Chapter Text
The warm sun hits the sides of the ship we are on. The Hollyberry kingdom's flag flapping in the wind alerting others of who is on the ship. We approach the air ship port on the outskirts of the Pure Vanilla Kingdom.
Beside me is Wildberry cookie, unlike the other time we visited, he requested to join me, without Jungleberry asking him. I wonder what the reason could be for that. Regardless, he isn’t going to allow me to enjoy any berry juice.
“Ah! Can you feel that breeze Wildberry? It’s wonderful!”
I face him, my face glowing with excitement.
“Yes, Queen Mother. It is refreshing.” He remarked, a slight smile upon his face.
“It has been a while since we have been here, has it not Wildberry?”
I walk to the ladder by the exit of the ship before turning back to Wildberry.
“It has, your Majesty.”
We land gently without any difficulty, and a few cookies throw down ropes to keep us secure.
I quickly make my way down the ladder and hop off in excitement.
“Hurry up, Wildberry! We don’t want to keep every cookie waiting!”
Wildberry quickly walks over to the ladder before making his quick descent down, “We have plenty of time, no need to rush everything.”
I grab his hand as he makes it off the ship and start pulling him to the castle, leaving the servants to take our bags to our rooms.
The town has been transformed from the last time we visited. The rubble on the ground is mostly gone. And the houses and benches are fixed up nicely. The amount of work that has been put into the town in such little time is impressive.
I quickly notice how nicely everything is decorated. Every flower bed is filled with shining sunflowers and every pot filled with pristine white lilies. Every house is also graced with a streamer connecting them to another house. As we make our way into the town square the statue of Pure Vanilla is wearing a crown of flowers and ribbons cover each corner. It reminds me of how the Kingdom used to look before the war.
“It’s amazing. They did so much work while we were gone.” I say as we continue our way up to the Castle.
As we approach I get a glance of some of the villagers running around doing some finishing touches. I don't linger on that too long before
A Cream wolf comes bounding out of the castle gates. It makes a dash for the direction of the garden. I unfortunately can’t tell what the rush could be, but no one else is running so it can’t be too bad.
“Hmm, looks like Dark Cacao brought his wolf commander again.” I casually comment, looking over at my companion.
“How has he been lately, Wildberry?”
He turns, very clearly confused about the question. “Why are you asking me how he has been?” Wildberry inquires before I flash him a knowing look.
“Just because you keep to yourself that doesn’t mean I don’t find things out.”
He looks at me for a moment before my words register in his head. He blushes slightly, “I am… unsure of what you mean.”
“Oh you know, those letters you send him, and the letters you receive in return. And not to mention the little flowers you press before sending them out in said letters.”
Wildberry turns away blushing profusely. “It’s not what you think. We’re just friends…”
I chuckle, “Most friends don’t send each other flowers, you know.”
“I mentioned the gardens once and he stated that they only had two types of flowers that can grow in the Dark Cacao Kingdom. That resulted in me sending some.
So he can see other flowers. Not because of any other reason. I promise it’s not like that.” He explained with such confidence that I honestly couldn’t tell if he was trying to hide the true story or if he was being honest. But the more I thought about it, Wildberry had no reason to lie to me, or anyone for that matter.
“Oh, alright. I won’t press you anymore.”
I chuckle at my own joke while I pat Wildberry on the back.
“We probably should hurry, we don't want to be late.” Wildberry starts forward again and I quickly join by his side.
It doesn’t take long for us to reach the castle gates. They are kept open and more of the villagers are placing ribbons and more flowers on the doors and gates surrounding the castle.
I turn to one of the villagers on my left, “You are all doing so wonderfully at decorating the town! It looks gorgeous!”
The raisin villager turns to me with a large smile gracing their face. “Thank you, the idea was Black Raisin Cookies! She’s so smart!” They beam up at me, clearly enjoying the praise I gave them.
“Ah yes! I remember her! She was extremely helpful last time we were here!”
“And when we were in the Crème Republic.” Wildberry supplies into our conversation.
“Is she here today?” I ask turning my attention back to the villager.
“Oh yes, she should be inside helping Pure Vanilla Cookie!”
“Wonderful! Thank you, I’m sure we will see each other again.” I wave goodbye before walking in with Wildberry.
“Hollyberry? How do you think the others handled their beasts?” Wildberry questioned me.
I keep forward, I know that everyone is well now, but it makes me wonder what horrors could they have faced. What horrific things could they have seen.
Were their beasts more brutal and violent than Eternal Sugar was? Do they have any injured soldiers like Wildberry? To be honest with myself, Wildberry shouldn’t even be here. He should be at home resting, after all the doctor said he won’t be fully healed for another two weeks.
“Queen Mother? Are you alright?” Wildberry looks at me with concern on his face. It snaps me out of my thoughts.
“Yes, I am fine. I suppose I'm just anxious to hear about what the others have faced.
I know that they have won but what have they lost in the process?”
“I’m sure we will all talk about that when it’s time, besides, we will need to know what we are facing before heading out.
We stop outside the doors of the grand atrium.
“You are right.” I smile at him, “Now let us go, we mustn't keep them waiting any longer.”