Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was another morning, Blueberry Milk was walking around his garden. Today, his lecture was put for later, he still was studying something strange. Some weeks ago, his souljam started glowing, radiating a strange energy. Not powers, but something like feelings, emotion. Emotion filled with... despair...he never felt it from his souljam before, and as a virtue of knowledge, he must figure it out. If it means something bad, he then warn other Virtues.

,,Blueberry Milk cookie! We delivered the letters!."

Blue looked at one of his young servants, Candy Apple. He smiled and walked to her. This morning, he gave her letters she needs to deliver to other Virtues, saying about the situation and how meeting is important. Surely he didn't really expected her to be done so quickly. Well, he sure has an amazing servant.

,,Well done Candy Apple, now we just need to wait for them to reply."

,, Will it take a long time?"

,,I don't know, but let's hope not. Now, go to Black Sapphire, if you two need anything, I will be in my office."

With that, Candy Apple's expression changed into worried one. She was fully aware that her Master and idol was doing all day. Studying. Working. It worried her, it worried Black Sapphire. Besides, Blueberry was still a cookie and not some kind of machine, he can't just study and work!

,, Studying again...?"

,, Sadly yes, this mystery needs to be solved. And as a Found of Knowledge, I need to know what's going on."

Candy Apple didn't really looked happy about that, after all, she knew Blueberry Milk, and she knew what it meant when he closed the door of his office. He was working.....and working....and working...

,,Can we have tea after the meeting and study session?"
...
Well, that pretty much caught him out of the guard. But Candy Apple is worried so~

,,Sure Candy Apple"

She beamed and with bouncing she left. Probably trying to find Black Sapphire. Fount just sighed, this is going to be a long day. With a slow and steady pace, he walked towards his office. His office could also be called a research room. Papers were laying around, dry markers and small pieces of chalk were across the room and table. It was really a mess, a mess he can orient in. His last research was about his souljam, every little information he got and tried.
The one thing Blueberry Milk cookie can't understand are souljams. Even his fellow Virtues are curious about them, but never tried to solve the mystery. That was until Lavender Salt announced the meeting, telling Blueberry Milk to write letters to the others. There's a reason, and it made Blueberry Milk uneasy.

He picked up the small piece of chalk and started scribbling around the board. The research was going nowhere, he still had more and more questions. But Lavender Salt promised to explain everything in the meeting. Hope that will answer most of his questions. Speaking of the meeting, it should be in three days. In the meantime, he will try to find out more about the souljams and prepare Black Sapphire as a "replacement" for younger cookies in the academy. The meeting will be at morning and possibly will be till noon or evening. Even if the meeting ends early, better be ready than sorry.

.
..
...
....
.....

It's cold

.......................So cold................

So dark...

,,AGH! It's been years! YEARS!"

,,Hehehe, and we will be here for more years."

,,Oh hush, you know we hate it here."

,,Yet, it's true. We cannot escape. After all, it's useless. All we could do is a small crack.

,,I don't care! The crack is enough! I want them to suffer, to make the PAY FOR WHAT THEY DID!"

,,We can use the crack, we are getting somewhere. Oh, the whole Earthbread could be mine~"

,, Silence, we can't use the crack. It will create havoc."

,, I'm all for a chaos and insanity, but why If I may ask? After all, it's our chance!"

,,I can hear all valuables and stuff calling for me~
Oh, when do we plan our escape?"

,,Oh, we need to go unannounced. After all, they are the reason why we are stuck in this place. They deserve nothing just pain. They are the reason why are we like this, why we fell! This is my judgement, and final decision."

,,We will use the crack in the most unexpected moment."

,, Causing havoc and chaos."

,,Making them pay for what they have they done"

,,Making them see our despair and pain."

,,From what they took from us"

,,And judge them how they did. Making the decision what they did."

Oh right.....

THEY WERE SEALED INTO THE CURSED TREE

Chapter Text

The Faerie kingdom was busy as usual. Younger ones were rushing down streets, playing. Meanwhile the market place, was more busier. Every faerie cookie was preparing the kingdom for the celebration, his majesty, Elder Faerie cookie was celebrating the anniversary as a king and as a savior of the kingdom. It was an important day after all, everything must be perfect!

Near the Silver tree, a soldier in silver armor was standing there, his face unreadable. He was waiting all morning for Virtues to come to a meeting. They need to talk. It can't wait. It's so important!
With a sigh, he leaned on his sword.
Maybe he can wait 10 more minutes. If they will not come, he will look for them. They got no time to waste.

10 minutes passed, where in the Earthbread are they? He was about to look for them, but a voice interrupted him. Calm and cheerful at the same time.

,,Lavender Salt! We are here!"

Soft Flour cookie. Oh, and others too!

,,Ah, friends. Welcome. Where were you?"

,,Sorry we are late. We needed to inform our little helper what to do when we were gone."

Crystal Clear Sugar answer with a soft smile, as she gently hugged Lavender Salt. It's been a while since they saw each other.

,,Ah, I see. It's alright don't worry but we need to talk."

,,Right, Milk sent us letters but he didn't say what we were going to talk about"

,,That's because Fire jalapeno, I don't know either."

The awkward silence was there for like 5 minutes, but it felt like eternity. I mean, who can blame them?
Lavender Salt cleared his throat, catching Virtues attention.

,,I apologize for this Blueberry Milk. I asked him to send you letters since the kingdom was pretty busy with the upcoming celebration. I needed to help to, so I couldn't really write and deliver letters, and since Milk is near, I asked him this favor."

,,Makes sense. So? What do you want to talk about?"

Soft Flour asked, calm. But even her calm adittude made Lavender Salt nervous.

,,I will tell... somewhere more private. Come, I already prepared the meeting room."

__________________________________________________________________

Lavender Salt led through the street near the Royal Guard Tower. There he and other members could discuss some things privately, same goes for meetings with Virtues.

The meeting room was quite big, but not too big. The table in front of them had already prepared stuff for the meeting as papers, snacks and tea.
When Virtues sat down, Lavender Salt started.

,,Thanks for coming over, I really appreciate it and I really appreciate Milk's help with letters."

,,It's really nothing dear, but tell us why you wanted this meeting?"

Crystal Clear Sugar asked. She took her cup of tea as she tilted her head with her question. Wondering why he wanted them here so bad.

Fire jalapeno pepper then chimed in.

,,True, we were rushing here since in the letters, there was no explanation and by your tone earlier, it sounds serious."

,,Ah, right. My apologies. I was in a rush...BUT! That's not important, what's important is you are here."

Lavender Salt then cleared his throat. Now it was time for the serious part.

,,Sadly, I got no good news. I think you all noticed something strange about your souljams."

Virtues nodded. Blueberry Milk on the other hand also frowned, his research was still unsuccessful and had no clue what was happening. That made the Fount of Knowledge kinda frustrated, but he knew he would get answers soon.

,,We noticed a lot of weird stuff actually. My souljam would glow without reason."

,,Wait, wh- Soft Flour, what?!"

,, It's true Blueberry Milk, mine glowed sometimes. But I also felt something pulsing and radiating from it....like..."

,,Emotions, I did too." Blue finished the sentence. So he was not the only one.

,,Correct, that's why I called you here. I actually have an explanation. And it's not pleasant, but I think you deserve an explanation and truth."

Lavender Salt placed old paper documents from the Faerie kingdom archive. Soft Flour recognizes them. Her eyes sparked by unusual excitement.

,,The ancient documents. I thought these were destroyed. Oh, it's great to see them up close."

,,Yes, these are documents that his majesty, Elder Faerie cookie was treasuring for too long. And it has answers."

That got Virtues attention, but also Salt's sigh. Fire jalapeno pepper cookie looked at him uneasy, the Herald of Change could feel how the atmosphere around them changed. From easy to suffocating. Crystal Clear Sugar motioned for Lavender Salt to continue, which he did after a deep breath.

,,The truth is...we are not the first holders of our souljams. We are holding the souljams of five fallen heroes."

A loud gasp escaped the Virtues lips. They had been carrying power and souljams...of... LEGENDS?!

,,But, aren't they just-"

,,Legends? Stories? Yes, I thought so too. But a few months ago, my souljams started acting also weird. I wanted to ask Fount about it, but Elder Faerie noticed. His face was unreadable, like...like he saw something similar."

,,It could be possible, you mentioned Elder Faerie was alive for eons before us."

,,Blueberry Milk is right, we might be immortals like him, but he is older, and wiser."

Soft Flour chimes in. Lavender Salt just nodded, and started hating the situation that was in front of him.

,,You two are right, but from what we know as a legend. He knows it as a reality. The five fallen heroes were real, they fell and were sealed into the Silver tree....by Elder Faerie cookie."

Lavender Salt could see how they were processing the information. It was confusing but it was the truth. Then it clicked.

,,The upcoming celebration. The celebration for Elder Faerie as an anniversary for him being a king and savior of the kingdom.. is the day when he sealed them."

,,Correct Sugar. He told me everything what he knew about souljams and their past holders. About how when they fell, how they became the well known "Beasts". His tone was... quiet, broken. But it was all."

,,Did he tell you how they fell? After all, if he knew the past holders, he possibly knew why they fell into the darkness."

,,Sadly, Soft Flour. He doesn't know. The information he gave me was almost nothing. Only some weaknesses and stories about what they did. But nothing about their corruption."

,,That's unfortunate. But can you tell us what Elder Faerie told you, Salt?"

,,Sure Fire jalapeno."

Another cough to clear his throat, oh crumbs, it will be dramatic. He opened the paper documents from the kingdom archive and started to read, showing the painting of the heroes and same story over again: The Fallen heroes.

,,From what his majesty told me, the witches baked them to help and guide the cookiekind, create a peaceful life. They were holders of the light of Truth, Passion, Resolution, Abundance and Freedom. The five heroes were appreciated and respected, yet they turned to the darkness to something twisted, cruel and distorted. Reduced to Despair, Hatred, Chaos, Greed and Judgement. The witches had to take an act, and that was sealing them into the Silver tree. With Elder Faerie's help, the Beasts were sealed and he became a king that day."

The story ended, leaving the Virtues speechless. They didn't expect it, yet one question remains there.

,,What caused the so-called Ancients heroes to turn into the darkness? What happened in the past?"

,,I'm not pretty sure, Elder Faerie didn't tell me. He probably doesn't want to tell or doesn't know either."

,,Understandable, try to imagine knowing kind and caring cookies that turns into twisted maniacs"

,,Not to mention, Silver tree is loosing it's shine. I'm worried about it, but we keep an eye on the tree nonstop. Even Elder Faerie's magic is holding up the tree stable."

,,Do you think the tree is dying?"

,,No, not really Jalapeno. But we will keep an eye on it."

The meeting still continued, now centered around fixing some issues and catching up a little. At least some break from the responsibilities for a while.

__________________________________________________________________

The meeting came to the end. It was quite late, but the sun was still visible in the horizon. Lavender Salt walked them to the gates of the kingdom. When they said their goodbye and went to separate ways, the Virtues promised each other to look through the documents to see something more about the so-called Ancients heroes. There must be something about them that is missing. That there's nowhere written in the books or said in the stories. Only Virtues could hope that they could find something, that the Silver tree is undamaged and that the havoc will not start...

Oh if they knew what was happening so soon.

Chapter Text

The whole Ivory Pagoda and Soft Flour's region was busy. She was trying to find anything about the Ancient heroes, yet it was always the same story. Nothing's new, not even the slightest change. Though, there was little mention of one kingdom and building: ,,Warrior's Citadel."

A citadel was built and had a purpose to train one of the best warriors and protect the cookiekind. Even the cookie who built it, was no other than one of the fallen heroes, who was a warrior himself. What an irony, that warrior like him created more wars and chaos everywhere.
There was no other mention of his kingdom, nor about a citadel. What a shame.

,,Miss Flour, miss flour! The archive is now completely empty! There's no more documents."

Soft Flour just hummed, feeling a little disappointed. She thought there were more documents of Fallen heroes and more about that so-called citadel. With a raised hand, she dismissed her servants.

,,Thank you Mochi cookie, if anything, let me know."

,,Ah- of course, Miss Soft Flour!"

With that, Mochi cookie left. Soft Flour couldn't just help but frown. Something is not right here. She remembered that there were more documents, that's for sure. Yet, she only got like half of them. The others are more likely hidden or destroyed now. Why? She must find out.

,,Soft Flour, will we go now? It's time for our tea time."

,,Sure Cloud Haetae, let's go"

She took Cloud Haetae's hand and they started leading them into the room where they would usually drink tea. Away from the cookies and work. Just them too.
__________________________________________________________________

,,Are you sure that we will find something here, starlight?"

,,We must Sugar. After all, my archive is huge and holds the entire knowledge of the Earthbread. Surely there will be something about the Ancients."

,,If you say so, Blueberry Milk."

They have been there for hours. Sugar's sugar angels were helping them, trying to find at least something about the current situation, or how to even make the Silver tree stronger. Lavender Salt said it's not really a big issue, yet they still could help.

They found nothing that was new, every book had the same story, the same words and the same ending. Nothing new. Not even the Silver tree was mentioned.

,,Blue, I think we should stop. There's nothing in there."

The sugar angels were tired, clinging to Crystal Clear Sugar while she put the big stack of books on the table.

,,But, that's impossible! There must be something. Like their names, or kingdoms or even how they fell! That makes no sense!"

He wanted to scream, to knock over every book he had in front of him, yet, Sugar's hand stopped him. Her eyes were tired but filled with understanding.

,,I know you are mad, but we have been here for hours. Let's get a break. Long break, with no book or mysteries."

She giggled. Blueberry Milk chuckled too. Maybe, but really just maybe she was right. He closed the book he was holding and looked at Crystal Clear Sugar, his expression exhausted.

,,I think you are right...kinda."

,,Kinda?! I'm completely right!"

,,Ok ok fine, but what's next? How do you imagine a rest?"

Sugar gave him a look that was saying: "Are you serious?"

,,Well, first of all, we will get out of here. Second of all, we will go to your beautiful gardens and have a picnic. You love picnics right?"

,,I mean, yeah. I love picnics but-"

Blueberry Milk wanted to say something about it, but Crystal Clear Sugar stopped him. Hushing him with her finger on his lips.

,,Bestie, I love picnics too. So you are taking my offer WITHOUT any protests. My sugar angels already have a picnic basket. You can't say no to them, right?"

Oh great, just great. He is torn between finding answers and having a nice break. His greed for knowledge is something everyone knows about. But his kind heart and the inability to say no too.

,,I... I guess we can have a little picnic in my garden. If your sugar angels really want to."

,,Great! Let's go sugar cubes, he said yes!"

The sugar angels flew outside, filled with excitement. Making giggling noises while carrying the picnic basket.

,,I hate you for using my weakness."

,,Awwww, I love you too Milk. You will thank me later, bestie.

,,Sure I will, Sugar."

He rolled his eyes, but couldn't stay at his best friend mad for too long. Eventually they left the archive. Maybe they will find something after the break. Right?
__________________________________________________________________

Fire Jalapeno Pepper cookie was in one temple. Not an ordinary temple. The temple was a place for his cookies, followers with special meaning. There was one tradition he never understood, it was sacrificing gold for the Goddess of Eternal Gold. Once  a month, cookies would sacrifice their golden jewelries, coins, statues even golden apples, that they weren't made from gold, but we're pretty much named golden apples.

Every month, he asked them why. The Herald of Change had nothing against the traditions but it was weird ritual for him to not ignore the question. Cookies wouldn't answer, they would tell that it's a old tradition or they would ignoring him.

But now, The Herald of Change understood it. While he was standing in the temple where the gold was sacrificed, he could see the paintings. Telling the story behind that tradition. He could see HER, the Goddess of Eternal Gold, the former hero and now Beast of Greed.

The only difference between the painting here and the painting Lavender Salt showed them is that here, she had painted face and instead of showing her beastly look, she was shown as a former queen, with her past appearance. Jalapeno could feel that her followers and servants were disappointed and scared of her actions.

He stayed there for a while, observing. Yet something was missing. He knew it. Yet he didn't know what. He felt that it's more deeper than any other tradition. He wanted to learn the truth and story, who knows maybe he would enjoy it too instead of being confused.

After a while, his helper. Nutmeg tiger cookie showed up. Relieved. She walked to him, calmly and slowly as she could feel the mind train he was in.

,,Sir, there you are. Everyone is trying to find you, you need to-"

,,Tell me, Nutmeg tiger. What's the story behind the tradition. It's weird...yet interesting."

,,Ah, it's just an old tradition. But I heard one story behind it"

,,Tell me then. I'm listening."
__________________________________________________________________

After a while, Crystal Clear Sugar returned to her garden. Exhausted to find answers with Blueberry Milk and satisfied with a little picnic they had. They found nothing, how unexpected. But now, she has more worries and work than thinking about an unsuccessful mission. She needed to take care of her residents.

New cookies came to her garden and she wanted to offer them a drink and food. She prepared some toys for younger cookies.

,,There you go, drink it slowly. Hope you will have a good stay here."

,,Thank you, miss Sugar. I really hope it's not a bother for us to stay here for a while."

,,Nonsense! Take this as a vacation. Relax and stay here as long as you need. When you feel better, you can leave and then come back anytime again...well according to some rules. When you feel better, you will be automatically teleported home."

,,Hehe, no walking down the fill then?"

,,Nope, and when you feel down, you will be able to see my garden again and come here again."

,, That's a strange rule."

,,It is, but it's necessary. Now, sugar cube, rest, relax and enjoy yourself. I hope you will have a good time here."

,,Thank you, miss Sugar!"

Crystal Clear Sugar then flew to her little rose corner. The corner of the garden where she was planting roses, her favorite. Sure they had torns, but deep, the roses are sensitive, fragile like any other flowers. Just like cookies. That's why she loves roses so much.

The garden was quiet and comforting. She started tending her roses. Gently brushing her finger to the petals. The smooth surface of the petals was comforting. She then slowly picked some roses and put them into the basket"

,, I'm sorry, but you will be perfect for a bath with petals for my cookies. They need comfort."

She chuckled a little for herself, how silly. She was talking with herself. As she wanted to fly to the spa, to deliver the petals, a young man stopped her.

,,Crystal! Crystal Clear Sugar, miss!"

,,Pavlova cookie? What's wrong?"

,,There's more cookies waiting besides the gates. There's MANY of them."

,,Hmm, let me see. But first, can you deliver these rose petals to the spa?"

,,Yes, of course Miss Sugar."

He took the basket and flew off. Now, Crystal Clear Sugar started walking to the garden gates. To her surprise, Pavlova cookie was no kidding when he said there were many cookies there.

,,Why hello my dears, what's going on here?"

,,Miss Sugar, can we please go to your garden? We need shelter."

,,Oh my, what happened?"

,,We are not sure, his majesty, Elder Faerie sent us here to seek shelter. May we come in, please Crystal Clear Sugar cookie?"

Now, this took Crystal off the guard. What happened in the Faerie kingdom? Not important now, she got cookies to take care of.

,,Of course, come in."

Chapter Text

,,The Beasts escaped."

Blueberry Milk almost choked on his tea when he heard these words. He was not the only one horrified by the news. Right now, the meeting was hosted at Soft Flour's Ivory Pagoda. The calm atmosphere however didn't really make the situation better.

,,What, how could that happen?!"

,,I thought you said the tree is strong enough to  keep them there."

,,I know I said that, Flour, but they like sneaked out. While we had a celebration, they somehow escaped. We still don't know how."

,,How do you even know they escaped, sugar cube?"

,,The tree....rotten and then dead. It's nothing now, just a piece of wood."

,,Oh, that could explain it, and also the cookies that showed up in my garden."

,,Yeah, thanks again for taking care of them Sugar."

,,Ah, it's not a problem at all! They are all sweethearts, help me with the garden and some chores."

She clapped her hands lightly, with a little smile on her lips. Fire Jalapeno however looked at Lavender Salt quite worriedly. Now that the Beasts are free, they need to be sealed and be defeated once more. But there was one more thing that was pretty worrying.

,,Where are the Beasts now anyway?"

,,Pardon, Jalapeno?"

,,Where are the Beasts now? They are surely not near the Faerie kingdom. They needed to run off and hide somewhere. It doesn't sound logical to break free without a plan and shelter."

Soft Flour hummed, pretty much impressed by Fire Jalapeno's observation. He was right. To think about that, the Beasts are not stupid. They are strategic, powerful and smarter than she thought. What was not really ideal right now. And what was not ideal also is the thing they know nothing about the Ancient heroes. This is not good.

,,You are right, Jalapeno. They must have shelter somewhere. However, the main problem of lacking information is not really fixed."

Lavender Salt sighed. He was already frustrated. He took off his helmet, his soft light purple hair fell on his shoulders as his hand started going though his hair. Making it more messy and making him look more stressed.

Then one of Soft Flour's servants, Mochi cookie, burst out of the door. They were holding a letter and by the look on their face it was urgent.

,,Letter for you, miss Flour. From the archives in the village.

Mochi gave the letter on the table, near the mistress. Flour examined for a while, then she picked it up.

,,Thank you Mochi, you can go. If anything let us know. Now, you may have a break."

,,Thank you, miss Flour."

With this, Mochi left. They closed the door quietly and now Virtue's eyes were on the letter in Soft Flour's hands. She gently opened the letter, and started reading out loud.

,,Dear mistress of Ivory Pagoda, we have a sad news that we were not able to find any other documents or mention of the Warrior's Citadel. However we were able to find in our archives in the village one document that can be useful for you. Again, we are deeply sorry. Your archivists, Cinnamon Fog brothers."

Soft Flour hummed. Clearly satisfied with at least one document. Though, when her gaze landed on her companions. Some of them recognized the name of the legendary building, some were confused since when Soft Flour is interested in warrior stuff and some were wondering if Cinnamon Fog brothers have other documents like the sealing spell.

,,After I returned to Ivory Pagoda, I began searching for something about the Ancient heroes. The entire archive and library in this building, and nothing. The only new thing I found was something about Warrior's Citadel."

,,Ah, and you got curious!"

,,I wouldn't call it curiosity, more likely interest." 

She casually said to Fire Jalapeno. She then handed him a little photo. Crystal Clear Sugar looked at it curiously, same with Blueberry Milk, but unlike Sugar, he wanted to learn more than just see it.

,,This is a photo of the citadel. It's not the real one, it's a copy but still. My archivers are strict when it comes to taking real and important documents to meetings. Which I really appreciate and adore. They are down there in the village, you can ask them for any other things you need."

,,But... wasn't the citadel-"

,,Lost? That it disappeared? Yes, yes that's true. But I'm sure that thanks to their help, I will be able to find it. Lost or not, I will find it."

,,I like your determination Soft Flour, but I have one concern. If you find the citadel, you will face the founder of the Warrior's citadel. One from the Beasts. I can't help but worry." 

Lavender Salt said, then gently placed hand on her shoulder.

,,Though, there's another issue. We can't go alone on the journey, but yet, we need to. We can't risk that someone else will get hurt. How you will decide is up to you, friends."

,,Lavender Salt is right. Going alone and with companions has the same risks of getting hurt or worse."

Jalapeno mumbled, but chuckled.

,,But I know I will go alone. After all, I know maybe where another beast is."

,,Really?"

,,Yes really, Milk. I'm not that stupid so don't act so surprised."

He took a deep breath, then leaned on the chair with a smug smirk.

,,There's one tradition in my region, Nutmeg tiger finally told me something more behind it. According to it, it started when Ancients heroes were still on the Earthbread, corrupted. One of the temples then disappeared when they were sealed. If I'm right, one of them must be there."

,,Considering that legends were proven to be real and not being some made up stories. It's possible."

,,Thank you Sugar, but I still would like to go and look at the archives here and maybe even in your regions."

,,Why, you don't have archives?"

,,No, I have. In fact I already found some things, and I found some weird paper that will lead me there. I'm just curious about how others saw this little tradition."

Lavender Salt sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He can't recall any traditions or stories that could be a clue about other Beasts. But to think about the Warrior's citadel and some Temple. There was still no 100% change they will find it right away or by papers and documents.

,,Jalapeno, Flour. Small question, how exactly do you want to find these things? You can't be sure it will be exactly in that location as the piece of paper says."

,,Oh, we know. But we are sure we will find our way there anyways."

,,Elaborate, Soft Flour."

,,Our souljams. Like the meeting we had last time about them. I said mine was glowing sometimes. And like Blueberry Milk said, we could feel emotions from there. The closer we will be, the stronger emotion will be too."

,,... I'm so dumb."

,,Oh, you are not dear. Just tired. Little rest will not kill you when you come home."

,, Right...we need to be fit for our journey."

With that, the meeting ended. Fire Jalapeno, Crystal Clear Sugar and Lavender Salt went to the Cinnamon Fog brothers archive. Blueberry Milk, went home.

,,You are home early, master."

Black Sapphire greeted him...well, he was playing chess with Candy Apple.

,,I know, I know...but I have some important news."

,,Hm? What happened now? Did miss Sugar finally lose it and fight Fire Jalapeno?!"

,,Wha-No! Why did you even thi-....you know what, never mind. No I just wanted to say that... I'm leaving the Spire for a couple of days."

His two helpers looked at him with wide eyes. But not with surprise or fear. Nonono, with confusion. Their master doesn't really leave for that long.

,,When?"

,, I'm not pretty sure when. But when I do, I want you to watch over the academy."

,,No, please. Your students are menaces!"

,,Please Sapphire. I know they are gremlins but please, do that for me."

Big puppy eyes. Sapphire please say ye.

,,... Alright fine!"

,, Thank you Saph. Now! If anyone needs me, I will be in my office or archives. I need to do something."

With that he left, and Candy Apple looked at Black Sapphire concerned.

,, Should we follow him?"

,,Nah, not now. Later when he leaves."

,,What? Saph, you promised-"

,,Nope I didn't."

He proudly showed his crossed fingers. He just deceived the Virtue of Knowledge...ok,not entirely deceived but he will be in a big mess later.

,,So...we will follow him?"

,,Yes, we will. I just hope he will not kill me."

,,Aww, Sapphire. He will."

Meanwhile in the archive, Blueberry Milk goes through the same books all over again. To find one specific. One that had one piece of the mystery.

A map, from eons ago. Not only one. Full book of it.

,,Come on! I know I saw it when we were searching with Sugar. Where is it!"

The archive soon became flooded with books, by all sizes, colors and by thickness and more. Then the last book on the shelf. Old yet not damaged was placed in the back of the room, with title: History of the Earthbread

How original.

Blueberry Milk gently opened it, and started searching. To his surprise he found a lot of things.

,,How come I never noticed it. How come I and Sugar didn't notice it when we were searching...? Did one of her sugar angels take it instead back then or..."

He sighed, that didn't matter right now. He found it, that's more important. And now he has just to prepare for his journey, he will go alone.

Chapter Text

Water, food, map, his weapon and other supplies. Everything checked before leaving. Fire Jalapeno was aware of the long journey, and Herald of the change knew this is a big change. He never really went for days maybe even weeks long journey, and he was excited. Thrilled, stressed but excited. Finally some change.

In his room door, there was his helper, advisor and right hand, Cilantro Cobra Cookie. Unlike Nutmeg Tiger she was less stressed and more laid-back type. But she was also concerned about the whole "I'm going alone to suicidal mission to fight a Beast" thing.

,,Are you sure, my lord. That you want to go alone to this quest? I can help and go with you. I and Nutmeg Tiger can go."

,,I'm sure Cilantro Cobra , thank you. After all, I believe and trust you that you will look after everyone."

Cilantro Cobra just nodded. She hated the idea of her master being alone in the desert, but she knew better. And her master was a good warrior, he knows how to fight, how to defend himself and how to navigate in the map. He knew how to survive in the wilderness and in the desert. Yet, she couldn't help but feel uneasy and Herald noticed it.

,, Something troubling you, Cilantro?"

,,...the Beasts, you are now after my master... tell me. How can you be so sure you win? After all, they are called Beasts for a reason."

,, I'm after one Beast, and you are right. I'm not sure if I will win but we need to try. But I can't stop to think that there's something more in these so-called Beasts, we just don't know it. I can feel it in my souljam."

The feeling of greed and hatred from the souljam glowed clearly. Faintly but strong. Cilantro Cobra could feel how the souljam was radiating that. But did her master just said there's more in it? Did he really think that BEAST is able to change? That they are just "misunderstood"?! That he can fix the BEAST who was ruling these lands with iron fists for years!?

What a naive cookie, Herald of Change is. That monster will not be "fixed" nor misunderstood. Cilantro Cobra remembers it clearly. Too clearly.

,,You really want to fight and fix that thing?"

,,I never said I want to fix the Beast. I just said there's definitely more, hidden even that we just don't know."

,,And how can you be so sure?"

,,I can feel it Cilantro Cobra, plus all documents I've seen -"

,,There are the same story, master."

,,No, no they are not. I found something different. And I'm sure there is more, and I know it."

,,Is something troubling you, Cobra?"

Nutmeg Tiger came to her room, as she saw her distressed and filled with anger stomping out of Jalapeno's room.

,,No, just Herald lost his mind!"

,,Is it because of the Beast? You know he can-"

,, It's not because of the battle!"

Nutmeg Tiger blinked, unsure what to say next. Cilantro Cobra was always more cold headed, seeing her lose her temper was concerning....and entertaining at the same time.

,,Then tell me what made you lose your precious temper~?"

,,Oh, I don't know~"

Cilantro said with a faux sweet tone. She hated how Nutmeg was enjoying seeing her steam going out.

,, Possibly because our lord thinks he can "fix" and "save" the Beast who was nothing just a tyran when it was free?!"

She expected to see Nutmeg shocked, disappointed. But instead she was unfazed.

,,Cilantro Cobra, you know our master is a great warrior and knows what he is doing. Besides, I don't remember a conversation about fixing or saving anyone"

,,Are you nuts?! Nutmeg, he thinks there's something more about it. There's nothing else behind the story of that Beast!"

Nutmeg just signed and gestured to Cobra to sit down. There was understanding in her eyes.

,,Cobra, I know you were in the time when...she was ruling, I was too ok. It was horrible but I agree with our master. There's something more behind it."

,,And how can you be so sure?"

Cobra's words were filled with venom

,,Because it's true. It's true Cilantro."

,,...explain, how!?"

,,During the day of the big sacrifice, I found Jalapeno Pepper in one of the temples. He asked me about the tradition, so I told him. I told him about how it's to satisfy the Goddess of Eternal Gold and also the Beast."

,,Just like that?"

,,I will not lie to Herald, Cilantro."

That made Cilantro Cobra a little bit quiet, she wouldn't lie too. Not to their master at least.

,,Anyways, I told him that, but something felt... unsettling. The painting near the altar had an Ancient hero painted there and not a Beast. How could an Ancient hero be evil from the beginning? Was it because of the disappointment or because she was evil from the beginning?! I don't know, but Herald, when he learned that tried to look through our archives. Nothing is the same thing."

,,...So he found some new information?"

,,Yeah, in Ivory Pagoda village archives."

Cobra was staring at her with a skeptical look.

,,How can you trust documents from Ivory Pagoda?"

,,Because, archives in mistress Flour's region are older. Plus even Fount of Knowledge, found something about our so called tradition. And the Spire is filled with truth, not lies after all."

Cobra was staring, looking to understand where this is going. Was there really....was there really something more?

,,Apparently, our tradition was made NOT out of greed. And not when she was corrupted like I thought. It was an act of love for her cookies. Ancient heroes were not monsters from the beginning like some cookies paint them to be."

,,Nutmeg, she was doing it even when she got corrupted. She stole and didn't care about any of us."

,,Yes, but that sacrifice was for her, and not her servants anymore. Trust me, I'm not sure about that either. But two pieces of the same information against one difference is really weird and maybe we were wrong all along."

Cilantro Cobra sat still, refusing to believe. After all that suffering, she doesn't want to believe it. She was a Beast, selfish monster that only ruled with an iron fist. Hearing this was so foreign for her, annoying.

She stood up and walked to the door. She can't take this anymore.

,,I need fresh air. Don't you dare come to me and continue this nonsense."

With that she left. Nutmeg Tiger just signed, and stayed still in the room.

As Cilantro Cobra was walking outside the temple, she didn't notice a little golden bird flew off from the room where she and Nutmeg had a conversation.

Chapter Text

Before Jalapeno Pepper left, he gave Cilantro Cobra and Nutmeg Tiger a blessing and wished that nothing would happen to his servants, cookies and region. He cared about them really deeply.

,,Stay safe, Master."

,,I will, don't worry about me Cilantro."

With the last hug, he began to walk towards the desert. To the temple that disappears when the Beast was sealed. To the original Temple of the Goddess of Eternal Gold. Up

He began the journey when the sunset started. It will be easier to walk in the desert when it's colder. What thing he didn't really count on were the creatures in the desert.

,,Crumbs, other cactus worms and sugar waffle lizards."

The desert was filled with these creatures, some of them were weak, some of them were tough. But the Herald was prepared for it. This was not the first time he was in the desert after all. But it's been a while since he had been there.

With the last cactus worm, he continued to walk for another 20 minutes until he made a camp. Small and simple. Fireplace and a sleeping bag near it, plus some supplies to roast and cook some dinner.

,,Huh, tomorrow will be sun unbearable, that's not good...let's see...."

He glanced at his map, he can't walk around the desert all if the sun is going to crisp him. He also needed to find a shelter and way to get more resources and supplies. Water, food and more information.

,,I have enough water for 2-3 days....huh...And here is the city. The supplies will be enough, and I will buy more in the city. Maybe I will find more info."

Jalapeno was mumbling to himself, sure the sun was not really affecting him that much, but even immortals like him had needed to drink, sleep and eat to be stronger and have more energy. The sun was making it difficult for monsters and creatures so he was sure he would need to prepare for longer fights. Longer fights with more creatures.

,,Pilgrim village is near and by the place where I'm going...huh...will they have more information about the Temple...? Hm, I don't think so, but it's better than nothing."

With roasting some sweet potatoes and drinking some water, he let the fire be. Laying down in it.

___

Fire Jalapeno Pepper, Herald of Change now pretty much experienced the change. He felt his souljam beating. Like a heart, but more painful. In the early morning, when the sun started to rise, he woke up with the most unbearable pain. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't move. It felt like his souljam wanted to reject him as its holder, even though it was not true. Then it stopped. Jalapeno was breathing heavily. Gasping for air, he felt his sweat, his heard his heartbeat, yet he could bring himself to move.

He slowly sat down and looked at his souljam. It was acting normal, just radiating the emotion from the Beast. It was faint, more dimmer than when it was that unexpected moment. He must go, now.

His camp was gone, he began to move. Walking towards the
Pilgrim village.

__

,,One jelly stew please."

,,Rig-! Oh my witches, dear Heral! What do we deserve such an important visit?"

,, I'm not on a journey... important mission like other Virtues. I don't really want to bother you with details so let's just say, it's for saving an entire cookiekind"

,,Hmm....so this kind of mission huh, very well then. I will not then delay you. One jelly stew on the way."

,,Thank you"

While waiting, Jalapeno Pepper looked at the map for a few days and he should be there. But the chest pain...he never felt this. Never.

,,There's no way she can influence my souljam, right...?"

With a sigh he put his map back, only to see two pairs of eyes behind the glasses. He would lie if he says he didn't get startled. He didn't notice that someone approached him and started.

,,My, my. I'm so sorry. I just couldn't unnoticed the map. Are you perhaps a treasure hunter or something?"

,,....Say, are you some professional or something?"

,,I asked first, Mr....?"

Right, that was rude. But staring and caring for his business too!
...
Well, he is cookie with manners, so...

,,Fire Jalapeno Pepper, Herald of the Change. Or better known as one of the Virtues."

This is so awkward. First the staring and now the introduction.

The cookie in front of him quickly lost her colors. Pretty much embarrassed for what she did and  nervously adjusted her glasses.

,,Ah, so you are the Virtue. My apologies sir. I didn't noticed the souljam on you chest. Heh..."

,,No, it's alright. It's nothing, really."

,,Phew, I'm glad, I'm Olive cookie. Archeologist and pretty much an adventurer."

She reached her hand for a hand shake. Jalapeno gladly shook her hand. Again, he was a cookie with manners. He watched as Olive cookie sat down.

,,If I can ask, Jalapeno. Where are you heading to?"

,,I have a quest, I think you know about the Beasts already."

Olive cookie raised her eyebrow. Not shocked, not surprised or not confused. No. More likely to be curious about what he will say next.

,,They escaped, now I'm after one Beast. Beast of the Greed"

,,They escaped huh."

,,Yes. And I know that she, the Beast is in the temple."

There was a little moment of silence. Not awkward, but still deafening. Olive cookie frowned, like she was thinking. She then adjusted her glasses, her gaze fixated on Jalapeno.

,,May I see the map?"

Jalapeno looked at her. Not quite sure if he can just let her take his only thing to trace down the sculpture. But she is an archeologist after all. She is not stupid and knows how to hold a map to not damage it. Crumbs, he is so paranoid these days.

He gave her the map. Observing her reaction, which was a mix of excitement, curiosity and shock.

,,My, my. Jalapeno this is the original map. I can feel it, but I thought these were destroyed."

,,What do you mean, destroyed? You mean the fire ?"

,,Well, yeah. Almost all of the letters and important documents were burnt. But this one survived. But are you sure you really want to find that temple?"

,,What do you mean?"

,,Some years ago, I was determined to find it too. But all found was a trouble. No traces or no ruins. It's completely gone. Are you sure you can find it?"

,,Well... yeah. The temple disappeared when the Beasts were sealed. Now that they are back, the temple must be too."

Olive cookie hummed, that was logical. As she was observing the map, she then gave Fire Jalapeno a glance. Her eyes now calm behind her glasses. But still really stern.

,,I like your thinking. But it's dangerous there. You Herald, needs to be ready for a creatures there, and for the Beast at the same time."

She then took out from her backpack another map.

,,Your quest is important and you can't fail. But I also got some tricks in my sleeve. Since I didn't found anything about the temple, I found something else. A fountain of truth."

She gave the map, to look there. To one glance, Jalapeno Pepper noticed that in was on his way to his final destination.

,,While I didn't found a temple. I found a fountain on my way back. The fountain will show you the truth you are trying to find. But with a catch."

,,A catch? What kind of catch can a fountain have?"

,, Pretty tricky one, while yes, the fountain will show you the truth. But not with the coins like a wishing well. You need to put there an item you are looking truth for."

...
What

,,I'm sorry, but what."

Olive cookie groaned and rolled her eyes. Like she just said the most normal and obvious thing. Which she didn't?!

,,The fountain will not show you the truth like when you wish with wishing well. No coin to ask to show something. No. You, need to put there an item. Like, then I put my grandfather's pocket watch, it will show me the truth and something about my grandfather and also about someone who owned it before. It's quite complicated."

,,...So basically, it will show me the truth not only about that item, but also about that person who owned it?"

,,Ah, so you got it! Yes, yes it will. You just need to say what you are entirely trying to see there."

Fire Jalapeno Pepper, looked at Olive cookie then at his souljam. What a surprise, a nice coincidence.

,,Thank you Olive cookie. You, really helped me now."

,, I'm glad, dear Virtue."

With that, a waitress came with a jelly stew. Jalapeno started to eat, while Olive cookie packed her stuff and left. But Jalapeno had a feeling the two of them would meet again soon.

Chapter Text

Soft Flour favorite season is spring. If you asked why, she would say it's because of what is happening in spring. Everything is blooming and coming back to life. While it's true behind it, there's more about it. And mostly that the Mistress of Ivory Pagoda gets sick easily. And the harsh snowstorm didn't help her at all.

The souljam was glowing dimly but she knew she was going in the right direction. Though, it was hard to tell since the snow storm was becoming worse and worse. The shelter was not available now, or possibly she couldn't see it. She continued walking, holding her coat like a lifeline. She started feeling cold like ice and that sickness is also coming over. But she continued to walk.

,,...Shelter...cave...village... please..."

She was muttering. But even talking hurts. She basically now became a walking piece of ice.

Then she collapsed into the snow.

,,So that's what this ends? Pathetic."

She thought. She wanted to move, but she couldn't. She stayed where she was.

Her vision started to fade. Her strength gone.

,,I refuse to give up! My quest is not done....I can't just....just freeze to death!"

Then, her vision got black. She couldn't see, couldn't feel or couldn't hear anything. This was the end.

The faint sounds of fire could be heard. Soft Flour could feel the warmth, and when she opened her eyes, a blurry silhouette of fire and cookies could be seen. Only she couldn't just made the sounds of what are they talking about.

,,She could be an intruder! A threat!"

,,And I'm telling you, she is not. She almost froze to death."

,,You are too nice for your own good, Sugarflake. Now that Beasts are back, he is back. The winter is more and more harsher than usual."

,,Do you think he is the influence by it?"

,,No, no that's not possible he could be a main influence. But something is happening."

Soft Flour soon got into her senses again. Her sign sharpened and her hearing cleared. Not entirely, but enough to check her surroundings. She was in bed, covered by a thick blanket near the fireplace. But even the closeness to the fire, she was shivering like a leaf.

Where was she...?

,,Oh, she is awake! How are you feeling?"

,,....fine... I- where-?"

Two of the cookies were looking at her with different expressions. One relieved, the other wary.

,,You are in our cottage, I'm Sugarflake, and this is my husband, Firseed cone. I found you laying unconscious in the snow and I couldn't leave you here."

Soft Flour weakly tried to get out of the bed, but Firseed firmly stopped her, sitting her down once again. She could help but feel the contrast between her and Firseed's warmth. It was nice, to say the least.

,,Rest, you have hypothermia. You're so cold and need to rest."

Firseed said firmly. Sugarflake joined his side, handing him and Soft Flour a cup of hot cocoa. The warmth of the mug made Soft Flour melt into it. It felt so nice. She took some sips, it was delicious.

,,What's your name? I don't think we caught it. Heh.."

Sugarflake said nervously. Soft Flour realized she didn't say her name. Looks like they don't recognize her.... right, she doesn't usually go out from Ivory Pagoda in the winter. And her attire is different too, huh, interesting. As she wanted to say her name, Firseed was quicker.

,,Hmm, wait...you are the mistress of Ivory Pagoda. Virtue Soft Flour."

,,...Yes.... Mistress and Virtue...quest....Beasts.... souljam."

Soft Flour slurred, she was still cold, shivering and the signs of hypothermia were now more visible. They didn't force her to talk more. She needed rest and warm up.

,, It's alright, you don't need to explain. Just drink up and rest. You need it."

Soft Flour just hummed, she didn't try to talk, it was hard anyway. She was just slowly and quietly drinking the hot cocoa. She looked calm, but her mind was racing with questions.

How long was she out? How long was she laying in the snow? Will the recovery take a long time? Was there somewhere a village?

And more questions, but her head was hurting so she just sighed and relaxed. It's not time to overthink now.

,,Rest, miss Flour. If anything we will help, but now rest is important."

Sugarflake said, her voice was sweet. She took Soft Flour's cup and Firseed made her lay down again. Soft Flour wasn't so sure if she wanted to sleep more, but her condition betrayed her. She started feeling warm, too comfortable in the covers. So, she fell asleep, again.

,,Tomorrow, we will take her to a village."

,,What?! But dear, what if she doesn't feel well?"

,, Sugarflake, we can't let her stay. She slurred something about the quest. It will be better if she comes to the village tomorrow. If she is sick, we will take care of her a little bit longer. But we can't delay her. Villagers can help her more than us. For now, we will let her rest and tomorrow I will take her to the village. You can go with us."

Firseed softly cupped her face. He could understand his wife's worries, but they couldn't delay Soft Flour that much. They trusted the Virtues. They trusted them that they will defeat the Beasts and bring the peace again.

,,Do you think our daughter is ok? It's been a while... I'm just... worried."

,,I know honey, I know...but let's have hope. Now. We will take care of Miss Flour, we can also help our neighbors. The snow storm will be there for sure."

,,... Right, you are right...I will cook some food, and you can go for more wood."

Firseed smiled softly, relaxed that Sugarflake relaxed a little. He kissed her forehead and took his axe.

,,Ay ay, if anything I will bring some more company."

,,I'm prepared for it, dear. Just be careful."

Sugarflake said, as she saw her husband leave. She released a breath she didn't know she was holding. She glanced from the window, seeing Firseed's hat going right to collect more wood. Sugarflake added more wood to the fireplace, keeping the cottage and Soft Flour warm. She then started cooking some food for her, Firseed and some other visitors if her husband finds someone lost there. But Sugarflake couldn't help but also glance at the Virtue in their bed.

,,I'm so sorry we can't help further, dear Virtue...but I hope this is enough. Please...be ok tomorrow, Mistress."

Soft Flour just snuggled deeper into the covers. Sugarflake checked her temperature, she was still cold, but it was way better than before. She warmed up the cloth and gave it to Soft Flour's covers.

When the meal was done, Firseed came with the expected company.

,,They got lost. Tomorrow they will go with us to the village."

Firseed gently leads the kids to the fireplace. Asking if they were hungry or thirsty.

,,Well kids, you came just in time, I just finished cooking. Come on, eat up and tomorrow, we will take you to your parents."

As the kids and couple were eating, the snow storm just began. Harsh, cold and strong, looking like it will not end up so soon. But the cottage was still warm. And tomorrow is another day.

Chapter Text

The next day, Soft Flour was woken up by kids giggles. She slowly opened her eyes, she saw that two children were playing with some old toys. She didn't see Firseed and Sugarflake anywhere, so she assumed they were in a different room or collecting wood.

She slowly sat down in her bed, feeling dizzy but better. She wasn't cold, shivering anymore. And she was grateful that she didn't have a bigger stage of hypothermia, because she wouldn't sleep or worse, never wake up. She was grateful for Firseed's and Sugarflake's kindness, she really needs to repay them that kindness.

,,You are up, miss."

One of the children said, quietly but not shyly.

,,Mister Firseed cone said that when you wake up, we have to give you this."

The other said, then a young girl handed her a piece of bread and a glass of milk. Breakfast.

,,Thank you. Did you kids, eat already?"

,,Yes, yes we did"

With that answer, Soft Flour began to eat. If the kids didn't eat, she would split her food. But the answer satisfied her.

The bread was homemade, she could feel it was baked with hard work and love. Milk was also so delicious. She glanced at the kids, they weren't playing anyone, but checking their backpacks. Looks like they were also travelers....no that doesn't fit right. They are just kids.

,,Kids...how exactly did you end up in that forest? You two look young to be travelers"

The girls and other kid looked quite in distress. They fidget with the toys until the kid answered.

,,We got lost. Our parents and us were collecting wood and hunting, but the snow storm separated us."

They answered, looking at their sister. She was hugging the little doll she was holding. The little girl looked scared, nervous and worried about their parents.

,,Mister Firseed and Miss Sugarflake took us in...and they are nice....but I want our papa."

,,Me too! Did he make it back home? Is he looking for us...."

Soft Flour's heart broke while listening to these words. She put the glass and bread on the night stand and got out of the bed. She kneeled down beside them, with a soft smile and calmest in the eyes.

,,Your parents are definitely trying to find you. I'm sure of it."

,,But...what if not. What if we will not find them today?"

,,Do not worry, they do. And I'm sure Sugarflake and Firseed will take care of you two until you find them.

The little girl wanted to say more, but the door opened. Three of them perked their heads up to be met with a couple who helped them, and saved them.

,,My, my Mistress Soft Flour! You are supposed to rest!"

,,I'm feeling better, don't worry Sugarflake."

She reassured her, but Firseed made her sit back on the bed.

,,You need to eat, dear Virtue."

Firseed handed her back her breakfast. Not forcefully, but with a plea. Soft Flour could see a little quiet please. He wanted to make sure she will be and is alright. That he didn't make the situation worse, so, she took her breakfast and started eating. Slowly to not make herself sick and to show she is really alright.

Firseed relaxed a little, so did Sugarflake. But kids were staring with huge wide eyes, like the universe just gave them the most amazing gift ever.

,,Mistress Soft Flour? Dear Virtue, what are you doing out of the Ivory Pagoda?"

,,We didn't know it was you, we are sorry if we disturbed you, miss Soft Flour."

Kids said, it was clear they were raised to be respectful. Which made Soft Flour's heart swell with satisfaction and happiness that young cookies have manners. She interacted with young cookies rarely, and when she did, they were usually spoiled rotten that all joy got quickly replaced with unpleasant feeling, it's good to see children with manners. It's always a joy.

,,It's alright kids, you didn't disturbed me."

She said, her voice calm, and carried a hint of fondness. The kids smiled, and Soft Flour smiled at them too. She then turned her gaze at the couple.

,,And please, no formality. Just Soft Flour or Flour. No need to address me by my titul or formally."

,,Right, we are sorry, Soft Flour."

,, It's fine, don't worry Sugarflake."

Firseed cone got next to Soft Flour's bed, holding a thermometer. He made a motion for Soft Flour to take a thermometer to her mouth. Freezing in the middle of the forest for who knows how long could leave some symptoms of sickness after all, and with Flour's health and immunity, she was fearing it. She can't be sick.

With the thermometer in her mouth, Sugarflake and Firseed cone looked at her, then at each other.

,,It's the least we can do now, if you are sick you will stay in the nearest doctor in the village. We can't delay you, Flour. We are aware of how important this is."

Sugarflake said, her voice filled with an anxious tone. Soft Flour just raised her eyebrow. Confused? Yes.

,,You slurred something about the quest yesterday. If you don't remember, it's pretty understandable."

She said. Firseed then got her backpack and coat. It was dry already, and he packed her some tea and food. He then placed it on a nearby chair.

,,And judging by the situation now, Beast will not wait too."

That explains it, she was grateful for their generous act. Sugarflake even packed something for the kids.

After a while, he took the thermometer out of her mouth. He started checking her temperature. The kids got close to the bed, observing the scene in front of them. Sugarflake gently patted their head, and smiled at them, trying to ease them.

,,No fever, that's relief."

,,So, miss Flour is healthy?"

,,Well kids, we are not sure if she is not catching something. Sickness can be tricky"

Sugarflake said.
Firseed meanwhile washed the thermometer. Yes, Soft Flour looked fine. So did kids. But Sugarflake was right, sickness is and can be tricky.

,,Alright, you two. Get your things ready, take on your coats and we are going to the village."

Kids perked up with mention of the village and soon leaving. They nodded and quickly went to find their winter clothes, Firseed went to help them. Soft Flour, in full strength, finally could get out of the bed. Sugarflake handed her backpack and coat. She noticed that it was thicker and warmer.

,,I sewed some more layers, just in case. I'm not sure if the weather will be harsh, so it's only better to be prepared than not."

...

Now she really needs to repay them.

With prepared supplies and wearing her winter clothes, Soft Flour and Sugarflake were waiting for Firseed and the kids.

,,Hey Sugarflake...?"

,,Yes, Flour?"

...

,,Thank... for everything"

Sugarflake softly smiled, warmly. With a little nod, she opened the door for her to go outside. Firseed and kids meanwhile got ready and went outside too.

,,The village is not that far, but it's better if we go with you."

,,Why mister Firseed?"

,,Because we also need some stuff from the village. And we will help you find your parents."

Sugarflake then held the girl's and kid's hand and soon they started moving in the direction where the village was.
Soft Flour meanwhile started gathering her energy, thinking and planning. These people saved her life, let her in their home even though they didn't recognize her at first. The kids were so respectful and we behaved. They deserved repayment. A wish.

She will grant them wishes. Yeah, that sounds nice, that sounds so nice.

The snow was making soft crunching noises. Kids were even playing a little in the snow.
The couple was walking beside them. Smile on their faces and care in their eyes. They miss the times when their daughter was still a little girl. Seeing the two children play, made their hearts swell with happiness.

After some time, they were there. Firseed and Sugarflake lead kids and Soft Flour near the gate.

,,Here we are, the village. Now we will find your parents and you, miss Soft Flour, seek a doctor, please."

,,Thank you, miss Sugarflake!"

The kids said with a bright smile that could make the snow melt. Firseed patted their heads and laughed a little.

,,Thank you, Firseed cone and Sugarflake, kids."

Soft Flour started gently, she then bowed to them. That caught the couple and kids off the guard. Is the Virtue.... bowing to them?
The pair could see that Flour's bow was filled with respect and gratitude, but were confused why its mighty Virtue bowed to them.

,,Sugarflake, Firseed cone, kids. You showed kindness, respect and gratitude and care towards me, even though you didn't recognize me at first. You could have left me there, let me freeze. But you didn't. You could have treated me either like some kind of thing, but you didn't."

With these words, Soft Flour looked at them. She let her hands rest and closed her eyes.

,,Dear kids, Firseed and Sugarflake. I, Soft Flour, mistress of Ivory Pagoda and Virtue of Volition. I want you to grant you all, at least one wish."

These words escaped Virtue's lips so easily, so gently. They couldn't believe it! She wants to grant them their wishes?

,,Soft Flour...you don't have to-"

,,I know, but I want."

The couple looked at each other with "the look". Both of them had the same soft expression. With nod, they knew what to wish for. Even kids already knew what they wanted.

,,Dear mistress, I wish health and everything good to our daughter. She is young, but sick and has weak dough to have children she really wants. Please, I wish for her to be healthy and have children, at least two."

Sugarflake said. Melancholy but hope and care in her voice.

,,The wish will be granted."

,,Dear mistress, I wish for us to find our papa and mama!"

,,Yeah, and...and for our village to be protected from the Beast!"

Kids said with excitement, Soft Flour chuckled and nodded.

,,The wish will be granted."

,,And I mistress, I wish you to have strength, hope and blessing to defeat the Beast."

Firseed said. Trusting Soft Flour. He knew she was capable of it, that she will do it. She must. And now, she was sure she could do it.

,,The wish will be granted."

With the final word, the wishes started taking place and started becoming granted

Chapter Text

Lavender Salt with Silverfly was waiting for Crystal Clear Sugar and Pavlova. Sugar decided to leave instructions for Elder Faerie for her garden while she will be gone since she allowed the faeries to stay. Lavender Salt however had different plans.

He wants to ask Elder Faerie about one of the Beasts. Somewhere nearby the former Silver tree, he found some statues wrapped in the vines. Destroyed but still recognizable. Titles like: Dance floor queen, Golden bird, Deeper than blade and Healing light. But one was standing out, The prince's flower.

He wanted to ask about it since the Beast escaped. When the Silver tree rotted and died. But after the meeting and trying to find more answers, he let it be. But thanks to Soft Flour's archivists, Cinnamon Bun Fog and Cinnamon Roll Fog, he found some information, but he still wanted to ask about it.

,,They should be here any minute, Pavlova is never late even with his mistress."

Silverfly said, not nervous but still uncharacteristically quiet. Lavender Salt just hummed, understanding. It was a lot to take. The responsibilities got more weighted and Salt felt like it was clinging to him like a weighted blanket. But thanks to Silverfly, he felt his worries and responsibilities would lift a little. The young faerie is always trying to find something positive, and she understands what pains cookies. She always tries to take their struggles away. That's why Crystal Clear Sugar always welcomed her in her garden, always appreciated her help and wanted her to become her helper in the garden. She is still thinking about it.

,,Here they are."

He noticed two pinkish figures. One taller, Sugar and one shorter with red amore tunic, Pavlova.

,,Apologies for keeping you waiting. We needed to take something and it took our time."

,,It's alright Pavlova, me and Silverfly weren't waiting for that long."

Lavender Salt said, he then started walking and guiding Pavlova and Sugar. Silverfly was also walking near Lavender Salt. She promised to inform Pavlova while he and Sugar will discuss things with his Majesty, Elder Faerie.

,,Alright, we are here. Pavlova, Silverfly, you two can be in the summer house. It's quiet there and you two can discuss things there."

,,Of course, Lavender Salt."

Silverfly with Pavlova started flying there, and Salt could notice a little bit of the pink in their cheeks. Well done, Lavender Salt.

While he and Sugar made their way to the library, where Elder Faerie was supposed to be, Sugar and Salt could smell the familiar smell, smell of lilies. Lavender Salt didn't know what drew his highness, so close and loving the lilies. He just always did. But now, he maybe knew why, and that statue was his clue, and piece of evidence.

,,Do you think he will be comfortable enough to tell us more?"

,,I don't know Sugar, but it's important. If he does not, we will leave it be. We have enough information and can work with that. Even if the books and stories were filled with lies."

Crystal Clear Sugar just nodded. Of course, Lavender Salt can't force his king and boss to answer things against his will. But she had a feeling Elder Faerie would open up to them. Not because of the bad situation. She noticed that king was quite distant since the celebration about saving his kingdom. Did he hated it? No, faeries loves celebration and feasts. So what was so different about that one specific day? Do the statues...no... ancients play some kind of role in it?

With knock on the library door, the meeting started.

Lavender Salt opened the door for Crystal Sugar to walk in first. She said thanks and now both gazes are on the big table, multiple shelfs filled with books and their noses filled with a familiar smells of old books and paper.

Besides the big table was his majesty, Elder Faerie already sitting, waiting for the two Virtues to come and take a seat.

,,What do you want to know?"

Elder Faerie asked, he was sitting there with patience, solemn and serious expression, like he knew what they were going to ask. Yet, he sat there and patiently waited.

,,Your majesty, the dead Silver tree revealed five statues. Statues of five fallen heroes."

Lavender Salt started lightly, when he and Sugars sat down, their faces facing him.

,,The statues were wrapped in the wines, really badly destroyed but still in good shape to recognize them. One of the statues has the title: Prince's flower."

Sugar just nodded a little. Salt told her about them, but she didn't see them. Not yet, at least.

Elder Faerie surprisingly didn't flinch, stiffed. Nothing. But Crystal Clear Sugar could see....sadness, regret even......grief?

,,You were prince during the time when Ancients were not corrupted yet, is it right?"

,,Yes, I was...in fact, I built these statues during their time as a gift and thank you."

,,Thank you for what exactly?"

Elder Faerie was quiet for a while. Like he was trying to find the right words. Or trying to remember them and their kingdoms, it was a while after all.

,,While four of them had their own kingdoms and responsibilities, they always found time to visit, help and support the Faerie kingdom."

Four...? Weren't it five ancient heroes?

,,Four? What about the fifth ancient?"

Sugar asked kinda confused. Even Lavender Salt was confused.

With that Elder Faerie's expression shifted more to sadness. With a deep breath, mostly to himself look at the lilies in the vase. The sentence started so softly and quietly, it was for the first time Lavender Salt saw Elder Faerie like that.

,,Oh, she was something else. She didn't have a kingdom. Instead she was often staying here, in the Faerie kingdom, then moved from another place to another. She was teaching her spells, speaking her knowledge and full fritting her position with spreading wisdom of the freedom also. The love for the cookiekind was radiating from her souljam and herself so brightly..."

His voice broke, grief, sorrow and mourning. All visible in his voice. Looks like these two were really close.

,,The love, that light that would cause even the sun be jealous. She really caught our looks, attention and respect, including mine."

Sugar and Salt were quiet, listening to what Elder Faerie just confessed. He fell in love with an Ancient, with the Ancient of Freedom. They weren't judging, no. They were most likely shocked, feeling so much empathy towards Elder Faerie.

,,You loved her, loved her so much..."

,, Indeed I did, the statue was a gift for her, but she also wanted her friends there."

,,So you full frit it."

Sugar guessed, it was now too obvious to hide.

,,Of course I did. She pleased and insisted that it would be perfect gift for her and her friends. I had nothing against them. The ancients were really amazing cookies, but if that made her smile, I did it."

There was silence for a while. And even if it was only for 2 minutes, it felt deafening. Virtues had no clue if they should ask more or wait. But as Lavender Salt opened his mouth to speak, Elder Faerie took a deep breath, and started again.

"Ancients were truly extraordinary but filled with love and care about the cookiekind"

Sugar said, Elder Faerie. King and immortal, lived for eons now. He possibly knew the root of the evil seed in their hearts...but...

,,Why did you seal her? You could have saved her. Not only her, but the fallen heroes too! So why does it look like you did nothing?!"

Lavender Salt snapped. Not with anger, but confusion, frustration. Elder Faerie slammed his fists into the table, standing up instantly.

,,I did what I could to protect her from any harm! I did everything in my power to make sure she was happy, and made me also look after others. I got nothing. No big bad news, no bad stuff. Only rumors that were plain lies."

...

Silence. Nothing. No words, nothing. Sugar had her her hands on her mouth, shocked. Lavender Salt looked frozen. He was in complete shock.
Elder Faerie let out a huff, but it lacked anger. It was only dry and quiet response.

Lavender Salt and Clear Sugar exchanged the looks. It clicked, it clicked instantly. The king wasn't distant or cold as others sometimes describe him. He was heartbroken.

,,But do you know what happened to them? Like what caused the corruption?"

Sugar's question rang in the room. Uncomfortably, and as a painful reminder to Elder Faerie, how he couldn't even prevent it, how he didn't notice.

,,I'm not sure...if I knew I would have prevented it a long time ago..."

Elder Faerie sat down slowly to his seat again. His hands, still in fists. His mind, still on her, the biggest regret. The sealing spell he and the witches made to just take them away.

,,I knew nothing...I couldn't go and asked if they needed help, if they were ok, if she was ok..."

Lavender Salt placed his armoured hand on his shoulder. Trying to ease his pain, it didn't help. Elder Faerie looked worse.

,,Instead, I sealed her away, I cursed them into the Silver tree and got the crown on my head the next second it was done. A bitter reminder of what I did."

Sugar's face fell. Virtue of Happiness couldn't bear that much sorrow and grief. Now they knew, Elder Faerie hated and always hated his day of the coronation. She understood why, who wouldn't hate it if it was the worst day of your life? But Faeries love celebrations, feasts, yeah...they pretty much don't see it as Elder Faerie does.

,,What happened next?"

Lavender Salt asked. He was prepared for anything. Elder Faerie clearly needs to get that out of his chest.

,,I destroyed stuff. Every reminder, every memory....well almost every. I was hoping that would ease my thoughts and feelings. Eventually, when no one was around the Silver tree, I did a spell that summoned vines that wrapped around the statues. To destroy or at least hide the emotion that was building every time I looked at them."

,,But it also got around the Silver tree and we couldn't see the damage"

Lavender Salt guessed, the king just nodded. It was really unfortunate but no faerie was seriously injured then. But tahy still doesn't mean they can't be hurt now.

,,Any more questions?"

Sugar shook her head as no, Lavender Salt had nothing to ask.

,,No sir, he has nothing more."

,,Good, I will then give you the maps for the destinations you two asked me earlier. I will tell you about it later, now mája sure you have everything."

,,On it, your majesty."

With that, Crystal Clear Sugar and Lavender Salt stood up. Bowed respectfully and left. They didn't want to bother the king more. They asked enough for now.

As the door clicked closed, Lavender Salt and Clear Sugar looked at each other with expressions that would be described as: "we have enough info."

,,Do you think we didn't really push him to talk?"

,, Don't worry Sugar, we didn't. It would be if we now asked another question. Let's leave his majesty now alone. He needs it."

Sugar hummed and followed Salt to the storage room where she can gather enough supplies.

But meanwhile in the empty library, there was Elder Faerie, his face placed in his hands and the table. He took some deep breaths to calm down his racing thoughts. But when he lifted his head, his gaze was met up with a bunch of lilies in the vase.

He smiled bitterly, but didn't straighten up, didn't reach his hand up to lilies. He just started.

,, I'm sorry that I've failed you....White Lily..."

Chapter Text

Lavender Salt with his horse, Onyx were already on the road. That's to his majesty, Elder Faerie he got a map to the Amphitheater of Echoes and Whispers.

Apparently, She used to teach and make researchers. But it was pretty far and he needed his horse, Onyx.

Dark as night, fast as flash. Onyx was the best horse Salt ever owned. Even Silverbell with Mercurilian Knight liked him, and both of them are not really fond of horses. Both knights were sceptical at first, but Onyx was gentle with kids, even with the people he didn't know. The horse had good qualities and that gained respect from these two. They were on the dirty path for like 1-2 hours now. The rest was needed, not for Salt, but for Onyx, of course.

Lavender Salt, still on Onyx then turned to the left, where there was a clearing. He got out of the horse and went to the little lake. Took a full cup of water and poured it down to his face, then down his neck. Eventually he took a few sips and poured it again on himself. He then went to Onyx and loosened his saddle since he noticed the sweat on him. He then took him to a lake, somewhere in the shade, allowing him to drink.

Sugar and him took different directions, but she was fine. Sugar looks gentle but she can defend herself from the monsters. Through, he would be more relaxed if he knew if she took some dagger. Or healing kit. He knew she was not clueless, she knew how to fight, take care of herself. But she didn't really know how to orient herself, so there was a chance she would get lost. Which means, more monsters possibly. With a sigh, he patted Onyx on his neck while he was drinking. He then decided to take some jellies and a map.

It was not that far as he thought so, but monsters were still in these lands so only these creatures will be an issue. Lavender Salt hummed, he then took out a pencil and lightly started mapping his path. Until he heard something.

Onyx stopped drinking, his head perked up, as a predator was here. Even Lavender Salt's attention was out of the map. His senses tensed, as he got his sword ready. He got closer to Onyx and observed, his guard up.

Another rustle, then another. And then groan. Lavender Salt put his sword down a little bit, it wasn't a monster, but a cookie. His guard is still up and sword ready but more calm than before.

,,Who is there? Show yourself, coward."

His voice stern, echoing on the clearing. He wanted to ask again but he then saw a fluff of silver like hair.

,,Silverbell. I know it's you."

The younger guardian got out of the bushes, his expression embarrassed and disappointed that he was recognized so quickly. Lavender Salt on the other side was disappointed, irritated even. Not because of the other faerie presence, but because of his stubborn nature.

,,I told you to stay in the garden with Mercurilian Knight."

Lavender Salt said crossing his arms in disapproval. Just then, the stoic knight, Mercurilian Knight's head perked up from the bushes. Both knights looked at Salt with a sheepish expression and were quite embarrassed. Of course, these two were following him and Onyx.

,,Now, what did I both tell you. This is my quest, and you two can't go-"

,,Because it's suicidal mission that we possibly will not came back. We know Salt."

Mercury said without any emotion. That fueled Lavender Salt's frustration even more. He can't just be cool with the fact they are with him. Silver tree Royal Guard or not, he wants them to be safe, not to get killed with him.

,,Yeah, exactly. You two can't be here!"

,,Salt, we are guards. We will not move an inch."

,,Silverbell and I got saved, protected and helped by you multiple times. We are a team, not rivals, not bosses and workers. Team."

Lavender Salt must admit that Mercurilian Knight's speech was impressive, truthful which hurt even more. Team, yeah right, they were a team, but he can't help but to push their help and go alone. Of course, he can't tell them what to do.

With a sigh, he ran his hand through his hair. Not angry, not frustrated. Only tired.

,,Fine, you are right. But listen to my orders. This is not like some cake hounds or any other monsters. We are after a fallen hero."

Both Silver tree guards nodded. Lavender Salt satisfied with their obedience, checked on Onyx,  if he is cooled down enough to continue. He let the horse continue to drink, then from his bag, he took one loaf of bread and two cups.

,,Eat and drink. I believe you two must be hungry and thirsty."

Silverbell took the loaf and cut it in half, giving the other half to Mercury. Salt then gave them some water, which they also accepted. And while the two of them were resting and getting energy, Salt meanwhile got some water from the lake, clean and clear, also so refreshing.

,, Alright, Onyx is cooled down. But there's an issue. Onyx can only carry two of us, me as a rider, and one of you."

,,I will fly, I'm fast as Onyx and can fly longer than Silverbell. I will manage to keep up."

Mercury said, and pat Onyx on his neck. Onyx just made a noise of approval which caused Lavender Salt to laugh a little.

,, Alright then, so the issue is fixed. Come on, we must go."

Lavender Salt helped Silverbell up to the saddle, then he hopped on and both of them with Onyx walked forward. Mercurilian Knight was behind them, not too far but also not too close to scare the horse. He just makes sure nothing will attack them from behind, no surprise.

But not even 10 minutes passed since they left the clearing with the lake and they heard something.

Loud screeching that echoed through the hills, loud and unpleasant, it reminded Salt of crying, sobbing, but it was way too distorted to be a normal cry. Whispering a lot of words that were unclear yet somehow ringing at his ears.

You dare to call yourself a knight? How pathetic of you, Salt. Leaving like a hero only to be killed with your little team? She will kill you with cold blood, no emotion just judgement of her for you to be NEVER BAKED! SOULJAM STEALER. Her judgement will bring peace, harmony even. Something you will never do. Something you couldn't make, you couldn't even stop us from escaping~ Are you still calling yourself a hero? A guardian of the Silver tree? You didn't stop us, you failed. Now you and the cookiekind will be our slaves, little puppets. Give up, there's no place for failure. Come on, lead your horse to the river~

Lavender Salt felt his heart drop, heard nothing only ringing. Despair...despair was the only thing he felt now, no...no he isn't done yet! He can still fix it! He can still win....no he can't...he can't win...No...no it wasn't the truth! He can still fix it and protect everyone! He can still-

,,Salt, snap out!"

Lavender Salt blinked his eyes, snapping out from the zoning out a bit. Silverbell behind him, covering Salt's ears. Lavender Salt then could see it, they almost fell to the wild river. Lavender Salt immediately stopped Onyx and hid in the nearby thicket. Mercurilian Knight right after them. Three of them were quiet, covering their ears as they still heard faint screeching and crying. Looking from the thicket, three of them they saw who made that sound, who made these echoes.

Huge monster with wings and feathers, head with a face that had closed eyes and tears coming out. Clothes that looked like robes. Salt could describe it, he never saw something like this. Eventually, he heard a faint voice from Mercurilian Knight.

,,Avatar of Destiny...."

Silverbell's eyes widened, Lavender Salt's stomach dropped. This was indeed the most feared monster.

Avatar of Destiny soon stopped screeching and screaming. Noticed the trio, but instead of attacking, it screamed for the last time and disappeared....

,,That was weird..."

,,Silverbell are you alright?! You almost fell from the horse."

,,I-I'm alright... just...heard unpleasant words."

,,Me too, looks like Avatar can make us hear our worries and create more despair in us."

Silverbell just hummed, he clearly didn't like it at all. But there was another thing that bothered him.

,,How come it didn't attack us? If I remember correctly the legend of that creature and from what his majesty, Elder Faerie told me, he attacks and is a very violent creature. It killed and made many soldiers and citizens kill themselves."

,,You are right Silverbell, but I'm just glad it's gone. Now, we will just continue and make a camp in our next stop. Avatar will not bother us anymore, I hope."

With that, the trio got out of the bushes. Cautiously and carefully, their guard was still up, but after a while they relaxed. No screeching, screaming or distorted crying. Only silence and sounds of Onyx's hooves making sounds on the dirty path.

Chapter Text

Crystal Clear Sugar, now in the jungle is struggling to get rid of the cake hounds. But these cake hounds were different. They were huge, more violent even, Sugar knew this was after some influence. Souljam perhaps? Or maybe even some potions? No, she would smell the ingredients immediately, it must be a souljam then.

With a quick snap, she called a cotton candy cloud. With a little cloud's help, she got an idea how to get cake hounds away from her. Aren't wild creatures and canines afraid of loud noises?

With her idea in her mind, she started to think about how to do it wisely. But their attacks got worse. Sugar wasn't able to snap and summon lightning bolts with thunder, one of the cake hounds jumped at her, almost biting her arm. Crystal clearly noticed in the last second and dodged it. Only for another to jump and attack, and another and again another. Sugar's eyes widened, snapping her fingers.

It surely startled them, but it didn't change they were in the middle of attacking poor Virtue. One of the cake hounds jumped right when Sugar managed to do her attack, so it didn't scare him away. Instead, the canine took a bite right into Sugar's wing. Biting down violently, deeper each time Crystal Clear Sugar made out a sob.

In pain, she clumsily tried to snap her fingers again, but the pain got worse, causing her fingers to disobey. On the fourth attempt, she finally managed to snap, causing the cloud letting out the loudest thunder and the brightest lighting bolt. It scared the cake hound, that's for sure, but also caused to bite into her wing more firmly before releasing her.

Now her snowy white wing was cherry red, torn and injured. She can't fly or walk fast enough. All she can do in this moment is to observe the damage. Sugar's breath quicker, ears rang and her vision became focused only on the jam spilling down her wound.

,,No.... nonononono."

She said muttering, her inner panic only grew when she couldn't move her wing at all. It was just lying there, moveless.

But Crystal Clear Sugar, Virtue of Happiness, moved forward. Her whole body ached, with her wing in agony. Pain only grew with each step she took, jam trial behind her.

While Sugar walked down the forest path, slowly and drowning in buzzing and burning pain, the sounds caused her to stop. Sounds of screeching and distorted cries filled her ears. There was nothing here, or at least she couldn't see the source of the sounds. Was it a cake hound? No, no it definitely wasn't, it was something else, something more powerful, bigger, and Sugar surely had no clue of that creature's existence.

Cries, screaming and screeching got louder, more clear even.

,, It's your fault, it's your fault that they are gone~

You knew you were weak, selfish. You still are. Now look at that, they can't be here, they can't play, they can't look at you and call you "mama". All because you were foolish, naive, not strong enough. Not good enough. They are gone, thanks for your greediness and selfishness. Your child is gone, your child will never be here. Thanks to you~"

Sugar's heart froze, her knees collapsed into the dirty and stone path trying to control her sobs.

Her baby, her baby dough that never got a chance to experience life, never could feel the joy or see her, their mother. Sobs turned into cries, then into a storm of emotions. Grief, sorrow, self-loathing and despair.

Sugar had no strength to stand up, to walk or even try it. But deep down in her souljam, she refused to just give up. The light of determination was still there, but was starting to dim slowly. Her body ached, the wing bleed, her mind in not the right place, yet she gathered the last energy she had and began to crawl on the stones and dirt.

,,No...no...no my baby....my sweet baby.....no.. Nonononono....my baby..."

She crawled weakly, with all her strength. Tears streaming down her face, mind fuzzy and vision focused on her hands. The sounds of screeching were louder and louder every minute.

,,It's your fault. It's your fault. It's only your fault."

The voice was screaming in her mind. She believed it, she believed every single word that was said. Her hearing then started to fade, like she was under the water, her eyes still focused on her hands in front of her. Eyes once filled with life and happiness were now filled with despair and sorrow. Dull and tired. As Sugar wanted to move again, in the corner of her eye, she noticed a pink fluff in the air.

Ah right, she forgot to summon the cloud back in its place. But she didn't make it disappear, her dull eyes staring at the pink cloud.

,,Take me to my baby... please...."

With that, she snapped her fingers for the last time, thunder was heard, not with power but with unhappiest. Then the bright lightning bolt charging right at her. Sugar didn't move, she just looked at it with her now dull eyes and little smile.

.

..

...

....

.....

Noises

A lot of noise, what is happening?

Is she in heaven?

Is she there with them??

No, no she is not....

When the sound got more clear, she could hear voices, or was in only one voice? Hard to tell.

Crystal opened her eyes, found herself near the cottage.... that's odd, how did she get there? She saw three figures, two females and one male. They were talking about her, that was for sure.

,,Oh dear, let's get you inside. Come on."

The older woman said, helping Sugar up to her feet.

,,Royal Berry, dear. We need bandages, painkillers and disinfectants!"

,,Right in the way, honey."

The younger looking woman, then also helped Sugar. Supporting her and preparing a place for her to sit down.

,,Thank you, Princess Cookie. Please, go and make some tea."

,, Alright then, mother."

Sugar is still confused, how did she appear here. How come she couldn't remember the last moments? What was making these screeching and loud cries?

,,How are you feeling, dear?"

She asked Sugar. Her tone was calm and warm. It took Virtue's a little bit of the time to reply, but she did.

,,Sore... confused...how...how did I get here? I was on the forest path, not here."

The woman just hummed in acknowledgement, then gently examinate her injuries.

,,Perhaps, Tiger Lily found you in time. What happened?"

,,I... I'm not sure..."

She said, her head pounding a little. Eventually, Royal Berry returned with bandages, disinfectants and painkillers. The medicine looked homemade, only the bandages looked like they were bought in the market. He put supplies next to the woman with a smile.

,,There you go, Jungle Berry."

,,Thank you, dear."

With the kiss on the cheek, Royal Berry returned to his job. He took an axe and went to collect some wood.

Jungle just got disinfectants and bandages and got to work.

,,Say, what do you remember?"

Sugar thought for a while, memories slowly flooded her mind, the mysterious sounds, strange cake hounds.

,,I was taking a forest path, when some cake hounds attacked me...then some weird screeching and loud cries were heard out of nowhere..."

Jungle Berry stiffed, looking directly at Sugar.

,,Screeching. And cries like distorted crying?"

,,...Yeah, yeah exactly..."

Jungle Berry was looking at Sugar like she was the miracle. Her eyes were wide, and the month opened a little in the shock.

,,Witches, it's a miracle you are still alive."

,,What do you mean...?"

Jungle Berry disinfected her wing, Sugar winced a little, but then started working on cleaning up the jam from her wing before bandaging it.

,,That was an Avatar. It's a nasty creature, it screams and cries can mess with your head really badly. The screams are usually the deep regrets, guilt, grief. Anything that can fog your mind and put you in so much despair. It's feeding it, it's stronger and bigger then."

Jungle Berry gently tucked the bandages and made a little knot, so the bandages wouldn't unwrap.

Crystal still disoriented wanted to ask more about the so-called Avatar, but a cup of warm tea was placed in her hands. Princess Cookie, she assumed, gave her a little smile, and motioned for her to drink it. She then takes her leave outside.

,,It will help you feel better. Tiger Lily is an expert and found it just in time for you. She also saved you from the Avatar."

,,Ah...I see...where is she? I want to thank her."

Sugar said uncharacteristically quiet. She remembered, everything. The whispers, the attempt she did... everything. 

,,She is not here now, but will be here soon enough."

The atmosphere in the cottage was cold even though the warm fireplace. Heavy, even though the fresh smell of the herbs. Sugar felt hopeless, she felt weak. Was it from the Avatar? Maybe. But it was also from the fear of failing.

She had an injured wing, from the CAKE HOUND.

Was almost killed by the Avatar.

Got her emotions out of control and fed the monster by her huge grief.

The Virtue of Happiness was not happy. She felt her happiness dim away. She wasn't supposed to feel like that.... right?

Jungle Berry noticed the tension in the air, the way Virtue's lips trembled, how the cup in her hands was shaking. How Sugar's eyes were filled with tears, refusing to come out causing it to look like they were made of the glass. It was clear that the monster did a lot of damage.

,,Hey... it's alright... everything is alright. You are safe.."

Jungle Berry assured her, but Crystal didn't feel better. She was still trembling, holding her tears in. She can't cry, she can't cry now. She needs to be strong, happy! But the words of the monster, the feelings bubbling inside of her. She felt broken, useless.

,,Want to talk about it? About the Avatar I mean."

Her tone was calm, but filled with understanding. After all, she must have heard the Avatar's screams before too. So, Sugar nodded, feeling like if she held her emotions bottled up more, the dam would break down eventually. And it would be worse than now.

,,...I was supposed to be a mother....but I failed"

The words hit like a truck. Jungle Berry understood what she meant by it, with wide eyes and sympathetic expression she waited for Sugar to continue.

,,I failed...my baby dough...my child never entered this world. I wasn't able to hold them even."

Sugar choked the sob, finally broke down crying. Jungle Berry let her cry, she took her tea and placed it on the table, she even got closer to her, leaving her a shoulder to cry on. Of course, Jungle Berry doesn't know the pain of losing a baby, but as a mother she is fearing it. She knows how difficult it must have been for Sugar.

,,I hate this, I hate feeling this weak... I'm not supposed to cry! I'm supposed to be happy, to bring happiness! I'm Virtue of Happiness, why am I like this?!"

Jungle Berry just hummed, soft and serene hum. She then looked out of the window, her expression bitter but also nostalgic. Her hands were automatically running circles on Sugar's back.

,,Sometimes even the brightest star can start to dim. Even the happiest person can feel sad. And it's ok, you just need to let it out, which you did."

,,It's still my fault."

,,It's not. It's not your fault what happened."

,,If I was stronger enough, I would be holding them...raise them"

,,Stop, stop it. It's not your fault,it never was. I know I don't know the entire story, nor entirely you. But this was not your fault."

Crystal was still sobbing quietly, still feeling bad but...also slightly better.

Jungle Berry let her sob, letting her emotions out, she needed it. Still looking out of the window, she finally saw her husband, Royal Berry with their daughters, Tiger Lily and Princess Cookie.

Living in the wilderness was not easy, not after the incident in the kingdom. But they were healthy, happy even in the lives of the shadows.

When Sugar's sobs turned into small hiccups, Jungle Berry gave her back her tea, Sugar started drinking slowly, feeling a little bit better. Better after all this pain was finally gone a little.

,,Better?"

,,A little."

Jungle Berry smiled, she gave her some medicine on the table and started cooking the lunch. Sugar was still shaken up, but her mind was clear and her body relaxed even. She still felt awful, but slightly better when the wave of emotion poured down.

,,How did you know I would feel better when I cried?"

,,I didn't, but I can tell it is hidden beneath the smile for a long time."

,,It still hurts."

,,And it will, it's understandable. But the aching heart can be healed."

,,Like? Like with someone?"

,,Exactly, they are not there to replace someone you grief, mourn. But it's someone who helps you heal, someone who wants to be there and care. Not to replace or completely fill the emptiness, but someone who will help you with your steps, decision and fill the wound with care and love. Not completely to replace, but still standing there, be there."

Sugar hummed, it made sense. She understood, she knew what she meant. She felt it with Pavlova. He is like a son for her, like a child she couldn't have. He didn't fill the wound, but he helped her get on her feet, be there. And she was there for him.

Crystal Clear Sugar, Virtue of Happiness, started feeling happiness and seeing brightly once again.

Even her souljam started slowly radiating and glowing like always. With happiness.

Chapter Text

The fields were clear, sunny and bright noon, the air smelled like fresh baked bread. That's when Blueberry Milk's head perked up. Bread, he smelled bread. He was close to his destination!

Blueberry Milk planned his journey to be quite small but he knows the village, Raisin village. In his book there were a lot of legends coming about that place, a lot about the Beast and his domain, his home and history.

True, he could read the stories and other written stuff in his books. But Fount had a feeling he needed to ask someone who truly knew him, or explore his old home to figure out more. Sometimes, things are different than on the stage and the spotlight. Like a stage play, Blueberry Milk loves plays. But he also knows that not everything that is shown in the spotlight is necessarily the truth. That's also what he learnt from his students.

As the smell of bread got stronger, Blueberry Milk's eyes sparkled with excitement. It was close, so close! According to the book of the history of the Earthbread, there's a mention of the trails Ancient hero of truth took, and the village he was most of the time, the air there smelled like bread since the bakery was in the beginning, the first building while entering the village!

With a sprint he ran down a road, he was close, so close. As he ran to the place, he was met with... nothing. No village, no bakery, no road. Nothing. Only an empty field with a well and some yellow flowers were blooming there. Even the smell of bread disappeared.

,,No...Not again!"

Blueberry Milk sighed, frustrated. He sat on the rock near the well. It's been some days since he started his quest. Yet, he didn't move any closer to his goal. He was walking in circles. But how? Is it some sort of magic? If yes, it's honestly fascinating, but also frustrating.

,,Think Fount, think...you know every spell, you will find a solution."

He mumbled to himself as he looked at the blooming yellow flowers.

,,I just need time, and that's something I can't lose now."

With a sigh, he rubbed his temples. He was running out of time. If he was somehow stuck in the loop or some sort of spell, it could have been days, possibly even weeks he is walking in the circle.

No, no that's possible. He was there only a few days. But still, time is something he can't waste now. He needs to figure out more about the spell or the loop. Then he would be able to break it.

,, Alright, plan to find some sort of escape from this mess, starts now..."

Hope is something he refused to lose. He trusted his knowledge and his skills. He will find it, he was sure. But he first needs to know which spell it is.

,,Time stopping spell is not the one, that's for sure, I had camps overnight, the spell would make the day almost like forever, no night, no creature moving. Unless, they used an alternative."

He took his notes from his backpack. Writing all possibilities as possible. Time stopping spell and all alternatives he knew, illusion spell, Time rifts, creatures, everything. Every detail, every thought and every solution.

He was so focused he didn't notice the yellow flower's eyes, staring at him. Monitoring his every move.

He felt like he had been watched, but he didn't dare to look, not now at least. Let the intruder watch, let's see what they will do.

The pulsing in his souljam was hard to ignore, so hard to miss or shrug off. Fount's mind raised, he was here. The Beast.

He stopped writing and looked up his notes. Nothing, everything was normal. He looked down, to see normal yellow flowers. Everything was like there was nothing, but the pulsing didn't really stop, nor did the feeling in his gut.

,,Focus Blueberry Milk, focus..."

He mumbled to himself. He still felt the pulsing, the emotions of amusement and sweet entertainment in his souljam. He felt it, he knew he was here or at least his magic that was present here.

He started observing, trying to find anything that would help him get out of this spell, from this loop. Some mistakes made in the spell, some time rift, or even breaking the illusion. He observed, felt, heard and saw his surroundings, but nothing to help him. No mistakes made, no time rifts, the spell was perfect. Too perfect for Fount's liking. He moved closer to the well, looking down to see if there was some water. To his surprise, there was water. A lot of water, that he could see his reflection in the golden light of the sunset. His reflection and some shadow figure behind him.

Blueberry Milk summoned his staff, quickly pointing at the figure behind him. The figure was just a shadow, his staff went through it. Blueberry Milk didn't take his eyes from the reflection in the water. No, he just pointed his staff at the figure, and with a low voice asked.

,,Who are you and what do you want."

The figure just stared, motionless but from the glowing eyes, Fount could read from it  that the shadow was entertained, amused. With that, it disappeared. Strange.

,,What in the world..."

He looked up, to see nothing, just the rock where his backpack and stuff was, well and him. Alone once again. Even his souljam stopped pulsing.

Blueberry Milk sighed and started packing his stuff he took out while he was trying to find his journals and pens. The spell was really a big complex and difficult one. But he started to understand it a little and had a feeling he knew how to break it. When he packed his stuff and placed it next to a well, he summoned his staff, ready to break the spell. He was sure this spell was only an illusion, even the well supported his theory, since the well showed the sunset in the reflection, while the illusion was sunny and brought noon. When suddenly something grabbed him.

The smaller hands hidden under the black cloak, almost like in the shadow, pulling him down to a well, in the water. Pulling him deeper and deeper where Blueberry Milk could only see the darkness then nothing.

Soon Blueberry Milk started regaining consciousness, but something felt wrong. Incredibly wrong. As he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed, he was nowhere, literally nowhere. Everything was pitch black, no light, no exit. He looked down and saw his feet, but no floor, no group like he was levitating, yet he could feel something under his feet. It was a strange vision indeed. Really strange.

He made some steps forward somewhere, anywhere just not stay on the same spot, but he didn't move anywhere, at least it looked like that. Then suddenly from the darkness, the voice was heard.

,,Ah~
The famous Fount of Knowledge himself! Looks like you solved my trick faster than I thought...Awwww, And I started to enjoy seeing you struggle!"

Blueberry Milk stiffed, his eyes were darting in every possible direction to see who was talking to him. He saw nothing, only the darkness. When he tried to summon his staff, he was met with disappointment. His magic didn't work.

,,Ah, ah, ah~ don't you dare think about that, it won't work. Not here, at least."

Then in front of the Fount of Knowledge, the black figure, dark as ink formed in front of him, with the white eyes that were glowing brightly in the black void and also with a grin that reminded Blueberry of these comedy masks, just color reversed. He didn't have to guess who it was, the answer was clear.

,,Beast."

,,Oh, quite quick to figure out my true identity. I'm impressed, though I expected hopeless wandering, screaming: Who are you, show yourself. Cliche, but oh well"

Blueberry Milk was staring at the figure in front of him. Still grinning. The Beast's voice rang around the unknown void, sweet as honey but with a hint of something cruel, something unreadable that made Blueberry's mind race.

,,What do you want. I don't think the chit chat is the reason why you pulled me into the well and then into this void."

The Beast's shadow shifted a little. The white reflector-like eyes glimmered with amusement. It was so obvious that the Beast was curious about him, amused and entertained by him for some reason. While the figure clapped his hands slowly, quietly, almost like mockingly, the void changed its color to a little bit. The once black ink surroundings changed to dark blue with yellow spots around, that suspiciously reminded him of the flowers he saw outside, but this time he could see the eyes on the flowers, staring right at him.

,,Really a smart one I see. I mean, what should I expect from the Virtue of Knowledge. Smart, elegant. Always find a solution to the biggest mess."

He was still there, but this time, not as a shadow, more like a cookie, just hidden under his dark robes and cloak. He was slightly shorter, smaller than him. He couldn't see his face, the cloak's hood was covering his face in the shadow. But something was sticking out from the hood. Quite long and messy hair, the ends were pitch black, then it was fading to dark blue and eventually, dirty blonde. The vines and the flowers were around him like he was its live source, slowly approaching the Fount with its eyes looking through him.

,,Oh, how I can't wait to break this illusion, your little reputation. The Fount of Knowledge, failing miserably that even a lantern of knowledge can't save you. Ohohoho! It's gonna be so much fun!"

The vines and flowers grew a little bit faster, bigger. Blueberry Milk would lie if he said he wasn't afraid in the slightest. He was, he was afraid. Not by the vines or the fact that Beast was right in front of him, if it was really him. But the words. The words scared him the most.

This wasn't about his reputation, about his label. It was about his job, his destiny. His purpose.

As a Virtue of Knowledge, he promised himself to help the cookiekind, to guide them and protect them. If he guided them wrong, hurt them by his advice. He will never forgive himself. He is supposed to know everything, he is supposed to guide them, not fail them by something false. But he is a cookie after all, a cookie with mistakes, with weakness. That's what Black Sapphire with Candy Apple are always telling him, along with his students.

But he is also a Virtue, and the responsibility weight is much heavier than any other. He can't be wrong, never. He just can't.

,,Is your plan to only break me and watch your little show?"

,,Eh, close enough! But oh, your little crying soul would be enough for me to feed. The Avatar would like it, appreciate it."

,,Wait, feed? But I thought Avatar could-"

That's when it hits. Virtue's body froze, eyes widened in the realization. He and the Avatar were-

A loud screeching, screaming were heard. Like it was from the sky, but in the void it was hard to tell. The Beast looked up where the sounds were coming from. That's when he noticed a little smirk on Beast's face. Not visible thanks to the hood, but still noticeable. The little orb came down from the void, glowing like a star. Only stopping right in the middle between them. The orb grew a little bit bigger before showing the scenes like a crystal ball. It showed a scene, a path with a river nearby, where the three cookies and one horse. Blueberry's heart dropped. Lavender Salt, Silverbell and Mercurilian Knight with Onyx, Salt's horse.

,,Ahh, looks like it found something. Or rather someone~ Other Virtue I assume."

,,What is this?! What's going on?!"

The Beast just grinned maniacally, finally some fun.

,,This, dear Blueberry Milk. Is a point of view. What the Avatar sees, I see. What it got fed from, I get fed on too. But that stupid faerie stopped my feeding time!"

The cloaked cookie dusted his robes from invisible dust, then lightly brushed his finger on the surface of the orb.

,,But oh well, I can't kill them. Whatever."

The screeching got louder and it almost made Fount's ears bleed. He covered his ears and collapsed down. He didn't hear any echoes, any whispers. Nothing, only the loud and sufferable noise. Looking up, Virtue noticed how the smile, how the twisted smirk on his face became wider.

The Beast was indeed enjoying this. The flowers were wrapping around Beast's body looking straight to Blueberry Milk's soul and souljam. As he came to Blueberry closer, he lifted his chin with his hand. Virtue could still hear the Avatar screaming, and looking at the hooded cookie forcefully wasn't making the situation any better. He couldn't turn away from him, and the hooded cookie was slowly taking Virtue's hands out of his ears.

,,Time is up. But we will meet again soon~"

With that, the Beast took his hand away from Fount's chin, causing Blueberry's head to fall, looking straight down again.

While the screeching and screaming got lower, Blueberry Milk's breath was a little bit quick, panting a little but it wasn't something so bad. Only his ears hurt, the mind was fuzzy. But better when the screams died down.

,,Oh and, try not to drown~"

With these words, Blueberry Milk's consciousness came back to reality. He was deep in the water, deep in the well. Panicking he tried to swim up, but he was way too deep. Too deep to make it in time, he would be up late and he already lost a lot of oxygen. With the head spinning, he was still swimming up. Faster and faster but the lack of the air made him slower down more and more. As he was already thinking that it was the end, something lifted him up from the water. It wasn't a person's hand, it was an magic.

While he got finally placed on the ground, on the soft grass and warm sun he finally could breath. But of course, being in the underwater witches knows how long made him coughed violently, trying to get water out of his lung.

,,Master! Take it easy. Take slow breaths."

That voice, he recognized it immediately. He slowly turned his head to see the surprising company. Black Sapphire, his student, student council and helper or better said, a servant. Then he also noticed with him Candy Apple.
Still coughing and being wet as a rat didn't help him to look stern at all. He told them to be at home, taking care of the academy. He wanted this journey to be alone to not get them hurt, but they saved his life.

,, Aren't you supposed to be at the academy...?"

He asked, still coughing. Candy Apple helped the Virtue to sit down. Black Sapphire wrapped a blanket around him and gave him a hot tea.

,,Yeah...but we felt something off. I used that tarot card trick you taught me, and it came in handy indeed."

,,We got worried when we headed the splash, so we rushed to see the situation and saw you in the well. What happened?"

Blueberry Milk hesitant a little. But seeing them determined to help, he took a sip of the tea and sighed, explaining everything he saw, heard and remembered.

Chapter Text

Sapphire and Apple were listening carefully. Both of them had different expressions, but still the same thought, they need to get out of this looped illusion. Their teacher, the master was still drying himself, drinking the tea they gave him. The warm feeling made Blueberry hum in satisfaction a little, but the conflicted feelings inside him were still bubbling.

,,So, we are in the looped illusion, the Beast and Avatar thingy are related plus we are still not closer to the village."

Sapphire grumbled, annoyed. All the time with that Tarot card was practically useless since they were only spinning in circles for possibly 3 days.

,,Looks like it. But what worries me the most is the Avatar."

Fount took a sip of the tea and looked directly at Apple and Sapphire. Both of them are listening to what their master wants to say.

,,The Avatar of Destiny, a powerful and fearful creature, I have assumed that it was only a legend, a myth. Yet, it's a scary truth."

,,How come it was a myth?"

,,You see Candy Apple, cookies imagined a lot of stuff. But the books I've checked once about the Avatar were old stories. Even Salt told me some when I used to teach cookies in the  Faerie kingdom before the academy was built. The monster could echo your regrets, memories, and fear. Anything for you to make you feel miserable."

Milk started lightly, Black Sapphire nodded his head in understanding, while Candy Apple was waiting for him to continue. To be fair, they believed that their master's knowledge will help them fight the monster, but Blueberry Milk wasn't so sure.

He always assumed the Avatar was a myth, a story to scare the children. Salt said how his Majesty, Elder Faerie used that story to scare little faeries when they were misbehaving, or in Salt's case, on Royal Silver tree guards when they didn't take their job seriously and instead of duties were dishonest and disgrace to other guards.

,,Avatar was consuming despair and hopelessness. The stronger the feeling, the stronger the meal it got. The stronger it was."

Candy Apple clicked with her tongue, adjusted her red bow. Black Sapphire gave her some water from the bag, again two of them listening and seeing if their master needed to say more. Blueberry Milk didn't.

Blueberry Milk was still, looking at his little reflection in the tea. The feeling was still babbling, wanting to go into the surface, yet Fount didn't know how to do it. It was suffocating, heavy. He wasn't good with emotion, not with his, not with someone else's emotions. He doesn't see points in them, he can't understand them. Maybe that's why he hates strong emotions, he gets lost in them easily.

Black Sapphire suddenly cleared his throat, getting Candy's and Milk's attention.

,,So, the Avatar is feeding from the negative, strong emotions like despair. But didn't you mention that the Beast said something about his feeding time?"

,,Yes, yes I did."

He admitted. Refusing to look at their eyes directly. He had a feeling he possibly knew what the Beast meant by it, while he hoped he was wrong, his gut told him he was right, he was always right, he was baked to be always right.

"But now, I'm fearing I know what he meant. It's only a theory. I can be wrong though."

,,You are never wrong, master."

Candy Apple said, deadly serious. She wasn't the type of person to underestimate or doubt her professor's and master's knowledge. Though, from the Fount's tone, she could hear the desperation for being wrong. That made her quiet, uneasy a little.

,,The thing is, the Avatar and the Beast....are linked. Not like being the same, but somehow connected."

Blink...two blinks......Heh?!

,,Hold up! The Avatar and the Beast with weed around his body are connected?! How!?"

Black Sapphire stood up from the place he was sitting, shocked. Restless, he started packing forth and back. To think about it, they don't now have one issue, but two in one.

Even Candy Apple now understood the uneasiness in his tone. The desperation for it to be wrong.

,,Like I said, it's only a theory. I'm not sure, but I know from the way he referred to the creature as Avatar and not as himself, that they can't be the same thing."

Black Sapphire only hummed, still in silence from the earlier revelation. The tension was still there, the uneasiness and unsureness about the Beast's and Avatar's origin still in air. All three of them, the students and professor were sitting in awkward silence. The only sound that was heard was only Blueberry Milk's slow sips from his tea.

Black Sapphire meanwhile went to look at the well, to see the reflection in it. It showed the sky filled with stars shining like little reflectors. Sapphire frowned at the sigh. They were running out of time.

,,What now? Will we wait till morning or will we try to break it now?"

Night was dangerous now, they didn't encounter the monster here, nor did they know if some were nearby now. This made Blueberry Milk think fast.

This is a complex spell, time stop and time illusion. Perfectly made, yet with one mistake. The water couldn't reflect the hallucination, nor did any liquid.

,,We need to do it now. We lost so much time."

Fount announced as he stood up. The blanket around him now falls dramatically like a cape.

,,But master, it's late! We don't know the time or if creatures are lurking here!"

Virtue just placed the cup down and the edge of the well, still with tea inside and looked down. The reflection from the tea showing the night sky just like the well's reflection. Blueberry Milk then looked at Black Sapphire and Candy Apple, summoning his staff.

,, Sapphire, your pocket watch."

,,But master -"

,,Now Sapphire, it's important."

Black Sapphire, still confused and puzzled gave Fount his watch, unsure as he watched how his master made his watch glow. Candy Apple understood from the observation what Fount wanted to do. She quickly poured some water from the well into the bucket, waiting for the next step.

,,Let's see if it works."

He lifted the glowing watch above the water, expecting the changed reflection. He was partly right, while it showed the true time on the clock and outside, it also started rapidly changing. He didn't notice the time exactly, but it looked like it was 4 am, though he was not sure.

Then the reflection broke, there was no reflection in the water anymore, it looked like the glass of the mirror broke, leaving only black hole down in the bucket. Blueberry Milk returned the watch to Sapphire, he and Candy were stunned by what happened to the bucket.

,,So...are we able to get out?"

Virtue hummed, though a little bit now unsure.

,,Yeah we are, I just hope it will work."

With muttering, he started casting the spell. As the whole energy lunges at the sky, creating the glass breaking illusion... nothing changed. That was what Blueberry Milk feared.

,,It...it didn't work."

Candy Apple backed off from the bucket, she went closer to Black Sapphire. Blueberry Milk looked at the sky, the glass breaking illusion was gone, the sky was clearer and hotter. To think about it, it was incredibly hot. Looking around, he noticed that the yellow flowers around the fields and well looked like they were made from wax. Melting slowly under the heat. Everything was melting, everything was becoming twisted like it was from a nightmare.

,,What is happening....?!"

Candy Apple squeaked startled, hugging Black Sapphire's side tightly. Fount was looking around, around the melting wasteland. Nothing, nothing was there to help them anymore. He can't get out, he can't help or save his students, his loyal helpers....what will he do now...

...

No, no he can't feel like that. He can't just give up or sit there. This was Beast's playground, his illusion. If he lets himself feel helpless, the Beast will win the game.

,,So that's how you play, huh? Very well then Beast, I will keep you entertained then."

The mutter was filled with bitterness and annoyance. Blueberry Milk started looking around again, determined to find the way out. The melting became quicker and heat became hotter. Sapphire with Candy couldn't move, couldn't speak, only looked at the horror around them.

The way out was just not there, and as Blueberry Milk started feeling there's really no way out. He incidentally knocked down the cup that he placed on the edge of the well.

There was no splash, no noise from the water. Just a low crash, like it landed on the grass or dirt.

That's when it clicked, the way out was already there. Showed as a black void but still there. Blueberry Milk looked at Sapphire and Candy Apple, both of them looking at him with fear. He grabbed Black Sapphire's arm and let them two close to him.

,,We need to jump."

,,But master, that's-"

Virtue only squeezed Sapphire's arm. Assuming that it's fine, he knows what he is doing.

,,Sapphire, I know it's crazy but please trust me. We jump down to the well and we will be out. Just trust me with this once more."

He could tell they were scared, he was scared but believed this was truly the way out, true way out. Candy Apple looked down at the void in the well, slowly nodding, preparing herself for this crazy stunt.

,,Now or never...I trust you, professor."

Candy Apple said with a quiet voice.

With that, they jumped down into the void. No wind, no noise. Only them falling down into the darkness with no clue where. There was only a little späť of light near Blueberry Milk as they were falling.

...

When they opened their eyes, they found themselves floating. Blueberry Milk at the last minute summoned his staff for the last time and started casting levitating spell. He gently placed them into the grass with a sigh of relief. They got out of that nightmare.

,,We...we are out.."

Candy Apple asked, her heart hammering in her chest from the adrenaline rush. Black Sapphire looked around, there was still the night, yet no monster around. What a luck.

Blueberry Milk landed slowly next to the now broken mug. Confirming Candy Apple's question.

,,Where exactly are we now?"

Sapphire's question made Blueberry Milk perk up and then notice the faint smell of the bread. As he turned back his head, he could see the houses, the bakery nearby and the really peaceful, beautiful and big village.

,,We are here, Raisin village."

Chapter Text

A hot stew was pouring down Jalapeno's throat in a satisfying sensation. After Olive cookie gave him the map, he forced himself to stay for a while and enjoy his food while he was studying the map. The contrast between his map to the Temple and Olive's map was honestly funny.

"Almost all of the letters and important documents were burnt. But this one survived."

Her voice rang in his head. It made him wonder, how come only this one survived? The fire was another thing that got him thinking, the lies about the Big Sacrifice and the Eternal Goddess of Gold. Something tells him this was not an accident. But the map didn't even seem to be damaged by the fire, not even a little bit, and this is the original. Or was it a copy?

"I tried to find it, but all I found was emptiness."

...

No, she is an archeologist. She possibly had more material. Material he could ask for...well, nevermind. He still has enough, even if he could have more. Yet, it was still strange.

The jelly stew smell let him snap back to reality, of course, he came here to gain strength, not to overthink. As he scoops a full spoon of his stew, he feels it

The burning, hammering feeling on his chest. Twisting and squishing his heart, pulsing in his souljam so painfully that it made to drop his spoon. It's here again, and more painful than it was before.

He needs to breathe, take a deep breath.But his chest was feeling like he was being squished. He couldn't speak, he couldn't breathe. The noise blended into the background, the time froze. But pain only grew.

,,....Crumbs..."

With mutter, he clenched his chest, the frame where his souljam was resting. He tried to pull out his souljam, but it felt like he was pulling out his heart... right...his souljam was resting on the place exactly where his heart was. Pulling it out only got it worse. It was like the souljam was attached to his heart, even though it was impossible. It got to the point where Herald thought he would pass out. The burning, the breaking. As his vision started to blur, only one thing was in his mind.

HE CAN'T BREATHE, HE CAN'T SPEAK HE IS BEING SUFFOCATED.

His souljam started rejecting him, and started pulling his guts out.

When he felt that last squeeze, no air in his lungs he was choking slowly, close to pass out, and then maybe even died.

Only for him to not.

He heard a muffled noise, ringing slowly and calmly. The pulsing slightly slowed down. The squishing feeling faded and his senses came back. He was not choking anymore. With shallow breathing, he started gasping for air. His ears could make out the sounds of the bell. The soft and melodic sound made his souljam calm again, almost like it had no intention to eliminate him.

When his vision slowly came back, he sighed as he leaned against his seat. This was way worse than it was in the dessert. With a heavy sign, he then reached for an almost forgotten spoon, dusting it and wiping it with a napkin. He started eating again, but thinking. How could the paint suddenly go away?

The pulsing was still there, but as a comforting and soothing feeling. No traces of violence. But how?! Was it that bell?

...

No, how could a little bell calm down a gem?! But it was true it wasn't entirely his souljam, the souljam belonged to the Eternal Goddess of Gold in the past after all....maybe it held some memories after all. But it was ridiculously stupid.

Yet curiosity got him wanting to test that. See what will happen if he just rings a little bell. What will the souljam do? What will it do to him?

RING RING RING!

"Order for table 6 is really!"

The waitress rang on the bell, that's when Jalapeno Pepper felt that again. That calm, happy but sad pulse again.

...

So it was really something so ordinary, so ridiculous, that calmed down his souljam. A bell, a freaking bell stopped that cursed gem suffocating Fire Jalapeno Pepper.

Oh for Witches sake, it was relief that he knew what to do when he had chest pain. But how is he now supposed to find a bell?! It's not like he comes to the waitress and just says:

"Hello, my gem is trying to kill me but your bell somehow changes its mind, care if I borrow it?"

No! It's stupid, really stupid.

But at the same time, the hope for him to not pass out or worse, die from the chest pain. It was a change, pleasant but unusual one. With another sigh, he continued eating. Now he just needs to think of how to approach her and not sound like a total freak or idiot. But he already knew he would.

Oh well.

Root beer for table number 10!

The waitress shouted for her coworker. It was surely a busy time in the inn. It was filled with cookies. Hungry ones, travelers, gossipers, gansters. Many types of cookies.

Waitress, Poppy Blossom was ringing on her little bell. Letting her coworkers know that the order is done.

Jalapeno Pepper saw the opportunity to ask her.  

Just be cool about it. And ask. Ugh! This is so embarrassing!

,,Table 3 needs to be cleaned!"

RING RING RING!!

Jalapeno approached the cash and bar counter, already regretting his life choices. With a deep breath he opened his mouth to speak, but his words died on his lips as soon as he approached.

,, Hello sir, need anything? Root beer? Jelly stew? Lemonade? Pay?"

...

Sheesh, she noticed him instantly.

,,Ummm..not exactly. I need to ask you something. It's quite important."

Fire Jalapeno rubbed the back of his neck, this was already awkward. But the waitress was nice and noticed the conflicted expression on his face. She didn't comment on it nor did she ask further. She just hummed.

,,Very well then sir, what's your question?"

Poppy Blossom asked, her red dress was now visible as she leaned into the counter. And black hair falling to her surprisingly pale skin. She listened to anything Herald had to say.

,,This might sound weird, but I couldn't help but notice your bell. It's quite loud but melodic."

He started lightly, Herald could see her black eyes spark in something like recognition. A little smile formed on Poppy Blossom's lips, holding her bell like it was an important possession. Maybe because it was.

,,Ah, is it really that loud?"

,,Yes, but I'm the good meaning of the word."

Jalapeno chuckled, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. From awkward to comfortably warm.

,,I have been thinking, the bell would be useful for me while traveling in the desert."

Poppy Blossom tilted her head a little, interested. Her gaze was noticeable, she was curious and interested where the Virtue was going with it.

,,How is that so?"

,,Sand storms for example, or get some monsters in check. But I quite...like the sound."

It wasn't completely a lie, a bell would be handy in many situations. Though he didn't like how loud it was, his souljam pretty much loved it. And Fire Jalapeno Pepper could swear he almost felt how the gem was drawn closer to that sound. Feeling the warmth from his chest, right were the souljam rested on his chest.

Poppy Blossom hummed, a little smile formed and a fond expression morphed on her face. Her fingers lingered on the handle of the bell.

,,I see, well...this bell was made by my friend when I moved here. They are the blacksmith."

,, Blacksmith you say? A blacksmith that makes...bells?"

Poppy smiled as she fixed her hair. Stay locks coming out of her bun right to her face. With a sigh leaned closer to the counter. Her eyes are glowing with nostalgia.

,,Heh, they are making anything. From weapons and tools to little trinkets. Their husband and kids are real sweethearts. They and the kiddos made me a rose when It was my birthday."

,,...Do you think the blacksmith... your friend could make a bell like yours?"

,,Of course! They will be quite happy I believe. Of course, not for free."

Of course, even a blacksmith needs money to live. Jalapeno wasn't angry, if anything, he was relieved they could help him. No more dying in the desert at least....he hoped.

,, That's not a problem, I can pay them but it would be a win to win situation. I get help and bell and they get money and probably another customer to spread their good service."

Herald and waitress grins rose at the agreement. Poppy Blossom's red dress fluttered at her smooth motion, and black hair fell again to her pale skin. A small chuckle escaped her lips and she straightened up herself.

,,Then we have an agreement. I'm so glad."

,,Same with me."

,,I hope they will be able to help you sir. Do you mind if I gave you a letter to deliver them? I can't really meet up with them so at least a little note and invitation for them, their kids and husband for tea would help me also."

Virtue had no problem with it so with a smile he agreed.

,,It will be a pleasure."

Poppy Blossom smiled in delight. Relieved it was no issue at all!

Her red dress fluttered as she started bouncing a little. Dark eyes sparkling with joy. But of course, the bouncing caused some stray locks to fall on her eyes.

,, Alright alright then, I'm going for the letter. I'm right back!"

With that, she was gone. The only thing he saw was just the blur of red. Herald took out some coins to pay for the stew, while waiting for the waitress.

The pulsing stopped, the souljam was quiet and still... suspiciously still. Fire Jalapeno Pepper was thinking if the bell will work for too long. Maybe he should find anything else to satisfy the gem and Beast.

Souljam reacted to the noise like it was the last memory. Nostalgic but painful reminder. It sounded stupid, but it was the truth.

The story about the Goddess of eternal Gold, Ancient of Abundance that turned into Beast of Greed was painted. Lies stained the words and probably twisted them to be seen as monster thirsty for power and destruction. And burning every trace of the true story. 

Of course, cookies didn't think that soon or later the buried truth will be up and found in Blueberry Milk's archive. Ivory Pagoda or only a little map or piece of paper in Fire Jalapeno Pepper's domain.

Fire Pepper was deep in thought that he almost didn't notice Poppy Blossom returning with a letter. Her steps were light, soundless.

From his mind train, she got him out by placing the letter down at the counter.

The letter was in white envelope, but the sides of the envelope were decorated with little poppies and yellow butterflies. The wax to close the letter was in the shape of a poppy.

"Thank you again, dear Virtue."

,, It's a pleasure, really."

Poppy Blossom smiled as she gave him the envelope.

"They live in the town, the small house but huge blacksmith workshop. There's a sign with words, Nacho Cheese's iron services. It's not really hard to miss."

As Herald of Change took the envelope, he could notice also the address. Just in case he got lost. With a smile he nodded. 

"Thank you, thank you very much. Also here, for the stew."

Blossom just chuckled as she took the money for the stew. With that, Fire Jalapeno Pepper leaves the inn, with another little side quest. Bringing the letter to the blacksmith while getting a bell for his souljam with harmful intentions.