At the center of the kingdom, the knights often gathered around the silver tree, chanting — or rather — singing a melodic song for both White Lily Cookie and the Silver Tree. As they sang away with each tone they gave towards the tree, the group then gathered forth in front of the tree to discuss something important… Most implying to the Soul Jams and its original owners.
Elder Faerie Cookie paused briefly, taking a deep breath before telling them the origins of the Soul Jams; explaining it crystal clear, the Witches themselves were the ones who created the soul jams, along with its users and each user who possessed the said soul jam represents what they were created for.
"Knowledge,
Volition,
Happiness,
Change,
and Solidarity"
Each form they took, they took it with devotion. And each power they possess, they did it with care. But… Elder Faerie Cookie paused himself again, he soon looked back at the Silver Tree and its bright branches, twinkling like stars in the night sky, but there were some that grew dim than the rest of them, which hesitated him to continue.
His tone shifted into guilt. When the 5 users of their said powers began to shift… They were consumed by darkness, rage, despair, hatred and so on… It was as if a mere linger in their ears, making them change their own view about the world they once built, brought into ruins by their own greed and selfishness.
"Deceit,
Apathy,
Sloth,
Destruction,
and Silence"
Once the 5 cookies of hope, now reduced into Beasts. Being sealed away in the tree, in hopes their reign wouldn't begin again in the newfound era we know today. Even after their own destruction being sealed away… Most of the Witches who once created them turned a blind eye, leaving them to their own duties of their own… Except for one.
One little witch stepped down and purified their Soul Jams, and locked them away somewhere in hopes that one day… Those who are worthy to wield the soul jams' true power with the purest of hearts, shall change the course of fate for all of cookiekind.
Elder Faerie Cookie: "One of them is the Light of Truth that you received at the end of your long, arduous journey down the Pilgrim's Path. Before, both Truth and Deceit existed within the Light of Knowledge. Cleansing and purifying it created the Soul Jam that you wield today."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "This means... the power of Deceit is now…"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Yes… And yet, your Light of Truth serves another purpose… which is to balance the scales of good and evil… To ensure the Beasts stay confined."
Mariya: "That said… I'm still skeptical about something, from that story you said about the Five Virtues, yeah?"
Celestine: "Are you perhaps implying that a much darker force made the Five Virtues gone rogue?"
Mariya: "Can't say since what I'm saying right now is speculation, but there's no doubt that an even darker force mingled with their minds, making them bring chaos all over the place."
Wizard Cookie: "Say… Is it just me… Or are those branches from others there look a lot dimmer than the rest."
Strawberry Cookie: "Y-Yeah… It's kinda scaring me a little."
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Each branch from the passing years was slowly losing their light. But, for a long time, all of these branches were close to wilting."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "After the Dark Flour War, when all the Soul Jams have been shattered into pieces and scattered all across the world…"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "During that long period of imbalance… The five Beasts saw it as an opportunity to regain their strength."
Mariya: "In that short amount of time?! Really?! I'm… Actually impressed."
Wizard Cookie: "Really? You're impressed by what they did years ago?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "As the Guardian, I channeled all my power to keep the seal intact. But my strength alone was not enough… And the Beasts have already grown much too strong. Now this great evil lies hidden somewhere in Beast-Yeast, ready to strike at any moment…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Is there a way to prevent the Beasts from escaping?!"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Our last hope is… to bring back the fifth Ancient Hero, White Lily Cookie, and her Light of Freedom. If we are able to do so… We just might be able to repress the evil forces sealed here in Beast-Yeast."
Mariya: "Isn't resurrecting the dead forbidden?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "White Lily Cookie is in a deep sleep, she isn't dead from what I know."
Mariya: "Okay? How can you be sure that she'll wake up? … Wait… Don't tell me…"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Recovering the Light of Freedom is our only option, but… As of now…"
Mariya: And here I thought you're gonna do some forbidden shit on her unawakened corpse…
Celestine: *sigh*... "Good grief, Mari…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "So we can revive White Lily Cookie by gathering all the shards of the Light of Freedom? And if so… I think I heard another piece of the shard somewhere nearby."
GingerBrave: "Really?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Is that... really true...?! Then there is still hope for us...! There is no time to waste. The Beasts may yet escape and bring the Great Calamity upon us."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "This way!"
Strawberry Cookie: "... Hmm? Aren't you coming Celestine Cookie and Mariya Cookie?"
Celestine: "It's best we split up and find the rest of the shards faster, is that alright?"
GingerBrave: "The faster we find them, the faster we're able to wake up White Lily Cookie! Come on Strawberry Cookie!!"
Strawberry Cookie: "O-Oh… Okay."
As they went on in search for the Light of Freedom shards… Celestine and Mariya were left behind with Elder Faerie Cookie. The silence was deafening, yet Elder Faerie Cookie could tell that the 2 of them weren't from around these lands — or rather — from this world to be exact. It intrigued him, but he pondered deeply if these 2 unknown outworlders are the same cookies that were transcribed in the ancient prophecy within the archives.
Back to Celestine and Mariya, the 2 of them felt something off with the Silver Tree from earlier… Extremely off. Mariya stepped on forth, placing and gliding her hand on the Silver Tree bark, trying to feel if anything felt off with it and sure enough… Her worst fears came true.
Mariya: "Hey Celestine…"
Celestine: "Yes, Mari?"
Mariya: "This might be just a coincidence but…"
Celestine: "... No, you're definitely right, Mari…"
Mariya: "... Tch. Man I hate how my intuitions are always correct."
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Is something the matter?"
Celestine: "... You said that this tree — is the same tree that sealed those Beast Cookies long ago, correct? And White Lily Cookie was also the one who 'fixed' this tree from the calamity that will soon slip out of it, yes?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Yes… That is correct. Your point?"
Celestine: "Not to alarm you but…"
Mariya: "Someone must've freed them already without anyone's notice… And are already on the move."
Elder Faerie Cookie: "... That's impossible."
Celestine: "I'm afraid that it's true, your Majesty."
Mariya: "What about White Lily Cookie? She's still in that glass coffin, is she not?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Yes, she is… But what you're saying earlier is true then…"
Mariya: "We better check again. There is no doubt in my mind that they might try and steal her away before she could even wake up. Come on!"
…
"Oh yes… Run, Run! As fast as you can, little cookies~
But your time is running out all so fast… I wonder how much longer until you get to witness such trickery~
But hmm… What's Marinette Cookie up to this time?
Meh… Doesn't matter to them, I'm more intrigued by this one over here…
I can tell that she is deemed rather special than any other cookie from what I have seen so far.
… How fascinating."
With the group having to separate themselves into 2; Pure Vanilla Cookie, GingerBrave, Wizard Cookie and Strawberry Cookie went on ahead to the Silver Tree Knights' corridors, a hallway filled with silver armour and weapons to retrieve the shards of the Light of Freedom. But each path they took, led them to unparalleled dread no matter which step they took and it felt off… Extremely off and it won't take long for them to notice such cracks soon.
Meanwhile… Celestine and Mariya headed on back to White Lily Cookie's memoria, making sure that the one behind all of the strange sensation in the air didn't do anything worse than it already has to her. Reluctantly… White Lily Cookie was still present in the glass-like coffin, but again… That eerie, heavy and dreadful sensation in the air lingered right over their shoulders like a leech. Mariya couldn't help but feel a chilling sensation running down her spine.
Mariya: "Well the body is still here… Yet I can still sense that something is definitely off."
Celestine: "Hmm… If what you sensed back at the tree was right… It could mean that one of them is still here… Just waiting for the right moment to strike."
Mariya: "Please don't fucking jinx it, Celestine."
???: "And unfortunately for you… She's quite right about that~"
Mariya: "FUCKING CALLED IT!!"
Before the both of them could even react, something — or someone — grabbed them from below. Mariya quickly took notice of it and broke free from its binds, but Celestine however… Ended up getting dragged below the ground to somewhere else.
Mariya: "NO! CELESTINE!!"
Mariya took Celestine's hand and forcibly pulled her back up. Celestine, however, was already in pain from the sheer force from both sides of their strength so she looked at Mariya with a determined look, hinting to her that she will be fine and will be back soon, and knowing Celestine herself… She is determined to find out who is behind all of this.
When Mariya let Celestine go, she went on ahead to look at White Lily Cookie's lifeless body one last time before running off to find GingerBrave, Wizard, Strawberry and Pure Vanilla Cookie to warn them about the dangers that will soon unfold before them.
Beyond the other side of that strange portal, Celestine had her eyes closed for a while but fluttering on open… All she could see is nothing but darkness surrounding every bit and corner of her vision. How she is able to stay afloat without falling for her demise is beyond her and words that are unable to transcribe.
Within this vast and endless void, she tried to use her prowess to open up a portal back to the real world, but no matter how many times she tried doing it… Nothing comes out of her palms, neither from her wooden staff. She could tell that something was amiss or something was interfering with her prowess from being unable to use it. For now… All she can do now is walk on forward to who knows where it may lead her.
Slowly walking in the vast and endless void she is now in, she can spot something in the distance… A small yet vividly visible blue hue with small little objects just floating around them, like stars having to dance around that figure in the distance. As that figure only sat and waited for who, she didn't try to linger on such questions, so instead, she pressed on. After reaching her destination that seemed endless, she finally can take a moment to properly figure out who it is that was in the distance.
White locks of hair near their face—two that fall against their forehead and one slicked back—azure curled sidelocks, and glossy, sharp, long hair in a dual-toned shadow and lapis style that resembles the extents of a jester's hat. That figure almost resembled Pure Vanilla Cookie, yet that same figure soon turned his head, for a moment.. He looked surprised to see Celestine right in front of him, but that surprise soon turned into disgust in an instant. His two differently colored eyes: one cyan right eye with a black slit pupil and black eyelashes, and one cerulean left eye with a white slit pupil and white eyelashes can only be seen with a snarl-like look, hinting that he deeply disliked her the moment he saw her.
Soon, it turned into a playful-like look with a sinister glare. Having to float while crossing his legs in front of her, he spoke; his voice was firm yet playful at the same time, but it still didn't make Celestine flinch in the slightest.
???: "Hmph, I expected 2 different cookies and yet I met only one of you. Why's that? Did your friend end up leaving you after giving up on rescuing you?"
Celestine: "... No, I wouldn't say that it was the case."
???: "Hmm…? Then what was the reason for you to give in to my trap, my dear?"
Celestine: "Your target was me and Mariya. But Mariya was reluctant to escape from your grasp, not me. So it is to assume that you want something from the both of us, right?"
The figure in front of her frowned, it's as if he wasn't pleased from what she had said to him. Leaning forward, with his face on his left palm… His expression was dull, unamused, or bored. Yet with a flick of his wrist, it forcibly made Celestine sit on the ground, hard.. Even she can't seem to get up from the sheer force that is weighing her down.
Celestine: "..."
???: "Whaaat…? Cat caught your tongue?~ Oh, don't look at me like that, my dear~"
Celestine: "... What is it that you want from us?"
???: "I only wanted the both of you, but since it's only you.. I'll tell you."
With another flick of his wrist, a blurry image — or rather — a screen having to be shown on the floor. Within that screen was Mariya, Pure Vanilla Cookie, GingerBrave, Wizard and Strawberry Cookie having to find the last shard of the Light of Freedom and in search of her, Celestine. Yet Celestine's expression remains the same, calm and collective, before she could even ask him, he spoke first.
???: "I was told by a certain someone and both of you are bad news to boot. So what better way to get rid of you early on! Afterall, you and her aren't part of the script."
Celestine: "... That said… That script of yours is merely the surface of the truth."
???: "You know nothing. You don't know what's real and what's not, girl."
Celestine: "But do you?"
Words were caught in his throat, which made him even angrier. He turned his back around from anger and a sudden tick within his mouth can be heard — only to him and him alone. "What does she know that I don't?" He pondered, "And is she really the cause of our confinement? Is she really the one who sealed us away for many whole years?" He doubted.
Each and every thought within his head spiralled with more and more questions and doubts. For a moment, he sighed quietly to himself and brushed it off as if his judgement about her were final, yet that doubt still lingered.
When he turned his back around again to face Celestine, Celestine was lost in her own thoughts as she stared into nothing but the objects that were floating around and about. The soft and alluring gaze from her face, made his heart skip a little and with her hair being nearly as long as Rapunzel made him feel something different inside of him. But he quickly snapped out of that illusion as he looked away from her with cheeks reddening from the sight of her vulnerability.
Celestine: "Are you perhaps… One of the Five Virtues?"
???: "...."
Celestine: "... Or are you perhaps… A Beast Cookie?"
???: "... And what if I am? Are you perhaps afraid of me?"
Celestine: "No, not in the slightest. In fact… I'm rather curious about you."
Words were caught in his throat once again, he did not expect that kind of response from someone who he just met mere moments ago, and yet… That same odd feeling inside of him lingered, gripping so tight, to the point it hurts him so. But he shook the feeling off before it could consume him, a sudden tick from his tongue down his breath with disgust and anger in his face.
???: "Curiosity kills the cat, my dear. Don't make me laugh with your lies."
Celestine: "I wasn't trying to."
…
"My, my~ Already talking to her holiness?
O' my dearest and most wonderful master
Shadow Milk Cookie~"
…
Shadow Milk Cookie: "Well if it isn't Marinette Cookie… What took you so long?"
Marinette: "Merely cleaning up… Unwanted pests. But hmm… I believe we are missing someone here."
Shadow Milk Cookie: "She was too fast on her feet, I wasn't able to catch her. Just and only her."
Marinette: "Eugh… What a pain, but it'll have to do~"
When Celestine heard that sudden voice behind her, a sudden chill quickly rundown her spine and that eerie feeling came back, only to witness a grin so wide — greeting her with a glare that pierced through her soul. And when Marinette went on to sit right next to Shadow Milk Cookie, it was clear that they… are working alongside with Shadow Milk Cookie… For now at least.
Celestine's expression only changed slightly… She was feeling uneasy from the moment Marinette showed up with the space. Yet she couldn't help but feel that same chill from before… They have something planned in store for everyone that might possibly affect a quarter of the continent in Beast-Yeast. Or at least. That's what she initially thought.
She still remained calm, even if her situation right now is being in the palm of enemy hands. For now… All she could do was nothing, just wait and see.
Marinette: "Hmm… You know, my dear goddess… Your form right now is rather cute. Yet it's also so pathetic to see you so weak like this. Quite a hilarious sight, heehee~"
Celestine: "...."
Marinette: "Aww~... Did I hurt your feelings?~"
Shadow Milk Cookie: "Don't you have something to report?"
Marinette: "I do, I do… The group of fools are near towards their goal. Once White Lily Cookie wakes up… It's merely about time we present them a warm homecoming…GIFT. But for now… I also gave them another gift of my own~"
Shadow Milk Cookie: "And that might be…?"
Marinette: "Take a good look at the screen here, Master Shadow Milk Cookie~"
When the screen changed to the Silver Tree, Celestine's expression soon shifted in a more worried—no—shocked manner. At the heart of the Kingdom — the Silver Tree — is slowly decaying and dying, thanks to the prowess of Marinette's little gift. Engulfing the tree in black smoke, the raging flame is preventing everyone from getting near the Silver Tree and with each growing and decaying vine… Some ended up striking one of them after another. It was in chaos.
Shadow Milk Cookie had a massive smile on his face — or rather — pleased to see that the tree is now dying. He laughed at the sight of it, Marinette however… only grinned at him from his amusement.
Celestine: "N-No…"
Shadow Milk Cookie: "AHAHAHAHAHA!!! Wonderful… WONDERFUL!! — Oh Marinette Cookie, it is like you have read my mind from the very start!! Well done, well done!"
Marinette: "Fufu~ I am unworthy for such praise my dear Master Shadow Milk Cookie."
…
... Why…?
…
Moments Earlier…
Back at White Lily Cookie's memoria…
Mariya: "NO! CELESTINE!!"
Celestine: "M-Mari…"
Mariya: "DON'T WORRY, I GOTCHA!!—HRRRRMMM… DAAAMMIIITTTT!!!!"
Celestine: "Mari, wait!"
Mariya: "Can't you see I'm trying here?!"
Celestine: "... Let go."
Mariya: "Wh-What?"
Celestine: "Trust me."
Mariya: "... Alright."
And with that… Mariya let go of Celestine, letting herself get dragged into somewhere new. When that portal closed… She went on ahead to look at White Lily Cookie's lifeless body one last time before running off to find GingerBrave, Wizard, Strawberry and Pure Vanilla Cookie to warn them about the dangers that will soon unfold before them.
Mariya: (Please be safe, Celestine. I know that you can handle things on your own… But not everything relies solely on you, okay? So please… Be safe.)
…
Wizard Cookie: "Ugh… My head's rather spinning… Just trying to find one of the shards of the Light of Freedom is already a pain enough. As for my legs… I think they're worn out."
GingerBrave: "Yeah, me too."
Strawberry Cookie: "Pure Vanilla Cookie, why don't we take a break for a bit? We're kind of tired…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Alright. I'm sorry for dragging you into all of this."
GingerBrave: "It's fine, Pure Vanilla Cookie. And besides… We agreed to join you on this quest to find White Lily Cookie, so it's really no big deal."
Wizard Cookie: "Yup! And just as Mariya said before, you shouldn't apologise for something you didn't do. You asked us if we can join you, we agreed and we made that choice because you wouldn't be able to do it all on your own."
Strawberry Cookie: "And that's what friends do… We're still your friends, right Pure Vanilla Cookie?"
With a surprised look on Pure Vanilla Cookie's face, his words were caught in his throat, yet at the same time… He didn't know how to respond to the three. Such kindness from their words left him speechless. For a moment, he looked back at himself… Wondering and doubting from all of the things he has done, back then… He was merely someone, trying to lead, trying to make the world a better place for his citizens and even protecting her.
But the weight of those responsibilities took a sheer toll on him and it hurt him so, but after meeting GingerBrave and his friends… It's as if his own spirit — or rather — the weight on his shoulders were lifted, light enough for him to walk forward with ease. A smile, a soft and warm smile was drawn on his face, and a slight chuckle was briefly heard before answering with sincerity.
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Ehehe~... Thank you. Your words truly touched me. And yes… We are still friends, Strawberry Cookie. But thank you again, GingerBrave, Wizard Cookie and Strawberry Cookie for coming along on this journey with me."
GingerBrave: "Hey now… Don't forget about Celestine and Mariya Cookie."
Wizard Cookie: "Yeah! If it weren't for the both of them… We wouldn't still be here."
Strawberry Cookie: "Speaking about them… I haven't seen them in a while… Do you think they're still looking for one of the shards of the Light of Freedom?"
GingerBrave: "Or maybe they ran into some trouble!"
Wizard Cookie: "Uhhh… You do realize that they're a LOT stronger than we are so there isn't much to worry about their safety."
GingerBrave: "Yeah… You're probably right."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Regardless… Best we find them and regroup."
RIGHT!!
Mariya: "THERE YOU GUYS ARE!!"
Wizard Cookie: "Guess we don't need to—"
Strawberry Cookie: "Wait… Where's Celestine Cookie?"
Mariya: *huff… huff…* "Man, gimme a second to BREEEAAAATHHHEEE!! — God…"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Are you alright, Mariya Cookie?"
Mariya: "Yeah, just fine. — WAIT NO!! NOT FINE!! SOME RANDOM ASS PORTAL WITH GHOST-LIKE ARMS OUT OF IT TOOK CELESTINE SOMEWHERE!!!"
GingerBrave: "Oh no… We gotta save her!"
Wizard Cookie: "And how are we supposed to do that?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Why didn't you try and save her?"
Mariya: "Keyword: Try. But she told me to let go and have her deal with it herself on the other side of the portal. I trust her, so I wouldn't really worry much… Knowing our situation right now, it's pretty dire, I am unsure if she really is alright or not."
Strawberry: "What should we do now then?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "For now… We should keep on going and find the last shard of the Light of Freedom."
Mariya: "So just one more shard left?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Yes, and I believe that it's… this way."
Further down the path within the garden of the Faerie Kingdom, the group pondered hard… Thinking where the last shard of the Light of Freedom could be. While the group thinks it through, Mariya could sense that someone was watching their every move, every step they took. She looked around, yet strange enough… She can't sense it anymore.
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "Is something the matter, Mariya Cookie?"
Mariya: "'Thought there were eyes watching us just now."
GingerBrave: "Hrrmm… Searching for the last piece is definitely getting on my nerves…"
Strawberry Cookie: "Well… Since we're following the path of White Lilly Cookie's memories…"
Wizard Cookie: "Of course, it's only logical! So maybe… We should go to the place White Lily Cookie lived while she was here!"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "I wonder where her chambers could have been…"
Strawberry Cookie: "What if we follow the scent of lilies...? I think I can smell it coming from somewhere."
Without a moment to spare, everyone went on ahead to White Lily Cookie's chambers. When they opened the door, the room was a mess, piles of lilies were placed in one corner and a lot of unorganized papers were scattered all over the floor. The scent inside the room was suffocating, yet Mariya went on inside despite that unbearable scent — so did Pure Vanilla Cookie.
Upon entering her chambers… Mariya and Pure Vanilla Cookie began to search for the last piece of the Light of Freedom while the rest — GingerBrave, Strawberry and Wizard Cookie — guard the front door, in case those yeast spores come back for revenge.
During their search, Mariya glanced at the pile of lilies just sitting in one big corner of the room, but then… She noticed that almost all of those flowers have a letter tied onto the stem of the flower. Each letter she took from it reads about their wish for the return of White Lily Cookie. Pure Vanilla Cookie took notice of it as well and Mariya can tell that same sad look on his face when he saw some of the letters.
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "It would seem that the citizens of this Kingdom left all these notes and flowers when White Lily Cookie left.
Mariya: Yeah, no shit.
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "They really did admire her…" (As much as I did.)
Mariya: "Hmm?"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "What's wrong?"
Mariya: "This note… Isn't this from—"
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "From Elder Faerie Cookie!"
Opening the note from the Great Elder of the Faerie Cookies himself… A sudden light glowed from that same note and it was the last shard of the Light of Freedom, being imbued with the Great Elder's.
As Pure Vanilla Cookie reaches out to the shard of the Light of Freedom… It glimmered before him and showed the very last memory of White Lily Cookie; Having to leave the Faerie Kingdom to see the Witches' Banquet every 1000 years… She was met with Elder Faerie Cookie who knew that White Lily Cookie will eventually leave the Kingdom to seek out the truth of Cookie Creation.
When Elder Faerie Cookie blocked White Lily Cookie from pressing onward, he warned her… Warning her that whatever she seeks from that Banquet will surely hurt both her mind and soul, and knowing that the witches within that Banquet will not take her lightly for she is just a mere cookie. But… He cannot stop her for she is stubborn yet prepared to seek that truth, even if it'll hurt her in the process of knowing it.
The 2 of them argued a bit, yet White Lily Cookie still managed to persuade Elder Faerie Cookie to let her go for she is the only one who can change the fate of Cookiekind once she learns the truth. And so… Elder Faerie Cookie let her go, no matter where White Lily Cookie goes… She is always welcome to come back.
After that last memory of White Lily Cookie, Pure Vanilla Cookie felt guilty for not knowing what his friend was feeling, and at the time… He neglected her. But with a pat on his right shoulder, Mariya looked at him with confidence before changing her expression with a soft and warming smile.
Mariya: "Everything isn't your fault, Vani. Sure you didn't know how she felt at the time… And would've wanted to try and revert time just to ask her how she was feeling too. I can't exactly say about what she did, but know this; what she did was for the sake of the world and for you. She did it because she wanted to protect you and by doing so… She did it alone."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Mariya Cookie, I—…"
Mariya: "Hey now! Once she wakes up… She won't be alone anymore, and she'll have you by her side once again. And even if she's gone off to another adventure all on her own, just know that she won't be alone and she has a home to come back to."
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "... Thank you, Mariya Cookie. Truly."
Mariya Cookie: "Thank me later once this is over, 'kay Vani?"
Nodding from Mariya's words, the both of them exited White Lily Cookie's chambers. GingerBrave, Strawberry and Wizard Cookie looked at them with curiosity but knew that they finally found the last piece of the Light of Freedom. Not long after, Mercurial Knight Cookie swiftly flew towards the group and Mariya quickly took notice that something was wrong from the look on his face.
Mercurial Knight Cookie: "There you all are!"
Mariya: "Something the matter, Mercury?"
Mercurial Knight Cookie: "Mercury…? — Ah! Why yes! Something indeed DID happen. His Majesty Elder Faerie has requested your presence. Let us go."
The group looked at each other with confusion, but only for a brief moment before following Mercurial Knight Cookie to their Great Elder; Elder Faerie Cookie. When they came back to the center of the kingdom… It was in chaos. The Silver Tree was slowly decaying and dying. Engulfing the tree in black smoke, the raging flame is preventing everyone from getting near the Silver Tree and with each growing and decaying vine… Some ended up striking one of them after another.
Everyone had a shocking expression on their faces, but to Mariya… She can only cover her mouth with her left elbow because she can sense and smell an awful stench in the air… And it was awfully familiar to her with no doubts about it.
Mariya: "Gahh.. This fucking stench…"
GingerBrave: "Stench? I don't smell a thing aside from… *cough cough*... This smoke…"
Mariya: "Tch… I knew that they were here before us…"
Wizard Cookie: *cough cough*... "Y-You don't mean…"
Mariya: "Yep… Those sons of bitches are here."
…
Silver Tree Knight: "Your Majesty...! The vines...!"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "....." (Who could've done this…)
Mercurial Knight Cookie: "Elder Faerie Cookie!"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Did you find them?"
Mercurial Knight Cookie: "Yes, your majesty."
Mariya: "What about the citizens here? Did you at least evacuate them all to safety?"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "We're doing our best to get them to safety, but for now… We have—"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Faerie denizen #1: "SOMEBODY… HELP US!!"
Faerie denizen #2: "GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH THE VINES!!"
Wizard Cookie: "The denizens!!"
GingerBrave: "W-Wait—Mariya Cookie!!"
Mariya had no choice but to step in and save a few of the survivors and tell them to evacuate before it gets any worse. With swift motion, she saved the survivors in time, but the vines grew rampant more and more.
Just as one was about to hit her, Mercurial Knight Cookie swept the coming blow from the uncontrollable vine to save her from the incoming impact. The 2 looked at each other, exchanging nods before continuing what they do best.
Back at the group's perspective, it would seem they're trying to fend off the ongoing rampant vines by lessening the collateral damage. But no matter how many times they try, it just keeps on coming back.
Pure Vanilla Cookie: "There are just too many of them!"
Wizard Cookie: "I don't think my magic is going to hold on for much longer!"
Strawberry Cookie: "So am I…"
Elder Faerie Cookie: "Our only option is to wake up White Lily Cookie, only she is able to mend the spell."
Mariya: "And again…"
…
"HOW IN THE LITERALLY FUCK ARE YOU SUPPOSE TO WAKE SLEEPING FUCKING BEAUTY!?!?!?"