The Ceremony

In the Divine Sanctum, the place of choice for the hosting of the commendation ceremony, a grand celebration was taking place. And of course, the contrast between Madeleine and Espresso's reactions couldn't have been any bigger.

"Just look at this crowd! So many Cookies have arrived to congratulate our efforts!" Madeleine exclaimed, a sense of excitement present in his voice.

"I've no time for this... Every second spent here is a waste of valuable time..." Espresso muttered, his words carrying a slight bitter edge.

"Now now, Espresso Cookie! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Be proud of your accomplishments!" Madeleine encouraged, an expectant look on his features.

"The Celestial Light has graced us with perfect weather once more. And here before us stand two Cookies, blessed by the Light itself." Archbishop stated, a sense of pride audible in his words. "These two brave souls have traveled far and wide to ensure peace and prosperity for the Republic and all of Earthbread. They have recently returned from a mission of great import! To commemorate their success, I am proud to present commendations graced by the Divines themselves to Madeleine Cookie and Espresso Cookie!"

"HA HA HA! I am greatly honored! I swear by the light to continue serving the Crème Republic!" Madeleine vowed, his voice full of confidence.

"Hooray, Madeleine Cookie!" One of the Republic's Cookies cheered, clapping along with the rest.

"But what did Madeleine Cookie actually do?" A second one questioned, their tone a bit doubtful.

"I dunno! It's Madeleine Cookie! He must've done SOMETHING amazing!" Another one noted, a slightly sheepish air present in their words.

"OH! That makes sense! Hooray, Madeleine Cookie!" They agreed, joining the cheering and applauding alongside the rest.

"Espresso Cookie, step forth." Archbishop ordered, his gaze locked on the aforementioned Cookie. "You hail from humble beginnings, with little wealth or prestige to your name. And yet you have proved your worth through ability and skill alone. May the Divines bless your future as you continue to work for the prosperity of the Republic."

"Thank you." Espresso accepted the commendation, his tone slightly dismissive.

"Now then, let us enjoy the remainder of the day with tea and desserts." Oyster proposed, a bright smile visible on her features.

"Espresso Cookie! What a glorious day! Come, join me and raise a glass of juice, HA HA!" Madeleine offered, a bright grin on his face.

"No time for juice. I must take my leave." Espresso denied, also having already dressed out of his ceremonial attire.

"What, already? Wait... when did you get changed?" Madeleine questioned, an air of surprise present in his voice.

"Research attire does not have need for swaying cloaks or fancy sleeves. I do not have the luxury of time." Espresso reminded, his tone stern.

"Wow, Espresso Cookie! You seem super busy. You don't have a lot of time left, do you?" Gingerbrave wondered, a tinge of sympathy present in his words. "Mochaccino Cookie is watching the Soul Jam experiments, right? You can stay a bit longer."

"I've been delayed enough. I trust his capability, as well as his integrity." Espresso answered, an air of conviction present in his voice. "But I will not allow myself to get distracted. If you'll excuse me."

Outside, in Monument Spire Piazza, a certain someone's mother had been anxious, awaiting his return as she walked outside the Divine Sanctum.

"...I know, he will do just fine without me. But still, I cannot help but worry... What if he is tired, what if he is hurt?! I simply cannot bear the mere thought of something happening to him... If only I can have just one glance at his lovely face. Even if but from afa- Agh!" Light Cream yelped, her sentence cut short as she bumped into another Cookie.

"Ah, my apologies! Are you alright?" Pure Vanilla questioned, offering a hand to help Light Cream up.

"I-I am fine, thank you-" Light Cream trailed off, a sense of surprise evident in her words. "S-Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie! I'm terribly sorry! I-I did not mean to bump into you!"

"Worry not, there is nothing to apologize for. It was a simple mistake. Here, let me help you up." Pure Vanilla offered, pulling Light Cream up.

As she was helped up by the healer, Light Cream was shaking a bit. This was one of the Ancient Heroes who, in her mind, she was troubling by simply existing. "...Thank you. You are most kind. Please forgive me for being such a burden." She apologized, her words conveying a hint of regret.

"A burden? On the contrary, you have done no such thing." Pure Vanilla reassured, a soft smile present on his features. "Tell me, is something the matter?"

"N-No, it is nothing. I was merely lost in thought, Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie." Light Cream denied, her voice holding a sense of hesitancy. "I would not wish to keep you, please excuse me."

"...Very well. But, may I ask you a question? If you do not mind, that is." Pure Vanilla requested, his tone gentle.

"S-Surely, but... What is it you would like to-?" Light Cream inquired, only to be cut off by some nearby orphans.

"Come on, hurry! We'll miss the ceremony!" One of them exclaimed, clearly excited for the event.

"But I've just got done with my chores! What's that ceremony about, again?" Another one wondered, a thoughtful look on their features.

"That Espresso Cookie and that knight did something! I dunno!" The first one answered, their voice laced with endearing innocence.

"Whoah, really?! That's so cool! I'm gonna be there first! Catch up if you can!" The other shouted, bolting towards the Divine Sanctum.

"Huh?! You know how long I've been waiting for you?! Hey, stop!" The first one yelled, chasing after their friend.

"The ceremony... Madeleine Cookie and Espresso Cookie will be there... Perhaps... Perhaps he will be there too! A Cookie like him wouldn't miss such an important event... Maybe I will even have a chance to talk to him! I should hurry! The ceremony must have already begun...!" Light Cream reasoned, her thoughts racing a mile a minute before she realized she had yet to hear Pure Vanilla's question. "Ah! Once again, my apologies! What was it you wished to ask me?"

"That question can wait. May I join you in this ceremony? I do not know the details, but I have heard that the Cookies have come together to honor Madeleine Cookie and Espresso Cookie, correct?" Pure Vanilla questioned, his features bearing a soft smile. "If so, I would love to pay my respects as well.

"O-Of course, Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie! You are most welcome to join me!" Light Cream accepted, a bit taken aback by the offer.

"Wonderful. Then, let us not waste any time and head inside." Pure Vanilla encouraged, walking alongside Light Cream.

Back at the Institute of Thamaturgy, Mochaccino was currently making sure things were going swimmingly, overseeing the current experiment. Things were progressing nicely, about as good as they could be.

"Remind me, what was the name of the medal Professor Espresso Cookie is being awarded...?" One of the researchers asked the others, their expression curious.

"It's called the "Order of Light!" I wish my work was given such credit one day...!" Another answered, a look of admiration present in their eyes.

"Do you think we'll ever get a medal like that?" The first one wondered, a small smile evident on their features.

"Who knows! Espresso Cookie is a genius of the highest order! One of the greatest names in the Crème Republic! If we keep doing our best for the betterment of our nation, perhaps we, too, will be duly rewarded. Like the Professor!" Another answered, their tone brimming with excitement.

"Wow... I cannot wait!" The other noted, their voice laced with wonder.

"For now, we have an important research to complete!" One of the researchers reminded, which made Mochaccino smile at how motivated they were. Everything was going great, until... "Huh? Wait a minute? The flask! The temperature is rising!"

"Huh? HUUUH? Oh, dear!" The second one cried out, a hint of worry present in their words.

"Everyone, come here, QUICK! We must stabilize the sample!" Another ordered, their tone urgent.

"Step to a safe distance, I have the situation under control." Mochaccino declared, using his power suit to generate an electric force field around the flask, keeping his cool. "There we go, it's protected. Now, rush for the necessary equipment to restabilize the sample. I will prevent it from bursting."

"Right away, Mochaccino Cookie!" A researcher confirmed, running towards a nearby cupboard.

Back with Gingerbrave, Espresso, Wildberry, and Crunchy Chip, they found themselves in the Market, where various merchants and traders were peddling their wares.

"There're so many Cookies here!" Gingerbrave exclaimed, marveling at the sight.

"Never thought the Crème Republic had a place like this!

The streets are narrow, Cookies everywhere, and... Why's the ground so soggy?!" Crunchy Chip questioned, his voice laced with confusion.

"This is what many call the Lower City." Espresso explained, looking around at the various stores and stands. "As we get closer to the coast, the environment and atmosphere will significantly differ from what you've seen up there. I advise you watch your step as you make your way through the crowd."

"There are too many Cookies here! I can't see where I'm going!" Crunchy Chip complained, trying to maneuver his way through the bustling market. "HEY! HEEEY! Is everyone alright?"

"I can see exactly where I'm going." Wildberry remarked, his rather tall frame allowing him to peer over the crowd.

"You callin' me short, bub?!" Crunchy Chip asked, glaring up at the Hollyberrian.

"Is this what's called a night market? THIS IS SO COOL! There's so much to see!" Gingerbrave exclaimed, his tone brimming with wonder.

"HEY THERE! You with the fancy buttons! Ya like fancy buttons, eh? Then take a look at my wares!" A merchant peddled, waving to the four Cookies. Specifically, Gingerbrave.

"Salty seas, you're a big one! Oi, you! Ya need a new set or armor? We've got the largest selection in the night market!" Another one called, directing their attention to Wildberry.

"Pal! Yeah, you pal! The one with the puppy! Does your pup like toys and snacks? We've got the best pup wares in the land!" A third one greeted, waving to Crunchy Chip and his Cream Wolf.

"Oh? OH! That looks interesting...!" Crunchy Chip noted, his gaze locked on the various pet supplies.

"Stay focused and keep close. We can't lose sight of Espresso Cookie." Wildberry reminded, keeping a lookout for the professor.

"Alright! I'm movin', I'm movin'!" Crunchy Chip reassured, before whispering under his breath. "That Hollyberrian sure is a stick in the mud...!"

Meanwhile, the Divine Sanctum's ceremony was going strong. The Cookies were celebrating the achievements of Espresso and Madeleine, with none of the mentioned being present for said festivities.

"Oh... It was a much longer stroll than I expected. My cream is almost dripping...!" Light Cream muttered, her features carrying a hint of discomfort. "Ah, so many Cookies...! Yet... Madeleine Cookie and Espresso Cookie are nowhere to be seen. Has the ceremony already concluded?"

"It doesn't seem so. The crowd is very much still lively. Perhaps they have left to attend some other matters." Pure Vanilla suggested, glancing around the hall.

"E-Even so... I-I can't help but feel anxious..." Light Cream stammered, her features betraying a sense of uneasiness. "M-My son... I know, he is more than capable of taking care of himself. But still... I cannot help but worry, and-!"

"You are standing in the way of the crowd, Madam." Grand Madeleine Cookie, Madeleine's mother, scolded, her tone respectful and refined, but also stern. "And my most gracious greetings, Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie. I am Grand Madeleine Cookie, the Matriarch of the House of Madeleine. I am honored to make your acquaintance."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Pure Vanilla accepted the greeting, smiling softly.

"Oh, my...! Please, excuse me..." Light Cream apologized, getting out of the way.

"The Cookie you seek is not here, Light Cream Cookie." Grand Madeleine continued, turning her attention towards the other Cookie.

"Oh... I... I see. I... I should go before I further embarrass myself." Light Cream mumbled, a sense of guilt lacing her words.

"Who is it you are looking for, if I am allowed to ask?" Pure Vanilla questioned, curiosity audible in his tone.

"Oh... My son... Clotted Cream Cookie. I know he is busy, and I do not want to trouble him. He is such a busy Cookie, with a bright future ahead of him. But I wish I could just see him, if only just to make sure he is well..." Light Cream explained, her words conveying a tinge of sadness.

"I would like you to know that I understand your feelings completely. Please, would you join me for a cup of tea?" Grand Madeleine offered, a sympathetic look visible in her eyes. "Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie, would you join us as well? I believe your insight would be greatly appreciated."

"I would be happy to." Pure Vanilla accepted, smiling warmly.

"Ah, I... Very well. if it's not too much trouble...!" Light Cream hesitatingly accepted, not wanting to cause trouble.

"Excellent! Then I would like to invite you two to our mansion, away from the prying eyes." Grand Madeleine proposed, leading the other Cookies outside the sanctum.

And back in the Night Market's back alleys, the squad, recently joined by Madeleine, was trying to navigate their way through the rather complicated area.

"How much further must we go, Espresso Cookie?" Madeleine questioned, clearly wanting to get out of the damp environment.

"We've yet to arrive. The sea must be close enough to taste in the air." Espresso remarked, his tone dismissive.

"It's so dark here...!" Gingerbrave pointed out, noticing the lack of illumination.

"Hey you... Got any coins? C'mon, spare some coins for a hungry Cookie...!" A back street Cookie pleaded, their voice weak and tired.

"GAH! You scared me!" Gingerbrave yelped, not expecting the Cookie's sudden appearance.

"I'm sick and tired of living on these streets... It's dark, it's damp... ARGH! I'm sick of living off scraps and moldy Jellies..." Another Cookie complained, their words laced with a sense of resignation.

"I want to live and work up there in the city! If only those good-for-nothing Upper City vultures would give us the opportunity..." A third Cookie bemoaned, their tone full of spite.

"Cookies tainted by sea and mud... Hearken to me. Hear me. Accept the words of providence and you may find deliverance. We bring the prospect of a promised land, rich in sunlight and firm soil..." Missionary Cookie, likely a believer, preached, her words filled with conviction.

"Something's fishy here, and it ain't fish I smell! Are we still in the Republic? This place is... shady!" Cunchy Chip observed, not liking the vibe of the Lower City.

"Of course we are. Many have forgotten, but the land we are in right now is also part of the Crème Republic." Espresso answered, his voice holding an edge of pity and sympathy.

"You... seem to know this area quite well. How is it you know your way around these alleys and corridors?" Wildberry asked, a bit suspicious of the mage's familiarity with the area. "Are you..."

"Yes. This is my home." Espresso confessed, not bothering to sugarcoat the truth.

"WHAT?! Really? You grew up here?!" Crunchy Chip exclaimed, shock evident in his voice.

"Yes, and what of it? Let us continue on. The air is getting salty. We are nearing our destination." Espresso replied, clearly not wanting to elaborate on the topic.

Now, returning to Mansion Madeleine, where Grand Madeleine, Light Cream, and Pure Vanilla were currently residing, the three were enjoying a nice cup of tea together.

"I hope you both find this fragrant tea to your liking." Grand Madeleine remarked, sipping her cup.

"Thank you. This is a lovely brew. Your home is most beautiful." Pure Vanilla complimented, admiring the interior design.

"Thank you, madam. I... I must apologize for my lack of manners... Thank you for the invitation, Grand Madeleine Cookie." Light Cream expressed her gratitude, her voice carrying a tinge of hesitancy.

"My pleasure. Please, enjoy your tea." Grand Madeleine returned the gesture, before continuing.

"...Ah. I really do love the scent...! Naturally, this tea is nothing out of the ordinary here, at Mansion madeleine. But truly, this is one of the finest teas I've ever tasted...!" Light Cream sighed in delight, the taste reminding her of times long gone.

"I concur, it's absolutely wonderful." Pure Vanilla agreed, a soft smile gracing his features.

"You seem to have recollected yourself, Light Cream Cookie." Grand Madeleine noticed, her tone gentle.

"Ah... Yes, that's true... I'm so embarrassed. To have acted so foolishly in front one of the Ancient Heroes..." Light Cream confessed, her voice laced with shame.

"There is no reason to be embarrassed. It is only natural that a mother should worry about her child. If anything, it is admirable how much you care about him." Pure Vanilla reassured, his words kind and honest.

"You have not a single reason to cower. Perhaps, it is time to find your inner strength instead." Grand Madeleine proposed, placing her cup of tea on a table. "Promise me one thing: do not feel ashamed in front of other Cookies."

"...! You speak of strength... But how can I... I am nobody!" Light Cream questioned, her self-doubt clear in her words.

"Others are free to have their own opinions. It is what you think of yourself that matters the most. The chance will come. Prepare yourself for it. And once you are prepared, you will be able to seize it." Grand Madeleine advised, her expression wise.

"That is true, Light Cream Cookie. But if I may add my own sprinkle of advice: although your son is indeed a very busy and important Cookie, rest assured, he knows your love for him is boundless." Pure Vanilla added, a reassuring look on his face. "There's nothing greater than a mother's love. No matter the distance, a mother's love is always with their young."

"Thank you... This means a lot to me coming from you both..." Light Cream thanked, touched by the other Cookies' words. Yet, still somewhat wanting to push away the topic. "This is not just 'one of the finest teas.' This is... the warmest, the most fragrant tea I've ever had."

"I am pleased to hear that. I hope you will find that our conversation is not in vain." Grand Madeleine hoped, a satisfied smile appearing on her features.

"Just remember, should you need someone to listen and talk to, I will be more than happy to aid you." Pure Vanilla assured, his expression warm as ever. "As I have said before, a mother's love is without equal. It is the greatest power a Cookie can possess. So don't be afraid to wield it."

Meanwhile, the group was a few steps from their destination. "AGH! My feet are sinking with each step! My pristine cream boots, soiled by such muddy waters! Aunties will be aghast...!" Madeleine cried, not liking the fact that his outfit was getting dirty.

"I can't walk through this stuff! And I've walked through the harshest snow and ice on all of Earthbread!" Crunchy Chip protested, trying to move through the muck.

"The dark, black sea... And not a Cookie can be seen in these vast mudflats..." Wildberry noted, noticing the emptiness. "The ingredient you are searching for... Is it truly in such a place?"

"Yes. I can make out a slight shadow over there..." Espresso confirmed, squinting his eyes as he spotted a figure in the distance. "Ah yes, I see you still call this place home, Seaweed Cookie."

"Well, well, well...! Look who's back... I thought you left this place for good after moving up." Seaweed, a resident of Choco Mud Town, remarked, her gaze fixated on the group. "And you brought friends? You made friends...? Don't remember you ever being the sociable sort."

"Who are you...?" Gingerbrave asked, amazed by the Cookie's rather unique appearance.

"This is Seaweed Cookie, an acquaintance from my early childhood." Espresso explained, introducing the strange Cookie.

"What're you doing here in the dark?" Crunchy Chip questioned, eyeing the Cookie curiously.

"Me? Oh me, me, me... just working. Every day, Cookies turn to crumbs, as we all will one day. We're all Cookies, we all crumble... But the Cookies up there have a much more... flamboyant send-off. But Cookies of the sea, salt in their dough, luck down low, they're ones to be buried in the mud, apropos." Seaweed explained, her words laced with a hint of resentment. "That's where I come in. I perform... shall I say, a small ritual of sorts. I give the nameless a chance to sleep in the eternal night at peace."

"Then... Underneath this mud are..." Wildberry trailed off, realization dawning upon him.

"WHAT?! AAAAAGH!" Crunchy Chip exclaimed, jumping back in surprise.

"Have some respect! I don't show up to where you work and scream at the top of my lungs, do I? This is how the world works. We may have differences in our dough, but in the end, we all become crumbs." Seaweed chided, a solemn expression visible on her face. "And that's true of everyone, everywhere. You, me, us, them... We're all heading in the same direction. So while you're here, why not make a silent wish for your fellow Cookies here to find peace?"

"Speaking of... I come here to ask you something, Seaweed Cookie..." Espresso trailed off, getting straight to the point. "Do you have anything that you've... gathered... during your work here? I require some for me and my partner's research and I hope you can spare some."

"What sort of research?" Seaweed questioned, her curiosity piqued.

"I cannot go into specifics, but it is of vital importance. It is essential to save the kingdoms and nations built by the Ancient Heroes, as well as protecting Cookies all over Earthbread." Espresso explained, the weight of his mission becoming evident.

"You were never one to exaggerate or tell stories... So it must be very important then...! If you really are going to help save Earthbread, I'm sure the Cookies at rest here will be proud of your efforts. Hm... Very well. I have quite an amount stored. Here, it's yours." Seaweed offered, taking out a flask of... something.

"What's that?!" Crunchy Chip questioned, looking at the mysterious substance.

"Thank you, Seaweed Cookie. This will help in my experiments very much. I shall not let it go to waste." Espresso thanked, dismissing the wolf captain's question.

"Glad to have helped, heh. How about you come visit us from time to time? Just because you're all famous up there doesn't mean you can forget your roots. We've made many memories here together, remember? Remember? Espresso Cookie?" Seaweed asked, a tinge of sadness in her tone.

"...Yes. I promise to return for a visit once my research has concluded. Now then, Seaweed Cookie, we must take our leave." Espresso promised, before turning towards the rest.

"Goodbye!" Seaweed bid farewell, before going back to her work.

"Are we heading back to the Institute now?" Gingerbrave questioned, already thinking of a million ideas and possibilities regarding the mysterious substance.

"Not just yet. We must first head to my own personal laboratory. The ingredient I've just procured must be covertly transported with the utmost care... and handling it at the Institute is a risk in and of itself. I trust in Mochaccino Cookie's ability to keep things in order while I am absent. But, after all, science does not provide new discoveries unless one is willing to act." Espresso replied, before continuing his path.

Thus, the squad made their way back to the Back Alley, which led back to the Upper City. However, to a certain Cream Wolf Captain, something was bothering him...

"Something still smells fishy about all this!" Crunchy Chip pointed out, his suspicion rising.

"Arf! Arf ARF!" Crunchy Chip's Cream Wolf howled, a distressed tone audible in their voice.

"EAUGH!? What is it?! Why all the barkin'? What do you smell?" Crunchy Chip asked, alarmed by the sudden change in his wolf's attitude.

"The wolf seems on edge..." Wildberry noted, his guard rising.

"Oh edge? No...! It's because of all that creepy stuff we saw in Choco Mud Town! Just thinking about it again..." Crunchy Chip trailed off, shivering at the memory. "Crumbs... underneath our feet..."

"Did you not say you dealt with life and death at the borders of your Kingdom? Why is this any different?" Wildberry questioned, his gaze narrowing slightly.

"It's not different! I'm a fierce warrior and Cookie of the Dark Cacao! But... this didn't feel right... Maybe it's the sea air and all the humidity getting to me...!" Crunchy Chip argued, before deflating a bit.

"Arf! ARF ARF ARF!!" Crunchy Chip's Cream Wolf howled, sensing danger nearby.

"Hey, what's up, pal? What do you smell...? HEY!" Crunchy Chip cried, spotting exactly what the Cream Wolf was trying to warn him about. "The Cookies in white masks!"

"Crumbs...! We've been made!" One of the Masked Cookies hissed, realizing they had been spotted.

"It seems they were following us." Espresso observed, a serious expression forming on his features.

"Stop right there! You won't get away from us!" Gingerbrave exclaimed, brandishing his spear and shield that Mochaccino gave him that one time.

Thus, a fight ensued between Masked Cookies and the squad. Fight which didn't last long, as the combined efforts of Espresso, Madeleine, Wildberry, Crunchy Chip and his Cream Wolf, and Gingerbrave himself, easily overpowered the Cookies, defeating them and sending them running.

"Eurgh...! Mission failed!" One of the Masked Cookies grumbled, before making a break for it.

"Retreat! Retreat!" Another one of them ordered, the remaining masked Cookies following them.

"STOP! You... you... bad Cookies!" Gingerbrave demanded, chasing after them.

"They are swift." Wildberry noted, keeping his eyes on the fleeing Cookies.

"We gotta chase 'em down! They went into that alleyway!" Crunchy Chip shouted, pointing out the direction they went in.

On the way, Wildberry happened to bump into something. Or rather, someone. "Huh?" He uttered, not having expected to run into the Missionary from earlier.

"Ow... ow..." Missionary whimpered, before standing up.

"What're you doing?! Is that some Hollyberrian tackling move?" Crunchy Chip questioned, not knowing any better.

"No. Just bumped into this Cookie." Wildberry corrected, turning to the Cookie in question. "Are you unhurt, citizen?"

"Providence has protected me. Providence has protected even me, a lowly Cookie. I do not deserve providence... And you... You? Would you like to hear the voice of providence?" Missionary questioned, spouting cryptic nonsense.

"NOPE!" Crunchy Chip exclaimed, clearly not interested in whatever this Cookie was offering.

"It seems our masked friends have fled." Espresso observed, his gaze searching.

"What're we waiting for? Let's go after 'em while the trail is still fresh!" Crunchy Chip urged, wanting to catch the perpetrators.

"No. We must escort Espresso Cookie to his personal laboratory. We do not know what the masked ones are plotting. Some may be lurking in the shadows as we speak..." Wildberry argued, opting for a more rational plan. "We must get out of here."

"Agreed. Let us head to my personal laboratory." Espresso agreed, rushing towards his home.