Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Castle Heart ( A Hollytaya fanfic)
~Chapter 1~

It’s the Hollyberry kingdom. More specifically the castle, Pitaya Dragon cookie is particularly bored that day. They hadn’t had a proper duel with Hollyberry cookie since the battle with the Legendary Red Dragon.

They still remembered the fact that White Lily cookie is Dark Enchantress cookie, and to be honest it scared them a little.

Only a little though.

As Pitaya Dragon cookie walked through the halls of the Hollyberry castle the same faces greeted them. Ones of confusion, interest, and a little bit of fear.

They weren’t surprised, Pitaya Dragon cookie is one of the strongest cookies in the Hollyberry kingdom! So, they took those looks like trophies.

Pitaya Dragon finally reached the main throne room, decorated with berries from the nearby jungle that surrounds the kingdom, and an empty but important gold and pink throne.

“JUNGLEBERRY COOKIE!”
Pitaya Dragon cookie called out expecting an immediate answer.

Pitaya heard a tired sigh from the left corner of the throne room as a cookie about average height stepped into view.

“Another challenge with Hollyberry cookie I presume…” Jungleberry cookie said in exhaustion.

“Exactly,” Pitaya looks around the room expecting Hollyberry to appear, “Ssso where isss ssshe?”

Jungleberry walks over to the Hollyberry throne and sits on it with a long sigh. Then she pulls out a long document. While Pitaya was not able to see what was on the document they could tell it was about Hollyberry’s recent adventures.

All of which were without them…

“Ahh, Hollyberry had just recently left on a mission to the Golden cheese kingdom.” Jungleberry said look up from the paper.

“And when will ssshe be back?!”
Pitaya Dragon cookie said with rage in their voice.

“She should be returning today actu-“

“JUNGLEBERRY COOKIE!” A female cookie voice cuts off Jungleberry.

Hollyberry cookie had just returned from her adventures in the Golden cheese kingdom with Wildberry at her side carrying what seemed to be a pound of gifts from Golden cheese cookie.

“Hollyberry cookie it’s good to see you!” Jungleberry cookie said as she welcomed Hollyberry with open arms.

“Great to see you too Jungleberry cookie!” Hollyberry replied

“Ahh, and Pitaya Dragon cookie is a pleasure to see you as well!” Hollyberry said while walking towards Pitaya’s direction.

Hollyberry rushed over and gave Pitaya a large hug so tight it felt like they would be reduced to flour.

“TOO TIGHT!” Pitaya squeaked passed choking breaths.

“Ma’am,” Wildberry says while pointing towards a different room, “May I place these gifts down while you greet everyone?”

“Of course, No need to ask me!” Hollyberry said in a happy tone

“While you’re here I would like to inform you that Pitaya Dragon cookie wishes to duel with you.” Jungleberry says as she walks to a council room, “ I have many meetings to attend to from the other kingdoms, you both can knock yourselves out sparing.”

“Absssolutely!” Pitaya said while holding their trusty weapon

Finally, Hollyberry cookie was back in the kingdom and Pitaya intended to have a grand duel in a new sparring area they had found, however Hollyberry looked…

Distracted

“Hollyberry?” Pitaya said in a confused tone.

“Huh? Oh yeah that duel you had requested let’s start!” Hollyberry responded holding up her shield

Both Hollyberry and Pitaya Dragon made their way to the best sparring area in the kingdom. According to Pitaya Dragon cookie, that is; a nice secluded place in the Hollyberry jungle. Lit from the open sun roof made by the formation of the trees, Pitaya was proud that they were able to find a place fit for a Dragon like themselves and Hollyberry cookie as well.

“Are you ready?” Pitaya asked

Hollyberry was looking somewhere else. She seemed more interested in the groves of the bark on the nearby trees than Pitaya Dragon’s challenge.

“Hollyberry?” Pitaya called out

No answer

“Hollyberry cookie!” Pitaya dragon cookie yelled. Finally Hollyberry spun her head around and replied.

“O-oh, let’s get started!” Hollyberry stuttered

That’s even more odd; First it was back in the castle and now here…

Hollyberry never hesitates when sparring with Pitaya Dragon cookie. There was something Hollyberry cookie wasn’t telling Pitaya, and it was disturbing to say the least.

“Wait,” Pitaya said in the long pause “ You’re dissstracted, what isss wrong?”

Hollyberry for a moment looked scared as if there was something she didn’t want to admit.

“It’s nothing that you need to worry about!” Hollyberry said as if deflecting the question.

“A cookie like you never hasss that face of concern,” Pitaya replied “Ssscared to challenge me?”

“Fighting you at this point is easier than downing 4 bottles of berry juice!” Hollyberry said in retaliation.

“However,” Hollyberry paused, “ There is something on my mind…”

“Really…”Pitaya gives an unamused expression towards Hollyberry cookie

 

“Well,” Hollyberry breaks her long pause, “I have invited the ancients to the Hollyberry Kingdom for a grand banquet and I got letters back from them.”

Hollyberry pulls out 4 letters, each one having the signature colors of each kingdom.

“And what did they sssay that would be ssso offensssive to you that it dissstractsss you from great dragon sssuch asss me?” Pitaya asked as they walked closer to Hollyberry and by extension the letters.

“They had all agreed to bring a plus one, Pure vanilla was going to bring a new friend called Lady milk crown cookie, Golden cheese cookie is bringing Mozzarella cookie , Dark cacao and White lily both initially refused however they both were “politely” convinced by Pure vanilla cookie to attend together.” Hollyberry said as she flipped through the papers.

“This is all that wasss concerning you ssso much you were dissstracted from our duel?” Pitaya replied

“Well it’s quite important my friends get to know you,” Hollyberry continued “So I was wondering if you would like to attend the banquet with me?”

Pitaya paused. A banquet, a formal gathering? For a great dragon like Pitaya to attend. It was an odd request.

“Couldn’t Wildberry come with you?” Pitaya asked.

“He is planning to travel over to the Dark Cacao kingdom so he can visit Crunchy chip cookie.” Hollyberry replied.

“Ssso I’m your lassst option…” Pitaya with a sigh in their voice

“I was going to ask you either way!” Hollyberry cookie insisted, “However I was worried someone like yourself would immediately decline!”

“I…” Pitaya hesitated, “Will think about it.”

“I hope you do…” Hollyberry says with a sigh.

Pitaya flies off back to the dragon's valley. They were still contemplating the idea of joining Hollyberry to the banquet she had requested. At first they wanted to immediately decline. A dragon like themselves would never attend such events. However by the time Pitaya Dragon cookie had reached their nest they had slightly changed their mind.

While Pitaya bathed in the magma they thought about the request a little bit more. Maybe it was really worthwhile attending, simply to see what the mortal cookies were up to…

Plus they got to spend more time with Hollyberry cookie which was very appealing to Pitaya at the moment. The idea of spending a night at a banquet with Hollyberry was looking more appealing as Pitaya thought about it. However if Pitaya had it their way, the banquet would be an assortment of meat jellies hunted specifically from the Dragon’s valley near a magma gazers and with Hollyberry alone.

But a Dragon can dream.

The next day Pitaya arrived back at the castle this time instead of an empty throne there was a pacing Hollyberry.

“Hollyberry!” Pitaya called out.

”Pitaya Dragon cookie!” Hollyberry runs towards Pitaya while holding her shield,” Have you thought about my invitation?”

“HA,” Pitaya laughed. “I sssuppose I could give sssome of my time to your banquet!”

“I’m glad to hear you’re interested!” Hollyberry then pulls out a LONG document.

”What isss that for?” Pitaya asks in a confused voice

“It’s all the things I thought you would need to learn to blend into cookie kind, Wildberry helped me brainstorm!” Hollyberry said oblivious to Pitaya’s face of pure rage and confusion

“WHAT!” Pitaya said with enough anger to flatten half of Earthbread, “THAT .COOKIE .HELPED .YOU .MAKE .THISSS…”

“Well when you last had a disguise… you weren’t very convincing.” Hollyberry said to calm the situation “This is just to make sure you are castle ready!”

Right then and there Pitaya felt it would be right to burn the kingdom to the ground from Hollyberry’s suggestion. However they were willing to put up with it, Pitaya did want to attend after all.

”Fine…” Pitaya said with a frustrated tone. “What isss the firssst thing on thisss lissst.”

”The first thing on the list seems to be…” Hollyberry says looking at the document. “ A… bath?”

Pitaya’s eyes start to twitch, when they get their hands on Wildberry that cookie is going to be dead at the bottom of the Dragons valley’s deepest magma sea.

“Wait..” Hollyberry sniffs the air “ BLUGH!” Hollyberry holds her nose and tries not to throw up.

”Maybe Wildberry was right, you do need a bath…” Hollyberry said, ushering Pitaya Dragon cookie to the stairs of the second floor in the Hollyberry castle.

When they both reached Hollyberry cookie’s personal bathroom Pitaya sighed from how “Hollyberry” it felt. The walls were pink and gold with green under tones and Pitaya still couldn’t believe they got themselves into this situation. However they hoped it would be worth it in the end.

Right?

Chapter Text

~Chapter 2~

“It’sss cold…” Pitaya said, submerging themself deeper in the soda water.

The water was too cold for Pitaya Dragon cookie to get comfortable in, besides what Dragon bathes in anything less than 1000 degrees Celsius!

“This is the hottest the soda water can go!” Hollyberry said while covering her eyes, “What do you bathe in anyway?”

Pitaya looked up at Hollyberry’s covered eyes and said…

“I bathe in Magma.” they said calmly.

“I…” Hollyberry stuttered “Just get the soap…”

Pitaya picked up the soap from the corner from the bath tub it smelled; fittingly enough, like Hollyberries.

“Isss it edible?” Pitaya said in an innocent voice.

“How have you lived this long?” Hollyberry said with a sigh, “Without being killed by poison!”

Pitaya simply stayed silent.

They still wanted to eat the soap though.

“Just apply the soap, it shouldn’t be that hard just don’t get it in your-“ Hollyberry was cut off.

“AAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHH!” Pitaya might as well have screamed bloody murder with how loud they yelled.

“WHAT IS IT?!” Hollyberry turned but made the fatal mistake of removing her hands from her eyes.

Pitaya stood up from the bath, and vigorously rubbed their face in an attempt to remove the soap that felt as if it would burn their eyes.

“ARE YOU…okay….” Hollyberry’s words slowed to crawl inside her throat.

Pitaya was standing. Without any clothes on. In front of her.

Pure silence ran through the room, nothing but the sound of the now still water and unwavering embarrassment ran through the room.

Pitaya looked at Hollyberry in shock. They felt their face burn like hot magma, and oddly enough there was a feeling…

A burning feeling…

Pitaya quickly submerged themselves back into the soda water wishing it would hide their shame and their red face.

“I…am just going to let you finish…” Hollyberry said slowly backing away and heading for the door.

With a click of a lock Hollyberry had left the room and Pitaya was all alone. Pitaya's face was still burning from embarrassment. They felt the moment was stupid; How on all of Earthbread did Pitaya let themselves be seen like that; and in front of Hollyberry, of all cookies!

However, no matter how much Pitaya wanted to melt into the water, the draining feeling of boredom crept into their dough. Eventually, Pitaya got out of the water and put back on their original dragon armor.

When Pitaya exited Hollyberry’s room they were stumbled by how different the castle looked; It's not like Pitaya Dragon paid much attention to the Hollyberian castle anyway, but the new layout was confusing to them.

The halls on this side of the castle were different from the main level. There were a cascade of rooms which didn’t seem to have concrete meanings, some were simply empty, while others had a large supply of storage, one of them was even filled to the brim with boxes of unique types of berry juice!

However, the halls of the castle were oddly empty; There were no servants cleaning the floors, not a single Hollyberian night patrolling every corner for intruders, and oddly enough; Hollyberry cookie was nowhere to be seen.

But, the cookies that were walking down the halls were noble men and women with elegant Hollyberian outfits; Multiple layers with frills pigmented in unique colors from dyes found in the berries from a lush forest near the kingdom, embroidered with intricate details that seemed too small to be noticeable, and hair combed back so much it seemed to lightly tug at the cookies dough .

The choices of clothes confused Pitaya dragon cookie; The outfits seemed stiff and nauseating, the colorful dyes seemed too extra for any cookie wearing it on any normal occasion, and the small embroidery seemed useless if it wasn’t the main center piece of the design. Why would any cookie on Earthbread decide to wear such obnoxious clothing?

Pitaya themselves would never choose to wear such uncomfortable outfits.

Pitaya continued to walk down the corridor of Hollyberry’s castle, and finally they heard a familiar voice.

“I do believe that would help them…” Echoed through the pink halls.

“Hollyberry cookie?” Pitaya said as they entered the room Hollyberry was in.

The room had big windows with hollyberries put on the corners of the doors and windows. The walls had pink and gold baseboards covering the bottom of the walls. There was a large brown and pink table in the middle of the room with fluffy chairs spread out piles of what seemed like paper work. Hollyberry had taken a seat on the first seat near the entrance and…

Wildberry cookie is there.

“What isss HE doing here!?” Pitaya snarled with clenched fists.

“Why hello there, Polka dot pink fruit cookie.” Wildberry said with a small grin.

Pitaya held their weapon and aimed it at Wildberry's smug face.

“THAT. ISSS. NOT. MY. NAME!” Pitaya said, about to attack Wildberry.

Hollyberry stepped in between both of them before they could do any serious harm to each other.

“Pitaya dragon cookie and Wildberry!” Hollyberry said, putting her shield and by extension herself in between them, “Control yourselves, can’t you two go one day without arguing!?”

Pitaya stared Wildberry down with daggers in their eyes, they had never wanted a cookie burned off the face of Earthbread more than Wildberry in that moment.

“Fine.” they both mumbled.

Pitaya wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of possibly collaborating with Wildberry, especially if it's for something like this. Pitaya Dragon despised how Wildberry would never take them seriously as if all he saw in Pitaya Dragon cookie was just a large, stupid lizard, and they easily could tell Wildberry wasn’t enjoying the idea of helping them on plans for the banquet, especially when berry juice might be involved.

“I am simply here to help the queen formulate the next step on the list.” Wildberry said in a serious tone.

“There isss more ssstuff on thisss joke of a lissst!?” Pitaya said about screaming in anger as they took a seat on one of the chairs close to Hollyberry.

“Correct!” Hollyberry said to break the tension, “I want to help you make a good impression on everybody, and not just as a legendary dragon; but more of a comrade to me and my people!”

Pitaya looked towards the list and looked at the next quest.

It was clothing.

Chapter Text

~Chapter 3~

“I have to wear thosse cookie outfitsss?!” Pitaya said with anger in their voice.

“Yup!” Hollyberry then pointed at Wildberry, “And Wildberry will help us!”

Pitaya almost shuddered at the idea of wearing traditional Hollyberian clothing. From what they had seen the style wasn’t comfortable nor was it good for sparing!

“Before Hollyberry decided to invite you to the banquet we had found a local tailor by the name of Cloudberry cookie, he is excellent at making royal clothing under strict deadlines.” Wildberry added.

“Why isss formal clothing even required for cookie partiesss anyway?!” Pitaya questioned.

“Think about it, Pitaya,” Hollberry said while walking to the door, “Would it really make sense to wear armor to a banquet?"

“Yes.” Pitaya replied bluntly.

“Just what am I going to do with you?” Hollyberry chucked, “Come on Pitaya, Wildberry and I will show you around the Hollyberrian Plaza!”

“A plaza named after you isss sssomething only you would do.” Pitaya said exciting the room with Hollyberry and Wildberry cookie.

__________________________________________________________

The Hollyberry kingdom was the same as Pitaya Dragon cookie remembered. Little cookies running around the plaza, elder cookies singing lullabies to any cookie that would wish to listen, and merchants selling overpriced stuffed toys of kingdom mascots.

The trees were still as lush as ever and the berries growing from the bushes shined brightly under the sun. Just then two especially rowdy little cookies had run right into Pitaya, almost knocking them over.

“It’sss far too crowded here!” Pitaya said, getting back on their feet.

“Maybe if you weren’t so big the little cookies wouldn’t have to run into you.” Wildberry said with a deadpan face.

“Ssson of a bissscuit…” Pitaya said under their breath.

Pitaya still stood by their point, if at least one half of the Hollyberry kingdom was burned down this wouldn’t be an issue. If only Pitaya was able to finally defeat Hollyberry cookie they could fix this issue, but that cookie seems to have enough passion to last her a lifetime. But, Pitaya can take a couple defeats if it means they would be entertained by the cookies shenanigans for a while.

“Here it is!” Hollyberry said, pointing to a large boutique at the corner of plaza.

The name of the place was irrelevant to Pitaya dragon cookie, what really concerned them was the array of intricate cookie outfits being displayed.

“Thisss isss what cookies prioritize thessse daysss?!” Pitaya scoffed, crossing their arms.

“Maybe for beings like you, appearance isn’t the most important thing.” Hollyberry said, opening the door to the boutique, “But I’d think you would quite enjoy the culture if you cared for a bit!”

The inside of the establishment was just as infuriatingly complex as the outside. Clothing was hung on racks near the entrance and more expensive clothing was put on full display above the counter where a single cookie sat.

The cookie had golden hair tired in one small bun in the back, and her clothes had multiple layears with mesurment tape and a pin cousion braclet on her arm.

“Welcome to Berry Boutique!” the small cookie said in a high pitched voice, “I am GoldenBerry cookie, the apprentice to Cloudberry cookie how may I help you?”

Pitaya felt embarrassingly out of place. However, it didn’t stop them from wandering off to the other side of the boutique. Their eyes had met a particular outfit, it was a shade of blue with a black under shirt and a water droplet brooch, decorated with many ruffles and a blue bow with a gem at the center and a long train behind it, with black and white gloves to match. A blue top hat with a droplet brooch and a bow sat on an upper display above the outfit.

It was an eyesore.

Within a microsecond Pitaya had already devised a plan to get themselves out of this mess. So, with a flick of their wrist a small flame had been created in their hand. Pitaya had gently placed the flame on the outfit and within a moment it was set into flames that threatened to burn down the entire store.

“THE BOUTIQUE!” Goldenberry screamed running towards the outfit.

Hollyberry wiped her head around to see a large flame and Pitaya standing at the base.

“STAND BACK YOUR MAJESTY!” Wildberry yelled, standing in front of Hollyberry.

Just then a cloud of white smog filled the boutique and the fire was extinguished.

“Queen Hollyberry cookie,” A mysterious cookie said walking out of the smog, “I apologize for your first impressions of my establishment.”

The cookie had long red and orange hair tied back with a cloudberry and an elegant waist coat buttoned together with more cloudberries and a black under shirt and pants, with a leaf train on the back of the waist coat.

“Goldenberry cookie will clean up the mess immediately!” The cookie said while putting away the fire extinguisher.

“Cloudberry cookie, I apologize for this, leave it up to me I’ll help!” Hollyberry cookie said, forcing a small smile with an obviously furious face.

Pitaya’s plan had utterly failed. It wasn’t like it was a real plan anyway; just a last ditch attempt for them to get out of this mess, but it ended up being ten times worse than Pitaya imagined.

While Hollyberry was helping Goldenberry cookie clean up the remains of the charred dress, Pitaya noticed Wildberry staring at them with daggers in his eyes.

Suddenly a question poped into Pitaya’s mind. Why did Wildberry even bother to come with them today? But, most importantly why was he helping Hollyberry with the baquet?

“Why are YOU helping usss?” Pitaya asked, as if it would clear the atmosphere.

“How does that question relate to the mess you have caused?” Wildberry replied.

“Hollyberry cookie told me that you were leaving for the Dark Cacao kingdo-” Pitaya started.

“Hollyberry cookie insisted that I take a break even though I declined.” Wildberry said, cutting off Pitaya, “Plus, I leave the day after the banquet anyway, I decided to help just in case you attempted to attack Queen Hollyberry cookie while she was distracted.”

“Clearly, I was right.” Wildberry said, facing the now cleaned mess.

Cloudberry cookie pulled out two boxes, one was white and the other was pink, both the boxes were tied together with a black bow.

“I believe these are what you have come here for.” Cloudberry said, giving the two boxes to Hollyberry.

“You can try them on in the dressing rooms!” Golden berry pointed to extra rooms down a hallway, “But please, keep your dragon friend in check.” Goldenberry continued with a stern voice.

Hollyberry cookie ushered Pitaya to come with her, while Pitaya couldn’t tell what face she was making, they were sure Hollyberry was furious.

Once Pitaya and Hollyberry entered the dressing rooms Hollyberry slammed the door closed.

“WHY ON EARTHBREAD DID YOU BURN A DRESS?!” Hollyberry yelled.

“Why did you bring me to try on dressssesss?!” Pitaya replied, standing up to leave.

Hollyberry grabbed them by the wrist and sat them back down, still with the same furious face as before. Pitaya could tell they were done for, and yet they weren’t as concerned about it. Besides, they would rather die than wear whatever was in that box.

“You don’t even know what is in the boxes anyway?!” Hollyberry said with the same tone, “So why are you making assumptions?!”

“If I had the chance I would have burned the whole ssstore down!” Pitaya shouted.

Hollyberry opened both boxes which revealed to be a beautiful dress and dance shoes.

“This is what was in the boxes Pitaya,” Hollyberry said, pulling out the items. “I wanted to bring you along so you could see the plaza, I already had your clothes back at the castle!”

Pitaya sat in silence, and for the same time today…

They felt like an utter fool

“Please turn around so I can change it’s already been a busy day…” Hollyberry said, with a long sigh.

Pitaya turned around to face the wall. While they still didn’t want to be there. The day had been oddly eventful, even if it doesn’t compare to sparing, which they still hadn’t done yet.

“Done!” Hollyberry said, signaling Pitaya to turn around.

The dress looked amazing on Hollyberry cookie, and Pitaya Dragon cookie themselves could understand that. The ruffle folded perfectly and the hollyberry in the center shined beautifully even in the artificial light from the dressing room. The colors complemented Hollyberry and the accessories tied the whole outfit together, the shoes seemed to shimmer under the light of the dresssing room even ifthey were hidden by the big dress.

Pitaya dragon couldn’t help but stare.

“Like what you see dragon?” Hollyberry said with a small chuckle.

Pitaya’s face glowed a bright red; How on Earthbread does Hollyberry have the confidence to mock the Great Dragon?!

And yet how odd…

That burning feeling was back again.

Not a feeling of anger or embarrassment; but a warm feeling, a nice feeling.

“The dresss isss nice…” Pitaya eventually said, snapping out of their haze.

Their face was still red and they could tell Hollyberry had definitely noticed it by now.

“Come on Pitaya, it's been a LONG day.” Hollyberry said face now also glowing a nice red.

Hollyberry put the dress including shoes back in the boxes and walked with Pitaya back into the main area of the boutique.

“Did everything go well Queen Hollyberry cookie?” Wildberry asked.

“Everything went well!” Hollyberry cookie said with a smile.

Hollyberry, Wildberry and Pitaya Dragon cookie all walked to the exit and left the store with Goldberry waving them goodbye.

“That was… eventful.” Wildberry says looking towards Pitaya.

“Cookie clothesss only look good on a ssselect few, and the mannequin wasss NOT one of them!” Pitaya replied, lying through their fangs.

“That doesn’t mean you burn them!” Hollyberry replied.

The plaza was now quiet and empty, although it was a lot later in the day it didn’t seem to stop the trio from walking around the area. At this time of day most pop-up shops had closed and the sun was just starting to set.

Soon, Pitaya noticed 3 cookies in the distance; actually it was 2, and one of them was Snapdragon.

The cookies were revealed to be Tarte Tatin cookie and Royal Margarine, while Snapdragon was holding Royal Margarine’s butter knife and waving it around like a toy.

“Tarte Tatin cookie!” Hollyberry said, also recognizing the other trio of cookies walking in their direction.

“Hollyberry cookie, it's been a while.” Tarte Tatin replied.

“Well, well, well!” Royal Margarine said in a mocking tone, “If it isn’t the stew dragon, Wildberry and Queen Hollyberry cookie!”

“Don’t pusssh your luck cookie…” Pitaya snarled.

“Puyyaa!” Snapdragon chirped, and threw Royal Maragrine butter knife on the ground.

“HA,” Pitaya laughed,”I can sssee the little one isss finally leaning into their destructive tendances!”

“That isn’t necessarily a good thing!” Royal Maragrine stated.

The 5 cookies kept talking and enjoying the evening; it was quite peaceful even if Pitaya had embarrassed themselves multiple times today, a calmer evening is just what the dragon needed.

Eventually the cookies had reached the gate of the castle, it was now night time and Snapdragon was already asleep on Tarte Tatin's shoulder.

“Looks like this little one is tired.” Tarte Tatin said while patting Snapdragon on the back, “We most likely should get going.”

“I agree, beautiful hair must be maintained through good sleep!” Royal Margarine added, patting his hair, “Plus, my dragon Buttercream is waiting for me back at Dragon city!”

“They’re not even a dragon…” Pitaya mumbled under their breath.

“Goodbye then.” Wildberry replied, opening the gates.

“Get home safe you three!” Hollyberry said, waving Tarte Tatin goodbye.

“I sssupossse I will be going asss well,” Pitaya turned to face Hollyberry, “If all businessss isss done here I don’t sssee a reassson for me t-”

“I have prepared a room for you in the castle, there is no need to return back to your nest!” Hollyberry said, cutting off Pitaya.

“WHAT.” Pitaya shouted.

“Queen Hollyberry cookie has already prepared you a room, unless you couldn’t hear.” Wildberry affirmed.

“I can show you the way, follow me!” Hollyberry proclaimed grabbing Pitaya by the arm and practically dragging them through the castle.

It took a bit to find the room though, it was hidden among a sea of useless storage rooms from before.

But, finally Hollyberry and Pitaya found the room. It was beautifully decorated with a wardrobe to match, the window in the corner of the room allowed the moon light to quietly shine in the room and illuminated the bed that looked decently comfy from what Pitaya could tell.

“See, it doesn't look too bad for someone like you to stay in for a bit!” Hollyberry said sitting on the bed.

Pitaya walked into the room. Even though Hollyberry cookie was right, they would rather have slept in their nest. But a Hollyberrian room will do for now.

The bed was comfy when Pitaya Dragon cookie hopped into it and heard a loud thud. They covered themselves in as many bed sheets as they could and laid there looking at the ceiling.

“Cookiesss do too much in a day.” Pitaya stated

Hollyberry chuckled and placed a spare box on the bed.

“THESE are the clothes you were oh-so scared of.” Hollyberry cookie commented.

Hollyberry opened the box to reveal a nice Hollyberrian suit and shoes, both of which were colored to Pitaya’s liking, as if Hollyberry planned this month in advance.

“I ssstill ssstand with my actionsss before,” Pitaya claimed, “These look uncomfortable.”

“Try them on, I'm sure you’ll change your mind!” Hollyberry remarked

“FINE.” Pitaya replied with a tired sigh and walked to the bathroom to try the clothes on.

The outfit wasn’t hard to put on, Pitaya actually felt nice in it. Despite all of their protesting against the idea of Hollyberrian clothing, Hollyberry cookie turned out to be correct.

Pitaya DID like the clothes, they just weren’t happy about it.

“It fitssss fine I guessss” Pitaya murmured walking out of the bathroom showing the outfit to Hollyberry.

“It looks good on you!” Hollyberry smiled, “I really should make you try on more clothing like this!”

“DON’T.” Pitaya shouted.

Hollyberry gave a small chuckle at Pitaya’s response, and for the second time both their faces glowed a nice red.

“Well I should head to bed,” Hollyberry cookie said with a small sigh,” Good night Pitaya!”

Hollyberry then quickly planted a quick kiss on Pitaya Dragon cookie’s cheek and left without another word.

The door lock clicked and Pitaya was left speechless. Their face was now definitely burning red.

They sat on the bed and reflected on the moment, the night was bringing the day to a close and this was the best way it could have ended.

Pitaya took off the Hollyberrian clothes and put on their original armor and covered themselves back in the sheets.

Today was a great day with Hollyberry.

Chapter Text

~Chapter 4~

The sun peered into the guest room Pitaya Dragon cookie was resting in, it was a new day and this time they were looking forward to completing the next step on the list.

Pitaya practically ran down the halls of the castle looking for Hollyberry cookie. However there was no sign of her around.

Pitaya expected Hollyberry would be hard to find in the large castle. However, they didn’t expect that they couldn't find her.

An hour had passed and there was no sign of Hollyberry cookie, and it seemed just about every cookie in the castle had left.

“Pitaya Dragon cookie?” A small voice echoed down the hall, “ What are you looking for?”

The small voice was Princess Cookie, and she seemed just as clueless.

“Hollyberry cookie.” Pitaya replied, opening another room.

“You're looking for her?” Princess Cookie said.

Pitaya wiped their head around and approached Princess Cookie.

“Where did ssshe go, cookie?” Pitaya said, gripping their weapon.

“I thought Hollyberry told you!” Princesses cookie replied, walking down the stairs, “She went to Beast-yeast!”

Pitaya’s blood ran cold. Hollyberry cookie had left.

Again…

Why did Hollyberry leave again? Pitaya knew beast-yeast wasn’t a place she could just ignore, but what hurt Pitaya the most was that Hollyberry didn’t even think to tell them she had left.

“Where are your parentsss…” Pitaya said, following Princess Cookie.

“I…” Princess paused, almost as if she wasn’t thinking about her parents' whereabouts, or didn’t want to.

“I don’t know.” Princess continued, “I only heard them leave last night.”

Pitaya walked down the empty stairs, none of the usual cookies were there, only servants roamed the halls sweeping the grounds and prepping breakfast.

“How about some food!” Princess Cookie said to clear the atmosphere, “I bet breakfast has been prepared already!”

Pitaya headed down the stairs and sure enough breakfast was ready. It was an assortment of meat jellies, berry juice and stew.

“I’m not hungry.” Pitaya said as they were starting to head out the door.

“But Queen Hollyberry cookie had specifically asked for this meal to be prepared!” One of the servant cookies commented, “She even left a note with a docu-”

“GIVE IT TO ME NOW.” Pitaya said, grabbing the papers.

The items were the list and a letter, the list was what Pitaya had expected, it was actually refreshing to see the lists order. It had all of the tasks they had done recently, with little doodles and notes from Hollyberry and Wildberry on there as well.

But the letter was most important to Pitaya Dragon cookie. It was sealed with a pink stamp and was scented with berry juice.

Classic Hollyberry.

The letter read as follows:

Dear Pitaya Dragon cookie,

I have been informed by Pure vanilla cookie of an area called Beast-yeast where the other half of my soul jam resides. So, I have decided I am going on an expedition in Beast-yeast to find the beast cookie that has the other half of my soul jam. I have ordered the Kitchen staff to get this letter to you by breakfast. Do not worry about me, I will return when I meet my other half and when I find out more about Beast-yeast. If I don't return, DON’T burn my kingdom down and please, don’t miss me. It would hurt more thinking you’re agonized at my disappearance.
—-Hollyberry cookie

Pitaya felt that burning feeling again, but this time it wasn’t one of warmth.

It was one of anger and heartsick pain. Pitaya burned the letter when they were done reading it.

“A-are you ok Pitaya Dragon cookie?” Princess Cookie asked, patting them on the back.

“I…”Pitaya replied, about to cry, “I need to go.”

Pitaya ran out of the castle crying profusely, the pain that they felt deep inside hurt so bad; worse than any battle scar that they had ever earned.

They flew out of the castle back to the Dragons Valley and to their nest still crying.

“W-why did ssshe have to l-l-leave…” Pitaya said to themselves through unbroken tears.

Pitaya sat there angry and miserable; How could a great dragon like Pitaya Dragon cookie care so much about a singular cookie?

And yet there they were,

Crying over Hollyberry, like a fool.

“Puyaa?” A small dragon voice echoed in the distance.

Three familiar figures appeared in the distance approaching Pitaya’s nest.

“I knew Princess Cookie said the situation was bad but I didn’t think it was THIS bad!” Royal Margarine blurted out.

“Tarte Tatin, Royal Margarine, and Sssnapdragon?!” Pitaya got up and wiped the tears off their face, “What are you doing here?”

“We wanted to visit the castle again today since Dragon city has been pretty peaceful lately,” Tarte Tatin replied, “However when we got there, Princess cookie said you were in distress, that's why we’re here.”

“So,” Tarte Tatin sat near Pitaya, “Just what happened?”

Snapdragon and Royal Margarine both sat down next to Pitaya. Despite all that had happened today Pitaya felt a little better knowing that others were willing to listen, even if Hollyberry was still gone.

“Wpua?” Snapdragon piped in, they also seemed to want to hear Pitaya’s frustrations.

“Ssshe left the kingdom.” Pitaya vented, “Again.

“To go where?” Royal Margarine questioned, “I thought she intended to stay in the kingdom for a lot longer!”

“Beassst-yeassst.” Pitaya Dragon cookie rolled their eyes, “To find her ssso-called other half.”

“Well if she had to leave without saying goodbye then it must be important.” Tarte Tatin said.

“I know, but I can’t believe ssshe just left!” Pitaya continued, now angry, “All ssshe left wasss a note sssaying where ssshe went! SSShe didn’t even bother to tell me goodbye in perssson!”

“Maybe I ssshould just burn down her entire kingdom!” Pitaya rambled on, “Clearly ssshe doesssn’t care enough! Then next I’ll burn every cooki-”

“OR maybe you could just; y’know,” Royal Margarine stated, cutting off Pitaya, “Look for her?”

Tarte Tatin and Snapdragon both quickly nodded in agreement.

“Oh yeah, I could do that!” Pitaya replied in an innocent voice.

Both Royal Margarine and Tarte tatin sighed in exhaustion. Meanwhile, Snapdragon had managed to steal Royal Margarine's butter knife and was smacking it on a nearby rock.

“Pyuula!” Snapdragon shouted trying to get Pitaya Dragon cookie’s attention.

Pitaya walked over to where Snapdragon was standing and smashed the rock they were hitting.

“THAT isss how you break a rock child!” Pitaya said confidently.

“You seem much better now!” Tarte Tatin chucked to herself, “When do you plan to head to Beast-Yeast?”

“Asss sssoon asss possssible!” Pitaya got up and stretched, “I plan to ssshow Hollyberry cookie’sss other half a piece of my mind!”

“Alright then!” Royal Margarine added, “Go do what you dragons do when you’re yearning for someone!”

“What?” Pitaya asked dumbfounded.

“Y’know,” Royal Margarine laughed “When you lov-”

“HA!” Pitaya cackled, “A dragon like me would never-”

Pitaya paused and thought about Royal Margarine’s statement. Why was Pitaya Dragon cookie getting so emotional about Hollyberry’s disappearance in the first place? But, most odd of all…

Why did they want her back?

It’s not like Pitaya didn’t care about Hollyberry cookie, but why are they missing her so much now? Pitaya didn’t know.

No matter how many times they sparred, argued or just threw insults at each other, Pitaya and Hollyberry still cared for one another.

What confused Pitaya was the list as well, they never thought about it but now Pitaya had a million questions most of them being…

Why?

Why did Hollyberry care so much about Pitaya? Why did Hollyberry want Pitaya to be around? Why did Hollyberry seem to have the heart to accept anyone no matter the past, even Pitaya Dragon cookie?

But, most importantly; Why did Pitaya feel that warm burning feeling inside their heart even if they weren’t mad?

 

At first Pitaya had simply thought it was the feeling of embarrassment; after all it first happened when they were bathing with Hollyberry cookie, but recently it was feeling nicer, calmer, happier almost…

Perfect.

They didn’t want to call it love, for a great dragon like themselves it would be foolish to fall in love with a normal cookie.

But Hollyberry cookie was different; she was kind, strong, passionate, immortal, understanding, beautiful…

Everything Pitaya could ever want; and now she is gone.

“Pitaya Dragon cookie?” Tarte Tatin cookie asked, snapping Pitaya out of their haze, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah you kinda blanked out there for a second.” Royal Margarine added.

“I’m alright.” Pitaya sighed, “I just want my old sssparring partner back!”

“Ok then, good luck!” Royal Margarine and Tarte Tatin cookie both said in unison.

“Buyyya!” Snapdragon eagerly waved Pitaya goodbye as the trio left the nest.

Pitaya set their eyes to the sky and flew back to the castle in order to announce their departure to Beast-yeast.

_________________________________________________________________

 

Pitaya flung the doors of the Hollyberry castle open, it was significantly less busy than before but an announcement still must be made.

“Pitaya Dragon cookie you’re back!” Princess Cookie said, sprinting over to them. “Are you feeling any better?”

“Of courssse I am!” Pitaya shouted confidently, “Dragonsss like me never get sssad for too long!”

“That’s great news!” Princess Cookie said, “So, are you going to head back to where you rest or…”

“I plan to explore Beassst-Yeassst.” Pitaya replied, facing the door, “I mussst find Hollyberry cookie.”

“WHAT?!” Princess Cookie screamed, “But what if you get hurt, or what if Hollyberry isn’t there, or what if-”

“I will be fine.” Pitaya reassured Princess Cookie, “ All you need to do isss ensssure that thisss place is spotlesssss from my gloriousss return!”

“Can Knight Cookie and I come with you?” Princess cookie requested holding her scepter, “I also want to find my parents…”

“No, you ssshould ssstay back, it would be unwissse to bring you along.” Pitaya replied.

“Alright then, come back safe!” Princess Cookie said as she waved them goodbye.

Pitaya walked out of the castle doors and waved Princess cookie goodbye, then they flew to the skies.

Time to find Beast-Yeast.

________________________________________________________________

 

After sometime flying around Pitaya finally found it, the area was a warm pink and sang soft melodies in its general area Pitaya could hear it even from the sky.

Was this the so-called “Beast-Yeast” Hollyberry cookie had to take the whole kingdom just to defeat? It looked more like a peaceful garden to Pitaya Dragon cookie.

Once they finally landed there was a large barrier to the entrance, even if the place seemed inviting the monsters in the area indicated otherwise; the enemies were no match for Pitaya but it made them confused.

Pitaya wondered how to get into the domain, it's not like the answer was clear as day but they had a few guesses.

Maybe the Garden responded to wishes? Pitaya had thought deep down what they wanted.

Power? Too harsh…

Land? Too broad…

Stew? Too plain…

Hollyberry cookie? Now that would do!

There was nowhere near the garden’s gates that showed it accepted Pitaya’s wish, all they heard was the soft melodies of sloth.

Just then a large pink smog covered their vision blinding them with sweet smells and a bright light.

When Pitaya opened their eyes they laughed to themselves. They finally got into the garden. It was quiet and very pink with all its ways to get someone to accept sloth; But finally Pitaya was inside!

Now is the time to find Hollyberry cookie.

Chapter Text

~Chapter 5~

The gardens seemed to twist and turn Pitaya in different directions. The paths always ended up in the same muddled juice river.

This place was a maze.

At this point Pitaya was fed up with the same sugar sculptures leading them down the wrong path and sweet scents that messed with their head.

“WHERE ISSS SSSHE?!” Pitaya Dragon cookie yelled.

They held their weapon and swung it at a nearby tree causing the area around it to burst into flames. Their ruckus caused nearby sugar angels to look in distress and run off into the woodlands of the garden, but Hollyberry was still nowhere to be seen.

Pitaya considered burning down the whole garden in search of Hollyberry cookie; it wouldn't really concern them if the whole thing had gone up in smoke.

It’s what they would have done in any other situation.

But Pitaya decided to keep searching in hopes that Hollyberry would appear. However the warping area of the garden still seemed intent that Pitaya stayed in the same slothful maze.

The sun in the garden didn’t seem to set, so Pitaya had no sense of day and night. Nor could they tell how long they had been searching for Hollyberry cookie.

Pitaya sat down on a convenient sugar stone and considered giving up. It was pointless looking for Hollyberry with the garden actively making every move Pitaya made twist into sweet whispers of sloth.

Pitaya decided to explore the garden more; just to see how to even leave. The graden’s trees ever so slightly parted to reveal the rest of the domain.

It was more of a plains area with lakes of soothing jam and juice encompassing the entire garden, a large smiling heart stood at the center with six angel wings put at its sides.

“Thisss place isss far too freaky for anyone to ssstay in…” Pitaya murmured to themselves, backing away from the creepy heart.

More sugar angels flew around the garden, some were talking, others were picking berries and a few were even sleeping in the juice rivers.

“What are you looking for in the land of sloth?” One of the sugar angels asked, floating over to Pitaya.

“Sssomeone you don’t need to know about.” Pitaya replied looking into the distance.

“If you’re looking for the Bringer of Happiness she’s with her other half!” The sugar angel replied oblivious to Pitaya’s drained face.

“WHERE?!” Pitaya screamed with heightened interest.

“I…” The sugar angel fumbled with the berry basket she was holding, “I-I don’t think s-she would appreciate-“

“Lisssten you flying rat.” Pitaya said, pointing their weapon and the cowering sugar angel, “If you don’t tell me where your leader isss I will persssonally burn thisss place to the ground.”

“I-I but-” The sugar angel stammered.

“NOW.” Pitaya growled.

“S-she’s at the Heart of the Garden!” The sugar angel was shaking with fear, “P-please don't hurt me!”

Pitaya flew off without giving the sugar angel a proper answer. The heart of the garden wasn’t exactly hidden but exactly where Hollyberry would be inside of it was the real issue.

Pitaya landed in another area of dense forest, the trees here looked different…

Almost like all of the beast's power had been used to warp them to show her true desires of sloth and ignorance.

Pitaya was sure The Bringer was here recently. Their journey all around the Garden of Delights was somehow tiring Pitaya out, the sickeningly sweet scents seemed to catch back up to them, and Pitaya felt like they were being watched from the shadows; even the snakes seemed to be looking at them with a scowling look, then would slither back into the undergrowth of the garden.

It was getting far too overwhelming, the smells and sights of the garden already creeped Pitaya out, but now in the center of the domain; melodies of sloth wreaked havoc in their mind.

Pitaya fell to their knees with all that was happening in their head. The Heart of the Garden brought back all of Pitaya’s recent painful memories; First It was the embarrassing time with Hollyberry and the bath, next it was when Hollyberry was yelling at them for burning a dress back at the boutique, then it was Hollyberry’s disappearance.

All of the embarrassing, sad, and painful moments were being thrown back at them, and all with the whispers of sloth constantly being sung through their ear.

Their mind was being overrun with constant smell and noise, Pitaya felt like they were going to pass out.

“Pitaya Dragon cookie?!” A voice sliced through Pitaya’s pain.

Hollyberry was standing there, just as tired and stressed out as Pitaya.

All the initial noise of the garden had quieted and now it was only the two cookies and the muffled sounds of the garden adding to their reunion.

“Hollyberry cookie…” Pitaya said standing up.

“Pitaya, what are you doing here?!” Hollyberry rushed over to Pitaya putting her arm on their shoulder to check if they were ok.

“You left…” Pitaya said softly.

Hollyberry cookie moved her hand to hold Pitaya’s cheek; The dragon was startled by the sudden movement but allowed themselves to rest in her hand.

The burning feeling from before had returned; it was warm and calming again. Pitaya’s face glowed a warm red under Hollyberry’s touch.

“You didn’t have to look for me.” Hollyberry ushered Pitaya to sit down with her in the grass of the secluded garden.

“I didn’t know when you would return.” Pitaya responded, “And I didn’t want to wait again.”

“You…” Hollyberry’s soft smile had turned to a sorrowful frown, “You shouldn’t have come, the beast cookie; my other half would hunt you down if she knew you were here.”

“Ssso?” Pitaya refuted, “I would hunt her down all the sssame if ssshe wasss trapping you in thisss dump.”

Hollyberry chuckled to herself which caused Pitaya to also start laughing.

The moment felt calming; like a nice break in a long sparring match.

“Where isss your ssshield?” Pitaya asked amidst the calming moment.

“The Bringer of Happiness; Eternal sugar cookie she-” Hollyberry was cut off by a voice in the distance.

“Ooh Hollyberry cookie~” The voice had a soft melody as the smells of sweet sugar filled the air, “Where are youuu~”

The area filled with pink smog as a cookie stepped into view. She had long curly pink hair, and wore a white tunic. She had two pairs of wings with a glowing halo and devil’s tail.

She was Eternal Sugar cookie.

“There you are~” Eternal Sugar cookie turned to look at Pitaya with a disapproving look, “Who is this?”

Pitaya Dragon cookie stood up and put themselves in between Hollyberry and held their weapon at the Beast

“I am Pitaya Dragon cookie,” Pitaya snarled, “I am here to get Hollyberry back!”

“What a foolish idea.” Eternal Sugar dropped her soft facade, “Hollyberry cookie will be perfectly happy in sweet sloth!”

“Do not forget who you are talking to, cookie.” Pitaya held a flame in their palm, “I am a legendary dragon, capable of reducing thisss illusssion of happinessss to dussst!”

“Ahh, that explains it~” Eternal Sugar cookies frown turned to a deceptive smile, “Your kind is NOT welcome in my Garden of Delights!”

Pitaya Dragon cookie swung their weapon at Eternal sugar cookie but she evaded the attack causing a row of trees to fall down in a burst of flame.

Eternal Sugar cookie quickly flew over to Hollyberry cookie and held her hand as a swarm of sugar angels deployed more pink smog in the area.

“It is truly a shame that you can’t experience the beauty of sloth~” Eternal Sugar cookie said returning to her soft voice, “Alas I guess I will have to put you with the others…”

As the smog blinded their field of view, Pitaya heard Eternal Sugar cookie angrily mumble something about a blue clown before they lost consciousness.