The Rebirth of the Phoenix

Chapter 26: The Snowy Plains

The four Cookies are walking over the grounds of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. Strangely, only two wore warm coats. They found a small cave and decided to rest.

"...How is it possible that you two aren't bothered by the cold?!?!" Gingerbright yelled. Sure, she's not from Earthbread, but that didn't mean that she was inmune to the temperatures.

"I feel cool, at  least." Wizard Cookie responded while snuggling to Gingerbrave, the winged cookie really has advantages of being a pheonix. 

After the chat, the four Cookies continued their trek to the Dark Cacao citadel.

"Look! A village!" Gingerbrave informed the others, who were getting near the kingdom: "We just need to head there and deliver this letter!"

A sudden gust came over them and a lion-looking beast is about to attack them. Before the beast could claw them, a archer Cookie used a black-and-white bow and hit the snow lion. 

"Are you safe?!" The Cookie asked, she had brown and black hair and led them to the Milk Village.

The Cookies learned that the king stopped sending Watchers as Dark Cacao Cookie was strengthening the defense against the Licorice Sea...

Continuing to the Citadel, the archer intreduced herself as Caramel Arrow Cookie: "I am but a humble servant of the king, one of the Watchers. Caramel Arrow Cookie, at your service." As she also stated that she was banished from the kingdom.

________

Each step closer to the Cacao kingdom, they saw a chocolate monument, at the bottom flowers and incense were placed.

"This is the Altar of the Fallen, a monument to honor Watchers who have fallen in the line of duty... They are... were... the names of my comrades in arms." Caramel Arrow Cookie said: "Though I miss them... I am honored to have served together! Not a speck of dust or grime... It's good to see this place still held in high regard... despite our situation..."

Caramel Arrow Cookie proceeded to light an incense in front of the structure.

After walking for a while, they reached the citadel, but the gates were locked.

As Caramel Arrow Cookie spoke to the gatekeeper, a chocolate coated white-haired Cookie interrupted their conversation. His name is Affogato Cookie.

"YOU! Lazing about more than usual, I see?! Just how many sweets have you engorged yourself on?!" Caramel Arrow Cookie accused: "Dishonorable worm! It is all because of your poisonous falsities! Stand aside! I shall ask the king about my so called crimes!"

"Our king is preoccupied with a matter of great importance. He cannot be disturbed, nor will I allow such a disturbance! Begone!" Affogato Cookie said as he walked away.

The Cookies couldn't enter the Citadel though the main gate. As Caramel Arrow Cookie decided to enter the kingdom through hidden passages: "Follow me. Hold position in front of the entrance. I shall open the door for you from the inside!"

"She didn't know I could fly right?" Gingerbrave asked after Caramel Arrow Cookie left. He checked for any leftover Watchers as he opened the gate: "I'm surprised I instinctively knew Dark Cacao Kingdom's mechanisms. Now, let's hurry and check out Dark Cacao Kingdom's situation!"

________

In the other side of the walls, Dark Cacao Cookie is seen leading the construction.

"The fortifications were ordered to be bolstered weeks ago, but it's proceeding as slow as the snow would melt here...! Bring more cocoa and syrup! Coat these walls in more layers of chocolate!" Dark Cacao Cookie stated: "Bring more chocolate bricks and cauldrons. Ensure there are enough arrow to hold off a siege! All towers and stations of the citadel must be supplied!"

Affogato Cookie walked towards the monarch: "Pardon my curiosity, my Liege. We have already a sturdy and fortified wall. Why must the citadel be strengthened with such fervor?"

"Silence! There won't be meals at all if our kingdom is to fall."

"A hundred pardons, your Majesty. Though I humbly stand my word, observe: the soldiers are growing weary."

"There is no room for regret if we are ill-prepared when the disaster strikes. All of you, double your efforts!"

________

"Ahhh... yes, everything is moving forward like clockwork. Confidence in our king is drying out by the minute." Affogato mumbled to himself while walking over the Citadel's walls: "...Something is missing... there must be a way to make this kingdom my own on one fell swoop..."

A red Cookie dressed in black with golden accesories appeared before him:

"What an amusing conspiracy... Has the kingdom been faring terribly of late?"

"All gates of the citadel are locked shut! How did you get in here?!"

"Dark Choco Cookie! Hooray! He showed us the way..." Poison Mushroom Cookie cheered behind Licorice Cookie.

"Dark Choco Cookie! The traitorous prince who struck down his own father before fleeing?"

"Watch your words. I won't warn you again..."

"P-P-PRINCE DARK CHOCO COOKIE?! B-but you fled from our kingdom? W-w-what are you doing here...?"

Pomegranate Cookie intervened: "Calm your nerves, we mean you no harm. We are merely seeking an ally... such as yourself."

"If you truly wish to take the king out, bring him to the top of the tallest wall. I will take care of him myself." Dark Choco Cookie informed: "You have no choice. Refuse our offer, and our armies will ravage this entire land."

"This kingdom will fare even in the absence of its king. After all, are you not the most capable, beffiting of the throne?" Pomegranate whispered.

________

"Affogato Cookie! The skies have gone black and the sea is getting agitated! Something foul is afoot!" A Dark Cacao Watcher spoke: "The Watchers decided it is wise to report this to the king! Fear is gripping their hearts as we speak!"

"Our king has... departed from the premises and left all matters of the kingdom to me. My words are delivered on behalf of the king! You need not to seek him out desperately."

"My Lord! What should we do about the Licorice Sea! Lord Affogato Cookie, please!"

"Ah yes. Do not be concerned with the Licorice Sea. Let us hold a ritual passed down from my clan to calm its waters. Relay my intent to the Watchers at once!" Affogato Cookie ordered: "As my very own servants will make preparations. As I am required elsewhere, I take my leave!"

...

A table with rice jellies and incense was placed upon the Cacaoian walls, as the Dark Cacao Watchers were restless.

"The altar has been prepared, good sage! Please, pacify the Licorice Sea!"

"Tide spirits of the Licorice Sea! Long have we resided upon these lands, disregarding your whispers. May we appease your rage! Accept our offerings and grant us peace once more. Throw the rice jellies into the fire!"

"Huh!? There's something beneath the water... Something... sinister! SEA MONSTERS!"

________

Back to the cookies, they were wandering near the Castle's gates, but they can't afford to be caught. Not before they give Dark Cacao Cookie Pure Vanilla Cookie's letter.

"Gingerbrave, I feel... something ominous near this here..." An orange light whispered, the light came from the four-pointed star gem dangling from a silver chain attached to the candy cane's handle.

"I guess checking it out wouldn't hurt..."