Chapter Text
Screams rang out through the dark halls.
Anguished cries of those deceived, echoing loudly, followed by a maniacal cry, their wails fizzling out.
The wrongness in the air was potent. Filled with the foul scent of jam, stained by the horrific sight of jam and crumbs scattered about.
It made the little cookie petrified. Made his knees feel weak and tremble violently.
Any reasonable cookie would've turned back and run. Not follow the trail of gore leading closer to the awful cries. But he wasn't thinking reasonably in the moment.
No he was seeking. Desperate to find him. Who you may ask? Well, he wasn't quite sure himself. In fact, he wasn't sure of much in the moment. Why was he so small here? Why was he dressed in heavy robes that made him stumble with every step, stained with jam? But none of this concerned him as of now.
Tears blurred his already sensitive vision as tiny hands wiped at them. His hair drooped messily over his face, bits of it melting off from his immense stress.
Where…Where was he? (Who was he? Who was he yearning for?)
Where was Papa (No one)?
He was so scared. He was so very frightened. He needed him.
He would make it better…he would hold him, cradle him. Let him nestle into those silky robes hiding from all the dangers of the scary world.
But first, he had to find him. Had to reach him after so long.
The laughter drew even closer, making his heart beat rapidly with terror, the baking soda bitter as he swallowed it back. His whole being was utterly trembling as he paused near the wall, peaking over the corner at the sight of his destination.
Through the darkness, flickers of light shone through the crack in a doorway. The sounds of laughter were so strong that they made his ears ring.
His instincts were screaming at him to turn back. To not open that door, but he was too stubborn to listen. Too desperate for the feeling of warmth to escape the chill of the tower.
His footsteps were slow and quiet. Every move delicate and terrifying. He didn't want to draw attention to whatever was inside. But as he took another step, he froze at the feeling of something warm and wet. Residue sticking against him as he lifted his foot. Jam…
His eyes widened, his very soul curling with dread. He bit his tongue to prevent himself from screaming. Stumbled against the wall as he stared down at the fresh jam seeping from beneath the doorway.
His eyes brimmed with tears glossing over once more.
Papa.
Papa.
Papa. Please come out I'm scared…
His gaze fixed back on the door. If…If he was behind there…then. Was…was he hurt?
His lips felt dry against his tongue as he focused on regaining confidence in himself. Truly there was no reason to him why he was so fixated on this nobody he had never known. But at this time it didn't matter he wasn't even in control.
It was a struggle not trip against the door with how slippery the floor was, but he grappled onto the handle before he could fall. Pressing against it for support. Composing himself, nimble fingers reached over grasping the edge of the door. Slowly and cautiously he peeled back the old stale door with an eerie creak.
The truth behind the barrier was one he would soon regret seeing. His breath stifled, eyes large and filled with terror, zeroing in on the massacre beforehand.
Strings hung about through the room, crumbling remains of cookies dangling in the air like puppets. All ricocheting in a grotesque rhythm. Some still clung to life, begging for mercy. But the play master here did not offer any.
The master was something monstrous, to never be seen. A shadowy mass of countless eyes, gleaming blue. All crinkled upwards in sadistic glee at its malevolent torture.
The child could only watch paralyzed in fear as a clawed hand plucked at the nearest string. Lifting it high with the bound cookies within the ravelings crying and screaming out, before with words uttered he couldn't make out, the entity launched it forward.
The tightness of the strings sliced through the victim's dough easily, like butter against a knife. Jam splashed to the floor with each sway of crumbs breaking apart.
Drip.
Drip.
Each splatter fills out into an ocean of crimson.
The puppeteer all but grinned wide, sharp teeth and all. Utter joy at the sight.
Numbness subsided in the boy's quivering legs, finally listened to his conscience. Run. Run.
His hands slipped away from the door as he very slowly backed away, holding his breath at the fear of alerting it…
He grasped at his robes tightly creeping back, only for a wrong step. A twist of his ankle made him slip and land with a loud thud.
Silence. The laughter stopped.
Shadows melted through the seams of the door, the eyes staring at him with intensity. He didn't care to comprehend the expression, as with tears in his eyes, he scrambled onto his feet and ran.
He didn't have a planned direction, any safe path to get away from the eldritch behind him. Not with the countless circling he made in the ever-changing Spire. All he had were his feet running aimlessly trying to evade the monster behind.
But escaping was futile with how the shadows were always ahead of him. His eyes were overflowing with tears of terror.
He skittered around a corner seeing a large curtain between a pillar. Without thinking he darted over ducking underneath it. He covered himself moving as close to the wall as possible, trying desperately to ease his panicked breathing.
"F̷̫͍̰̮ͯǐ̴̴̺̪̰̰͓͈̩̥͕̌ͩ́̓͆̍̌ͭ̈͜͢͟ͅź̯̟͓̲̟̰͂̌̿̽͟͡ž̴͖̞̘͚̲̽ͪ͆̿̑͆̒͊́̀͑ͮ̌̿͘͘͡i̷̡̼̟̪̖͚̹͙̎ͪͫ̋ͧͭ̂́͌͌͜͞n̴̶̵̢̡̢̢̥̹̯̻̠͎̞͓̬̘̝̋̈́͋ͬ̏ͯ̈͂ͥ̆͊͊ͤ́̿ͨ̔ͭ̇̓̃̂̕̚͟͞͞ͅḡ̵̸̷̢̙̮͚͈̗̹͕̼͓̳̖͔̜͙̲ͧͥ̐̊ͣ̈̍ͦ̓̋͋̐ͅ S̢̡̲̭͔͈̻̤̼̠̝̅͐͌ͮ̀ͥͣ̆̄̈́͂̈́̕̚͜͢͜͞͠ͅt̺͓̩̗̉a̜͉͇͕̘̩͇ͭ̑̆̾̾̇̂̒ͯ̈ͯ̆̔̔͋̕͢r̖̥̈́̿ͯ̆̓_̷̠̤̦̣̯̣̳̐͆̊̿̄͑ͨͣ̚͟͠_̸̨ͪ̾̏̚͝ Ć̶̭̯͎o̪͍̱̖͛ͫ͐̕_̵̛͍̤̟̘̪͐ͥ͆̕͢͜͟͝o_̻̀ͦ̅k̷̢̡͈̫̘͙̭̙̤̠̐̈́̈́̿̾͐ͨ̿̈́ͮ͊ͦ́ͯ̐͘͟͞ĩ̫̦̼̲̝̯ͮ̀͐͌ͩͅ_̸̵̨̡̪̟͉̟͕̝͙̪̯̠̠̋ͣ̆͗ͦͫ̃ͩͬ͘͡ͅͅe̵̱̝̲̭̗͌ͦ͛ͭ̚!̶̡̼̥̥̙͓̹͚͔̜ͮ͌̔̋̇̓!̦̫͘!ͤ!̵̧̨̼̭͖̥̻̱̱̖̥̹͕͍͍̫͉̃̂͒̇͛̈ͤ͒͐̎̓̆͐̃̈̌̔̑̌́̿̃͋̕͡͠_̄͊!̢̨̼͉̣̟͚̹̠̙̼̟͕̩̰̺̦̺̰̅͊̈́͆ͮ̃ͤ́̓̂ͦ͂̑̎̓̆ͮ̔̓̓̚͜͟͢
Distorted voices rang out indescribably close, eyes melting into the surroundings creating pitch blackness. A void of pupils all around searching for him anxiously.
"Baby dough….come out please." The voice clearer now called out "I didn't mean to frighten you…"
Its intent was soothing, but it didn't phase him to come out. All it did was make him whimper, curling in on himself trying to avoid detection.
"Child, come out now." The voice spoke again this time with much more authority.
He shivered sniffling into his knees hoping for some peace, only to hear the rings of the curtain slide away. His head snapped up, fright all he could feel at being bare to the monster. He waited for the strike, to be ripped apart by the jam-stained claws.
But it did not come.
The touch was that of gentleness. The warmth of hands that committed such atrocities only cupped his face. He couldn't understand. Couldn't mentally describe the sensations of it.
He was plucked off the ground in the midst of his shock and pulled into a protective embrace of the entity. Feeling the shadows so utterly frightening curl around him, eyes lowered in a sense of sorrow.
"You naughty thing…being out of bed so late…" The monster scolded him as a thumb reached wiping away a tear. His head was pushed against his chest, hearing soft murmurs of reassurance.
What was this? Why did it feel so…right? So comforting…so content.
It was so foreign. So strange. Almost as strange as the way flowers started to sprout all of a sudden, when the creature trembled hitching back on his breath. Weeping in his own misery.
Why…why did he feel such pity? Feel such utter sympathy and fondness for this beast.
Why did he….
"WIZARD COOKIE!!!"
His eyes snapped open at the call of his name, launching himself up gasping for air from such a startling awakening. He could feel chills running through his dough, dried tears staining his face. His hair was dripping with forward heaviness.
What. What happened? Oh ovens…oh ovens.
Again. It happened again didn't it? But worse than last time. This time it felt so real. So warm…and frightening.
But now he was back to the emptiness and coldness as he always was. He was awake.
He blinked slowly feeling clarity dawn upon him. A dream. A dream again…
Wizard Cookie sighed into his hands trying to breathe steadily. His head was pounding, his chest aching.
He whimpered out in sorrow at the loss of it. At the effects of always waking up in such a panic.
Why. Why.
Knocking made him jolt up from his slump, fixing his vision on the door of his cabin.
"Wizard Cookie!!!" Gingerbrave's muffled shout came through.
"Uh…yes?" He asked without much thought confused by the incessant knocking.
"Oh, you're awake!"
Obviously.
"Well, good morning, hah!" The cheerful tone shot out, much to the annoyance of his headache.
"Good morning…" He mumbled, rubbing his temples to try to soothe the pain inside.
"I came to tell you there's some breakfast out here, in case you want some!!" Gingerbrave continued to eagerly shout out oblivious to his friend's distress.
Typical. All optimistic and lively even with such an awful sleep schedule. While he was forced to endure, tiredness and fatigue every day.
"Alright…I'll be out soon." He said, moving his legs out from under the covers.
"Okay!!" Gingerbrave replied before the sound of footsteps running away faded.
With a deep inhale he settled onto the side of his bed, wiping away the annoying tears.
He reached out for his scarf and glasses alongside the nightstand wrapping the scarf comfortably around his neck and adjusting his glasses along the rim of his nose.
Finally, with much urging himself, Wizard Cookie staggered onto his feet feeling how worn he was with the lack of nutrition.
Shaking his head to clear the mist of dizziness, he moved forward grasping his staff, which leaned against the window, leaning his weight against it for support. He was always so sluggish after such awful dreams.
He breathed in trying to gain control of himself. The grasp upon his staff tightened so hard his tan knuckles paled.
Just focus Wizard…. He thought. There are more important things to do right now. We can worry about this stuff later…we just need to focus now….
With composure in a facade he had carefully crafted any stress once present faded into normality. Focus replaying in his head like a record.
He glanced out the window for an answer at the time of day. Seeing that the sky had darkened, shading into a violet sunset. Huh, he really slept that long? It did make sense he supposed, being up till early in the morning yesterday. The time change overlapping through their flight leaving him disconnected from a regular sleep schedule. Day and night mixed interchangeably it seemed.
Time zones were very bizarre.
Even with how exhausted he felt right now he was still awake and ready to help. No excuses for weird dreams, leaving him with meaningless turmoil.
He had to help. It was an important job. Besides, who else would make sure they were charting on the right course? Making sure all was for the expedition.
It was only such that a keen and capable mind such as his would.
Though even with his strategic, amazing mapping abilities, unfortunately nothing of Beast Yeast had been seen. For the past few days, it had been a repetition of the seemingly endless licorice sea below. The black abyss of waves crashing together through the horizon. No sign of the continent at all.
It felt almost aimless. Like they would forever be flying to nowhere. He hoped not. He was dying to get off this flying contraption. Aching for release from a prison of the same rooms, same place. No opening.
Stray away from the suffocation of an atmosphere he returned to once waking.
But, it was worth it in the end. All this effort searching for the darkness sickening the cookie world. To bring it down once and for all. It had to be done. It was destiny.
It was fate to bring Cookiekind to a new age of peace and prosperity. Harmony in connection. Where everyone could be together happily. Right?
It was something he wanted to believe and yet…it was getting even harder to trust in this promise.
It was becoming impossible to feel any sense of hope, in a cause already beginning to detach itself from him. A statement that left barely anything inside anymore.
Unity? It was all becoming more and more nonsensical as time went on.
It was selfish to think. A terrible flaw inside to think of such a sweet concept as a ludicrous one.
But even then he couldn't help it. Over the past two years, he had felt it. The unraveling of his bonds with those he loved. The realization of how much more isolated he was becoming.
How insignificant he was in the grand scheme of things.
Where could he even begin? It was such a long story. A long time of running and seeking. Growth and development. Finding and fading.
It had just been the three of them before all of this. Three kids barely even fresh out of the oven running for their lives. Fighting from the moment of birth to live.
There was Gingerbrave, Strawberry Cookie, and him. Conjoined at the hip. A friendship strengthened by months together, trusting and believing in each other that they would make it out. That they would be free. For a while they were. They had prevailed escaping the hands of the witch, discovering the world that lay beyond, founding a kingdom together, and meeting new friends. It was perfect. It was quaint just as it should've been. Just them going on adventures together...
But the peaceful life had soon begun to crumble around him.
It all began to fall apart after a cake-hound had stolen their kingdom's crown. They had run as quickly as they could after it, scouring every day for it within the woods. But their search had incidentally led them to a mysterious cookie instead. One who called herself White Lily Cookie. And then a quest began to search for a Vanilla Kingdom. Challenges of worth, fighting off foes who would come back united with an even greater evil. Accidentally unleashing the mistress of all said evil, Dark Enchantress Cookie. Being consequently transported to the Vanilla Kingdom. Finding the old ruler, Pure Vanilla Cookie, who had regained himself in discovering the truth again.
He could go on. Go on about how even with an upbeat spirit he went on these perilous adventures searching for the ancient heroes dear friends. Go on about how he was now on his way to a continent told to be filled with creatures of old age. Eldritch horrors beyond his own comprehension. But he didn't want to. All that mattered now was how much he was starting to lament it.
Wizard Cookie was starting to really regret even running after that pathetic mutt.
Had he known how alone he would become then he would've never chased after it. Never finding the Vanilla Kingdom, never meeting Pure Vanilla Cookie, and going on all these ridiculous missions.
It was maddening to watch everything he adored slowly drift away.
His friends are growing older, taller. Becoming more independent, making new connections.
It shouldn't have bothered him. He was always a recluse at heart. A loner who is confined to the comfort of spells and studying. But these were his best friends, his family...you could say. They had been together all their lives (Right?). It was only them for so long. But now…now it was different.
Their paths were splitting, different directions calling out to them leaving him behind in the process.
Strawberry Cookie was becoming an up-and-coming game designer. She was slowly growing out of her shell, finding a love in coding, finding creativity in her infinite love for video games. Enthusiastic about creating games for cookies to enjoy as much as she had.
Gingerbrave was rarely ever in the kingdom anymore it seemed. Always called off somewhere, always being a hero. Hero. Pure Vanilla had said so himself, how Gingerbrave how he had untied back his friends, how he had saved him from himself. Oh how amazing he was.
Wizard Cookie hated how much it saddened him, how jealous it made him feel. But it did leave a knot unraveling within.
Envy gnawed at him. Dwindling deep inside his dough. It wasn't fair! He and Strawberry had done just as much and been through just as much as he. Hearing the way the healer had praised him during the council meeting had made him grip his staff a bit too tightly. Made him want to point out how they had done just as much as he had. But he didn’t. He just sat there silent staring at his lap, feeling a grudge twisting within his chest. His eyes scrunch too tightly, his hands puncturing into his wand.
He had paced the guest room that night, his mind racing with an inability to calm down from all the confronting feelings internally.
Memorizing spells melting into vicious thoughts he had never conceived before. The fact of the matter was it didn't make much sense why Pure Vanilla was so set on Gingerbrave.
He was just as smart. If not more than him. He held magical abilities Gingerbrave could only dream of. Why was it always Gingerbrave? Why couldn’t he be adored like him-
No! Wait why would he think such a thing? Why would he ever be so cruel to his oldest friend, allowing such spite to control his words?
Maybe it was grief. Maybe he was feeling angry for the fact Gingerbrave had something…he didn't…
He didn't even know what it was. Or how to tackle fixing it. Maybe that was why he strung onto those dreams so much…why he was so empty when waking up.
Yes, they were messed up. Yes, they scared him so badly it made him choke for breath but…
They kept him content in a world that was slowly forgetting him. Why wouldn't they forget him? Eventually, everyone would.
It happened before.
Aside from magic what did he have? An abundance of knowledge that was too much to share? Spells that only he could use?
What was so special about him?…
He furrowed his brows shaking his head to clear such dismay from his thoughts. Nope, now was not the time for such self-pity. He had a job to do, he couldn't let such irreverential things envelop his mind.
He had to be calm and focused, he couldn't ever let these stupid feelings cloud him. He wasn't some sniveling little boy, he was grown enough to know better. After all Pure Vanilla had insisted they join him and Gingerbrave on this expedition, and that had to mean something!
Though in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but think how strange the request was. Wouldn't it make more sense that the healer would want some stronger more useful cookies, like guards? But the boy supposed that he wanted them there for support and after all they had already done so much for him already…it was only fair. And perhaps they could spend more time together like they used to.
He sure wished for them too.
With this hope in mind, he took another slow breath, brushing back a strand of hair, between his ear. Agitation to write out all he had seen in the dream prattling inside but he ignored it.
He was alright. Everything was fine. Calm now he opened the door exiting his room.
The smell of delightful sweets invaded his senses. Jellyberries, hot and steamy just freshly cooked. It made his stomach growl as he walked into the galley.
His friends were settled at the table, the jellyberries centered in the middle cover in gooey syrup. Gingerbrave absorbed in scarfing down his food as much as possible only paused upon noticing Wizard Cookie's presence.
"Wizard Cookie, you're finally up!!" He spoke cheerfully, not even bothered by his mouthful of food.
The mage's face scrunched in disgust and annoyance at the display. He sighed reaching for a plate to place the berries onto.
"Yes, I know shocking…good morning again. And Gingerbrave?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you not talk with your mouth full…it's gross."
"Oh hehe, sorry about that." The brave cookie spoke out bashfully, incidentally doing it again as he apologized.
Wizard Cookie rolled his eyes with a huff.
Typical absentminded Gingerbrave he thought humorously setting down across from him, taking a bite of the berry. Goodness, the sweetness made him almost sigh in bliss.
As he continued to eat that's when he noticed the silence coming from Strawberry. Not a single word was uttered throughout the past few minutes. She was sitting next to him, head limp on the table.
Not again. She had been up too much again coding hadn't she? He frowned placing down his spoon, eyeing Gingerbrave who paused eating upon noticing. They both glanced back at her before he nodded at Wizard Cookie.
He gently shook her.
"Strawberry Cookie? Are you awake?" He called out. The girl groaned out as she was shaken awake. She peered her head up blinking bleary at her unknown surroundings.
"Strawberry Cookie are you alright?" Gingerbrave asked worriedly.
"Mm…Wizard Cookie? Gingerbrave?" She muttered sleepily looking at the two and then around the galley."Is it night yet?.."
Wizard Cookie blinked at the statement. "It's morning."
"Oh…" She stared down at her hands ashamed that she was so out of it.
"Were you up late again Strawberry Cookie?" Gingerbrave said with a sad expression.
The girl nodded with a yawn resting the side of her face against the table. "I was trying to code in this new level in and I…I guess I lost track of time."
Always overworking herself, Wizard Cookie pursed his lips with concern at the sight.
"Maybe you should go lie down Strawberry…it’s been a long flight already.” He said softly.
“N-no it’s alright I’m fine.” She smiled wearily moving to her bowl to eat. He nodded backing off knowing she wouldn’t budge.
He returned to his food taking in the quiet pleasantness of just the three of them together even if in silence. It was a nice shift from the anxiety plaguing him. In this moment of rest, a small smile had begun to seep onto his face.
It had, until gentle footsteps gave way. The sound graceful and poised could only belong to one cookie. Then everything went back into place, and he stopped smiling. His eyes darting down at the bowl before him.
"Pure Vanilla Cookie good morning!!!" Gingerbrave exclaimed excitedly, not caring about the mouthful.
"Good morning, my friends…" The soothing voice came out. Filled with sweetness and warmth, with a tent of tiredness. Because of that last detail, he did turn his attention to the healer. He looked like he hadn't slept a wink.
Everyone was having insomnia issues it seemed. This adventure sure was brutal and they hadn't even gotten there.
Pure Vanilla wiped his eyes, giving a pleasant smile towards the children. The eye bags not hiding at all.
"Good morning…" Strawberry yawned out.
Wizard didn't acknowledge his sentiment. Even if so he would remain invisible in Pure Vanilla's eyes. He didn't even know why Strawberry bothered either. It wasn't like their words ever reached his ears. In fact, when was the last time they had actually had a one-on-one conversation with him? Certainly not in months given how much labor maintaining the kingdom while Gingerbrave was running around befriending every living thing.
He sighed dismissively at the pestering conviction rising inside him again.
“We have some jelly berries. Are you hungry at all?” Gingerbrave asked, holding up a bowl of jelly berries with a smile. His eyes were sparkling so bright that Wizard Cookie could've sworn they would shoot out fireworks.
Pure Vanilla hesitated at the bowl, his orchid staff's pupil widening at the sweet display. He smiled merrily shaking his head.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not hungry right now.”
Of course, he would decline. He always did Wizard noticed…and it worried him a bit. But then again who was he to say? It wasn't his place, he shouldn't.
He wasn't. He wasn't close enough…not like him and Gingerbrave were.
Ugh. Why was he even thinking this? He had to focus. He deliberately told himself he would not worry about this today. Then that ever-urging feeling returned. The repression is irking him to write. To write about how warm that dream was, at the same time so very cold. How…how it felt.
Once a chance came he did. He slipped away from prying eyes. Unnoticed as usual. With Gingerbrave staring out eagerly down to the ocean below, Strawberry guiding the helm, and Pure Vanilla lost in thought, there was no halting in his departure.
He crept back towards the cabin room, his hands picking nervously at his dough, mind racing with doubt and concern. He entered, shutting the door behind him quickly. Before hurrying over to his satchel resting against the footboard.
He rummaged through it, pulling out a spell book he had brought along. Well, that was what he had told everyone it was.
But in reality, it was a makeshift journal. A place where he could write all his thoughts, filled with things he would never share with anyone.
He settled at the nightstand grasping at the pencil in the side of his satchel, and began tracing over with practiced ease as all his anxiety swirled through into words.
He wrote out all the secrets meant to be kept dormant forever. Writing out notes of the nightmares to keep track of. Trying to find some sort of meaning for them but never finding any resolution.
The way that dream last night had felt more real than usual, how he could feel the silk. Still feel the coldness forming into warmth. It was more real than ever before. It was honestly chilling. Ever since the first night it had been like that, as if approaching beast yeast was making them worse. A theory he had developed upon waking up in a cold sweat the first time. Adding to the tension of the whole situation.
Why wouldn’t it? This land is described as untamed, filled with even more frightening things than ever seen on Crispia.
Creatures beyond comprehension, still alive and thriving within Beast Yeast. That could be just waiting for them to land, waiting to sink their teeth into his dough, crush him to death. It was so disturbing.
Ugh, this was making his head spin again. His grip on the pen tightened as he dug it deeper into the paper.
Why did he even agree to go? Why did he even give in to the sliver of optimism? He had never felt such wrongness like this before. Never been so unnerved and irritated by something so easy. He just wished he stayed back at this point stay huddled in the old laboratory and practicing different spells.
At least in the dark old lab he could feel some sort of sanctuary. Drawing out magical circles, the light illuminating all around, pure and true. The thrum flowing through his core like a fresh breeze.
But here trapped within this damned aircraft he couldn't do anything. Everything was so secluded, so unnerving. His normally collected self had been slowly cracking. His repressed feelings are rising. And any good magic wielder knew that with no composure magic could go haywire.
Even if he wished he could scream. He could yell out how awful he felt, but he wouldn't. Though the sparks of magic shocked inside he wouldn't. He would never.
With no outlet though writing obsessively regressed his agony. Safely unleashing all his hurt. Keeping these pathetic things forever locked in ink.
Drip.
He blinked in clarity coming through at the sight of ice cream dribbling onto his pages below, smearing his words. Ugh…gross…
Wizard Cookie groaned as the sludge of his hair fell more forward, more strands melting down. His words were ruined. He scoffed straightening up in his chair, moving a hand to reline his hair neatly.
It wasn't as annoying anymore giving he couldn't really stop it when stressed. Plenty of pages within his anxious ramblings were smudged beyond recognition. Lost scriptures of his ever-expanding anxiety of life forever changing. The loneliness of time went on while he remained frozen in place, never evolving, never growing. Always just a mage wasting away in knowledge.
The boy carelessly tossed the pen aside giving up, leaning back in the chair till his head was limp against it. He stared mindlessly up at the ceiling with reluctance. He felt so tired again. His eyes are heavy.
Wizard Cookie could almost feel his head slip back, but he nodded back up. No, not now…
Ugh. He was so restless. Witches, please let this torture end. He needed a distraction. Maybe reading over that one astronomy spell he saw. He needed to add notes on it for later use, it would be particularly exciting to-
Something caught his eye. Through the window through which the desk was situated, he saw land. He sat up quickly eyes wide.
Land finally after so long. With a gasp he jumped from the chair, placing his journal back into the satchel, swinging it around his neck and racing out the door.
"Gingerbrave!" He shouted."Do you see it??"
The boy already looking at the map on the table in the control room nodded.
"Yeah, are we finally here?" He asked.
Wizard Cookie examined the map, finger tracing across the set points. All coordinates lined seamlessly following the correct path, the land below was in the correct direction of the Northeast.
The coordinates were right. They had finally arrived. Finally at Beast Yeast…
"Strawberry, turn the helm right we're taking it down!" Gingerbrave exclaimed, jumping up in excitement.
Wizard Cookie peered out the window watching as the aircraft moved downwards, the land getting closer. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and worry at landing this damned thing after so long. But he also couldn't shake the unease at the prospect as well.
Gingerbrave called out to Pure Vanilla who hadn't moved from his spot since Wizard Cookie had left. He was slumped over against the windowsill, staring solemnly at the floor, not at all responding to his name.
"Uh Pure Vanilla Cookie?" The boy asked again voice louder for the second time. Wizard Cookie watched as the hero remained unfazed by the call, lost deep inside his mind, his dough paling, brows constricting into fear.
"PURE VANILLA COOKIE!!!"Gingerbrave screamed, finally making the vanillian cookie return to present, his orchid blinking rapidly at how startled he was.
"Huh?…G-Gingerbrave?"
The kids were all stunned by the odd behavior, the majestic healer before them breathing shakily, his hand clutched onto his robes. His eyes opened wide, the fuzziness of his pupils filled with alarm.
"Are you okay…?" Strawberry questioned, her voice soft and laced with concern."You're dough it's almost as pale as snow."
It was as if all the color had left his face. It was as if he had seen a ghost of the past. Something Wizard Cookie had long felt for years. But it was strange seeing such a normally calm soul such as him be so startled by the call of his name. To be honest, he had been out of just as much as the mage ever since they departed.
It took a bit for Pure Vanilla to form words as he readjusted himself, rubbing his temple in his hand for clearer coherence.
"Yes, I'm fine…." He began slowly his orchid looking towards Strawberry with a soft glance." My apologies it seems I was lost in thought again."
He stood from the windowsill ledge, holding his staff down to help him to his feet. He noticed the map lay out on the table looking over it before turning to Gingerbrave.
"How far along are we?"
"Well about that…." Gingerbrave began beaming with excitement." Wizard Cookie helped me with the coordinates and we finally made it, come look!!!"
The boy grasped onto the healer's hand and pulled him forward, much to Pure Vanilla's surprise.
Wizard Cookie stepped back as the two leered down at the sight of land coming into view, the thick trees getting closer. He with habit moved to the other side to get a better look at the untamed wildness approaching. How in the fudge were they going to land this thing anyhow? There didn't seem to be any opening insight.
"We're finally here…in Beast Yeast." Pure Vanilla was in awe.
"Ah! I'm so glad we got here as quickly as we did!" Gingerbrave said." It's really nice that the Crème Republic gave us this airship."
"I agree." Wizard Cookie spoke half-listening, as he concentrated on examining the map for any open space within the continent." I can't imagine the hassle of trying to boat across the Licorice Sea."
It made him shudder at the thought, reminding him of how hostile it had been on the bank of the Cacao Kingdom.
"Especially with all those things…roaming in the water." Strawberry shivered at the thought.
Pure Vanilla let out a chuckle, nodding in agreement with his companions." I do agree it's not as pleasant-AH!?"
A loud thud rang out, the ship vibrating violently making balance an impossible task. Wizard Cookie grasped at the table for stability, at the force, his heart beating wildly from the shock.
Silence settled for a moment as the group tried to figure out what had just occurred.
"W-What was that?!" Strawberry stuttered, her tone high-pitched with fear.
“Did we hit something?!" Wizard Cookie exclaimed.
The ship juddered, as a sickening crack was heard in metal crushing on itself. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see it, the interior bulging out, deforming at the weight of a mysterious entity. Then he felt his whole world tilt, as he lost balance falling forward as the ship began to tip onto its side.
He tumbled down slamming into the wall of the ship with a loud yell. Chaos persisted as the aircraft began to fall.
"STRAWBERRY COOKIE TURN THE HELM!!!!" He could hear Gingerbrave scream through the madness.
"UGH! IM TRYING…" She yelled out pulling against it as hard as possible." I-IT'S NOT- AH!!"
Strawberry screamed out as she was flung off the now out-of-control helm, slamming against the ground.
The turbulence shook against the walls. Screams echoed out from the impending fate of the crash just seconds away.
In a moment of desperation, Pure Vanilla surged forward waving his staff as a glow illuminated the aircraft.
"HUP!"
A shield suddenly materialized.
Suddenly Wizard felt the arms of warmth curl around him and the others, making his heart slow. His eyes softening at the touch he never knew was possible….
It was almost stifling how tight he held them. It felt protective almost, it felt safe. It made him cling tightly against Pure Vanilla, his hands digging into his robes, face pressing into his chest.
If the only way…was the end he would take it…take it to be held in comforting warmth….
He scrunched his eyes closed preparing for the end. A loud explosion pierces his ears. Then nothing.
He was dead. He had to be dead. There was no way he was alive after such a horrific crash. But as he regained consciousness, the searing ache of his dough proved his vitality.
Ow. His fingers tightened against the warm weight pinning him, as he groaned from his pounding head. He was shaky and petrified by the ordeal, snuggling into the warmth surrounding him for safety, the vanilla scent easing his fright. Wait…Vanilla?
He squinted his eyes open, seeing Pure Vanilla hunched over them like a protective shield. The healer quivered above them as he eased his grasp upon them.
"Is…everyone alright?" He stammered, eyes scanning over his friends for any injuries. He settled onto his knees giving the children space to breathe.
Wizard Cookie sat up straightening his glasses, moaning at the throbbing throughout his being. He looked at his friends also beginning to stagger to a seated position, both equally as shaken as he was.
"Aside from near death…I think we're fine." He said, sarcastically, rubbing his finger against his temples in an attempt to ease the pressure.
The landing surely had taken a lot out of him. His body felt numb from nearly becoming ashes. In the boy's attempt to recover, he took in the environment around them, seeing through the golden barrier, darkness all around them, minus the debris and the sparks of electricity shooting out. The aircraft was right over them it appeared.
"W-Where are we?" Strawberry Cookie quavered, panic prevalent through her voice.
"I'm not quite sure where we landed…" Pure Vanilla began, wobbling onto his feet as he thumped his staff down de-summoning the barrier around them" But we should focus on getting out of here first."
With careful placement of feet to avoid loose wreckage and circuits, they made it out. Grass was soft against Wizard Cookie's feet upon stepping out from the aircraft. Melodies of blueberry birds chirping came through as the forest came into view.
To say Beast Yeast was untamed was an understatement, the woods surrounding them were something out of prehistoric history. The trees engulfed them, overcasting the night sky ominously. Orbs of light too danced all around like fireflies.
Wizard Cookie was in awe, holding his staff with both hands as the hunger of curiosity overtook him. Fungus glowed along some of the roots of the trees, illuminating them in different colors.
His blue eyes were flooded by fascination, his hands itching to get samples.
"Whoa…." Gingerbrave, too was amazed by the unusual nature around them."So this is Beast Yeast…."
"For something said to be so unpredictable…it sure is pretty." Strawberry Cookie, uttered out.
She was right in a way. It was breathtaking truly, but it didn't take away the sense of unease when they turned around to see the remnants of the airship.
The whole ship was completely torn in half, and debris was scattered all around it. If it hadn't been for Pure Vanilla's quick thinking they would've all been smashed to bits.
"Ooh…wow…" Gingerbrave paled at the sight, as he nervously moved to clutch at Pure Vanilla's sleeve tightly."Thanks for the save Pure Vanilla, we would've crumbs if it wasn't for your quick thinking…"
The healer gazed at the boy with a tender expression." There is no need to thank me…I'm just glad you and your friends are alright."
The mage couldn't help but eye-roll at the statement. It was unintentional but the title of just being Gingerbrave's friends, had gotten as stale as the time jelly pies forgotten in the cafe for a month. He swore sometimes it was as if in life Gingerbrave was the protagonist, while he and Strawberry Cookie were just the sidekicks of the story.
Whatever. Wizard Cookie shrugged off the indignation he felt as his mind wandered to an inquiry. What had in fact struck them? Hm….
Trailing away from the party he walked alongside the remnants of the airship, glimpsing at how far the damage went. He suddenly stopped with an audible gasp at discovering the cause right near his feet.
A giant tendril as thick as the cinnamon cedar trees around them was crushed under the ship. He shuffled back clasping his wand close, as his eyes examined the rest finding more tendrils wrapped around the aircraft.
"Uh….guys?" He called out, bringing attention to the creature in front of him."I think I found the culprit of the crash."
He pointed down at the tentacle before tracing the air with his finger, to the other tendrils along the ship.
"What is it?…." Strawberry inquired.
Pure Vanilla hummed kneeling near the dead thing, the eye of his staff zooming in closely as if trying to dissect the knowledge of what it could perhaps be. His expression morphed into perplexity as it dawned on him.
"These tendrils look as if they belong to a jelly squid.." He declared with fascination."But I thought they all went extinct?"
Wizard Cookie leaned over nearby gazing at it again."Well, this continent was warned to be filled with beasts long lost in Crispia. Maybe the species was just here undiscovered to be nonextinct."
"Here!? As in there…could be more?" Strawberry's voice wobbled, as she tugged at her hood burying her face in more.
"It's probable.."Pure Vanilla smiled, standing up not even noticing Wizard Cookie nearby as he walked over to her."But fret not I'm sure none will emerge now with such ruckus we made earlier. They are quite skittish creatures."
Gingerbrave nodded placing a hand on Strawberry's shoulder. "Yeah! Don't worry about it Strawberry and even better we'll be right here together!"
Her eyes crinkled upwards at his reassuring smile. Pure Vanilla beamed at the reply.
"Yes, we will."
Unity in its glory the three of them all together. The definition of togetherness. Something Wizard Cookie did not belong to anymore. Like a weed in a field of flowers was more of what he was. This did not distress him as it should have. The lonesome child was far more intrigued by the creature around the ship. It was extraordinary. Remarkable how something from old time just here. He wandered around the ship examining it more closely unaware of how further away he was moving from the others.
His group remained unaware. Gingerbrave stretched out his arms with a yawn wondering what the next step was.
"So what do we do now?"
Pure Vanilla thought for a moment as he peered up at the night sky and then at the abyss shrouding the woods all around.
"It's already night…" He muttered as he concluded."The reasonable course of action to take now is to stay put. We should find an area to rest nearby."
"Stay? But what about the expedition?" The brave boy queried.
"The expedition is extremely important, but we can't go wandering off into the dark, Gingerbrave. Especially in this foreign territory, we have no idea of what haunts the woods beyond here.."
The pitch blackness had caved in on them the pathway ahead unknown.
"The best thing we can do is rest and wait for the sun to rise…besides we all must be exhausted from the circumstances of our sudden ending…" Pure Vanilla sighed out.
"That makes sense, your right." Gingerbrave chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck."I"m a little bit out of it anyways, that near crumbling situation and all…"
"Yeah, my heart is still pounding…" Strawberry Cookie, shuddered.
Pure Vanilla gave a subtle smile."Then it's settled…now let's find somewhere for tonight."
Wizard Cookie wasn't drawn anywhere into the conversation, or finding a suitable area to sleep like the rest. He had branched off. Walking around the ship enthralled by the foliage all around. The glowing flowers at the edge of a branch reflected off the lenses of his glasses.
A sudden insect swarmed, buzzing into his ear making him flinch as he turned around staring at it. The sugar-fly, azure and white, danced like scattered starlight buzzing momentarily before vanishing into the night. The boy almost had the heart to chase after it but refrained. He couldn't forget the oddity spoke about this place no matter how breathtaking it was.
It was too daunting. The trees were too overwhelming. Colossal in size like the treetops could reach between the stars. It was disturbing how no matter how much he raised his head nothing above could be seen.
It was dough chilling how it felt like it was watching him.
The whole land itself was life-threatening. In oddity and beauty.
A weirdness, a strange sense of a somewhat soothing nature it brought. The aroma of wet dirt and the sentiment of coldness, atoning for the unnerving emotion.
It was a circling concoction of something he couldn't pinpoint. A welcoming from an enigmatic presence, a fragment lost eons ago attempting to return with intentions wrong but dripping with affection.
Wizard Cookie's body stiffened by a shockwave of fluttering inside. His hat nearly fell off his head from how fast he curled in on himself suddenly. As if something had awoken…attaching to his culmination.
Dread and hope stirred inside in a toxic flurry of confusion. His legs nearly gave out from such intensity. He tried to steady his breath, an attempt to resolve the unspecified emotions not his own.
A breeze reached out rustling the leaves above, playfully flowing through his hair. Through it, he swore he could almost make out tender laughter. It made his pointed ears prick up at the detection. But as the wind moved on a shivery whisper followed behind.
"My dough…" A tone clear and sharp almost as if it was right behind him.
Wizard Cookie, jerked around with a yelp finding no one. No one. There was no one, and yet he didn't feel alone. He felt the same as he did in the dreams as if an innumerable number of eyes were watching him.
The boy's eyes traced to the woods next to him, the void staring back. Was someone there? His brows furrowed in terror, his teeth gritted together. The clutch upon his robes was so tight his claws tore in. Persistent pain dug through his chest, as if his insides were pulling him into the darkness.
His heels dug into the dirt forward as he ran. Ran back for safety. To his friends!
He scampered back feeling the snap of tightness release. Wizard Cookie halted his hands grasping his knees to catch himself. He struggled not to hyperventilate, as his eyes darted up seeking to see urgency from his friends.
"Did you hear…." Words faded as soon as they formed, his face falling. Everyone was asleep…oh.
No one had even noticed his absence. Didn’t even call out to him.
It was fine…he was fine. It was just imagination probably. Yeah, yeah. Maybe he was just tired. Yes, he should get some sleep.
The boy mutely moved over near Strawberry Cookie who was snuggled in her hood sleeping peacefully. He moved the satchel down for a makeshift pillow, placing his glasses on the side as he lay down. But before he drifted off, he peered over at Gingerbrave who had his head resting against Pure Vanilla's lap. A small smile on his face as a tan hand lay limp against his back.
Wizard Cookie could only blink back the glossiness in his eyes as he veered around the other way, his body trembling from the cold. He missed the cuddle pile…he missed the warmth.
He missed…the embrace and the smell of tearful flowers…he…missed…
Soft breaths even out as he trailed off to a dreamless sleep.
For a minute everything was silent and still. Until…he broke it.
The shadows watched happily as the young one was enticed to nod off. The tendrils of endless falsehoods curled in delight, the eyes upon them dilated with joy. The gaping smile all but widened at such a darling sight to behold.
In desperation a distended hand reached out, fingers hovering over where the child lay. Fingers couldn't help but touch a strand of loose hair moving it back behind his ear gently. Adoration swelled within at the way his child shuddered away from the phantom touch.
So sensitive, so young still. He knew it inside he was still as soft, just as always. He couldn't wait to finally feel him again, to hold him again.
He was really here…he had come back to him. His precious baby dough. Soon, very soon he knew it. All was moving according to plan after all. And he could rescue his child from such a despicable reality…bring him only sweet untruths and warmth.
Soon. Soon. Soon.