…
"Tell me, o'young, yet so frail… Little Witch…
Why must you follow in the footsteps of this insolent fool you call teacher, humm?"
The world around me feels like a blur, flames flicker and the air feels heavy with mixes of burnt flesh and blood. I can hardly breathe,
I was suffocating…
My own body felt so numb, so helpless too…
"Hee hee… Such a weakling~"
The deaths of your compatriots have made you realize your fear… Doubts… Regrets…
Especially… your teacher…"
Wh-Why… My… My friends… Th-They… No!
"Now it's our turn to rule over these lands…
As the Lord and harbinger of the Night, I shall bring this world to a new age…
Of death and despair…"
"N-No… NO!!
CELESTINE!!"
… Who knew that I would drown in such a place like this…
My body feels so cold…
The streams of these waters feel so heavy..
Freezing my frail and weak body as it drags me down into the abyss…
"Celestine… hey, Celestine…"
A voice…?
"... Celestine?
Celestine…"
…
Mariya: "Celestine!!"
Celestine: "Mm… Hmm?"
Mariya: "Girlie, you've been sleeping like a log! You okay?"
Celestine: "Just… Just fine. I had a weird dream just now."
Mariya: "A… Nightmare perhaps? Huh?~"
Celestine: "Heh… Perhaps."
Mariya: "For someone like you?! Wooooow… Unsurprising to say the least."
Black Raisin Cookie: "We're almost to the vanilla kingdom. We'll be sailing no more from here."
GingerBrave: "Alright!!"
Wizard Cookie: "Phew, finally! I miss the hard grounds of Earthbread."
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Hmm… Flying from my kingdom to the vanilla kingdom would've been much faster."
Mariya: "Would you stop debating on that already?! It's not even funny anymore bruh."
We have been out at sea for quite some time now. Through the hot cheesy sands of the desert, we managed to get through the storm from the heatwave. Reluctantly, a nearby dock was at the beach side when we arrived, so we rented a boat thanks to Golden Cheese Cookie.
It's been 3 whole days since our departure from the Golden Cheese Kingdom. The sea is vast and endless, reminds me of home…
Mariya: "GingerBrave, are you sure you know how to sail a boat?"
GingerBrave: "Sure I do! … I think…"
Mariya: "Man this kid…"
Wizard Cookie: "Hmm? LOOK!! LAND HO!!"
Mariya: "Damn fina—Eh?"
Black Raisin Cookie: "We've made it to the Vanilla Kingdom everybody!"
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Hmph. Finally! I get to see my friends again after all these years."
Wizard Cookie: "Look over there! At the docks!"
Villager 7: "Black Raisin Cookie!!"
Villager 5: "They're back! HAHA, THEY'RE BACK!!"
Villager 2: "Quick! Inform the others!"
…
Celestine: "Something the matter, Mariya?"
Mariya: "Am I still dreaming or is that a floating castle in the skies?"
Celestine: "Do I—"
Mariya: "Yeah, don't answer that."
Arriving at the docks of the new found place, we soon hopped off from the rented boat and followed one of the villagers to… a magical platform or some sort?
Celestine: (A teleportation waypoint? I thought I would never see one of these back home again!)
Mariya: "And… How do we—KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
…
Strawberry Cookie: "GingerBrave, Wizard Cookie! You're back!! Thank goodness too."
GingerBrave: "Strawberry Cookie! I thought you'd never come to the Vanilla Kingdom."
Wizard Cookie: "Yes, yes. It's good to be back."
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Hmph. Strawberry Cookie, huh? You must be her that GingerBrave was talking about! But hmm… You look much cuter than I thought, haha!"
Strawberry Cookie: "O-Oh… Th-Thank you." (EEK! I CAN'T BELIEVE THE GOLDEN CHEESE COOKIE COMPLIMENTED ME!! I'M GETTING NERVOUS NOW!!!)
Black Raisin Cookie: "Uh… Are you alright, Mariya Cookie?"
Mariya: "G-Give… Me… A moment… To… BREEEEAAAAATHEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"
Celestine: "... She'll be fine."
After the long trip from the Golden Cheese Kingdom to the Vanilla Kingdom, they have finally arrived. Walking on by the pilgrim houses, a few denizens of the Vanilla Kingdom greeted them with warm smiles, but a few were gossiping and whispering.
Celestine was watching over Mariya who is still recovering from experiencing another post-traumatic stress disorder of her life… Again.
Mariya: "Eugh…"
Black Raisin Cookie: "Feeling any better, Mariya Cookie?"
Mariya: "Yeah… Yeah! Definitely fine…" ('FEELING ANY BETTER' MY FUCKING ASS!! THAT DAMN TELEPORTATION SYSTEM GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK!!)
Celestine: "Are you sure that you're feeling alright, Mari?"
Mariya: "You already know the gist of my expression, Celestine."
Celestine: "... a."
Arriving at the main entrance of the palace, a few other people were in front of the massive doorway of the castle. A cookie with a waffle-like hat that looked like an ice cream cone and robes that looked exactly like an unrolled cone, and holding a flower staff… that has an eye?
GingerBrave: "Pure Vanilla Cookie!!"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "GingerBrave! Glad you guys made it back in one piece. Ah!"
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Pure Vanilla Cookie…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Golden Cheese Cookie, I—"
Golden Cheese Cookie: "..."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Back in the previous dark flour war… I—"
Golden Cheese Cookie: "I know… You didn't have much of a choice at the time. You did what needs to be done. But now that Dark Enchantress Cookie is back, I shall join you in this fight once more!"
Mariya: "What in the TV Drama series is this reunion…?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "O-Oh! Who are these cookies that are with you?"
Wizard Cookie: "Mariya Cookie and Celestine Cookie. They volunteered to come with us."
Mariya: "Nice to meet ya, uh… Pure Vanilla Cookie."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "It's very nice to meet you both. We could use all the help we can get, another war is upon us after all."
Mariya: (Yeah no shit. Speaking of… Something is definitely off with her.)
Celestine: "....."
As they all entered inside the palace, the place was filled with sweetness, and a mix of white lilian fragrance in the air. The place was spotless and countless glass paintings were displayed as the light reflected on them. But the one that made Celestine curious the most was a glass painting that represents a witch, holding an orb while her hair was flowing and transforming itself as stars in the night sky.
Celestine stopped for a moment to look at the painting some more. She was mesmerized, in awe of the painting… Yet… Why is her portrait here? Out of all places? Out of every dream world she has explored? Those trains of thoughts didn't bother her much, she could only sigh at the sight of her self portrait… She soon felt a light tug from her sleeve, it turns out it was Mariya.
Mariya: "Girl! I was calling you… Somethin' the matter?"
Celestine: "Hmm? Oh! No, it's nothing. Sorry…"
Mariya: "No apologizing, remember? Come on, let's go, everyone's waiting for you at the council hall."
Celestine: "Right."
Before they went on to the council hall, Celestine turned to see the painting again. But she soon turns to see Mariya who's waving her hand at her, calling Celestine to hurry up. Within the council hall, various people—or rather cookies—were present at the round table that was made out of wafers and white chocolate. As the glass paintings reflected and shone upon them on the round table.
Having to see the 4 ancient heroes reunite in one place again, brought joy within the room… But only for a brief moment, they still have unfinished business left unchecked; it is to venture into Beast-Yeast where Dark Enchantress Cookie resides. Bits and pieces on conflict and disagreement were shared in the hall, but…
Clotted Cream Cookie: "The Crème Republic has attempted several expeditions to the continent, but we have yet to succeed in crossing the border."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Indeed, for the continent of Beast-Yeast exists under completely different laws than that of Crispia. There is a reason that other Cookies have been unable to access it. And as Dark Cacao Cookie said, it is simply too dangerous for us to send off our full forces on an expedition when we're still unsure of Dark Enchantress Cookie's plans."
Pitaya Dragon Cookie: "Then what are you sssssuggesting we do?!"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "We must send a small exploration party. The Cookies I have in mind are GingerBrave with his companions and… Myself."
Hollyberry Cookie: "Pure Vanilla Cookie, are you sure?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Under normal circumstances, I would've requested GingerBrave's help only, but… Beast-Yeast may present threats which might require my strength to overcome."
Everyone around the hall looked over the entrance door. As it flung opened, 2 unfamiliar cookies entered the fray and abruptly barged in on the conversation at hand.
Mariya: "If anything… THE 4 OF YOU ARE GIVING YOURSELVES A DEATH WISH!!!"
GingerBrave: "Whoa! Mariya Cookie? …What do you mean by that?"
Mariya: "Just like you said, the content known as Beast-Yeast is unknown and there are loads of dangerous entities lurking inside. Just who knows what will happen if not tread carefully."
Celestine: "GingerBrave, remember when we helped you and defended off those hoards? Back at the Golden Cheese Kingdom."
GingerBrave: "... O-OH! I do! Yeah, you're probably right."
Mariya: "Then it's settled!"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "I-I'm sorry… But who are you?"
Mariya turned to see Clotted Cream Cookie, one of the youngest members of the Convocation of Elders and the Consul of the Crème Republic. Impeccable posture, perfect necktie knot, and a charming smile. Mariya only squinted her eyes as she looked closely at Clotted Cream Cookie, inspecting him from head to toe. Until finally, backing away and saying…
Mariya: "...Yeeaaahhh, I could ask the same thing… Who the fuck are you? A cheap knock-off or something?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "I-I'm sorry?! A cheap knock-off? For your information… I am one of the youngest members of the Convocation of Elders and the Consul of the Crème Republic. Surely you must've heard of me before."
Mariya: "Mm… Yeah, no, I don't. And for YOUR information as well… I'm in an even higher position than you, junior."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "What do you—"
Mariya hands Clotted Cream Cookie a piece of paper, within that paper lies a legitimate documented file about Mariya being an executive consul for someone — who he just met — like her to be an executive, an even higher position than him. Clotted Cream Cookie couldn't even believe it and her.
Clotted Cream Cookie: "An… an executive?! This… This is unbelievable!"
Mariya: "Heh… Yeah. For you."
Celestine: "Must you bring that with you too?"
Mariya: "Hey! At least it has its uses. Like this one!"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "For what reason do you want to join us on this journey to Beast-Yeast, Mariya Cookie?"
Mariya: "Back in the Golden Cheese Kingdom, me and Celestine had helped Golden Cheese Cookie twice from a calamity that would almost bring her kingdom to ruins again. After encountering GingerBrave… We have decided to join him and his companions on this so-called war."
GingerBrave: "Yep! And I do believe that they should come along with us. After all, they did help Golden Cheese Cookie."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Very well. While we're still on the topic, while we search for information on the land of Beast-Yeast and Dark Enchantress Cookie's plans, the rest of you must return to your Kingdoms and prepare your expeditionary forces."
Pitaya Dragon Cookie: "Agh, are you telling usss to wait again?!"
Mariya: "Heh, bozo."
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Considering the battle awaiting us, we must remain cautious."
Hollyberry Cookie: "That's right Pitaya Dragon Cookie."
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Is there a Cookie here who could explain what in Cheese's name is going on?"
Hollyberry Cookie: "Oh, that's right! There's so much we must tell Golden Cheese Cookie, and even more! I'll tell you all about it over some juice after the meeting!"
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Sounds to me I have a lot to catch up to, heehee~"
…
Silence rolled in the council hall after everyone had left after the meeting was over. Many of the heroes soon left, Mariya went on over, joining Hollyberry Cookie and Golden Cheese Cookie to the tavern nearby and as for me, I was left wandering the palace like a lost child.
When me and Mariya were brought into this world through that strange portal, caused by the nightmariums… It would seem that me and her were able to adapt into this environment. Which also means that the portal somehow transformed our bodies—or at least… Had it shaped us—in order to blend in with everyone here.
I am unsure if anyone has caught on to that, but… I would say that Mariya… Isn't having the best time of her life right now. As for our powers… We are still able to use them to our fullest potential, only Mariya can, but for me… It's a different story.
I can only use bits of my powers, not much to open back a portal way home… Which is still unfortunate. If anything… The heroes won't be able to do much if they were to face the nightmariums on their own. When me and Golden Cheese Cookie fought them back at her kingdom… I was only to give her a temporary amount of my blessings to her, which was effective towards the nightmariums yet still not enough to defeat any more of them.
For Mariya, she's already fine as it is. After all… She's a clone of me and has the most dangerous weapon that has ever been created by the strongest Legion back home; Hyperion. Yet… She also has the blood of the phantasma coursing through her veins, she is… Unfortunately… Unable to control that kind of power yet.
Celestine: "... White lilies growing in one place… Reminds me of home…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Wh-White Lily Cookie?"
Celestine: "Hmm? O-Oh."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were White Lily Cookie just now."
Celestine: "It's alright."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "What brings you here to this place, Celestine Cookie?"
Celestine: "Nothing in particular… I only strolled around the place, to ease my mind a little."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Guess we're on the same boat."
Celestine: "... It would seem so."
The awkwardness in the air was deafening, Celestine wasn't very good at bringing up a conversation, averting her gaze from Pure Vanilla Cookie, she looked back at the flowers that were in the greenhouse. As her hand caressed the petals of the lily, her face was filled with regret and sorrow… Until…
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Do these lilies remind you of something, Celestine Cookie?"
Celestine: "... Yes, they do. It reminds me of myself… In the past. A past that I can never go back to but forward."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "I see…"
Celestine: "Then… What about you? What do they remind you of?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Well… They reminded me of someone who I have known dearly ever since. Since then… We have been studying, traveling and learning about the world around us yet we still come back here to rest."
Celestine: "... It would seem you have cared for these flowers a lot."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Everyday. Yet I miss her."
Celestine: "We all have our moment of sorrow, but we mustn't linger on that feeling for far too long or else… All is lost. Have hope, hope that the per—cookie you cared about comes back here—to you."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... I will. Thank you, Celestine Cookie, I think I feel a little bit better."
Celestine: "I'm glad."
And yet… I can't help but notice something off about him. There's something… Deep within himself… Another shadow? Looks familiar to look just like him though and… This feeling of loneliness, sorrow and guilt…
I know that feeling all too well…
…
Within the halls of the Vanilla Kingdom Palace, Celestine and Pure Vanilla Cookie were walking together—or rather—him escorting her to their room where she and Mariya will be staying for the night. However…
Mariya: "Maybe next time, try not to go overboard into competing with someone over drinks."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Eugh… *hic*... Forgive me for my… *hic*... Improper form…"
Mariya: "Sure, junior… Let's get you to bed."
Celestine: "Mari? What happened to Clotted Cream Cookie?"
Mariya: "Save your questions for later… Yo Vani!"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "V-Vani?"
Mariya: "Yeah you, ya cone head… Where the hell is his room? — Man.. he's a lot heavier than I thought."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "R-Right over here. This way."
…
Financier Cookie: "Cl-Clotted Cream Cookie? … And you are…?"
Mariya: "Questions later!! Help me with junior here!!"
Financier Cookie: "R-Right!"
Mariya: "Phew…~ Thanks. — ACK!! WHAT THE HELL?!?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Mm… *hic*..."
Mariya: "This is definitely deja vu — HEY LET GO OF ME!!"
Financier Cookie: "... What even happened to him? And what's your name as well, miss?"
Mariya: "Mariya 'Cookie', and well…"
Moments earlier… At the Crow's Nest Inn…
Golden Cheese Cookie: "At the very brink of my demise, Mariya Cookie and Celestine Cookie came down from above and saved me from those horrible creatures known as nightmariums! Thankfully there were no further casualties within my beloved city."
Mariya: "And again… You're useless."
Golden Cheese Cookie: "How about you, Hollyberry Cookie? How did you and Pitaya Dragon Cookie form a truce?
Hollyberry Cookie: "Haha! Pitaya Dragon Cookie and I were neck and neck against each other. I find it funny that he was only a stubborn lizard."
Pitaya Dragon Cookie: "Grrrrr… Talk about me that way again… Or I'll ssshow you my ssstrength once more!
Golden Cheese Cookie: "Your greed for power is as greedy as your stubbornness, Dragon. Though I'm surprised that you're still well and crispy, Hollyberry Cookie."
Hollyberry Cookie: "Same here."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Mm… Hmm…"
Hollyberry Cookie: "Oh? Looks like little junior here wants to go for another round!"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Please… Don't call me *hic* junior. I'll… *hic*... take you on another round… To prove that I am more capable than any… *hic*... of you."
Mariya: "Do you have a death wish or something? You're seriously gonna kill your own kidneys if you keep this up!"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Oh yeah? *hic*... Why don't you… *hic*... Compete as well… *hic*... Chicken."
Mariya: "... Fine. But if I win… You're going to bed, got it, junior?"
…
Mariya: "32 drinks later… Hollyberry was holding up until the 20th, while junior here however… He only sipped the cup and passed out."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "I'm… Most certainly impressed that you're able to hold up your own against Hollyberry Cookie and win against her."
Mariya: "Please~... I was practically nearing my own limit too."
Celestine: *sigh*... "Good grief."
Financier Cookie: "You could say that again."
Mariya: "WOULD YOU LET GO OF ME ALREADY, IDIOT?!?! I HAVE SOME PLACE ELSE TO BE!!"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Mm… Don't wanna…"
Mariya: "This is pathetic, even for you…"
Financier Cookie: *sigh*... "Good grief, consul. — Anyway… Pure Vanilla Cookie, sir. When will you all be able to depart now that you plan to go to Beast-Yeast?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Tomorrow, by dawn. We shall depart from here."
Financier Cookie: "Very well. Then please… Take the airship. I am sure you all will be able to travel smoothly and safely to Beast-Yeast with it."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Thank you Financier Cookie. We are in debt to you and the republic."
Financier Cookie: "If it means to stop Dark Enchantress Cookie from achieving her goal then we are grateful to fight alongside you."
— VOOOSSSHH!!!
Mariya: "God! Here I thought I'll be stuck with that mutt forever. Thanks."
Celestine: "Ehehe~"
Mariya: "Imma head on outside for a bit. To.. Freshen up."
Celestine: "I'd like to come along with you."
Mariya: "Sure, sure, princess."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "I'll be off to my chambers then, there are a few things I need to check after all."
Financier Cookie: "Shall I escort you there?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "No need, I'll be fine on my own."
Financier Cookie: "Very well."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Hrrrnnggg… Momma…"
Financier Cookie: *sigh*... "Good grief, consul."
…
Mariya: "So… Celestine, something on your mind?"
Celestine: "Hmm?"
Mariya: "I got a hunch that something's bothering you. So? What is it this time?"
Celestine: "... Remember when I said I had a nightmare?"
Mariya: "Yeah?"
Celestine: "Well… There's more to it…"
Mariya: "Is there?"
Celestine: "... I don't know."
Mariya: "...."
Celestine: "Mari?"
Mariya: "You don't have to shoulder that burden alone, you know? You're not like that anymore, not back then."
Celestine: "Mari…"
Mariya: "Look, I know what I'm saying will hurt you, but… You can't stuff that feeling up, okay? You should take things to heart and push forward! Sure everything we are doing is risky, whatever they are doing right now will cause more trouble than ever. What's more… We still need to find a way back home and finish what you—no—WE have started."
Celestine: "... Thank you."
Mariya: "For what? I was only saying what's on my mind."
Celestine: "I don't mean that, I mean… Thank you for looking out for me."
Mariya: "Yeah yeah, princess."
Celestine: "And more importantly… If you need someone to talk to, I'm always available, much like you have always been for me—and to everyone else."
Mariya: "... I'll keep that in mind."
Celestine: "....." (You're a lot braver than I am, Mariya. You always have. And that burden you carry is a lot heavier than anyone else's. That worries me more.)
Crunchy Chip Cookie: "Mariya Cookie and Celestine Cookie. Do you girls have a moment?"
Mariya: "Hmm? Sure, what's up?"
Crunchy Chip Cookie: "... King Dark Cacao Cookie wants to have a talk with you both, so please follow me."
Mariya and Celestine looked at each other with suspicion, though it was understandable that most of the people — or rather — cookies would grow suspicious to outsiders like them, yet the both of them can tell that Dark Cacao Cookie wanted to test them, to prove their worth and their trust on this mission.
It was sunset when the setting sun welcomed them to the outside, the garden at the back of the castle was filled with lustrous greenery and half-waken flowers, from there… They soon spotted Dark Cacao Cookie just underneath the tree while staring into the faded skies. He looked at us, his same stern expression yet he was in deep sorrow.
Of course, it didn't let that bother him, as he sighed.. He cleared his throat before speaking to us.
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Thank you both for coming all this way. I apologize for calling you both to meet me like this in private, but there is something I want to confirm before the two of you join Pure Vanilla Cookie's mission to Beast-Yeast."
Mariya: "No biggie. Ask away."
Celestine: "... Is there something you're not sure of?"
Dark Cacao Cookie: "...."
The suffocating silence rolled in again, filling the brimming air as the skies darken itself even further. Mariya and Celestine feel the wave of grimness in the air as they try to prepare themselves for what Dark Cacao Cookie is going to tell them. Soon… He spoke:
Dark Cacao Cookie: "... The forces that are working alongside Dark Enchantress Cookie… Is it really true? If so, how can you be sure that they will engulf the land into darkness? Can you be certain that you both are capable of stopping their wrongdoings?"
Mariya: "...."
Celestine: "... We don't know."
Dark Cacao Cookie: "... I see. I—"
…
"That still doesn't mean that we'll give up right then and there."
…
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Hmm?!"
Celestine: "We may not know who these new forces are working alongside Dark Enchantress Cookie…"
Mariya: "But whatever it may be, we are positive that we can overcome them. I swear on my very life that nothing will come harm's way."
Celestine: "As will I."
Dark Cacao Cookie: "... Thank you. My heart feels more at ease from your determination in your eyes. I trust that you will take good care of the others during your journey?"
Celestine: "We will. And we trust you to take good care of your subordinates while preparing for the upcoming war against Dark Enchantress Cookie."
Dark Cacao Cookie: "All the same."
Mariya: "I just hope we'll be able to find what we're looking for in Beast-Yeast. Oh yeah! That reminds me… You said that Dark Enchantress Cookie started the war long ago, right?"
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Yes, indeed. She declared war the moment she showed up… And yet… I can't help but wonder about something strange."
Celestine: "Strange?"
Dark Cacao Cookie: "After Pure Vanilla Cookie sacrificed himself — along with our souljams — to save Crispia from the great evils… I felt a heavy, yet sinister presence left behind… A more… Darker presence."
Mariya: "... Darker presence, huh?"
Celestine: "... So they're already way ahead of us than I anticipated…"
Mariya: "Oh HOHO~... Oh they are so ASKING for it now… I seriously can't wait!"
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Have you also felt that eerie looming presence too?"
Celestine: "Yes." (But if they came here into this world first… Then it is doomed to fall just like how it happened back home once before.)
Dark Cacao Cookie: "... Very well."
Mariya: "... Is that sword really heavy?"
Crunchy Chip Cookie: "Well obviously! His sword can only be lifted by his majesty himself. … We did, however, have some people lift his swords once before…"
Mariya: "Uh huh…" (Huh… They really don't look anywhere different from each other. I wonder how that Supreme Commander would feel if she ever saw this sword in person? Comparing the 2 would be like comparing which rock is more unique.)
Crunchy Chip Cookie: "H-Hey! We did our best to follow our king's orders for that matter!"
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Indeed you did, fufu~"
Celestine: "Hehehe~ We should head back to our rooms now."
Dark Cacao Cookie: "Yes."
The night was still young, yet it was time for Mariya and Celestine to bid their farewells to Dark Cacao Cookie and Crunchy Chip Cookie. As they head inside the castle… Crunchy Chip Cookie went on ahead to their camp to pack their things before heading to bed, as for Dark Cacao Cookie… He still feels uneasy, as if there's someone watching his every move no matter where or what he does.
Within the castle of the kingdom, Mariya was walking back to her room to get some sleep. As she ponders her mind to whatever it led her, she soon encounters Clotted Cream Cookie, who is still awake, but now sober from all the drinks he has taken from earlier.
Mariya felt a slight dread inside of her stomach when she saw Clotted Cream Cookie, as for him… He felt a bit surprised yet averted his gaze from hers. Mariya wasn't having any of it so she kept on walking right past him until…
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Wait Mariya Cookie!"
Mariya: "Eh?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "... It's just… I wanted to apologize earlier. What I did was uncharacteristic of me and—"
Mariya: "What you did is what anyone would normally act in a situation like that. No need to be sorry about it."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "But—"
Mariya: "Uhp uh! Do me a huge favor and don't think about it too deeply, okay junior?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "I… Okay."
Mariya: "Good!"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "But that's not what I'm here for."
Mariya: "Hmm?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: "I wanted to… To thank you. Back at the Crow's Nest Inn, I felt I had fun for the first time in a while and felt vulnerable to the people around me, even if it's only for a little while. So thank you, Mariya Cookie."
Mariya: "You're welcome I guess?"
Clotted Cream Cookie: *ahem*... "Now then, should I escort you back to your—"
Mariya: "No thanks, I'm good."
Clotted Cream Cookie: "Very well then. Goodnight."
Mariya: "Nighty night, junior."
…
Mariya: "Eugh… I'm beat."
Celestine: "Did something happen?"
Mariya: "I rather not talk about it."
Celestine: "... If you say so. Get some sleep, you deserved it."
Mariya: "And what about you?"
Celestine: "I'll… Stay up a little longer."
Mariya: "Don't forget to sleep, princess."
Celestine: "... I will."