Chapter Text
White Lily Cookie stood beneath the Silver Tree as she gazed at its radiant branches swaying gently in the breeze solemnly, casting shimmering light across the Faerie Kingdom’s sacred grove.
A frown graced her thoughtful face as the wind swayed her braided hair and cape.
“You seem troubled.”
She slightly flinched in surprise before easing up as she recognised the voice. She turned around to face the former king of the Vanilla Kingdom.
“White Lily Cookie…Is something wrong?” He asked gently as he stepped closer.
White Lily Cookie hesitated, her gaze flickering back to the tree.
"...It’s nothing," she finally murmured. "I was just… thinking.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie studied her carefully as he stood there patiently with his Orchid staff.
“I was just…” She swallowed, glancing away. “What if they resent me? What if they don't-”
Pure Vanilla Cookie didn’t waver. “They chose to come here, White Lily Cookie.”
She lowered her head, but doubt still lingered in her voice. “But…Golden Cheese Cookie-”
“Golden Cheese Cookie has given her word, hasn't she?”
White Lily Cookie looked up.
"After much deliberation, yes." Pure Vanilla Cookie continued, his voice steady, "But she agreed to come, didn't she? And she is not the only one. They all chose to be here. That means they are ready to see you as you are now- not as who you once were. In fact, they'd be here any moment now.”
White Lily Cookie opened her mouth, but no words came out.
She lowered her gaze again. She had spent so long fearing this moment, so long thinking of all the ways it could go wrong.
He gently put his hand over her shoulder.
“You do not need to be afraid.” He reassured.
“How can you be so sure?” She asked him as doubt flickered within her.
Pure Vanilla Cookie’s expression remained warm, unwavering as he offered her a gentle smile. “Because I know them,” he said simply. “And I know you.”
“After everything I’ve done…” she murmured, shaking her head. “Even if they’ve agreed to come, even if they say they’ve forgiven me- what if they don’t truly mean it?”
Pure Vanilla Cookie’s hand squeezed her shoulder gently. “Forgiveness is not something that happens all at once. It takes time. But the fact that they’re coming means they are willing to take that first step.”
White Lily Cookie clenched her hands together, her mind still clouded with doubt. “And what if my presence only brings them pain?”
Pure Vanilla Cookie shook his head gently, his expression softening, “Then let them decide what your presence means to them.”
She looked up at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
“You cannot control how they will feel, White Lily Cookie,” he continued. “But you are not forcing yourself upon them. They are coming here because they chose to. If your presence brought them nothing but pain, they would not have agreed to face you. I'm sure they'll be glad to have you back again!”
He offered her a small gentle smile. “Pain does not erase love, nor does it erase the good that once was, nor does it last forever. If there is still hurt, then that means there is still something worth healing. Just as wounds can mend, so too can hearts. And I believe that, in time, they will see you not as a painful memory- but as a dear friend returned to them.”
She blinked as she turned her gaze down again.
“But no matter what, you will never be alone.” Pure Vanilla Cookie said as he extended his hand.
She stared at his hand for a moment before hesitantly lifting hers and placing it into his as she offered a smile to him.
Unbeknownst to them, a group of Faerie Cookies quietly observed them from their hiding place, wings fluttering softly as they peeked through the foliage.
A sudden blur of movement approached, as another Faerie Cookie flitting toward them in a hurry.
“The banquet preparations are ready! Everything is-”
Before she could finish, a hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her words as she was swiftly pulled into the hiding spot.
“Shhh! Do you want us to get caught?” one of them hissed, eyes darting toward the sacred clearing.
The others turned their attention back to the scene before them.
Though they couldn’t hear a word of the conversation, they could see the tension in their Guardian’s posture.
“She seems very anxious.” one of them murmured.
"Of course she is," another whispered back. “She recently became the guardian of our kingdom and today is a momentous occasion! We are to have a feast and then she is to have a meeting with kings and queens of kingdoms of old.”
“He looks close to her,” a Faerie Cookie observed, squinting as they watched the two standing together beneath the Silver Tree.
“Do you think he’s special to her?” another asked.
The question lingered for a moment before a Faerie Cookie scoffed lightly. “Well, of course he is. He’s one of her allies from the past, isn’t he?”
"Obviously. He's one of the five heroes- someone she must have worked with for ages," a Faerie Cookie chimed.
“He doesn't seem like much.” Another confessed.
“He seems closer to the Guardian than the other ones who said they are also her friends.”
“The crispy ones?”
“Them, yes,” one of the Faerie Cookies murmured, wings twitching. “They left just this morning, didn’t they?”
“They did,” another confirmed. “Something about heading back to Crispia.”
“Crispia? But why?”
“I overheard them speaking with the Guardian,” a Faerie Cookie whispered. “They were asked to return and check on things there. Something about ensuring the safety of their own kingdom.”
“Hm. I suppose that’s reasonable,” one of them said. “But to leave her now, of all times…”
“She has other friends by her side, does she not?” another pointed out, eyes flickering toward Pure Vanilla Cookie.
There was a pause. Some of the Faerie Cookies nodded, but others hesitated.
“He is… certainly by her side often.”
“That much is clear,” one admitted. “But he is not one of us.”
“But they do look quite harmonious together, don't they?” One of them giggled.
“He is still an outsider,” another murmured.
Another Faerie Cookie hummed in thought. “She would not keep him close if he were unworthy.”
“She trusts him,” one of them noted.
“…Then we should as well,” a Faerie Cookie admitted, though hesitant.
“That is true…”
“He is so composed all the time. Always speaking gently, always calm.”
“He appears quite wise!”
“I have never seen him truly flustered,” one admitted.
A mischievous glint flickered in a Faerie Cookie’s eyes. “Wouldn’t it be funny if he did?”
The others paused as they turned to the cookie who said so.
“Think about it- he’s always so careful, always so poised. But what if, just for a little while, he wasn’t?”
There was a moment of silence. Then, realization dawned.
“You don’t mean-”
“Oh, I do!”
A hush fell over them, broken only by a few muffled giggles.
“But how would we even…?”
The Faerie Cookie’s wings twitched with mischief. “We have plenty of elixirs, do we not? What harm would it do to slip just a drop of something special into his goblet tonight?”
Some exchanged glances, while others grinned knowingly.
“Are you suggesting a love potion?”
“Not a strong one,” they clarified, eyes glinting.
“But we cannot harm him,” another whispered urgently. “He is one of White Lily Cookie’s friends!”
“Of course not,” the instigator scoffed. “Its not something dangerous.”
“Would it even work on him? He's a cookie of light, I heard.”
“It should. He is just a cookie at the end.”
“But what if the Guardian disapproves?”
The question silenced them for a moment.
“She wouldn’t be upset,” one Faerie Cookie finally spoke. “It’s harmless fun.”
“Besides,” another added with a sly smile, “She has been so tense lately. A little laughter would do her good.”
“And if she does disapprove,” another said, shrugging, “Then we’ll admit to it and apologize.”
The others glance at each other before eventually nodding as grins bloomed in their faces.
“At the feast, it is.”
The Faerie Cookies stood in perfect formation at the kingdom’s entrance, their wings shimmering under the soft glow of the Silver Tree as White Lily Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie awaited the arrival of their friends, standing side by side, their gazes fixed on the magical barrier.
Soon, at last, the gentle chime of a bell rang through the air. The magical barriers shimmered, parting gracefully.
Silverbell Cookie and Mercurial Knight Cookie emerged first, their presence composed and dignified as they led the way and eventually parted elsewhere for duties.
And behind them, stepping into the Faerie Kingdom for the first time, were the Ancient Heroes, their friends.
Hollyberry Cookie was the first to step through. The moment she crossed the threshold, her confident stride faltered slightly as her eyes widened in awe.
Dark Cacao Cookie followed in silent contemplation. He looked quite tense, high on guard as he looked around the area.
The last one to enter was Golden Cheese Cookie who looked at everything very warily, moving slowly and deliberately, a frown gracing her face.
White Lily Cookie felt her pulse quicken, her breath shallow at seeing them after such long time-
She swallowed hard, her fingers twitching slightly at her sides.
They were here.
After everything, they were finally here.
For a moment, White Lily Cookie forgot how to breathe.
Beside her, Pure Vanilla Cookie took a step forward, his expression calm and welcoming.
“Hollyberry Cookie. Dark Cacao Cookie. Golden Cheese Cookie.” His voice was gentle, familiar. “It is good to see you all again.”
Hollyberry Cookie’s lips quirked up in a small grin. “Heh. Took you long enough to invite us somewhere fancy!”
Pure Vanilla Cookie chuckled lightly. “I’d say it’s long overdue.”
Dark Cacao cookie nodded before turning his attention to White Lily Cookie. “So…it is true.”
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught in her throat.
“You really are back.” He said deeply. “I have read the letters, you have been through quite a lot….you have made decisions you deeply regret.”
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught. She willed herself to speak, but nothing came out. Her grip on her staff tightened, her gaze lowering as the silent tension palpable in the air.
Then Dark Cacao cookie inhaled slowly before speaking again. “But no matter what, we're still allies.”
White Lily Cookie raised her gaze up instantly as her eyes widened.
Hollyberry Cookie put her arm on her shoulder as she pressed it reassuringly. “We all heard what happened, White Lily Cookie. Chin up!”
She smiled. “How does it feel like to be back with your friends?”
White Lily Cookie’s vision blurred slightly as her heart panged.
She had spent so long dreading this moment, convinced that they would reject her, that they would only see a foe instead of a friend yet-
They don't seem to …reject her-
She slowly exhaled as she tried her best to keep her tears at bay. “It…It feels…amazing.”
“There is…there is so much to tell you!” White Lily Cookie smiled, her voice wavering slightly with emotion.
Hollyberry Cookie grinned. “Then let’s hear it over some good food and drink.”
Dark Cacao cookie gave a nod while Pure Vanilla Cookie chuckled.
But one was yet to speak.
Golden Cheese Cookie stood slightly apart from them, arms crossed, a frown upon her face as she looked somewhere else, her expression distant.
White Lily Cookie, noticing her, hesitated until taking a cautious step towards her. “Golden Cheese cookie…?”
At her name, Golden Cheese Cookie’s eyes flicked toward her, alert.
“Thank you…for coming too.” White Lily Cookie said softly.
Golden Cheese Cookie held her gaze for just a moment before looking away, not saying a word.
White Lily Cookie’s fingers curled slightly at her sides, as she waited, searching for any sign of acknowledgment, but none came.
Her heart clenched, but she did not push further. Instead, she lowered her head slightly in understanding and stepped back.
Pure Vanilla Cookie cast White Lily Cookie a brief glance in concern.
The tense silence lingered until one of the Faerie cookies approached happily, unaware of the conversation.
“Honoured ones, it's a privilege to shelter you within our lands. Please allow me the honour to show you to the chambers prepared for your stay. Your journey must have been long so you may rest and refresh yourself before the feast which awaits you.”
Hollyberry Cookie exhaled, rolling her shoulders. “Ah, a bit of rest before a feast? Sounds good to me.” She glanced at Dark Cacao Cookie. “Come on, no need to stand around all stiff.”
Dark Cacao cookie glanced at her but chose not to comment as he nodded and followed her along.
Golden Cheese Cookie, however, didn’t immediately follow. Her sharp gaze flickered toward White Lily Cookie for a moment, her expression unreadable.
White Lily Cookie met her eyes, her breath catching slightly.
A tense silence stretched between them.
Then, Golden Cheese Cookie scoffed under her breath as she moved her gaze away. “Hmph. If I’m here, I might as well make use of the place.” She turned sharply, striding after the Faerie Cookie without another word.
White Lily Cookie remained still, watching her go. Her fingers twitched slightly at her sides as she lowered in gaze once again in sadness.
Pure Vanilla Cookie who stood beside her, spoke gently. “She came. That is a start.”
White Lily Cookie exhaled shakingly. “I know…I just-”
Pure Vanilla Cookie studied her for a moment before offering a gentle yet understanding smile. “Come. Let us not keep the others waiting.”
White Lily Cookie hesitated for a moment until nodding, straightening her posture. They then turned and walked towards the others.
Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, some Faeries cookies flitted about, making their final preparations for the feast.
The grand table stretched across the hall, adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, each more fragrant and colorful than the last along smaller tables, arranged neatly around the room, carrying additional delicacies and drinks, ensuring there was more than enough for everyone to indulge in.
At the heart of it all, five elegant goblets rested upon the central table, hand-picked by White Lily Cookie herself, filled with Fairiewood’s finest nectar drink.
As the last of the preparations neared completion, only a handful of Faerie Cookies remained, making final adjustments to the decor and ensuring everything was just right.
And just then, the doors creaked open.
A small group of Faerie Cookies entered as they exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward with a friendly smile. “You all have worked so hard,” they said sweetly. “But now it is our turn for the banquet duties. Why don’t you go on ahead? The feast is about to begin, and we can handle the rest from here.”
The remaining Faerie Cookies hesitated but ultimately nodded, grateful for the offer. “Alright, just make sure everything is perfect for the Guardian.”
“Of course!”
As soon as the last of them exited the hall, the group giggled amongst themselves, wasting no time and flying directly to the goblets.
One of them carefully took out the phial from one of their pockets, it's content swirling in a rosy colour.
“The Guardian picked out these goblets herself,” one murmured, peering at the five identical cups. “We have to make sure we get the right one.”
Another Faerie Cookie nodded. “Let’s mark it first.”
With delicate precision, they tucked a tiny petal at the base of one of the goblets as a subtle marker, nearly invisible to anyone but them. Satisfied, one of them uncorked the phial, carefully tipping a single drop into the marked drink, the drop seamlessly blending with the nectar instantly.
A few of them stifled excited giggles.
“…Should we add just a little to the others?” they mused. “Not the Guardian’s, of course! But it’d be fun to see if it affects anyone else a little bit.”
The group shared a quiet fit of laughter, their wings fluttering with mischief as they eyed the remaining goblets.
“Maybe I should add a bit more drops to this drink first. One drop may not do anything.”
The Faerie cookies exchanged glances.
“…Wouldn't that be too much?” one asked.
“Oh, come on, it’s harmless! Just a little extra to make sure he-”
“What are you doing?”
They froze.
Silverbell Cookie stood at the entrance, his eyes sharp as they locked onto the scene before him.
The cookie holding the phial flinched in panic, making their grip slip and the phial’s contents tumbling from their hands spilled straight into Pure Vanilla Cookie's goblet.
But no one seems to care about that even after noticing as a horrified silence fell over them.
“…Oh,” one Faerie cookie whispered.
“…Oops.”
Silverbell cookie marched over, his expression dark. “I will ask again. What are you doing with White Lily Cookie's drinks?”
The Faerie cookies quickly exchanged frantic glances before one spoke up, voice sweet and innocent.
“U-Uh… making sure the esteemed guests have a memorable night?”
Silverbell Cookie's glare sharpened. “A memorable night?”
The Faerie Cookies tensed.
“Do you think the Guardian would approve of this?” His voice remained steady, but his wings twitched with restrained irritation. “Interfering with her guests, her friends, interfering with her, without her knowing?”
The Faeries flinched. “W-Well, it’s not like we’re hurting anyone-”
“And that makes it acceptable?” Silverbell cookie cut in. “Do you think so little of her and her guests that you would toy with them like this? She invited them herself. Disrespecting them is disrespecting her.”
Silverbell Cookie’s expression remained stern. “That’s it. I’m telling her.”
"Wait- No, no, no, no, no!”
He only just turned before all of them frantically flew in front of him trying to stop him desperately.
“You can't tell her!” One of them pleaded desperately.
“Move.” Silverbell cookie said coldly.
“We didn't touch the Guardian’s drink, we swear!”
His eyes narrowed. “And I'm supposed to believe that?”
“Yes! We didn't touch any of the other drinks except one!”
“We didn't even intend on touching the others!”
“Yes! We even marked the one we did!”
“And why?” Silverbell cookie narrowed his eyes. “Who is that drink for? What did you put in it?”
The Faerie cookies stiffened, as they exchanged nervous glances.
“Answer me. Now.”
“It is for the outsider with a funny hat.”
“What?”
One of them nodded. “Yes…the one who follows the guardian around. He is just so…composed all the time that we thought…”
“...it would be fun to see him all flustered with the help of a little love potion-”
“A love potion?”
The Faeries shrank back under his glare, but one of them hastily piped up, “It’s harmless! It may not even affect him as he is a cookie of light!”
Silverbell Cookie clenched his jaw. “We don't know how it'll affect him. Especially when you dumped the whole thing in!” He pointed to the phial in one of their hands who instantly hid it behind them in shame.
The Faeries exchanged uncertain glances.
Silverbell Cookie’s frown deepened. “You don’t even know how dangerous this can be.”
“But it is a love potion- what harm can it do?”
“That is not the point-”
“But think of it this way, Silverbell cookie! Don't you want our guardian to be happy?”
“Huh?”
“Yes! She has been very anxious, stressed and tensed lately due to all of what happened. Won't you want her to have a moment where she can laugh and be free of her burden?”
“I-”
“Please, Silverbell cookie! It may be good for her! Don't you want her to be happy?”
“You don't have to tell her! She doesn't need to know.”
“But just think how happy she may be incase he starts acting hilariously.”
“We only wanted to make her happy…”
Silverbell cookie’s wings twitched as he gazed at the eager, pleading cookies in front of him, his eyes flickered to the marked goblet, now tainted with the entire contents of the phial.
“…You truly believe this will make her happy?” he asked, voice quieter, more measured.
The Faerie Cookies nodded eagerly. “Yes! Imagine how funny it will be!”
“And if it makes the Guardian smile, even just for a little while, then isn’t it worth it?”
Silverbell Cookie remained silent for a long moment.
“Okay…” He exhaled. “But if it causes any distress to White Lily Cookie, you'll immediately confess what you have done.”
The Faerie Cookies perked up, their wings fluttering with excitement.
“Of course!” one of them chimed. “But you’ll see- it’ll be hilarious!”
Another giggled, clasping their hands together. “It’ll be the best thing we’ve seen in ages!”
Silverbell Cookie remained tense, his eyes flicking to the marked goblet. He wasn’t sure what kind of effect it would have, but he felt one thing for sure that this wasn’t how White Lily Cookie would want things to go.
Still, he sighed. “Clean up your mess. The feast is about to begin.”
The Faerie Cookies beamed and got to work, smoothing the tablecloth and ensuring everything appeared untouched.
As Silverbell Cookie turned to leave, a quiet dread settled in his chest.
Something about this felt wrong.
He had a bad feeling about this.
The banquet opened with a full swing, alive with warmth and merriment, laughter and conversation wove together as dishes filled with the kingdom’s finest delicacies were passed around by the fluttering Faerie Cookies, the air being rich with the scent of sweet nectar and freshly prepared feasts.
White Lily Cookie moved gracefully through the hall, approaching her companions as they indulged in the banquet, talking amongst themselves. A Faerie Cookie followed closely behind, carrying a tray adorned with five elegant goblets filled with Fairiewood’s finest nectar.
She smiled at them as they noticed her.
“Is everything to your liking?” she asked, her gaze sweeping over them. “Is anything amiss?”
Hollyberry Cookie grinned, raising a half-finished plate. “It’s perfect! I don't know what these are called but this dish is delicious!”
Golden Cheese Cookie scoffed, giving Hollyberry Cookie a pointed look. “You’re raving about something, and you don’t even know what it’s called?”
Hollyberry Cookie grinned mid-bite. “Hey, good food is good food! Who cares what it’s called?”
Dark Cacao Cookie let out a small sigh. “At the very least, it seems the meal is satisfactory.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled warmly. “You’ve put so much care into this. It’s wonderful, White Lily cookie. It couldn't have been better.”
White Lily Cookie smiled back. “I’m glad to hear that. The Faerie Cookies put their hearts into preparing this for all of you.”
White Lily Cookie turned slightly, gesturing toward the tray of goblets held by the Faerie Cookie beside her. “Please, allow me to offer you something to accompany your meal."
“This is Fairiewood’s finest nectar, it is quite sweet and almost like berry juice but is a lot more…viscous. I have a feeling you may like it.” She said warmly.
The Faerie Cookie fluttered forward, bowing slightly before offering the tray.
At the center of it, nestled between the goblets, sat a tiny, delicate vase. It was purely decorative, carrying a single lily, its white petals soft yet slightly wilted at the edges, a natural result of being left out for too long.
Just as the Faerie Cookie began to distribute the drinks, Pure Vanilla Cookie reached out first.
The Faerie Cookie tensed.
Had he noticed something was off?
Does he know the drink is tampered?
He is one of the five heroes he must-
But instead of taking a goblet, Pure Vanilla Cookie's hand brushed over the delicate white lily resting on vase as the flower had begun to wither.
A flicker of concern crossed his face. Without a word, he lifted his hand slightly, a soft golden glow emanating from his fingertips. The petals quivered before slowly unfurling, regaining their natural color and life.
The Faerie cookie was caught by shock and surprise at the event as they watched in awe.
“Ha!” Hollyberry Cookie let out a hearty laugh. “Still using your magic for little things like that, huh?”
Dark Cacao Cookie smiled faintly. “…You haven’t changed.”
Pure Vanilla Cookie chuckled sheepishly. “It just seemed out of place.”
White Lily Cookie, too, had paused, but then chuckled warmly, shaking her head knowingly.
She then gestured toward the tray once more. “Come, let us drink together.”
The Faerie Cookie, still recovering from their momentary awe, quickly gathered themself as they moved smoothly offering each goblet one by one. With practiced ease, they handed the first to Hollyberry Cookie, then to Dark Cacao Cookie, then to Golden Cheese Cookie, and then to White Lily Cookie herself. And finally-
The last goblet, the one subtly marked with the faintest petal, was given to Pure Vanilla Cookie.
“For our friendship!” Hollyberry Cookie raised her goblet high, grinning.
“For our friendship!” The others said in unison as they raised their goblets.
All except Golden Cheese Cookie who hesitated, staring at her goblet with her lips pursed. Her fingers twitched slightly against the stem of the glass, as if debating whether to follow through.
Hollyberry Cookie noticed immediately and, with a hearty chuckle, elbowed her playfully. “Oh, come on! You’re really gonna sit this one out?”
She glared at Hollyberry Cookie only to sigh and then raised her goblet.
Satisfied, Hollyberry Cookie let out another laugh as their goblets finally clinked together, the soft chime ringing through the air.
Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled as he took the first sip along with others.
The nectar was thick and sweet, coating his tongue like honey, yet with a depth of flavor that lingered. It was unlike anything he had tasted before-rich, fragrant, and almost intoxicating in its warmth.
At first, he simply savored it, but then a strange warmth began to spread in his chest, slow at first, then steadily blooming into something overwhelming. His breath caught slightly.
The mischievous group of Faerie cookies, keeping an eye on him, observed him expectantly, noticing the subtle change as they rejoiced quietly.
Any moment now.
Hollyberry Cookie smacked her lips in delight. “Ah! That’s got a nice kick to it! Sweet, but it lingers. I could get used to this.”
White Lily Cookie smiled. “I'm glad.”
Dark Cacao Cookie, on the other hand, sniffed the drink before setting it. “I do not wish to indulge in a drink as sweet as this.”
Golden Cheese Cookie, too, only swirled the liquid in her cup, watching the way the thick nectar clung to the glass.
White Lily Cookie nodded as she gave an understanding look. “That is fair. I suppose it may not be of your taste.”
Hollyberry Cookie grinned. “Oh but I quite liked it! I may want to take some home with me now!”
She then turned to Pure Vanilla Cookie who became quiet all of a sudden.
Hollyberry Cookie, unaware of his distress, nudged him playfully. “Ha! Maybe you’ve been drinking this stuff every day without telling us? You are lucky!”
However, he barely registered her words as he hesitated from taking another sip. His throat burnt slightly, a dizzy sensation washing over him.
He blinked, his vision blurring at the edges as he clutched the side of his head, exhaling shakingly as a wave of dizziness hit him.
His eyes widened, lips parting but no words came out.
White Lily Cookie immediately noticed his change in demeanor, her brows knitting in concern. “Pure Vanilla Cookie?”
Something was …wrong.
“I…” Pure Vanilla Cookie started, his chest tightening along with his breaths becoming more and more shallow as he felt a strange uncomfortable warmth come over his whole body. “Pardon me, I…”
“Is it…getting warm in here?” His voice came out dazed, almost breathless.
“No?” Golden Cheese cookie said, perplexed.
“Are you feeling well?” Dark Cacao cookie asked instantly.
The mischievous Faerie cookies were starting to look and glance at each other as they grinned. They were successful, now just the potion’s effects need to sink in.
Their demeanor caught the attention of Silverbell cookie who then noticed how Pure Vanilla Cookie was acting. A sense of guilt yet nervousness passed through him as he silently observed.
Pure Vanilla Cookie tried to steady his breathing, but the pounding in his chest only worsened. Everything around him, voices, lights, colours- everything felt overwhelming.
His stomach twisted as his head started to pain worse while feeling…light, his vision blurring further.
The Faerie Cookies’ smug grins faltered as they watched Pure Vanilla Cookie grow unsteady.
One of the Faerie Cookies leaned toward another, whispering, “Did we… add too much?”
Yet the others had no response to that as they watched the scene unfold in shock and concern.
Then his body swayed, the grip on the goblet suddenly loosening making it clatter onto the ground, alarming them.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie?!” His friends cried out in alarm.
“I… I don’t…” His voice barely came out, as he tried to steady himself leaning onto his staff.
And then-
The world tilted sharply, his knees buckling as his vision darkened.
White Lily Cookie gasped, lunging forward just in time to catch him before he collapsed completely.
A collective gasp rippled through the banquet hall.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie?!” The urgency in her voice made the others rush to him. Hollyberry Cookie was already at his side as she shook him. “Hey! What’s wrong? Say something!”
The rest of the faerie Cookies present in the banquet darted forward in alarm, fluttering over the scene by growing unease. Some clutched their hands to their chests, wings quivering. Others exchanged nervous glances, whispering among themselves.
Silverbell Cookie flinched at the sight. His gaze flickered to the Faerie Cookies responsible, who now looked far less confident than before. Their wings drooped slightly, their expressions caught between regretful and scared.
Dark Cacao Cookie was already kneeling beside White Lily Cookie, his hand resting firmly on Pure Vanilla Cookie’s back. “He is too warm,” he muttered gravely. “And his breathing… It’s unsteady.”
White Lily Cookie tightened her grip around Pure Vanilla Cookie, her heart pounding. “Pure Vanilla Cookie, please…look at me, wake up!” she urged, shaking him.
Golden Cheese Cookie stood frozen, her eyes wide in shock, she then shook her head, gritting her teeth. “This is not normal. What in the world was in that drink?!”
She snapped her gaze toward White Lily Cookie as she glared at her. “You…” She spat. “This was your plan wasn't it?! To get us all here, make our guard down, take us down in one go and finally get our soul jams?!”
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught. “What? No! I would never-”
Golden Cheese Cookie took a step forward in anger, her teeth clenched. “Wouldn't you?! You became Dark Enchantress Cookie once before! Who’s to say you’re not just being smarter about it this time?!”
“Golden Cheese cookie!-” Hollyberry Cookie warned.
“What?! He's the only one who drank that and you are trying to say this is a coincidence?! Pure Vanilla Cookie is easy to fool but not I!”
“I also drank it but I'm-” Hollyberry Cookie got interrupted.
Golden Cheese Cookie scoffed, “Oh, please. Don’t act like that drink should’ve done anything to you either. You could chug a whole barrel of poison and walk it off like it was water.”
She frowned. “What are you-”
Golden Cheese Cookie leaned in, voice sharp. “Poisons don’t work on you, remember? You once drank a whole goblet of poisoned beer, and what happened? Nothing. You downed it like it was water and asked for another round. You could’ve drunk a whole cauldron of whatever was in that thing and it wouldn’t have done a thing! But him?” She pointed at Pure Vanilla Cookie’s unconscious form. “He isn’t like you! And he’s the only one affected? How convenient.”
Gasps erupted in the room as the faerie cookies gossiped.
White Lily Cookie’s breath came fast. “I didn’t-” She shook her head, gripping Pure Vanilla Cookie tighter. “I would never harm him!”
One of the Faerie cookie stepped up, their voice urgent. “Do not speak to our guardian like that! She would never do such a thing!”
Another joined in, their wings fluttering anxiously. “She has only ever sought to protect us! She would never harm her own guests!”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered Faerie Cookies, though it was tinged with unease. Some glanced at one another, hesitation in their eyes.
Silverbell cookie glanced around until he found the group, glaring at them coldly, making them tense as they exchanged panicked glances and then nodded amongst themselves.
One of them stepped forward. “White Lily Cookie, We can expla-”
But before they could say anything else, Dark Cacao Cookie suddenly interrupted, his sharp eyes locked onto Pure Vanilla Cookie’s face.
“…He’s growing pale.” He said with urgency.
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught as she turned her gaze downward along with Hollyberry cookie and Golden cookie who looked at him panicked.
The warmth she had felt from Pure Vanilla Cookie just moments ago was fading fast. His dough was growing clammy, his breathing even more shallow.
“No, no, no, no-” she whispered, panic rising in her chest.
Dark Cacao Cookie didn’t hesitate. “We need to move. Now.”
Hollyberry Cookie was already lunging forward. “Out of the way!” she barked as she scooped Pure Vanilla Cookie into her arms with ease. “Tell me where to go!”
“The infirmary! I shall tend to him!” White Lily Cookie cried out.
“Let me lead the way!” Silverbell cookie declared along with Mercurial Knight cookie who nodded his head.
The Faerie Cookies scattered at once, rushing to clear the path as the ancients rushed towards the room.
White Lily Cookie’s trembling hands glowed as she hovered over Pure Vanilla Cookie's still form, her magic spreading through his body, trying to cure and search for anything that may be amiss, an injury, a curse, an ailment but nothing appeared to her.
Again, she sent another careful surge of magic into him, scanning for anything while the magic looked for something to heal or cure but still…
There was nothing.
Her breath caught as panic started to bubble in her chest. She pressed her hand over his chest, trying again. This time, she reached deeper, searching for even the slightest irregularity to heal, something she might have overlooked.
Yet, her magic came back with nothing.
Her heart pounded against her chest, fingers tightening where they pressed against his skin. “Why…” she thought desperately, voice trembling. “Why isn’t it working?”
She was aware that unlike him, healing wasn't her speciality. She knew he could've done it by now if the roles were reversed; he would've found the problem, he would've already figured out what to do.
She knew he wouldn't be fumbling, wasting time or failing-
Her magic flickered as it ran its course again.
Nothing.
Again, nothing.
Pure Vanilla Cookie's face was still pale and his breaths quiet yet shallow.
Her throat felt right, her heart pounding as realization hit her, she was getting nowhere.
She could practically feel the stares on her, boring down on her with a suffocating force. She had asked the Faerie cookies to remain away from the room as she didn't want the room to be overcrowded as it may do even more harm to Pure Vanilla Cookie’s prone form. She only allowed her friends in as she knew they wouldn't leave her and him alone.
Her vision blurred as tears started to come out, her breath quickening. “I don’t understand…There’s no sign of poison, no magic affliction, no curse-”
She could hear Hollyberry Cookie’s uneasy shuffling, feel Dark Cacao Cookie’s tense gaze lingering on her, but it was Golden Cheese Cookie’s sharp, cutting scoff that made her flinch.
“Oh, of course.” Golden Cheese Cookie said, arms crossed. "Of course, you won't find anything. That would ruin your plan, wouldn't it?”
White Lily Cookie barely had time to process the words before Golden Cheese Cookie took a step closer, her voice laced with venom.
“How convenient. You always were clever, weren’t you? Always thinking ahead. And you chose him.” She gestured at Pure Vanilla Cookie’s unmoving form. “Because who else would’ve been foolish enough to believe in you?”
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught in her throat.
“Naïve….Too trusting. He probably thought you were still the same friend he knew. And you knew that. You counted on that.” Golden Cheese Cookie scoffed. “So you used him like a pawn to lure us here.”
White Lily Cookie was breathless as her heartbeat pounded in her ear, tears flowing freely through her eyes.
“And it was smart, I’ll give you that,” she spat. “You didn’t even spare him. Because at the end, he was the only one who can heal us if we fell and he's a holder of the soul jam you, oh so, deserve. You thought we’d all drink. You thought we’d all fall.” She let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Yet here we are. And now that your little plan’s gone up in flames, you need to pretend, don't you?”
“Golden Cheese cookie!” Hollyberry Cookie warned as she yelled.
Golden Cheese Cookie barely spared her a glance, her gaze locked onto White Lily Cookie with burning intensity. “What? Am I wrong?” she shot back, her voice sharp. “Tell me, tell me any reason why she should be trusted right now!”
Hollyberry Cookie hesitated. Her grip tightened at her sides, but no words came.
Golden Cheese Cookie let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “That’s what I thought.”
“Dark Cacao cookie! Won't you say anything?!” Hollyberry cookie asked desperately.
Dark Cacao Cookie remained silent. His grip on his sword tightened, his eyes locked onto White Lily Cookie, dark and unreadable.
Golden Cheese Cookie let out a sharp, knowing scoff. “Hah. See? Even he knows I have a point.”
Hollyberry Cookie’s head snapped toward him. “Dark Cacao Cookie…” she said, almost pleading.
Golden Cheese Cookie tilted her head, her smirk sharp and cold. “Face it. Even he sees it. He knows you played us. He knows you used him.”
White Lily Cookie shook her head rapidly as her shock broke off, tears welling in her eyes. “That’s not true! I would never-!”
Golden Cheese Cookie’s eyes flashed as she cut her off. “Wouldn’t you?” she challenged, her voice sharp. “You already have once in your little turn as Dark Enchantress cookie.”
White Lily Cookie’s breath hitched, the accusation striking like a dagger. Her fingers curled into the fabric of Pure Vanilla Cookie's dress as she shook her head, desperate, frantic.
She tried to speak, to form words, but nothing came.
The air in the room was thick with tension, as no one dared speak a word until Golden Cheese Cookie inhaled sharply, opening her mouth once again.
And that is when, the door of the room opened, revealing Silverbell cookie.
“Your highness,” He greeted. “There is something you must know.”
White Lily Cookie barely registered Silverbell Cookie’s voice at first, her mind still spinning yet she quickly wiped her tears, trying to compose herself. “What is it?”
Silverbell Cookie inclined his head before stepping fully into the room. “They have something to say.”
He then pushed the door open wider, allowing a group of faerie cookies to enter, their head hung low. Mercurial Knight cookie, who also accompanied them, waited outside, keeping guard in the gate to not let anyone else enter.
All the gazes fell on them as they then exchanged glances, none of them speaking right away until one of them stepped forward hesitantly. “White Lily Cookie didn't do anything with the drink…it was…it was us!”
A cold silence followed until the room erupted in chaos.
“WHAT?!” All the cookies yelled in unison.
The Faerie Cookies flinched at the sheer force of the collective outcry. “Yes…we…we put the potion in his dri-”
“You did WHAT?!” Hollyberry Cookie shouted.
“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR DOUGH-BRAINS?!” Golden Cheese cookie shouted in anger.
“WHY did you do such a thing?!” Dark Cacao cookie raised his sword.
The Faerie Cookie who had spoken took a shaky step back. “W-We didn’t mean to hurt him!” they stammered. “It wasn’t supposed to be dangerous! We thought-”
“Thought what?! To CRUMBLE him?!” Golden Cheese cookie yelled. “You did this under her command didn't you?!”
“No!” one of the Faerie Cookies blurted out, shaking their head frantically. “White Lily Cookie didn’t tell us to do anything! She didn’t even know!”
Golden Cheese Cookie narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “Oh, really?” she sneered. “Then why did you do it?”
The Faerie Cookies exchanged nervous glances before one hesitantly stepped forward. Their voice wavered as they spoke. “We… we thought it would be funny to make him a little flustered! He is composed all the time- we just wanted to entertain-”
“White Lily Cookie has been so tense lately! We just wanted to make her happy with some hilarity- that's why we used-”
White Lily Cookie’s breath caught in her throat. She had been drowning in guilt and shock, but those words… shattered the haze clouding her mind.
Her heart lurched with sudden, dreadful realization.
She took a sharp step forward, her voice trembling yet forceful. “How much did you use?”
The room fell silent as the Faerie Cookies stiffened. They hesitated, glancing at one another, none wanting to be the one to answer.
She pressed again, firmer this time. “Tell me. How much?”
One of the Faerie Cookies swallowed hard before finally murmuring, “…The whole phial.”
Silence.
White Lily Cookie felt the syrups drain from her face.
“A… whole phial?” she echoed, as if saying it aloud would change the answer.
The Faerie Cookie nodded stiffly.
A fresh wave of alarm crashed through her as she felt her hands beginning to shake. “A potion no matter of what nature…if used in high dosages….or even as little as more than five drops…can crumble a cookie.”
A cold, unsettling silence filled the room for a single moment, almost as if everyone held their breath until the room exploded.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, CRUMBLE?!” Hollyberry Cookie bellowed, eyes wide with alarm.
Dark Cacao Cookie’s expression darkened, his grip tightening on his sword. “Is he- is he in danger?!”
Golden Cheese Cookie whirled on the Faerie Cookies, fury crackling in her voice as she summoned a spear. “YOU STUPID LITTLE-”
“WE DIDN’T KNOW!” one of them yelped, backing away. “IT WAS JUST SUPPOSED TO BE HARMLESS!”
“YOU USED AN ENTIRE PHIAL!” Golden Cheese Cookie shrieked. “HOW IN THE NAME OF THE WITCHES DID YOU THINK THAT WAS HARMLESS?!”
Silverbell cookie immediately went in front of the Faerie cookies, his arms raised defensively. “It is not just their fault! I knew yet I didn't stop the-”
“WHAT?!”
But White Lily Cookie barely heard any of it. Her mind drowned out the voices, the shouts and panic around her, everything blurring into white noise.
All she could see, all she could focus on, was Pure Vanilla Cookie’s still, unmoving form beneath her hands.
His breathing was soft, his face relaxed, untouched by the chaos spiraling around him.
So peaceful. So unaware.
So close to crumbling.
Her stomach twisted painfully, bile rising in her throat as the horrifying thought took hold.
What if- what if he never woke up?
What if she was too late?
What if, right now, as she wasted precious seconds frozen in fear, his form was already beginning to crumble?
A choked sound escaped her lips, something between a sob and a breathless plea.
Her shaking hand clawed at her own hair as her vision blurred, her breath shuddering as panic crushed against her ribs, clawing at her insides.
He could slip away at any moment.
He could disappear, just like that, before he even had the chance to realize-
And it would be her fault.
Her breath came shallower as her chest tightened.
Her entire body trembled as she tried to think, to do something, but the terror clawing at her mind made it impossible.
And then-
A flicker of movement.
Barely noticeable, but she saw it.
A shift.
A faint twitch of his fingers beneath her own.
White Lily Cookie froze, her breath hitching as her tear-filled gaze locked onto him.
Had she imagined it? A cruel trick of desperation?
No.
There it was again.
A slow, barely perceptible movement of his hand, the smallest furrow in his brow.
Her heart lurched, hands tightening instinctively.
"Pure Vanilla Cookie…?" she whispered, voice shaking.
At the sound of her trembling voice, the chaos in the room wavered.
Golden Cheese Cookie stopped mid-shout, turning sharply. Hollyberry Cookie inhaled, her fists clenching, while Dark Cacao Cookie, still gripping his sword, took a cautious step forward. Even Silverbell Cookie and the Faerie Cookies fell silent, all attention snapping toward her.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was the faint rustle of Pure Vanilla Cookie’s breath.
No one moved, no one dared to speak.
Then, ever so slowly, his head shifted to the side, his face turning toward White Lily Cookie’s voice. His fingers twitched again, curling weakly against her trembling hands.
A quiet, drawn-out sigh escaped his lips.
White Lily Cookie’s breath quickened.
The moment the others saw movement, everyone snapped into motion as the others huddled together to his side in hope and expectation.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Hollyberry Cookie called out.
But White Lily Cookie barely noticed them. Her entire world had shrunk to the Cookie in front of her, her heart hammering as she squeezed his hand.
A faint hum left his lips as he shifted again.
“Is he-” Golden Cheese Cookie asked nervously.
“He must be waking up.” Dark Cacao cookie replied.
Everyone held their breath as within the next few moments, ever so sluggishly, his eyes fluttered open making everyone's face lit up as a pair of dazed, unfocused blue and yellow eyes fluttered open.
Pure Vanilla Cookie blinked sluggishly, his vision hazy and unfocused. His heterochromic eyes flickering drowsily as he tried to make sense of the world around him.
White Lily Cookie let out a shaky breath, gripping his hand tighter. “Pure Vanilla Cookie…” Her voice wavered, relief and worry blending into one. “You're finally awake.”
Hollyberry Cookie sighed, her tension finally easing. “Oh, thank the witches-”
Golden Cheese Cookie exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. “Took him long enough.”
Dark Cacao Cookie gave a slow nod, his stern gaze scanning Pure Vanilla Cookie for any sign of lingering distress. “How do you feel?”
Pure Vanilla Cookie blinked a few more times, his blurry vision sharpening- until his gaze finally settled on White Lily Cookie.
A gentle, hazy smile formed on his lips, as he exhaled a dreamy sigh.
“White Lily Cookie…” He murmured.
“Yes…?” White Lily Cookie asked.
His lips curved into the gentlest, most affectionate smile she had ever seen.
“Has anyone ever told you of how radiant and truly beautiful you are?”
White Lily Cookie’s breath hitched.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Golden Cheese Cookie stared. “...What.”
Hollyberry Cookie blinked. “What did he-?”
Dark Cacao Cookie’s brows furrowed, his grip tightening on his sword.
But Pure Vanilla Cookie wasn’t paying attention to any of them. His dreamy gaze remained locked on White Lily Cookie, his smile soft, utterly smitten.
“You shine brighter than the purest light,” he murmured, voice dripping with adoration. “Like a flower in full bloom…Oh, I must be the luckiest Cookie in all of Earthbread to be able to gaze upon you first the moment I wake…”
White Lily Cookie’s face burned as words failed her in her shock.
Golden Cheese Cookie’s jaw dropped. “WHAT?!”
Dark Cacao Cookie sprouted in disbelief. “Did…did he just-?!”
Hollyberry Cookie blinked rapidly. “Okay, I know I’ve hit my head one too many times, but did I actually just hear that?”
Pure Vanilla Cookie, still utterly lost in his dreamy haze, sighed blissfully.
“My Queen…” he murmured, his thumb gently tracing small circles against White Lily Cookie’s hand. “Oh, how my heart rejoices to see you first… to bask in your presence once more…”
White Lily Cookie’s brain short-circuited.
Golden Cheese Cookie screeched as she tugged at her hair. “HE CALLED HER WHAT?!”
Hollyberry Cookie, visibly struggling, smacked her own forehead. “Nope. Nope. Not happening. I must still be asleep. There’s no way I just heard that.”
Dark Cacao Cookie stood rigid, his mouth slightly open, as if searching for words, any words, but for once, none came.
He sighed dreamily again. “Oh, White Lily Cookie… The moon may fade, the stars may dim, but my love for you shall never wane…”
Meanwhile, Golden Cheese Cookie was not handling this well. “WHAT IN THE CHEESE'S NAME IS GOING ON?!”
Hollyberry Cookie, eyes wide with alarm, pointed wildly between Pure Vanilla Cookie and White Lily Cookie. “This- this isn’t normal, right?! RIGHT?!”
White Lily Cookie, however, was completely frozen, her mind desperately trying and failing to process everything.
Pure Vanilla Cookie only sighed dreamily in response, his grip still firm on her hand. “My beloved,” he murmured, gazing at her with pure, unwavering devotion. “You must have been so distressed… I must have worried you terribly…I never, ever wish to be the cause of your pain…Oh, how cruel fate must be, to have kept us apart for so long… But fear not, my love, for I shall never stray from your side again.”
White Lily Cookie’s face flamed as she stared at him, utterly speechless.
“Um…” One of the Faerie cookies stepped forward hesitantly as they fiddled with their hands. “We didn't forget to mention it was a love potion…did we?”
White Lily Cookie’s mind screamed just as the room exploded again.