked the feather up and let it float down into the mixture, wincing as it all turned black

The street was packed with people, her little red bird hood pulled in a way to keep her face hidden. The little hawk, dove and twisted through the thick crowd, the bread seemed to fall right into her hand as she barreled past. The shouts of the vendor were loud, she flung her head back to make sure he wasn't following her. A grin broke out over her face as she- almost slammed into a shield?

Scamorza Cookie skidded to a stop to avoid colliding into the wooden circle inlaid with a round thulite gem that was about as big as her hand. The cookie attached to it was a very burly, very strong looking, woman with bright pink hair. She couldn’t have been much older than herself, but one of them definitely had a size advantage and it was not her.

“Easy Hollyberry, leave the runt alone. She’s just hungry.” A voice spoke from behind.

He was a shorter man with wild yellow hair, and a broad chest, a sharp spear made of what looked like pure gold in his hand. A set of wings the color of sunstone folded neatly behind him. The pink haired woman, Hollyberry, sighed loudly. Slinging the shield onto her back.

“She stole Goldie. I doubt she’s the only one here trying to make ends meet”

Scamorza shrunk in on herself as she stumbled up. The wild looking man quickly coming to help her, glaring at his friend. 

“Fine,” He spat, his face twisted up in frustration, “Go pick out whatever you want, I’ll buy it for you”

She glared, “How do I know I can trust you?” Her voice was sharp like daggers.

The man laughed and rolled his eyes, “Alright, here,” he tossed a small brown sack to her, “Just try not to steal anymore”

She caught the sack, it was much heavier than she thought, and when one of her fingers wormed into the rope that held it closed, she gasped loudly. It was filled with gold coins… this would pay for at least a year's worth of meals. This was the type of money her and her sister had never had. Always living from paycheck to paycheck, and whatever other money Mozzarella Cookie could bring in from the low-stakes gambling. As she turned to thank the man, he and his pink haired friend were gone. And somewhere inside her chest, her heart fluttered softly.

—

The day was slowly giving way to night as he hustled through the castle. The heat of the day left his dough feeling sticky, and his head dizzy. But he had a job that came before rest. Carefully Smoked Cheese cracked open the door, the nursery was kept warmer than the rest of the castle, and while he’d been nothing but overheating today. He found the warmth comforting. The little princesses began babbling as she heard him enter. Rich Cheese Cookie pulling herself up with the bars of her crib.

He laughed softly as she trilled at seeing him, “Good evening little one, cozy in here I see?”

She babbled at him and smacked the bars of her crib while she waited to be swaddled. 

“Yes yes, Im here, I’m here.” He scooped her up in his arms, carefully tucking the blanket around her, “There you go, shhh”

The little one giggled, carefully wiggling her wings out of the blanket, “Tada!!”

He laughed softly, giving his own wings a little flap, her eyes went wide, “Oohhhh”

As he sat down in the rocking chair, Rich managed to wiggle a hand out of the blanket, reach out for one of his wings, which he carefully brought towards her.

“Easy little one, be gentle” He murmured to her, carefully sitting down in the rocking chair. 

Her little hands tried to explore his wing, trying to figure out how it worked. He just smiled as she gently felt his feathers, wrapping her little fists around the bone. His gaze wandered around the dimly lit nursery. A little cheesebird mobile over her crib, a bookshelf of pure oak with every bedtime story Earthbread had for them. Everything adorned in gold, blues, and oranges. 

The door opened once more, Golden Cheese slipping in. Rich Cheese tilted her head back and squealed.

“Mamamamaa!!!” The little cheesebird tried to wiggle from his arms.

The Queen laughed and scooped her up, “Well hello my treasure, you miss me?”

“Ba!” Her little wings fluttered, still coated in downy pin feathers.

Smoked Cheese smiled as she came over, taking her spot in the other rocking chair next to him. 

“Sorry I’m late, got caught in a meeting,” She tilted Rich onto her back to bundle her back in the blanket as it was passed over.

“That’s alright, not like it’s a competition” He assured, leaning on the armrest to look over at her.

She barked out a laugh, “Oh says you! I saw you running in here to beat me,”

“Ba! Bes Gu!” Rich exclaimed with a chirp.

The two laughed with her, Golden leaning down to kiss her head.

“Are you alright to watch her for a few days? Duty calls… again” She sighed loudly

Smoked gave her a nod, “Of course my love, you go have fun”

“It would be more fun if I didn’t have my most precious treasures to worry about”

“We’ll be alright without you, you have me and Mozzarella. We’ll keep things tied down for you, you know we wouldnt let anyone hurt a hair on her head”

She sighed once more, Rich mimicked her sigh as well. Giggling at her daughter, she shook her head. “Alright, be safe”

“I always am”

—

He dragged Rich Cheese down the hallway as she tried to squirm out of his grasp. They flinched as the palace shook around them. Dust and sand falling from the ceiling.

“I can help! You’ve been training me how to fight for years! Smoked Cheese!” Rich tried to scratch at him, flapping her wings.

“No! Not like this! Not enemies like this! You will fight another day, Rich Cheese Cookie!” He screamed back

She was strong, his arm and hand ached from how hard he was having to grip the girl, he just hoped it wasn’t hurting her too badly. His heart thundered in his chest, a day ago, everything was fine. A day ago, she was safe. Trying not to be too rough, he pushed her into his room. It was near the back of the palace, away from the treasury, nursery, and throne room, somewhere they would hopefully not look for her. Carefully he held her shoulders.

“Listen to me carefully. You are going to barricade this door, you are going to go out that window and run as far as you can. There are small villages everywhere. If you find water, follow it. Get to one of the other 4 Kingdoms. Doesn't matter which one, just get to safety and stay there. Me or your mother will find you. Am I understood?” 

Her face was scrunched up, brows furrowed together, “But-”

“No. No buts. Just listen to me please”

“I-”

“You are too much like your mother,” He hissed under his breath, and sighed, “Look. You cannot fight if you are dead. I dont know who these people are, but they are dangerous and you are not ready yet. One day, you can fight but today, for once, you run. I-”

He was cut off by yelling, he quickly shoved her in the room and prepared to fight.

—

Everything was blurry, he could feel blood pooling under him. His staff somewhere he couldnt reach. Smoked Cheese pushed himself up onto his elbows, he could see a blurry yellow blob, surrounded by too much red. He could feel his heart slowing but the sight of her on the floor made it thunder like it never had before. 

Running on adrenaline, he dragged himself over to her, a soft choked sob escaped from his throat. No. Not her. Anyone but her. Why hadn’t she listened to him? He pulled her limp body to his chest, crying in her hair. He could feel his vision getting spotty, he carefully laid down next to her, sheilding her body from the sand, and the cold that seemed to seep into his bones, holding the one he'd cared for for so many years for the last time.

—

He could see the faces of his sister and pseudo-son behind him. Disappointment. Not a look that was uncommon for him. His heart rushed through his ears as he stumbled back to his room. It didn't look like his room though, it looked like a mockery with twice as much glamor as it should. How he hated this stupid digital city. 

Smoked Cheese, wanted to scream. But he’d been doing that at his wife Golden Cheese for the last hour. How long could a man beg a woman before he gave out? About a month apparently. One painful, stupidly long, month. Every ounce of his being ached with pain. He dropped to his knees and wailed. Wailed for every single cookie who’d died that bedamned day. And for the one she refused to bring back. 

He didn’t even want to say her name, to even bring her a spec of power over him. Yet a part of him cried out for her comfort, wanting to suffer with her, to get through it at her side. That part was dumb he told himself. That part was dumb because he’d just thrown his ring to the floor at her feet. That part was dumb because he walked away from the one woman who had saved his life so many times, the one and only person he’d ever loved.

—

At this point, he wasn't sure what was happening. Everything that had happened felt unreal, though wasnt it? Just a mockery of what the kingdom used to be. A now corrupted digital copy, laughter fell from his lips, not out of happiness, but out of shame. His name was uttered from her lips and it somehow made him feel whole again while tearing him apart,

"I'd rather you just destroyed me... Why are you showing me mercy?" He didnt understand her, not in the slightest, "Perhaps... You wish to... humiliate me... first?"

He smiled at her weakly, though it never reach his eyes.

"You, too, are one of my…" Golden Cheese paused for a moment, debating what word to use, "subjects."

Somewhere in his chest, it felt like his heart started to beat again, he let her continue.

"I am angry at you, yes. But as long as I'm your queen, I…" She sighed loudly, "care for you"

Smoked Cheese let out a strangled, nearly silent, whine, her lips curled into a soft smile. He pressed the side of his face into her hand as she cupped his cheek, her touch ever so gentle.

"So, you may rest easy now. We shall talk... when you wake up."

He laughed quietly, gently pressing a kiss to her palm, a silent action shared just between the two, "You truly are… a foolish queen"

His eyes fluttered shut, and the world faded around him, and for once, his heart was in his chest, and her touch was warm.

—

He held Golden Cheese’s limp body close. She was alive just barely, his face and shoulders burned with sand and grit, the skin of his chest raw from when they'd held him down. The large wings he'd always prided himself in, clipped, no longer could he fly. Yet, the pain he'd felt as his queen had been held over that cliff? Hurt even more.

The hawk hugged her tighter to his chest, protective, wings covering her bloodied back. He'd done what he could to stop the jam from flowing, his part of his shoulder piece was in shambles, and the other tightly wrapped around her back and the stumps of wing.

In that moment, quietly, a vow was made to himself. Golden Cheese would live, she would get out of here no matter what he had to do. Even if he crumbled, even if it meant he was stuck in this land of spice, and even if it meant giving his own wings up for it. He'd do it. For her he'd do it.

Not even to make up for what had happened in the Golden City, but to prove the love he'd felt for her had never stopped, never faltered for a moment. In his chest, his heart thundered against the ribs that held it there. Beating for the broken bird in his arms. She'd make it out. She'll be ok.

—

Smoked Cheese watched as the Cheesebirds darted about, the palace repairs seemed to be going well. The sound of talons clicking along sandstone approached from behind, a smile split across his face as he turned to face his queen, his love, his wife. She smiled back and they fell into each other.

"Ready to go my radiance?" He held her hands, pressing his forehead to hers.

Her wings fluttered nervously as she sighed, "I.. suppose,"

The anxiety that flooded from her was obvious, gently he pulled away, hand retreating into his pocket and producing the little, flat, grey disc that Mozzarella gave him.

"Remember, if anything goes wrong we have these, for them to contact us, and… whatever the hell those bot things are that are crawling around"

About a day ago they'd received a letter from the Vanilla Kingdom along with about a dozen of what they called 'Wafflebots', that were now stationed around the whole kingdom. Burnt Cheese was unhappy with them but upon seeing his mothers anxiety lessen, he allowed the help.

Golden Cheese chuckled affectionatey at his words, gently rubbing her arms, "I suppose you arent wrong I just cant help but feel worried, as if something might happen"

"I assure you my queen, nothing will happen"

She nods and puffs her chest up , steeling herself, "Then we shall leave at the top of the hour"

Smoked smiled at her, not beaming but, admiring quietly. It was stupid really, he felt like the lovesick birdie he was when they met, and yet even though his heart felt like melting cheese, dripping through his ribcages and to the floor. He for once didn't hate it.

As he opened his mouth to speak, the hawk was cut off by the chirpping of a Cheesebird. They both turned, Smoked extending an arm to allow them to perch on. Manager Cheesebird, or as nicknamed by Golden Cheese, Brie carefully steadyed themself on his forearm. Using their wings to balance.

"I apologize for dizturbing you two before your departure your radiancez, but, My King'z sizter requirez his immediate attention! Chirp!"

Despite that it had been a week since the word had been slowly passed around, being called King was so… odd. While it didn't actually reflect his power status and was more marital, it still made him glow with pride. With a soft smile, he shook his head.

"I'll be back before we leave my queen" With a curt bow, he slid off

"If you're late I'll leave without you!!!" She cried after him

"Im sure you will!" Quietly, he laughed to himself, following the cheesebird for once.

Madeleine Cookie's shoulders ached as he rolled them, the Wafflebot hangar was oddly quiet for once, it was never like this. Somewhere in his chest worry bloomed for the coffee cookie whom he'd somehow come to call his friend.

He picked up the pace and poked his head around the corner, Espresso was crouched on the floor, a deep brown magic candy glimmering in front of him, freshly made so it seemed. The paladin crept closer, carefully kneeling at his side.

His shoulders shook and the sound of quiet sobs fell from his lips, the white dress shirt that the smaller wore was one Madaleine recgonized as his own. Some part of his brain chimed to ask but another warred over trying to comfort him. It was safe to say, the knight was way out of his comfort zone.

Espresso finally seemed to notice him and… hugged him? Madaleine froze as the scientist sobbed into his shoulder, he hadn't the slighest clue on what to do, was he sick? Did something happen? His brain was a torrent of thoughts and despite his better judgement, he pulled him closer. Hand gently rubbing up and down his spine.

"Easy, Im here, Im here" He whispered softly into his ear, trying to soothe him

Did he know what happened? No. But, for right now he didn't care, he just held him, allowing himself to breathe in the sweet scent of coffee that wafted off him and (hopefully) comfort his friend.

Chapter Text

White Lily paced, and paced. There was something, but she couldn't quite remember, like a sneeze that wouldn't come. They were out on the sort of back patio of the palace. Vanilla sitting at one of the tables with Wildberry, trying to examine his arm with the daylight best he could. Hollyberry standing vigil nearby worriedly. There had been a mutual agreement to void the council meeting today to allow the healer to work with what he could.

She knew what to do, she knew she did. But the memory was lost, and no matter how many times she paced up and down, it did not seem to want to come to mind. Vanilla glanced at her worriedly, trying to silently ask if she was ok, but the flower cookie paid no mind. She wrung her hands back and forth, trying to trigger the memory in someway. Yet, it didn't work. As she groaned loudly, Hollyberry gestured at Lily to join them.

Carefully she began to shuffle over, Vanilla's voice reaching her ears.

"I suppose Espresso may have some equipment in his lab but…" His voice quickly became background chatter for once.

Lab. Why was that word so familiar? It felt as if it was tugging on her dress to get her attention yet when she glanced there was nothing there. Lab. Her Lab. Suddenly a switch flicked in her brain.

Words caught in her throat as she snapped her fingers with indistinguishable gestures, she was sure her friends pulled a face, yet her mind was set as White Lily turned tail and darted inside. While her own memory failed, muscle memory did not as it took her down to the basement level of the castle. The space reserved for the cellar, storage and a 'dungeon' if it could even be called that. It was more of a small hotel that consistently had vacancy.

But that was not what she came down here for. Feet slapped stone as she came to a metal door with a large handle. The room was originally meant to be an ovenry, but it had been built wrong, so mid construction it had been repurposed for a lab. One that she'd slowly taken over upon moving into the castle so many years ago.

The door held firm as she tried to turn the handle to no avail, even when putting her entire weight on it, the metal barely gave a squeak. Loudly she groaned once more, wings flittering anxiously. There was something in there she needed, something that would help. But once more her memory failed her.

Footsteps approached from behind. Vanilla whom had kept fast on her heels and Hollyberry farther behind with Wildberry in tow. She exchanged a look with her best friend, he seemed to have forgotten about this place as well. The berry cookie got closer, sending an affectionate smile to her pout, and gently bullied White Lily out of her way, throwing her whole weight into the handle, the door swinging open.

The room was dark, but her body knew, a hand unconsciously reaching for the light switch and habitually resting her staff in its place. As the room was flooded with white, she reveled in the familiarity. Despite there being a thick layer of dust blanketing everything, white sheets covering chalkboards and lab equipment. It was exactly how she'd left it.

The three ancients looked around the old laboratory, eyes blown wide. Her own ruby ones glancing to the large oven, it had been built wrong, and ironically for its size taking up 3/4ths of the wall, had been built too small. But, it worked for what she'd needed, the memories of using it were shrouded with a thick fog, yet it made her stomach twist.

Dust floated in the air from all the sudden activity after, how many years had it been? 10? 20? Numbers ran in her head, 27 years. 27 years since she left for Beast Yeast the first time, the thought wracked her body with shivers. Pure Vanilla sent her a worried look, yet she quietly ignored him in favor for digging around some more. Tugging sheets off to reveal the hidden treasures underneath, perfectly clean blackboards, sleek microscopes, and all the notes!

Wings fluttered happily as she explored again, feeling as if it had reawakened a piece of her soul. How many years of her life were in this room? How many years of research were in these notebooks? She made her way to a book shelf, filled with journals, binders, textbooks. All filled to the brim with the knowledge her younger-self acquired, much of which had been lost to… the incident. Chills chased down her spine once more at the thought, attempting to shake away it quickly.

The bindings gently dipped as her fingers danced over them, all worn with age and love. Gently she pulled one from the shelf, a cloud of dust flew into the air as she broke into a little sneezing fit. Soft laughter filled the air, she turned as Vanilla smiled affectionately at her, leaning over to grab a journal for himself. Her face turned the color of a tomato, quickly turning heel to find a spot to sit and read.

Lily curled up in one of the swivel chairs once swiftly pulling the sheet away. The journal creaked as the pages were thumbed open. On left hand of the inner cover, faded and smudged text was scrawled in blue ink. Her eyes narrowed, trying to read the muddled words before eventually deciphering, "Experiments 531 - 564, Y22". She'd forgotten how young she was when she'd begun her work, this must have been the first journal used in this very lab, them all only received their souljams a year prior, and the castle only finishing around the time it had been dated.

Quietly she sighed, shaking away the odd feeling it had given her, pages flicked under her fingers as words blurred by. Her handwriting was near illegible from quickly jotted notes, ink that didn't dry fast enough and age. Yet somehow her eyes knew the words, like memories being pulled from the back of her mind. Then she saw it.

"Experiment 545: Dough Construction"

Somewhere in her brain, some part of her showed her the way, her body leading her back to the bookshelf, pulling more journals off and quickly flipping through them. Sure enough, there was what she needed. Lily smiled to herself.

"I can fix his dough…" Her voice no louder than a whisper

Hollyberry glanced over at her, brow furrowing, "What?"

Quietly she giggled to herself, "I can fix his dough"

She smiled at them and gestured Wildberry over, flicking on a light with a magnifying glass. Gently he rested his arm under it, there were thousands of tiny hairline fractures spider-webbed along his dough, splitting from the larger ones like strikes of lighting which were about half an inch thick. The larger cracks let the light go right through, as if there was no jelly or hard sugar inside.

White Lily jumped as something brushed along her neck, Pure Vanilla mumbled his apologies, peering into the glass as well while drawing his hair away. The duo exchanged looks of worry. She tilted his arm very carefully, seeing how more spiderwebs shot across his arm.

"Get me a cast will you?" He nodded at her request and slipped off upstairs.

Hair cascaded down like a waterfall as she tugged her braid loose, retying it into a large ponytail that reached her hips, then twisting it carefully up into a bun. Her mind was loud as gears turned, thoughts running rampant as a dragonflies. The scientist followed the track of her mind, quickly prepping a notebook while attempting to find cleaning solution to disinfect what was left to rot.

The next few hours were spent cleaning and brainstorming. Wildberry's arm now secured in a sling safely while White Lily worked in tandem with Pure Vanilla. At some-point they'd dressed down into what they called, 'Lab Clothes', which was composed of a simple button up and slacks paired with long rubber gloves that reached their elbows and a lab coat on top. Like hummingbirds they spun and danced around each other, moving from chalkboard to chalkboard to notebook and back.

When they were younger, she remembered how Vanilla had begun to worry for what she was planning, for the way her mind had spiraled. He knew she never had ill intent, but his attempts to guide her towards something less… inhumane and to use her studies for medicine had failed. Yet here they were now, using that research to heal someone else. Using that research for what it was always truly meant for.

For once her mind was quiet from the witch, the air filled with jokes, laughter and something else she didn't dare name. Time seemed to slip by, and before they knew it, Gingerbrave was poking his head with their dinners in hand. Lily smiled at him, and for once she could feel it reaching her eyes, the Light of Freedom thrummed happily from where it was resting. Brighter than it had been in years.

Gingerbrave sat with them as they picked at their meals slowly, the two listening to the young cookie as he spoke about his day and what he'd been up to recently. All the while, Vanilla glanced at her, eyes opening to narrow at her in a silent request for her to eat. Her own doing the same, they'd both had… issues with food since they were young, but always the other was trying to convince them to eat. Always somehow ending in them both with full bellies. As she took a larger bite, her attention drew back to their friend.

"So! What have you two been doing all day? This place is so cool…" He looked around in awe, eyes sparkling.

Quietly she giggled, he seemed to pick up on her good mood and gave her the space to ramble on if she wanted. He was awful attentive to others emotions, in a way that frankly scared her sometimes.

"Working, this used to be my lab before…." She gestured with her hand, "I had honestly forgotten about it, but all my research is in here"

Gingerbrave nodded, both of their eyes on her causing a scarlet flush to break out across her face.

"Watcha working on?" He leaned back in his seat, trying to squint at one of the blackboard to make out the scribbled notes.

Quietly a look was exchanged between the Ancients, Vanilla giving her a nod to tell him.

"A formula to hopefully help us fix Wildberry's dough," A proud smile slipped across her face, one she was returned by the blond cookie.

It seemed to take a moment for Gingerbrave to process what she'd said and then he nodded once more, "I heard Crunchy talking about that earlier… I wonder what happened"

"Something in Beast Yeast, his arm shattered and… wasn't repaired correctly" Vanilla chose his words carefully.

"Awh, well! I know you two will fix it, you're the smartest cookies I know!"

His words caused them both to flush with pride, quickly trying to dismiss the compliment to no avail. The three laughing with one another happily. The room felt a little lighter than it had before. Soon though he left with their plates, allowing them to work. A plan quickly being made.

Bring Wildberry in, examine his arm more thoroughly and get a dough sample from him and Hollyberry. Use the dough samples to create a new batch to fill in the cracks and make a seal for the smaller fractures. Use a blowtorch to carefully repair what they fill and let it set then cross their fingers.

It seemed simple enough, a process almost scarily similar to the repairs done after one used their dough to create an offspring via the oven. Yet, they were once more reminded that his arm had appeared hollow. Somehow, they'd have to get into the larger cracks to see what they were dealing with. If his arm truly was empty in these cracks… honestly she wasn't sure what to do.

It would be a medical mystery and miracle as he still had the ability to move and flex his arm. So somehow, even without any jelly or sugar bones in spots, he was able to move and feel. Once more the dragonflies in her brain started up, she knew Vanilla wouldn't allow her to do any tests with the fragility of his arm, and honestly she wouldn't feel safe doing them either. But some part of herself, one she'd been ignoring, whispered in her ear to do the tests anyways, even if it meant losing him.

Though before her chest could draw tight at the witches words, Vanilla gently bumped their shoulders together, smiling at her.

"Ready to head up for the night?"

Lily blinked at him a few times before nodding and grabbing her staff as they left the room. Somehow he picked up on her distress, quietly soothing her with mindless chatter. Going on about something she couldn't quite focus on, but nonetheless his words kept her grounded. At her door as he was about to leave, something told her to grab him.

He stumbled but smiled, pulling her into a hug. They stood tangled like that for years it seemed, yet at the same time it felt only a moment. Good nights were exchanged as she slipped into her room. The lock clicking shut behind her.

Behind her ribs her heart seemed to jump and stutter, the butterflies of her stomach flying up to her throat. For a moment she just stood, quietly breathing to herself. Once more the traitor in her head whispered songs of his loathing to her, for being so weak as to let him back into her heart.

For how long she stood there she was unsure, it could have been a breath, or an hour. But she finally turned around and left the room, letting her feet carry her back from where she'd just came. The moon had risen high in the sky but she wouldn't be there long. Only a few minutes to put the dragonflies in her head to rest, then she'd sleep.

Yet the dragonflies seemed to grow more restless as she began to write and to plan, and troubleshoot. Soon she'd filled a notebook with notes just on every solution to what could go wrong. Trying to ignore the black that swirled at the edges of her mind. The scratching started once more, nails running over the scars that adorned her shoulders. Hot jam sliding down her arms and her fingers. Yet this time the voice didn't leave, the witch taunting her with every failure she'd had, every mistake she'd made, every time she'd been too loud or too bossy that day. Twisting her laughter and joy into fear and regret.

The tar tried to pull her under as she fought against it, writing formula after equation and recipe, sorting and resorting her equipment, cleaning her arms and re-wrapping them with the green that had always coiled around her wrists. Slowly the voice got quieter, and she was alone again.

White Lily slumped in one of the chairs, the room around her blurring as the tar gave way to exhaustion. Her eyelids heavier than a Cake Hound. Gently she rubbed the pads of her fingers over them, trying to force them open with little success.

Ink scrawled across paper as she struggled to stay awake, going back to jotting down notes of what she'd discovered within the last however many hours. Soon the words began to shake her brain awake once more, and she blinked hard as life spilled back into her dough. For a few blissful minutes, she was able to work in peace. Then the door opened.

Pure Vanilla raised his eyebrows at her, staff glancing from her eyes to her clothes and back, no doubt noting she hadn't changed and the deep purples that hung under her waterline. Lily gave him a nervous smile.

"Morrning…???"

He sighed and walked over, "Lily… you need to rest, you cant work with another cookie's life if you cant keep your eyes open". There was no anger in his voice, only worry.

"I- I just wanted to write something down and then something else and I just…" She trailed off, slumping defeatedly.

His hand rubbed up and down her shoulder blade, his other gently taking hers as she was pulled to her feet.

"Why don't you go take a nap until after the meeting? Ill get the samples we need and allow the tests to run while Silverbell takes notes and stands in your place. Hm?"

She tried to protest but he gently pressed a finger to her lips, skin tingling where his hand had just been.

"Go. Rest."

Lily knew she couldn't win, so, she sighed and nodded. "Alright… fine"

Together they headed back up to her room. He wished her a good rest, before walking off to most likely find the two Hollyberrians. For a moment she hovered at the door to her room, debating the chances of success if she went back to the lab. The gears in her mind clicked louder than the footsteps that approached.

"Thinking of going somewhere?" Black Raisin Cookie smirked at her, though not in malice.

The flower cookie jumped at the sudden arrival of the general. The two got along just fine, the younger being one of the many cookies to be pseudo-adopted by Pure Vanilla.

"Just.. in here, sorry"

Black Raisin smiled, "Good, you need the sleep",

Quick smiles were exchanged before Lily darted into her room. She sighed loudly as clothes slid off her body, gently running the pads of her fingers over the scars that adorned her shoulders and thighs. It hadn't meant to get as bad as it was, she knew Vanilla would be dissapointed in her, yet it seemed to be the only thing that kept her mind from completely untethering from her body. For a moment she stared at herself in the mirror.

Her dough was wrapped tight to her bones, tinted with a sickly hue. Angry red lines stretched across her body. White silk tumbled down from it's bun, though it had begun to sour, thinning into straw. Purple bags were hung under bloodshot eyes. Water dripped down, splashing on the small freckles that dusted her arms. She wiped her eyes and slid into night clothes as the sun began to rise high in the sky.

For a moment, Lily almost allowed herself to sleep peacefully. Then she turned and tugged the curtains open, letting the doors swing and thump in the breeze. The witch quietly whispering in her ears as she lay down. The black swirled in her mind as she fell into a restless slumber.

Chapter Text

The sun shimmered through the stained sugar glass, bathing the council room in every shade of the rainbow. Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled at his friends, already sitting and waiting for the meeting to begin. Smiles flashed and greetings were exchanged, the room felt light as air. Clearing his throat, he gently tapped his staff to the floor to begin the meeting. Eyes fell on him, as a button on the table. A map lighting up across it, displaying the terrain of Beast Yeast.

"It is a joy to see you all here this morning, while White Lily will not be joining us, I am very glad to be in all of your company once more. But, we do have much to discuss. The war has begun to loom closer and closer. While we all are very aware of 4 of the 5 Beasts and what challenges they will bring, we still have very little on the Beast of Silence."

He tapped another button, the map zooming in on the area deemed The Land of Silence, by the old scrolls.

"We have been able to successfully map and plan a safe route for a larger expedition thanks to the excursions put on by the Fae Knights, though we must be wary of what's to come. From what we have gathered so far, which isn't much, we are aware that the Beast has an explicit connection to the Saint Pastry Order, and therefore Dark Enchantress. There has been little intel to prove that the two have been in any kind of contact other than this, but it would be logical to assume they have been as to not be taken by surprise under any circumstances"

As he continued, Vanilla smiled at his friends as they attempted to keep the mood light with jokes and laughter knowing the anxiety that seemed to settle on his shoulders. He wasn't private about his worries for his friend, and he didn't try to be. Mean as it may be, Lily was weakened, pushing off her expedition date as long as he could for her. Yet soon he'd have to let her go again, to do what he's always done and wait, silently praying to something he wasn't sure of anymore for her safe return.

Soon the topic began to shift once more, as eyes fell onto Wildberry. The guard shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, the healer respectfully averting his staffs eye.

"I do apologize once more for all of the delays we've had in our meetings and the lack of… how shall I say it, knowledge being brought forth. Though I promise I have not brought you here for nothing."

There was a ripple of laughter, Hollyberry speaking up, "Ah, hush with the apologies you! I'm glad I get to be among you all, it's been too long"

Golden Cheese nodded with a smile, "While I admit I was… hesitant to come, I'm glad I did. I hadn't realized how much I've missed you all"

Her eyes darted to the empty chair and away once more, silently including her in the statement.

"Though I am not as close as you all are to one another, I am thankful to be present and to have a say in these discussions. Despite getting off on the wrong foot" Clotted Cream flushed slightly as a chuckle floated around the room.

Vanilla felt as if his heart may overflow with the love he felt for the people in the room with him, his dearest friends and those he'd consider his children. While no one else said it, it was apparent that the same sentiment was shared between them all. He automatically turned his head towards where Lily normally sat, his heart jumping for a fearful moment before remembering the events of the morning.

She is safe. She is here. She is home.

He quietly reminded himself, reigning back in his breathing as the meeting dismissed. The sun greeting him warmly as the halls slipped by, feet taking his body along the familiar path. Black Raisin Cookie was still sitting vigil outside her room, gently scratching under one of her crow's chins. As the sound of his footsteps approached, she smiled up at him.

"Thank you again, I sincerely cannot thank you enough. If you wish to know what happened I'm sure Silverbell would be happy to share his notes with you"

The younger shook her head as she stood, "No trouble at all really. I don't mind getting to rest for a while, though… there was something I noticed"

The healer gave a nod to continue.

"A hawk has been circling overhead for the last hour. Doesn't seem like its hunting, and they aren't common to this area to my knowledge"

She pointed out the window to a large grey and brown bird, slowly circling above the palace. Immediately he recognized the bird, though he wasn't quite sure from where untill it suddenly dove down sharply.

"Its one of the messenger birds from the Dark Cacao Kingdom… I hope everything's alright" He mumbled, a vine of anxiety coiling up his chest and squeezing his lungs.

It wouldn't have been the first time the King had had to leave a meeting early for business back in the cold lands. Yet, he forced himself to shake off the worry, turning to the door behind them. Black Raisin bid him goodbye as the door shook under his fist. It took a few moments for her head to poke out, eyes scrunched up and hair roused with sleep.

Lily mumbled something to him, waving her hand as she opened the door more. She was already dressed in fresh clothes, the room slightly chilled yet still warm in the afternoon sun. Vanilla smiled affectionately as the scientist shuffled around, looking for, assumptively, a hair tie. Her eyes fluttered open and closed as slowly the waking world poured back into her brain, hands quickly finding a hair tie to throw the long silver locs into a messy bun.

Together they walked down to the lab as she sipped at a cup of coffee he'd snagged her. Filling her in on the meetings events, and steadying her as her body attempted to tip over in the haze of sleep that still seemed to surround her.

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep more Lily?" Gently he prodded yet still she shook her head.

" 'm okay… couldn't really sleep anyways"

His brow furrowed, the eye of his staff narrowing at her affectionately, "Will you be able to work still?"

She nodded wings fluttering as her arms and back arched in a stretch, "Mhm, Just gotta wake up more"

The metal door creaked open, the lab flickering to life as the switch was flipped. Prep was quick, his robes hung up and hair pulled back as the two began their dance. Sliding around one another, notebooks cracking open and chalk scratching on chalkboards. The smell of fresh batter filled the air as the two soon began to mix what they hoped would solve the young guards problem.

Wildberry soon joined them with Hollyberry, Crunchy Chip and Cacao in tow. The three of which lasted only about 5 minutes in the lab before they were quickly shoo'd out by a grumpy White Lily. Vanilla smiled at her lovingly, while there wasn't a moment that his heart didn't beat for her, it seemed to announce itself more when she allowed herself to breathe.

Yet suddenly, neither of them were, every movement calculated and careful. With Wildberry put under, they carefully broke open one of the larger cracks. The staff's eye falling closed as his shot open.

His arm was hollow.

His arm was hollow.

Lily looked up at him worriedly, biting her lip.

"We… we can't just fill it with dough can we? It could risk him losing the arm"

He bobbed his head up and down in agreement. They stood over his arm for what felt like years, mulling over their next options. The faerie got up and flitted about, eyes flashing over notes and joting down new ones. Vanilla sitting with the bodyguard and trying to figure out how he could still feel and move his arms without the jellular muscles or sugary bones.

The healer sat in a silent vigil, allowing the other the focus she needed and Wildberry to rest, fear swirled in his chest for when he'd wake. Yet, Lily seemed to know what she was doing. Moving from table to table, mixing, stirring, writing. Multitasking as she always did. Time slowly crept by, until she came over with a bowl of what looked like thick, boiling jam, and pieces of a metal rod.

"If we're fast, we can hopefully restring his muscles, around this" She held up a section of the metal, "Then reseal what we can, when it cools we get rid of the weaker dough and fill that as well"

Pure Vanilla's jaw swung open and closed a few times before he found his voice, "Do you really think it will work..?"

"We have to try dont we? If we leave it, he looses the arm, if it goes wrong, he still looses the arm."

For a moment he pondered that, finding that she indeed did have a point, "Well, lets get to work before he rouses hm?"

The healer sighed and fell back into a chair, Lily slumping besides him. The arm was hopefully repaired, the restringing had seemed to work, and the metal rod stuck firmly to the sugar bones. Now they waited as Wildberry slowly woke up.

The duo still had many cracks to fill, it would take hours, maybe days, of work to fix it all. But for now, they rested, waiting to see if they'd succeeded. The youngest groaned, pushing himself up on the cot they'd smuggled from the medical wing.

Time felt as if it froze once more, for a moment Wildberry did not move again nor speak. Then a twitch of his fingers, followed by a flex. It worked.

Vanilla felt as if he could cry, Lily tightly hugging him, tears of joy slid down his face as he resisted the urge to pepper kisses along her pale face. Instead settling for a gentle squeeze and words of praise.

While the first and largest crack had been sealed properly, the rest of his arm was still very unstable, carefully moved back into the sling so he could move a little more. Soon their friends all sat in the lab, eating dinner there similar to the night prior. Crunchy happily sitting vigil at the guards side while munching on the meat jellies that the Raisin Villagers had most likely prepared.

Ever since cookies from the Creme Republic had begun to move into the kingdom of old, new recipes had been taught to them, the cuisine beginning to return to what it had been like before the war.

Vanilla happily listened as Golden Cheese rambled on about her kingdom and how it had been regrowing slowly and steadily. Hollyberry chiming in every once in a while to ask about something or to lend a bit of advice. Lily seemed to shrink closer to him, as if trying to hide. While the closeness was not unappreciated, her hiding (somewhat) was not. Gently nudging her back from his side with a smile he hoped was encouraging.

While she returned it, her anxiety seemed to radiate off her, along with the King at her other side. His attention turned to Cacao, who's eyes were focused on the wall but brain clearly somewhere else. The food on his plate untouched, the uncharacteristic act setting alarm bells off in his head.

Once Vanilla had noticed, it seemed as if everyone else did as well. Glances of worry and confusion being shared among the 4. Hollyberry glanced back at her son and Crunchy Chip, clearing her throat to snag their attention. The two's heads swiveled to her as she nodded her own in the direction of Dark Cacao.

Crunchy sighed and rubbed his face, clearly aware of whatever was going on with his father.

"He's been… doing that alot lately, ever since Beast Yeast. He's fine just…" The young cream wolf shrugged, "I dunno"

Once more looks of worry were shared around. Golden Cheese finally sighing and planting a firm kick to the eldest's shin. Cacao's head whipped around, lips flaring into a growl before realizing who it was. With a cough, he composed himself, pupils that had narrowed to slits in seconds once more filling back out.

"Apologies," Shame flushed up his face, glancing away, "My mind was elsewhere"

"Really? Didn't notice" The bird huffed, wings puffing up with her pout.

Sighing, the elder seemed to deflate. Dropping his head to his hands. Worry thrummed through Pure Vanilla. Everything about him at the moment was so unlike the friend he knew. Lily reached over to her pseudo-brother, rubbing his shoulder gently as all eyes fell on the king. For a moment he stayed folded in on himself, before finally regaining his composure a second time. He sat up, back straight in good posture as a clawed hand dipped into the pocket of his hanbok from which he produced a scroll.

The seal was broken but bore the color of the Dark Cacao Kingdom's wax. Breaths were held as he unrolled the scroll, sighing once more.

"I received word today from Chocolate Bark Cookie that my daughter and my… eldest son have gone off to Beast Yeast in search of…" He waved his hand around, eyes rolling back with another sigh, "something."

There was a deafening silence that filled the room. Hollyberry being the first to finally speak up.

"Dark Choco is home?"

He hummed in agreement, "Apparently, he arrived the day we left for the council. He snuck into the Citadel for supplies but was caught by Caramel Arrow. She'd been planning to leave alone the following morning but with the arrival of her brother, she post-poned her journey and somehow Choco ended up going with her"

Hollyberry nodded as quiet stretched once more. Vanilla finding his voice.

"You said they are searching for something, has the watcher given you any idea as to what they may be looking for?" He inquired gently

The King nodded slowly, "Yes, I have been more… distant lately though not on purpose. The memories of…" He glanced at Crunchy, who took the que to get up and leave, carefully helping his 'friend' as well.

The metal door slammed closed and Cacao continued, "The memory of Peach Blossom has been weighing on me more than normally recently, I have been tending to… get caught in these memories of him so to speak"

Vanilla knew that Cacao had been married before the war though his husband had suddenly disappeared one night without a trace, whether Cacao knew what happened or not, the healer was unsure as if he did he had chosen not to share it. A beat of silence passed once more, Golden Cheese piping up.

"So.. they're looking for him?"

Cacao seemed to toss the idea around for a moment, "Technically, though they will come back fruitless. I can only hope they will at least return safely and unharmed"

White Lily again rubbed his back, giving him a side hug. Though the gesture was not returned, a gentle smile was sent her way which seemed to satisfy the younger.

"They're your kids Cacao, they'll be alright Im sure" Vanilla attempted to comfort the man, though even after knowing him for over half a decade, he was always unsure of the best way to help.

His words were swiftly backed up by Hollyberry and Golden Cheese, agreeing that the two siblings would handle themselves alright. Cacao eventually nodded and gave his thanks, though soon after he left the room with a still untouched plate.

Vanilla slumped against White Lily's shoulder as she finished up in the lab. It was well past midnight by now, but they'd repaired 2 more cracks on Wildberrys arm since dinner. The young guard was safely taken back to his room around an hour ago by Hollyberry, who'd thanked them both profusely yet quietly as tears filled her eyes.

So now they sat in silence, the flower cookie scribbling away in a new journal. The routine feeling so familiar, like deja vu. Him helping her with some experiment for the day, then curling up to her side as she recorded and reflected upon her findings. His nose filled with the sweet scent of lilies, and ears picking up the sound of her wings as they flittered from time to time, trying to lull him to sleep.

Soon the sound of the journal closing sounded through the quiet room, yet he could bring himself to move from the body next to him. Quietly she giggled, a hand stroking his hair.

"Nilla…" Gently Lily wiggled her shoulder to get his attention, though it was futile as all he could manage in reply was a sleepy whine.

Once more she nudged him, and he finally sat up with a yawn. The two left the lab in a comforting silence. Shoulders and hands brushing as he leaned into her subtle warmth, though in reality her skin was more cool than anything. His feet out of habit led him to his room, Lily still in tow.

She did not leave his side even as he slid into his chambers. Gliding quickly to one of the many bookshelves it contained as he moved to his bathroom. Sliding away his clothes to replace them with comfortable robes, brushing his teeth and letting his long cream blonde hair flow freely down his back.

Soon he joined her by his bedrooms sitting area. Once more leaning into her, she was examining some of the books on the shelves. Fingers gliding over the bindings until her attention was torn by him. A smile graced her face as she led him to bed.

"Goodnight Nilla" Her voice was gentle and soothing, a part of him longing for her to quietly read as she had done so many nights at the academy.

The sleepy healer tried to reply, yet no words came out, only a tired whimper as he clumsily reached for her. For a moment she froze, then she sighed, turning away from him. His heart crashed in his chest, some rational part of himself scolding him. Then she came back, dressed in a pair of his night clothes. The fabric hung off her thin frame, yet he didn't think she could get more beautiful.

The scientist slid into bed beside him, cuddling up to his chest. He curled around her, the sleep that addled his mind beginning to pull him into his embrace. While he knew when he woke she would be gone, and apologize later for being so selfish, right now he was happy to hold her. To show her some of the love she deserved. For everything she had done wrong, for every mistake she'd made, she made up for in every moment she allowed herself grace. And if to do that he needed to work at her side everyday and to teach her how to smile once more. Then he'd gladly do it until the end of time itself.

Chapter Text

Dark Cacao's eyes dragged over the ink once more, the familiar handwriting's words burning into his mind as it raced. His children were in Beast Yeast, alone. One, who from the sound of things, was injured and weak; The other who had perished in front of him the last time. Worry coiled in his gut like a snake, biting painfully at his heart.

Every parental instinct in him screamed at him to go to the two, yet logic fought back; arguing that they'd left before the letter had even been sent, the letter that then took over a day to arrive. He'd never be able to make it across the entirety of Earthbread to stop them in time. There was nothing he could do but wait and silently pray that the fallen would protect them.

The King was torn from his thoughts as claws squeezed at his calf. For a moment instinct won over, face twisting into a snarl before recognizing the familiar gold and turquoise of Golden Cheese Cookie.

"Apologies… again" He sighed and rubbed at his face

She just laughed, sitting herself comfortably on the edge of the fountain. The gardens surrounding the palace were lush, full of life as the scent of flowers filled the air and butterflies flitted about.

"You need to lighten up Cacao, one of these days your face will get stuck like that" The bird teased, lips curled into a smirk with raised eyebrows.

"Perhaps you need to stop hitting my legs with those be damned talons of yours" His eyes narrowed in return, yet he could not stop the slight smile that crept up his lips.

"If you responded to your name then maybe I would" Goldie fluffed her wings out, puffing her chest up in rebellion.

Her words were not said in purposeful malice, but they stung. While his awakening had sharpened his senses in many ways, it did not cease the fog that would entrance him when left to his thoughts. The same behavior that had driven his children to Beast-Yeast. Though before the fog could roll in once more, Golden Cheese tugged him away.

"I understand you are worried, but I doubt lingering over it will solve anything" Her face showed nothing but sympathy and understanding.

Cacao did not protest when she laid a gentle wing across his back, silently letting out a breath he was unaware he was holding.

"While I do not see eye to eye with you on how you raised them, it is obvious you care for them deeply and from my understanding they are strong and capable warriors. They will return to you safely I assure you"

Gently she pressed her souljam to the side of his head, the gem thrumming with energy that pulsed through his very being. The Light of Abundance felt warm, like the sand of the Parmesan Desert though not as uncomfortably dry; Despite his aversion to heat it seemed to calm the storm that was his mind.

The bird pulled away, a gentle smile gracing her face. He gave a smile in return, gently butting his horns to the metal wings of the headpiece that she wore. A sign of trust and respect for dragons, while his instincts were never followed to a T, they often managed to slide into his everyday life.

For a long moment they sat with one another, the sun lazily pulling itself higher in the sky. Today they'd agreed to skip the council meeting once more as there was little left to discuss and White Lily and Pure Vanilla needed to work. From last night's sort of, 'mini meeting' so to speak, it seemed to be going well. His youngest son had been glued to Wildberry's side most of the trip.

Cacao paid no mind to being left alone, Crunchy Chip seemed to enjoy being at the Hollyberrian's side especially with his condition. If anything he encouraged it, knowing it would soothe the Queen Mothers worries as well.

Eventually he tore himself from his thoughts, catching Golden Cheese staring off as well, a soft look on her face. He cocked an eyebrow and nudged her, after a few confused looks had been exchanged she groaned quietly.

"Do I have to talk about it…" Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout

"Yes" He chuckled quietly, "I do think it is important to tell your friends why all the sudden you are, ah… having coitus, with a man who tried to kill you"

Golden Cheese burst out laughing, "Coitus!? Cacao really? You old man!"

The chuckle that rumbled through his chest did not cease as the women next to him attempted to reign in the laughter that kept spilling from her lips. Calmly he waited for the giggles to die down before continuing on.

"While I trust and respect your decisions, I am not denying the worry I feel for you"

His friend just smiled, though it turned a little sad, "Your evil advisor was truly evil, mine wasn't. I- I have made some mistakes in our relationship, in the way I went about things post-war. I will not sit here and make excuses for him, but I will clarify that I understand why you are not going to stay silent about it, and I do appreciate your worry"

Cacao nodded, listening intently. He had never seen quite eye to eye with Golden Cheese but there was a mutual understanding of how hard the war had been on all of them, on all of Earthbread. So, rather than arguing back to demand her to think of her safety and her people, he sat and listened. Allowing her to gush about him, to ramble on and on about how Smoked Cheese could be sweet and kind when he wished to be.

For a long time he listened to the bird go on , the sun creeping higher in the sky as the sound of life began floating from the village. Yet he stayed quiet side from the occasional comment or question. His friend was happy, and that was what mattered to him. Though soon the conversation slowed, allowing a comfortable silence to stretch over them.

"Well, I suppose I've gone on enough. I apologize" A nervous smile split across her face

"My ears may have fallen off, but I am… happy for you. I'm glad you've found someone" A quiet chuckle rumbled in his chest once more.

"I suppose I will leave you back to your thoughts now, Hollyberry will most likely be wondering where I am" She gave him a hug, "You're welcome to join us if you'd like"

He nodded, allowing her to flit off to their other friend. Cacao sighed deeply, attempting to ground his thoughts, though Golden Cheese's ramblings had brought forth the ache for his husband once more. The King stood and walked around, trying to distract his mind from indulging itself. His feet led the way, eventually taking him towards the edge of the floating kingdom.

Below the trees in the surrounding mile or so were dead, no lush grass nor flora filled the area. The rising of the Kingdom had caused great distress as far as the eye could see; Everything a darkened dusty rubble. Yet, just beyond that the slowly returning greens of life stretched on towards the river that flowed from the Black Luna Sea. It would take years for the ecosystem to recover, if it ever would.

For a while he simply stared out, the ground seemingly out of touch yet the distance didn't scare him. A dark ripple of amusement running through him at the many memories of heights he'd fallen much greater than the one before him.

In his hand, the Chocoblade gave a small shake. The good mood he wore somewhat dampened as he allowed the dragons their freedom for a moment. The two happily curled around him, lounging on his arms and shoulders. The sun warming their scales.

"While I appreciate the… enthusiasm, I am not a sunning rock" A puff of smoke curled out of his nose.

The White Dragon of the South blew smoke out of their nose as well, "Well, if you let us any farther than your arms length! Then maybe we wouldn't have to use you as our sunning rock"

The Black Dragon of the North nodded in agreement from his left shoulder as Cacao let out a long sigh, "I prefer my friend's kingdoms to not be razed to the ground, you may stay"

Both dragons let out a sound between a purr and a trill in happiness. While neither of them were exactly light, he wasn't weak either, though his dough soon began to loose the circulation of jam in his lower arms. But he chose to let them rest, very rarely did the duo ever bother him to be let from the sword and when they did, for the most part, they behaved themselves. So he had no true reason to scold them.

Cacao wasn't sure how much time passed, though the eternity it felt like was most likely not more than a half hour. A beating of wings approached from behind, cautiously turning his head while trying not to disturb either lizard. Pitaya landed quietly in the grass behind him, tail swishing with a curious head tilt.

"Pitaya Dragon, it is good to see you"

While they were in their cookie form and wore no armor, they'd made no effort to conceal the tail or horns that they adorned. They seemed surprised by his greeting, blinking a few times at him.

"Yesss, Dark Cacao, it isss good. You ssseem… preoccupied" They chuckled, not approaching any more.

He laughed as well, "Suppose I am, everything alright?"

The larger dragon nodded, "They've almosst finisshed with the worssst of the cracksss. Hisss arm ssshould be good by tomorrow"

"I am glad"

A silence fell over them, jagged and rough with distrust. Pitaya shifting uncomfortably, glancing at the long reptiles curled around his torso.

"They cannot change their form if that is what you are wondering, I do not think they're the same species of dragon as you" Cacao could not read their gaze, yet it seemed to soothe the other.

Their tail flicked as they nodded, "I figured, how curiouss…"

The King gave a small nod, "You may sit with me if you'd rather"

Pitaya took the invitation and sat at his side, bringing their long tail around to fidget with. Talons picking at dried scales. The Dragon of the North lifted it's head a little,curiously watching.

"I was unaware your species still existed" Its head tilted curiously, nose giving a little twitch

The dragon cookie narrowed their eyes, "Yessss, there are very few, but sssome of uss remain" It snorted in annoyance, "All of them are patthetic, ssssnivling wormsss though, I haven't ssseen them in many yearsss"

Cacao gave a slight nod, the dragons coiling around him looking at Pitaya curiously, like trying to dissect them with their eyes. Every once in awhile the dragons would exchange short, snipped questions. Neither wanting to reveal anything but wanting to know nonetheless.

Though soon the two stood, the dragons dissapearing with a flash of light back into his sword. The Sun was just beginning to slowly creep down towards the horizon line once more.

Hollyberry greeted them as they entered the castle, chatting with Golden Cheese in one of the many sitting rooms. Pitaya immediately splayed out on the floor in front of the fire, letting their wings absorb the heat. Smoked Cheese slipped into the room from a secondary doorway, followed by Crunchy Chip and Black Raisin.

The General of the Golden Cheese Kingdom took his place at the Queen's side. Leaning against the arm of the loveseat, wings drooping to allow one to cup her back. Cacao sat in one of the arm chairs, resting his sword against the side, Crunchy sitting at his feet while Black Raisin sat on the floor by the coffee table.

Relaxed chatter filled the space, the King felt calm among his friends. Over the next few hours they played a few hands of card games and whatever else they managed to scrounge up. Laughter floated in the air, he knew they'd all be leaving again the following morning, and it could have been another 3 years before he saw them all again. Despite the fear the attempted to cloy at the edges of his mind, for both his children and for the journey home. Cacao's mind stayed present.

Though soon the moon began to glow in the sky, the embers of the fire grew dimmer, and more than once did Crunchy Chips head bump against his calf. The same wave of tired seemed to roll over the others as well. Pitaya fast asleep against Hollyberrys side on the floor, Golden Cheese resting more and more into Smoked Cheese.

Yet all heads rose once the door opened. Pure Vanilla was gently helping Wildberry walk, the younger still shaking off the last of the medicine. Hollyberry and Crunchy were on their feet immediately, Cacao smiled to himself, happy to see him mostly healed.

Vanilla went over some basic care procedures, no strenuous activity for a few weeks and making sure to stretch his arm outside of the sling every 2 hours. Detailing a visit in the next month or so to check progress and asking them to send word of anything notable. Lily poked her head in to add a few others details, and bidding them goodnight.

She was gone before the sun rose the next morning. Vanilla seemed as worried as he normally did when this happened. The Light of Freedom drawing the flower cookie off to some corner of Earthbread.

"Send a letter if you hear word from her for me" He gently rested his hands on the others shoulders.

The healer nodded with a gentle sigh, "Of course my friend, do send word of Dark Choco and Caramel Arrow as well?"

Cacao nodded in return, Hollyberry slipped over to give both him and Vanilla one of her rib-crushing hugs, lifting them up.

"You two! Try to stay out of trouble now will you?" She laughed, clapping both men on the back, the latter looking as if he may crumble.

Nonetheless they both nodded, the Queen Mother leaning into Cacao's side.

"And send Crunchy down once in awhile, I'm sure Wildberry would enjoy it" Exchanging knowing smiles, he nodded and she left. Helping the aforementioned cookie onto Pitaya Dragon's back before taking off, dissapearing among the clouds.

Golden Cheese left next, clearly ready to go home to her kingdom, the anxiety radiating off the bird palpable. Smoked Cheese seemed more put together but he seemed to share the same sentiment of wanting to get back as soon as possible. After they soared off it left just the two eldest ancients remaining.

"She's strong Vanilla, whatever she's gone off to do I'm sure it'll be alright" Cacao patted his back, much more gently than Hollyberry but enough to grab his attention.

With another nod and sigh, he agreed reluctantly, "I know, but I can't help but worry that history will repeat itself with her." The healer wrung his hands, staff carefully held in the nook of his elbow.

"It won't, but do keep in touch, I quite enjoy reading your letters" He smiled gently, swinging up onto the horse he'd had waiting.

Goodbyes were bid once more and with his youngest at his side, they set back off towards the Dark Cacao kingdom. The sun trekking up the sky and dying it shades of brilliant blue. An odd sense of hope settled in his heart. Knowing that whatever awaited him in his kingdom, it would be worth the wait.

Chapter Text

Hollyberry smiled as her kingdom appeared before her, sprawling out for miles. Wildberry seemed eager to be back on solid ground, as did the dragon under them. Pitaya seemed to be flying faster than the trip down to the kingdom of the sky, whether it just be a trick of the mind, wind currents or otherwise. The two day journey managed to be shaved down to a single one.

The greenish-red dragon touched down carefully in the courtyard, attempting to keep their wings and tail from disturbing the gardeners work, knowing if they did there would be hell to pay for. Her youngest carefully slid of the thick scales, allowing her to help him down. Once the cobble was below their feet. Pitaya took off, spinning in the air as they headed back towards the Dragons' Valley. She smiled at them, clearly happy to be gaining their strength back.

The two headed into the palace, Bayberry running up to her Uncle to attack him in a hug. Wildberry was quick to scoop her up with his good arm, the princess laughing happily as she was swung around untill she noticed his arm. The Queen Mother chuckled as he was questioned agressively by the young girl, leaving him to be scolded in favor for finding her other son.

She found him in the dining hall sat with Jungleberry, the sweet smell of jams, syrups and pastries filling her nose. He perked up upon seeing her, smiling with a little wave. Hollyberry gave a little wave back, sitting across from the acting Queen.

"How was the Vanilla Kingdom?" She politely wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"It was good, it's been quite some time," Hollyberry chuckled and thanked a servant as he slid a plate in front of her.

She carefully removed her helmet, the swirls of pink puffing up like it was stretching. The metal helm was set to the side of her shield as they ate breakfast, exchanging pleasentries and discussing her trip, Bayberry and Wildberry being brought up briefly from time to time. The princess had seemed to be sticking somewhat closer to the kingdom recently, a result of the rumors and falsities she now knew came from the Spire of Deceit.

Honestly it was hard to blame the girl - she knew what it felt like to be under such pressures from others. The feeling of a crushing weight on your chest you can't quite lift. Though she also knew the kindness of others that helped shoulder that burden even if for just a moment. Maybe she'd go talk to the princess later.

Soon the Queen Mother excused herself, slinging her shield to her back and hefting her helmet under one arm. Pecking Royalberry's head, she left for her chambers to change into something more comfortable. Sliding the heavy sheets of metal off once more, fingers nibbly undoing the clasps herself, though a part of her longed to feel claws prod at her back as they clumsily attempted to help.

Yet there was no such feeling as the armor was fastened to its stand, pulling on a more casual dress while allowing her hair to flow freely. The pink waves cascaded down like water onto her back. For a moment Hollyberry sat, a breath in, a breath out. The wind knocked at the door, the sun teasing her through the drawn curtains. She smiled and stood, opening the doors as the sun shone down, allowing it in.

The ground below shimmered, dancing in the afternoon heat as their wings beat in near sync. Golden Cheese's, though, flapped just a moment faster, his wingspan much larger than her own.

The Kingdom was just ahead; intact, stable, and hopefully safe. From here nothing looked amiss, yet in her chest her heart spasmed wildly, as if trying to escape and bury itself in its home. Smoked Cheese gently brushed the tip of his wings to her own, a soft smile gracing his face.

"Smouldering into the distance won't make you fly any faster, Your Radiance," he chuckled affectionately.

The Queen sighed, "I am very much aware of that, Smoked Cheese, and I am not 'smouldering'." A huff escaped her lips, gold eyes refusing to meet the amber and brown of the man flying at her side.

"I see, then perhaps glaring would suffice?"

She did not have to look at him to see the smirk he wore, eyes rolling. The rest of the flight was silent as Golden Cheese refused to acknowledge the truth his words held. Instead focusing on the glimmering gates ahead. The stone had been pulverised beneath thousands of pounds of sand, but with a wave of her hand, the Light of Abundance provided.

After the events of Beast-Yeast, she felt more in touch with it, as if for the first time in many years they understood one another. The gemstone was quite literally moving the earth to her every command - aising the sandstone wall to tower around the bounds of the Kingdom, tucking away her treasures.

Burnt Cheese stood vigil at the gate as he normally did, though she could see her son's stoism cracking as a little smile turned the corners of his lips. He let her through before promptly stopping her partner as he attempted to cross as well. Smoked Cheese's eyebrows shot up, sending a message to the younger to stand down.

He did not stand down, but rather held it tighter. "Your soul is much too heavy, you shall not pass."

"And what of your own?" he quipped, the Queen groaning quietly, having no clue where he meant to go with this.

"My soul is as light as a feather's, unlike yours." Burnt Cheese fought back a grin.

"Do you have a feather to prove it?" Smoked Cheese crossed his arms, wings puffing up in what appeared to be agitation.

"You cannot see a soul, therefore you cannot see the feather."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

A smirk crossed the elder's face as he plucked one of his own, going for the other's stomach. Burnt Cheese fell into peals of laughter, attempting to shake off the relentless attack.

"Alright! Alright! You can pass! You can pass!" he shrieked, voice uncharacteristically light with joy.

Smoked prodded his ribs one more time for good measure before letting him up, sauntering inside after her. Golden Cheese giggled at him, lacing her husband's hand through hers.

"Well, out of all the places I expected that to go, that was not one of them."

He smiled and chuckled with her, "If I was honest I'd say I didn't either."

"If you were honest?" She snorted. "You-"

She was cut off by nearly smacking into Mozzarella Cookie. Both jumped backwards to avoid a collision. There was a beat of silence before laughter poured from their lips, Golden Cheese pulling her into a small hug.

"Everything alright? Things still running smoothly?" She held the girl's shoulders, studying her expression for anything other than smiles.

"Perfectly smooth, just as predicted," she chirped happily, glancing down at the tablet in her arms, "We did receive a letter from Olive Cookie and Fettuccine Cookie in your abscence - they're requesting to visit and see the progress of the restoration."

Golden Cheese nodded, brushing a wing to Smoked's as he walked off. "Invite Black Raisin as well, would you?"

"Right away, Your Highness." Mozzarella gave a tiny bow and hurried off to wherever else she was needed.

The Queen sighed happily, claws clicking along stone to the Hot Springs, her heart settling in her chest as she finally allowed herself to breathe.

The sun had just barely begun to lighten the skies, painting them dusty rose as it crept upwards. White Lily stood by the airship, a small bag of her things already loaded and Silverbell on his way back to the Faerie Kingdom (being sent a day ahead). Wringing her hands, she waited until he finally appeared on the dock.

Pure Vanilla sighed, worry in every crease of his face. "Are you sure you wish to go alone?"

Once more the Faerie nodded. "It would be unfair to ask you to come, you've done your part in Beast Yeast. It is long overdue for me to do mine."

He rubbed his lips together and took her hands in his, "Promise me you'll return."

For a moment she blinked at him, letting his words sink in before replying "I- I promise. Our paths will align once more."

There was a beat of silence before they crashed into one another, arms holding one another in a tight hug. Her face pressed to his neck, the sweet smell of Vanilla filling her senses. They held one another like that for eternity, neither wanting to let the other go. Though eventually they pulled apart, foreheads pressed against each other's.

"Be safe... please," he whispered, soft and gentle, words cradling the fragile moment.

"I will. I am not one to break my promises." Her own voice was just as light on the wind. Lily leaned in to press her lips to his cheek, like a butterfly landing on a leaf. "I will return to you."

They parted, her feet drawing her towards the airship. The gate clicked shut as she turned to him - their eyes met, a thousand words told to one another in the blink of an eye.

"Farewell, my friend..." they spoke together, a goodbye meant only for them.

The sun began to peer over the horizon as the Vanilla Kingdom became a speck in the distance, bathing her in rays of gold. The heat was warm, comforting. A small sigh fell from her lips - the journey to the Faerie Kingdom would be long. So she settled in, preparing mentally to enter the land of Silent Salt.

The garden was quiet, only the whisper of leaves on the wind breaking the stillness. Pure Vanilla leaned against the gazebo's pillars, knees drawn to his chest. He felt torn between wanting to stay where he felt closest to her, among thousands of her namesakes, or the need to flee, to attempt to get her off his mind.

By now everyone had left, leaving him alone once more. Alone. Technically he was not alone - he had Black Raisin, the villagers, his people. But his people would not understand, it was not their job to listen to his woes. So he sat there among the white lilies as bluebirds landed on his shoulder and hat… tears quietly slipping down his face in the mid-afternoon sunlight.

The Dark Cacao Kingdom was on the horizon now, the looming Black Citadel sticking out in the fields of pure white snow that seemed blinding. The horses trotted on through the cold, Cacao gently pressing his heels into the sides of his steed, a gentle encouragement to pick up the pace more.

Something felt off, yet he couldn't place what it could be. It was a different feeling from the yawning anxiety of knowing his children were somewhere unreachable and unhelpable. It stirred in his gut, fluttering up and down his chest. Crunchy spurred his horse on more as well.

"Everything alright, your Highness?" He looked worried, though it was hard to take him seriously with his Cream Wolf bouncing through the snow at his side.

"Fine. Just eager to return, I suppose." His words were not entirely lies.

They kept trekking, growing closer and closer. He could see his Watchers out on horseback, moving the herds of the stallions that would be broken into warhorses to new fields, sleds of supplies for the villages departing from the west gate and empty ones returning. The Kingdom ran as smoothly as ever.

At his side, Crunchy quietly swore, whispering under his breath. Cacao turned to him, confusion twisting his features. Before he could ask what the matter was, a flash of movement caught his eyes.

Relief flooded his chest as Caramel Arrow Cookie waved from the top of the Wall. He raised a hand to wave back, his youngest following suit. He watched as the gates creaked open to allow them in. The King swung off his mount as a stablehand came to tack both horses down.

His daughter was fast to greet him - he hugged her tightly to his chest, torn between scolding her and thanking her for returning safely."If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I swear by the witches I will-" The empty threat died on his tongue as he rubbed her back.

"I'm alright, Appa, promise." She pulled away and smiled. "So is Dark Choco."

A sigh of relief fled from his lips. "Good." He brushed snow from her shoulders and plucked a blossom from her hair.

He froze before he could throw it to the snow. For a moment it felt like time stopped as he turned the flower over in his hand.

The blossom from a peach tree.

Then it clicked, the sense of wrongness. He glanced around. The peach trees were in full bloom.

It couldn't have been possible, there wasn't a chance. Yet there was no other reasonable explanation in his mind despite how hard he attempted to shove away the hope that flared in his chest.

Footsteps caught his attention - they were soft, too soft to be any of the watchers. He turned. And there he was, robes flowing in the gentle breeze, gentle blue eyes rendering him speechless even after all these years.

His husband was home.