The Settling

"Crunchy Chip Cookie, what is all this commotion about?" Dark Cacao furrowed his brows, concern etched across his face as he observed the unfolding scene.

"This Cookie is giving Jellies to the wolves!" Crunchy Chip answered, pointing at Gingerbrave accusingly.

Dark Cacao furrowed his brows, concern etched across his face as he observed the unfolding scene. However, Mochaccino swiftly stepped in, his voice calm and reassuring. "No need to worry, My Liege. It's simply a misunderstanding. Gingerbrave was unaware that Jellies might not be suitable for the Cream Wolf. There was no ill intent behind it."

Gingerbrave cleared his throat, diverting the conversation to a different topic. "Dark Cacao Cookie! You're here! Are these wolf-riding Cookies your friends?"

"These Cookies are the Cream Wolves, defenders of the Dark Cacao Kingdom's borders. This is the squadron's captain, Crunchy Chip Cookie. And, as you already know, this is Mochaccino Cookie. Dark Cacao introduced, motioning towards the squadron and the scientist.

"Your Majesty, we haven't secured the perimeter yet. The floor might be covered with traps and enemies may ambush us any minute. We must stay vigilant!" Crunchy Chip warned, his voice filled with unease as he glanced over his shoulder.

"Crunchy Chip Cookie, calm yourself. These Cookies are our allies, not our adversaries. They have fought alongside us since the battle against the Licorice Sea creatures. Besides, we have arrived in the Vanilla Kingdom. Are you suggesting they would attack us?" Mochaccino reasoned, his tone firm yet diplomatic.

"W-What?! N-No, I didn't mean- Uh..." Crunchy Chip stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment as he struggled to find the right words to explain himself.

Mochaccino stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Crunchy Chip's shoulder. "It's alright, Crunchy Chip. I understand your priority is the safety of the kingdom. But let's hear Gingerbrave's explanation before making any assumptions."

Gingerbrave eagerly jumped in, eager to clarify the situation. "Huh? Ambush? No no no! This place is safe! Like super safe! And you're about to get super comfy in the rooms Pure Vanilla Cookie prepared just for you! C'mon, lemme show you the way!"

Dark Cacao remained skeptical, his expression unwavering. "'Rooms?' We cannot allow the luxury of comfort at dire times like this. We shall set camp here and patrol the surrounding grounds."

Crunchy Chip, his determination undeterred, nodded in agreement. "Yessir! We'll begin gathering materials and get ready to set camp at once!"

"CAMPING? Count me in! I can help! Let me help you gather the materials!" Gingerbrave eagerly offered, his excitement undiminished.

Mochaccino, though slightly hesitant about the idea of sleeping in a tent, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Gingerbrave. Your help will be invaluable. As for me, I'll accept the offer for a room. However, before we proceed, I have one more surprise that may aid us in our preparations."

Mochaccino hurried to the back of the cargo truck's trailer and rapped on its doors. The doors swung open, revealing ten boxes that transformed into Cacao-Droids, their updated designs shining under the sunlight.

These advanced automatons resembled actual Cookies, their bodies entirely made of rich, dark chocolate. Their faces bore neutral expressions, their purple eyes gleaming with purpose.

Equipped with concealed weapons and the ability to transform into compact forms, the Cacao-Droids possessed the necessary capabilities to assist in various tasks.

"Cacao-Drones, activate campground setup sequence. From this point forward, you will take orders from Dark Cacao Cookie until further notice. Follow him to the designated camping area and carry out his instructions." Mochaccino commanded.

The Cacao-Droids nodded in unison, their movements precise and efficient as they embarked on their assigned tasks, ready to aid in the establishment of their temporary camp.

"Now, while the Cacao-Droids are diligently setting up the camp, would you mind giving me a guided tour of this magnificent location, Gingerbrave?" Mochaccino requested.

Gingerbrave's face lit up with excitement. "Absolutely! Follow me, and I'll show you around. You'll even get the chance to meet Pure Vanilla Cookie and Hollyberry Cookie!"

With a quick wave of his hand, Gingerbrave led Mochaccino towards the grand Council Hall. Pure Vanilla Cookie stood near the window, lost in thought, until Gingerbrave's voice rang out, capturing his attention. "Pure Vanilla Cookie? Your friends have arrived! Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie are here!"

Pure Vanilla's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Oh, at last! Thank you so much, Gingerbrave, for guiding them!" He turned his attention to Mochaccino, his gaze filled with curiosity. "Oh? And who's this you brought with you?"

"I am Mochaccino Cookie, the Royal Scientist of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. It is both an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty, Pure Vanilla Cookie." Mochaccino introduced himself, bowing respectfully.

"And a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Mochaccino Cookie. Please, simply address me as Pure Vanilla Cookie. No need for any excessive formalities." Pure Vanilla smiled.

Gingerbrave chimed in, his enthusiasm evident. "Wow, good to see you're getting along already! And it was no problem at all, Pure Vanilla Cookie! Is this where you will be having the Council?" He looked around the grand hall with curiosity.

"Yes. It used to be my study as well as the throne room. Now, it's open to everyone. We will have a celebratory feast in the Solarium of Unity today. The Council will start tomorrow in these halls." Pure Vanilla explained, his voice carrying an air of authority and excitement. "Alright then, now that everyone is here, shall we commence with the feast? Please ask everyone to join us on the castle grounds."

"Alrighty! Mochaccino Cookie, want to come with? We can also introduce you to Hollyberry Cookie along the way!" Gingerbrave offered with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely! I wouldn't miss an opportunity like this. Lead the way!" Mochaccino accepted the invitation with a wide smile, eager to embrace the new experiences that awaited him.

Later on, Gingerbrave and Mochaccino arrived at the lavish Chamber of Hollyberry Cookie. The room was adorned with rich berry hues, and the sunlight streaming through the windows created an inviting ambiance.

Hollyberry was meticulously inspecting every detail with her bodyguard, Wildberry Cookie, by her side. "Ha ha! Decorated in berry colors and filled with warm sunlight: feels just like home! That Pure Vanilla Cookie! Always knows how to impress! But it looks like he forgot something very essential...Ha ha!" Hollyberry exclaimed, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

She opened the closet, knowing exactly what she was searching for. "Aha! Found it! Look at this fine ages berry juice that was hidden deep inside the closet! Now I'm going to enjoy my stay to the fullest! Ha ha ha!"

"My lady, you shouldn't open this bottle. A host wouldn't hide something that was meant for the quest's enjoyment..." Wildberry cautioned, a touch of concern in his voice.

"Ha ha! Don't worry my old chum! I'm sure Pure Vanilla Cookie wouldn't mind!" Hollyberry laughed, dismissing Wildberry's concern. Ignoring his advice, she retrieved the bottle from the closet, deftly removing the cork, and took a hearty sip.

"Still, it would be polite to ask-" Wildberry tried to interject, but his words fell on deaf ears as Hollyberry continued to savor the flavorful beverage, delighting in her own amusement.

"GINGERBRAVE, MY BOY! Is everything ready for the Council?!" Hollyberry exclaimed with uncontainable enthusiasm, her voice reverberating through the chamber.

Gingerbrave, taken aback by Hollyberry's infectious energy, struggled to respond. "Oh... Um... Well! I must ask Pure Vanilla Cookie!" He managed to stammer out, attempting to match her fervor.

"Alright! And be quick! Or I'll finish this bottle alone! I SWEAR!" Hollyberry playfully warned, clutching the bottle possessively as she spoke.

Mochaccino, observing Hollyberry's boisterous demeanor, couldn't help but comment. "My goodness, Hollyberry Cookie doesn't hold back when it comes to displaying her zest, does she?"

"Heh, nope..." Gingerbrave replied, scratching his head in amusement and slight exasperation.

"Huh? Oh, I didn't notice you had company, Gingerbrave!" Hollyberry exclaimed, turning her attention to Mochaccino. #What's your name, young Cookie? I don't think we've met before."

"Mochaccino Cookie, at your service, Hollyberry Cookie!" Mochaccino greeted her with equal exuberance. "I am the Royal Scientist of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, delighted to make your acquaintance!"

"I'm Wildberry Cookie, Her Majesty's escort. Pleased to meet you." Wildberry greeted in a cautious tone, his skepticism regarding Mochaccino's presence evident.

Hollyberry, sensing the tension, quickly intervened. "Now, now! At ease, Wildberry Cookie! Any friend of a friend is a friend of mine, too!" She placed a reassuring hand on Wildberry's shoulder. "Plus, this one looks like a smart and friendly fella, you'll get along soon enough, I know it!"

"Hollyberry Cookie! The party is about to begin! Come to the Solarium of Unity!" Gingerbrave's voice echoed from around the corner.

"FINALLY! Ha ha ha! Time to meet this legendary 'Pure Vanilla Cookie!' Ah, it's been a long, LONG time! Who could have known we'd have a chance to raise our glasses once again! Pure Vanilla Cookie is still the same old sweetheart, isn't he?" Hollyberry exclaimed with excitement, hoisting her shield high.

"Gingerbrave, have you noticed anything suspicious at the banquet hall? I will go first and see for myself. It's my duty to make sure the Queen Mother is in safety in all times." Wildberry voiced his concerns.

"Nonsense! It's just a banquet, a party! Pure Vanilla Cookie has always been famous for his fondness of fine cuisine! Though, not as fine as the Hollyberrian cuisine, I must say! Ha ha! Let's go and have the time of our lives! There will be a lot of catching up for us to do!" Hollyberry replied, her face radiant with joy.

Mochaccino Cookie, could you go fetch Dark Cacao Cookie and tell him the party's ready?" Gingerbrave requested.

"Of course! I'll go find him right away," Mochaccino replied, swiftly making his way towards the campgrounds where Dark Cacao was stationed. Upon reaching the area, he delivered Gingerbrave's message without delay. "My Liege! The party is ready to begin!"

"I see. We shall be on our way." Dark Cacao responded, emerging from his tent.

"Cream Wolves, defenders of the Dark Cacao! Get into formation! Hang the proud banner of our kingdom! March forth as the brave warriors you all are!" Crunchy Chip commanded his squadron.

"Enough. We are attending a feast, not marching into battle. Feed the wolves and tend to your weapons." Dark Cacao ordered, his voice resonating with authority. "Those who wish to attend the feast, follow me."

"Crunchy Chip Cookie, you must learn to relax. This kingdom harbors no ill intentions towards us. If there were any signs of treachery, I would have noticed by now." Mochaccino reassured in a calming tone.

"Right, right. Sorry, Your Majesty and Mochaccino Cookie." Crunchy Chip apologized, visibly easing up.

"Cacao-Droids, initiate guarding sequence." Mochaccino commanded the automatons, prompting them to extend weapons from their mechanical bodies and stand guard.

In the radiant Solarium of Unity, Mochaccino Cookie, accompanied by Gingerbrave, Dark Cacao, Crunchy Chip, and a select few Cream Wolf Riders, gathered at Pure Vanilla's grand celebration.

Pure Vanilla stood at the center of the vibrant room, his arms wide open, his voice resonating throughout the hall, reaching every corner of the Solarium. "Hollyberry Cookie! Dark Cacao Cookie!" Pure Vanilla's voice called out, his hand waving in the air to catch their attention.

"Well, I'll be baked! It's Pure Vanilla Cookie! Gimme a hug, will ya?!" Hollyberry exclaimed, eagerly making her way towards Pure Vanilla, enveloping him in a warm and tight embrace.

"Ho-Hollyberry Cookie, your hugs are tight as ever...!" Pure Vanilla chuckled, reciprocating the embrace.

"What's this, have you grown flatter? Let's make sure your stomach is well-fed, huh? You need nutrition after all that sleep! Ha ha!" Hollyberry teased, playfully poking Pure Vanilla's stomach.

"It has been a while." Dark Cacao chimed in, his voice carrying a tinge of nostalgia.

"Dark Cacao Cookie! I hope the journey here wasn't too exhausting! Thank you for coming all the way here!" Pure Vanilla expressed with genuine appreciation. "You two haven't changed a bit...! You're both the Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie I remember and love...!"

"Knowing that you are alive and well fills my heart with joy, Pure Vanilla Cookie." Dark Cacao responded, a soft smile gracing his face.

"Dark Cacao Cookie... Words cannot describe how much I've missed you all. I... I am so happy to see you!" Pure Vanilla said, his eyes shimmering with genuine affection. He then turned his attention to each of the newcomers. "And who are these wonderful new Cookies?"

"Ah, right, this here is Wildberry Cookie! He is one quiet fellow, but he's one of the most reliable knights in all Hollyberry Kingdom!" Hollyberry introduced, giving Wildberry a playful nudge. Wildberry grunted in acknowledgement. "What did I tell you? Ha ha ha!"

"And these are the Cream Wolves that protect our borders with their captain, Crunchy Chip Cookie. And I assume you've met him earlier, but this is Mochaccino Cookie, my kingdom's brightest mind." Dark Cacao introduced his most trusted warriors.

"What's with all this sweet food? Whatever you're plotting is pointless! Your tricks won't get past behind my eyes!" Crunchy Chip interjected, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Crunchy Chip Cookie, please... Behave yourself. We are in the presence of royalty." Mochaccino intervened, placing a hand on Crunchy Chip's shoulder.

Although he smiled, there was an undertone of subtle annoyance in his voice, leaving Crunchy Chip unsettled, unwilling to test the scientist's patience.

"Ha ha! Welcome to the Vanilla Kingdom! We are so glad to have you here. It's been so long since we've had guests." Pure Vanilla greeted, his face radiating with genuine warmth and excitement.

"Hah! It has been a long, long time, that's for sure. I don't think we've been here since the war." Hollyberry reminisced, her expression tinged with a mix of nostalgia and unease.

"And the whole castle was in ruins back then." Dark Cacao chimed in, his voice carrying the weight of past hardships.

"But look at it now! I'd say the kingdom has been restored to its former glory. You did an amazing job, especially knowing what you've been through! To think this place was once torn by war... Completely unrecognizable! A job well done!" Hollyberry praised, attempting to shift the focus away from the war-torn past.

"Yes, the Dark Flour War... We cannot allow that tragedy to repeat ever again! And that is why we have gathered here." Pure Vanilla explained, his tone tinged with determination.

"Dark Enchantress Cookie is still hiding out there, planning to get her hands on our power." Dark Cacao interjected, his voice filled with a resolute determination.

"Yes. She is relentless in her pursuit of power over the entire Cookie World." Pure Vanilla concurred, his gaze narrowing with a steely resolve.

"Well, she's definitely not going to back out now! I bet she's preparing for one last strike! Dark Enchantress Cookie must be stopped! I'll make sure to find her and I'll give her a taste of my..." Hollyberry began, her voice growing fierce, but she was interrupted by a Villager Cookie who approached with an urgent message.

"Um, sorry to interrupt... But a Cookie has just arrived. He says he needs to join the Council..." The Villager Cookie informed, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

"I apologize for the interruption. I meant to arrive sooner... Has the Council already started? I hope I did not miss anything important! It is truly an honor to be in the presence of the Five Heroes." The mysterious Cookie began, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and reverence. "My name is Clotted Cream Cookie. I came here as soon as I heard about the Council discussing the question of war against Dark Enchantress Cookie."

"Clotted Cream Cookie? I don't think I've ever heard of you before. Where are you from?" Hollyberry inquired, her tone laced with skepticism as she eyed the newcomer warily.

"I hail from the Crème Republic, the land of delightful cream and fresh oysters." Clotted Cream replied, his smile radiating charm. "And I am from House Custard drawing its lineage from the old Vanilla Kingdom."

"WHAAAT?" The room erupted in a collective gasp, each Cookie present taken aback by the stunning revelation.