Dream's Fanfiction Library

On the day the Beasts Cookies landed on Earth and met Holly. Three minions of the Beasts also landed here.

Candy Apple Cookie screamed as she was falling to the ground. She didn’t want to crumble and tried to fly, but her wings were fake; she could only glide, but in the position she’s in now, she couldn’t.

“CANDY APPLE COOKIE!” Said cookie looked up to see Black Sapphire Cookie flying down to grab her.

“Black Sapphire Cookie?” Candy Apple Cookie asked, shocked to see him go after her.

Black Sapphire Cookie reached his right hand out to her. “Grab on!” He yelled.

Candy Apple Cookie slowly reached out her hand for Black Sapphire Cookie to grab it. She tried once, only to miss, but Black Sapphire Cookie descended  faster and grabbed Candy Apple Cookie, pulling her close and hugging her.

“I got ya, Candy Apple. I got you.” Black Sapphire Cookie whispered. Candy Apple Cookie hugged Black Sapphire Cookie tight, holding on to him for dear life. Black Sapphire Cookie was relieved that Candy Apple Cookie was safe, and now all they needed to do was land safely.

Black Sapphire Cookie was about to use his microphone staff to help with landing, but another scream caught his attention. He looked up and was horrified to see a familiar cookie falling as well.

“H-Hey! Look out!” Cloud Haetae Cookie warned as they too were falling at high speed.

Candy Apple Cookie took a glance and was horrified to see Black Sapphire Cookie. “OH SHI-“ They both screamed as Cloud Haetae collided with them as they fell to the ground.

Once on the ground, the three cookies groaned in pain. “Black Sapphire Cookie, are you okay?” Candy Apple Cookie asked, slowly getting up. Her outfit and the candy apples on her hair were now covered in dirt.

Black Sapphire Cookie slowly got up; he too was covered in dirt but felt pain on his right wing. “GAH!” He yelled, staying on the ground. He turned to see his right wing was broken. “Great! JUST GREAT!”

Cloud Haetae Cookie groaned as they got up. Candy Apple Cookie turned to see them get up. “Hey! You're the flour beast’s minion!” She exclaimed. “Did you follow us here?”

“I did!” Cloud Haetae Cookie shouted as they got up. “If you two were going after your master, then so am I!” They pointed at the sexier duo and then themselves.

Candy Apple Cookie looked for the other two minions, but saw they didn’t follow them into the portal. “Where’s the others?” She asked.

“I…” Cloud Haetae Cookie paused as he looked around. “I don’t know…they’re probably back with Dark Enchantress Cookie or got sent somewhere else.”

Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie looked at one another, worried for the fate of the other minions. They didn’t interact much, but knowing how dangerous Dark Enchantress was, it scared them of what she had planned. Not only that, but what would happen to them if they stayed behind.

“Well,” Black Sapphire Cookie started using his staff as a crutch. He gritted his teeth in pain as he slowly got up. “We have to find Master Shadow Milk Cookie and the others. They shouldn’t have gotten far.” As he limped to find Shadow Milk Cookie and the beasts, there was one problem that Candy Apple Cookie and Cloud Haetae Cookie realized.

“Do you know where our masters are?” Cloud Haetae Cookie asked.

Black Sapphire Cookie stopped and sighed. He didn’t know where Shadow Milk Cookie or the Beasts went. If they were sent here or somewhere else came to his mind. “I don’t know, but we just have to find them.” Black Sapphire Cookie replied. He took one step and groaned as the pain from his wings bothered him.

Cloud Haetae Cookie went over to Black Sapphire Cookie and held his side. “Maybe you should take it easy.” They said, worried for the older cookie.

“I’ll be fine.” Black Sapphire Cookie reassured the young Haetae.

Cloud Haetae Cookie frowned as they and Candy Apple Cookie looked at one another in worry for the other cookie. “Wait, Black Sapphire Cookie!” Candy Apple Cookie exclaimed, running to her partner. Not wanting to be alone again, Cloud Haetae Cookie followed them.

The group had been walking for hours with no sign of the Beasts Cookies anywhere. Black Sapphire Cookie was in pain from walking so long. He could’ve used his microphone to fly, but he needed his wings to build up speed.

During the walk, Candy Apple Cookie knelt to the ground, holding her stomach. “Gah! Candy Apple Cookie, are you alright?!” Cloud Haetae Cookie asked.

Black Sapphire Cookie turned around to see Candy Apple Cookie looking weak. “Candy Apple Cookie!” He yelled, going over to her. “What’s wrong?!”

Candy Apple Cookie was about to respond, but a rumble in her stomach gave the two other cookies their answer. It’s been forever since they last ate anything.

With the pain in his wing, looking for his master and the other beasts, Black Sapphire Cookie had to deal with Candy Apple Cookie’s hunger. He knew what her favorite foods were, but being stuck in an unknown world means his options are limited, and what if he ended up giving something that’s poisonous to Candy Apple Cookie.

“Cloud Haetae Cookie.” Black Sapphire Cookie spoke up.

“Y-Yes, sir?” Cloud Haetae Cookie asked.

“Follow me. I may need your help finding food.” Black Sapphire Cookie demanded.

Cloud Haetae Cookie nodded. They were about to leave when turning back to Candy Apple Cookie, who was sitting down. “What about Candy Apple Cookie?” They asked.

“Candy Apple Cookie can’t walk far when she’s hungry. Well, just find some food not far from where we are now, and we’ll be back.” Black Sapphire Cookie explained.

Cloud Haetae Cookie wasn’t so sure. They didn’t want to leave Candy Apple Cookie behind, but also they were trained to be loyal to whatever the master said, and their only master right now is Black Sapphire Cookie. “Alright,” they sighed.

Black Sapphire Cookie sighed too. He didn’t want to leave Candy Apple Cookie, but with his wing broken, he couldn’t carry her. His safest bet right now is to have her stay down and rest instead of having her walk, complain, and get weaker.

Before he left, Black Sapphire Cookie leaned over to Candy Apple Cookie and whispered. “Sit tight, alright. We’ll be back.”

Candy Apple Cookie groaned and nodded. “Alright.” She whispered.

Black Sapphire Cookie gave a small smile as he and Cloud Haetae Cookie left to find food.

Candy Apple Cookie sighed as she brought her knees close to her chest. She knew it would be forever until Black Sapphire Cookie could find food in his condition, and she didn’t know if she should trust Cloud Haetae Cookie just yet. “I wish I had some food right now.” Candy Apple Cookie sighed.

Luckily, her wish came true. She smelt something good, almost like…apples. The good news is it wasn’t far from where she was sitting. Candy Apple Cookie got up and turned in the direction Black Sapphire Cookie and Cloud Haetae Cookie went before turning to where the food was coming from. She was told to stay and wait, but she couldn’t wait any longer; she was hungry.

“Well, Black Sapphire Cookie won’t be mad if I just left for a little while.” Candy Apple Cookie said to herself as she walked towards the smell.

The closer Candy Apple Cookie got, the more she felt her mouth water from how good the food smelled. She then stopped at a building where the scent was coming from. On the windowsill was a pie, a big pie enough to feed her and the rest of the Deceit Trio, if they were around. 

Candy Apple Cookie’s eyes turned into pies as she ran closer and was determined to get to that pie. However, with how small she was, reaching for the pie was a challenge. If Shadow Milk or Black Sapphire were around, they’d help her fly up to high places. The only thing to help her up were bushes, but that was still far from her target. A whimper escaped Candy Apple Cookie’s mouth.

CAW! CAW!

Candy Apple Cookie squeaked and hid in the bushes, hearing a scary noise. She then saw something black and feathery in front of her and slowly peeked out. It looked like a crow, but was also different from the birds in Earthbread; it wasn’t round. Also, this crow wore a handkerchief around its neck that had fruits on them.

Knowing that birds fly, Candy Apple Cookie had a cat-like smile on her face. “Um…hello.” She said, walking over to the bird. The crow turned to face her, causing Candy Apple Cookie to jump back, but she needed to be brave if she wanted to eat. “Uh…I don’t know if you can understand me, but I’m hungry, and I want the food up there!” She pointed at the window.

The crow looked up and back at the cookie. It took a few seconds, with Candy Apple Cookie feeling like a weirdo for talking to this mysterious bird from an unknown world. The crow went closer to Candy Apple Cookie and grabbed her with its beak.

“H-HEY! PUT ME DOWN! DON’T EAT ME!” Candy Apple Cookie screamed. “MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE! BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE HELP ME!”

Meanwhile, not far from where Black Sapphire Cookie and Cloud Haetae left Candy Apple Cookie, Black Sapphire Cookie sensed something had happened to Candy Apple Cookie.

Cloud Haetae Cookie, who was sniffing out food, noticed the minion of deceit stood in horror. “You okay, Black Sapphire Cookie?” They asked.

“Something is wrong!” Black Sapphire Cookie growled, turning back to where they left Candy Apple Cookie. He ignored the pain on his wing and ran to where he left his partner.

Cloud Haetae Cookie got up and ran after him. “Hey, wait! Black Sapphire Cookie, you're still hurt!” They yelled. 

Black Sapphire Cookie ignored him to make sure Candy Apple Cookie was okay. He promised his master he’d keep her safe no matter what.

Candy Apple Cookie was crying as the crow held on to her. She covered her eyes with her hands, scared of her fate.

The crow then flew and lifted Candy Apple Cookie to the window still in front of the pie. They slowly put her down, and the cookie slowly opened her eyes to see she was alive and in front of the pie.

“Oh, you were just taking me to the pie?” Candy Apple Cookie asked, chuckling nervously that she was being dramatic for no reason.

“Caw!” The crow nodded.

Candy Apple Cookie chuckled. “So you do understand me!?” She exclaimed. “Kya hahaha! I’m Candy Apple Cookie! What’s yours?”

The crow was about to reply, but a voice appeared. “Coconut!” A female voice called out.

Candy Apple Cookie felt her jam and syrup grow cold. She turned to see a figure walk up to the window still. She’d only heard the stories from her Master, but she had never saw them before; a witch!

The witch in question looked to be around Holly’s age. She had peach colored hair tied into a ponytail braid. Her Witch’s Gem was a strawberry on her hair tie. She wore red glasses over her dark blue eyes and had fair skin. She wore a pink long-sleeved outfit with white and dark pink buttons, a peach colored skirt with white frills, and orange boots.

Candy Apple Cookie looked around for a hiding place, but saw the only hiding space was behind the crow, named Coconut.

“Coconut, are you here for some pie?” The witch asked.

“Caw! Caw!” Coconut replied. He then stepped aside and pushed Candy Apple Cookie closer to the girl. The witch felt her glasses drop to her nose.

“A-A Cookie?!” She exclaimed.

“A witch!” Candy Apple Cookie yelled

The witch jumped back and fell on her butt. Candy Apple Cookie walked closer to the windowsill and saw the witch on the ground groaning. This confused Candy Apple Cookie.

When her Master Shadow Milk Cookie talked about the witches, they were much bigger, wiser, and more beautiful. This witch looked clumsy and small. Then again, Shadow Milk Cookie was the master of deceit, so he could’ve lied that witches took many forms.

However, something clicked in Candy Apple Cookie’s mind. “Wait, you know about us cookies?” She asked. “I thought you witches abandoned us?”

“We do! Well, my family does; one of our ancestors baked the first cookies.” The witch replied. She then scanned Candy Apple Cookie and saw how cute she was. “I’ve always wanted to make living cookies as they did, but couldn’t find the spell to do it. Who made you?”

“My Master Shadow Milk Cookie did! Kya hahaha!” Candy Apple Cookie answered.

“So, can cookies make other cookies?” The witch asked.

Candy Apple Cookie nodded. “He made me take a bite of an apple and poof! I’m Candy Apple Cookie!”

“My name is Allison Appleby!” Alison introduced. “I’m a witch in training!”

Candy Apple Cookie gasps. “We both have Apple in our names!”

Alison giggled. “We do!” She exclaimed. 

The two girls laughed. Candy Apple Cookie’s stomach started growling again, causing the cookie to hold her stomach and groan.

Alison realized why Candy Apple Cookie came here; she smelled the pie she baked today. It was part of her training, but she guessed now would be a good time for a taste tester.

“You want some pie?” Alison asked.

Candy Apple Cookie looked up at the young witch and nodded quickly.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

“Candy Apple Cookie!” Black Sapphire Cookie called out, worried for the young cookie. She wasn’t where she was last seen, and now Black Sapphire Cookie was looking frantically for the young cookie. Ignoring the pain that was getting worse.

Cloud Haetae Cookie knew they shouldn’t have left Candy Apple Cookie alone, and now she was gone and in danger. They wanted to tell Black Sapphire they told them so, but the other cookie was in a panic so it was best to wait until everything was calm.

“Candy Apple Cookie, if this is a prank, knock it off!” Black Sapphire Cookie yelled. “This isn’t the time for them! Just come out!” He scanned the area, but no sign of Candy Apple Cookie.

Cloud Haetae Cookie wanted to help, but admits the chaos they remembered something their late mother told them.

“Remember, if you're lost. Follow the scent, and it will bring you back home to the Ivory Pagoda.” Their mother’s words echoed.

Cloud Haetae Cookie wasn’t lost, but they did lose someone. They sniffed the area and caught a familiar syrupy apple scent. “Black Sapphire Cookie! Follow me!” They exclaimed. “I believe I caught Candy Apple Cookie’s scent!”

Black Sapphire Cookie followed the little Haetae, but the fear didn’t go away. He just hoped that when they found Candy Apple Cookie, she was safe and sound.

Cloud Haetae Cookie continued to sniff Candy Apple Cookie’s scent. They followed it to Allison’s house, and the little Haetae gulped. “Oh, Black Sapphire Cookie isn’t gonna like this.” They said nervously.

Their master, Mystic Flour Cookie, had told them stories of the witches, and never in their entire life had they been facing a witch’s house.

Black Sapphire Cookie finally caught up, and his eyes widened as he felt his jam run cold. He was face to face with a witch’s house, and that Candy Apple Cookie was somewhere around here.

“She better not be inside.” Black Sapphire Cookie said. “Candy Apple Cookie!” He frantically looked for his partner in deceit, but didn’t see her. “Candy Apple Cookie!”

“Black Sapphire Cookie!” Candy Apple Cookie called back. The male cookie looked up to see his partner in deceit inside the witch’s house. “Hi there! You gotta try this pie, it’s good!”

Black Sapphire Cookie looked up to see Candy Apple Cookie alive and looking energized. “Candy Apple Cookie, get down before the witch sees you!” He demanded.

“Oh, are those your friends?” Allison asked, looking out the window.

Candy Apple Cookie nodded. “Yep! Black Sapphire Cookie and Cloud Haetae Cookie.” She explained. “This is Allison; she’s a good witch and explained everything to me!”

“Do you guys need help getting up?” Alison asked again. “I can send Coconut to bring you up.”

“Coconut?” Cloud Haetae and Black Sapphire asked. On cue, Coconut flew behind the two cookies, which made them freeze in fear. They turned around to see the crow and were immediately scared.

“Kya hahaha!” Candy Apple Cookie laughed. “Don’t worry about Coconut; she’s nice and understands us. Coconut, these are my friends, can you bring them up here?”

Coconut grabbed the two cookies by the back collar of their shirts as they screamed in fear. Coconut flew them up to the windowsill, dropping them gently.

“Thank you, Coconut!” Candy Apple Cookie exclaimed, waving.

“Caw!” Coconut replied. Alison walked over and gave Coconut a crumb from the pie for their work.

“You did great, buddy. See you tomorrow?” Alison asked.

“Caw! Caw!” Coconut replied before flying off. 

Alison smiled and looked down at the two cookies and noticed Black Sapphire Cookie’s broken wing. “Oh god, your wing looks broken?!” She exclaimed.

Black Sapphire Cookie looked at his wings and sighed. “Yeah, it broke when we landed here.” He explained.

Alison got up and went over to the pie and cut a small piece of it for Black Sapphire Cookie. She then went over to the counter and opened a container filled with spices and sprinkled them on the pie. Alison then handed the pie over to Black Sapphire Cookie, who looked at it in confusion. “Eat this; it will make you feel better.” Alison said.

Black Sapphire Cookie was curious about what the witch sprinkled on his pie, but his hunger took over him. He sighed and took a bite of the pie; suddenly, Black Sapphire Cookie felt a pang of pain on his wing before it disappeared. Black Sapphire Cookie fluttered his wings and chuckled. Seeing they weren’t broken anymore, he laughed and was able to move around freely.

“T-Thank you! Thank you so much!” Black Sapphire Cookie beamed. Alison smiled in reply. 

 “What did you give him?” Cloud Haetae Cookie asked.

“Just some healing spices.” Alison replied. “I’m unique with my baking magic. Instead of bringing sweets to life, I use them for healing purposes. One bite can heal you from any injury.”

“I’m intrigued.” Black Sapphire Cookie replied before eating the rest of the pie.

Alison smiled and looked over at Cloud Haetae Cookie. “Would you like some too?” She asked. Cloud Haetae Cookie excitedly nodded their head. Alison smiled and cut another piece of pie and handed it to the younger cookie.

“Thank you!” Cloud Haetae Cookie exclaimed. They ate a piece of the pie and smiled before eating more. Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie also continued eating their piece of pie as well.

Alison let them eat for a bit before asking questions about how they got here. After the cookies finished their pie, they sighed, feeling relieved that they’ve been fed.

“Thank you for the pie, Alison.” Candy Apple Cookie said.

“No problem.” Alison replied. “Now that you guys are. Where did you come from?”

The three cookies frowned, looking at the young witch and then each other. Black Sapphire Cookie sighed and explained everything to Alison. Dark Enchantress Cookie, their master, the other beasts, and themselves being sent here, and what they were doing before they met Alison.

As Alison listened to the cookie speak, she felt bad for what they went through. Even though Black Sapphire mentioned they worked with Dark Enchantress, they were betrayed and sent to this world to fend for themselves. “Dang, that’s rough,” she said.

“It is!” Candy Apple Cookie exclaimed. She was angry over everything that happened. “That STUPID cookie split me from my master, Shadow Milk Cookie!”

“You mean us!” Cloud Haetae Cookie corrected. “We all got separated from our masters.”

Candy Apple Cookie glanced at Cloud Haetae Cookie and crossed her arms. “Y-Yeah. That’s what I meant.” She lied.

“Well, if your masters are here, we can try and find them.” Alison suggested. 

The three cookies' eyes widened. The three looked at one another and the witch. “You want to help us find our masters?” Black Sapphire Cookie asked. Alison nodded in reply. “And what makes you think we should trust you? You're a witch, and my master said witches abandoned us.”

“Look, I know this area well. If you followed them, here then your masters shouldn’t be far.” Alison explained. “Plus, I know very little of my ancestors leaving you guys, and I’m sorry that happened.”

“Well,” Black Sapphire Cookie chuckled, “we can find our masters with or without yo-OW!” He was cut off when Candy Apple Cookie punched him in the arm. “Candy Apple Cookie, what the fu-”

“Don’t listen to him! He’s a dough head.” Candy Apple Cookie yelled, cutting him off and glaring at her partner of deceit. “We would love your help.” Black Sapphire Cookie growled and crossed his arms.

Alison smiled. “Thank you!” She exclaimed. Alison then got up, went to the drawer, and pulled out a map. She laid the map out, showing her all of Primgrove. “Now, this,” Alison pointed to her home and cafe, “is my house where you landed, so if anything, your masters should be around this area,” She moved her finger from her home and circled the areas around it.

The three cookies looked at the map, but Black Sapphire Cookie was curious about one house on the map that was crossed out. “Uh, what’s with that house crossed out there?” He asked.

After the Beasts separated from Dark Enchantress Cookie, no one knew what happened to her.

Rumors spread that she messed around with the witches’ magic and crumbled. 

Some say she just crumbled on her own due to being the other half of White Lily Cookie, and thanks to the latter being a guardian and awakened, Dark Enchantress couldn’t keep her form much longer.

Others say she’s still lurking around Earthbread, ready to strike the heroes and beasts as revenge.

This didn’t stop the Ancient Heroes from being wary of Dark Enchantress’ return. They kept their guards up and searched the borders of their respective kingdoms for any signs of the evil cookie. For a while, they loosened their guard, but once the ancients and the beasts got together and had children, they’ve been wary since, especially cookies like White Lily, Golden Cheese, Shadow Milk, and Pure Vanilla.

There were days the kingdoms didn’t need their patrols, and everyone could relax. However, today was one of those days a patrol was needed.

It was a beautiful day in the Vanilla Kingdom. The daughters of Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk, Vanilla Bean and Blue Cream were out in the woods playing and having a picnic. Cream was picking flowers to make a flower crown for her parents while Bean watched her sister eat a Golden Croissant that was filled with Sparkleberry Jam.

Cream smiled after getting all the flowers she needed for her flower crown. She showed her sister the flowers, and Bean swallowed her food and smiled. “Mama is going to love it, Cream! You picked all of Mama’s favorite colors!” Bean exclaimed.

Cream giggled, thanking her sister. She then sat down by her older twin and showed her how to make flower crowns just like how Eternal Sugar Cookie made them. While Cream was working, Bean had an idea she had to share.

“Once you finish the crowns, maybe we can play save the princess!” Bean exclaimed. Cream sighed as she gave a smile while rolling her eyes. “Mama is the princess; we’ll be the heroes like Papa!”

Cream then sighed, “What about Papa, and Black Sapphire and Candy Apple if they want to play?”

Bean thought for a second. “Papa can be our heroic partner, and Black Sapphire and Candy Apple could be the beasts holding Mama hostage!” She exclaimed, thinking more of her idea.

Cream giggled and went back to her flower crown making. Bean watched her younger twin and took a flower from the basket, asking Cream if she could help too. The latter noticed and nodded with a smile. Bean smiled back and started to create a flower crown.

Not long after, a groan was heard not far from where Bean and Cream were playing. Bean’s ears twitched as she turned to where the groan was coming from and ran towards it. Cream saw her older twin run off and went to follow her.

Bean stopped in her tracks with Cream right behind her, and the twins gasped, seeing an elderly cookie leaning against the tree, looking tired and hungry. Bean and Cream gasped as they ran over to the elderly cookie. “Are you okay, ma’am?” Bean asked.

The elderly cookie looked up at the twins and gave a weak smile. “Oh, I’m fine.” She replied. “I don’t have the strength I used to have when I was a young cookie.” The elderly cookie tried to walk, but she stumbled, almost falling to the ground, but Bean quickly grabbed her and helped the cookie up.

“You should relax.” Bean reassured the cookie. “My sister and I can give you some food from our picnic.”

“Oh, thank you, deary. You’re such a kind cookie.” The elderly cookie replied.

Suddenly, Cream sensed something was up with this elderly cookie. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but this cookie sent a chill down her dough. Cream gave a small glare; however, her sister or the elderly cookie didn’t notice.

Bean and Cream started to lead the elderly cookie to their picnic. “Tell me, what are your names?” The elderly cookie asked.

Bean gave a proud smile, pointing at herself. “I’m Vanilla Bean Cookie, though everyone calls me Bean.” She introduced herself. Bean grabbed her twin sister and pulled her close. “And this is my twin sister Blue Cream Cookie, but everyone calls her Cream.”

Cream turned away from the elderly cookie. Bean thought her twin sister was being shy and patted her head. The elderly cookie chuckled. “Aww, is she shy?” She asked.

“She is, but she is really sweet.” Bean reassured the elderly cookie. She then nudged Cream, who gave a low growl at the lady. “Come on, Cream, say hi.”

Cream continued to glare at the cookie, but ended up giving her a small wave.

The elderly cookie chuckled. “So cute.” She said. “You know…you two remind me of two cookies I once knew.”

Bean gasped as her eyes sparkled. “You know our mama and papa?!” She asked, her voice squeaking.

The elderly cookie gave a small smirk. “Huh, so one of them is called mama? Hilarious.” The elderly cookie nodded. “I have. One of them was a…close friend of mine.” She explained.

“That is so cool!” Bean exclaimed.

In the trees, two blue birds looked concerned for Bean and Cream and sensed there were bad vibes from the elderly cookie. The blue birds looked at each other and flew from the tree to get Pure Vanilla Cookie and Shadow Milk Cookie to warn them about the danger.

Meanwhile in the Vanilla Kingdom, Pure Vanilla was working on paperwork while his husband, Shadow Milk Cookie, was reading a book in bed. However, their peaceful afternoon was interrupted by the cries of the blue birds.

“Oh, my friends.” Pure Vanilla said as he dropped his quill and walked over to the window to see what caused the birds’ distress.

“Please tell me it’s not one of Black Raisin’s crows getting a broken wing again.” Shadow Milk said, looking up from his book.

Pure Vanilla listened to the cries of the bluebirds and gasped. “It’s not.” He replied. Shadow Milk closed his book and went over to the window to see the bluebird chirping despairingly. “It’s the girls.”

Without a second thought, Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla dashed out of the castle. Their friends, concerned about seeing them dash out without a word to them, knew that the girls were in trouble.

Meanwhile, Bean and Cream listened to the elderly cookie telling them stories that she heard when she was their age. The oldest twin was interested in them, but the youngest twin glared, knowing well that this elderly cookie was using deceit on them.

Bean gasped, “A treasure hunt!” She exclaimed.

The elderly cookie nodded. “You see, young cookie. I’ve been looking for some magical jewels for a really long time.” She started. “I’m at that age where exploring is nothing more than a memory. I’ve been looking for strong, brave, and heroic cookies to help me.”

Bean gasped, knowing she fits all of those. Or rather, she wants to be a heroic cookie that was strong and brave. “Oh! Oh! Me! I wish to be a hero one day!” Bean exclaimed. “I can help!”

Cream was horrified and started shaking her head to stop her older twin sister from making a mistake.

The elderly cookie smirked as the young cookie was swallowing the bait. “Are you sure?” She asked. “You're pretty young to be a hero.”

“Of course I’m sure!” Bean exclaimed.

“Well then…” The elderly cookie chuckled. She then raised her hand. “We have a deal then?”

Bean smiled, but Cream got scared and held her sister’s hand, shaking her head. “Cream, it’s okay.” Bean reassured her sister. The older twin held her hand, ready to shake the elderly cookie’s hand.

A blue portal appeared underneath Bean and Cream’s feet, sucking them in and teleporting the sisters into Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla’s arms. “Mama!? Papa?!” Bean exclaimed, confused about how her parents were able to find them.

Shadow Milk growled as he held Cream in one hand and summoned his staff with the other. He pointed the staff at the elderly cookie and unleashed blue puppet threads to wrap her up. Surprisingly, the elderly cookie didn’t react, just let out a smirk.

Bean gasped seeing her mama attack the elderly cookie. “Mama! Don’t hurt her!” She cried.

“Vanilla Bean, this is for your own safety!” Shadow Milk growled in reply.

The elderly cookie let out a laugh as she broke free from Shadow Milk’s strings before removing her hood, revealing herself to be none other than Dark Enchantress Cookie. However, she looked a lot different.

Dark Enchantress’ hair grew longer, and she wore a brand new outfit complete with blackish crimson shoulder guards and a matching breastplate with another deep carmine gem in the center and demon wings.

“Dark Enchantress Cookie.” Bean whispered, as Pure Vanilla held her close.

“Ah, I see my legacy has been passed on to the next generation.” Dark Enchantress said, tilting her head slightly towards the young cookie. 

Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk growled as their staff glowed, ready to attack. If Bean wasn’t held so close by her papa, she’d grab her sword and join them in the fight.

“Now, now you two. Fighting in front of your children?” Dark Enchantress mocked a concern. “You two must be such great role models if you are willing to fight me.”

Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk growled. “What are you doing here?” Shadow Milk asked, his voice deepening.

“Why, I was just in the neighborhood. Seeing how your cookies have been doing.” Dark Enchantress explained, trying to act all innocent.

“I know you're lying.” Shadow Milk growled. His staff was glowing different shades of blue, ready to attack if needed. “What do you want with our girls?”

Dark Enchantress chuckled as she walked closer to Shadow Milk and his family. “To finish what I started.” She said, her eyes were glowing red. 

Pure Vanilla got a shield up before Dark Enchantress could send out any attack towards the family. The evil cookie laughed, thinking that would stop her.

“Oh please. I'm not attacking right now. Just…sending you a fellow warning.” Dark Enchantress reassured them.

“You better leave the Vanilla Kingdom now, or else.” Shadow Milk threatened.

Dark Enchantress smirked. “Or else what?” She asked, walking closer to them. “After all, weren’t you and your friends partners of mine?”

Pure Vanilla growled. He knew the evil cookie was trying to get under him and his husband’s dough. “My husband and I are warning you, Dark Enchantress.” Pure Vanilla growled, pointing his staff at Dark Enchantress.

“Yeah!” Bean yelled. “Heroes fight villains like you!”

Dark Enchantress looked at Bean and glanced at Shadow Milk. A smirk appeared on her face, showing the Beast of Deceit still kept up with the lies, especially towards his own children. She chuckled. “As I said. I’m only here to warn you and your precious friends.” Dark Enchantress repeated. “I’m just finishing what should’ve been done a long time ago.” The evil cookie let out a laugh as black and red lightning circled her. “Better watch out, Shadow Milk. I didn’t forget about what you and your friends did to me.” With that, the evil cookie disappeared.

Pure Vanilla, Shadow Milk, and their daughters covered their eyes as a bright red flash appeared, helping Dark Enchantress escape. Once she was gone, Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk looked around before Pure Vanilla made the shield disappear. The two continued to look for the evil cookie before realizing she was gone.

Seeing it was safe, Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk put down their staffs and sighed. They looked at their daughters, seeing they were safe and Dark Enchantress didn’t harm them. “Let’s go home, girls.” Pure Vanilla whispered.

Bean and Cream nodded as they snuggled into their parents’ arms. The two walked to where their daughters had their picnic, and Shadow Milk used his magic to pack everything up before holding it with his other hand. 

While doing so, Dark Enchantress’ words echoed in Bean’s head.

 “I didn’t forget about what you and your friends did to me.”

“Mama.” Bean spoke up. Shadow Milk turned to his daughter. “What did you do to Dark Enchantress Cookie? You never told me you knew her.”

Shadow Milk’s eyes widened. He never told his girls about his past, and he and Pure Vanilla agreed to tell the girls once they were older or never at all. Now, with Dark Enchantress back, it scared him that he’d have to tell the girls sooner rather than later.

“Vanilla Bean.” Pure Vanilla spoke up, causing Shadow Milk and Bean to look at the Hero of Truth. “It’s a long story, and I don’t think you and Cream are ready to hear it.”

Shadow Milk felt relieved, but still the worry of telling the girls everything right now worried him.

“But papa!” Bean whined.

“Bean Sprout.” Shadow Milk spoke up, causing Vanilla Bean to turn to her mama. “Listen to papa. Right now let’s head home and rest.”

Bean sighed and buried her face in Pure Vanilla’s chest. “Fine.” She muffled.

The drive from the train station to Holly’s house was about half an hour, and during the ride, the young witch was thinking about how to tell her family about the Beast Cookies living with them.

“Mom, how would you feel about living cookies in our house?” Holly thought of it, but shook her head as it sounded too cliche. “Mom, I got a big surprise for you and Katie, but don’t freak out!” Holly frowned, knowing there were many ways to go about it, but it only made her nervous about how her mom was going to react.

“Holly!” Katie sang.

“Yes, Katie?” Holly asked, putting her thoughts on pause for a moment.

“Did you get me something from Grandma’s?” Katie asked.

Well, Holly got her starter in explaining things. “I did.” She replied. Katie gasped, wondering what her big sister got her.

“Please tell me what it is!?” Katie asked excitedly.

“It’s a surprise. I’ll show you later.” Holly reminded her.

Katie pouted and crossed her arms in reply. She didn’t want to wait; she wanted to know now. From the backseat, Katie kept eyeing her big sister’s bag as Holly kept it close, too close.

“So, what kind of surprise did you get for your little sister?” Gabriella asked, as she drove.

Holly’s eyes widened as her mom was asking now?! “Oh…I’ll tell you guys later. It’s a big surprise.” She said, staring at her bag.

Gabriella sighed. “I just hope it’s not something that Katie would use to punish her enemies.” She whispered.

“Huh?” Katie asked.

“What was that?” Holly asked as well.

“Oh, nothing.” Gabriella replied, denying what she just said as she gave a nervous laugh. Holly and Katie glanced at each other and shrugged it off.

Then Holly realized she did have a surprise for Katie. “Oh, before I get to the main surprise.” Holly started as she passed the box of mochi donuts to her younger sister. “My friend Annie, who gave us the chocolate croissants last time, brought some mochi donuts! I snacked on one, but the rest were for us.”

Katie’s eyes widened as she grabbed the box and opened it. Her mouth watered seeing how good the mochi donuts looked. “Mom, can I please eat one?” She asked.

“As long as you don’t beg about Holly’s gift for you, then yes.” Gabriella answered.

At that point, Katie put the box next to her and grabbed a matcha mochi donut and started eating. Gabriella and Holly sighed for two reasons. One, Katie would be quiet, and two, Katie lost her appetite for lunch and dinner.

The Fontaine Family made it home, which was a neighborhood surrounded by woods. The houses were spaced apart, and the Fontaine Family house was right in the middle with its blue roof and dark blue walls.

Gabriella parked the car, and everyone got out. Holly grabbed her luggage and followed her mom and sister inside the house. The Beast Cookies took a peek at what the Witch’s house looked like, but the bag obscured most of their vision.

Holly opened the door and walked in, giving a sigh she was home sweet home. However, she felt her bag shake and the Beast Cookies complaining. “Hey, clown! Stop pushing!” Burning Spice Cookie yelled.

“I want to see our living arrangements!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled.

“Ow! Someone stepped on my tail!” Eternal Sugar Cookie complained.

Holly sighed and looked at her bag. “Guys, hush!” Holly whispered. “I don’t want my mom and my sister to hear you.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to introduce us to them?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked.

“I do, but not yet. It’s not the right time.” Holly whispered back.

Shadow Milk Cookie let out a frustrated yell. “What is the ‘right time’ for-”

“Meow.”

The Beast Cookies froze, hearing an unfamiliar sound. They peeked through Holly’s bag to see an unfamiliar creature to them: a cat.

Holly’s cat was tuxedo colored with a white diamond patch on its chest.

Holly gasped as she held her arms out for her cat to jump on her. “Momo!” She squealed. Holly nuzzled her cat, who purred in reply. “Oh, I missed you, my baby.”

“Meow.” Momo replied, giving his owner a lick on the cheek. Holly giggled as she nuzzled her cat closer.

Momo sensed something and jumped out of Holly’s arms. He sniffed her bag, which frightened the Beast Cookies.

“Does it know we're here?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked.

“Well, SugarCube, you do smell like flowers, so of course it would smell you.” Shadow Milk Cookie replied.

Eternal Sugar Cookie glared and bopped him over the head. “Ow!” He yelped. “Why you!” Before the two could fight, they were held back by Mystic Flour Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie.

“Meow?” Momo asked, confused as to why his owner’s bag was making noise.

While she was glad Momo didn’t talk, Holly was still horrified that the Beast Cookies were causing some commotion. Holly looked to see her mother in the kitchen while her sister was watching TV. She sighed, knowing they were distracted by their own things.

Quickly, Holly ran up the stairs as Momo tilted his head in confusion. Once upstairs, Holly looked down and sighed, seeing she was safe. “Alright, please don't fight in my house.” She begged.

“She started it!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed.

“He started it!” Eternal Sugar Cookie exclaimed, talking over Shadow Milk Cookie.

“Enough!” Holly snapped. She covered her mouth and looked downstairs, hoping her mom and sister didn’t hear her. Luckily, they didn’t, and she sighed in relief. “Alright, let’s get to my room.” 

Holly walked over to her room, which was on the right of her mother’s room. The door had her name painted on it in purple letters. “Alright, Welcome to Casa De Holly! Aka my bedroom!” Holly announced as she opened her bag for the best cookies to come out and see the room. They scanned the room, and their eyes widened in horror.

Holly’s room was painted lilac with posters of witches and magical creatures. She had a brown desk with two photos, one of her and her family, and the other was her and her friends. There was also a grey laptop on her desk with a few notebooks on the left side. However, Holly’s room was messy with clothes, books, and notebooks scattered everywhere. Even her bed was also messy with a few clothes on it, and the bed sheets were unmade.

“Yeah…this place needs a bit of a fixer-upper.” Shadow Milk Cookie said, scanning the room.

“Okay, so I overslept and had to pack up at the last minute to go to my grandma’s!” Holly defended. “Plus, it’s not that messy.” She then tripped over her own clothes and fell on the floor. Eternal Sugar and Burning Space flinched, while Shadow Milk smirked at the sight of the witch falling, and Silent Salt and Mystic Flour gave no expression. “I’m okay!”

A knock was heard outside of Holly’s room, causing the latter to get up from the floor in horror. “Holly!” Gabriella called out. Holly shoved the cookies back into her bag and zipped it up a bit so they could breathe.

“Come in, Mom!” Holly yelled.

Gabriella came in and looked around the room to see, it was the same way that Holly had left it. “Well, now that you're home, think you can clean up your room? It looks like a tornado came through!” She exclaimed.

“But I-” Holly was cut off by her mom.

“Before you say if I cleaned it up. No, it’s your room and your mess, so I left it that way until you came back to clean it up.” Gabriella explained, pointing at the mess and then, at your daughter.

Holly groaned and gave a pout. “Yes, Mom. I understand.” She replied.

The Beast Cookies watched to see the young witch get scolded by her mom. They felt uneasy with the woman and wanted to attack, but saw the woman ease up on her anger.

Gabriella smiled and hugged her daughter. “Good, sorry if I scolded you.” She apologized. Holly gave a smile, telling her mom she’s all forgiven. “Now you must’ve been hungry, would you like to make you a sandwich for lunch?” She asked.

Holly nodded. “Can you make two? I’m really hungry.” She asked back.

Gabriella looked surprised. “Oh. Sure, sweetie.” She answered.

“Thanks, mom! You're the best!”

Gabriella left her daughter’s room and started to think about what Holly was hiding from her. She decided to ask her later once Holly cleaned her room.

Holly was gathering up all the clothes she had left on the floor and put them in the closet or in a pile on the bed to put in the laundry later. Seeing it was safe to come out, Shadow Milk Cookie was the first one to come out of Holly’s bag.

“Well, she sounded harsh.” Shadow Milk Cookie said, feeling a bit bad for Holly.

Holly sighed. “She’s my mom, she’s strict, but kind. Trust me, that’s not her bad side.” She explained, reassuring the Beasts, as the floor was finally cleaned of clothes.

The other Beast Cookies came out of the bag, concerned for the witch. “She doesn’t have to be mean to you.” Eternal Sugar Cookie added, crossing her arms.

Holly sighed as she gathered the last of the clothes. “She isn’t mean, she’s just tough.” She paused and looked at them. “Did you guys have parents?”

The Beast Cookies paused and looked at one another. However, Shadow Milk Cookie turned away. Holly frowned and knew none of them had families, at least living ones.

“We were created by witches a long time ago.” Mystic Flour Cookie started. “They were the closest thing we got to a parental figure, but they didn’t raise us, more like mentor us, or if we needed guidance, they would answer us.”

“Though Shadow Milk Cookie’s witch was the closest one to him and would talk with him daily. They were close.” Silent Salt Cookie explained. “Very close.”

Holly turned to Shadow Milk Cookie, who looked like he was trying to hold back his tears. “Closest he got to a mom, I’m guessing?” Holly whispered.

Silent Salt Cookie heard her and nodded.

“Then one day the witches disappeared when we needed them the most.” Eternal Sugar Cookie added. “That’s when…” she paused and looked at Holly, as she knew the rest of the story.

Holly nodded, knowing what had happened.

“We never had a childhood like most cookies. We were just brought to existence with a role of virtue.” Burning Spice Cookie explained, crossing his arms.

“I guess that explains everything? Not trusting witches and why you became the Beasts?” Holly asked.

“What do you think?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked, side eyeing Holly.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Holly replied, mumbling. “Okay, look, I’m sorry that witches abandoned you, but as the first witch you’ve seen in forever. I’ll tell you this, moms come in different personalities, and my mom just happens to be strict, kind, cool, and a good cook.”

“I hope you're not lying to us about the kind part.” Shadow Milk Cookie replied, turning around and crossing his arms.

“I’m not. You’ll see it.” Holly reassured him. “And Shadow Milk Cookie.”

The Beast of Deceit looked up at the witch. 

“You don’t have to tell me now, but when you're ready, I’d like to hear about your witch.”

Shadow Milk Cookie blinked in surprise and crossed his arms. “Ha! That will never happen! You don’t need to know her backstory!” He exclaimed, switching from sad to positive in a heartbeat.

Holly took notice of the eyes in his hair and saw that they looked down in sadness. She didn’t have to say it, but she knew he planned too soon.

A knock was heard from the door. “Holly!” Katie called out. The Beasts quickly froze as Holly told them to hide in the bag again. Perfect timing as Katie opened the door. “Mom needs you downstairs!”

Holly flinched. If her mom were calling her, she would’ve yelled for her, or maybe it’s one of those moments where her mom tells her or Katie to grab the other, so they didn’t have to raise their voice.

“Really? What does she need?” Holly asked. Katie shrugged in response. Holly groaned, of course when her mom asks for her or her sister, she doesn’t explain until they are face-to-face.  “Alright.” She then left her room with the laundry basket and went downstairs. She figured to get the laundry out of the way on her way to her mom.

Once Holly was gone, Katie smirked and scanned her big sister’s room. “Now, to find my gift.” She said, smirking and rubbing her hands evilly. 

Holly put all her laundry in the washing machine. She added the necessary measurements for the detergent before pouring it in and turning the machine on. Holly smiled and went over to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Katie opened her big sister’s luggage and started to dig through her stuff. Even though Holly just cleaned up her room, Katie was making it a mess again. She then spotted two small bags that had clothes small enough for a doll, or at least a cookie.

“Doll clothes?” Katie asked. “Ugh, I’m 8-years old. I don’t need Barbie dolls anymore!” Then her eyes snapped open. “Unless Holly got me a voodoo doll!” She squealed and looked around the room for it.

The Beast Cookies watched the young girl search for them. Shadow Milk Cookie glared and looked at the Beast Cookies. “So, you guys got a plan for the mini witch here?” He asked.

“Don’t look at me!” Burning Spice Cookie whispered. “You're the one with the plans!”

“The only thing I can come up with is turning her into a card or a doll.” Shadow Milk Cookie whispered back. “And I know that witch would be angry if I did that.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie saw Katie still looking for them and saw the girl in distress. Knowing that making others happy was her thing, she wanted to reveal herself to the young girl.

“What are you doing?” Mystic Flour Cookie asked, not freaked out that they were about to be discovered. The other Beasts turned to face the Beast of Sloth.

“I don’t want to see her distressed, so I’m going to say hi to her.” Eternal Sugar Cookie explained.

“Didn’t the young witch say to stay in the bag until she was ready?” Silent Salt Cookie asked.

Eternal Sugar Cookie sighed. “Yeah, but who has time to wait?” She said as she slowly came out of the bag. The other Beasts didn’t stop her and just watched her. The Beast of Sloth saw Katie searching under Holly’s bed and sighed. “Uh…are you looking for me?”

THUD

“Ow!” Katie yelled, slowly coming out from under the bed and rubbing her head. She mumbled and repeated the word as she sat down.

Eternal Sugar Cookie felt bad for the young girl and floated over to her. “Oh my, are you alright, child?” She asked.

Katie’s eyes widened as she saw Eternal Sugar Cookie. “Whoa! My sister got me a fairy?!” She exclaimed.

Eternal Sugar Cookie sighed, knowing she and her friends weren’t getting over the fairy allegations. “No dear, I’m not a fairy, I’m a-”

“Then an angel?” Katie asked, cutting off Eternal Sugar Cookie. “You have beautiful angel wings like one!”

The Beast of Sloth giggled and blushed over being called an angel. “Well, you could say I’m an angel, but I’m a cookie.” Eternal Sugar Cookie corrected her. “My name is Eternal Sugar Cookie.” As she introduced herself, she gave a curtsy.

“I’m Katie Fontaine! Holly’s my big sister!” Katie introduced herself. “And are you a cookie I eat to become stronger, or are you just living here?”

“Living here!” Eternal Sugar Cookie exclaimed, scared hearing the word eat be used in front of her. “Please don’t eat us.”

Katie sighed. “Okay. Okay, I won’t.” She replied. “But then Katie’s eyes widened. “Wait! You said we, right?”

Eternal Sugar Cookie nodded.

“That means there’s more of you?” She gasped.

Eternal Sugar Cookie nodded again. “Fellow Beasts, you can come out. She’s harmless!” She called out.

The Beasts didn’t come out of the bag, which made Eternal Sugar Cookie worried. Seconds later, she heard a commotion and what sounded like the rest of the Beasts pushing Shadow Milk Cookie out of the bag.

However, all the Beast Cookies fell out of the bag. From what happened inside, the rest of the beasts pushed Shadow Milk Cookie, but he grabbed onto Silent Salt Cookie, causing the bag to tip and the cookies to fall.

“Whoa! You guys are all cookies?!” Katie asked, looking at them.

Eternal Sugar Cookie nodded. “These are my friends: Silent Salt, Mystic Flour, Burning Spice.  and Shadow Milk Cookie.” She introduced her friends. “This is Holly’s younger sister, Katie.”

“Hi there!” Katie exclaimed, waving.

Shadow Milk Cookie floated and scanned the young girl up and down. “So, you're the chaotic little sister the witch has told us about.”

Katie gasped, putting a hand on her chest. “I’m glad my chaos is well known to creatures outside our world.” She replied, dramatically. “But I wouldn’t call it chaos, I’d call it being the fun little sister!”

“Hey, chaos is fun!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed.

“Right!” Katie agreed.

“Why do I think this can go wrong in so many ways?” Silent Salt Cookie asked, whispering over to Mystic Flour Cookie.

“I don’t think; I know this can go wrong.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

In the kitchen, Holly went downstairs and saw her mom had just finished making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and was about to make another.

“So, do you need me for anything, Mom?” Holly asked.

“Uh…no. Not at this time.” Gabriella replied.

Holly looked confused. “But Katie just told me you…” Fear rushed through Holly’s mind. She should’ve known better when Katie knocked on her door. “Oh no. Oh no, no, no!” Holly ran upstairs as Gabriella looked at her daughter in concern.

“Holly? Holly!” Gabriella yelled, turning off the stove before running after her daughter. “Holly Fontaine, what did you do?!”

Holly didn’t answer and ran upstairs to her room and opened the door. “KATIE! Whatever you do, don't harm them!” She yelled. However, to her surprise, Katie was laughing and talking with them.

“Oh hi sis! I LOVE the new gift you gave me!” Katie exclaimed as she ran and hugged her big sister tight.

Holly looked at the Beast Cookies, who were unharmed, and back at her sister. “Uh, thanks…it was supposed to be a surprise, but…”

“A surprise?!” Katie exclaimed, cutting her sister off. “Holly! This doesn’t need to be a surprise! We’re all used to magic in this house.” She exclaimed.

Holly groaned. “I know that, but how do I explain to mom about sentient cookies living in our house?!” She yelled.

“What about sentient cookies living in our house?” Gabriella asked, her hands on her hips, looking disappointed. 

Holly and Katie froze in fear as they slowly turned to their mother. “Mom, hi!” Holly squeaked. “What’s up?”

“What’s up?” Gabriella asked, repeating her daughter. “I heard you brought sentient cookies into our house and thought you were going to keep it a secret from me?” She sounded disappointed that her oldest daughter was keeping secrets from her.

“Hey! She planned on telling you!” Shadow Milk Cookie shouted, catching the Fontaine girl’s attention. Gabriella glared at the Beast of Deceit, and for some reason, he felt his jam run cold, and he hated it.

Gabriella sighed. “Holly, explain this,” she demanded, pointing at the Beast Cookies.

Holly chuckled nervously and sighed. “I’m so grounded.” She mumbled.

“For life.” Katie mumbled, causing Holly to glare at her.

Not a moment after, the Beast Cookies sat on the coffee table using magazines as their chairs, while Katie sat on the couch. Holly stood next to the Beast Cookies as Gabriella glared at her oldest daughter, hoping she had a good explanation of what was going on.

“Mom, meet the Beast Cookies: Shadow Milk, Burning Spice, Mystic Flour, Eternal Sugar, and Silent Salt.” Holly said, introducing the cookies. “They got sent to our world by an evil witch cookie, so until we find their way home. They’ll be staying with us.”

Katie smiled and looked over at her mother. “Mom! This is the BEST GIFT EVER!” She cheered. “Better than any gift Holly has gotten me!”

Gabriella sighed. “Sweetie, I’m used to you having magic and getting your sister magical items, but this is concerning!” She exclaimed.

“Mom! I’m not just going to abandon them! I promised I’d help them find a way back home!” Holly yelled back.

Gabriella’s eyes widened in fear. Katie did too, but she ended up laughing. “Uh oh! Holly made a promise.” She sang, creepily.

Holly shot a glare at her sister, who giggled in reply.

“You promised them!?” Gabriella yelled.

Holly shrank down and whimpered. “Yeah.”

Gabriella groaned and put her hand over her forehead, and shook it. “Holly, I know how you are with promises, but this promise is too big to handle for you!”

“I know, but that’s why grandma is helping me!” Holly explained. Gabriella wasn’t convinced, causing Holly to sigh. “Okay, I know I’ve not been the best with keeping promises, but this time I am. We don’t know the spell to bring them back, but someone needs to care for them.”

Gabriella turned to the Beast Cookies. “We promise we won’t cause any problems.”  Shadow Milk Cookie said, putting one hand up and the other behind his back.

“I can see it in your eyes, you’re the troublemaking one, so no need to promise you’ll be causing problems.” Gabriella said, giving a deadpan look.

Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes widened. His mouth and hands dropped in shock. “I’m amazed someone saw right through that.” Burning Spice Cookie said, surprised.

Shadow Milk Cookie floated up to Holly. “Is everyone in your family just a deceit detector?” He whispered.

“Just me and my mom.” Holly replied, giving a smile. 

Shadow Milk Cookie groaned and crossed his arms. Now, how was he going to cause chaos?

“Ignore Shadow Milk Cookie.” Eternal Sugar Cookie said, flying up to Gabriella. “Not all of us can cause chaos as he does,” she paused, realizing the only one would be Burning Spice Cookie, “well, unless provoked.”

“Hey!” Burning Spice Cookie snapped. Eternal Sugar Cookie giggled in reply,

Gabriella raised an eyebrow and looked at her oldest daughter. “Mom, please. If you want, I’ll be responsible for them, or whatever you say, I’ll do it, like not staying up late or doing my chores when asked.”

“Same here!” Katie exclaimed. “If you want me to get rid of my book on how to curse people or the creepy doll I used to carry around. I’ll do it!”

Gabriella sighed. “Alright, they can stay.” She said, Holly and Katie cheered happily. “But!”

“But…” Holly and Katie repeated, sounding disappointed. They knew their mother had a catch.

“I have some rules for our new guests.” Gabriella stated. She then faced the Beast Cookies, who stared at the woman in shock, except Mystic Flour and Silent Salt, who kept their expressions the same. Something that never happened before. “One, no magic in the house. Two, whatever I say goes. No talking back or saying no. I’ll give you three warnings. Finally, if you guys put Holly or Katie in any danger, you’ll regret it. Got it!?”

“Yeah, ma’am!” The Beast Cookies shouted.

“Good!” Gabriella said, smiling. The Beast Cookies felt scared seeing her go from scolding to smiling in one second. “Now, to start with living arrangements.”

“Ah! No need, mama.” Holly exclaimed. “I got their living arrangements settled! Grandma got me a dollhouse, and that’s where they’ll be sleeping.”

Gabriella sighed. “Well, that’s covered. I guess you can relax and have lunch.” She said, “I’m almost done with the 2nd sandwich, but do I need to make four more?”

“I can take a sandwich, Mom!” Katie exclaimed, raising her hand. Even though she had the mochi donuts earlier, Katie didn’t mind having a sandwich.

Gabriella smiled. “Alright, three sandwiches then!” She exclaimed. “Need anything else?” Everyone looked at one another and shook their heads. “Alright, I’ll get those sandwiches, and maybe tonight I’ll make something special for our new guests.” She paused, realizing these were sentient cookies. “Wait, you guys can eat?”

“Just about anything really, just as long as it’s not cookies.” Shadow Milk Cookie answered.

“Well,” Gabriella chuckled. “Then you’re in luck, my daughters will tell you my cooking is the best in the world!”

“She’s not lying! Her cooking is the best!” Holly exclaimed.

Shadow Milk Cookie narrowed his eyes. “We’ll see about that.” He said, crossing his arms.

Gabriella sighed, “I guess this house is gonna be lovely again.” She whispered. She walked to the kitchen to finish the second sandwich, which Holly requested before handing it to her daughter and the Beasts Cookies.

Holly took a piece of her sandwich and handed one to Shadow Milk Cookie. He stared at it for a moment before looking at the witch. “You’re the one who doesn’t believe my mom is a good cook, try it and you’ll see for yourself.” She explained.

Shadow Milk Cookie snatched the piece and roughly took a bite. He chewed a bit of it before realizing how good it was. Holly smiled, seeing Shadow Milk Cookie enjoying the sandwich before taking a bite of it too.

After swallowing his piece, Shadow Milk Cookie was nervous about asking for another one. He glanced over to his fellow beasts, who were enjoying the sandwich too.

“This is delicious! I never had a meal like this in forever!” Burning Spice Cookie exclaimed. 

“Here you go.” Holly spoke up, snapping Shadow Milk Cookie out of his thoughts. He saw that Holly had another piece for him. “I saw how you enjoyed it, so I got you another one.”

Shadow Milk Cookie took the other piece, gently this time, and slowly ate. “Thanks.” He replied.

Holly smiled, seeing Shadow Milk Cookie slowly warm up to her. “Anytime, Lil’ Dude.” She replied, taking a bite.

“Jeez, that nickname is never going away, is it?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked with a groan.

It was almost midnight, and Holly and Shadow Milk Cookie continued to look for spells on how to bring the Beast Cookies back to Earthbread. After spending the rest of the day looking through spell books, the Beast Cookies had fallen asleep. Eternal Sugar Cookie and Mystic Flour Cookie leaned on one another, while Burning Spice Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie slept on the many notebooks scattered on the table.

Shadow Milk Cookie yawned, deciding to stay awake as long as he could until Holly came up with any news about heading home. He was looking through the book with her, but saw that a page hadn’t been turned, only Holly staring at it, trying to stay awake. “Hey, witch,” Shadow Milk Cookie said. Holly didn’t reply and kept on staring at the book. Shadow Milk Cookie glared and waved his staff in front of the young witch. “Hey! Hello witch! Are you listening to me?!”

Holly didn’t reply and slowly closed her eyes, ready to fall asleep. Shadow Milk Cookie got frustrated and used his staff to smack Holly on the head. Though with his size, it didn’t really hurt Holly, and it felt more like a tap. “Oh, Shadow Milk Cookie, what’s going on?” Holly asked.

“I’ve been TRYING to get your attention FOREVER!” He sang, frustratedly tilting his head left and right. “Yet you don’t listen to me.”

“Well, you didn’t call me by my name.” Holly answered. “I don’t like just being called a witch. Yes, I am a witch, but I have a name.” A smirk appeared on her face. “If you wanna play that game, then how do you feel about me calling you Lil’ dude!”

Shadow Milk Cookie growled at that nickname. “Hey! Don’t call me that!” He snapped.

“Then call me by my name!” Holly snapped back.

Shadow Milk Cookie paused and stared at Holly before answering, “No.”

“Fine.” Holly then went back to reading the book, not looking up at the cookie.

Shadow Milk Cookie glared and turned away. “Tck! Fine as well!” He floated away from Holly, but turned back a bit before going through one of the books he and the Beasts were reading before they slept. 

Though Shadow Milk Cookie wasn’t really reading. He just needed to mask his emotions right now, like he usually does. A small part of him, his old self, kept telling him not tobe hard on the young witch and that she’s trying her best. He always encouraged the young cookies to do their best when he was the Fount of Knowledge.

Witches, he hated that his Fount of Knowledge self still lingered in him. Though he was glad his deceitful self overpowered it, all he needed to do was wait for the right time before he betrayed the witch.

Shadow Milk Cookie stopped his thoughts as he heard a thud, and Holly realized she had fallen asleep and quickly woke up to read more. Shadow Milk Cookie sighed and floated over to Holly. He opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it to think about it.

“Um…if you want, I can stay up and read so you can get sleep.” Shadow Milk Cookie said, getting Holly’s attention.

Holly looked at Shadow Milk Cookie, surprised, seeing the cookie be nice for once. She smiled, knowing the cookie did have some kindness in him.

Shadow Milk Cookie realized what he said and shook it off. “I mean, I can find this portal spell faster than you, and then we’ll be on our way!” He exclaimed.

Holly still smiled, knowing Shadow Milk Cookie did have a soft spot. “Alright, but let’s read it together for a bit.” She replied.

“Fine. Fine.” Shadow Milk Cookie replied, rolling his eyes. “Why am I doing this?” He thought. Shadow Milk Cookie floated over to her and sat on top of the page to read what Holly was reading.

Holly used her finger to pet Shadow Milk Cookie’s head, which made the Beast of Deceit glare at her. “Don’t pet me like I’m some sheep!” He snapped.

“Sorry.” Holly replied with a beaming smile.

Shadow Milk Cookie groaned as he read with the witch in training.

After reading a few pages, Holly heard a soft thud and looked to see that Shadow Milk Cookie had fallen asleep. The cookie fell on the book as he snored loudly. Holly couldn’t help but chuckle at how cute he slept. Carefully, she lifted Shadow Milk Cookie in her hands and held him for a bit. He felt light in her hands, like a small toy, even though he was the size of those keychain plushies that the girls at her school obsess over.

A creek in the door caught Holly’s attention as she saw her grandma come by to check on her and the Beast Cookies. “Still awake, Holly?” Rosealie asked.

“Yeah.” Holly replied, whispering so she didn’t wake the cookies up. She let out a sigh as she looked at the book she was reading.

“Couldn’t find anything yet?” Rosalie asked, walking over to her granddaughter.

Holly shook her head. “I’ve been looking through spells, but nothing seems to be what I’m looking for.” She groaned.

Rosalie put her hand on her granddaughter's shoulder. “I think it’s going to be a while before we can find any spell to send them back.” Rosealie explained. “Right now, you need your sleep. You head back home tomorrow.”

Holly yawned, knowing she had to sleep. She looked at the sleeping cookies, and as much as she wanted them to sleep here, she thought they would be comfortable in her room. “Do you have anything comfortable for the cookies?” Holly asked.

Rosalie smiled. “I do.” She answered.

Holly smiled as she grabbed Shadow Milk, Mystic Flour, and Eternal Sugar Cookie while Rosalie grabbed Burning Spice and Silent Salt and took them to the guest room. The two laid the cookies on the bed while Rosalie left to get something for the cookies to sleep on, and Holly grabbed her pajamas and got changed in the bathroom.

Once she was changed, Holly wore a blue nightgown with a floral pattern. She saw that the Beast Cookies were still asleep. After what happened to them today, she figured they needed their rest.

Rosalie then came into the room with a dollhouse. It looked to be four stories tall with a rusted brown roof. The outside of the dollhouse was painted white, with the outside windows being brown. There was enough room for each of the cookies to sleep in.

“Oh, they’re gonna love it!” Holly exclaimed, seeing how cute the dollhouse was.

Rosalie smiled and put the dollhouse down. Using her charm, Rosalie magically made beds for them to sleep on. Holly smiled, and carefully she put the cookies in bed. She didn’t pick rooms for them to sleep in; she can worry about that tomorrow. However, Holly decided to put Shadow Milk Cookie in the attic of the dollhouse.

“Think you can find pajamas for them?” Holly asked.

Rosalie smiled. “Of course.” She replied. “I’ll put them in your luggage.”

Holly giggled and lay down in bed, tucking herself in. Rosalie went over to her granddaughter and kissed her forehead. “Night, sweetie.” She whispered.

“Night, Grandma.” Rosalie whispered back as she watched her grandmother leave her room, shutting off the lights and closing the door. Before falling asleep, Holly turned to the dollhouse to see the Beast Cookies and smiled. “I know it’s not your home, but you’re gonna love mine. I hope you do.”

Holly closed her eyes and went to sleep.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Shadow Milk Cookie groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. He didn’t know how long he had slept, but saw he was in bed. He wondered if everything that happened was just a dream and he was back in his spire. He got out of bed when suddenly…

THUD

“OW!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled. He rubbed his head and wondered what he had hit. “What the-” He paused, seeing he was inside a doll house with the rest of the beasts.

THUD

“What in the?!” Burning Spice Cookie yelled as he looked around the dollhouse. “What is this place!?”

“A dollhouse.” Holly answered. The Beast Cookies turned to the young girl who was fixing her bed. “I was looking for a place for you to sleep, and my grandma found a dollhouse for you guys.” Once she finished making her bed.

Eternal Sugar Cookie smiled. “Well, thank you for that.” She replied.

“Anytime.” Holly replied. “Now, I gotta get dressed and packed, and we’ll be heading out.”

“Heading out where?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“My house,” Holly answered, “I only stay with my grandmother every other weekend for training, and then I head home.” As she explained, Holly was putting her notebooks into her backpack.

“So, we're going with you?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked.

“Yep! I can’t just leave you with my grandma.” Holly grabbed her clothes she was gonna wear with her traveling back home. “Plus, I’m the one who promised to bring you back home, so it makes sense for you to stay at my place.”

“Is there anything we need to know about your place?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked, crossing his arms.

Holly gave a nervous chuckle. “Well…I’m the only one who does magic at home.” She said, rubbing the back of her head.

“Huh? How do witches not have magic?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“Well, other than witches. There are humans,” Holly answered, “they look like my Grandma and I, but they don’t have magic.”

“How come?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked. 

Holly thought. “It’s a long story, but I’ll sum it up that some people weren’t born with magic.”

“Interesting.” Shadow Milk Cookie said, a smirk appeared on his face. This was an interesting plot twist about the Witch’s World.

“Well…” Holly said, freaked out over the Beast of Deceit's smile. “My mom is a regular human. No powers whatsoever, and my sister doesn’t have her powers yet, though with her behavior, I don’t think she needs magic.”

“Let me guess, your sister is an embodiment of chaos?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked.

“Yeah, you have a little sister too?”

“No, but I know a cookie who is like that.” Shadow Milk Cookie answered. He quickly frowned, thinking of Candy Apple Cookie. He hoped she and Black Sapphire Cookie were alright and were able to escape before Dark Enchantress Cookie got to them.

Holly saw the frown on his face and knew he was thinking about Earthbread. “Well, then you might like my sister then, though I’ll warn you guys now she’s chaotic.”

This snapped Shadow Milk Cookie out of his thoughts. “Okay, you got my attention!” He and Burning Spice Cookie exclaimed at the same time.

Holly realized now she’ll be dealing with three chaotic beings in her home. “What have I done!” She thought to herself. Holly decided to brush it off and gave a nervous chuckle. “Well, I’m going to get dressed, and once I’m done, we’ll be heading out.”

“Alright.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied.

Holly smiled and left for the bathroom to get dressed. Once she was gone, Shadow Milk Cookie was eyeing the dollhouse and snapped his fingers, revealing his staff. “Alright, while she’s gone. Let’s give this place a makeover!” He said, smirking.

Holly finally got herself dressed. She left the bathroom with her pajamas in hand and was ready to go back to the Beast Cookies. Before she did, she saw her grandma using magic to help pack her things, nicely and neatly. This gave Holly less to worry about.

“Grandma, thank you!” Holly exclaimed.

Rosalie turned to see her granddaughter fully awake and dressed. “You’re welcome, sweetie.” She replied. “Did you and the cookies have a nice rest?”

Holly nodded. “Sure did.”

Rosalie smiled in reply. “Great. So, between now and next time we meet for training, I’ll be going through books and contacting witches to see if they know anything about the cookies or spells to get them back into the world.” She explained.

“Awesome! I’ll be doing the same on my end, too!” Holly replied.

Soon, an explosion was heard coming from Holly’s room. “Oh no.” Holly sighed. She looked at her grandmother, who sighed, trying to keep her cool. “I’ll go…”

“That would be great, sweetie.” Rosalie quickly replied.

Holly ran to her guest room and paused at the door to take a deep breath. “Whatever happens when I open this door, please don’t let it be worse than I expected.” She said to herself. Holly put her hand on the doorknob and slowly opened the door. To her surprise, it wasn’t a disaster but something beautiful.

The dollhouse got a makeover. It was now white with a blue roof and gold accents on the windows. The rooms looked a lot bigger than usual, and each was customized to fit the Beast Cookies.

Mystic Flour’s room was painted white with yellow lotus flowers, and the bed had a gold frame white sheets with peaches on them. She had two tables; one that had some candles and essences with a yellow pillow in front of it, and the other table sat in the middle of her room with five cups on top of it, and a lantern hanging from the ceiling.

Burning Spice’s room was red-orange with a gold flame pattern. His bed stayed the same, but looked messy.

Shadow Milk’s room, the attic, was now bigger and was blue with light blue and gold stars and eyes painted all over them. His bed sheets were dark blue with white stars on them. He also had a table with a chessboard and a vanity with a deck of cards.

Eternal Sugar’s room was pink with white clouds and flowers painted all over. Her bed frame was rose gold, while her bed had pink sheets, and her lyre lay on the pillows. She too had a pink vanity with a hear- shaped mirror that had a hairbrush.

Finally, Silent Salt’s room was purple with light purple flames painted everywhere. His bed had a purple female and black sheets. On the wall was his sword, and he had a vanity to put his helmet on whenever he took it off.

“Wow! You guys redecorated the dollhouse!” Holly exclaimed.

“More like I redecorated the place.” Shadow Milk Cookie corrected.

“Ahem.” Shadow Milk Cookie turned to see his fellow Beast Cookies glare at him. 

Shadow Milk Cookie sighed. “Alright I got some help from my fellow friends, but because they hated my choices for room decor!” He snapped, pointing his wand at his friends.

“You know blue isn’t my favorite color.” Burning Spice Cookie replied, crossing his arms.

Shadow Milk Cookie glared, growling in reply.

“At least we allowed you to paint the outside.” Mystic Flour Cookie added.

“The rooms look great!” Holly exclaimed. “I love how each room has its own color and design.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie smiled and crossed her arms. “See, I told you she would like my idea!” She exclaimed. The beast rolled their eyes in reply.

“Well, it’s nice, but now it’s too big to put into my luggage.” Holly said, seeing that size of the dollhouse had doubled. “But don’t worry, I got this.” Holly showed her bracelet and touched the charm as it glowed. She made a counterclockwise circle and pointed at the dollhouse, which turned travel-sized and able to fit into her backpack.

Rosalie came in, calm now, and rolled in Holly’s luggage. To her surprise, she saw there was no mess. “False alarm, grandma!” Holly beamed, showing the small dollhouse.

“I’m glad.” Rosalie sighed. Holly smiled and put the mini dollhouse in her backpack.

“Alright, hop in!” Holly exclaimed, opening her bag for the Beasts to get in. One by one, the Beast Cookies went inside the bag except for Shadow Milk Cookie, who decided to float beside the witch. “That means you too, Lil’ Dude.”

“Ha!” Shadow Milk Cookie laughed. “I want to explore this lovely world! How can I explore it when I’m stuck in a bag?” Holly then grabbed him and shoved him in the bag. “H-HEY! What the?”

“It’s better to be safe inside when I’m in public. I don’t want people to know I have sentient cookies, and those said people want to harm you.” Holly explained, holding back her anger.

Shadow Milk Cookie glared inside the bag. “Just say so without forcing me into a bag!” He growled.

Holly gave a smug smile. “Alright, Lil’ Dude.” She replied as she and her grandma started to walk out the door.

“STOP calling me that!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled.

“Lil’ Dude?” The Beasts asked, before snickering.

“SHUT UP!”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Rosalie drove Holly and the Beast Cookies over to the train station. It wasn’t too long a ride, but Eternal Sugar Cookie was asking questions about her house.

“How big is your paradise?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked.

“It’s big for all of us.” Holly answered. “I live in a regular neighborhood, and right by it, there’s a park and a bunch of other places we can walk to!”

Eternal Sugar Cookie smiled and thought of another question. “Do we have to stay hidden in this bag when we go out?”

Holly shook her head. “Only in certain places, but in most cases, I’ll let you roam freely.” She answered. “Though, since two of you can fly, I do need to carry the other three in my bag.”

“Fine by me.” Eternal Sugar Cookie replied.

“SugarCube.” Shadow Milk Cookie spoke up. The Beast of Sloth turned to her fellow beast, glaring at him for calling her that nickname. “Have any other questions other than our temporary home?”

“No.” Eternal Sugar Cookie replied. “I don’t see you guys asking questions.”

“We’re not staying here forever.” Mystic Flour Cookie said. “Only until we find a way home.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie puffed up her cheeks and crossed her arms.

Holly chuckled. “I don’t mind the questions. Since you guys are here, feel free to ask me anything.” She reminded them.

Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled. “As someone who said those words, those would be your downfall.” He reassured her.

Holly rolled her eyes. “Hey, I have a lot of knowledge here on Earth.”

“Ha! And I know everything!” Shadow Milk Cookie snapped back.

Holly was about to say something, but Rosalie spoke up. “Holly,” She interrupted. “I don’t mean to cut you off, but you got your train ticket, right?” She asked.

Holly nodded and went to the lower zipper of her bag to show that her bus pass was inside. “It's here safe and sound.” She reassured her grandmother.

Rosalie sighed. “That’s good. Don’t want you to lose it like last time.”

“Even if I did lose it. I can use magic to bring it here.” Holly said.

“Alright then.” Rosalie replied. 

The drive continued for another five minutes before they made it to the train station. Once they arrived, Holly got out of her grandma’s car and went to the backseat to grab her luggage.

“Okay, I know I ask this every time, and you say no every time, but just in case. Do you need me to stay with you?” Rosalie asked.

Holly shook her head. “I’ll be fine.” She replied. “Also, I have the cookies with me.”

Rosalie smiled. “Alright.” She said, opening her arms for her granddaughter to hug her, which Holly did and hugged her tight. “Get home safe and tell your mom I said hi.”

“I will.” Holly replied, grabbing her luggage.

“And for the cookies.” Rosalie added.

“Yeah!” Shadow Milk Cookie responded, peeking out of Holly’s bag for a bit.

“Take care of Holly, and Holly,” Rosalie looked up at her granddaughter, “take care of them.”

Holly smiled. “I promise.” She replied. Holly looked down at her bag, hoping one of the cookies would say something.

“We promise.” Silent Salt Cookie said, coming out of the bag.

“Uh…I’ll try.” Shadow Milk Cookie added.

Rosalie smiled and went back to her car as Holly went inside the train station. Before she went in, she looked back at her grandma and smiled before going in.

Once inside, Holly did the usual process: checking in, going through security, and heading inside the gate to get to her terminal. On the way to her terminal, someone took notice of Holly.

“Holly!” A voice called out.

Holly turned to see a young woman, between her 20’s and 30’s, waving at the ticket booth. She had curly red hair, fair skin, and freckles. She wore a female worker’s uniform.

“Annie!” Holly yelled, running towards the woman.

“Hey kiddo!” Annie exclaimed. “How was visiting your grandma?”

Holly smiled. “Great!” She exclaimed. “Except now I’m taking home five sentient cookies.” She said to herself.

“Well, since you're here, I got a gift for you and your family.” Annie said. She then handed Holly a white box with pink polka dots and immediately recognized it.

“Is this?” Holly asked as she opened the box. Inside were mochi donuts that had strawberry, ube, and matcha glaze on top of it. Her eyes widened seeing the pastries as she looked back at Annie.

“I know you’ve been wanting to try them since the last time I saw you, so I bought a dozen for you and your family.” Annie explained.

Holly closed the box and held it in her arms. “Annie, thank you! Thank you very much!” She exclaimed.

Annie smiled. “Anytime Hols. Enjoy your trip home.”

“I will! Thank you again!” Holly exclaimed. She then went to the boarding area where the train would pick her up and sat down in one of the seats away from anyone else.

The young witch looked at the clock and saw her train ride wouldn’t be here for another 20 mins, which means…

Holly opened the box of mochi donuts she got and grabbed the ube-flavored one. She took a piece and ate it; she smiled over how good it was. Holly was about to take another bite before remembering she had five sentient cookies in her bag.

“Um…quick question, you guys can eat sweets, right?” Holly asked. The Beast Cookies looked up at her. 

“Yes, we can consume other sweets.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied.

Holly sighed in relief. She then took a piece of her mochi donut and handed it to the cookies. “Here, it’s a mochi donut. Try it!” She offered.

Shadow Milk Cookie took the piece and examined it, hoping it wasn’t poisoned. He took a bite and was impressed with how good it tasted. This was one of the best things he ever ate. Shadow Milk Cookie took another bite and then another, until he saw the Beasts Cookies and Holly smiling at him,

“Like it?” Holly asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie stopped chewing before swallowing and giving a normal look, but a dark blue blush was on his face. “It’s good.” He replied.

Holly could tell he loved it. She then took another piece and handed it to Eternal Sugar Cookie, then to Burning Spice Cookie, but she paused at Silent Salt Cookie.

“Uh…” Holly trailed off, wondering if Silent Salt Cookie could eat with his mask or not.

Silent Salt Cookie sighed. “I do eat.” He said.

Holly smiled and handed a piece to Silent Salt Cookie. The Beast of Silence then turned around away from the other beasts as he took off his helmet and ate.

Shadow Milk Cookie was curious and tried to take a look at Silent Salt Cookie’s face, however, the Beast of Silence quickly pointed his sword at Shadow Milk Cookie’s neck with one hand while eating the donut in the other. 

The Beast of Deceit gulped and chuckled nervously as he stepped back from Silent Salt Cookie.

Holly then gave one to Mystic Flour Cookie. She took a bite and was amazed at the taste. “This is delectable.” She said, giving a small smile.

“Isn’t it!?” Holly exclaimed, taking another bite of her mochi donut. She finished her pastry and felt relieved. “Okay, so we have time before my train gets here. Anything you guys want to talk about?”

“Well, why don’t you ask us a question?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked. He was tired of Eternal Sugar Cookie hogging up the questions.

Holly thought for a bit and remembered from their conversation last night that the cookies were once virtues that turned corrupted, but she never knew how or what caused it to happen. “Last night, you said you were once virtues?”

The Beast Cookie’s eyes widened, hearing what Holly was about to ask them.

“What caused you guys to become corrupt?”

The Beast Cookies looked at one another, wondering which Beast wanted to go first to explain. Each of them had their own reasons for turning into the cookies they are today, but it was all the same.

“Cookies never respected us for what we did.” Shadow Milk Cookie explained.

“Plus, we got bored of our positions.” Burning Spice Cookie added.

“So we became the Beasts!” Shadow Milk Cookie finished.

Holly frowned. As much as she wanted to dig deeper into their lives, they’re still getting to know each other, but she told herself one day she’ll ask. Though she does think Beasts sounds like a cool type of cookie. “I see, and what do you represent now?” She asked.

“Apathy.” Mystic Flour Cookie answered.

“Destruction!” Burning Spice Cookie answered, shouting it.

“Ha! I knew it!” Holly exclaimed. Burning Spice Cookie smiled. This kid was growing on him.

“Silence.” Silent Salt Cookie said.

“Makes sense.” Holly said. “I mean, your name is Silent Salt Cookie.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie decided to speak up next. “I represent Sloth.” She answered. “Though, at times, I still represent Happiness.”

“You don’t look like a sloth.” Holly commented. “Though wait until you see me! I’m not joking when I have nights where I sleep, and nothing can wake me up!”

Eternal Sugar Cookie giggled. She then turned to Shadow Milk Cookie, who had yet to answer. The Beast of Sloth gave her fellow beast a nudge to answer the young witch.

Shadow Milk Cookie sighed. “I represent Deceit." He said.

“So you lie?” Holly asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie glared at the witch. “What do you think deceit is?” He asked.

“I know what it is.” Holly snapped back. “It’s just I can sometimes. SOMETIMES. Sense a lie.”

A smirk appeared on Shadow Milk Cookie’s face. “Oh ho. This I gotta see.” He took a deep breath and looked at the young witch.

“Alright, tell me a lie. Any random lie.” Holly said, sounding like a magician asking someone in the audience to pick a card.

Shadow Milk Cookie thought of what would be a good lie. Something that would make the young witch guess if it was the truth or a lie. He snapped his fingers as he thought of a perfect one. “I hate you, and I want to kill you once we get back to our world.”

Holly blinked and smirked. “Liar, you at least tolerate me, and don’t want to kill me.” She replied.

“Ha! I knew you couldn’t!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed, pointing at the witch.

“Tell that to the eyes in your hair.” Holly pointed out.

Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes widened. He never once paid attention to the eyes on his hair. All it did for him was in case he was attacked from behind, he could sense it and attack before any cookie or witch could lay a finger on him.

Holly was surprised the Beast of Deceit never knew about that. “You never knew about it, did you?” She asked.

“N-No! I knew!” Shadow Milk Cookie lied.

The other Beast Cookies looked at each other, knowing the deceitful one was lying to himself.

A chime suddenly rang twice, and Holly listened in. “Attention everyone! Those heading to Mapleport, please start heading to gate 6.” The announcer said through the speaker.

“That’s us!” Holly exclaimed. She grabbed her ticket and everything and walked over to gate 6. Once the conductor scanned her ticket, Holly went inside the train and put her luggage up in the overhead rack above her seat and sat down, with a sigh. “It’s gonna be an hour or so before we get to my place, so if you want some extra rest, go for it.”

Holly unzipped the bottom part of her bag and took out her phone and earbuds that were in a case that looked like an otter. She put her earbuds on and went on her phone to play music.

“What is that device?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked.

“My phone. It lets me do whatever I want. Listen to music, use the internet, play games, and chat with my friends.” Holly explained as she texted her mom that she was on the train. She looked at the Beast, who stared at her like she was speaking another language. A big smile appeared on her face as she laughed. “I have a lot to show you when we get home.”

The train started to move as it made its way towards Mapleport.

At the Mapleport Station, an older woman and her young daughter waited outside. The older woman had long black hair and hazel eyes. Her hair looked to be turning grey, but she still looked good for her age. She wore a red button-up shirt and dark green pants that were up to her knees and white sandals.

The young girl had long, messy black hair with a cowlick that looked like a question mark and purple eyes. She wore a yellow and white polka-dotted dress with spaghetti strap sleeves and yellow sandals.

The young girl felt impatient and looked at her mom, who was responding to a text. “Mom, can you ask Holly if she got anything from Grandma?” The young girl asked.

The woman, Holly’s mother, Gabriella, sighed. “Katie, why do you ask me if Holly got you anything?” She asked. “When she arrives, you can ask her.”

“I know, but I can feel in me that she got me something cool!” Katie exclaimed.

Gabriella sighed. She put her phone in her pocket and put a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Honey, don’t expect anything from Holly when she goes to grandma’s.” She reassured her daughter.

“Mom, the last few times Holly got me something cool!” Katie exclaimed. “She made a slime from potions that changes color depending on what color I want it to be! Then she got me a book on spells, so when I get my powers, I’m already ahead of her.”

Gabriella sighed and gave her youngest daughter a small smile. “Sweetie, we don’t know if you’ll ever get powers.” She told her daughter.

Katie sighed. The perks of having a witch father and a regular human mom means you have a 50/50 chance of becoming a witch. “I know, but it doesn’t hurt to believe, right?” She asked.

“I…guess.” Gabriella answered.

“So…just be positive, mom!” Katie exclaimed.

Soon, the train coming from Primgrove to Mapleport had arrived. Once it stopped, people started leaving the train, including Holly. She looked up to see her mom and sister, who smiled and waved.

“HOLLY!” Katie yelled, waving and jumping to get her sister’s attention.

You came home after a long day of work. It was a decent day with an easy set of guests. However, out of all of them, one was upset, but towards your fellow co-worker, not you, which felt like a breath of fresh air. Now you were at home; your parents were out of town to celebrate their anniversary, and they trusted you to watch the house for two weeks. They should be heading home in a few days, and you don’t have to worry about loneliness that you’ve been dealing with the past few years.

“Still waiting for something exciting today.” You said to yourself as you walked to your bedroom and put your stuff down. You looked at your collection of stuff from different fandoms you’ve gotten into the past few years, which made you smile. “I wish you guys were alive; who knows how exciting life would be with you guys.”

You decided to change into your pajamas before going to your computer to play games and watch YouTube videos before going to bed. Upon heading to bed, you forgot about eating dinner, but you weren’t hungry.

THUD

The sound woke you up, and you heard it was coming from the kitchen. At first you thought it was your parents coming home and decided to go back to sleep. However, a loud clang kept you awake, and you realized your parents weren’t home this early, unless…

You checked your phone and saw no messages from your parents, which made you anxious about who could be making those noises. You tried to go back to sleep, but the noises kept you awake. Anxiety hit you like a brick, and you realized robbers broke into your house. You hid under the covers and were ready to call 911 to report a burglar, but a familiar voice prevented you from pressing the call button.

“Jax, couldn’t you be a little quieter?” A female voice asked.

“What?” Jax replied.

“She said be quiet!” Another male voice yelled.

“Shh! Quiet Shadow Milk Cookie!” Two voices whispered.

You sighed and lay down in bed. “Okay, maybe I’m suffering from sleep paralysis, and all I need to do is sleep and wake up to my normal life.” You thought to yourself as you closed your eyes and tried to sleep. After half an hour of lying down with your eyes closed, you heard your door creak open. You gasped and looked up to see a pair of eyes staring at you.

“Please don’t kill me.” You whimpered, using a blanket as a shield. Suddenly, you felt something jump on your bed, and upon looking up, you saw a purple cat that was the size of a plushie wearing a crescent moon necklace around his neck. Your eyes widened as you turned on your lamp to make sure you weren’t seeing things. “C-Catnap!?”

It was Catnap, one of the Smiling Critters from Poppy Playtime. Though he wasn’t in his bigger body form, but rather his cartoon/toy form.

Catnap walked closer to you and nuzzled into your chest. You were surprised at first, but memories filled your head of the pet you lost, and your first instinct was to hug this cute, yet dangerous cat.

“Awwww.” You cooed, chuckling. “You’re so much cuter as a plush than a big scary monster.” You brought Catnap closer to you and nuzzled him.

“Thank you.”

Your eyes widened as you looked at Catnap, wondering if he spoke. “Uh…please tell me you didn’t just talk?” You asked.

Catnap looked at you with the biggest eyes before he opened his mouth. “Nope, I didn’t talk.” He replied.

At that point, you collapsed on your pillow in shock. “I have to be dreaming this. I have to be.” You repeated in your mind over and over again. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes to get some sleep, hoping this was all a dream.

The second you opened your eyes, Catnap was gone, but the door was open. Then, it hit you. Your friends came over dressed up as your favorite characters and were role-playing as them to cheer you up.

You chuckled as you got out of bed and walked down into the kitchen. “Alright, guys. Pranks over.” You said as you turned on the lights. Your eyes widened, seeing it wasn’t your friends cosplaying, but it was your favorite characters from not only the Smiling Critters, but The Amazing Digital Circus, Dandy’s World, and Cookie Run inside your home, and they were real and in the flesh or something.

For The Amazing Digital Circus, it was Jax, Ragatha, and Pomni.

For Dandy’s World, Dandy, Astro, Pebble, and Bassie.

Finally, for Cookie Run, Shadow Milk Cookie, White Lilly Cookie, and Pure Vanilla Cookie.

“Okay, this is all a dream, and all I need to do is go back to sleep.” You said, closing your eyes, hoping you’d be back in bed.

Seconds later, you felt something hard hit you on the back of the head, knocking you out. Turns out it was Shadow Milk Cookie using his staff to knock you out.

“Shadow Milk Cookie!” Pure Vanilla and White Lily yelled.

“Hey, she said she needed to go back to sleep, so I helped her out.” Shadow Milk replied, looking confident. “You’re welcome.” The two cookies growled over Shadow Milk’s action.

Pomni walked closer to you and tapped you, but saw you didn’t wake up. “You didn’t kill her, right?” She asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie thought for a second. “Hmmm…no.” He replied, giving a smile. The smile turned into an evil smirk, raising his staff as it started to glow. “But ask, and you shall receive.”

“Shadow Milk Cookie, no!” Everyone yelled.

A Few Hours Later

“Look, she’s starting to wake up.”

You slowly opened your eyes to see White Lily Cookie and Ragatha in front of you. The two sighed in relief to see you were okay. “Oh, glad you're okay.”  Ragatha said, relieved.

You let out a groan as you rubbed your head. For how small Shadow Milk Cookie was, he put up quite a fight. “How long was I out?”

“Eh…100 years. It’s the future, and a lot of stuff went down.” Jax explained, but by his eyes you knew he was joking around.

Ragatha rolled her eyes. “Jax, knock it off!” Ragatha scolded. “Ignore him; he’s always like this. It’s 8:00 am.”

You turned to the clock and saw it was a little after 8 am. You sighed and slowly got up, but felt Ragatha helping you up.

“Here, let me help you.” Ragatha said.

You smiled, seeing that Ragatha was truly nice like she was in the show. “Thank you so much.” You said. You brushed yourself off and were able to ask the characters the biggest question of all. “Alright, now that I’m awake I need to know…how the FUCK DID YOU GET INTO MY HOUSE?!” 

Everyone flinched over your outburst. “Okay, just calm down now.” Ragatha said, rubbing your shoulders. “To answer your question, we really don’t know. All we do know was we were doing our usual things, and poof we appeared in this neighborhood.”

“At first I thought we finally got out of the circus, but then I saw we’re still the same and,” Pomni paused to look at the other characters, “that more weird characters showed up.”

You then saw the characters from your favorite fandoms nod with what Pomni said. They were just living their normal, or what THEY call normal lives, and they were just sent here.

“Well, Silly Vanilly and White Lily were pulled in, but I ended up getting pulled in as well for some reason.” Shadow Milk Cookie explained.

White Lily glared. “It was you who got pulled in, and we tried to save you, but you pulled us in.” She explained.

Shadow Milk Cookie scoffed. “Same thing.” He replied. White Lily Cookie rolled her eyes.

You sighed and thought about what you can do for these guys. You know the second your parents come home from their trip there’s no easy way of hiding this, unless it was a only you can see them and no one else can situation.

“Well, sorry for my outburst there.” You apologized, rubbing the back of your head.

“Understandable.” Astro spoke up. “You did just wake up.”

You smiled. “Though, I’m guessing you guys need a place to stay?”

The group nodded. “Well, my house isn’t big enough for everyone, but I do have sleeping bags and a guest room.” You explained. “But you’re welcome to stay here until we figure out what happened.”

“Hey, the longer away from the circus the better!” Pomni exclaimed.

You smiled and gave a light chuckle. “Alright, for house rules…” You tried thinking of what house rules your parents had for your friends spending the night, but as you got older, they became less strict on them. “It’s basic, don’t break anything and don’t mess with my neighbors.”

“Sounds easy enough.” White Lily Cookie said.

“Great, now who wants what room?” You asked.

“I call guest room!” Jax called out.

“Okay. Well, I’ll lead you to it.” You said. The second you turned your back, Jax grabbed Shadow Milk Cookie, and Dandy smirked.

“You said you two love mischief?” Jax asked.

Dandy chuckled. “You bet!” He replied.

Jax chuckled. “Alright, follow me.” He said. The three followed you to where the guest room is, but in their minds they had a chaotic plan.

Astro frowned and walked over to Pomni and Pure Vanilla Cookie, who also looked concerned for their friend. “So…your chaotic friend?”

“Yep!” Pomni and Pure Vanilla Cookie replied. Astro groaned, knowing that finding others that match Dandy’s personality spells trouble.

You then opened the door to the guest room and turned on the lights. The guest room had a big bed, enough for three or four people, or characters. You went to the closet and found sleeping bags and an inflatable bed you used for sleepovers.

“Okay, I got some sleeping bags and a spare bed. Easy as pie!” You exclaimed. However, you turned around to see Jax, Shadow Milk, and Dandy weren’t behind you. “Jax?”

You left the guest room and saw the three characters walking into your bedroom. “H-Hey! Guys, that’s my room!”

“Oh sorry, I thought this was the guest room?” Jax thought, a smirk on his face before closing the door. “H-Hey!” You ran towards your room and saw the guys locked it. “Hey Jax! Shadow Milk! Dandy!” You let out a frustrated yell as you needed to get your room back.

Back on Earthbread, Gingerbrave and his friends, Strawberry Cookie and Wizard Cookie, along with the Ancients and their allies, were making their way to their battle against Dark Enchantress Cookie and the beasts. Many of the cookies were planning how they would attack, with the ancients giving warnings about the beasts and how they could attack. 

While Gingerbrave was listening, he saw White Lily Cookie sitting in the corner as the ancients and their friends were planning their attack.

He felt bad for her, as everything up to this point was her fault. Not wanting to see the Ancient of Freedom sad, Gingerbrave walked over to her. “You okay, White Lily Cookie?” He asked,

White Lily Cookie looked up at Gingerbrave. “Oh, hi Gingerbrave,” she said, “and I’m not doing okay.”

Gingerbrave frowned and sat right next to her. “Want to talk about it?” He asked,

White Lily Cookie sighed and looked out the window. In her eyes, she saw a bit of Dark Enchantress Cookie’s reflection. “It’s about the battle against Dark Enchantress Cookie. You know how she’s a part of me, right?” She asked.

Gingerbrave nodded. He remembered the day he found out that Dark Enchantress Cookie was a part of White Lily Cookie.

“Well, after we defeat her…” White Lily Cookie paused. Tears started to form in her eyes. “What’s going to happen to me?”

Gingerbrave’s eyes widened. He hadn’t really thought of that. Heck, no one did; either they didn’t want to think about it, or maybe defeating Dark Enchantress Cookie would make White Lily whole again.

“I’m scared of my fate, Gingerbrave. I know it’s my duty to defeat Dark Enchantress, but I don’t know why I’m scared of what will happen.” White Lily Cookie cried.

Gingerbrave frowned and put his arm around the ancient. “Look, you shouldn’t dwell on it. We haven’t gotten into battle yet, and we don’t know what to expect!” He exclaimed. “I’m sure whatever happens, something good will come out of it in the end.”

White Lily Cookie sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I sure hope so, Gingerbrave.” She whispered. “I sure hope so.”

“Gingerbrave! White Lily Cookie!” Pure Vanilla Cookie called out. The two turned to the Ancient of Healing and walked over to him. “We’re here.”

The cookies’ eyes widened, seeing they were nearing Dark Enchantress Cookie’s lair. Inside, flashes of different colors appeared in the order of white, orange, blue, pink, and purple.

Despite the heroes getting closer, Pure Vanilla Cookie felt something was off the closer they got to Dark Enchantress Cookie’s lair.  It seemed quiet. Too quiet.

“Is everything alright, Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Strawberry Cookie asked.

Pure Vanilla Cookie was quiet as he tried to sense if something was amiss, but apparently not. “Something doesn’t feel right.” He replied. “We’re nearing Dark Enchantress Cookie’s lair, and yet nothing is attacking us.”

“It could be a surprise attack.” Dark Cacao Cookie spoke up. He drew his sword like he was ready to fight. “Keep your guard up, everyone; who knows what the Beasts and Dark Enchantress Cookie are planning.”

The Ancients and their allies nodded and got their weapons ready. Pure Vanilla Cookie landed his airship, and everyone came out one by one, weapons drawn, but still no one came to attack them.

“Okay…” Strawberry Cookie started. “This feels spooky.”

“You were right, Pure Vanilla Cookie!” Wizard Cookie exclaimed. “We would’ve been attacked by now, but…” he paused, looking around and seeing none of the Beasts or Dark Enchantress Cookie’s minions in sight.

“Maybe they're inside the building waiting to attack us then and there!” Caramel Arrow Cookie guessed.

“Too easy.” Raspberry replied. “Knowing the Beasts, they aren’t just gonna wait it out.”

“Agreed.” Hollyberry Cookie replied, knowing her other half was known to fight. “Though I do wonder what their plans are.”

Every cookie kept their guard up, looking around to make sure there was no ambush, but soon the fear got to them. Beast Cookies or anything were coming their way.

“What if Dark Enchantress Cookie crumbled the beast and got their power as punishment?” Strawberry Cookie asked worriedly, holding on to Gingerbrave.

“Or, what if she turned them into actual beasts and we have to fight them again!” Wizard Cookie thought.

Pure Vanilla sighed and looked at the Brave Trio. “Alright, let’s not panic.” He reassured them. “I’m sure we’ll find a reason why everything is so quiet.”

By then, the group was at the entrance of Dark Enchantress’ lab. The doors opened, and everyone was prepared to fight.

Pomegranate Cookie, Chess Choco Cookie, and a third mysterious cookie entered.

“Welcome, Ancients!” Chess Choco Cookie exclaimed.

“Dark Enchantress Cookie has been waiting for you.”

The heroes seemed confused as to why Dark Enchantress Cookie was waiting for them. “Why would she want to see us?” Gingerbrave asked.

“That’s for you to find out later.” Pomegranate Cookie replied. Gingerbrave growled in reply. “Now come on, my Master is waiting for you.” She turned around and started to walk with Chess Choco Cookie following behind.

“Stay close, everyone.” Dark Cacao Cookie said. “Dark Enchantress Cookie could be setting a trap.”

Everyone nodded and followed Pomegranate Cookie and Chess Choco Cookie to a room that resembled a chess board. Once they were all inside, the doors closed as everyone turned around.

The lights turned on, blinding the cookies, which caused them to yell. 

“WHAT THE!”

“MY EYES!”

“EVERYONE STAY FOCUSED!”

The heroes were yelling until the lights faded and everyone started to calm down. They looked around until Gingerbrave looked up in shock.

“Everyone, look up!” Gingerbrave exclaimed, pointing up at the ceiling. The heroes looked up and were in shock, seeing two of the beast's minions, Pavlova Cookie and Nutmeg Tiger Cookie, locked in cages.

“Nutmeg Tiger Cookie?!” Golden Cheese Cookie gasped.

"Pavlova Cookie?!” Hollyberry Cookie gasped at the same time as her fellow ancient. The two ancients wondered if the minions were here; then where were the Beast Cookies? “Where’s Eternal Sugar Cookie and the other beasts?”

Nutmeg Tiger Cookie growled. “Gone.” She replied. The heroes looked shocked, hearing Dark Enchantress Cookie had defeated the beasts.

“Gone?” White Lily Cookie questioned. “As they were sent back to the Silver Tree?”

“I wish.” Pavlova Cookie spoke up. “Dark Enchantress Cookie stole the energy in their half of the Soul Jams, then opened a portal that sucked them in.” 

The Ancients and heroes looked surprised. “Where did it take them?” Dark Cacao Cookie asked.

“To the world of our creators.”

The Ancients and heroes gasped as they looked up to see a familiar figure appear from the shadows. The heroes got their weapons ready as Dark Enchantress Cookie walked closer to them.

“Hello. White Lily Cookie.” The Dark Enchantress spoke up.

While Lily Cookie and the heroes gasped as Dark Enchantress appeared, but looking more different now. Her hair now flowed down her back, her horns had gotten sharper, and she now wore a blackhead dress with a carmine gem in the middle.

“My, my, how long has it been since I last saw you?” Dark Enchantress asked.

While Lily Cookie glared and growled at her evil counterpart. She pointed her Calla Lily staff at Dark Enchantress, ready to attack.

“Awww, that’s how you're going to greet your other half?” Dark Enchantress Cookie asked, mocking the Ancient of Freedom.

White Lily Cookie growled as she went into her awakened form, ready to attack her evil half. However, before she could move, Pure Vanilla Cookie held her arm to stop her.

“White Lily Cookie, I know you want to fight her on your own, but we’re a team.” Pure Vanilla Cookie reminded her. He then gave a wide smile, opening his eyes. “We’ll fight her together.”

White Lily Cookie looked surprised and nodded as well.

“Aww, did White Lily Cookie miss her wittle friends?” Dark Enchantress Cookie mocked.

White Lily Cookie glared as the other ancients got into their awakened forms too, ready to fight.

“Face it, Dark Enchantress Cookie! It’s us against you!” Gingerbrave yelled, pointing his candy cane sword at the witch cookie.

Dark Enchantress Cookie just laughed. “Oh, is that what you think?” She asked, laughing harder. “Alright then, attack me!”

The Ancients prepared themselves, and the first to attack was Golden Cheese Cookie. A couple of her spears appeared as she launched them at Dark Enchantress Cookie. They were centimeters away from her, until Dark Enchantress’ staff glowed white and suddenly she disappeared into a cloud of flour.

The Ancients gasped in shock, though none were more shocked than Dark Cacao Cookie. “That power…” He said. “That belonged to Mystic Flour Cookie.”

Dark Enchantress Cookie appeared behind him. “You got that right.” She said with a smirk.

Dark Cacao Cookie growled and swung his sword to behead her, but her staff glowed orange as it turned into an axe to block out the attack.

“What in the!?” Dark Cacao Cookie exclaimed in shock.

Golden Cheese Cookie looked shocked, seeing that those were the same attacks Burning Spice Cookie used.

“You know it was smart of you all to fight your beastly halves, but they would’ve won if they fought someone that wasn’t their own half!” Dark Enchantress explained, fighting with Dark Cacao Cookie. She was about to swing her staff at him, but Hollyberry Cookie swooped in and shielded her friend.

“You alright, Dark Cacao Cookie?” Hollyberry Cookie asked.

Dark Cacao Cookie nodded in reply. He then looked up to see two giant forks appear in the sky. “Hollyberry Cookie! Look out!” He exclaimed.

Hollyberry Cookie looked up as well and was ready to use her shield, only for White Lily Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie to use their attacks to block it.

“How does she have all of the Beast's powers?” White Lily Cookie asked.

“If she has their powers, that means…” Pure Vanilla Cookie paused, knowing Dark Enchantress Cookie did something to the Beasts.

Dark Enchantress Cookie laughed, “Oh, worried for your other halves now?” She asked. “You guys probably care for them?”

“No!” Hollyberry, Dark Cacao, and Golden Cheese yelled back.

Dark Enchantress turned to Pure Vanilla Cookie and White Lily Cookie, seeing they didn’t say anything about their other halves. “Huh, what about you two?” She asked.

White Lily Cookie didn’t respond and went to attack Dark Enchantress Cookie, ignoring Pure Vanilla’s pleas to stop.

“WHITE LILY COOKIE!” Pure Vanilla Cookie yelled.

Dark Enchantress Cookie’s staff turned blue as she disappeared into one of Shadow Milk’s portals. White Lily Cookie was shocked until Dark Enchantress Cookie appeared behind her.

“White Lily Cookie! Look out!” Gingerbrave yelled.

Before White Lily Cookie could react, Dark Enchantress Cookie grabbed her by her hair and held it tight, causing the Ancient of Freedom to scream.

“NO!” Pure Vanilla Cookie screamed. He tried to save her, only for Dark Enchantress Cookie to point her staff at him and the other ancients. Dark Enchantress Cookie smirked as she soon drained the ancients of their Soul Jams.

“NO!” White Lily Cookie screamed as Dark Enchantress absorbed the powers of her friend’s  Soul Jams. The ancients screamed in pain as their Soul Jams turned grey and dull like the Beast Soul Jams. Once the energy was taken, the ancients fell to the ground, losing their Awakened forms and going back to their regular forms.

Dark Enchantress Cookie laughed, seeing she finally took down the ancients. White Lily Cookie tried to escape her evil counterpart’s grasp, but Dark Enchantress held her tightly.

“Pure Vanilla Cookie!” Gingerbrave and his friends yelled, running towards the Ancient of Truth. Pure Vanilla groaned as he slowly got up with the help of Gingerbrave and his friends.

“Are you okay, Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Strawberry Cookie asked.

Pure Vanilla Cookie rubbed his head. “I-I think so?” He replied. The Ancient of Healing gasped, looking at his Soul Jam and saw it was gray and faded. “M-My Soul Jam!”

The ancients looked at their Soul Jams and saw they had faded. “W-What did you do to our Soul Jams?” Golden Cheese Cookies asked.

Dark Enchantress Cookie didn’t reply and just chuckled as she raised her staff. “Say hi to your beastly halves for me.” She said as she slammed her staff on the ground. The portal appeared again, and the ancients quickly got sucked in.

“PURE VANILLA COOKIE!” The Brave Trio yelled. Gingerbrave ran in to grab his friend, but he missed and ended up falling in.

“No! Gingerbrave!” Wizard Cookie yelled. He and Strawberry Cookie went after their best friend and ended up getting sucked into the portal too.

White Lily Cookie looked horrified. She tried to escape Dark Enchantress Cookie, but the latter held her tight. “No, no, you're staying with me.” Dark Enchantress Cookie said.

“That’s what you think.” White Lily Cookie replied with a glare and used her staff to cut a piece of her hair to escape Dark Enchantress Cookie and get into the portal to meet with her friends.

The Ancients screamed as they fell from the sky. Golden Cheese Cookie tried to get her wings ready to at least glide and grab her friends. The first cookie she grabbed was Dark Cacao Cookie and then Pure Vanilla Cookie. However, when Golden Cheese tried to get Hollyberry Cookie, she forgot about the weight she was holding, and soon all of the Ancients fell again.

The Ancients landed in the bushes near a big house. They groaned in pain as they slowly got up. “Is everyone alright?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked.

“I-I think so.” Hollyberry Cookie said, rubbing her head.

The Ancients heard two more screams coming down and saw it was Gingerbrave and White Lily Cookie coming down. Pure Vanilla Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie had their arms ready to catch the other two cookies. White Lily Cookie landed in Pure Vanilla’s arms while Gingerbrave landed in Dark Cacao’s.

Gingerbrave sighed in relief. “Thanks, Dark Cacao Cookie.” He said.

“No problem.” Dark Cacao Cookie replied.

“White Lily Cookie, are you…” Pure Vanilla Cookie paused and blushed, seeing his best friend’s hairstyle had changed. No longer was it long and in a braid, but was shorter than usual. “Okay?”

“I’m…fine…” White Lily Cookie replied, confused as to why Pure Vanilla Cookie was looking at her like that. That is, until she saw he was looking at her hair. She touched it and sighed, “I couldn’t lose you all again, so I had to find some way to break free from Dark Enchantress Cookie.” She looked at her friends who were now staring at her new hairstyle. “Is it bad?”

Gingerbrave smiled and shook his head, “Not at all, White Lily Cookie!” He beamed. “It looks great on you!”

“After what you’ve gone through, a makeover was needed!” Hollyberry Cookie exclaimed. “Let me know if you want to visit my kingdom so we can style it for you!”

White Lily Cookie blushed, seeing her friends compliment her new hairstyle. The comments they were giving her made her tear up. “T-Thank you guys.” She said, grateful for their comments.

The Ancients smiled seeing the Ancient of Freedom smiling again, but now came the hardest part…where in the world were they sent?

“Okay, so where did Dark Enchantress Cookie take us?” Hollyberry Cookie asked.

The Ancients looked around the area they were sent, but it wasn’t familiar to anyone except Gingerbrave. “Uh…I think this is the Witch World?” He guessed.

The Ancients all turned to the young hero. “What makes you think that?” White Lily Cookie asked.

Gingerbrave looked up at the house. “I remember the day I was baked. I saw houses as tall as this one.” He explained.

White Lily Cookie looked up at the house, but wasn’t convinced it belonged to the witches. “I remember when I visited the witches on that faithful day, the buildings were as tall as this one, but a lot different.”

“Maybe the witches' homes got a makeover, or were in a different witch kingdom.” Golden Cheese Cookie guessed.

The Ancients and Gingerbrave heard the door close and hid back into the bushes. They saw a young girl walk outside with a watering can and went to fill it with water in a nearby well.

“Is that a witch?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked.

“Could be, but she looks a lot smaller than when I saw the witches.” White Lily Cookie replied.

“Maybe a kid witch?” Golden Cheese Cookie guessed.

The girl finally filled up her watering can and went to garden her flowers, which, upon watering them, grew quicker than usual.

“Did you see how she watered those flowers?” Hollyberry Cookie asked.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen flowers grow that fast.” Pure Vanilla Cookie added.

“I guess we really are in the Witch’s World!” Gingerbrave exclaimed.

The witch stopped what she was doing and turned to the bushes. “Hello! Is anyone there?!” She asked.

The Ancients and Gingerbrave went quiet and hid deeper into the bushes. However, Strawberry Cookie and Wizard Cookie came falling and landed on Gingerbrave, which caused him to fall out of the bushes. He looked up and saw the young witch in front of him and started backing away.

“Hey. Hey. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” The witch reassured the young cookie. She kneeled down and held her hand out for Gingerbrave to hop on.

Gingerbrave shivered and looked up at the witch. “Y-You’re not going to eat me, are you?”

The witch shook her head. “Not at all.”

Gingerbrave slowly walked over to the witch as his friends watched in fear. He walked on the witch’s palm as she lifted him up. When he saw the young witch’s eyes, he saw trust and kindness in them.

“I’ve heard of living cookies baked by our ancestors, but this is the first time I’ve met you.” The witch said. “What’s your name?”

Holly and the beast cookies were in Rosalie’s room as she went through her bookshelf. A big smile was on her face as she searched for a certain book. “I can’t believe this is happening! I heard the stories from my grandmother, but that’s all I thought it was. Stories!” Rosalie explained.

“Grandma, explain to me about the living, breathing gingerbread in your house!” Holly exclaimed, pointing at the beast cookies who were helping themselves with the snacks Rosalie left for them.

“Once I find what I’m looking for, I’ll tell you what’s going on.” Rosalie said. She smiled when she found the book and pulled it from the shelf. The book was brown with gold accents, with an opal colored gingerbread cookie cutter in the middle. “Here it is!” She walked over to her granddaughter and handed the book to her.

The beast cookies stopped snacking and went over to Holly. Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes widened at the sight of the book. It looked familiar to him. “I recognize this book.” Shadow Milk Cookie whispered.

“What is this?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“This is a book given to me by my grandmother. It’s about our ancestors using baking magic.” Rosalie explained.

Interested, Holly opened the book, and she was introduced to the first page, which showed a bunch of witches baking the first batch of cookies. The young witch looked amazed, seeing the cookies being baked and coming to life. She turned to the next page, where it showed the witches and the silhouettes of five cookies.

The Beast Cookies gasped in surprise, seeing themselves in the book.

“Aha! I guess I found you guys!” Holly exclaimed, looking at the cookies. She then read the passage of the story on the right. “To create Earthbread, the witches created five cookies to help build their world. These cookies represented: Knowledge, Volition, Happiness, Change, and Solidarity." Holly looked at the cookies and chuckled. She then laid her eyes on Eternal Sugar Cookie. “Well, I know which cookie represents happiness.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie blushed and giggled. The other beast cookies rolled their eyes in response.

Holly then looked over at Mystic Flour Cookie. “Knowing how you look, I’m guessing your knowledge?” She guessed.

Mystic Flour Cookie’s eyes widened as they turned black. Shadow Milk Cookie laughed at the witch’s mistake. Mystic Flour turned to Shadow Milk with a glare and was ready to turn him into flour. The Beast of Deceit stopped laughing and let out a cough. “S-Sorry.” Shadow Milk Cookie cleared his throat. “I’m the cookie who represents knowledge.” He bowed.

Holly let out a laugh. “Yeah, right!” She exclaimed. “You don’t give off knowledge!”

Shadow Milk Cookie felt his heart shatter at that comment. Mystic Flour Cookie turned away to let out a light chuckle, which Shadow Milk did hear and glared back at his comrade. Realizing she was chuckling, Mystic Flour Cookie stopped and cleared her throat before going back to her usual expression. “I regret to inform you, but I represented Volition, and the clown did represent knowledge.” Mystic Flour Cookie corrected.

“Huh? So she does show some expression.” Holly thought. She snapped out of it and pretended she heard what Mystic Flour Cookie said. “Oh, sorry for laughing at you, Shadow Milk.”

“It’s fine.” Shadow Milk Cookie replied through gritted teeth.

“So that leaves Change and Solidarity.” Holly said. She looked at the other two Beast Cookies. Burning Spice Cookie’s eyes widened, knowing the witch would definitely make a mistake and think he represented solidarity.

“Before you answer. I represented Change.” Burning Spice Cookie stated.

Holly looked surprised, like with Shadow Milk Cookie representing knowledge, he didn’t represent change. “You look more like a powerhouse, like Strength or Destruction to me. I’m surprised a cookie like you represented change.” She explained.

Burning Spice Cookie looked surprised that the witch knew exactly what kind of cookie he was. He laughed, which surprised the young witch. “Alright, Sugar. I get why you love this kid!” He laughed.

Eternal Sugar Cookie gave a proud smile. She loved being right.

Holly then turned to the last Beast Cookie. “So you represent Solidarity then.” She guessed.

Silent Salt Cookie nodded. “However, we no longer possess those virtues anymore, we represent a more negative power.” He explained, a low growl in his voice, almost like he regretted it.

Rosalie and Holly looked shocked. “So, what happened that caused you guys to go down a negative path?” Holly asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie laughed. “You should know, you're witches.” He spat.

This confused the grandmother and granddaughter. “What are you talking about?” Rosalie asked.

The Beast of Deceit took a deep breath. He wasn’t going to lose his anger here. “Does it say anything about us being trapped in the Silver Tree?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked, his voice getting deeper and lower.

Rosalie and Holly looked surprised as they turned to each other before looking at the cookies. “The Silver Tree?” They both asked.

“It was the tree where the witches imprisoned us after we got corrupted.” Mystic Flour Cookie explained.

Rosalie thought for a bit, but shook her head. “No, none of us heard of it. If we did, it would be archived and noted.” She replied.

“Seriously?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked, raising an eye. “You know nothing of it?!”

“No.” Holly and Rosalie replied.

“But if the witches didn’t do it? Who did?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked, as she looked at her fellow beasts. The beast looked at one another, but they couldn’t think of anyone who would trap them in the tree.

“Maybe there’s something in the book.” Holly said as she turned the page, but she was shocked and confused at the next page, tilting her head like a confused puppy. “Huh? That’s weird.” The beast cookies looked at the book and saw some pages had been ripped out. “The pages have been ripped out; there’s nothing else on here.”

Shadow Milk Cookie felt angry about there being more questions than answers. However, he was glad to know witches were still around, so he could ask one more important question. “If witches are still around, why haven’t you come back for us?” He asked, his voice going deeper.

Rosalie sighed. “At some point, our family and many others stopped using baking magic and focused on other kinds of magic.” She explained. “Some still do baking magic, but I’m sorry our ancestors left you for so long.”

The beast frowned that they’ve been blaming witches for so long. Though they didn’t fully forgive them, as there was still the answer on who locked them in the tree, and there was no solid reason why they left. Even the new generations of witches knew nothing about what happened. There was no need to punish them.

Shadow Milk Cookie, on the other hand, still felt betrayed. This wasn’t the answer he was looking for. Something was missing, something to complete this puzzle on why they were betrayed and locked up. He wanted to punish these witches as he did with countless cookies, but he was tired, had no energy left after what happened to him and the other beasts today, and these were the only witches that could help give them the answers.

Holly looked at the book and at the beast cookies. She looked at those things back and forth before closing the book, knowing what she had to do. “I know my ancestors abandoned you guys, and you probably haven’t trusted witches in a long time.”

“A really long time.” Burning Spice Cookie added.

“But I want to make it up to you.” Holly finished.

“How?” Silent Salt Cookie asked.

Rosalie turned to her granddaughter and looked at her in concern. 

Holly moved her bracelet near her wrist and held onto her charm. She put her hand to her heart and looked at the cookies. She felt nervous saying this as this was a big promise, but she was determined to get these cookies back home. “I, Holly Fontaine, Witch-In Training, promise to find a way to bring you guys back home to Earthbread.” She vowed.

The Beast Cookies looked at the young witch, surprised that she wanted to take them back home. In Shadow Milk’s eyes, this was perfect. All he needed to do was have this witch use her power to bring them back, take down Dark Enchantress before the ancient thieves did, and then take the Soul Jams. Plus, the witch did promise she would send them back, so once she learns of their evil plans, he could mention the promise.

“Uh, Holly…” Rosalie spoke up. Everyone turned to the older witch. “Could we speak privately?”

“Sure. I’ll be right back.” Holly told the cookies before stepping out of her grandma’s room and into the hallway.

Once they were gone, Shadow Milk Cookie smirked. Burning Spice Cookie saw it and frowned. “Oh great, I sense a plan.” He groaned.

“This witch is so easy to fool!” Shadow Milk Cookie laughed.

“Just tell us the plan before you go on another of your tangents.” Mystic Flour Cookie said.

Shadow Milk Cookie sighed. He loved going on and on about how this plan would work. “Fine. Fine.” He said. “Okay, that witch promised to take us back home, so the plan I have is, she takes us home, and before the ancients beat Dark Enchantress Cookie, we do and then steal their Soul Jams!”

The Beast Cookies looked at one another. Though Silent Salt seemed interested in this plan. “And what if when we’re back, the ancients defeated Dark Enchantress Cookie?” He asked.

“Well, that makes it easier on us.” Shadow Milk Cookie answered. “The ancients would be exhausted to fight us, and we just take the Soul Jams like picking fruit from Eternal Sugar’s garden!”

Eternal Sugar Cookie glared and leaned over Shadow Milk Cookie’s shoulder. “Uh…what was that about my garden?” She asked.

“What about your garden?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked back. Eternal Sugar Cookie growled as Shadow Milk Cookie smirked.

Outside in the hallway, Rosalie was speaking with Holly. “Holly, what were you thinking?” Rosalie asked.

“Grandma, they need to go home, and I want to help them.” Holly replied. “Plus, something happened between them and witches, and I want to show them that times have changed!”

Rosalie sighed. “That I can understand, but sweetie, I know how you are with promises.” She mentioned.

“Don’t worry Grandma, this time I’ll keep it.” Holly reassured her grandma.

“You’ve said that before, and soon after you break it.”

“I don’t break all my promises.” Holly argued, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.

Rosalie crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at her granddaughter. “I can name a few promises you haven’t kept lately.”

“Only two I don’t count because I was sick at that time.”

“I’m not counting those.”

Holly frowned. One promise in particular did linger in her mind. She had a reason as to why she broke it, but knew, despite it, she had to be there. With a deep breath, she looked back at her grandma. “Okay, so maybe I’ve broken a few promises.” She said, determined. “But this time it’s different. These guys need to go back home, and we’re the only witches that can do it.”

Rosalie sighed; her granddaughter did have a point. “You're right about that.” She said, Holly gave a small smile. “However,” Holly pouted, knowing there was more to it. “We need to know what portal spell was used to send them here.”

Holly smiled. “Grandma, don’t worry about that. I’ve read many of your spell books since I started my training. I think I got this.” She reassured her.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Holly and the Beast Cookies went back into the study room as the young witch grabbed as many portal spell books as she could in hopes of finding the right spell. “There can’t be THAT many books to find one portal spell!” Burning Spice Cookie yelled.

“Well, there are multiple portal spells out there.” Holly replied. She put another stack of books down, to the point that Shadow Milk Cookie had a throne. “So we’re going through everyone before we find the right one.”

“This could take forever!” Eternal Sugar Cookie complained, looking at all the books.

Holly chuckled. “Don’t worry, I organized the books that have portal spells in them, so it shouldn’t take long.” She reassured the Beast of Sloth. 

Eternal Sugar Cookie gave a small smile and watched the young witch do her work. 

“Alright, which book should I go through first?” Holly wondered. She decided to go for the book on top; the one Shadow Milk Cookie was sitting on. Without warning, she grabbed the book, causing Shadow Milk Cookie to fall off.

“Hey! I was sitting there!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled.

Holly ignored him and turned the page to the portal spells. The Beast of Deceit growled and watched the young witch read through the book. Holly turned the page and smiled. “That was easy!” She exclaimed.

The young witch got up from her seat, holding the book to follow the spell. Holly touched her jewel, and her fingers started to glow purple again.

“What is that?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“My Witch Gem. It’s how I do magic,” Holly explained. 

“Huh…I thought witches use wands.” Shadow Milk Cookie pointed out.

“We still do, but the magic comes from the jewel, not the wand itself.” Holly answered. “For someone who represents knowledge, you sure don’t know a lot about witches.”

Shadow Milk Cookie glared and growled at the witch. He never realized witches could be so sassy. 

Holly smirked as she looked at the book and drew the symbol of the portal on the floor. It took a minute, and a blue portal appeared on the ground. “Woohoo!” She cheered. “First time making a portal and it’s a success, baby!”

The Beast Cookies looked at the portal, and it was different from Dark Enchantress Cookie’s portal. “Is it the one?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked.

“Looks can be deceiving.” Mystic Flour Cookie answered.

Shadow Milk Cookie didn’t care and was ready to go home. “Earthbread! Here we come!” He cheered as he jumped into the portal. However, the portal didn’t take him to Earthbread; it just took him to the backyard of Rosalie’s house and landed into a mud puddle. 

The Beast Cookies and Holly heard the Beast of Deceit scream and ran outside to see him come out of the mud puddle. They all started laughing, seeing Shadow Milk Cookie being covered in mud. The Beast of Deceit got out of the mud puddle and shook the mud off, leaving a few patches of mud on his body. He growled and grabbed his wand, pointing it at the group.

“Uh oh.” Holly said. The Beast Cookies closed the window before Shadow Milk could turn them into cards. Before Shadow Milk Cookie could turn anyone into cards, his staff sparked before the power pushed him into a tree.

Upon seeing this, the Beast Cookies opened the window, flinched at the injury Shadow Milk Cookie got. “Are you okay?” Holly asked.

“I’m fine…I think…” Shadow Milk Cookie groaned, sliding down to the ground.

“Uh…how many portal spells are there?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

Holly chuckled. “About 1000 of them, this is the first one.” She answered. The Beast Cookies groaned, they’ll be here for a while.

The rest of the day, Holly was trying out different spells that could send the Beast Cookies back home, but they weren’t the right spells. 

One portal spell summoned a storm cloud that shocked Eternal Sugar Cookie, which got a laugh out of Shadow Milk Cookie until the cloud shocked him, too.

The next portal spell summoned multiple portals that went everywhere in the house, which was fun for Shadow Milk Cookie, but not for the other beasts.

After about an hour of looking and trying out the portal. The Beast Cookies look exhausted and injured. “Well, bad news, we couldn’t find the spell.” Holly started. However, she still had a smile on her face. “Good news, you got me to learn new spells to add to my spell journal!”

Shadow Milk Cookie growled. “How do you not know a simple portal to another spell!?”  He yelled, causing Holly to flinch. “You're a witch, aren’t you? You can’t be this stupid!”

“Hey! I’m a witch in training!” Holly yelled. “So I don’t know many spells!”

Shadow Milk Cookie crossed his arms. “How long have you been training?” He asked.

“A year.” Holly answered. “But witch training takes a while. It will be a bit before I become a full witch.”

“Like how long?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked.

“It depends. Some become full witches after two years of training.” Holly answered. She faced the books she had read and frowned. “I only train with my grandma when I visit her every other week, so I don’t get the same amount like any other witch in training does.”

The Beast Cookies sat in silence, the realization finally sinking in. They were stuck here, and there was no choice but to accept that fact. At this point, being Silver Tree sounded more appealing than being trapped with a witch.”

“I’m sorry, guys,” Holly sighed, sensing their disappointment. “I promise once I find the right spell, I’ll send you back home.” She picked up another spell book and began reading it, hoping to find the right spell.

Eternal Sugar Cookie sensed the young witch’s sadness and saw she was trying her hardest to bring them back home. She looked over at the Beasts, who just accepted their fates, and then towards Holly, who was reading through the spell book.

“Sugar?” Silent Salt Cookie asked, trying to stop her.

Eternal Sugar Cookie sat on the girl’s shoulder. “Hey, you tried, that's all that matters.” She said, comforting the girl.

Holly gave a small smile. “Thanks, Eternal Sugar Cookie.” She replied.

“I think before we try out any more spells, let's just read through and relax.” Eternal Sugar Cookie soothed, letting out her aura.

Holly took a deep breath and sighed. “This feels nice, smells like lavender.” She guessed.

“It’s a soothing aura that can make you relax, darling.” Eternal Sugar explained. “Just take it easy, and if you find the spell, let us know.”

“Thank you.” Holly said. “If you guys want to make it faster, you can grab a book and look through it. Maybe we can find the spell together like a team.”

Shadow Milk Cookie scoffed. “Team?” He questioned before laughing. “Okay, if you're saying team, that means the other beasts and I! No witches!”

“Ah, but I’m a witch in training.” Holly repeated. “I’m not a full witch yet, plus I did make that promise to bring you back.”

Shadow Milk Cookie felt his jam boil seeing this ‘witch in training,’ loophole him in his own game. Burning Spice Cookie laughed before slapping Shadow Milk Cookie in the back, causing him to fall.

“Well, well, looks like the clown met his match!” Burning Spice Cookie laughed.

Shadow Milk Cookie turned to the Beast of Destruction and growled at him, too. He then heard a laugh coming from Holly, which made him angry.

“You know, I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.” Holly said, smiling at Shadow Milk Cookie.

The Beast Cookies screamed as they fell to the ground. One by one, each piled on to each other, starting with Shadow Milk Cookie, then Silent Salt Cookie, Eternal Sugar Cookie, and Mystic Flour Cookie. The four groaned in pain. “Okay, to address the continuity error. Eternal Sugar Cookie, you could’ve used your wings to fly!?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked, with a groan.

“Sorry.” Eternal Sugar Cookie groaned in reply.

“Watch out!” Burning Spice Cookie yelled. The beast cookies looked up, and their eyes widened in fear, seeing that biggest of the group was ready to land on them. Silent Salt Cookie and Mystic Flour Cookie quickly got off, while Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie struggled to get up, but it was too late; the muscular cookie landed on top of the two other beasts.

Silent Salt Cookie and Mystic Flour Cookie walked over to their fellow beasts. “Are you alright?” Mystic Flour Cookie asked, showing no emotion.

“No!” The three beasts replied with a groan, swirls appearing in their eyes.

Mystic Flour Cookie looked around and saw they were in a grassy field, though the grass was a lot taller than they were. “Where are we exactly?” She asked.

Silent Salt Cookie looked around, but he didn’t know where he and his fellow beasts were taken. “This area doesn’t look like Beast-Yeast, Crispia, or any part of Earthbread I’ve been to.” He said.

Burning Spice Cookie, Shadow Milk Cookie, and Eternal Sugar Cookie finally got up and looked around as well. “Yeah, but everything is a bit bigger here.” Shadow Milk Cookie pointed out. He levitated a bit to see where they were, and all he saw was grass and what looked to be a house all the way in the distance.

As Shadow Milk Cookie looked around, his eyes widened, realizing why everything was so big. He floated down slowly to his friends. “I think we're in the world of the witches.” He said.

“Well, we’re fucked.” Burning Spice Cookie spoke up. He then got up and started walking. “Alright, if no one wants to be crumbled, then it's every cookie for themselves.”

“I agree.” Mystic Flour Cookie said. “We could accept our fates where no witches can find us.”

“Or,” Shadow Milk Cookie said. “There’s a Witch’s house over there, we can use that as our base!”

The beast cookies looked at one another. “You're trying to get us to crumble faster, aren’t you?” Silent Salt Cookie asked.

“Pshss, we’re just going to see if it's vacant or not.” Shadow Milk Cookie reassured his friends. The beast looked at one another, wondering if the deceitful cookie’s idea was the best one.

“And if it is occupied?” Mystic Flour Cookie asked.

“We’ll just scare them off! Finally getting our revenge on the witches who sealed us away.” Shadow Milk Cookie levitated in the air. “Come on!” He started to float away as the beasts stood there, wondering what to do. Should they follow the deceitful one? Or explore this mysterious world?

Eternal Sugar Cookie was the first to decide. She sighed and followed Shadow Milk Cookie. “Where are you going?” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“Following Shadow Milk Cookie. As much as I don’t want to, I don’t want to be out here for much longer.” Eternal Sugar Cookie explained. The beast of sloth caught up with Shadow Milk Cookie, who smiled at Eternal Sugar’s choice.

“Excellent choice, Sugarplum.” Shadow Milk Cookie beamed, smiling at the nickname he had given her.

Eternal Sugar Cookie glared and grabbed Shadow Milk Cookie by his hair. “Call me Sugarplum again, and I’ll make sure the witches eat your first.” She threatened.

Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled nervously. He was never scared of anyone, but he was smart enough not to mess with Eternal Sugar Cookie. “Roger that, Angel!” Shadow Milk Cookie replied.

“Angel counts!” Eternal Sugar Cookie added.

“Damn you!”

Burning Spice Cookie saw the two beasts flying off and looked at the other two beasts with him on the ground. “So, should we follow them or fend for ourselves?”

“Follow them.” Silent Salt Cookie replied following Shadow Milk and Eternal Sugar Cookie. Mystic Flour Cookie followed behind the silent knight, not saying a word.

Burning Spice Cookie sighed and followed the beast to the witch’s house. “Note to self: if we get eaten, we’re sacrificing the clown first.” He said to himself.

Despite the distance from where the beast cookies had landed to the house, not being far away, to the cookies, it felt like they were walking for hours. Eternal Sugar Cookie was already tired from flying for so long and wanted to sleep for a bit before they kept on going.

“How are you holding up, Sugar?!” Burning Spice Cookie asked.

“I need…to rest…my…wings.” Eternal Sugar Cookie replied, sounding tired from flying too long.

“Good news, we’re almost there!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed, showing that they weren’t far from the witch’s house. Once they got closer, they saw the house in close view.

The house was wooden and had a rusty red roof. Flowers and plants were everywhere surrounding the house, as well as pebble stepping stones leading to the door. On the door, it said Rosalie, showing the name of the owner of the house.

“Okay, here’s the plan.” Shadow Milk Cookie said. “Sugar and I will check to see if there’s anyone inside. If it’s empty, we’ll get you guys in.”

“And if it's not?” Mystic Flour Cookie asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie gave an evil smile. “Oh, I’ll just have fun with them, and you all get a front row seat!” He sang. Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled as he went to the nearest window. “Now sit back and relax, and we’ll get this party started!”

Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie flew up to an open window and looked through it. Inside, they saw a flower on the desk surrounded by different colored potions, a bunch of books, and papers on shelves as well as scattered across the floor and table. 

At the front of the table, an older woman was reading through one of her books. She had grey hair tied into a side braid, fair skin, and purple eyes. On top of her head was a dark pink witch hat, a dark pink cloak with a cape, small black boots, and a red heart-shaped crystal sitting on her chest.

Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie looked surprised. It has been forever since they saw a witch in person. “That’s a witch.” Eternal Sugar Cookie whispered. “A real-life witch.”

“Excellent, now all we need to do is go in and announce our revenge!” Shadow Milk exclaimed. He was about to open the window and go inside until...

“Grandma!”

Shadow Milk Cookie froze as Eternal Sugar Cookie grabbed him and brought him back outside. The two watched as a young girl came in holding two potion vials and a sunflower.

The young girl was in her early teens and had black hair tied into buns with pink ribbons and purple eyes. She wore a pink cloak over her outfit: a white shirt with pink cross patterns on it, a pink plaid skirt, long black and white socks, and pink shoes.

“Ah, Holly, did you figure out the potion recipe on how to make plants grow?” Holly’s grandma asked.

Holly nodded. “Sure did!” She exclaimed.

“Alright, let’s see.”

Holly smiled as she put the flower and the potions down. She poured one potion that was filled with a blue substance into the other potion that had a green substance, as it turned a light green color and bubbled. Holly then carefully poured a small drop of the potion on top of the flower.

The flower grew taller, making Holly smile as her potion recipe worked. However, the flower then let out a cough of smoke from the potion, which filled the room with it. Holly and her grandma coughed as the young witch opened the window to let the smoke out. Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie flew to the side, hoping they were hidden from the girl.

Holly sighed. “Okay, that’s the 2nd potion today.” She noted. “I wonder if I used too much of the Azure Potion with the Synthetic Potion?”

“No, you got it, right sweetie.” Holly’s grandmother was reassured. “I think it just doesn’t work on these kinds of plants?” Holly groaned as she collapsed on her chair. Holly’s grandmother gave her a small smile and hugged her from behind. “Hey, it takes practice. You’ll get it right.”

Holly gave a small smile. “Alright, I just got to keep trying like always!” She beamed.

“Right, but it’s lunch time.” Holly’s grandmother pointed out. 

Holly turned to the clock and saw it was 12:15 pm. “Oh, right.” She giggled.

“Want me to bring you lunch in here while you check what went wrong?” Holly’s grandmother asked. 

“Mhhmm.” Holly nodded. “I’m going to grab your potion notes to see if I missed anything.” Holly’s grandmother smiled and kissed her granddaughter’s head before the two left the room to get what they needed.

Once they were gone, Shadow Milk Cookie was ready to start his attack, but Eternal Sugar Cookie grabbed him by the collar of his clothes.

“Sugar! What are you doing!?” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled.

“As much as I want to get revenge on the witches, I’m not attacking a child,” Eternal Sugar Cookie explained.

Shadow Milk Cookie couldn’t believe what he was hearing from his fellow beast. Then again, Eternal Sugar was the power of Sloth, and she was considered soft out of all the beasts.

“They are witches, Sugar!” Shadow Milk Cookie growled. “They abandoned us! Trapped us!”

“I know that! But it’s not in my heart to attack a child! Even if that child is a witch!” Eternal Sugar Cookie yelled.

As the two cookies argued, the plant Holly was practicing magic on earlier started to grow vines that scattered throughout the room and the floor. They kept on getting longer and stopped, seeing the two beast cookies continue their argument. The vines kept on moving, going to the window, ready to grab their victim.

“Ah!” Eternal Sugar Cookie screamed. Shadow Milk Cookie stopped talking to see a vine from the flower wrapped around her. He had to laugh seeing his fellow beast get herself trapped by a vine. Eternal Sugar Cookie growled and glared at her fellow beast. “Shadow Milk Cookie, this isn’t the time for your tricks!”

“Hey! It’s not me this time!” Shadow Milk Cookie laughed, denying that he did this. He was about to enter the witch’s house, but another vine grabbed him by his right foot. “H-Hey! Let me go!” Shadow Milk Cookie waved his staff in hopes of stopping the plant, but lost his grip on it as it fell to the ground.

The other three beasts saw Shadow Milk Cookie’s staff fall from the ground and look up to see him and Eternal Sugar Cookie tied up by the plant. “Oh crap! The witches got them!” Burning Spice Cookie yelled. He looked around to see if there was any way to get in, and smiled, seeing a pipe near the window to climb. “Bingo! Come on!” Burning Spice Cookie ran to the pipe and started to climb it.

Mystic Flour Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie looked at one another and sighed. The latter grabbed Shadow Milk Cookie’s staff and followed his fellow beasts.

Holly came in with her notebooks and was ready to read them until she tripped on the ground. “WOAH! OW!” She exclaimed. The young witch looked over at what she tripped on and saw the plant she was using magic on, which grew vines and was growing haywire. “Okay, I wasn’t expecting that to happen!” Holly heard Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie screaming and struggling to get out of the plant. She gasped seeing the cookies in trouble. “Hang on! I got you!”

The young witch got up and turned to the page in her notebook to look for a potion to stop the plant from growing and attacking. She found it and quickly made a concoction, but right in the middle of it, the vine grabbed her left foot. She let out a yelp as the vines got longer up to her knees. “Oh come on!” Holly yelled.

With her strength, Holly tried to finish her potion as the vines tried to stop her from her work. “Come on…you almost…got it.” She struggled. She finally finished the potion and put a small drop on the vine. The plant let out a hiss as it unraveled its vines, letting go of her, Shadow Milk Cookie, and Eternal Sugar Cookie. Holly sighed, “Easy peasy.”

Holly heard a groan from her window still and looked to see Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie. “Oh my god!” Holly exclaimed. She went over to the window still and got in front of the two cookies, scaring them. “Hey, you guys okay?”

“Oh, we're fine, sweetie.” Eternal Sugar Cookie replied, brushing herself off.

“Well, come on in.” Holly offered. “I need to make sure you're okay.”

“Tck.” Shadow Milk Cookie responded. “We’re okay, believe me.” As he got up to levitate and fly away, he felt pain in his right foot. He grunted, gritting his teeth to not show he was in pain.

Holly held her hand out to him. “You don’t look okay. Please, let me help you.” She begged.

Shadow Milk Cookie growled. He didn’t want help from anyone, not even a witch. “I don’t need help!” He growled. Shadow Milk Cookie tried to fly away, but the pain in his leg, plus his lack of energy due to his Soul Jam being drained, he started to fall down. Before he could, Holly got him.

“I got you.” Holly whispered as she brought him inside. Eternal Sugar Cookie followed inside and sat on the pile of books that was left at the table. Holly set Shadow Milk Cookie on the table as she started to examine him.

Shadow Milk Cookie hated this. He didn’t need help. He was fine. He didn’t need some witch to check on him.

Holly didn’t know what was wrong with the cookie. His outfit covered his body. “Okay, um…” Holly paused, rubbing the back of her head. She felt embarrassed asking this question, but knew it was for the best. “Is there a way you can change clothes so I can check for your injuries?”

Shadow Milk Cookie’s eyes widened, “Oh HELL NO!” He screamed. “I’m not letting you examine or eat me!” Shadow Milk Cookie tried to get up, but the second he put pressure on his right foot, he hissed.

“Found it.” Holly said. She ran over to a small box on the shelf and took out a gauze from it. She unraveled it and put it around Shadow Milk’s right foot. “Hold still.”

“Don’t tell me what to…” Shadow Milk Cookie was cut off when he saw Holly roll up her sleeves showing a golden bracelet with a purple four-leaf clover crystal. She touched the crystal, and her fingers glowed purple. She put that energy on the gauze, as a glow appeared on it for a few seconds before it faded. “Uh…what did you do?”

Holly smiled and unraveled the gauze. “Try standing up now.” She said.

Shadow Milk Cookie wasn’t sure what the witch did to him. Holly gave him a smile, encouraging him to stand up. He glared and slowly got up, no longer feeling pain in his foot. “Did you heal me?” He asked. Holly nodded in reply. “Tsk.” Shadow Milk Cookie turned away. “I don’t need to thank you, by the way.” He replied.

Holly felt offended by Shadow Milk’s rudeness. “Hey, I was just helping a fairy.” She replied.

“Fairies?” Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Cookie queried.

“Well, is that what you are?” Holly asked. “You're small, and you can fly as fairies do.”

Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled. “Sorry, but you’re mistaken, young witch. We’re no fairies, but cookies.” He corrected her.

Holly was surprised, though now that she took another look, they did look gingerbread-shaped, then fairy-shaped. She also smelt a cookie aroma on both of them, but Shadow Milk’s had a tint of blueberries and milk while Eternal Sugar’s smelt like sugar and flowers. “Yep! You’re cookies.” She confirmed. “But my grandma never told me about bringing cookies to life, nor have I brought cookies to life.” Her curiosity got the best of her, and she went through her grandma’s bookshelf to see if she had any books about live cookies. She skimmed through the books, but when she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she threw the book to the side.

One of the said books she threw almost hit Shadow Milk and Eternal Sugar. “Hey, watch it!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled.

“Sorry!” Holly quickly apologized before continuing to look.

While the young witch was looking through her book, Burning Spice came up to the window still. There, he saw the two other beast cookies alive and well. “Well, they're alive.” Burning Spice Cookie pointed out.

“Yay.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied sarcastically as she came up from climbing the pipe. She looked tired as she wasn’t much for physical activity. 

Silent Salt Cookie was almost up when Holly gasped, causing the beast of solitude to lose his grip until Burning Spice Cookie grabbed him. They thought she saw them, but Holly’s gaze was still on the bookshelf. “Oh, what are your names? I’m Holly Fontaine, witch in training.” She introduced herself, giving a bow.

“Holly is such a cute name.” Eternal Sugar Cookie commented, as the name was like her other half’s name. “My name is Eternal Sugar Cookie.”

“Not Angel Sugar Cookie?” Holly questioned, stopping from looking through books. “Because you look like an angel.”

Eternal Sugar Cookie giggled at the comment. “Okay, I like you already.”

“Thank you.” Holly replied.

“An angel is the last thing I’d call her.” Shadow Milk Cookie mumbled. Eternal Sugar heard that and smacked Shadow Milk Cookie in the back of the head with her tail. The beast of deceit turned to his fellow beast, who gave an innocent smile, as if she did nothing.

Holly turned to Shadow Milk Cookie, waiting for him to introduce himself. “So, you got a name?” She asked, putting the books down on the table.

Shadow Milk Cookie rolled his eyes as he levitated in front of Holly’s face, giving his showstopper smile. “My name is Shadow Milk Cookie, the fount of knowledge. At your service.” He introduced himself, giving a bow.

Holly giggled. “A bit of a theater kid, aren’t you? Or a theater cookie. I should say.” She commented. She sat down, went through the first book in the pile, and started looking through it. “So, what brings you here?”

“Well, we were sent on a mission with our friends when suddenly we were betrayed by some cookie who wanted to be a witch!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed, upset about the situation.

Holly stopped looking and frowned. “Wow, betrayed by your leader. That’s harsh.” She said, feeling bad.

“I wouldn’t call her our leader.” Eternal Sugar Cookie corrected.

“Let me guess, she’s an evil tyrant, you were her minions, and she betrayed you.” Holly guessed.

“Well,” Shadow Milk Cookie said. “You’re not wrong.”

Holly thought she had found the right book and went to skim through it. “Well, glad I’m a forgiving witch then.” She said, before putting the book down and looking for another one. “You don’t seem to be evil cookies.”

Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled before it turned into laughter. That felt like an insult to him. “Oh, do you want to see how evil I can be?” He asked.

Holly didn’t show an ounce of fear and shrugged. Besides, how much evil could a small cookie be? “Alright, show me.” She said.

Shadow Milk Cookie laughed and was ready to show this witch how dangerous the Master of Deceit could really be. However, he realized his staff wasn’t with him. “Uh…” He looked up at Holly, who was waiting for him to showcase his power. He gave a nervous chuckle; no matter, he was able to do magic with or without it. However, when he tried, his Soul Jam sparked a bit, causing him to not cast any magic.

Eternal Sugar Cookie smirked, seeing Shadow Milk Cookie struggle. “You lost your staff, didn’t you?” She pointed out.

Shadow Milk Cookie groaned. “I didn’t!” He exclaimed. “I dropped it when we got attacked by that plant, but I’m sure it’s with the others.”

“Wait, so there’s more of you?” Holly asked.

Shadow Milk Cookie nodded. “Yep, we come from Earthbread, a world filled with cookies of all kinds!” He explained, smiling proudly.

Holly tried to imagine an entire world filled with cookies and sweets, which almost made her mouth water. She quickly removed the fantasy from her mind, not wanting to offend the cookies. “That must sound sweet!” She exclaimed.

“It is.” Eternal Sugar Cookie replied. “You should see my garden back home.” She sighed and flew around before leaning on Holly’s shoulder. “It’s so beautiful that you may never want to leave.”

Holly giggled and petted the cookie. “So, you mentioned more of you came here. Did you guys get separated or something?” She asked. Holly gasped as her eyes sparkled in happiness. “I don’t mind going on an adventure together to find them.”

“Well, they were following us earlier.” Shadow Milk Cookie mentioned looking for them.

“You mean them?” Holly asked, pointing at the other three beast cookies on her window still. Burning Spice and Mystic Flour were pulling Silent Salt Cookie up the window, but from the looks of it they were struggling. This was due to the knight of silence’s suit of armor, and not even the great destroyer, Burning Spice Cookie, could carry it.

“Oh, my witches, you're heavy!” Burning Spice Cookie complained.

“Aren’t you stronger than us?” Mystic Flour Cookie asked, struggling as well.

“Usually I am, but somehow I’m not.” Burning Spice Cookie replied. He then felt a hand grab him and the other two beasts, and brought them inside.

“Glad you found me then.” Holly spoke up as she put the three beast cookies on the table next to Shadow Milk Cookie and Eternal Sugar Cookie.

“Huh…surprised you two haven't crumbled yet.” Silent Salt Cookie commented.

Shadow Milk Cookie felt disturbed about that comment. “What do you mean by that?” He asked.

Before Silent Salt Cookie could answer, Eternal Sugar Cookie stepped in and spoke up. “Don’t worry about this, witch, everyone. She’s one of the good ones.” She reassured the beasts. “Holly dear, this is a Silent Salt Cookie.”

Silent Salt Cookie bowed as any noble knight would do. Holly smiled and gave a curtsy. “Nice to meet you, dear knight.”

The Beast Cookie of Silence sensed nothing but kindness in this witch and just nodded in reply.

Holly was waiting for his reply, until Shadow Milk Cookie floated over and whispered into the young witch’s ear. “He’s usually silent, but don’t worry about it.” He reassured her.

“Oh, do you not talk?” Holly asked.

Silent Salt Cookie was silent for a bit before looking up. “...I do.” He replied.

Holly smiled and looked at the other two cookies. This time, Shadow Milk Cookie wanted to introduce them to her. “This party pooper here is Mystic Flour Cookie.” He introduced his fellow beast. Mystic Flour Cookie’s eyes turned black as she glared at Shadow Milk Cookie. The Beast of Deceit gave a nervous smile as he stepped back from her. “And just don’t get her angry.”

“I won’t.” Holly replied, her hands up in defense.

“Don’t worry. I only harm cookies; my power has never harmed a witch.” Mystic Flour Cookie reassured the witch. Holly sighed in relief. “Though if you do test my patience, I will try it.” 

Holly chuckled nervously. “Alright, don’t get you angry then.” She then turned to Burning Spice Cookie, who turned away from the witch. “And your name?”

Burning Spice Cookie looked at the witch and turned away. “Burning Spice Cookie.” He replied.

“Well, nice to meet you all!” Holly exclaimed with a smile. “Shadow and Sugar here explained everything, but welcome to Primgrove.”

“Primgrove?” Eternal Sugar Cookie asked, confused. “Is that the name of the Witch World?”

Holly laughed. “No, you said you're from Earthbread. Well, this is Earth, and the location we’re in is Primgrove!”

The Beast Cookies were a bit confused. The Witch’s World was named similarly to their own world, but one word off. Before they could question it even more, a knock was heard at the door. 

“Holly! Are you talking to someone?” Holly’s grandmother asked. 

The Beast Cookies gasped. “Quick hide!” Shadow Milk Cookie exclaimed. With the amount of books on the table, the beasts decided to hide behind them.

“Guys! Relax its my grandma, she’s also a witch. She’ll understand what’s going on.” Holly reassured them. Some of the Beast Cookies peeked through the books, but still kept hidden. “Grandma, come in! You’ve got to see this!”

Holly’s grandmother opened the door, holding the tray of snacks. She looked around the room and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “What’s going on, sweetie?” She asked.

Holly looked at the books. “Come on out, guys. She won’t hurt you.” She reassured the cookies. The Beast Cookies glared, but Eternal Sugar Cookie was the first one to appear out of hiding and flew close to Holly. Holly’s grandmother looked shocked seeing the live cookie with her granddaughter.

“This is my grandma, Rosalie. She’s also my mentor.” Holly introduced.

“Nice to meet you.” Eternal Sugar Cookie said, giving a curtsy.

Rosalie was shocked. She then saw the other four Beast Cookies, who gave a small glare. “H-Holly sweetie. When did you bring a cookie to life?” She asked.

“I didn’t.” Holly answered, raising an eyebrow. “They got teleported here. Why do you ask?”

A video camera turns on as you appear in front of the camera. “Okay, camera is on.” You said. You took a deep breath and smiled, “Hey, everyone, it’s me, and it’s been a hot minute since I made these video diaries. So, where have I been?” You gave a nervous chuckle as you rubbed the back of your head. “Well…it's a long story, you see-”

Soon, you were cut off by a tall lilac humanoid rabbit with pink overalls and a wide yellow smile. “Wow, I didn’t know you made YouTube videos?” He asked, looking at the camera.

“Jax!” You shouted, jumping back in your computer chair. “Did you read the sign on my door?!”

Jax looked at the door and back at you. “Yeah, but I tend to ignore any signs on doors.” He replied. “Anyways, what kind of video are you making?”

You got up from your chair and tried to push Jax out of the room, but he wouldn’t budge. “Just a video diary, and I need no interruptions.” You explained.

Jax slightly pushed you away and faced the camera, sitting down on your computer chair. “Hi everybody!” He beamed. “It’s your favorite rabbit, sexyman, Jax, here!” Living away outside the circus to this brand new crib!”

You groaned as you grab your computer chair and pushed it out of your room, throwing Jax out. The later fell down a flight of stairs as sound effects played with each step of the stairs he fell.

STATIC

The camera comes back to normal, and you’re now looking tired from what you had to deal with. You let out a sigh as you continue your video. “Sorry about that, but yes, that’s one of the reasons why I haven’t been active with these video dairies, though to anyone who does watch this you’re probably wondering why Jax from TADC is in my house?” You asked before, chuckling nervously. “Well-”

CRASH

BANG

“Dandy! What did I say about scaring Pomni?!” A female voice asked.

“Don’t blame me! Jack rabbit here said he’ll give me Y/N’s tape collection if I do so!” A male voice, Dandy, yelled back.

You glared and looked at the camera with an unimpressed look at what’s going on downstairs, trying to hold back a scream. You take a deep breath before you end up screaming at the group downstairs. “I guess saying why Jax is here is an understatement, but now you’re wondering why a flower from Roblox is in my house, too? Well, I’m just gonna say it, but one day I woke up and found my favorite characters from my favorite series in my house!”

You pause for a long time to take in what you just said before letting out a sigh. “I don’t know how it happened, all I remember was-”

POOF

“Helloooo~!” A blue gingerbread cookie wearing a harlequin outfit sang, causing you to fall from your chair.“Ah, my dear fans! It’s moi, Shadow Milk Cookie!”

You growled as you got off the floor, seeing the cookie on top of your desk facing the camera. “Ugh! Shadow Milk Cookie, get out of my room!” You yelled.

Shadow Milk Cookie laughed, not listening. “So, what’s this lovely video you're making today?” He asked. “And can moi be in it?”

You sighed, rolling your eyes. “It’s a video diary, and it’s not being posted online.” You reminded him.

“Oooooooh!” Shadow Milk Cookie, exclaimed. “Well, I should share some secrets I’ve found out about you from this,” he paused as he created a portal and pulled out a notebook where the cover was your favorite color, and it was filled with stickers. You blushed, realizing Shadow Milk took your secret journal.

“Hey, is that my journal?!” You asked, anger boiling in you.

“Yep!” Shadow Milk replied with a smile. “I’ve been reading this in your spare time, and there’s a lot that you never shared with us!” You growled as Shadow Milk Cookie turned to a random page of your journal, and his eyes widened at what page he turned to. “Ooooh, things I never told my parents! This has got to be good!”

You blushed in embarrassment and grabbed the cookie with your bare hands before he could read a word from your journal.

STATIC

The camera cut back to normal. Though Shadow Milk Cookie was knocked out, swirls in his eyes showed his defeat.

Everything was going well when the beast cookies and their fellow minions arrived at the Grand Dust Hotel. They all talked and went over their plan for tonight.

Find a way to get their Soul Jams back.

Defeat Dark Enchantress Cookie.

Show the witches what happened to them after they abandoned them.

That's what Shadow Milk Cookie was hoping for during tonight’s meeting with the cookie who wanted to be a witch herself, Dark Enchantress Cookie. To the beasts, Dark Enchantress Cookie was another threat to their plans, but thanks to her inviting them, it made their plan a whole lot easier.

What the Beast Cookies didn’t know was that their enemy, Dark Enchantress Cookie, was listening in on the entire thing. Her three minions, Chess Choco Cookie and Pomegranate Cookie, also listened in on the conversation.

Chess Choco Cookie chuckled. “Looks like the beasts-” Pawn White Cookie started.

“-are planning our betrayal.” Pawn Black Cookie finished.

“Whatever shall we do?” Chess Choco Cookie asked.

Dark Enchantress Cookie smirked. “Don’t worry about that. I already had a plan in mind in case those beasts decided to betray me.” She explained.

Pomegranate Cookie heard no plan from her master and got worried. “Master, you sure you don’t want me to call the others and we defeat them, here and now?” She asked.

“Oh, don’t you worry, Pomegranate Cookie.” Dark Enchantress chuckled, patting her young minion’s head. “I already got a fun game for these beasts. They want to double-cross me, well,” she let out a chuckle. “So be it.”

As the five beasts were discussing their future victory, the doors opened, and the beasts stopped talking as Dark Enchantress Cookie and two smaller cookies named Chess Choco Cookie came in.

“Dark Enchantress will see you now.” Chess Choco Cookie said at the same time.

The beast smiled and nodded. “Of course.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied.

Shadow Milk Cookie smirked as he and his fellow beasts took a step toward where Dark Enchantress Cookie was waiting for them. “This show will be one for the books!” He thought to himself.

The beasts and their minions were brought over to a large room where a round table sat in the middle. There, Dark Enchantress Cookie sat at the center with her minion, Pomegranate Cookie, on her right.

Dark Enchantress Cookie looked up, her eyes glowing red. “Ah, welcome. Please sit down.” She said, giving a bow. The beasts took their seats and looked over at the enchantress. “Tonight, I gathered you all here to talk about the compilation of the Ultimate Cookie, but before we start, I have a bit of a proposition for you all.”

“Well, what is it?” Shadow Milk Cookie asked. He leaned back in his chair, twirling his staff. “We’re all crumbling to know?”

Dark Enchantress Cookie chuckled. “Well, I need you beasts to lend your powers to this magic circle.” She explained, revealing the table.

The beast cookies looked at the table before looking at their minions and one another. Burning Spice Cookie sensed something was wrong. “Wait, why do you need our powers?” He asked, suspicious of Dark Enchantress’ plans. “You never told us that.”

“Agreed. Let’s hope this isn’t some trick.” Mystic Flour Cookie added.

“Oh no. No. This is no trick.” Dark Enchantress reassured them. “You know how those ‘heroes’ stole your powers?”

The five beasts looked at where their Soul Jams were once placed. Shadow Milk Cookie and Burning Spice Cookie growled at the heroes who took them. Eternal Sugar looked at hers and frowned, while Mystic Flour Cookie’s eyes turned black, not want to be reminded of her other half. Silent Salt Cookie just kept his gaze on Dark Enchantress Cookie.

“Well, I have a trap to send those heroes away. Gone for good, where no cookie will remember them,” Dark Enchantress explained.

Shadow Milk Cookie smiled, interested in this new plan. “Oooh, time to give those false heroes a taste of their own medicine, I see?” He proposed.

“You can say that.” Dark Enchantress replied. “However, it’s not ready yet. I need a bit of your power to get it activated, and once the heroes arrive, they’ll be sent away forever.”

Shadow Milk Cookie smiled evilly. This was perfect. Dark Enchantress Cookie was making his-er-the beast's plan easier by the second. All they needed was for the portal to open and just push Dark Enchantress into it.

“I don’t like that idea.” Eternal Sugar Cookie spoke up. Everyone turned to the former virtue of happiness. “I don’t want my precious other half to be locked away like I was.”

“Can you stop blethering about your other half?” Mystic Flour Cookie replied.

“Now, now.” Dark Enchantress Cookie reassured the beasts, “This is the best way to defeat the ancients and get your Soul Jams back.” She then started walking around the table, eyeing them like a hawk. “I’ve been watching how you beasts took down those heroes you call thieves, and how some of you,” Dark Enchantress stopped at Eternal Sugar Cookie and leaned close to her, causing her to yelp. “Didn’t even try.”

Pavlova Cookie glared and got his arrow ready in case he needed to fight her.

 Dark Enchantress chuckled as she went to the Silent Salt Cookie. “Or, that you hadn’t taken it at all.” She finished.

Silent Salt Cookie drew his sword and was ready to attack.

“However, all I needed was a bit of your power to make sure the trap would work.” Dark Enchantress Cookie raised her staff and slammed it on the ground. The Beasts were then chained up on the chairs, causing their minions to scream their names and try to save them.

“W-What are you doing?!” Nutmeg Tiger Cookie asked. “This wasn’t part of the plan!”

Dark Enchantress Cookie laughed. “Did you think I was that gullible? I heard your conversation about wanting to betray me, and how you wanted to take over my plans!” She revealed. “I could’ve waited until the ancient heroes arrived and leave you all in the dust, but why not start the party early?” Dark Enchantress Cookie lifted her staff as it glowed red.

The Beasts’ Soul Jams started to glow as the energy in them went towards the staff. Slowly, the gems turned into a dull grey color. Once all their energy was drained, the beast cookies were let go of their chains and dropped to the ground.

“M-MASTER!” Cloud Haetae Cookie cried. “MASTER, ARE YOU OKAY!?”

“I-I’m fine.” Mystic Flour Cookie replied, struggling to get up.

Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie helped up Shadow Milk Cookie, who was exhausted from the attack. “Master Shadow Milk Cookie?” Candy Apple Cookie asked, tears appearing in her eyes. “Are you ok?”

“I’ll be fine.” Shadow Milk Cookie replied. He looked over at his Soul Jam and saw that all the color from it was gone. He growled at Dark Enchantress Cookie, her staff now glowing in the colors of the beast’s Soul Jams. “You…YOU! YOU DOUBLE-CROSSING BIT-”

Shadow Milk Cookie was cut off when Dark Enchantress used her staff and unleashed energy to push his minions to the wall. Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie groaned in pain. Shadow Milk Cookie gasped, but just as he was about to speak, Dark Enchantress cut him off.  “You want to finish that sentence, Shadow Milk Cookie? Or would you like to see these two crumble, piece by piece?” She asked, pointing her staff at Shadow Milk Cookie’s minions.

“This was your plan all along, huh!?” Silent Salt Cookie yelled. “The second we got a hold of the ancient Soul Jams you planned on betraying us.”

“Oh, you silent knight, are finally on the right page!” Dark Enchantress exclaimed, giving a smile. “Though I was going to crumble each and every one of you, I think I have a better punishment for you beasts.”

Dark Enchantress pointed her staff at the table as it glowed. Soon, it turned into a red portal that started to suck the Beast Cookies in. Shadow Milk Cookie almost fell in, but Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie got up in time to save him from going inside.

“We got you, Master Shadow Milk Cookie!” Black Sapphire Cookie yelled, holding on to his master’s hand tightly.

The other minions saw what Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie were doing and did the same for their masters.

“Aww, how cute. Your little pawns are here to be the ‘heroes’ they are.” Dark Enchantress Cookie mocked before laughing. Goodbye, you foul beasts!” She slammed the end of her staff. The portal got stronger, sucking the beast cookies in. The beasts were held tightly by their minions, hoping to save them, but the force of the portal was stronger.

Silent Salt Cookie was the first to get sucked in. Eternal Sugar Cookie tried to fly as Pavlova Cookie held onto her hand, but he felt his grasp slipping away. “H-Hang on, Eternal Sugar.” He said, trying to hold on to his master. However, Eternal Sugar’s hand slipped out of Pavlova Cookie’s, and she got sucked in. His eyes widened in horror, seeing his master, the only thing he had left in the Garden of Delights, slip through his hands.

“Hang on, master Shadow Milk Cookie!” Candy Apple Cookie shouted, as she and Black Sapphire Cookie held onto their master.

“Don’t. Let. Go. Candy Apple Cookie.” Black Sapphire Cookie growled, struggling to hold on to his master tight with all his strength.

Cloud Haetae Cookie felt Mystic Flour Cookie slip from their grasp. They looked at their master with tears in their eyes. “M-Master?” They asked.

Mystic Flour Cookie looked over at Cloud Haetae and gave them a small smile before letting go and accepting her fate to the portal. Cloud Haetae Cookie looked in horror, seeing their master disappear. Despite following their master’s teachings, they didn’t want her to go.

Burning Spice Cookie used his parashu and slammed it to the ground to hold on to it, but slowly felt his grip loosening it. Nutmeg Tiger Cookie tried to hold her hand out for her master. “Great Destroyer! Take my hand!” Nutmeg Tiger Cookie yelled. Burning Spice Cookie used his strength to grab Nutmeg Tiger’s hand, but he couldn’t reach for his follower's hand. He lost his grip on his parashu and got sucked into the portal.

Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie saw the beast get sucked in and held on to their master with all their strength to save them. “Just hold on tighter, Candy Apple Cookie.” Black Sapphire grunted.

“I…can’t…grip…slipping.” Candy Apple Cookie struggled, feeling Shadow Milk Cookie’s hands escape hers.

Shadow Milk Cookie looked over at Dark Enchantress Cookie and growled, but the witch cookie smirked, waiting for the last of the best to join his friends.

Candy Apple Cookie saw that Shadow Milk Cookie’s hands slipped out of hers. Black Sapphire Cookie held on tight, but gasped to see Candy Apple Cookie trying to grab him. Not wanting her to get sucked in too, Black Sapphire Cookie had to make the ultimate choice. He looked Shadow Milk Cookie in the eye with sadness and regret. “I’m sorry, master.” Black Sapphire Cookie whispered.

Shadow Milk Cookie looked at his minion and knew he needed to keep Candy Apple Cookie safe. Even though he didn’t show it, he too didn’t want to see his other minion suffer this fate. With a sigh, Shadow Milk Cookie let go of Black Sapphire Cookie and went into the portal as Black Sapphire grabbed Candy Apple Cookie and held her tight.

Candy Apple Cookie looked in horror and broke free from Black Sapphire Cookie’s grasp. “MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE!” She screamed as she jumped into the portal to save him.

“CANDY APPLE COOKIE! NO!” Black Sapphire Cookie yelled, following after her.

Seeing Shadow Milk Cookie’s minions go in after their master. Cloud Haetae Cookie did the same thing and followed their master through the portal. Before Nutmeg Tiger Cookie and Pavlova Cookie did the same thing, the portal closed. The two minions looked in shock and turned to Dark Enchantress Cookie. 

“Where did you take them?” Pavlova Cookie asked.

Himawari Town was known to be a town where everyone smiles. It was like every other town, but if one were to look at it from a bird's-eye view, the entire town looked like one giant sunflower.

In the sky, a star twinkled, which was revealed to be Dogday and Catnap falling from the sky, screaming, before the duo landed on a tree branch. “Ooof!” The two critters grunted, flinching at the impact.

Dogday groaned before shaking it off. “Catnap, are you okay?” He asked, looking over at his best friend.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Catnap replied.

Dogday looked around and saw that the area they landed in was completely different from Jubilee Village. “Where are we?”

Catnap looked around and saw they had landed in what appeared to be a backyard of someone’s house. Catnap used his long tail to wrap around the branch above him, using it like a rope as he went down from the tree to look at the house.

From the inside, it was dark, and no one appeared to be inside. “Okay, no one is home. We’re good.” Catnap said, as he slowly got down from the tree, unwrapping his tail in the process.

Dogday slowly went down, carefully, from the tree using the branches as steps. Soon, one of the branches broke, causing the dog Smiling Critter to fall and land on Catnap, knocking them out as their eyes changed to swirls.

・❥・

A blue and white moving van was driving through the neighborhood, and behind the wheel was an older man bobbing his head to some music. In the backseat were his 13-year old twins, a boy and a girl.

The girl had long, light brown hair with a red headband with a ribbon and amber eyes. She wore a yellow sleeveless sweater over a pale yellow long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves folded, a red plaid skirt, long white stockings, and orange and pale blue shoes.

The boy had short brown hair and amber eyes, wearing a pair of lime green headphones. He wore a blue long-sleeved sweater over a purple t-shirt, blue jeans, white socks, and green and white sneakers.

The girl was looking out the car window and back at her fashion magazines with her phone on top of it. She picked up her phone and looked at the screen that showed a photo of her mother. The girl sighed and put her phone down as she continued to look out the car window.

Her twin brother was listening to music, but kept glancing at her twin sister. “Hinata.” He spoke up.

The girl, Hinata, snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her twin brother.

“You’ve been quiet for a while. Everything alright?” He asked.

Hinata sighed, “Yeah. I’m fine, Akira.” She replied.

“Don't worry, you two.” Their father, Kagero, spoke up. The twins looked up at their father. “We’re almost at the new house. Just a few minutes away.”

The twins sighed, as they had been in the car for hours. They were moments away from their new home, but hoped that moving wouldn’t be so bad.

After a few more minutes of driving, Kagero smiled seeing their house. “See! We’re here!” He beamed. Akira and Hinata looked out the window and saw their new home.

It was a white two-story house with a green roof and chimney. 

“Looks cozy.” Hinata commented.

Kagero parked the car in the driveway and got out of the car to grab boxes from the van. Hinata and Akira got out of the car too, with Hinata holding on to her fashion magazines, phone, and backpack. Akira went to the back of the van to grab his guitar case and followed his father inside the house.

Hinata looked around her neighborhood and saw that it was peaceful and wasn’t too far from the main part of Himawari Town.

“Hey Hinata!” Akira yelled, sticking his head out the door. Hinata turned to her twin brother. “You have to come in and see the house, it’s bigger on the inside!”

Hinata quickly ran inside and saw that her brother was right. The inside was more spacious. Even when they get the furniture in, there will be more room to roam around. “Wow, it does feel cozy in here!” She beamed.

“I wonder if it’s like the movies, and this house has something magical to it!” Akira added.

“Or creepy.”

The twins laughed until they heard their father speak up.

“Alright, you two. Grab a box and head upstairs to your rooms.” Kagero said, putting down one of the boxes.

“Okay!” The twins beamed at the same time.

Hinata and Akira went to the van and grabbed their boxes to bring inside the house. Each of the boxes was labelled, which made it easier for the tins to unpack and place everything where they belong. Hinata unpacked all the silverware, plates, and cups into the kitchen, while Akira unpacked the family photos in the living room.

Meanwhile, Dogday slowly woke up and rubbed his head. “What happened?” He asked. The dog, Smiling Critter, turned to see Kagero unpacking stuff in the living room. “Uh oh!” Dogday’s eyes widened, seeing that there was someone inside the house. “Uh, Catnap, you got to wake up, buddy!”

Catnap wasn’t waking up and just groaned, curling up into a ball.

Dogday groaned as he pulled on Catnap’s tail to wake him up. “Come on, Catnap! Wake up!” He yelled.

Kagero was putting the couch into the new living room, until something caught his eye. He saw Catnap and Dog day outside. 

Dogday took notice and quickly fell to the ground pretending to be a toy.

Kagero went to the backyard and picked up the two critters, thinking they were toys. “Hmm…what are these doing here?” He wondered. He thought about it for a moment and came to the conclusion that these were gifts for his kids as a welcome gift from the previous neighbors.

“Hinata! Akira!” Kagero called out.

“Yeah!” The twins replied, pausing from their unpacking.

“Come over here!”

The twins slowly put down what they were doing and walked over to their father. “What is it, Dad?” Akira asked.

“This is for you.” Kagero said, showing his twins the two Smiling Critters. The twins looked at each other, surprised, as they looked back at the two Smiling Critters.

“A stuffed animal?” Hinata asked, as she took Dogday, and her brother took Catnap.

“It’s possibly a gift from the neighbors.” Kagero replied.

Hinata looked at Dogday, but something told her that this wasn’t a stuffed animal. “Hmmm…” she wondered, narrowing her eyes.

“Dad,” Akira said, “I’m starting to get old for stuffed animals.”

“Well, you can give it to your sister.” Kagero suggested.

Akira looked at Catnap and gave him a second thought. For a second, Catnap glanced at the boy before turning still again. Akira took notice and gave a small smile. “You know, it looks cool. I’ll keep it for now.”

“Mine is adorable!” Hinata exclaimed, hugging Dogday tight. “Thank you dad!”

Kagero chuckled. “Anytime, kiddo.” He replied. Kagero looked at the kitchen and living room and saw he had gotten the hang of it here. “Why don’t you two check out your new rooms, and I can handle everything downstairs.”

Hinta gasped and quickly ran to the box she had put down earlier, and put Dogday on top of it before picking up the box. “Come on, bro, let’s check it out!” She exclaimed, running up the stairs.

Akira chuckled, shaking his head over his twin’s enthusiasm. “Alright.” He replied. He grabbed his box of stuff as well and carried it while holding onto Catnap in his other hand, and went up the stairs. Once he made it to the top floor, he saw Hinata outside her new room and pointed to the door next to hers, signaling him to take that one. Akira sighed. “Fine, we’ll be next door again.”

“Cool!” Hinata squealed as she entered her room. Her eyes widened at how big her room was. It was much bigger than her room in her old house, and it had a balcony. Hinata put the box down, opened up her window, and set foot on the balcony. The breeze blew in her face as she took in the cool spring air and let out a sigh. “Alright, time to unpack!”

Hinata went back inside and put Dogday to the side as she opened up her box of stuff. She grabbed as much as she could, only to realize none of her furniture had been brought in. “Oh, right, I need furniture before I set up!” She said to herself, laughing. Hinata ran back downstairs to grab her bed.

Once gone, Dogday got up and looked around, and saw the inside. It felt warm and cozy, like his own house. He didn’t have time to relax; he needed to find Catnap and then leave to find his friends. Dogday saw the balcony window was open and decided to make a break for it.

“Thanks for the help dad!” Hinata exclaimed.

Dogday gulped, hearing Hinata coming back up, and quickly Dogday assumed his plush position. Hinata and her father came back up to the room, bringing the mattress up and putting it on top of the bed frame. The two sighed and wiped the sweat off their heads.

“Alright, let’s get your desk in now.” Kagero mentioned. 

“On it.” Hinata exclaimed in reply. She and her father went back downstairs again to get the desk.

Dogday sighed. “I thought they would never leave.” He got up and stretched. “Now, I need to get Catnap so we can leave and find our friends.” Dogday peeked through the hallway, looking around to see if the coast was clear before looking for Catnap. Seeing that he was safe, he was ready to find his friend and get out of here.

“Dad, thanks so much for helping me.” Hinata said.

Dogday squeaked and went back to Hinata’s room and pretended to be a plush once again.

Hinata and her father dragged the desk into the room as Hinata went over and pointed to the spot she wanted it to be. Kagero dragged the desk to the spot as Hinata watched. “Stop.” She said. Hinata looked at her desk and gave her father a thumbs-up. “Perfect! Thank you dad.”

Kagero chuckled, “anytime kiddo. Now, is there anything else you need?”

Hinata shook her head. “Nope, that is all. I can grab the rest of the stuff myself.”

“Alright, I’ll grab your brother’s furniture, and then I’ll get started with setting up downstairs.”

“Sounds great!” Hinata replied, giving a thumbs up.

Kagero then left her daughter alone as she started to organize her room. She put her notebooks and stationery on her desk. One of the notebooks, an orange one with a large sunflower on the cover, was placed on the front of the desk. She made sure everything looked organized and nodded.

The next thing Hinata grabbed was some lights to string around her room. During that, Dogday looked up to see the young girl humming as she finished putting the lights up in her room. His sun pendant glowed slightly, sensing Positive Energy in the young girl.

Dogday started to think of an idea of having this girl to help him with finding his friends. He slowly got up, hoping not to let Hianta see him. He just needed to find Catnap and discuss with him if it was okay to have Hinata help.

As Hinata was finishing setting up her room. Her eyes glanced at Dogday, slowly moving. “Huh?” She questioned. Hinata walked over to Dogday, who didn’t notice she was walking behind him.

Dogday felt footsteps behind him and gulped. He decided to go limp, pretending to be a plush again. “Did I just see you move?” Hinata asked, picking up Dogday.

“N-No, you were just dreaming!” Dogday denied. He covered his mouth, shocked, he spoke.

Hinata went from confused to horrified as she let out a scream and dropped Dogday on the floor. “Y-You can…y-you can…” She stuttered, backing away from Dogday.

“Talk?” Dogday answered. “Why, yes, I do talk!”

“B-But you’re a dog! Dogs can’t talk!” Hinata yelled.

“Really?” Dogday asked. He then chuckled and smiled proudly, “Well, then you’re the first one to meet one!”

Hinata groaned as she slid to the ground, covering her face with her hands. “This isn’t what I was expecting when I moved!” She thought. “It’s official! I’ve become the main character of a story!”

Dogday tilted his head in confusion, seeing the young in distress. He walked over to the young girl. “Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Dogday!” The dog, Smiling Critter, held his paw out for the young girl to shake.

Hinata opened her eyes and looked at Dogday. She saw he meant no harm and held her hand out for Dogday to shake. “I’m Hoshimiya Hinata.” The two shook hands, and suddenly an orange glow appeared upon shaking it. The two quickly let go, surprised at what just happened. “Okay, what was that?”

“It’s almost the same glow when there’s Positive Energy around.” Dogday explained.

“Positive Energy?” Hinata asked.

Dogday nodded. “Energy we Smiling Critters have!”

“Smiling Critters?” Hinata heard Dogday mention it earlier, but today she took in a lot. From moving to a new house, to finding out Dogday wasn’t a plushie, but a creature called a Smiling Critter.

“We’re creatures from the Jubilee Village,” Dogday explained. “We spread smiles and positivity thanks to Positive Energy! I represent leadership, and my best friend Catnap represents dreams.”

“Wait, Catnap?” Hinata asked, hearing about another Smiling Critter.

“My best friend. I think your brother has him.” Dogday replied.

Hinata’s eyes widened, realizing the cat plushie her brother had was Catnap. “Oh no!” She exclaimed. The young girl grabbed Dogday and dashed next door to her twin brother’s room. She quickly opened the door and was surprised to see Akira strumming notes on his guitar while Catnap sat on his bed nodding along. The boy looked up at his twin sister. 

“Oh, hi Hinata. What’s up?” Akira asked, pausing his guitar playing.

Hinata looked at her brother and Catnap, who opened his eyes and looked at Akira’s twin sister. “Oh, is this your sister?” He asked.

“Akira, you know he’s alive?” Hinata asked.

“Yeah, he woke up once I put him on my bed. Introduced himself as Catnap, and I asked him if he wanted to hear my music.” Akira explained.

“And you're okay with this?”

Akira nodded as he strummed his guitar. “Yeah, better than some stuffed animal.” He answered.

Hinata sighed, “I’m guessing that’s Catnap.” She guessed.

“Yep!” Dogday exclaimed. He jumped out of Hinata’s grasp and went over to Catnap and put his arm around him. “Hinata, this is Catnap, my best friend. Catnap, this is Hinata.”

“Nice to meet you.” Catnap said.

“Nice to meet you too.” Hinata replied. “And I know you’ve already met, but this is Akira, my twin brother.”

“Sup!” Akira said, giving a peace sign.

Catnap tried to do the peace sign back, but since he had paws, he couldn’t do them right.

“So, Dogday, you mentioned Positive Energy and Smiling Critters earlier, what is that?” Hinata asked.

Dogday smiled. “Glad you asked!” He replied. He and Catnap went on top of Akira’s bed to explain the situation. “Now, Smiling Critters is what we are. We may look like cute, adorable animals on the outside, but we harvest a power called Positive Energy.”

“What is that?” Akira asked.

“It’s energy that resides in everyone.” Catnap answered. “We Smiling Critters represent a different Positive Energy. For example, I represent dreams.”

“And I represent leadership.” Dogday added.

Hinata smiled as her eyes widened. “Wow! It's just like in the shows we watched when we were younger!” She exclaimed.

Akira chuckled. “Yeah, the ones you watched over a hundred times.” He added, giving his sister a playful shove, making her laugh.

“So why are you guys here? Are you sent on a mission to find someone?” Hinata asked.

Dogday and Catnap turned to one another and frowned. “Well, a storm appeared out of nowhere in our home, the Jubilee Village, and we got separated from our friends.” Dogday explained.

“Wait, there’s more of you?”

Dogday and Catnap nodded. They frowned, realizing they didn’t even know where their friends were. “There was. However, since the storm separated all of us, we don’t know if they’re here or somewhere else.” Catnap explained.

Hinata and Akira looked at each other and smiled as they were thinking the same thing. “Would you like us to help you?” Akira asked.

Dogday and Catnap looked at each other and up at the twins. “You want to help us?” Catnap asked.

The twins nodded in agreement. “Absolutely!” Hinata exclaimed.

Catnap wasn’t sure about having the human twins help them find their friends, but Dogday smiled, seeing that the twins would help them. “Great!” Dogday exclaimed.

“Dogday, are you sure?” Catnap asked.

“Positive,” Dogday answered, “besides, we don’t know anything about this world. We need the experts to help us.”

Catnap sighed, deciding to go along with the plan. “I guess some help wouldn’t hurt.” 

Dogday cheered as he hugged his best friend. “Oh, thank you, Catnap! Thank you!”

Catnap replied with a small smile, seeing his best friend happy. “Anytime.” Soon, a rumble was heard. The twins looked around before looking at each other.

“Hinata, was that your stomach?” Akira asked.

“No! That wasn’t me this time!” Hinata yelled.

The rumble was heard about, and the twins turned to the two Smiling Critters, looking at their stomachs rumbling. The two forgot they were supposed to have lunch, but due to the storm separating them from their friends, they never got to eat. Dogday chuckled. “That’s us, sorry.”

Hinata chuckled as she got up. “I’ll go get you something to eat. I’ll be right back.” She then left her brother’s room and went downstairs to grab some food. As she walked downstairs, Hinata smelt something good and quickly went to the kitchen to see what was cooking.

There she saw her dad cooking dinner for her and her brother. Hinata saw on the counter ingredients for a katsu curry, her and her brother’s favorite meals. She started to drool over how good her father’s katsu curry was, and she was distracted by dinner, then getting her friends some food.

“Hinata...Hinata,” A voice called out to her, but she was still drooling over the meal. “Hinata!”

“Eh!” Hinata exclaimed, snapping out of it. She then looked to see it was her father calling out to her.

“You're spacing out again.” Kagero pointed out.

Hinata chuckled nervously as she rubbed the back of her head. “Sorry dad, I was just grabbing some snacks and smelling how good the dinner was.” She explained.

Kagero put his hands on his hips, smirking. “Grabbing snacks before cooking your favorite dinner?” He asked.

“Well, after dinner.”

Meanwhile, Dogday and Catnap were tired of waiting and headed downstairs to grab some food. Catnap squashed Dogday as they quietly walked downstairs. Once the two were downstairs, they were about to make it to the kitchen, but saw Hinata was still talking with her father.

“What do we do now?” Catnap asked, whispering.

“Hmm…” Dogday thought. The dog, Smiling Critter, looked around the house, seeing if there was a way they could sneak through without getting caught. He then got an idea. “Follow my lead.”

Dogday ran to the front door and tried to reach for the doorknob, but due to his height, he couldn’t reach it. “Catnap, could you give me a boost?” He asked.

Catnap sighed and lifted his best friend onto his shoulders so he could grab the doorknob. However, Dogday was heavy, and the two fell.

Kagero paused and looked over his daughter’s shoulder. “What was that?” He asked.

Hinata turned and panicked to see Dogday and Catnap leave the room. “N-Nothing!” She lied. “Probably Akira dropped something while unpacking!” She gave a nervous chuckle.

Kagero raised an eyebrow and went out of the kitchen to call for his son. “Akira! Are you alright!?” He asked.

“Yeah! I’m fine!” Akira called back.

“Okay!” Kagero didn’t notice Dogday and Catnap were hidden under a table by the front door, and walked back to the kitchen to cook. He then froze, seeing Hinata with a bag of chips in her hand.

Hinata chuckled. “It’s for later. I promised.” She reassured her father, but he didn’t believe the lie.

“What’s going on, Hinata?” Kagero asked.

“N-Nothing is going on.” Hinata denied.

“I know when you lie. Just tell me what’s going on.”

Hinata chuckled nervously. Okay, how does this work in TV shows? She thought to herself. Just as she was trying to think of an excuse, she heard a commotion.

“Ow! Dogday that was my tail!” Catnap yelled.

“Sorry!” Dogday yelled back.

“Now what’s going on?” Kagero asked as he went to see what was going on.

“W-Wait! Dad!” Hinata tried to stop her dad, but it was too late. Kagero’s eyes widened as he saw Dogday and Catnap trying to reach for the knob again.

Catnap’s eyes widened as he saw Hinata and Akira’s father staring at them in shock. “Uh…meow.” Catnap replied, trying to look like a cute kitty. However, he ended up dropping Dogday in the process.

“Ow!” Dogday groaned.

Hinata ran out of the kitchen while Akira ran downstairs, and both saw their dad catching Dogday and Catnap in the act.

“Hinata. Akira. What’s going on here?” Kagero asked.

The twins chuckled nervously as they looked at one another. “Well, it’s a long story.” Akira replied.

Once everyone was calm, Hinata and Akira decided to tell the truth and introduce Dogday and Catnap to their father.

“Dad, this is Dogday and Catnap.” Hinata introduced. Dogday smiled and waved at the older man, while Catnap smiled and nodded. “They’re from Jubilee Village.”

“A storm separated them and their friends from their home and landed them here on Earth.” Akira added.

“I hope we didn’t cause any trouble, sir.” Dogday said. 

Kagero chuckled, “You're good.” He replied. Dogday and Catnap were relieved that the man wasn’t upset with them. “Besides, with you two here, it makes the house full and lively again.”

Dogday and Catnap looked at each other, surprised. “So we can stay here?” Catnap asked.

“Of course.” Kagero replied with a smile.

Dogday and Catnap celebrated, jumping for joy, seeing that they were allowed to stay here. However, their celebration ended early when both their stomachs started growling, as they hadn’t eaten yet.

Kagero chucked. “Looks like you two sound hungry.” He pointed out.

Dogday and Catnap chuckled. “We haven’t eaten in a while.” Dogday said.

“Well, I just got done cooking dinner, and there’s enough for everyone,” Kagero replied.

“Alright!” Dogday and Catnap cheered.

The Hoshimiya family chuckled as the five went over to the table and had dinner. Dogday and Catnap enjoyed the food Kagero cooked and had seconds not long after. The Hoshimiya family laughed, seeing that Kagero was right; their family got lively. 

Later that night, everyone was asleep, except Hinata, who was at her desk as she pulled out a purple notebook from her bag. She set it down and turned to a clean page. Hinata pulled out a pen and began to write.

Hey mom,

I hope you don’t mind that I’m using your old notebook to write my journal entries. This notebook makes me connect with you since you died. Since we moved, I want to tell you everything that’s been going on.

So moving went well, Dad didn’t drive like a maniac as you’ve told us.

Hinata paused as she chuckled.

And this might sound crazy, but Akira and I made new friends. Well, not human friends, but a dog and a cat from another world. Then again, you loved making up stories before we went to bed, and the world our two new friends come from sounds like one of your stories you’ve told us.

Their names are Dogday and Catnap; they’re from another world called Jubilee Village, but a storm came and separated them from their friends. Akari and I promised to find their friends and take them back home.

Dad doesn’t mind, though; we’re not hiding this from him. He’s chill about having talking animals living with us; then again, you are too.

Hinata paused again as she frowned over what she wrote. She turned to the picture frame of her and her mother that was taken a year ago. Hinata sighed as she continued to write.

I miss you mom. I hope you're watching us wherever you are. I also hope you're watching Dogday and Catnap, too. Night mom. I love you.