Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"It's been a while since we've had the chance to just.. sit." Dark Cacao Cookie mumbled, making Pure Vanilla smile sadly.

"It has been indeed.. we should try to do this more often."

After all that happened with the council, leaving each other had been... too much. 

Okay, it had been horrible. 

They just got each other back.. and now to say their farewells again so soon... 

This time, they met up in the Vanilla Kingdom with a nicer excuse. Gingerbrave was supposed to come to visit within a week, and he would bring his friends along. It would be a great way to thank all of them for everything they've done for the three kingdoms. A celebration! 

Hollyberry Cookie had even invited her family, who should be arriving tomorrow.

Well.. just Princess and Knight Cookie. Queen Jungleberry Cookie and King Royalberry Cookie hadn't been able to leave the Hollyberry kingdom. 

"Agreed!" Hollyberry Cookie boomed, making the other two smile. As Hollyberry took a sip of her juice, she smiled at Pure Vanilla Cookie. "So, Vanilla.. how has your son been? It's been a while since I've seen him last."

Pure Vanilla looked confused. 

"What son?"

"..." Hollyberry burst out laughing. Even Dark Cacao chuckled. "What son. You almost had me, with that confused expression." The old queen laughed. "You should have become an actor instead.

Pure Vanilla looked even more lost. Dark Cacao stopped, looking at Pure Vanilla in confusion- before that turned to shock. "...Pure Vanilla Cookie. Your son. How is he?"

"...what are you both talking about?"

Hollyberry stopped laughing. Her smile turned into a frown. "Ehrm... you can stop now, friend."

"But I am not doing anything.." the old king frowned, before looking concerned. "Hollyberry Cookie, are you feeling well?"

Hollyberry's confusion turned into shock once she realized. He was not joking.

"...Pure Vanilla. Your kid? The future king of the Vanilla Kingdom??"

"I've never had any children..." Pure Vanilla hummed. Perhaps... their minds got messed up too? His staff lit up. "Are you perhaps injured?"

"..." Hollyberry got up. Before walking to where Pure Vanilla was. Her expression was dark.

"....Holly-"

She grabbed his shoulders and started shaking him.

"Hollyberry Cookie!" Dark Cacao jumped, quickly grabbing her arms. "Shaking him like a crystal ball won't make the situation better!"

"PURE. VANILLA. COOKIE. YOUR. SON. WHERE. IS. HE?!"

"I-I don't have a son!" Pure Vanilla cried out, grabbing her arms. "H-Hollyberry Cookie- I'm dizzy..."

She stopped, a look of disbelief stuck on her face. 

"....has that kid been alone this entire time?!" She cried out. Dark Cacao inhaled.

"Perhaps not all his memories have returned..." he suggested, before turning to his friend. "Pure Vanilla Cookie. You have a son. He should be.... eight. He should be eight."

Pure Vanilla's eyes widened. Did he..? No. Surely he would remember having a child.. right? 

"Are you sure you have not mistaken me for someone else?" The cookie asked, making Hollyberry freak out more. Before she inhaled deeply.

"You had a kid." She said sternly. "He often played with my granddaughter."

"My son babysat him whenever he was in the kingdom.." Dark Cacao added. "Dark Choco Cookie loved looking after the young one. 

Pure Vanilla shook his head. "I don’t have a child!"

Frustrated, Hollyberry pulled out her phone, seeming to look for something. Dark Cacao blinked. "We would not mistake your son, Pure Vanilla Cookie. What was he called again.. Uhm.." he had only met the child as a baby. Nothing more.

"Are you two feeling well?" Pure Vanilla put a hand on Dark Cacao's head, which the cookie pulled away.

"There we go!" She didn't smile and just shoved her phone into Vanilla's hand. Pure Vanilla was about to ask, but Hollyberry grabbed his head, making him face the picture. "Just watch."

...it was a picture.

Of Pure Vanilla.

Holding a baby.

A baby that had an almost scary resemblance to Pure Vanilla.

The baby was sleeping but definitely had his hair.

Then Hollyberry started swiping.

They seemed to be in the backyard of the Vanilla Castle. There were balloons everywhere, some toys laid out, some blankets, and a table full of food.

It was a picture of a toddler Princess Cookie, excitedly holding said baby in her arms. 

Dark Cacao Cookie, who seemed hesitant to hold the child, but was forced by Pure Vanilla to hold him.

Hollyberry Cookie who took a selfie with said baby in her arms. 

A video. It was a video of Princess Cookie trying to make the baby walk. 

"...." speechless, Pure Vanilla handed the phone back with wide eyes. Before he collapsed in his chair.

Dark Cacao ran forward, grabbing his arm gently. "Pure Vanilla Cookie..."

"I have a kid?" He asked in horror, his heart heavy.

He had a kid.

And he forgot him?

Both Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie looked absolutely stunned before that turned to horror. 

The war.

Dark Enchantress Cookie.

The battle.

The explosion.

The state the castle had been found in.

No one had made it, other than the republic! 

Where the fuck was Pure Vanilla's kid?!

Chapter Text

"Hollyberry Cookie.. where exactly are we going?" Pure Vanilla asked, holding his staff tightly.

He had a kid he had a kid he had a kid-

"That could have been any child. It doesn't mean it's yours."

"That baby looked exactly like you!"

"A BABY. They could look like anyone."

"I'm hoping to see his room will bring back your memories," Hollyberry answered. Pure Vanilla stopped walking.

"....room?"

"ROOM?!"

Dark Cacao grabbed his arm, following the queen. Hollyberry looked around.

"This place looks different... ah! There it... is..." she trailed off.

There was nothing. It was just a wall. 

"...the room was here."

Pure Vanilla felt relief enter his heart. "...Hollyberry Cookie, are you sure-"

"You had a son!" Hollyberry growled, frustrated, and started looking around the hall. "And his room was right here!"

"The castle got messed up during our fight with Dark Enchantress Cookie..." Dark Cacao Cookie spoke. "Perhaps his room was destroyed as well..."

"I sure hope not.."

"..." Pure Vanilla looked at his staff. It seemed just as confused as its owner. 

Even Dark Cacao started looking around the halls, much to Pure Vanilla's bewilderment. "Guys please.. you're just upsetting yourself-"

"Hollyberry Cookie." Dark Cacao turned around, pointing at the spot Hollyberry Cookie had looked at first. "Look.."

She did. Once she took a closer look, she saw. That was the shape of a door!

"Someone repaired the walls.." she mumbled. "And build over the door?" 

"The villagers helped me rebuild- if they had done so, I would know."

"Hollyberry Cookie.. could you break the door?"

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Hollyberry grinned, readying her shield.

Pure Vanilla panicked. "Wait- don't break the wall!"

Too late.

Hollyberry yelled, before crashing into the wall. The other two started coughing from all the dust. 

Pure Vanilla expected to see the outside.

Instead, he saw a room.

A bedroom.

A nursery.

Shocked, Pure Vanilla couldn't speak. Dark Cacao pulled him inside.

Yes. It was a nursery.

There was a small bed in one corner: not a crib, but not big enough for a grown cookie, either. The room was painted soft blue, with yellow stars being painted all over. There were toys scattered everywhere. 

The room seemed untouched from the attack.

The oldest Cookie was speechless, looking around in shock. Hollyberry Cookie grinned. "I told you, Vanilla! I'm never wrong!"

"..." Pure Vanilla fell, being held up by Dark Cacao Cookie when he felt his own magic surrounding the room.

He looked out one of the small windows. He saw a golden shield protecting it.

Because he had.

During the attack. When he shielded everyone.

He had also shielded this room.

Pure Vanilla had seen this room outside the castle daily, but never knew what room it was. He had thought it was just some ruins...

".. let's have him sit down." 

Hollyberry nodded in response.

Pure Vanilla Cookie did not sleep that night.

He had been desperate, trying to remember anything about his "son"- but he couldn't recall anything.

Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie had spent the rest of the day trying to find anything else about the boy, but the nursery seemed to be the only thing left.

Pure Vanilla did not have any family (not that he knew of, at least) so the kid couldn't have gone anywhere. And there hadn't been anyone in the kingdom, other than Strawberry Crepe Cookie when the kingdom had been found.

So this kid...

...

"Grandmama!" Pure Vanilla was pulled out of his head at the energetic call, looking up to see a cookie dressed in pink, running towards their table.

For breakfast, the three ancients had decided to eat in the garden. Everyone had been unusually silent. Hollyberry Cookie smiled, getting up and spreading her arms- catching the hollyberian in her arms. "Well look at that- you sure are early, Princess Cookie! Haha!" She crushed her granddaughter in her arms- Princess squeezed back as much as she could.

"Your highness!" A knight Princess' age and wearing chocolate armor ran after her, out of breath and clearly exhausted already after running after his charge. "Please, your fastness- we shouldn’t be running around the kingdom! Queen mother specifically told you about you representing the kingdom!"

"Ah, you're no fun." Princess let go of Hollyberry, crossing her arms to stare at her knight. "You should sometimes let go of royal etiquette, Knight Cookie!"

".....I sometimes wish you were more like his highness on this.."

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

"His highness"?

"Pure Vanilla Cookie, Dark Cacao Cookie!" Hollyberry turned to her two friends, pushing Princess towards them. "I want you to meet my granddaughter, Princess Cookie!"

Princess' eyes lit up. Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "Nice to finally meet you, young one. Your grandmother talks a lot about you."

"She does?!" Princess seemed proud of this before she frowned. "Wait... Pure Vanilla Cookie, didn't we meet before-"

"It is nice to finally see you in person." Dark Cacao bowed down. Princess immediately forgat about Pure Vanilla and waved.

Knight Cookie bowed in respect. "Your majesties."

Hollyberry slapped his back, knocking the air out of the small cookie, and laughed. "Still taking care of my granddaughter, I see. You held on longer than I thought!"

"I-I am responsible for her highness. It is my duty to keep her safe." Knight bowed further.

Princess huffed. "My name is Princess Cookie, Knight! You don't have to keep calling me "her highness" around others!"

"But it is my duty to do so!"

"It's not!"

"It is!"

"It's not!"

As the two started to argue, Pure Vanilla chuckled. It reminded him of the old days.

"...Princess Cookie." When Pure Vanilla had been walking the duo to their rooms, Hollyberry quickly pulled Princess aside.

Said princess looked confused. "Yes, grandmama?"

"I have something important to ask of you."

"Yeah?"

"Promise you won’t tell anyone."

Princess started to get hesitant. "...is there something with you? Are you sick?"

"Goodness, no!" The elder laughed. Before she got serious again. "Princess Cookie.. do you remember Pure Vanilla's son?"

Princess held onto her staff tightly. "Son? Pure Vanilla Cookie never had a son, for my information. Sorry, Hollyberry Cookie."

Before the queen could reply, Princess ran after her knight. Hollyberry blinked.

Princess. Acting formal.

And she called her Hollyberry. Not grandmom.

Princess was a good liar. But this tiny slip-up was all Hollyberry needed.

Knight Cookie and Princess Cookie had been walking around the center of the kingdom.

Well.. more like running.

The princess so excited to see the Vanilla Kingdom for the first time had running around everywhere, her exhausted knight having trouble running after her.

So she made him take a break.

"But- your highness! There could be enemies or foes at any corner!"

"I can take them." Princess crossed her arms. "Besides- there isn't any danger here! So just rest. I'm right by the statue, you'll be able to see me just fine if anything happens."

"..." Knight Cookie sighed. "Okay." And he sat down. Princess smiled in victory and ran off.

Hollyberry Cookie took her chance, walking up to him a minute later. "Knight Cookie!"

The knight looked up, bowing his head in respect. "Hollyberry Cookie! An honor to see you."

"No need to act so formal, friend." Hollyberry pulled a chair, sitting beside him. "I see you and my granddaughter are... close."

"Yeah. Though her highness is hard to keep up with.."

"I can imagine. Say, Knight Cookie. I had a question for you."

"Yeah?" Knight took a sip of water.

"Do you remember Pure Vanilla's son?"

And he spat out whatever he had been drinking. Bingo.

"W-what?! Hahaha- Pure Vanilla having a son? He never-"

"Knight Cookie." 

"..."

"...yes.." he begrudgingly admitted. Hollyberry held her fist up.

"I knew it! Now that man-... wait." Her smile fell. "...why did both you and Princess deny remembering this kid?"

"..." Knight sighed. "Look, your majesty. I don’t know what happened- but from what I heard, Princess and this kid were both involved in an accident during the war. Princess has been refusing to talk about him since."

Hollyberry paled. "Accident..?"

"You didn't know about the accident." Knight sighed harshly. His expression changed.

"...Pure Vanilla wants to know-"

"Does he know the kid's name?"

"..." Hollyberry stopped.

"...do you know where he is?"

Knight got up abruptly, sending Hollyberry an almost angry look. "If his majesty Pure Vanilla Cookie can't even remember his name, I'll doubt he would be worried about a child he doesn't know. Good day, Hollyberry Cookie." 

He walked away, leaving Hollyberry in confusion. And anger. It wasn't Pure Vanilla's fault he can't remember! He lost his memory!

Then again, she supposed she could understand why Knight would be upset about a father not remembering his son...

Now that she thought about it... Hollyberry was certain Knight had known him too.

She watched as Knight walked over to Princess, pulled her aside, and whispered something... Princess' expression changed. And they both walked off.

Those two definitely knew more then they let on.

Chapter Text

"Your highness." Knight Cookie whispered beside the cookie, eyeing Hollyberry Cookie with one eye. Princess didn't even turn around, continuing to play with the villagers.

"Knight Cookie, I told you to take a break!"

"I wouldn't have come if it wasn't urgent-"

"Yada yada, who cares? It can't be that important and I'm having-!"

"Princess Cookie."

"..." The royal turned around. The knight looked worried. "She asked me too."

".....okay." Princess quickly waved her new friends of, telling them she had "royal matters to attend to" which was ridiculous- but they believed her anyway. Quickly, they both sped off.

"Why would he start asking now? He couldn't recognize him when he was in front of his eyes why would they-"

"He doesn't remember." Knight cut off. Princess looked surprised. "I asked queen mother. He doesn't remember anything. He just knows he has a child."

"..." Princess sighed, holding her wand close to her chest. "He didn't remember me either when we met..."

"..." Knight Cookie sighed. Princess Cookie looked away.

"Why can't we just tell them, Knight Cookie? You know how much Custard missed his dad... and Pure Vanilla finally wants to remember, at least."

"If I forget you completely." Knight started. "And saw you on daily basis, leave you alone for years and suddenly then I want to remember, would you want to see me?"

"..." Princess shook her head. "Not if you don't remember no.."

"And I am just a friend. Pure Vanilla is his father. Surely... surely that's different."

"....you're right." Princess inhaled, then exhaled slowly, now wearing a blank expression on her face. "Good thing Pure Vanilla Cookie won't see him for a while... surely.. he will forget by then." 

Knight nodded. Princess walked in front, going to her room. Her knight followed.

"....." the dinner table was silent.

The adults were trying to talk, but Pure Vanilla Cookie seemed tongue-tied. He was mindlessly steering through his soup with a spoon, looking at his plate and yet clearly not there. Princess and Knight Cookie kept looking at him, then Hollyberry Cookie, then kept whispering to each other.

It was... awkward. 

Granted, Dark Cacao Cooke was trying to make conversation, despite his awkward personality, finally succeeding in doing so when he mentioned the Dark Cacao warriors from his kingdom.

"Warriors?" Knight Cookie looked up at the king with interest. "What kind of warriors exactly, your majesty?"

"...warriors who go weeks without food, never having a moment of rest." Dark Cacao started. "They're always guarding our kingdom and the wall.. ready to strike any threat coming close. Their weapons are as sturdy as our darkest chocolate, as is their armor-"

Knight Cookie looked at him all stary-eyed. The king smiled slightly.

"Why that much protection?" 

"Dark Enchantress Cookie is still a known threat."

"But your kingdom is the only one still this guarded!" Princess claimed. "The Hollyberry kingdom has soldiers, yes- but mama let me go with just Knight Cookie, who is more a friend than warrior anyway."

"Hey!"

"The Vanilla kingdom isn't even guarded in the slightest!" Princess continued, waving her arm around. Pure Vanilla coughed.

"I understand your point, young one, but the kingdom is still being rebuilt. We did get help offered from the Creme Republic for repairs, which will hopefully start after everyone arrives-"

"I'm helping." Princess decided, already wiping out a pink notebook and pencil out of her dress.

Hollyberry frowned. "....how did you-"

"Don't question it." Whispered the knight. Princess was already scribbling down. He chuckled. The planning area of being a royal seemed to be the only royal aspect Princess cared about...

"So much to do- so much to plan! A royal party, fit for a queen!"

"Princess Cookie-"

"I will need a list of the guests, a color needs to be chosen for the carpets and curtains! Pure Vanilla Cookie, get your finest pie and juice, this will be one of the best parties planned in history!"

"How much longer will we be stuck in this stupid balloon for?!" Chili Pepper Cookie groaned, hitting her head against the side. "We've been in it for hours!"

"It's another six hours until we arrive.." Wizard mumbled, making Chili Pepper groan again. Wizard Cookie crossed his arms. "If you were going to whine and complain this much, Chili Pepper, why did you come with us? We told you you didn't have to."

It had been 6 hours since they had boarded the balloon. What had been a bright sky had long since turned dark, the stars twinkling like they always did.

And it was boring!

"And miss the chance to see the Vanilla kingdom again?" The oldest scoffed. "I wanna see what they made of it, believe it or not."

"....you know there will be no treasures?"

"I'm aware."

"Look how pretty!" Gingerbrave cut them both off, pointing below the balloon, hanging over the railing.

"G-Gingerbrave!" Strawberry cried out, quickly pulling him away from the edge. "Be careful! You could fall!"

"I've done this plenty of times!"

"And I've told you each time, don't do it." Wizard crossed his arms. His friend huffed.

"I wanna see!!" The youngest of them cried out, not being able to look over the edge. Gingerbrave laughed, quickly picking up Custard Cookie and showing what he meant, this time being a bit more aware and not leaning against the edge. The king's eyes lit up. "So many pretty lights!!! We should make something like this in our kingdom- like nightlights!!"

Gingerbrave's eyes sparkled. "Fairy lights!!"

This made Strawberry Cookie dare to look down despite her fear of heights- she gasped. "Woah..."

Finally, the other two looked down. Wizard hummed. "It seems like there was an enchantment used to keep the sky twinkling.." he mumbled. "But probably just above some village or kingdom, or else they wouldn't be this low.. hm...."

"We need fairy light too!!" Custard held up his arms. The other four smiled slightly. It was nice to see the kid actually acting like a child every now and then, instead of trying to be so responsible.

Chili Pepper patted his head. "Don't worry- I'll get some for you."

"......I don't want stolen ones."

Chili Pepper gasped, putting a hand on her heart and looking offended. "Me? Stealing? I have never been accused of such treachery before! I'm offended."

Custard looked unimpressed. Gingerbrave set him down, quickly whispering. "I'll get you fairy lights the right way." 

With that, the youngest looked satisfied. His sister huffed.

"I'm wounded, kiddo."

"Then don't steal!"

"I have never stolen in my life!"

"Can you swear that?"

"......no." Chili Pepper laughed while Custard huffed, crossing his arms. Before he yawned.

Chili Pepper grinned. "Someone is tired."

"No." He hid another yawn into his sleeve. The cookie was honestly impressed the child managed to stay up this long.

He didn't seem to be the only tired one. Strawberry was rubbing her eyes while Wizard sat down. Gingerbrave seemed to be the only one besides her to still have some energy left.

"Do you think the kingdom changed a lot!? Oh, I can't wait to show you guys everything that had already been completed! The villagers did an amazing job restoring everything already, I can't wait to see what else changed!-"

"Slow down, Brave. One thing at a time?"

"....right. The cookie laughed awkwardly. "Sorry."

"Nah, don't mention it." Chili Pepper went to stand beside the other. "If I remember correctly Hollyberry Cookie should be there too, right?"

"Yeah! You'll like her." Gingerbrave decided. "You seem to have similar energies... although for different reasons."

At the glare she got, Chili Pepper grinned again. The younger's face lit up.

"Oh! Princess Cookie and Knight Cookie should be there as well! Maybe even Clotted Cream Cookie? And perhaps Crunchy Chip and Wildberry? Hopefully! I would love for you to meet!" His smile turned confused.

Chili Peper raised a brow. "Something the matter, Brave?"

"I..." Gingerbrave looked behind him to the three cookies on the ground. Both Strawberry and Custard Cookie had fallen asleep already, with the pink one leaning against the wizard's side, while the yellow one was curled up on his lap, with Wizard having thrown an arm around them both. Good thing they had placed the pillows and blankets on the ground...

Wizard cracked open an eye, listening to them. Gingerbrave sighed.

"Clotted Cream Cookie said he was from House Custard." He pointed at the cookie Wizard was holding. Chili Pepper frowned.

Wizard hummed. "You did say those Republic people are descendants of the Vanilla Kingdom as well.. right?"

"Yeah."

"So the chance is high Custard his related to them?"

"I honestly doubt it," Wizard said. "Some people in the Vanilla Kingdom have some sort of Custard in their dough, maybe even Pure Vanilla Cookie himself. Besides... how would his own family just forget him and leave him in the rubble of-"

"I know, I know- it's just- those people are real Vanilians."

"..." Wizard thought, absentmindedly stroking the hair of the smaller cookie in his arms.

"I'm just worried about how he's going to feel about all this- how did he even get out of the Vanilla Kingdom?"

Chili Pepper Cookie had been unrealistically silent, looking ahead. "Well... he does know to expect them, at least. You did let us know."

"Just know? The kid had been excited out of his dough to meet other Vanilians."

"No doubt he's going to try and play king."

"Honestly? I doubt it." The other two looked at Wizard again.

"Didn't you notice? He stopped calling himself the future king of the Vanilla Kingdom ever since we met Pure Vanilla Cookie."

"....huh." Chili frowned. Now that he mentioned it...

Gingerbrave blinked. "Didn't you notice, Chili?"

"No? Not really.." the other two hid their smiles.

"She's bliiiiiiind~"

"Wha- no!"

"And deaf tooooo~"

"Gingerbrave."

"Can't even admit she loves us. I'm heartbroken."

Strawberry and Custard Cookie were woken up abruptly when the balloon started shaking. They were clinging to Wizard Cookie at once, fearing for their life. Out of reflex, Custard Cookie summoned two shields; One around Gingerbrave and Chili Pepper, the other around himself, Wizard and Strawberry. Wizard patted his back.

"It's just Brave and Chili being idiots, calm down."

"..." the shields disappeared again. Wizard let go of Strawberry and Custard, and got up to yell at the other two for being idiots.

".......look what happens when we're not here to safe the day."

Strawberry Cookie giggled.

Chapter Text

"And lights! We must add fairy lights!!!" Princess listed, looking around the kingdom with a notepad in her hands. She hadn't forgotten her "perfect party" idea since yesterday, having been roaming around the kingdom all afternoon to try and get any ideas of what she got. And hey, it gave her a reason to avoid Hollyberry Cookie, so there!

Knight Cookie ran after her, sighing tiredly. "Princess... can't we get a small break?"

Princess huffed, before sighing. "Fine. The cafe again?"

Knight nodded, for once starting to walk front as the other didn't know the way. "You'll love it, I'm sure. It's very different than back home, but I know you like new things."

Princess smiled, immediately cheering up at the idea of something new. "Lead the way!"

The knight bowed, for once walking on front- stopping once he saw a balloon landing. 

Princess saw it too- her eyes lit up at once. "Oh my god- never mind! The cafe will have to wait!" She jumped and clapped, before grabbing the ends of her dress to be able to run. 

Knight Cookie paled. "Your highness!!"

"Off to welcome our new guests!!!"

"Wait for me!!!"

Pure Vanilla had been sipping a cup of tea when one of his bluebirds flew into the white lilly garden. Confused, he got up from the ground, setting his beloved cup of tea aside, and holding out his hand to the animal. "Well... hello there," he murmured, smiling as it chirped under his touch. 

It was still odd. His birds always appeared in the garden around morning, and by now it was late afternoon. What would it be doing here?

"Are you injured, perhaps..." Pure Vanilla wondered to himself, making the bird turn its wing. No... it seemed fine. It chirped at him.

The cookie didn't understand but smiled anyway. "Are you lost, perhaps? It would be good to find your family if that were the case..."

"Pure Vanilla Cookie!" His thoughts were cut off by Hollyberry's yell, the cookie quickly ran inside with a giant smile on her face.

"Good evening, Hollyberry Cookie. What brings you to the gardens?"

"It's Gingerbrave and his friends!" The cookie yelled, making the king quickly get up. "Their balloon has been spotted! Black Raisin Cookie is welcoming them right now!"

It's clear from who Princess Cookie got her enthusiasm...

Letting go of the bird, the old cookie was quick to be at his friend's side, who quickly started to walk towards the landing spot. "I thought they weren't going to be here for another week..." he mumbled, suddenly worried. Why would they be here early?

"Quit your worrying and get moving!"

"Closer, closer- yeah, that's good! Lower the sacks, Brave!" Black Raisin Cookie yelled, hoping she would be heard. Strawberry Crepe Cookie stood beside her, two waffle bots behind them and ready to steady the balloon if needed.

Four sacks of flower were thrown to the ground, a rope attached to each, making the balloon go downwards much faster than before it landed. The waffle bots were at its side at once, keeping steady to make sure it wouldn’t fly off.

"Were the waffle bots necessary, Crepe?" Black Raisin asked, making the younger cookie huff.

"Uhm, duh! I wouldn't have brought them here otherwise!" They crossed their arms, clearly offended. The warrior chuckled. 

The door of the balloon was opened before Gingerbrave appeared, bright and sunny as always. His smile brightened when he saw them.

"Black Raisin Cookie! Strawberry Crepe Cookie!!" He yelled, running towards them at once, excitedly flapping his arms. 

"Nice to see you again, Gingerbrave." Black Raisin hummed. Her crow let out some chirps in agreement. 

"Hello to you too, Abyss." The cookie patted the crow's head.

The next to step out from the balloon was Wizard Cookie, looking amazed at the Waffle Bots- more specifically, their improvement. "Impressive..." he mumbled before he turned to the youngest. "Did you use those new parts we send you for these?"

"Glad you noticed!" Their eyes sparkled at once, and they proudly puffed out their chest. "Indeed I did! I even improved them!" 

"Your genius knows no bounds, I see." 

"Look at the kingdom!" Strawberry Cookie gasped, slowly climbing out of the plane, and looking around multiple times. "It's changed so  much!"

"I know! Isn't it pretty?" Brave laughed. "The villagers did such an amazing job!"

"Ahem."

"And Strawberry Crepe Cookie, naturally."

"That's right." 

"Yo, Brave!" The final ones appeared, Custard sleepily sat on Chili Pepper's shoulders, head and arms curled up on top of the red cookie's head. The cookie in question looked offended. "You dare not take us to the kingdom sooner?! Imagine the riches and adventures that we're waiting for here!"

"Since when do you care about adventure, Chili Pepper Cookie?" Black Raisin asked with a grin. Chili crossed her arms and huffed. Custard Cookie lightly tapped her head. Taking the hint, she helped him get off her shoulders.

"Good morning..." he yawned, rubbing at his eyes.

"Evening to you too."

"Oh." He looked up. His eyes brightened.

"Well, kiddo?" His sister asked. "Is this what you imagined the kingdom to be?"

"It's so... different."

No one noticed the grief in his voice. 

However, the four new cookies jumped at the sound of howling wolves, immediately ready to attack once. Gingerbrave quickly stood behind them.

"No monsters!" He yelled. "Just the cream wolves! Which means..." he gasped, turning to the Vanilians. "Dark Cacao Cookie and Hollyberry Cookie are here?!"

"Duh. They were here since day one."

"You get to meet Crunchy Chip Cookie and Wildberry Cookie!"

"Who now?"

The howling sounded again, closer this time. It didn't take long for the group to be surrounded. 

Still, with Gingerbrave being so relaxed, his friends followed suit. Even if Chili Pepper pulled the younger three cookies closer to herself. She would have done the same with Gingerbrave if he didn't step out in front of them.

The wolves suddenly shifted, making way for their king, who was followed by another cream wolf and two commanders behind him. Dark Cacao Cookie's face was cold. From behind him, Caramel Arrow Cookie and Crunchy Chip Cookie didn't even dare glance up. The king only stopped a couple of inches away from the cookie.

"...Gingerbrave." and he smiled. Said Cookie relaxed before he bowed politely.

"Hello, Dark Cacao Cookie! We didn't expect you to be here yet!"

As much as he wanted to crush Caramel and Chip in a hug, the siblings were on duty now, their expressions just as cold as their leader's had been earlier. Later. 

And honestly, Gingerbrave had expected to be welcomed by Pure Vanilla Cookie, or even Hollyberry.

"We arrived early." He simply responded, glancing at his friends. "Same for you, I presume?"

"Yes, sir." Wizard Cookie nodded. The child in Custard Cookie seemed to disappear at once, making way for royal etiquette as his expression turned neutral, he closed his eyes, folded his hands in front of his legs, and bowed his head slightly.

"King Dark Cacao Cookie."

The oldest nodded in approval. Strawberry was quick to try and copy him. The blonde noticed- and seemed to snap out of his spell.

"More like this-" he changed her hands slightly, before straightening her back, and smiling. "Yeah! Like that!"

"Bo-ring!"

"Not surprised. As if you would know what manners are, Chili Pepper Cookie!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm a princess."

Where he had learned his manners, Dark Cacao Cookie didn't know. Just as he had been about to ask the group about their travels, Hollyberry's granddaughter cut him off, and the ends of her dress grabbed as she ran.

"Gingerbrave!!! Gingerbrave!!!" She yelled, almost tripping three times, before actually tripping at the fourth. Gingerbrave didn't bother to try and help, even as he walked towards her. Her knight was there to help within an instant.

"Y-your highness!" He cried out, grabbing her by her shoulders and making her stand again. "You have to be more careful!"

"Where is the fun in that?" The girl giggled. She didn't waste another second and swooped Gingerbrave right up in a hug. "Brave!!"

"Princess!" He hugged back and waved at Knight Cookie. He just smiled.

Custard scoffed in the background but did the same bow he did for Dark Cacao anyway. "Princess Cookie. I see you still haven't- Hey!" He cried out as he was swooped up next, spun around, and held close by the older.

"Don't be such a sour candy like Knighty, Custard Cookie!" She laughed and squeezed him tight.

"Princess- *Wheeze* can't breathe-"

"Why couldn't you be like him?" Knight asked himself, too softly to be heard.

The prince was dropped soon enough, coughing and gasping from the strength of her hugs. She got it from her grandmother. Princess skipped Strawberry, knowing her shyness, and went straight to Chili Pepper instead.

It didn't take long for the final cookies to arrive a minute later, Pure Vanilla and Hollyberry followed by her guard, Wildberry Cookie. By the time they did, Dark Cacao and Gingerbrave were in conversation again, while Princess and Black Raisin Cookie helped the remaining four catch up on what they missed. Their faces lit up once they saw.

"Pure Vanilla Cookie! Hollyberry Cookie!!" He waved happily. Oh, the young soul.

"Gingerbrave!" Pure Vanilla waved back, his expression gentle and kind. "How wonderful it is to see you again! Weren't you supposed to arrive next week?"

"The Sugar Gnomes finished repairing the balloon early!" The Cookie explained. "They're fast."

"It is wonderful to see you again, sir, ma'am." Wizard frowned when he was patted on the head. 

The Queen Mother laughed, shoulders shaking. "No need for the polite introductions, big guy! I love to see familiar faces!..." her eyes fell on Chili Pepper Cookie. "...And new ones!"

"Ah!" His eyes widened, before pushing Chili towards the queen. "Right!" Brave said. "You never met them! Hollyberry Cookie, this is Chili Pepper Cookie! She helped us take down Dark Enchantress Cookie!"

"Oh!" She squeezed the cookie in a hug at once, making the younger yelp. 

"I thank you for your efforts, my dearest friend! You should be proud of yourself!-"

"U-uh-huh-" Strawberry giggled, hiding her smile in her hood when Hollyberry Cookie let go of Chili Pepper. She seemed more shocked than anything, never having been handled like that before. She blinked. 

"Ahem?"

"Don't forget his majesty, Brave." Wizard Cookie winked, making Gingerbrave laugh. There was someone else? 

"Right! And finally, Hollyberry Cookie! This is our healer! You never met him either." Gingerbrave pulled someone forward, and Hollyberry smiled, needing to look down to face-

Her smile dropped. 

A child with custard hair, baby blue eyes, a paper crown, and a royal gown stood in front of her, smiling with the face of an adult, not a child before he bowed the same way as he had done twice before once again to show her respect.

"And this is his majesty, Custard Cookie lll!!!"

It was obvious the older cookies were just playing along.

Chili Pepper Cookie never did but didn't correct the other three either, as Gingerbrave pretended to serve his "king" along with Strawberry Cookie, making the child giggle and laugh with excitement during the dinner they had prepared. Wizard just mumbled something now and then, but still played along. 

Hollyberry Cookie had been oddly silent. 

She hadn't been able to take her eyes off the child. Thankfully, her granddaughter filled the silence she couldn't fill.

"-But I wanted to ask you to bring some of those jellies..." she whined, crossing her arms. "We were gonna have a welcome party for you..."

"It's the thought that counts." Brave patted her head. Wizard frowned.

"Isn't the Creme Republic supposed to arrive as well...?"

That made the royal light up again. "Oh! Oh! Right! Knight, plans are back, do you still have the papers?"

"..." The knight blinked. Strawberry looked worried.

"Have you been overworking again, Knight Cookie?"

"Huh?" Princess turned around before she gasped. "Knight Cookie!" She scolded. "You were supposed to let me know of your limitations!"

He waved her off. Wizard handed him a glass of water to help cool down. 

The only one who seemed to notice her silence was her guard. Wildberry Cookie softly tapped her shoulder, giving her a worried look. She brushed him off and smiled.

"..." The Hollyberian glanced over at the Dark Cacao warriors. The duo seemed to notice too but kept silent.

"It is not good for your health to neglect your needs." Pure Vanilla spoke, pushing over a chair at Knight Cookie. He smiled thankfully, before sitting down. 

"But I must keep up with-"

"I can slow down. Or I can handle myself!"

"But I-"

A candy was placed in front of him. Looking up, Custard Cookie smiled gently.

Even their smile was the same.

A child was not supposed to smile this way.

"For energy!" He explained, his adult smile fading into one of a child once again. Knight blinked, before sighing and popping the candy without hesitation into his mouth. Satisfied, the blonde turned back to his drink. 

"I don't blame you for wanting to see everything." Pure Vanilla chuckled and took a sip of water. "The kingdom has changed a lot ever since we started renovations."

"And it's even more different than last time!" Gingerbrave's face lit up. "I need to give you guys a kingdom tour tomorrow!"

"I'm joining!" Princess yelled, before bumping her arm against Knight's. "And you are on break tomorrow."

He choked, before looking up at Princess. "But your highness!-"

"You could stay the day with grandmama and Wildberry!" The queen was snapped out of her trance when she was pointed at. Her granddaughter smiled.

"She's just like me! But there's Wildberry, so you don't have to look after her. Is that okay, grandmama?"

"...Uhm." she coughed. Dark Cacao and Pure Vanilla Cookie looked up in concern.

"I am certain that Queen Mother wouldn't mind," Wildberry answered for her instead, bowing his head. "She could certainly enjoy the company." 

"Ah. Right!" She smiled again, brightening when Vanilla touched her arm in concern. "It... it would be great."

"Are you alright, Hollyberry Cookie?"

She looked at the younger blonde for a second, before smiling at her friend.

"I'm alright."

At some point, Black Raisin Cookie arrived to take the guests to their rooms. After biding everyone goodnight, her granddaughter left for her room as well. With just the three of them, Pure Vanilla Cookie let his smile drop.

"Are you alright, Hollyberry Cookie? You seem troubled..."

"I'm alright, my friend." She smiled kindly. Which was wrong. She didn't do just "kindly" she did energetically.

The king just looked at her guard. Wildberry shook his head no.

"...How about I accompany you to your chambers before we go camping?" Dark Cacao offered, strangely. But that was good. She needed to talk to him. Alone.

"I could join-"

"I believe just me and Hollyberry Cookie is enough, Pure Vanilla Cookie." He nodded at the bright one. "You have had a long day, preparing the feast. You should rest."

"But I..."

"Vanilla."

He smiled at the gentle concern. He didn't often see that in the warrior anymore.

Dark Cacao turned to his two soldiers and looked down at them. "Caramel Arrow Cookie, Crunchy Chip Cookie. You two will accompany Pure Vanilla Cookie to his chambers." 

Caramel said nothing, but Chip was quick to protest. "But sir, someone needs to stay back and defend you in case of-"

"Why would I need them to accompany me?" The blonde frowned, kindness written all over his face. "I can make it to my room."

"I will rest better knowing you were protected the whole time. There's... too many new people at once." 

Pure Vanilla smiled. Oh. That he understood.

"Very well, then. Come along, my friends." He said and started leading the way. The chocolate duo looked at each other in confusion, before hanging their heads low, hands resting on their weapons as they followed the man. 

Wildberry looked up when Hollyberry Cookie looked at him. "Could you give us a minute, lad?"

"Yes, ma'am. Shall I wait outside the room?"

"No need. Just go to your chambers."

"Very well." He bowed before he left the room too. The door was closed.

The moment he was gone, Hollyberry stopped smiling, the haunted look back in her eyes. Dark Cacao huffed, about to ask her what was up with her, before she already answered his question."

"That's him."

"What?"

"That... Uhm... the blonde kid. Custard Cookie? That's him."

It took him a minute. Before his eyes widened.