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Chapter Text

After all their history and many years of conflict, the Ancients and the Beasts had one final battle, each side suffering heavy damage. Eventually, the two sides could no longer fight, except for two cookies. In a last ditch effort to win the battle, White Lily and Silent Salt took all of the Soul Jams and fought. No 2 cookies were meant to hold all 10 Soul Jams, so the gems started breaking each other apart, and when White Lily and Silent Salt struck their final blow, their 2 respective Soul Jams were shattered, unleashing the might in an explosion. In the blast, the two Soul Jams of Truth and Deceit combined their might into the Virtue of Knowledge, showing the beasts the error in their ways and purifying them. Seeing no point in the senseless war, the Beasts abandoned their corrupted Soul Jams, leaving them on the battlefield, and joined the Ancients in Crispia. However, as White Lily and Silent Salt’s Soul Jams were shattered, the lights of Freedom and Silence had vanished, the Virtue of Solidarity was lost to time, and with it, their powers.

A few years later, it was a peaceful morning when Custard Cookie III, around 19 now, woke up. The morning was set to be another regular, great day in the Cookie Kingdom, until it wasn’t. As Custard III was helping around the kingdom, Candy Apple, Cloud Haetae, Nutmeg Tiger, and Pavlova Cookie had returned from an adventure, except something was off, they had these weird crystals somewhere on their body or their weapon, and they were a bit more malicious than usual. Candy Apple’s skin was slightly tinted blue, and she had a weird pendant, kind of like a club shape upside down, Pavlova had an upside down heart on his bow, and the others had crowns with the glowing jewels.

That’s when “It” happened, they started attacking. Destruction, chaos, and pain was everywhere, with Nutmeg Tiger Cookie causing the most trouble. Pavlova was planting the seeds from which his garden would rise. Candy Apple was convincing people into her cause. And Cloud Haetae was making people “Return to flour”. After around half an hour, the Ancients arrived, ready to protect their kingdom, immediately, the Ancients recognized these gems as the corrupted Soul Jams. The Ancients started fighting, but the battle had not turned out as planned, these Nu-Beasts were from a younger generation, and were smarter, faster, stronger, and more connected to their Soul Jams than the previous Beasts. Despite this, the Ancients fought valiantly, but in the end, they were left overwhelmed, so Pure Vanilla escaped with the unconscious bodies of his friends. 

Despite the battle being lost, the main objective was won, all of the kingdom’s citizens managed to make it to the refuge in the Vanilla Kingdom. As soon as he made it to safety, Pure Vanilla and the other healers helped the other Ancients before they died. After everyone was safe and sound, a discussion sparked, how did these people defeat the Ancients, and what was the Kingdom to do about it?

“Order everyone!” Was heard from Pure Vanilla, calming the voices down to only the few who had words of value, Pure Vanilla continued.

“I saw what they had, they had Soul Jams, these people who laid waste to our Kingdom were Beasts.”

Shadow Milk interrupted.

“That’s impossible, all us former Beasts are here and accounted for.”

“I’m not talking about the former Beasts, but their underlings. The only question is how were they able to defeat us, when we had defeated the Beasts continuously.”

“They were our underlings for a time, so it might be possible they familiarized themselves with the Jams during said time, not to mention, we’ve been alive for eons, they’re a new generation, its obvious who’s going to be stronger.”

That’s when Custard Cookie III chimed in.

“But I know Candy Apple Cookie, I know all of them, they may have been misguided, but they wouldn’t be evil, right?”

Shadow Milk explained, a hint of mischief in his voice.

“The power of a Soul Jam can very tempting, its like a calling, a beckoning, that takes advantage of your weaknesses and corrupts you from the inside out, and if you aren’t careful, you’re next.”

The Ancients huddled together and spoke amongst themselves, they knew what to do, but if they had the strength to do it was a different question. After many minutes, a consensus was reached, Pure Vanilla making the announcement.

“It has been decided, a new generation of 4 heroes must inherit the Soul Jams, and with it, the Might of the Ancients!”

Throughout the day, 4 tests of character were placed in secret to see who would be worthy of the Soul Jams. Mozzarella Cookie passed the trial of charity, which was for the light of abundance, by helping to give out resources to those who needed it. Both Tiger Lily and Princess Cookie passed the trial of protection, which was used to determine candidates for the light of passion, by working together to break up a fight in the Jampie Diner. The trial of integrity, which was for the light of resolution, was passed by Mint Choco Cookie by not letting the promise of rewards stop him from helping refugees unpack their belongings. Finally, there remained 1 more Soul Jam to be earned. At the town square, a single elderly lady was placed, asking for help crossing the street, because everyone was in a panic and in the “everyones out for themselves” mentality, no one would help the old lady, except those who would be honest with themselves and put others needs before their own. Shadow Milk commented on the plan.

“The classic help the elderly lady pass the street test, huh?”

“It will work.” Replied Pure Vanilla.

“For the light of truth, you sure seem to lie to yourself a lot.”

“You’ll see.”

For what seemed like hours, the elderly lady waited, until Custard Cookie III helped her across the street, saying

“I may have my own things to do, but to leave you here waiting wouldn’t be right.”

The new generation of heroes had been decided, except for a final hiccup, both Tiger Lily and Princess Cookie couldn’t have the light of passion, so when the announcements of the new heroes, a final trial of combat was placed. A crowd surrounded Tiger Lily and Princess Cookie, and the 2 readied their weapons, determined to win, Tiger Lily’s spear being replaced by foam to prevent a murder. Tiger Lily charged first, and gained the upper hand quickly, causing her to start winning the battle, with a little damage taken and high damage dealt. During the battle, the elderly lady from before was attacked by rascals, causing Princess Cookie to abandon the battle to help the lady, Tiger Lily trying to stop her from abandoning combat. When Princess Cookie arrived, she made the rascals leave and helped the old lady up, Tiger Lily showed up close behind, yelling

“Come… Back… Coward!”

That’s when Hollyberry appeared, confirming a consensus was reached.

“It has been decided, Princess Cookie will be the new holder of the light of passion.”

Princess Cookie replied

“But how? Tiger Lily was winning, I abandoned the battle.”

“The light of passion may represent the passion in the battlefield, but it also represents the passion to help others.”

Tiger Lily stood there, listening to the two, the fact she lost planting a shadow of doubt and jealousy in her mind.

The time had come for these new champions to receive their Soul Jam. The heroes walked up to a rebuilt Solarium of Unity and knelt down, ready to receive the Soul Jams, Mint Choco got a blade added to his violin bow, allowing it to be used akin to a fencing saber, Princess Cookie’s gown got slight armor plates, Mozzarella Cookie’s golden headdress got upgraded to a tiara, with the floating cheese wedge replaced with the Soul Jam, lastly, it was time for Custard III to accept his Soul Jam.

“Do you swear to use this Soul Jam for good? To resist the corruption that comes with the absolute power?” Asked Pure Vanilla.

“I swear.” Replied Custard III.

Pure Vanilla placed the Soul Jam on Custard III’s chest before continuing.

“As you accept this Soul Jam, your eyes will turn from a sparkling azure, your left to a faded blue, this represents the deceit in truth, and your right eye to a pale yellow, this represents the whole truth, and the purity of the truth. Allow the Soul Jam to transform you, and arise as an Ancient.”

Custard Cookie arose, his scepter turning more like the Vanilla Orchid, and his crown more waffle-like. The Nu-Ancients had received their power, and it was time to unleash their might!…

Chapter Text

The Ancients had just shared their might to 4 successors, each one taking a fragment of the Soul Jam the day prior. Shadow Milk was sound asleep in a Vanilla Kingdom Chamber when a knock was heard at the door. It was Pure Vanilla, he could tell from the same displeasing voice he heard every day since he redeemed himself. Pure Vanilla waited a moment before speaking.

“Shadow Milk, come on, its time to train the new recruits.”

Shadow Milk steeled himself for whatever disaster might occur in the day and replied.

“Fine.”

As the two were walking down the hall toward the training chambers, Shadow Milk continued.

“I just don’t get why we have to do this, I’m telling you, I could easily lie my way to the top, making these pathetic Nu-Beasts destroy each other using trickery and-”

“That’s enough out of you. Besides, its too late for that, and it probably wouldn’t even work.”

“Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”

“We’re here.”

Pure Vanilla opened the door. Inside, there was what looked like a giant training facility, with target practices, platforms, and training dummies. The recruits gathered, and training begun. Shadow Milk Sparred with Custard Cookie III using foam weapons while the other beasts sparred with their Ancients’ successors. During the spar, a discussion sparked, Shadow Milk leading the conversation.

“You have to be careful with your strategy, one wrong move, and you’re exposed.”

“Gotcha.”

Replied Custard III.

“But you also have to quick, take too long and you’re also open to attacks.”

“Understood.”

“You also have to be unpredictable.”

By this point, Custard Cookie III was overwhelmed, the flurry of attacks too much for him.

“I think I get it- Woah!”

Custard III had slipped, barely caught by Shadow Milk.

“If you want even a decent chance at defeating the Nu-Beasts, you’re going to need to be better than Pure Vanilla.”

Out of nowhere, Pure Vanilla bashed through the door, causing Shadow Milk to respond.

“Well, speak of the witches.”

Pure Vanilla responded.

“There’s no time for that, we’ve found the Nu-beasts in the Jelly Swamp, this could be our chance to drive them out of Crispia.”

Shadow Milk looked toward the Nu-Ancients before continuing.

“Who's ready for a field test?”

At the Jelly Swamp, the Nu-Beasts had gathered, ready to discuss how to take down the Vanilla Kingdom. Candy Apple pointed towards the floating kingdom and said

“There’s got to be something that keeps it in the air. We have to find it, and take it down.”

“Not so fast!”

Said Custard Cookie III from afar, the other Nu-Ancients following.

“How did you?- No matter, lets get this over with.”

Candy Apple Cookie lunged at Custard III, causing the fight to break out. Mint Choco using his sword to block attacks from Cloud Haetae, while Princess Cookie used her shield to ram into Pavlova Cookie, knocking his bow, which his Soul Jam rested on, onto the floor. Custard Cookie III ran to pick the bow up, an audible “No!” heard from Candy Apple Cookie as she shoved him into a set of bushes. Custard III was on the floor, he needed to help his team, but his strength was fading by the second, that feeling, the inability to help those in need, the inability to the do the right thing, it shook him to his core. He started beating at his Soul Jam, desperate to get it to do something, until, it cracked, he immediately stopped, when he felt something pull him into the bushes. When Custard Cookie III tried to scream, a familiar face hushed him, it was White Lily. As they enter the bushes, Custard Cookie III asked her a question.

“White Lily?! But how? You were lost in the final battle.”

She smiled and pointed to her Soul Jam before responding.

“I used my Soul Jam to survive, damaging it to hide myself among the stars until coming back because of these Nu-Beasts’ threats, but I have something to tell you, a message from my time adrift.”

She paused, making sure no one else was around and continued.

“As the Soul Jams are shared to new successors, Truth becomes Purity, Passion becomes Hope, Resolution becomes Peace, and Abundance becomes Generosity, but for the Soul Jams are connected, Beast and Ancient alike, so do the Beasts change their lights, altered by their other halves, Deceit becomes Corruption, Sloth becomes Fear, Apathy becomes Vengeance, and Destruction becomes Selfishness. Among these 2 groups is an interloper, their light and virtue changed to unity.”

Custard III wrote it all down, then realizing that by this point, things got quiet, the chaos from outside had died down, Custard Cookie looked outside the bushes, seeing the Ancients coming in to help the team, the Nu-Beasts started running, Candy Apple spoke.

“There’s too many of them, get in the hot air balloon!”

As the Nu-Beasts got away, Candy Apple continued.

“So long, suckers, we’re going to Beast-Yeast!”

Pure Vanilla stepped up to the Nu-Ancients, noticing Custard III was gone, it looked like he was asking the others if they had seen him. Custard Cookie III looked at White Lily and tried to pull her out of the bushes, saying

“Come on, Pure Vanilla will surely want to see you again.”

White Lily resisted, replying

“Not yet!”

Custard III stopped, and stared at her in confusion before she continued.

“There are still things I must do, I know how much Pure Vanilla misses me, and I know how much I miss him, but I can’t, not yet.”

Pure Vanilla stepped into the bushes, and upon seeing White Lily, stood there for a moment, White Lily disappearing in the blink of an eye. When Pure Vanilla processed the moment, words escaped his mouth.

“White Lily?”

Custard Cookie III responded, trying to act confused

“Huh?”

“Oh, its just you, sorry, my eyes must’ve been deceiving me, cause I could’ve sworn I saw White Lily… What are you doing in this bush anyway?”

“I, uh, I just got knocked out and woke up here. What happened while I was out?”

“We won, Crispia is safe again.”

The two reunited with the group, walking back to the castle in the sky. Meanwhile, in the hot air balloon to Beast-Yeast, the Nu-Beasts were watching the group of heroes walking away.

“I can’t believe we lost, all because of your useless retreat, Candy Apple.”

Said Pavlova Cookie. Candy Apple retorted.

“Don’t worry, Beast-Yeast is where we thrive, besides, the seeds of corruption have been planted, leading these heroes to their end. Everything is going to plan.”

Over where White Lily was, she was tending to her garden, when she heard a rustle from the bushes, she looked back to see Tiger Lily Cookie coming out of the bushes.

“Oh, its you, you’re ‘her’, come with me.”

White Lily then lead Tiger Lily to a hut nearby the garden. In the hut stood Silent Salt, White Lily explaining.

“This is my friend, he doesn’t talk much, but we have something to give you.”

White Lily then pulled the Soul Jam out of her staff, Silent Salt doing the same with his Soul Jam. White Lily placed both Soul Jams in Tiger Lily’s hands and closed them before speaking.

“Take them, they’re yours.”…

Chapter Text

It had been weeks since the Nu-Ancients’ last expedition, now, it was time for them to stop the Nu-Beasts, and the journey to Beast-Yeast had begun. The hot air balloon was soaring through the sky, the Faerie kingdom closing in on sight. Aboard were the Ancients, the Nu-Ancients, Knight Cookie, Cocoa Cookie, the former Beasts, and Knight Cookie’s horse.

“So this is Beast Yeast.”

Said Mint Choco Cookie.

“Me and Knight Cookie have been here once or twice, but it’s been a long time.”

Replied Princess Cookie.

As the air ship neared landing, something pierced through the air balloon, that something being an arrow with a heart shaped tip. As soon as Shadow Milk saw this, he uttered

“I can’t believe it, those idiots were waiting for us!”

Pure Vanilla yelled out to the group.

“Prepare for an unexpected landing!”

The landing was not exactly a crash, but more like a rough fall, the impact temporarily making the passengers fall over.

“Is everyone alright?”

A row of nods, thumbs ups, and weak “Yes”s ensued.

Pure Vanilla grabbed his head before speaking.

“This reminds me of when I first came here, we need to get to the Faerie kingdom, it shouldn’t be too far.”

The group started following Pure Vanilla. By sundown, the entire group was tuckered out, and there was no sign of the kingdom. Hollyberry approached Pure Vanilla and spoke to him.

“Pure Vanilla, our group is tired and weary, I say we set up camp.”

Pure Vanilla nodded and started to set up a tent. In the middle of the night, steps were heard outside the tents, Dark Cacao went out, checking if it was the Nu-Beasts. As he went out he saw a group of knights in silver armor. Dark Cacao unsheathed his sword, ready for combat. Right before conflict could break out, Pure Vanilla ran out of his tent yelling.

“Stop!”

He turned toward the Silver Tree Knights before continuing.

“You must be from the Faerie kingdom right? We’re friends of White Lily.”

The Silver Tree Knights stood in formation and replied.

“A friend of White Lily is a friend of the kingdom. Come with us.”

The group grabbed their things and put away the camp supplies. When the Beasts came out of their tents, the Silver Knights asked

“They aren’t with you, right?”

At the Faerie kingdom, many eyes were looking at the Beasts, making sure they didn’t cause any trouble. The group saw the Silver Tree, it was wilting, weakening, and slowly dying. Princess Cookie walked up to a Faerie and asked

“Isn’t that tree really important? Why is it dying?”

The Faerie looked at her, a sad, yet indifferent look on his face and answered

“There used to be a guardian of the Silver Tree, our ruler, but one day, she went to battle and never came back. Without the guardian of the seal, the Silver Tree has been drying up.”

Shadow Milk grouped everyone together, and gave kind of a speech.

“Ok, everyone, we’ll soon be on our way to get back the Soul Jams from the Nu-Beasts, we’ll start at our old bases of operations, that should give us clues on where to find them. We will be split up in groups of 3 to 4, and with luck, we’ll return here with a Soul Jam and Nu-Beast in tow.”

Pure Vanilla added to the conversation.

“We’ll be leaving at sunrise, tomorrow, so we should use today to rest and train.”

The entire day was spent on training, Mint Choco got the hang of wielding both a sword and a shield, Princess Cookie learned a better way to hold her shield, Mozzarella Cookie discovered how to aim a spear of radiance, and Custard III studied Pure Vanilla’s healing magic. The entire group shared a dinner of stamina jellies to end the day. In the night, the faint smell of burning was present, Shadow Milk checked outside, to see the Silver Tree burning down, its branches melting and turning to ash. Shadow Milk started waking everyone up and helped them evacuate. Most of the group had gotten out of the kingdom, but Pure Vanilla noticed the Nu-Ancients had separated from the group, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shadow Milk leading the Nu-Ancients out of the fires, but that’s impossible, Shadow Milk was with him. Pure Vanilla talked to the Ancients as he ran back in.

“I’ll be back in a bit, keep a close eye on Shadow Milk.”

“What did I do?”

Yelled Shadow Milk as Pure Vanilla left, the other Ancients staring daggers at him.

Meanwhile, with the Nu-Ancients, they had just gotten out of the flames. Custard III speaking to Shadow Milk.

“Thanks for helping us out there.”

Shadow Milk turned around, revealing it was Candy Apple Cookie, replying

“The Pleasure’s all mine. Get them!”

The rest of the Nu-Beasts jumped down, circling the Nu-Ancients.

Pure Vanilla showed up behind Candy Apple, yelling

“Candy Apple, I knew you were behind this.”

“The Silver Tree burning, and 5 Soul Jams for barely a challenge? It must be our lucky day!”

The team fought valiantly, trying to survive and hopefully get at least 1 Soul Jam back, but 4 full power Soul Jams fighting against 1 full power and 4 half power Soul Jams was a one sided battle. The Nu-Beasts starting closing the gap between the groups.

“We can still win this, don’t give up hope.”

Said Pure Vanilla.

As the final moments approached, a shadowy figure swooped in from a vine and pulled Nutmeg Tiger Cookie from the Nu-Beasts, throwing her towards a nearby wall. The same thing happened to each Nu-Beast within a few seconds. The shadowy figure dropped down, revealing themselves. It was Tiger Lily, wearing her Tundra Warrior dress, and both White Lily and Silent Salt’s Soul Jams clad on her chest, the emerald parts of White Lily’s Soul Jam with the lightning bolt shapes of Silent Salt’s. She looked at the group before declaring

“We must… fight…!”

Before the Nu-Beasts could fully realize what was happening, the Nu-Ancients continued the fight, separating them one by one, allowing Tiger Lily to defeat each one while the others were distracted. Nutmeg Tiger made a remark.

“The Silver Tree is as good as dead, we need to retreat.”

The Nu-Beasts ran away, Cloud Haetae saying

“You’ll all pay for this!”

Tiger Lily turned her attention to the tree, using her Soul Jams to try and repair the seal, but the power of the guardian was not enough, the Silver Tree had withered, the Beasts’ former physical prison, now the Nu-Beasts’ symbolic prison, had fallen. As Tiger Lily stood there, looking defeated, the rest of the Ancients and the group caught up, Hollyberry shouting to Pure Vanilla.

“There you are! We thought you were lost! Is that Tiger Lily?”

Hollyberry approached Tiger Lily, hugging her before noticing the Soul Jams.

“This is White Lily’s Soul Jam.”

Dark Cacao replied to Hollyberry’s statement.

“We’ve been looking for these Soul Jams since White Lily and Silent Salt’s disappearance, guess we finally know where they went.”

Hollyberry spoke to Tiger Lily.

“We could use your help to fight the Nu-Beasts, come with us.”

Tiger Lily shook her head and responded.

“No…”

Hollyberry replied, slightly disappointed.

“Oh, well, that’s ok.”

Tiger Lily disappeared into the bushes, walking slowly and continuing her journey. Pure Vanilla made a statement.

“It’s time, we can’t wait anymore while these Nu-Beasts cause havoc, it is time we take the battle to them, it is time to get back the Soul Jams!”

The group split into smaller parties, each having a former Beast, an Ancient, and a Nu-Ancient, with Cocoa Cookie and Knight Cookie joining Mint Choco and Princess Cookie, and so, each team split off, ready to take on the Nu-Beasts!…

Chapter Text

Last we saw of our heroes, the quest across Beast-Yeast to stop the Nu-Beasts had began. Cut to the outskirts of the continent, farther than The Spire of Deceit, and lower than The Land of Spices, we see our first group of heroes. It was Hollyberry, her protege Princess Cookie, along with Knight Cookie and Eternal Sugar, who was resting on Knight Cookie’s horse. Hollyberry looked at the map, confused, before speaking.

“That’s weird, The Garden of Delights should be right here.”

Princess Cookie replied.

“Are you sure you got the directions correct?”

“I’m sure, Eternal Sugar, do you remember how to get there?”

Eternal Sugar woke up before responding lazily.

“The Garden of Delights?… It’s been so long, I don’t even remember…”

“Well that’s not helpful.” Replied Hollyberry. 

Out of nowhere, Pavlova Cookie rushed out of the bushes, shooting 4 equally spaced arrows, knocking out the team. By the time the group woke up, they were already in the garden, Pavlova floating a few meters away from Princess Cookie and said, “Welcome to The Garden of Delights!” before grabbing her. Immediately, all the other cookies started trying to attack him, Pavlova blocking them and pulling Knight Cookie in with his wings, making a statement.

“That’s no way to treat your host! Either she’s coming with me, or he’s not seeing the outside of this garden.”

Before anyone could respond, he flew away, Princess Cookie in tow. As he was flying, he headed to the heart of the garden, there now being a giant castle in the center of it. 

When they arrived, Princess Cookie made a demand.

“Unhand me, Beast.”

He placed Princess Cookie down, who raised her shield immediately and started walking circles around Pavlova, and he spoke.

“I don’t think you understand me.”

“I understand you’re the Beast of Sloth.”

“But that’s where you’re wrong, Eternal Sugar was the Beast of Sloth, Fear has always been a better calling card for me.”

“You’ve got a different name, so what? I’m still taking that Soul Jam.”

“I know everyone’s fears, even yours. Hollyberry is afraid she won’t be able to protect everyone; Eternal Sugar is afraid of losing Hollyberry; and Knight Cookie… actually, it’d be better if you didn’t know.”

“Well then, what’s my fear?”

“You fear failure, you fear not being worthy of the Soul Jam you possess, your hope may cloud your fear to others, but to me, its as clear as day. Now, about your Soul Jam.”

“You’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead, dough.”

“I plan to.”

Pavlova summoned arrows, all targeting Princess Cookie, and aimed his shot at the center of her shield as she blocked them. More arrows showed up, and eventually, Princess Cookie was backed towards the balcony, which fell into a waterfall. Pavlova made an offer.

“You can give up the Soul Jam willingly, or hope the others find your crumbs in the water.”

Princess cookie considered her options and answered.

“My choice? None.”

She jumped off the balcony, Pavlova tried to fire the arrow, but it only hit the top of her shield, shattering part of it. Princess Cookie then used the shield to slow her fall and break the water tension. She got to land, speaking to herself while inspecting the damages on her, her hand only a bit crumbled.

“Nothing a bit of syrup won’t fix.”

Princess Cookie continued, making it to a tree before collapsing, where a cookie with a jelly cup for a gown greeted her.

“Hello! I am Jelly Cup Cookie. I saw you fall from the castle.”

Princess Cookie looked around, the berries on those trees seemed familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it, she replied.

“Those berries, is it ok if I pick some of them?”

“Those berries are much too sour.”

“Yeah, I’m getting some of those berries.”

Jelly Cup Cookie gave her a basket before responding.

“First that drop into the waterfall, now, out of all the trees, you want the berries from this one? You are either reckless or stupid.”

“Sure, sure.”

Said Princess Cookie as she finished picking the berries.

Meanwhile, at the entrance to the garden, the others were discussing what to do, Hollyberry saying “We need to split up, there’s too much ground to cover for us to just take one path.”

The others agreed, Hollyberry going straight into the heart of the garden, Eternal Sugar checking the first nest, and Knight Cookie and his horse looking in the sugar rush ridge. Knight Cookie found himself near some bushes, a rustling heard from inside. He quickly unsheathed his lance and got in a defensive position. An outline came out of the bushes, a question along with it.

“You’re scared, aren’t you?”

It was Pavlova, Knight Cookie retorted.

“Of you? Not quite.”

“I’m not talking about myself, but someone near and dear to you, Princess Cookie.”

“Why would I be afraid of her majesty?”

“Its not her that you fear, but rather that she’ll outgrow you. She’ll become able to take care of herself, and when she realizes that she’s too good for you, you’ll be left like an abandoned toy. Lucky for you, I’ve got a solution that will help us both.”

Knight Cookie’s stern expression fell, and he was hesitant for a bit before responding.

“I’m listening.”

“You see, she’s outgrowing you because of that pesky Soul Jam she has, the same Soul Jam I want.”

Knight Cookie closed his turquoise-blue eyes, opening them with Pavlova’s crimson eyes instead.

“Well, what can we do about it?”

A while later, Princess Cookie had made it to the gates of the castle in the heart of the garden.

“Come out and face me, Pavlova Cookie!”

She said. Pavlova stepped out of the castle and spoke.

“Finally ready to give up that Soul Jam.”

“I’ll never give up my Soul Jam.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

Knight Cookie fell onto the ground, his armor a dark grey, and his blues replaced with reds, his horse rushed to him, its armor black, crimson flowed where its turquoise once stood, the heart patterns now broken, and glowing red eyes visible from the holes in its helmet. Pavlova continued.

“You have two choices, you’ll either fight him to the death, or give me the Soul Jam.”

Hollyberry saw this from a distance and tried to rush in, trying to use her shield to protect Princess Cookie, but something blocked her. A magical barrier stopped her shield right in place. Pavlova responding to her attempt.

“No tricks this time.”

Pavlova looked at Princess Cookie, who was stunned, and kept speaking.

“I’ll give you to the count of 3.”

Princess Cookie started thinking her options through, she could never hurt Knight Cookie, but she couldn’t give up so easily.

“One.”

Princess Cookie looked toward Hollyberry, who was desperately telling her, “No, Princess Cookie, don’t do it!”

Pavlova continued the count.

“Two.”

A drop of sweat fell from Princess Cookie.

“Three.”

Princess Cookie answered.

“Fine! Take it.”

She removed the Soul Jam from her shield and gave it to Pavlova, causing him to respond.

“Good choice, Knight Cookie, take them away.”

Knight Cookie put Princess and Hollyberry Cookie in cuffs, and started taking them into the castle’s jail. Princess Cookie looked down in her cell, disappointment showing, and hope fading. Is this where hope dies? Will Pavlova’s reign of fear last? Find out in the next chapter!…

Chapter Text

Deep in the heart of the Garden of delights, under the castle made by Pavlova Cookie, Hollyberry and Princess Cookie laid in the prison. Princess Cookie looked at Hollyberry, fear replacing the hope in her eyes and asked her, “Do you think we can still win  this?”

Hollyberry looked back, unsure.

“I- don’t know.”

A shadowy figure approached the cell, it was Eternal Sugar. Before anyone could say anything, she shushed them, saying, “Shhh, I’m busting you out.”

Eternal Sugar pulled out a set of keys, and unlocked the door. Hollyberry walked out first, and spoke to Eternal Sugar.

“How did you get these?”

Hollyberry gestured to the keys, causing Eternal Sugar to respond.

“Took them off of Knight Cookie, just cause I was once the Beast of Sloth doesn’t mean I can’t do anything myself, especially if its for my Hollyberry.”

As Princess Cookie packed her things, her basket of berries was noticed by Hollyberry, who promptly inspected them.

“These berries, they could resist Eternal Sugars’ mind control.”

Hollyberry looked at Eternal Sugar and questioned her.

“Do you think these could do the same with what’s happening to Knight Cookie?”

Eternal Sugar answered to the best of her ability.

“I guess, our power does come from the same source.”

The group set off to look for Knight Cookie. Elsewhere, Pavlova was exploring his garden, suspicious to something happening, he closed in on a young girl, who had green apples sticking out of her hair. “I know its you, Candy Apple, what do you want?” He interrogated.

Candy Apple shifted back into her form and replied.

“Well, if you really must know, I’ve been spending my time here, waiting for those heroes, desperate for my Soul Jam, to get through the magical barrier covering my Spire of Corruption, of course, its powered by Nutmeg Tiger, Cloud Haetae, and your Soul Jams.”

“Fine, you can stay, but just for a bit, I’m expecting visitors.”

“Absolutely, this cookie wouldn’t want to overstay her welcome, and remember what you need to do.”

Meanwhile in the Silver Kingdom, Sugarfly Cookie was strolling through town, when some words caught her ears, turns out, the Beast of Sloth had returned after so long. Sugarfly grouped up as many Silver Knights as she could, it was time for a witch hunt.

Back with our heroes, Princess Cookie saw something guarding the entrance to the castle, it was Knight Cookie’s horse, she rushed towards it, only to be caught in a chokehold by Knight Cookie. Hollyberry and Eternal Sugar surrounded Knight Cookie, and he put his horse to defend his back.

“Be careful, or the princess gets it.”

Princess Cookie used her shield to trip up Knight Cookie, causing him unsheathe his lance. Princess Cookie tried to reason with him.

“Come on, Knight Cookie, snap out of it. You’d never hurt me.”

“I’ve seen the truth, and fear exists for a reason, to protect us, and if the truth needs to beaten into someone, than so be it.”

“Hope can overcome any fear, its more powerful than any doubt. Please, I need my knight back.”

These words caused Knight Cookie to lose focus for a second and he started thinking about whether he was doing the right thing or not. Taking advantage of the situation, Princess Cookie swooped in, used her shield to disarm Knight Cookie’s lance, and forced a bite of the berry in his mouth. Knight Cookie’s eyes turned back to turquoise, and almost immediately, he bowed down, begging for the princess’s forgiveness.

“I’m so sorry, your highness. I don’t know what came over me. Tell me you  aren’t hurt.”

Hollyberry approached him, saying, “What matters is that you’re with us and back to normal. Now, how do we deal with Pavlova Cookie and get out of here with that Soul Jam?”

Over to where Pavlova was, he waited patiently at the entrance as Sugarfly and a few dozen Silver Tree Knights came in, Sugarfly spoke to him.

“Do you know where Eternal Sugar is?”

He paused for a moment and answered.

“Eternal Sugar gave up her Soul Jam long ago, a true shame.”

Sugarfly noticed the Soul Jam on his bow, her expression grew cold, and she started walking out.

“Oh, I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to bother you.”

“Wait, don’t you want to stay, for a cup of cocoa? I know the place is a mess, but It’s been just me for so long.”

“No, not really, this place brings some bad memories, you’re welcome to come with us if you’d like.”

“O-oh, that’s ok.”

As Sugarfly’s group walked out, Princess Cookie and her group approached Pavlova. He faced them, and said, “Uhh, you guys, what do you want now?”

Princess Cookie quickly responded.

“How about that Soul Jam?”

“You know what? Fine, I’ll give you one final plea deal, you get to leave.”

He pointed to Hollyberry and continued.

“She can even keep her Soul Jam.

Pavlova gestured to Princess Cookie.

“All you need to do is take a bite, a single bite, out of this berry, this berry that has been taking in all the fears of everyone here and fermenting them.”

Pavlova passed the berry to Princess Cookie, nervousness apparent on her face.

“Come on now, don’t be shy.”

Princess Cookie took a bite, the berry falling from her hands immediately, a smirk growing on Pavlova’s face, Hollyberry, Eternal Sugar, and Knight Cookie looked in shock. A smile spread on Princess Cookie’s face, and she spoke.

“That wasn’t so bad.”

Pavlova looked down, a shadow covered his face, and he charged up his arrow, powering it with the 2 Soul Jams in his possession, and he replied.

“Wrong choice.”

He fired the arrow at Princess Cookie, Hollyberry swooped in to block the arrow, causing it to bounce off her shield and hit one of the engines the Pure Vanilla Kingdom used to float. The group grabbed Pavlova, holding him with wings, shields, and a lance, and got Princess Cookie’s Soul Jam back, he made a remark.

“Even with your Soul Jam, I doubt you’ll make it to the castle in the sky in time.”

Princess Cookie looked at him before using Eternal Sugar to fly off towards the kingdom, and retorted.

“Maybe, but what’s the problem with having some hope?”

Pavlova broke out of Hollyberry and Knight Cookie’s grip and followed suit. The castle was quickly approaching the Cookie Kingdom, destined to crash. Princess Cookie jumped off of Eternal Sugar’s grasp, using her shield in an attempt to stop the castle in its tracks, the Soul Jam taking most of the impact. The castle dragged on the floor, pushing Princess Cookie along. The Soul Jam started cracking, and eventually shattered. An explosion enveloped Princess Cookie. The smoke cleared soon enough, revealing Princess Cookie, but something was different, her gown had turned to a tactical skirt, scarlet colored armored plates and boots surrounded her body, her shield now two pieces that could separate and conjoin. Pavlova Cookie stood back, questioning the whole ordeal.

“How did you?- I had everything perfectly planned!”

Princess Cookie looked at him and chuckled.

“You speak of me not understanding you, yet you misunderstand hope more. You see, hope is not some dying light that can be extinguished, hope is rather an unwavering passion, impossible to kill. True hope is not pretending that everything will magically repair itself, but rather knowing that you can make a difference and acting on it. You say you know everyone’s fears, but you refuse to acknowledge your own, when I took a bite of the berry of fear, I saw what truly scared you, that it will always be your fate to silently watch her leave.”

Pavlova’s eyes started watering up.

“T-thats not true at all!”

“We can help you, Pavlova.”

“No tricks?”

“No tricks.”

In the forest near the Garden of Delights, Sugarfly and some Silver Knights were walking back to the Faerie Kingdom, Pavlova approached them, speaking to her.

“Listen, I’ve been thinking about your offer, and I accept, I’m done with the garden.”

Sugarfly smiled, and the two left the garden along with the knights. Princess Cookie looked at them in the distance, Pavlova’s Soul Jam in her hand.