Archive of Our Own ^beta

When Madeleine was taken (dragged. And by Espresso of all cookies) into the kingdom, he was on house arrest for a week. The knight wasn't a big fan of the idea but to be fair, he was serving Dark Enchantress Cookie for quite a while.

Cookies would take turns coming in to check in on him or even stay with him for a day.

The first day was Knight Cookie, and the younger knight stood by the front door of his house.

Okay, simple enough.

On the bright side, it allowed Madeleine to finally give his armor the cleaning and polishing it desperately deserved. He found himself loving it a lot more than he used to. There was something about putting all your energy into making armor shine that was relaxing to him.

Maybe it was after everything he went through, it was nice to just focus on a task he used to do routinely.

Madeleine smiled to himself when he saw the brilliant white color peek through from all the grime. He felt proud of himself but in a different yet not unwelcoming way. Only afterward did he realize how much his arms ached from putting in the extra elbow grease and he flopped down onto the floor.

He wasn't sure what to do now, so the knight commander simply let his mind wanted as he stares at the blank ceiling and walls.

Apparently, this house could also be his own, which was super cool! He had a home now in this kingdom, with a cookie he knew from the Republic!

The Republic...

Espresso Cookie...

...Oh...

Madeleine quickly shot up and shook his head furiously.

No! He wasn't going to think about Espresso's disdain for him! Not now!

Oh! He should see what else the house has!

The commander was quick to scramble up and rush off to check out the other rooms. It was quite big and spacious and if he ever made friends, he could invite them over for a sleepover! Wonderful!

Then Espresso was at his door the second day. Madeleine's expression turned into one of shock, taken aback by the coffee mage's appearance.

"Espresso?" Perhaps his confusion was clear on his face because said cookie only grimaced.

"I brought breakfast."

His eyes darted to the containers in one hand and two mugs of coffee in the other, as his mind slowly processed the words.

"Oh. Oh! Where are my manners?" He hastily opens the door wide and beckons Espresso in, guiding him to the small dining table.

They sit down. Madeleine thanks him for the food. Espresso mumbles something along the lines of "you're welcome". They eat.

It is incredibly awkward.

The knight, after putting in a bunch of sugar and cream in his coffee, tries to recall memories of his time as a corrupted knight. Ah yes. He can remember bits and pieces of it.

"...You said you loved me, right?" The knight asked, unsure.

Espresso looked like he was about to do a spit take with his coffee at the question, and the blond knight was ready to get up and pat his back if he choked. Thankfully, the coffee mage was able to prevent coffee from spewing everywhere at the table and managed to swallow it with minimal coughing.

Madeleine slowly, but surely, sat down.

The mage clears his throat.

"You...remember?"

"A bit...," Madeleine murmured, "I also remember what I said."

"You claim that I hated you."

"...Yes."

"And you believed it?"

"...After a long time, yes."

Madeleine was silent for a moment.

"I'm...sorry. For bothering you and pestering you so much back then. I kept telling myself that you'd like me eventually and...that was wrong of me."

Espresso was taken aback by his words, he huffs, "Of course, you'd think that—you narcissistic cookie."

The blond gave a weary smile in response.

"But I think I should apologize too," Espresso murmured, "for pushing you away—"

"No!" Madeleine cuts him off, then quieted down, "No. With how I was, you had every right to!"

"Then let me tell you what I am grateful for," Espresso sets down an empty coffee mug and it was now the knight could see the bags under the mage's eyes.

"Of all the cookies in the kingdoms we've been through, somehow it's you that's able to force me to eat or get sleep."

Madeleine only gives a hint of a smile, feeling warmth rushing to his cheeks. If Espresso Cookie noticed, he didn't say.

"I don't like how it distracts me from work..." The coffee mage grumbles, "but taking care of myself...is important..."

"You look like you could use some sleep," the knight murmured.

"I'll be fine."

"You can sleep. I don't plan on escaping."

"...I know. I trust you."

Madeleine only gives a weak smile of gratitude.

After they had breakfast, the two argued over who did the dishes. Madeleine insisted that he should do it (after all he is technically a prisoner, a criminal, it is only fair). Espresso retaliated saying that technically, he was corrupted. It didn't count and even if the knight was on house arrest—he is technically the guest and he should help out. The knight argued that he, himself, was technically the host—he should clean the dishes.

They bickered for at felt like an hour before deciding for one to wash and the other to dry the dishes.

(Yes, they fought over who would do what too.)

"You know," Espresso quietly mumbled, "you never told me if you liked me back."

Madeleine paused, in the middle of handing the mage the coffee mug. He feels a warm hand clasp around the mug and slender fingers brushing against his. It gave him goosebumps and shivers up his spine.

"I do," he replied, "I wanted us to be friends."

"No. Not that, you idiot," Espresso gives him a look, "I'm asking if you also love me."

"Oh."

Did he love Espresso?

Maybe. It rang in the back of his head.

"I...I don't know," Madeleine replied hesitantly, "How do you know if you're in love?"

Espresso only stared at him for a minute.

"It's...warm," the mage replied, drying the mug with a towel, "it makes your stomach feel strange whenever you're with them—like what they call 'butterflies in your stomach'."

He looked at Madeline and the knight feels his heart race at the soft look in those dark eyes.

"Your heart races when you look at them and you're happy when you see them." Espresso continued to explain, though his voice was slowly getting quieter.

Madeleine swore that the mage was blushing.

"You think about them all the time when you're alone and free..."

Espresso looked at the knight.

"You'll know when you do."

Madeleine doubts it, but smiles and nods anyways.

They sit on the couch. Madeleine insists that Espresso should at least nap, and insists that he should have a blanket. So here they were, Espresso wrapped in a spare blanket and Madeleine curled up on the couch. The mage lays on his shoulder, avoiding his gaze.

"I think..." he blurts out, "right here. Right now. I'm not ready for a relationship yet."

Espresso was quiet when he responds, "I understand."

"I'm sorry-"

"No. I should be sorry for asking that question all of the sudden," Espresso looks up at him, "it's...too soon. You just got back and you need time to think and process everything that happened."

"It's...okay. Actually, I should thank you for telling me." The blond gives a smile, "At least I know you don't hate me."

The brunet cookie only nods.

"Can I...?" His hand hovers over Espresso's hair.

A nod in response and Madeleine is eager to run his hand through dark locks with wisps of light, foamy strands. He feels the mage relax against him and the blond cannot help but smile.

Part of him wonders if they are truly friends now or some sort of weird middle.

Madeleine would have asked the coffee mage if he didn't hear the light snore on his shoulder.

Espresso was fast asleep.

The knight only smiles a fond smile and quietly shifts to try and carry Espresso to one of the bedrooms. As he does, he questions the swelling of his heart at the sight of a sleeping Espresso Cookie or how his heart raced a million miles a minute carrying the mage.

Maybe he was in love.

Being on house arrest wasn't so bad. The cookies here were quite nice. Sure, some were wary of him but that made sense, he was on the dark side. He easily got along with the various cookies that took turns keeping guard.

At one point, Hollyberry cookie drank sparkling juice with him—which quickly turned into a drinking competition.

He should've known she'd best him. How does this cookie drink 12 glasses of juice!?

Ah oh well, they're having a grand time—slurring over their words and sharing stories and laughter. Hollyberry was admirable and charming, with jolly laughter and charisma that just draws you into her brash and bold personality. Pride seeps into her words yet it wasn't in a way that held herself as superior.

He finds himself aspiring to radiate such charisma and confidence. He tells her so, and she laughs heartily, smacking him hard on the back. He sputters, nearly spitting out a mouthful of sparkling grape juice.

"I'd say you're already there," she chuckles, "you've got your own charm to yourself. You're a cookie magnet that's for sure!"

It was late into the night when Hollyberry left, assuring that she'd be fine despite the stumbling. He waves her a slurred goodbye before closing the door.

A wave of sorrow washes over him but he does his best not to wallow. It crashes into him like a wave as he flops into the fluffy, silky sheets—burying his head into a marshmallowy pillow. Once the high was over, he's sent crashing down into a deep pit of...

He's not exactly sure. Some sort of mix between emptiness, guilt, regret, and...

A scary sense of self-loathing.

Madeleine hugs the pillow tight and squeezes his eyes shut, hoping that sleep would take him before the waves of sadness drown him.

After a night of drinking, he could not recall much of the night. The only thing that lingered was empty glasses and bottles, and a pounding headache to boot.

After spending one last day alone in the house, was he finally able to go out and meet everyone else—and view the kingdom.

Madeleine was excited, eager to get out of his cookie house for some fresh air and meet everyone! He happily followed Gingerbrave, Strawberry Cookie, Custard Cookie, and Wizard Cookie out to a tour. He found himself surrounded by curious cookies as well as some familiar faces.

He laughs. He puts on the smiles he holds to charm the cookies of the Republic.

They adore him.

Of course, they do.

And yet at the corner of his eyes, he sees a familiar cookie.

Espresso.

They make eye contact. He waves at him with a grin.

Espresso only grimaces and seems to give a faint wave of a hand before walking off.

Madeleine drops his smile.

Did he do something wrong?

There was no time to dwell before he was dragged off to sightsee the rest of the kingdom.

It would take time before he was allowed to explore or join in quests. Which...sucked, of course, but he didn't mind it too much. In fact, he was happy to help out and do the heavy lifting (or just about anything, really). Chopping wood? Not a problem! Helping Avocado Cookie with producing tools? Sure! Mining for sugar? Absolutely!

Madeleine was quick to help out and get busy, often coming home exhausted, yet satisfied. He didn't bump into Espresso that much. When the coffee mage wasn't out on quests or an exploration, he was cooped up in his home—probably working on experiments. The knight only intervened if he hadn't seen the mage out and about for a few days—knocking on the door and demanding Espresso to get his ass to bed or get something to eat.

He may or may not have had to trap the coffee mage into a blanket roll and practically lug him off to bed.

It was fine though, as the mage let him in anyways.

(Part of him wondered if it was because Espresso felt that anything he did wouldn't stop Madeleine from intervening.)

(Well...it wouldn't. Not when it came to the mage's health.)

(He should really take care of himself, that Espresso Cookie.)

Since he's been staying in the kingdom for so long, he stopped wearing his armor—only going around in a white shirt with its sleeves rolled up to just above his elbows, and black pants. Still, he trained with his sword and shield.

(After all, he must keep his skills sharp.)

Eventually, he was asked about his greatest power: Commander's Honor.

Ah. The power that was granted to him from the Divine. He wonders if he can still use it.

So, he agreed to show it off.

It took a while for a small battlefield to be made, but it was done. It was rather simple, with flattened grass and located a bit far from the kingdom, in order to prevent any damage.

It was perfect to just spar and test things out.

Wearing his armor for the first time in ages, Madeleine was ready to spar! He was ready to go all out! In fact, he even brought out his orbital shields, which hovered gently behind him.

His blue cape fluttered in the wind and he could feel nostalgia settling in his veins.

Hollyberry volunteered first, wanting to see what the knight commander was all about. It seemed that both her, Knight Cookie, and Madeleine had a thing in common: they were often protectors.

They march into the front field, ready to take on any enemy attack.

Some cookies decided to come and watch.

"You ready to taste defeat from my shield?" The founder of the Hollyberry Kingdom asked.

He laughs, "I am not well acquainted with defeat!"

"Well let me introduce you!"

With that the woman charged forth, slamming him against his blade. The collision caused a strong ripple, flattening the grass around them. Madeleine could feel his feet sliding across the dirt. Damn was she one strong cookie! She wasn't one of the Ancient Heroes for nothing, after all! A worthy opponent of both skill and reputation!

The two clashed swords and shields, sending wave after wave of vibration from their clashing weapons. Hollyberry's strength was something to admire, as a swing of her shield can knock Madeleine's floating shields off orbit.

Eventually, Hollyberry Cookie stepped back.

"See if you can counter this!"

The gem of her shield started to glow, engulfing her in a pink light. She charges forth like a large pink bullet, ready to ram straight at the knight commander.

Madeleine sucked in a breath. Now or never.

He raised his sword to the sun's light. Silently, he prayed to the Divine that he is still in their favor.

"Light protect me!"

He feels the hum of magic that he is, oh, so familiar with. It fills him with a familiar warmth as his beloved shield and sword start to glow a bright blue—slowly surrounding him. He is ready to bring down his sword and sent a burst of light magic at Hollyberry...

Only for the magic to flicker and die.

"Wha-?"

He acts quickly despite the shock, bringing up his shield to block the attack. Instead of holding his ground, he is sent flying far and high into the air before slamming to the ground in humiliating defeat. His sword sank deep into the earth and his shields scattered.

Madeleine groaned in pain, slowly getting up. His head pounded and he swore his vision blurred for a second from the harsh impact.

Hollyberry Cookie seemed concerned.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine!" He laughs, though it is lackluster, "it seems that somethings acting up. Let's us try again!"

"What does the Divine do to you anyway?" Gingerbrave asked as he motioned for Angel Cookie and Herb Cookie to heal Madeleine.

"It protects me from any effects caused by enemies," Madeleine explained, "as well as amplifying my power."

"As typical of light magic," Angel Cookie hums, "it purifies and amplifies a cookie."

Once Madeleine was deemed okay, he was eager to battle. Though his pride was wounded, he was sure the Divine would help him.

Battle.

After battle.

After losing battle.

Madeleine kept his frustration at the down low, but he can't help but feel absolutely humiliated by each defeat. Even changing partners did not help.

The Divine did not help him from Mala Sauce Cookie's flaming star anise mace.

The light did not prevent him from newly succumbing to Poison Mushroom Cookie's fumes.

And it certainly did not allow him to gain a power boost against Purple Yam Cookie.

It left Madeleine feeling lost, defeated, hopeless. The Divine had chosen him, and now—it had abandoned him.

Was it because he did not listen to its guidance when he wanted to avoid Espresso? Was it because he succumbed to darkness?

He felt shattered.

A hand placed itself on his shoulder.

"I can help you."

Pastry Cookie.

"If you wish."

"I'll...think about it," Madeleine Cookie murmured, averting his gaze.

His muscles ached from being battered around like some sort of rag doll.

He gives Pastry Cookie a smile, "Thank you for your offer, Pastry Cookie."

With that, he turns to return to his house. Angel Cookie quickly follows behind, perhaps worried. As light magic users, it was concerning that Madeleine could not call upon the light's protection as he used to.

He assured Angel that he could be fine. Perhaps his faith had been weakened since he had been corrupted.

In humiliating defeat, he trudged home. Only when the door close did he toss his shields and sword aside as if they were nothing. He chucks off his armor without regard, a fury of emotions coursing through his veins. He does not care for the clang and clatter of his armor and weapons hitting the floor.

He marches—storms, even— towards his room, before the horrific realization becomes too much and he falls to his knees. Madeleine feels tears gather in his eyes as he gasps for breath.

How pathetic he was, for being so confident that the Divine still loved him after he had turned his back against it.

Madeleine pulls at his hair in frustration? Anger? A boiling cauldron of nasty, ugly emotions bubbled in his stomach and burned his heart.

Only the crashing wave of exhaustion and the searing agony of aching muscles pulled him out of his head. Just enough for him to desire sleep.

He lay in his bed, not wanting to change. The knight commander closes his eyes, and lets sleep take him away.

His blade slices through the cookies, jam spilling onto the ground. The cake hounds howl and yip in victory as he charged alongside Dark Choco Cookie. He couldn't help but be a bit worried for the other. After all, even if he was corrupted—his role as a commander has not changed. It is part of his duty to look after and care of his comrades as well.

He is a protector. That is his role, even if his magic only amplified his power rather than protecting his teammates.

They continued to slay cookie after cookie—jam staining his now dark chocolate and strawberry jam armor.

It was an endless wave of a cookie army, and there seemed to be no end in sight.

Dark Choco's lighting strikes can only do so much.

Blocking another strike with his shield, Madeleine decided enough was enough.

"Darkness protect me!" He cried, sparks of red flashing from the red gem located on the hilt of his sword.

Dark magic surrounded his blade, begging to be released.

And release he shall.

With a grin, he swung, sending a wave of red at the army—watching them crumble away.

In the end, no survivors would remain.

Madeleine awoke with a cry, hands trembling as he recounted his dream.

It was in the middle of the night.

Now awake, he stumbled out of bed and to the bathroom. Only to be greeted with a horrifying sight.

His eyes glowed red.

The ugly concoction of emotions stirred up again and it slammed into Madeleine, overwhelming him like a wave. In anger. In disgust with himself. In horror...

The blond punched the mirror. It shattered, glass getting into his skin and oozing out jam. Madeleine cried out in agony, feeling tears in his eyes.

Oh Divine, that hurts! It hurts so much!

He clutches his bleeding fist, trying to take deep breaths. Eventually, when he could tolerate the searing pain, did the knight went to grab a first aid kit to take care of his wounds.

In the middle of pulling out tiny mirror shards, he heard a knock at his door.

Oh no.

Surely he didn't wake someone up when he broke his mirror, did he?

Madeleine slowly got up, his fist still coated in jam. Wrapping up the fist for now and cleaning his other hand free of drying red liquid—he went to answer the door, keeping his wounded fist behind his back. He was surprised to see Espresso Cookie at the door.

Remembering his reflection, he quickly hid himself behind the door.

"Were you working until dawn again?"

"I thought I heard something, so I came to check it out."

The mage's voice...was it just him, or did it sound softer? More kind?

"Besides, since those sparring matches...I was a bit worried about you."

Madeleine chuckled, "Don't worry, Espresso! I'm fine. I just...broke something that's all."

It sounded like Espresso didn't believe him.

"Why were you up?"

"Ah...just...just a nightmare. Nothing to worry about Espresso-!"

"Then could you kindly show yourself? I didn't think the great Madeleine Cookie would hide himself behind the door."

...Damnit.

"I don't think you'd want to look."

A snort.

"I'm here because I wanted to see you. Now open up and let me in."

Madeleine bit his lip. He could feel jam soaking his bandages because of how hasty he did them just to answer the door.

"Just...Don't be afraid."

"What is there to be afraid of?"

The knight reluctantly revealed himself, avoiding Espresso's gaze. But Espresso could easily pick up the crimson hue of his eyes and the knight feels a warm hand brush against his cheek—gently guiding his face to look at the coffee mage.

He dared to look at him.

Espresso's eyes were wide with...horror? Shock?

It couldn't be good.

So Madeleine is quick to cover his eyes. Though he forgot that one of them was injured and he was trying to hide it from the other cookie.

"Madeleine! Your hand!"

Ah, shoot. The Divine must wish to torture him.

He could barely process what was happening, only a warm hand grabbing his uninjured one and being pulled back into his house. The knight was silent as he was settled on his couch and Espresso went to retrieve the first aid kit. Like a dog, when demanded, he gave the mage his wounded hand.

The two were silent.

Espresso dabbed disinfectant on the wounds, causing the knight to hiss and flinch. The mage paid no mind and continued to patch up the knight's hand. When he is done, Madeleine gives him a smile—but he feels so weak.

"Thank you."

Espresso still holds his hand—perhaps a look of pity? Sympathy? On his face.

Madeleine didn't know how to feel about it.

"You're welcome." Espresso smiles back and takes the bandaged hand and presses a kiss to his knuckles.

The action makes his heart swell and Madeleine can't help but hate it—just a bit.

Espresso tells him to stay, so he can go clean up the shards of broken glass. Madeleine can only nod, a feeling of numbness and grief crashing over him.

He sits there staring, thinking about the battles—his now crimson eyes. He thinks about every defeat and the looks of pity.

He thinks about his dream.

He can't help but blame himself, because it was the truth.

It was his fault.

He looks at his bandaged hand and sucks in a sharp breath, trying to keep these tidal waves of emotions at bay. Madeleine clenches his fist, eyes squeezed shut.

It hurts. Everything hurts.

It was a huge attack on his pride and knocked him down.

If he was no longer beloved by the Divine, then how could he protect his allies? What was his purpose? What could he do now?

The thoughts suddenly stopped when he felt arms wrapped around his neck and he was pulled into an embrace. He opened his eyes, wide with surprise. His hands were rested gently at Espresso's waist.

Espresso hugged him like he'd disappear if he let go.

Perhaps he would.

"I'm sorry."

A whisper. Oh, how could a single phrase break him? Was he so miserable for him to shatter over an embrace and a simple phrase?

Yes, perhaps he was.

So Madeleine cried. He cried and cried and cried into Espresso's shoulder, feeling as if he had lost a part of his identity.

He went with Pastry Cookie to the monastery. The blond wore his armor and carried his sword and shield—but left his cape back at the kingdom. He notes at how weakly his orbital shields floated around him.

He really was falling out of the Divine's favor.

He feels guilty, since that night. Now it seems that the roles have reversed—or at least, they both took up the role of taking care of each other. Madeleine would bring in food or force him to bed—and Espresso, during nights he stayed up, went to check on the knight in turn. Sometimes the mage would call him out on it.

"Stop looking like a kicked puppy," the cookie would huff, flicking him in the forehead, "I don't mind helping you, Madeleine. Besides, self-loathing isn't a good look on you."

And he'd smile, "Of course. Thank you."

After that, it was dropped.

Pastry Cookie announced their arrival and the knight looked up.

The monastery was huge and entering inside, made it seem even larger. Madeleine found himself in awe of its sheer size and the structure inside.

Forks seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the monastery.

There seem to be nuns everywhere, quietly doing their own thing. They were dressed in dark clothes—making Madeleine just feel a tad out of place with his brilliant white armor.

It didn't help that it was dark here, aside from the torches that lit up the place.

"Reverend Mother," Pastry Cookie greeted a cookie cloaked in white and gold.

"You are back, my child," the other cookie smiles, and she looks at Madeleine with a serenity that almost seems unnerving, "and who have you brought with you?"

"I am the Divine commander of the Republic, Madeleine Cookie," he greets with a slight bow, "it is an honor to meet you."

"Ah, we must thank the Witches that we have been able to meet," Reverend Mother Cookie responds with a soft smile, "what brings a cookie like you far from Republic?"

"I have suggested that we could help him with his troubles, Mother," Pastry spoke up.

The knight commander gulped, "...Yes...yes. I have troubles that ail me and though I could travel back to the Republic—it would be a long journey. With Pastry Cookie's suggestion, I have come here."

"Ah I see," she gives a look of sympathy, "tell me then, what troubles you?"

"I..." Madeleine bit his lip, "I cannot say here. If you may, I would like to speak to you alone."

A week.

Madeleine was told to stay here for a week, see how he felt about it.

Pastry Cookie wishes him luck, a hint of a smile on her face.

"They have helped me, and I am sure that they will help you too."

Madeleine only gave a watery smile.

"I will trust your judgment, Pastry Cookie"

They have a rigid schedule here.

Wake up.

Prayer.

Eat.

Read.

Chores.

Prayer.

Eat.

Read.

More chores.

Eat.

Prayer.

Bed.

Rinse and repeat. Rinse and repeat.

Occasionally, it seems that the higher-ups would leave the monastery. Pastry Cookie was one of them.

As he was more of a guest, he didn't have to wear a uniform. Instead, he just wore long-sleeved, white shirts and dark slacks.

Nothing more, nothing less.

It was boring here. He struggled to find himself invested and focused on the reading. Each prayer feels like he's betraying the Divine.

And as he struggled to stay focused, his mind often wanders to comforting thin arms and spindly delicate fingers that ran through his hair. His heart aches for warmth and closeness he feels no other cookie can satisfy...

Except...

Except for Espresso Cookie.

And every time he comes to a realization, he snaps out of it and tries to focus again.

The only thing he found somewhat nice was doing the chores. It was something to do, and he was happy to help out.

But he still feels lost and frustrated.

He feels he is getting stagnant.

He feels he is going nowhere.

On the fifth day, after the evening prayer before the retirement bell, Reverend Mother Cookie asked to speak to him. He stayed, sitting in the pews as the rest of the nuns left. Only when the room was empty, did the cookie beckoned him to come.

Madeleine did as he was told, getting down on one knee and dipping his head.

"I have noticed your troubled expression. Tell me," she coos soothingly, "what ails you, child?"

Madeleine struggled to speak. What could he say? What shall he say?

"I am frustrated," he admits at last after a moment of silence, "I cannot help but feel that being here has only strayed me further from the Divine. Here, you worship the godly Witches described in your books. I worship the Divine. I am grateful for Pastry Cookie's kindness but St. Pastry's Order, I'm afraid, is not for me."

"Ah yes," her expression never changes, "and you are here to restore your faith, are you not?"

"Yes."

"Why is it that your faith has dwindled? What is the root of your frustration, your troubles?"

Madeleine was hesitant to answer.

"I cannot help you if you do not tell me."

So he does. He tells her from the start.

It feels like he is confessing some sort of crime, despite the hazy memories of his time as a crimson knight.

"I see...what are the Divine's teachings?"

"It's light touches all in the Republic," he states, "and when we are kind, we are representing the Divine's kindness. When we are cruel and unjust, we are rejecting the Divine's light. All born in the Republic are born in the Divine's Light and it watches all—cares for all."

"And yet..." a hand goes to gently stroke his hair, "it has abandoned you."

"...I...I am not sure."

"Your sword and shield were given to you when you dedicated yourself to the Divine, yes?"

"Yes."

"But then you have fallen because...?"

"I was a fool. I was blinded by my own desire to keep a cookie happy because I was told he despised me. I went against the Divine's light and went in the opposite direction. I was tricked and succumbed to darkness."

"Hmm...I see..."

"But here, I feel that I am straying further and further away from the Divine."

"Thank you for telling me, my child," Reverend Mother Cookie continues to gently stroke his hair soothingly, "your doubt clouded your judgment and without anyone to guide you, you were strayed further from the Divine. You had not believed enough, Madeleine. You did not love enough, shown enough kindness to reflect the love and kindness given to you, and thus—your Divine has left you."

"No. Please," the blond feels himself becoming desperate, "it is still with me, faint but there. I do not wish to be abandoned by the light I've dedicated my life to!"

The words spoken from the other cookie's mouth felt wrong. It rubbed him up in a way that was wrong, yet he can't help but want to believe in the worst: that the Divine truly left him to rot.

"It is inevitable." The cookie clothed in white robes spoke sorrowfully, "it turned your back on you and now you must accept it, my child. From then on, only wisdom will guide you towards faith and stability."

Madeleine felt his hands tremble in horror, his other knee falling to the ground. His eyes focused on the carpet, fist clenched.

If it was true then...had this all been for nothing?

Soothed by Reverend Mother's fingers in his hair, the knight eventually got up and bid her good night.

It was a ceremony. He remembers this day. He, Madeleine Cookie, of his noble house—would be granted the title of Commander. This was where he took his oath.

He wants to run.

His body moves against his will, making his way to the priest that held an object in a bundle of blue cloth.

Madeleine knew exactly what was in there.

He got down on one knee, reciting the oath he had taken toward the Divine.

He hears the sound of cloth shuffling and he looks up to see Reverend Mother Cookie's face.

Well, that's strange. That wasn't the priest who gave him the Sword and Shield of Radiant Light, was it?

"You must be careful, my child." Priest Reverend Mother spoke, "For you have entered a place where even my light will struggle to guide you."

A message from the Divine itself?

"But I have fallen from your favor, have I not?" He asked.

"It is harder to guide you, but I am always here for you," she responds, "do not let your faith in the Divine waver, Madeliene."

"How can I when the proof is right in my eyes?!" He cried out, "I have been led astray, betrayed you! How can my soul be pure enough to be accepted by your guidance?"

"You are here," she smiles, "you wish to repent for your betrayal, but you have already long asked for forgiveness. Heed my words, beloved knight, you will find a way to use your sword and shield again. Do not let yourself suffer any longer. Do not be afraid to stray from the light magic you know so well. Remember, the Divine will always be watching you—guiding you. Do not let this waver your hope, your faith, your love for yourself or for others."

The priest cookie hands him the sword cloaked in blue.

"Accept the change, dear knight, and march forward."

Madeleine could only smile, a sense of heaviness being lifted off his chest.

He takes the blade and when he looks up again. His blue eyes widened to see Espresso standing before him.

He finds himself lost in soft, dark brown eyes before he is ripped away from the realm of sleep.

Madeleine gasped as he awoke. He panted softly, sitting up as the morning bell rang. His hair is a chaotic mess, one that will take forever to tame.

His eyes land on his sword and shield, his prized possessions. The light from the cold dawn filtered in through the window, sparkling onto the surface. It seemed to glow in the light—sparkling in a way that gems do.

The sight strangely filled Madeleine with a sense of hope.

Yes. He knew what he must do.

He must leave the monastery.

Hopping onto a sugar horse, he bid Reverend Mother Cookie farewell and thanked her for her help. She seemed to be disappointed that he was leaving but said nothing of it.

(Maybe he was just seeing things.)

He rode off, eager to head back to the kingdom. Eager to see...

Yes. The mage who has plagued his thoughts once more.

Oh, how he wanted to embrace Espresso in his arms—tell him how much he missed him. Tell him how much he wanted to stay by his side. He wonders if Espresso would welcome him with open eyes.

There was only one way to find out.

An ambush was something he did not expect to return to.

Cake monsters were everywhere, causing havoc. Every cookie is battling hoards of monsters or running around trying to heal or provide support. It was a picture of chaos.

Knowing that he must help, Madeleine rushed into battle, slicing any cake monster nearby with his sword. Right now wasn't the thought of how he might've looked, but to send the army of cake creatures running back where they came from and find Espresso Cookie! He charged his horse though the mass of the battle, eyes scanning for any cookies that may have bitten off more than they can chew. Everyone seemed to be doing fine.

Gingerbrave, Wizard Cookie, and Strawberry Cookie were working together. Blackberry Cookie and Adventurer Cookie were protecting Onion Cookie. No surprise that Hollyberry Cookie would be in the thickest of the army of cake beasts, slamming her shield into them and sending any that tried to jump on her flying!

As he dashed past across the battlefield, he smells the strong and bitter scent of...

Coffee magic.

Espresso Cookie!

He made his horse gallop faster, following the lingering scent of coffee until he witnessed the mage surrounded by monsters—isolated from the rest of the battling cookies. Espresso Cookie was fending them off by firing spell after spell but they were starting to get too close for comfort. Madeleine quickly leaps off his horse, crashing into a cake monster in such an ungraceful way with his shield— that probably any other time would have anyone laugh. He gets up quickly, slashing at any nearby and getting the monstrous crowd to back off a bit.

"Are you alright?!" He asked, glancing back at the bruised and battered mage.

"Fine," the other huffed, dusting himself, "you came in just in time—I thought you wouldn't be back until tomorrow?"

Madeleine grunted as a hound tackled into his shield, before levitating one of his orbital shields to block another attack just beside him. He then moves his main shield behind to thrust his blade into the belly of the cake hound, spilling thick icing.

"I had to-," Madeleine cut himself off with a grunt, blocking another attack, "leave early, it wasn't-," he lets out another grunt as he slashed at another beast, "-what I was looking for."

Before things got too overwhelming, Espresso shouted out a spell, using the Grinding spell to take out the middle of the small army of relentless cake monsters.

As the sigil did its work in pulling the beasts into the center. Madeleine turned to Espresso.

"You know, when I was there, I was thinking about you."

"What!?"

He cupped his mouth with a hand, "I said, I was thinking of you while I was at the monastery!"

Espresso gave him a look of confusion.

"And I think I know now!" He shouts over the sound of rushing wind, "I love you Espresso!"

"You-!" The mage's face became dark with blush, "You idiot! Why are you saying it now!?"

"I just wanted to get it off my chest!" Madeleine raised his shield as the spell combusted, sending grinds and frosting everywhere, he grabs Espresso to protect the two from raining icing and cake.

He sucks in a breath, a smile on his lips, "What I wanted to ask...Espresso Cookie, would you be the honor of being my boyfriend?"

Espresso snorts but gives a faint smile, "Of course, you dork."

But confessing on a battlefield was bound to have interruptions.

As a cake boar made its way out of the depths of the forest.

Madeleine is quick to put himself in front of Espresso, but he feels a sinking feeling in his gut. He can't use Commander's Honor the same way as before. There's no guarantee that he would be able to do it again.

But he had to try, didn't he? The Divine was watching him, guiding him at every step. Even if he entered into the shadows.

Silently he sent a prayer and hopes that the Divine or whatever godly being out there would help him.

"Protect us," he whispered, almost as of praying to the sword itself.

It felt like time was slowing down as the boar rushed towards them, Madeleine raising his sword in the air. The blade gleamed brightly in the light, magic starting to engulf the blade.

He feels his own dough tingling from the light magic that started to engulf the body. And yet... he could also feel chills down his spine.

Seconds seem to tick by the minute as he soon brought down his sword to send a wave of magic at the boar. However, what was shocking wasn't the fact that he actually accomplished it. What was shocking was the mingling and shimmering of blue and red light—never completely combining into each other, but never completely staying separate. It was strange but... it was his.

"I..." Madeleine was speechless at the magic that surrounded him.

"I did it!" The knight couldn't help but laugh, turning to pull Espresso close and twirling him around.

"Espresso! I did it!"

The mage cries out as he is spun by the knight, but chuckles. Madeleine seems to snap out of his excitement quickly, as he puts down the coffee mage with an apologetic chuckle.

"I'm sorry I'm just- happy! I'm so happy!" The blond exclaims, "I could kiss you!"

Espresso's eyes widened and he looks at him with bulging eyes.

"Uh er-," the knight couldn't help but feel his face starting to blush, "if I may- I'd like to kiss you. On the lips! Or if-!"

He was cut off with a pair of lips pressed against his own. Now it was Madeleine's turn to express shock. It was only brief but Espresso pulled away with a smirk.

"There. Now I can shut you up and kiss you," Amusement laced the coffee mage's tone.

Madeleine blinked owlishly at him, the gears on his head turning before he laughed.

Wrapping his arms around Espresso's waist...

The knight shared another kiss with his beloved mage.