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The once peaceful Vanilla kingdom was now busier than usual. With an upcoming war with Dark Entrancess, the preparation was necessary.
Mental and physical, it was not easy. Especially not for Pure Vanilla to meet up in a war again. He can't let her win, he can't make the same mistake.
,,Pure Vanilla, everything is ready, but I think we will need more supplies of food and magic equipment."
Black Raisin came to the Lily Garden, where Pure Vanilla usually was. He was not relaxing, not this time. He had a lot of plans and a lot of work. He was looking at the maps of the Beast Yeast and island where Dark Entrancess's lair was supposed to be. And marking, mapping any possible ways in. But there were also some... pawns on the table?
,, Thank you Black Raisin, I will tell Espresso and Wizard."
,,Of course Pure Vanilla. And are those..?"
,,Hm? Oh! Heh, yeah."
Black Raisin tilted her head a little, she didn't know Pure Vanilla knew how to play chess. Not to mention, he never really played chess.
,,You know how to play?"
,,A chess? Well, I practiced a little. From the Spire, a lot happened. It's fun though."
Black Raisin hummed, almost like considering what to say next. Of course, there was no time for games, they were in war. They needed to prepare and make a plan.
,,Wanna be my opponent?"
Black Raisin's head perked up. Looking at Pure Vanilla like he just announced a new continent.
,,What?"
,, Wanna be my opponent? You deserve a break Black Raisin."
She wanted to protest, but she stopped herself. He was right, she needed a break. But she couldn't just sit. War was coming.
But she sat down beside Pure Vanilla. And with a smile held two pieces.
,,Black or White?"
,,...Black, I guess."
,,Alright, well I start."
And the game began. Strategy, logic. Anything to make sure Pure Vanilla will not capture her king.
Pure Vanilla looked calm, too calm. Black Raisin could quite understand it. How is he chill? How is he now worrying about the strategy.
...
,,Checkmate"
He won.
,,You really practiced. Good game."
,,Haha, thank you Black Raisin. But I won just because you are way too tense."
Black Raisin blinked once, twice. Then...
,,Eh?"
Pure Vanilla just chuckled and started putting chess pieces back to its place.
,,You are way too tense. Under the pressure is hard to work, or?"
,,... Right, you are right..."
,,Hm, let's try again. Just...calm down."
It was hard to believe and to be calm. There's a chance she, him and everyone in their journey will crumble for their homes and cookies their loves dearly. But, Vanilla was right. Strategy, she needed strategy, and thinking under pressure is not good.
With a deep breath, she tried to calm her racing thoughts, she had a match to win.
...
,,Checkmate, Vanilla."
,,Heh, good game."
,,Yeah... yeah really a good game."
Pure Vanilla smiled and stood up, moving the stool away. His expression is calm, but with hints of that something was almost like bothering him.
,,You are an amazing warrior Black Raisin, loyal and determined one. And I cherish and appreciate everything you have done for me and the villagers."
Black Raisin also stood up, a little bit taken back by Pure Vanilla's words. It wasn't surprising, but still so flustering.
,,... Thank you.... thank you Pure Vanilla."
,,No, I must thank you, for your bravery. Which is why, I want to give you this."
He took out a little piece of jewelry, a simple one but it was still pretty, almost enchanted. Black Raisin could feel the warm and gentle aura coming from it, Pure Vanilla's magic.
,,I made it my way from Beast Yeast to Crispia when I was coming home from Shadow Milk's domain. I made it for everyone, and I already have it to them, but, I want to give it to you too."
,,...Pure Vanilla...."
,, Black Raisin, please take this. I believe you will fight for every life on Earthbread, for peace and a better world. So here is my blessing, my blessing that I now offer you."
Black Raisin hesitated for a while, until she took it. The warmth spell was enough to make her muscles relax.
,,Thank you, Pure Vanilla."
,,Your welcome, Black Raisin."
And for a moment, it was like war wasn't even there, just a moment as Pure Vanilla was still a Healer.