Chapter Text
A small, brown cookie with the ingredients of popping candy scouted the Pomegranate Village, desperately looking for something that brought on this devastating calamity.
He had to set things right, even if this time it cost him his life. He had no other options. He couldn't rely on the Ancients or his long gone friends. The world wasn't far off from becoming a stale mess of crumbs, but Wizard Cookie knew it could still be saved, for the Cookies that still lived or at the very least for the other dessert creatures that inhabited it.
He just needed to find what he was looking for: the secret card that no cookie was expecting the Beasts to have.
Wizard Cookie was Looking for a seemingly Simple Mirror one - that reminded him of the small rhombus shaped examples the Pomegranate Village was known for even if it *far* outclassed it in power and importance, back when the Broken Wizard and his friends visited this village in better times.
Wizard Cookie looked around with a feeling he couldn't quite place. Everything looked the same as the day he and his friends first arrived here. The only difference was that instead, this place was now darker than the outside world. The world was now far worse than it was. All the Pomegranate citizens were locked in their small houses, glaring at him through the windows. Wizard Cookie didn't have to guess why they were doing that. Other Cookies had probably come through the tainted forest to steal anything they could get their hands on.
The Pomegranate Village was a Dark and Damp place, with dull and mute colors and bioluminescent lights. It hard hard to find with the ticket of End Tree Warriors and pointed dark green trees that surrounded it. But not impossible.
He closed his eyes, realizing that he needed to convince them he wasn't a threat, so he should probably drop his staff. He hoped he would leave the village alive and preferably in one piece, but with the way the world had fallen apart in the last year he wasn't sure if he could trust that any cookie wouldn't just harm him for the fun of it, especially now that he was defenseless.
Raiders where a thing as well as Sole Looters.
His Grip loosened and his the staff with the now faded and worn down Striped wrapped yellow-and-blue candy on the top dropped to the ground with a sharp thud of wood and hard sugar on Stone. He held his breath figuratively and waited keeping an eye on every house in his vision that he could see to make sure who left and who did what.
He was looking for a Mirror or at least some information on it so cookies in the Future could combat the Beasts Hold on Earthbread. Now he sat in silence watching the doors like a hawk. Ready to grab his staff at any time and make a bolt for his own survival. He was focused hardened and cold from what this world showed him. Wizard Cookie
If he was the Cookie before all of this happened probably would've just sat down and mourned, blamed himself and gone over a million reasons as to what he could've done differently.
But when The Cookie Kingdom fell- his friends Dying right in front of him as he was Spared by being in the right place at the right time changed him.
He Huffed as he refused to think about the moment in detail rather simply reminding himself that he didn't have anyone to stand beside if things went wrong. Just him and his own will. The Memory of his friends and what was right lived with him only.
A Few Pomegranate Cookies finally cracked the Doors of their Houses Open. Wizard Cookie needed to say something regardless if they thought he might've been lying or not in this world of the Beasts and Shadow Milk's Deceit.
He's been betrayed to many times in this world to assume they would just trust him if they went through the same thing.
"Hello!" Wizard Cookie Coughed before Continuing it was always a shock to hear his voice with the exact same Intrigue and Brightness when he was an Unburdened Cookie. He would've thought it would sound sadder, Deeper or sound like the Dark Mess he survived up to this point. "I'm just curious about a few items that are commonly found here? Like Mirrors?" "I've Traveled all over Crispia because I think there's an Item that's very important for the future of this world..."
"Item.....?" A Young Pomegranate Cookie questioned before being shushed. The door Slammed as a Mother could be heard lecturing the child about answering strange cookies. Wizard Cookie wanted to laugh but couldn't. Thinking back.
When he was a year younger... Unburdened... Frankly... Ungrateful. Younger Cookies tended to annoy him.
He seemed like the only sense-able cookie in the group of Chilli Pepper Cookie, Custard Cookie the Third, Strawberry Cookie and Last but not least... Gingerbrave. They were all kids (including him) besides Chilli Pepper but she wasn't a good role model either. He wishes he valued the time they spent together more. Because it is far too late now.
Something shifted in his vision and Wizard Cookie was pulled out of his Guilt and alert once more. It seemed an Older Cookie had Left her House and was seemingly trying to gather other cookies to possibly confront him.
She wasn't Familiar at all like the Two Priestesses that had helped them along their journey and Explained the Story of pomegranate cookie. She had a More Purple Tinge from what he could see. With Icing tied in a Thick Bun on top of her head. Her Robes were similar but Purpler and shorter than typical. She also carried a more curvy figure than normal.
.....
Wizard Cookie wished he hadn't noticed that. Now he felt like a creep when it wasn't as important in the long run. It was just something he noticed. The Dark Green grass that seemed to be sharper than the grasses of the unscathed parts of Earthbread would be --- looked wonderful. He would have to take note of this-
"That's Wizard Cookie" Priestess Cookie A's voice could be heard. As a door creaked open. It almost made Wizard Cookie Fall Over in shock and a New found Relief that he wasn't prepared to experience. He didn't expect them to still be around - Much less notice them and still remember him from when he visited. He was grateful but a part of him told himself to not be too happy. Most of the village likely wouldn't trust him.
He Nodded holding his hands up in the air as a sign of peace as Priestess Cookie A now walked towards him. The other Darker Purple Cookie ran off to likely get the other Priestess - Priestess Cookie B.
Priestess Cookie A seemed to be thinner than he remembered as he likely was to her as well. She carried small bags under her eyes from likely sleepless nights and stress from the events of the outside world coming to the Small Pomegranate Village. Wrinkles gathered at her forehead and Frownlines around her lips but they weren't from age. Any Cookie could see that it was from stress.
"It's nice to see you Wizard Cookie...."
The Priestess Seemed to be looking for Gingerbrave or any others in her sentence but seemed to look even more stressed and tired as it came to her in that moment that they had succumbed to the Chaos. She didn't bring them up, She just moved onto why he came here in the first place figuring it better not to open that wound for either of them.
"You said... You came here for a Mirror?"
She seemed unsure of herself like she probably needed Wizard Cookie to repeat it again. The Other Priestess walked up to them with the Purple Tinted cookie Following along. Priestess Cookie B looked him over.
"Pick up your Staff Wizard Cookie we know you mean no harm here." Priestess Cookie Ordered him with a Solemn tone. She didn't look as stress or tired but she definitely carried a more Reserved Attitude. Clearly showing that there was trials and hardship she had gone through in this new world as well. She turned to the other Cookie Revealing that her name was Pastun Cookie and telling her to Alert the others who had decided to visit their village. Wizard Cookie urgently picked up his Staff. Glad he wasn't without his protection again.
"We don't dabble in magic like we used to, Unless it is to protect this village."
"The Mirrors you Speak of have mostly been abandoned or used sparingly" "having it fall into the wrong hands is worse than learning what we could from it"
"Is this about Pomegranate Cookie?"
Other Cookies from the Village started
Leaving and exiting their houses as Priestess Cookie B assumed Wizard Cookie was here for something involving Dark Enchantress. He wished - that name hadn't come to his mind at all from the past year until now. Honestly a simpler time before the Beasts. This was something that made him laugh a little. It was hilarious how much Chaos the world was in now; Than when Dark Enchantress was the main Problem they had to worry about - not saying that the world would be better off if she had gotten what she wants but still.
"Oh nooooo.." wizard cookie corrected with another Wispy Laugh at the throwback. "I'm here about a special Mirror not a Small one but a Powerful one with magic that seems to originate from here"
"I'm struggling to understand what your trying to say .... Unless..." Priestess Cookie B looked back at the Pomegranate Village Cookies approaching them. Her eyes narrowed on a certain group of Cookies carefully.
The Atmosphere changed between them and Wizard Cookie noticed it but out of respect he didn't Press into it.
A Pale Pomegranate Cookie named Eversweet Pomegranate Cookie Walked towards the three Cookies Followed by his lovely Wife. He didn't seem to be paying any attention at all to the Cookies that he was blankly walking into, nor to the way others seemingly moved out of his way before he even came close to them or the way they shot glares towards his Wife. Wonderful Crimson Cookie. He was confused though by one of the Priestess cookies glaring at him like he had done something wrong.
**Again** The Glare of the Priestess was noticeable to him because that's where he intended to go.
But he paid no real mind to it. Nudging his Pregnant Wife Wonderful Crimson (Pomegranate) Cookie forward as he planted a Small Kiss on her head. Pastun the Village messenger guided what looked to be Wonderful Crimson's Parents forward as well. Tom's Red Pomegranate Cookie and Ambrosia Pomegranate Cookie. They seemed to be reflective of Pomegranate Varieties in the real Human world.
As the Village cookies walked closer and Closer Priestess Cookie B Turned and Nodded towards Priestess Cookie A a unspoken tension between them. Wizard Cookie only sat there and waited for them to follow up on what they were going to say next. He glanced up at the Village cookies approaching but didn't linger his gaze on any of them for two long. Though it was Nice to see the Cookie he would soon learn to be Wonderful Crimson Cookie Adding to the Villages Population with a Happy family. It showed new life and hope could still thrive in this broken World. Which was honestly surprising with what Wizard Cookie had seen - lived through. He adjusted his hat and Chuckled to himself. Something from his old Personality he rarely did anymore. A part of him was surprised he hadn't ditched the clothes but another part of him knew that perhaps it kept the memory of his friends alive.
"Cookies of the Pomegranate Village, This is Wizard Cookie the Hero who once freed us in dire time" Priestess Cookie A introduced him to them all turning around to face the cookies of the Village.
Some Cookies Gasped in surprise others tried to look over the crowd to see him. A few like the Pale Male Cookie who seemed to have a bit of weight on him paid Wizard Cookie no real attention. EverSweet Pomegranate Cookie looked back at his Family.
Ambrosia Pomegranate Cookie which was his Mother in Law Stood there with a Fixed Frown on her face. She for one did have Wrinkles because of her age - as well as her Husband Tom Red Cookie. With the Bright Deep Dark Red of her Daughter Wonderful Crimson Pomegranate Cookie coming from him. They Clearly were grumpy About this new development because of course Everything was Eversweet Pomegranate's Fault.
"Cheer up Guys, Wizard Cookie is here!"
Eversweet Pomegranate attempted to cheer up his in-laws but they only grumbled and glanced at each other before Ambrosia Pomegranate Cookie spoke up.
"I'm sure this is tied to that experiment
.. you made..." She mumbled before Crossing her Arms and shuffling forward While Tom's Red Cookie only ran his figures through his mustache and closed his eyes. Continuing to worry about his Family. If Wizard Cookie had come back here looking for a Mirror there was no doubt what kind of mirror he was looking for."What do you think is going to happen once that cookie figures out ***you** made the mirror Eversweet?" He questioned his Son in law. Eversweet was far to nonchalant and dismissed about the true Consequences of what he did. There was no telling what Wizard Cookie went through out there in that newfound wasteland and if he found out Eversweet Cookie made the mirror that helped the Beasts take over Earthbread there no telling what he would do.
Pomegranate Village Cookies all crowded around Wizard Cookie Personally and asked him their own Questions. Especially Pastun Cookie whom he noted was a purpler tinge and Curvier than the other cookies there She seemed to be the Villages Newsperson and messenger. She by far asked the most Questions and Wizard Cookie by far was happy to oblige them.
"What does the Outside world look like?"
"Is anyone else from the Cookie Kingdom safe?"
"Do you know where the Ancients are being held?"
"How did you know the Mirror originates from here?"
"What powers have you seen that's capable because of the Mirror?"
"What do you think of the Village?"
"How did you save the Village last time?"
Priestesses Cookies A and B seemed to be looking for someone specific in the Crowd. Nearly jumping out of their own Dough as Ambrosia Pomegranate cookie shuffled Forward towards them with a more than Annoyed Look.
"Ambrosia Cookie?!?" Priestesses Cookie B questioned before being walked past by. Both Priestesses looked at each other again as Wizard Cookie Raised a Brow.
"I know who made the Mirror." Ambrosia Cookie admitted Bluntly clenching her teeth together as she turned around towards her family.
"It was my Stone-Headed Son in Law EverSweet Cookie!" She pointed a finger Towards them as Tom Red's Cookie threw his head down in shame. He didn't want to whole Village to know - dispite it being a open secret among them. Now their reputation would definitely be ruined. Eversweet Cookie almost Shrugged as Wizard Cookie turned towards him. Giving him a hundred Yard stare he definitely couldn't place. His precious wife Wonderful Crimson pomegranate Cookie curled her Arms protectively around her belly as she whimpered. She felt far more guilty about what transpired than Eversweet did.
Priestess Cookies A Reached out to hold Wizard Cookie back from doing anything rash out of Anger. While Priestesses Cookie B rushed over to them to lead them away for a private conversation. Eversweet Only Yawned while his Mother in Law Clenched a fan so hard in her hand it started to break apart. She was ashamed of her son-inlaws behavior obviously.
"I meant what I said Wizard Cookie. He is the creator. Him alone. With Magic he didn't understand just to win my daughter's heart. Because I didn't approve of their relationship nor did my husband." "Please don't blame my daughter or her unborn child. She is as regretful as we all are" She lowered her Head and got on her Knees in front of Wizard Cookie trying to begg for forgiveness. The Village was Silent as Wizard Cookies breath sharpened with uncertainty and anger. His only thought was 'why?' and how much the cookie deserved to pay for his crimes.
He shoved past Priestesses Cookie And followed the group into the Secluded house they had attempted to sneak off into. His Staff charged with Electric Power ready to get whatever answer he needed out of this so-called Eversweet Cookie. He wanted to hate him, to rip him to shreds as the faces of his friends flashed across his mind. But he had a chance to destroy the mirror or atleast disable/counter it.
"What you do think we should tell Wizard Cookie....?" Wonderful Crimson Pomegranate cookie conversed discreetly in the House with tears running down the side of her face. Eversweet Pomegranate cookie tried to comfort her but she wouldn't have it. Softly swatting him awat. Priestess Cookie be didn't really know how to answer.
"He'll want the truth, How it was created - why it was created and how it actually works. If you try to tell your story in a sympathetic way perhaps he'll spare you Eversweet Cookie."
Eversweet Cookie looked a little dumbfounded but shrugged nonetheless. Far more focused on his Wife's tears. Tom's Red's Cookie just kept shaking his head and pinching his forehead out of shame and embarrassment. "I knew this day would always come. I should've never allowed you to marry our daughter after the Mirror disappeared."
"Hey- Don't make Wonderful Crimson Pomegranate cookie even more upset!"
Tom Red Cookie Flashed a brighter red than his icing and slammed his feet against the ground clenching his teeth together as he balled up his hands. H couldn't stand this Behavior from Eversweet Cookie. Obviously she felt guilty because of *his* actions!
"THIS IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN MY DAUGHTER YOU ONE BRAINED STONE HEAD!" "You've destroyed this WORLD!"
"YOUR LUCKY YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WASTES OF EARTHBREAD LIKE OTHERS!"
Wizard Cookie slammed Open the door hearing enough. Raising his Staff into the Air and sending a Sharp wave of blue electricity towards Eversweet Cookie. Wonderful Crimson Pomegranate Cookie backed away just in time as her Husband was shocked Ablaze. He groaned and Whined as he zipped and shook but displayed far less concern than the pain he was actually going through.
"Tell me everything now." Wizard Cookie demanded as he upped the pain Factor. Eversweet Pomegranate Cookie's pale white Pomegranate Skin Icing started to turn charred at the edges. But he still showed no real concern focusing on his wife about all.
"M-make sure she doesn't have to see this! I'll be okay Wonderful alright?!?"
Tom's Red's Pomegranate Cookie rolled his eyes as he escorted His daughter out while the Priestess watched with a Solemn mood. This was frankly exactly what the Lovestruck Cookie deserve. Still not realizing or concerned with the fate he left the entire world in.
"Tell me or your a sparking Pile of crumbs on the floor" Wizard Cookie Growled with another whimper from Eversweet Cookie.
"Fine! Gosh! I-it was a long time a-ago!"
Wizard Cookie stopped the Spell now using his staff to push Eversweet Cookie against the wall of the house leaving just enough pressure to keep him talking.
"I had always had eyes for my Wife...
But her parents would never allow us to be together because I was far too 'weak and feeble ' for her."
"They wanted her to marry some guy that was a powerful Priest, and Experienced /Knowledgeable in Magic.
So I devised a plan. Make something that showed my love for her and something that made me the powerful mage that her parents wanted her suitor to be."
"It started with simple dark magic tests on pomegranate seeds making them bloom based on how neglected they were as a testament to my emotions at the time, using Shadows to grow them. Magic here is like Dark Magic that functions like Nature Magic it's simply natural. "
"I just kept adding on and adding onto it making sure that it reflected the way that I felt. Now my Weak hexing and Charming power turned into me being able to spawn roses out of the ground for her as long as I had a goal in mind and remained devoted. It feeds off of Desire and Want becoming twisted Versions of those emotions eventually. It almost became to much for me to handle and then one day it disappeared."
As Eversweet Cookie finished with Relief to tell someone the truth in his breath. Realization hit Wizard Cookie as had Priestess B.
"It must've found the Beasts..." Wizard Cookie muttered as he loosened the Staff from around Eversweet Cookies neck. Who quickly ran out to check on his wife. Who was adamantly blaming herself for what happened.
"How do we stop it...." Priestess Cookie B asked the Fallen Hero. Wizard Cookie Didn't respond. He needed to Study the Magic her for a better answer.