#bittersweet section

It was an eventful night that the hotelier had endured. The sounds of squabbling beasts just outside of Earl Grey's manor became much more than the usual outside noise when a voice reached through one of the windows despite it being closed. It was with a furrowed brow that he'd wander outside to find the source. If there was someone in danger, Grey would know better than to leave someone on their own. It was a faint reminder of what he had always done, in a way. Taking in the misfortuned. However, one thing that he did not expect…

Small talk between the Cookies of Darkness was common when it came to passing by each other's quarters. Some respected the privacy of those in the group less than others, but overall, each was left to their own devices unless called upon by Pomegranate, carrying the wills and wishes of Dark Enchantress or for one of the priestess' own dastardly plots. Asking each other basic questions on the other's, how current plans are holding up, if there is a position to be taken over... Basic, mostly business-related speak would be shared more often than not.

Within these crimson-accented walls of darkness, holding affection between each other was strictly forbidden, except when it came to adorning the Enchantress. Despite the strict enforcement of rules, there were a few that held emotions in hiding. The butler, for example- Earl Grey- held familial affection for the Chess Choco Twins and a crush upon some distant mystery. Licorice the bumbling necromancer, too, held multiple crushes that never went longer than a day or two before puttering out into disinterest or disdain.

And yet here and now, stood before the door of dark cacao, there was an odd warmth within the commander- Red Velvet. The back of his cake claw knocked on the door, nerves causing his fur-like hair to fluff up. He was quick to shake it off, but there was something in his nerves that he just couldn't shake. Was facing this cursed prince the right option for this? What if he... No. No, he wouldn't. Velvet gave a deep sigh, perking and straightening up the second he heard the door open.

The prince before Red Velvet would stare him down, flowing cape covering most of his towering frame. Even with the commander's height being taller than most with the virtue of being part cake, there was no topping the height that Dark Choco had upon everyone else- even the Enchantress herself couldn't reach such length. Attempting to steel his nerves, and somewhat failing due to his claw twitching against Velvet's will, the two remained stolid when peering at each other.

"Good afternoon, Dark Choco." "Time is irrelevant." Ah, that voice. The gruff and growling one, one that felt like a battlefield manifested in the vocal cords to Velvet's ears. "Mhm. I require a favor of you, if you would be so kind as to let me in...?" "..." The prince would look back into his room, remaining that way for a few passing moments before turning back and opening the door to give the army leader passage. "...come in. Do not touch anything."

Quiet footsteps would be the only sound heard as Velvet walked into the room, taking a glance around the room. It was the darkest room he'd seen yet. Sure, Licorice had a room as dark as this, but at least there were ritualistic candles scattered to keep this place from total darkness. Here, there was nothing but the glow of seeds that Pomegranate sowed in sacred places and the fabled Strawberry Jam Sword set on sturdy hooks. As much as he shouldn't be concerned, there was some sort of knot in his stomach over the conditions one of his allies is living in... but... That was not why he was here.

Velvet would return his gaze to Dark Choco, who had his gaze lowered. "Your tail," he remarked bluntly, "it is wagging slowly. You are concerned, aren't you?" Ah, he... really needed to figure out a way to keep his tail tucked in his clothes. Looks like disguising it as an extension of the rest of his hair did not work... But why would the prince be so attentive of his ally? Did he, too, perhaps care for the commander? Ah, of course not. "It's... Nothing major, I assure you. Though I do have something that I wish to discuss with you." Dark Choco nodded shortly after, closing the door slowly. With a drawn-out creak into the satisfying click of the door closing, the cursed prince would listen intently to whatever the half-cake cookie would have to say.

"You see, I..." How to go about saying this without seeming weak would be difficult. Watching his words was constant when around any other Cookie of Darkness, but... The two were alone, weren't they? Perhaps he could let down his guard just a little. Let it down around this... this one. He didn't know how to phrase his emotions for Dark Choco other than 'this one' but in a strangely positive way. "I... Happen to be having trouble with my cake arm as of late. It has been attempting to act on its own." Velvet motioned to the arm itself, which as if by cue, would curl into itself without his control. "I figured that if anyone would know how to suppress and control something that seemed stronger than themself, it would be you."

Sluggish yet gentle in movement, the Dark Choco would stare at the cake arm as he approached it. His eye narrowed, observant as possible for someone with such bad eyesight, and a gentle grip would be taken. Calloused hands that felt so rough yet acted so soft... Velvet had to glance away, lest the warmth in his face become visible to the other. It wasn't even feelings of affection- it couldn't have been. Silence would fill the warm, crimson-lit room for what felt like an eternity. The prince must certainly be taking his time to-

"You are stressed." "Gh- huh?" Velvet looked to the prince, perplexed by such a simple answer. "The more stress you contain within yourself, the less control you will have over your actions. Your arm has been twitching, has it not?" "It has, yes..." "Then it is muscle tension." Locking gazes with the commander, it was hard to tell what the two were thinking of each other at this moment. Well... Aside from the broad strokes that Velvet's tail was giving away. "If you desire, you can attend my relaxation exercises... A warrior must be limber and ready in battle."

It wasn't a very pleasant feeling, having to deal with another voice prodding at her own, poking at her mind to let this other part of herself through. It was vague, but she could tell there was a playful tone in whatever was being spoken. It sounded so much like her, but knowing what's been going on the past few weeks, that was the self-named Timekeeper going on about... Something or other. Wanting to cause a few minor troubles for her brother, that's probably what was being said. As fun as it would be, Croissant gave a sigh, desiring to keep a hold on the front for just a while longer. Besides, it's not like anyone but her knew of this situation, and... How the Hell would she explain it?

'Hey, yea, there's this person named Timekeeper that's been with me for the past month or so and they like to cause problems when I'm not entirely aware of myself.' That's something a perfectly normal person says, yea. There's nothing weird about realizing that one's disassociative tendencies have become more fine-tuned into another person. It probably wasn't, in all honesty. Maybe this wasn't as odd as she was making it out to be, but she wasn't even sure if this was something that was actually occurring or if this was some self-influenced ruse, but it's not like there was... Uh... Oh, guess it's time to lay on the floor, then. The ceiling looks pretty nice today, anyway. There's a bunch of neat little spiral patterns on it and...

Huh. Normally the mechanic didn't care much for such a pattern and kinda feared it in all honesty. 'Maybe this is from you, right, Timey?' She thought to herself, not expecting a response. After all, there wasn't any real communication to be established. It's all weird and unexplained to her, not to mention confusing. There was a huff, followed by Croissant's eyes just... unfocusing while staring. She hoped that her consciousness wouldn't be nudged back in any way, but it wasn't like it was all there to begin with. There wasn't anything sensory to keep her in the 'now' either, no scents or temperature that would alert her. Just... The same room with the same lighting and the same ceiling. The only different feeling, really, was internal.

"I wish this was easier..." Croissant spoke, voice distant from herself. Still her, but not all there. Quiet, tired... Lost, really. "Here you are, some... Imaginary friend of mine that I doodled on my blueprints that's actually in my head! In... in my body..." Oough here it comes, the mechanic knew this all too well. Silence crept over the room as she laid upon the floor that she no longer felt, the processing that she had slowing to a halt- or at least close to it- as nothing around her really made it through her head. The only thing that really ran through was the doubt of reality. With nothing around her, Croissant wondered if she was even here. If she even existed. Perhaps she herself was just some kind of self-made ruse? Nothing more than a covering- a display of some sort. Even with these questions, everything felt dull and slow for a time... Colorless, just in some mass of being barely conscious.

It felt far longer than a few hours before Croissant could recognize anything around her. The first thing that really brought her back was the scent of maple, butter, and... Vanilla? Were these pancakes before her? Blinking, Croissant pulled her vision together as best as she could. The kitchen. She recognized this, at least. It's late in the afternoon, yet she was making breakfast. Either time really does fly, or...

"Uh, hey TK, I found the eggs you wanted."

"TK?" Croissant barely registered the voice that spoke, but most certainly recognized who came in with a carton of those aforementioned eggs. Hero, Caramel, whichever alias fit here was the one that walked in. Without anyone else in the room aside from Caramel and herself, there was really only one assumption to be made about this 'TK'. "When did I...?" When did she ask for eggs? She didn't, but they probably did. Well... She was kinda hungry, anyway. Maybe it was some leftover influence, but... Croissant sure could go for some eggs and pancakes. This Timekeeper that stayed with her had some good tastes. "Ah, nevermind, get over here and start crackin' those eggs."

"Should we make some toast, too, TK?"

"Uh... It's Croissant again. And no, I think we'll be just fine with this."

There wasn't much to take in the peaceful fields full of smaller jellybugs, or so Purple Yam thought it to be. It's safe here, sure, but something here just gave him the heebie-jeebies. This time of peace felt so strange compared to what he was used to, and the temperature was warm, but... Not scorching just like practically all the other places he's been to. Whilst walking through the plush grass, he turned to his 'guildmate' Milk, who seemed to have become preoccupied with the clouds above. What a weird angle to hold that staff at, just to see what was above.

"It's pretty quiet here... Too quiet." Yam grumbled, prompting Milk to shift his staff and his head towards the brute. Between the two of them, they knew of Milk's little sight 'problem', so he wasn't sure why that act was still being put up. Maybe a force of habit? "I'm just sayin', we don't really get any downtime, and if we do we don't get much of it." A breathy laugh came from the healer as he set a hand on Yam's shoulder pad. "Oh come now, Yam! Do you not remember our time with Mala? The excursion we had with Mango?"

"Mala Sauce was not calm to be within the slightest. We had an argument there. And if you would remember, I wasn't even there with you and that dino-lover, and instead, I was worried sick over where you were!" Ah, that wiped the smile off of Milk's face. Yam... Didn't take kindly to himself for causing that... With a huff, he'd set a hand over Milk's. "I was just glad you made it out in one piece. Water is dangerous, y'know, not to mention the dragon you found."

"I know, Yammy..."

Silence would wash over the two, who went about their business of taking in their surroundings. Though the longer the peace lasted, Yam was starting to grow bored. Tired. There was nothing more than grass, small jellyworms, trees, more grass, a kid crawling across said grass, more trees... There truly wasn't anything going on. Maybe Milk was right when it came to being able to have a calm time here.

...

Wait a minute.

"Milk, over there!" The bruiser nudged the healer with a bit more force than anticipated, but he couldn't help it. After all, they hadn't seen another cookie for miles, yet there's this kid out here alone! "A kid, fuzzy eyes, I think they might be hurt." Typically Milk was the one to point out injuries, but it seems Yam was picking up on it. Had it not been for the fact that they were in the midst of a possible emergency, the cleric would have applauded this. "If they're stuck on the ground like that... Most certainly they have an injury or worse," Raising their shield, Milk narrowed their nonfunctioning eyes at the child in the distance. "Let's get going! The sooner, the better!"

Both of them practically sprinted to the cookie in the distance, their legs carrying them as fast as possible. Though the healer was technically the faster of the two, lugging around the large shield and their sight 'condition' slowed them down to what was practically Yam's speed, who was thankfully still swift. The plains being relatively flat and easy to traverse only made it better for them. "Hey kid!!" Yam would shout once the two were relatively close, prompting whoever it was to raise their head. A bruise or two on the face, it seems, but nothing too horrible. Though, when approaching close... A broken leg was clearly visible- though thankfully it was fully snapped apart or exposed anything. The tears and hiccups seemed to hurt their hearts worse, particularly Milk's.

"How awful..." The healer would murmur, taking to one side of the child while Yam took the other. "Dear child, what happened to you... If you can say..." Rather than speaking, the child pointed up towards the trees. "So he fell, then." Yam would state bluntly, making the child wince upon remembering. "Listen, kid, my pal Milk's gonna get you all patched up here with healing magic and salves and all that, so you don't have to keep those waterworks going. What's your name?"

"Brave... Gingerbrave...!" For a crying kid, his voice certainly showed conviction. "Um... Th-thanks for helping me out... I didn't know what to do other than to stay brave!"

"Really living up to your name there, kid." As forced of a remark as it was, the small smile Brave had given to the warrior made him smile right back. "So kid, while fuzzy-eyes here heals you, how 'bout you tell me just how brave you are?"

"Oh? Well I- I have a story about that, actually! It all started when I broke out of the Witch's Oven..."

The creaking of the door was the first thing to alert Red Pepper of another presence in the house. "Please let that be who I think it is..." He mumbled to himself, swiftly setting down his phone with an already dialed but not yet called number and running for the front door. Chili hadn't been home for hours, and with the winter weather settling in, there was no way that even an hour could pass without worry getting to him. He didn't approve of his sister's practices of going out for thievery- especially when the outside was so dangerous at this time of year- but Chili was her own person... As much as his protective nature wanted him to just keep his bother of a sib stuck in her room.

...She'd probably just find a way to sneak out of it, being the stealthy one that she was.

Taking a turn from the small kitchen in the household, it was through the length of the hallway that Muay Thai saw what he had expected, no one but his sister, carrying a large sack and covered in snow. The sight struck a chord of fear through him, knowing that the chilling snow likely didn't help when coupled with Chili's lack of protective clothing. Belts, thin cloth, boots, and nothing more. Sure, the boots would help, but those were mainly for her stubbornness in aesthetic rather than anything else. Hell, she learned how to run in heels just for the sake of looking flashy. This sake of fashion stuff... It wasn't going to help in negative degree weather. The thud of Chili dropping the sack she beheld unceremoniously behind her only let another chill through Red as he watched her attempt to half-heartedly warm herself up by rubbing one hand against her upper arm.

Red took a deep breath to try and keep himself from snapping at his sibling, really he tried, but... This was far too worrying to be taken lightly. "Chichi. You really can't keep going out when it's so cold... Let alone when it's dark out." The taller sibling, the thief, only shrugged at the mild scolding. Muay... Didn't appreciate this, to say the least. His eyes narrowed, prompting the thief to put her hands up in a defensive and joking manner. Clearly, she wasn't taking this all too seriously... Until seeing the small spark of flames in her sibling's eyes.

"Damn, I didn't expect you to be as snippy as the cold," Chili spoke with a snicker, though the smile on her face was far from being happy. "I came back alive, can't you be happy with that?" As much as he would have easily admitted to it, Muay wouldn't let it just slide. "Look at you! Your dough is turning pale as we speak! Don't you know a thing about how sensitive our whole family is to cold weather? We're the Peppers for a reason!"

"And I'm the Chili for a reason."

"That's not even the right kind of chilly! It doesn't mean anything!"

"Maybe not to you."

"Even if it did, it wouldn't change the fact that you put yourself in even more danger than usual! You said it would be a 'quick run'!"

Chili paused, taking a moment to look back at the large carryall she brought in, and opting to take a look through rather than responding. This infuriated Muay, almost sparking up flames on his shoulders. "What, you think you're gonna win me over with whatever you stole? You know I don't like taking your stolen goods." He snarled, though it only got a huff out of the sister as she meticulously picked out one of the items and tossed it towards Red, quiet thuds of cloth and clatters of plastic hitting the laminated floor in front of him.

"It was meant to be a Christmas present, but since you're such a hothead, I guess you get 'em two days early."

...Rolls and packages of bandaging. An expensive brand, too. Red didn't recognize it all that well, but if it was expensive and Chili happened to spend a lot of time stealing it... It must have been quality stuff. The shorter of the two kneeled down to pick the materials up, expression going from angered to somewhat confused and just a little bit guilty. "Uh... I didn't think you were going to get me anything this year..." Though somewhat foolish of him to keep his eyes down, it was met with the pleasant surprise of a cold hand into his hair, rustling it out of place. "You may be a bastard to me, but so long as I'm not stuck in prison, I'll always be sure to get you at least something to care about."

"...Thanks... But seriously, you should go get warmed up or something. There's cocoa in the cupboards, and Plum brought us marshmallows yesterday."

"Ah, perfect! Can't have a good cup of hot choccy without some 'mellows." The cold hand retreated from Muay, allowing him to look up and see the smirk that he loved to hate on his sister's face. Though it was a sense atmosphere moments ago, something more playful certainly sprung up from its ashes. "Never call it hot choccy again, or I swear-"

"If you finish that sentence, you're gonna have to make your own hot choccy, flame-boy."

Being on tour was lonely, that was a fact that DJ couldn't deny. They weren't the one on tour, nah, they only did it once a year. Their lovely rocker, however... He was stuck for a who-knows-how-long tour. Daily messages and voice chats were shared plentifully, and there was nothing better than making each other laugh... When Rockstar wasn't caught up in various shenanigans of the tour. When Rocksy was busy, there was something within the quiet that made DJ's heart sink. Emotional nerves seemed to be struck. Was this okay? Should they be doing more for someone they were so close to? Were they being too pushy with things, or should they back off? With a huff, DJ opened the same music app they usually used to try and blur out the thoughts with tunes.

Mind-numbingly loud music was always something they loved listening to. Plus, it had the added benefit of keeping those bad thoughts away. Or, it would, if it weren't for the fact that they just... Couldn't will themself to turn the volume up. The thoughts overflowed the music mixer's mind, more than the music could even if they had the guts to turn it up. The thought of not doing enough for Rockstar was stuck within them. 'You really should tell him your worries', they told themself, only to immediately rebuttal against themself. 'These worries will pass. I don't need to tell him something that's temporary.'

The thought of accidentally crossing boundaries was set to the forefront of their mind yet again. What if telling Rockstar in the first place would have been something too far? Yes, DJ has been told several times that they can be open about it, but... Telling of worries makes worries for another, and for someone else who was already going through enough stress with other events... They didn't want to cross anything or push anyone past any point they shouldn't pass. Rockstar had enough on his plate with concert after concert, not to mention all the other stressors that came with being a public figure of sorts.

DJ needs to sort this out themself, even of Rocksy would once again remind them that they can rely on him for support. That's what partners are supposed to do, or so they've both come to that conclusion after plenty of time spent together. There was always some way to let these things pass, especially the ones that are just sudden and practically depressive. Listening to music didn't work, sleeping was out of the question, they couldn't cook at all... Maybe they could write some music? Or at least the lyrics... Yea, that was a good way to go about things! And maybe- Maybe they could include a heartfelt message to that rocker, too! That... That sounded much better than whatever other thoughts were swirling around in DJ's head right about now.

The sea breeze was enchanting, the scent of the ocean fresh in Fire Spirit's dulled senses. The oceanside sat before him, lapping at his feet that slowly were washed away as the waves that gently crossed the sand receded. Ashes gently flowed across the water, speckles of grey in crystalline aqua. Though this was to be a moment of peace, the Lord of Ash couldn't help but to feel his chest grow heavy. The water beckoned him, his love wishing for him to join her in the vast water body... Yet he hesitated. Any form of water always filled his form with fear- the fear of being extinguished-... But it was different around Sea Fairy. No matter how drenched he may become, if Sea Fairy was at his side, he always found the spark to stay aflame.

Yet, with the water dissolving him from below, and without his love in his sights, he was beginning to hesitate. Yes, the spirit of flames was running low on any means to burn, and ashes had been in their place for far longer than he had anticipated. He ached, as sight was always dimmed and movement slowed by the nature of him not wanting to blow away like dust in the wind. The gusts never seemed to grow more than gentle once he had come this way, perhaps the archer from far away showing him some semblance of mercy. Fire Spirit breathed gently, grey matter falling from his air as he raised his blurry gaze out into the water.

The glistening of water was bright, but not nearly blinding. It was beautiful, just as perfectly calm as Sea Fairy herself was. The sunlight, with the moon having been met with the satisfaction of deep platonic relations, it was none other than Fire Spirit himself that brought her into the joys of heat and sun's wondrous rays. He never expected such an outcome, but it was one that softened his heart and his spirit. A moment passed where Fire Spirit felt as if he were to drift into sleep just staring into the serene nature, but he was prodded on the arm back into awareness.

Without a word, Fire Spirit slowly turned his gaze to his side, to where Sea Fairy now stood, adorned in gorgeous coral. If the spirit had the energy, he'd gush over how lovely the fairy was, yet his sluggish nature held him silent. The slight smile upon Sea's face seemed to tell him that his expression had told her everything. He hadn't even taken into account how he looks, but Fire Spirit couldn't help but feel the tug of his own face lifting into a grin. It was time.

Turning towards the ocean, the spirit and fairy took gentle steps. The water level would slowly rise, occasional waves bringing a bit of extra sting to Fire Spirit, but nothing that the smallest of grips from Sea Fairy's hand couldn't wash away. With warmth in his heart, he'd feel his form slowly break away from itself. Without legs, he'd be gently pulled further into the water by his love, watching her with fuzzy vision as his body gradually became one with the ocean surrounding him. The cool nature of the water subdued his fears, and Sea Fairy's eyes brought him out to sea peacefully.

Wandering the grove of the Millennial Tree was an activity that Pomegranate had gotten used to as the days passed by. Initially, it was nothing more than observing the wildlife and how her Master may be served by the inhabitants, as this place would fall under the same curse she endured years prior, yet... The young priestess found herself wandering now for other reasons. The way the leaves swayed, the way the life around her skittered about in cautiousness, the friendly nature of those who resided within this wooded area... It brought her peace her heart yearned to receive once more upon leaving such a blessed place.

Looking through the trees, Pom could make out a figure in the low-hanging branches. Whoever it was seemed to be running her way. With curiosity, she stepped out of the figure's way to allow it to pass by. Though, with the pace that this someone was more than likely sprinting, she was sure this other was going to slam right into a tree. She stood, waited, watching intently.

And wouldn't she know it, another royal figure came by with a pace faster than any horse she'd ever seen. It nearly made Pom flinch how hard that blur of pink had rammed itself into a tree. With growing curiosity and without a sense of concern, the priestess approached the other. It seemed like... A princess? A groan of a pained yet sweet voice came forth, and with the other reaching a hand to grab at a crown rather than its own body, Pom had confirmed that this was undoubtedly a princess.

Silence would pass over the two for a while, but soon enough this previous blur began to try and spark a conversation with Pomegranate. "I was just trying to get away from my guard so I could explore on my own for once!" Independence. An unfamiliar concept. "And what about you, Little Miss Red?" Being directly addressed to as something that wasn't insinuating her being beneath was... New. How conflicting. "...I came to scout for my Master." Pom's voice came out quiet, a stark contrast in comparison to the princess' rowdy, bombastic voice. Though the pink cookie seemed to be awaiting a further response, she got none. Instead, Princess continued the conversation herself.

"Why? Do you get some kind of prize for it?" Another pause in the conversation, one that had the young priestess thinking. She had never thought of what would happen with her successes, only her failures. "I... I do not get punished." The unsure tone in Pom's voice was only reflected by her cracking expression. For many years she had been told she was not permitted to do such a thing, yet this stranger was breaking her? What was it about her that caused such an occurrence.

"That sucks! You should get someone else to be your 'Master'!" That loud voice brought Pommy right out of her thoughts, and the unexpected touch of silken gloved hands being placed upon her cheeks certainly do her any better. "Why would you even want someone like that, silly?” Once again, thoughts Pom would rather not think of, yet they sank her heart to think of an answer. “It sounds like they're an awful person! ‘Punishments’ are only given to bad people by other bad people! And you don’t seem bad at all!" As ironic as it may be to her mind, it was the only answer that she could dare to muster to this friendly forest visitor.