Rebellion of the Red Flame

by Amy_CP

Summary:

War in the Dark Cacao Kingdom!

Ever since the banishment of prince Dark Choco, the king's power has been weakened.
Not only does he struggle with regaining his former strength, Dark Cacao is lost in a constant state of grief.
Cookies begin to turn their heads towards the empty throne. Corruption and manipulation find their way into the walls of the Black Citadel.
But that is not all: Rumors of a rebellion on the rise are being whispered. Rumors of dragons, fire and a new upcoming era.
But they're only rumors.

Until the first fight breaks out...

Notes:

• For Crystal_Eclipse.

Chapter 1: Prolog

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚜𝚑 and cold, just like the expression of the soldier, who was pushing his sugar horse to its limits. 

 

The poor animal had been urged to traverse difficult terrain at top speed for hours. With snowflakes piercing its and its rider' s skin like icy needles. Its rider felt guilty for rushing it like this, but he couldn't allow it to rest just yet. 

 

He had urgent news for King Dark Cacao Cookie. News that needed to be delivered as soon as possible. 

 

Thankfully the grand bridge leading up to the Black Citadel was already in sight. 

 

A few more canter jumps of his horse, and its hooves were clattering over the Bridge's black bricks. 

 

A guard by the gate heard and poked their armored head over the wall to see who was there. 

 

The soldier hadn't even reached the halfway point of the bridge, nonetheless he already started shouting. 

 

"Open the gates! I bring urgent news for the king!" To underline his statement, the soldier held up a badge, signaling his task as a messenger. 

 

Recognizing the badge and the uniform of his fellow comrade, the guard dissappeared from sight, hurrying down the wall to open the hefty gate, that was protecting the entrance to the Black Citadel. 

 

It was barely opened wide enough and the rider on his horse already barged through. He shouted a quick phrase of gratitude before leading his mount to the stables, where it could get some well deserved rest. 

 

The messenger jumped down from the poor animal, dropped the reigns into the hands of the stable hand and hurried off again. 

 

He hurried past the servants busy in the courtyard, who hastily made way. The way into the throne room - the Hall of Dignity - was a blur. The next thing he remembered was kneeling down in front of his king and bowing his head. 

 

His majesty King Dark Cacao Cookie was an imposing cookie of great strength and resolution. The dark fur around his shoulders made him seem even broader than he was and the spiky crown only added to the intimidation factor. Along with the serious face framed by long strands of raven hair. 

 

Even though a couple nobles, Watchers and two members of the king's guard were present, the throne room was silent, allowing the king's voice to resonate loud and clear. 

 

"What news do you bring, soldier? Speak." 

 

The soldier took a shaking breath, steadying his thoughts before speaking. 

 

"I bring news of a possible rebellion within your kingdom, your highness." 

 

A wave of gasps swept through the Hall of Dignity. A rebellion? Who would dare such a thing? Who would dare to oppose the king? 

 

Some of the present nobles started whispering among one another, worry evident on their faces. The atmosphere shifted into tense territory. 

 

The king however was not phased by this at all. He calmly asked the soldier. 

 

"What makes you state such claims?" 

 

The soldier took another deep breath. 

 

"There has been a violent infringement in the village of Whiterun. A group of twelve cookies clawd in red have assaulted the six local guards, overpowering them. They then proceeded to rob each shop in the village, vandalizing each house. They lit a giant fire in the market square and left a foreign flag."

 

The king hummed in thought, disgruntled by these news. 

 

"What about the citizens of Whiterun?" 

 

"They all escaped unharmed, your majesty. All citizens fled to the nearest military outpost, which is where I was stationed. They told us what had happened and showed us the flag. I was ordered to inform you immediately." 

 

"I assume you brought aforementioned flag?" King Dark Cacao Cookie questioned, stroking his chin in thought. 

 

The soldier nodded in confirmation. With shaking hands, he pulled out a rolled up cloth from his bag. It was of a vibrant, crimson color. 

 

"Show me." The king demanded. 

 

The soldier rose from his kneeling position and unrolled the cloth, revealing the flag's design. 

 

Painted on the red background was a winding golden dragon, breathing a flame. 

 

As he did so, a slip of paper fluttered to the ground. 

 

Another round of whispers rolled through the throne room. Again, the king ignored them, his violet eyes darkening as he stared at the dragon on the flag. The his gaze darted towards the paper on the ground. 

 

The soldier dared not to move, as his majesty guestured for one of his guards to pick it up and hand it to him. 

 

A soon as the paper was in his hands, he read it, of course. His face paled ever so slightly as he did. Besides that, nothing, not even the twitch of a muscle, gave away his discomfort about the message. 

 

Eventually he hastily crumpled up the paper and stashed it in a pocket somewhere in his coat. 

 

"Thank you soldier. Leave the flag here. You are allowed to take a rest in the Citadel's barracks. Eat. Sleep. And stay here to await my next orders." King Dark Cacao ordered. 

 

The soldier breathed in relief and bowed. "Thank you, your highness." 

 

"Dismissed." 

 

With a wave of the king's hand, the flag was taken from the soldier, who bowed again before leaving. Glad that this uncomfortable moment was over. 

 

After he had left, King Dark Cacao immediately called for his royal advisor and all watchers as well as high ranking military officials to discuss this matter of a potential rebellion. 

 

 

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Summary:

Cara and Affogato recieve their mission from the king.

Within twenty minutes or so, the Hall of Dignity drastically changed its appearance. Low tables were put together to form a really long one, that spanned from the throne across the entire length of the room. Cushions were provided as seating opportunities as well.

When Caramel Arrow Cookie, the first Watcher of the kingdom, arrived, everyone else already seemed to be there. Affogato Cookie, his majesty's right hand and advisor, included. It was quiet. Apparently she had missed the beginning of the meeting.

Affogato eyed Caramel Arrow with a small smirk hidden behind his gloved hand, bright eyes gleaming challengingly.

"Ah! The First Watcher!" He chuckled in a mocking manner. "Fashionably late. As per usual."

Caramel Arrow's face felt hot. Both from embarassment and anger. She knew she had to apologize for her late arrival, but also had a good reason for it.

However she did not want to give this vermin the satisfaction. So she bowed only into the direction of the king. A perfect 90 degree bend at her waist, as per curtesy.

"I must sincerely apologize for my late arrival, your highness. I was out on the Black Wall, checking on the new guards and how they were doing."

Understanding glints traveled through the eyes of the present cookies as well as approving nods. King Dark Cacao Cookie nodded as well.

"You are forgiven, First Watcher. Please, take a seat so we can continue."

Cara rose from her bow and walked along the table to her designated seat. It was relatively close to the head of the table, which she was decently proud of. She had earned her place and rank through hard training, labor and undying loyalty.

Unlike some snake, who only managed to persuade cookies by sugarcoated and false promises.

She sat down and had to fight back a smirk, when she saw Affogato's insulted face in the corner of her vision. The ganshin however hid his scowl behind his fan quickly.

The king glanced over the rows of present cookies. with a satisfied nod he raised his voice, presumably continuing where he left of.

"As I said, we have recived message of a rebellion establishing itself in our kingdom.", the king explained in his baritone - and also fairly monotone - voice. "Whether or not they will pose a serious threat remains unclear. So far they have only attacked one village and not killed any civillians. They have, however, stolen a significant amount of goods and supplies."

Cara nodded. She had heard the rumor from one of her comrades, who had spoken to the unlucky messenger. So far this 'rebellion' has only acted like a group of thieves. Perhaps it was less of a threat than initial worry made it up to be.

"A bunch of thieves they are. We should catch them and throw them into jail! Or force them to work on the wall." A relatively young Lieutenant spoke up. His commanding Vice General, Cube Choco Cookie, calmly interrupted him.

"Now, now. It won't be as easy as that. First we gotta figure out where exactly they are."

The Second Watcher nodded. "That alone can prove itself more difficult than we might think."

Affogato cleared his throat. "If I may add my own humble thoughts... I believe the best way to learn about this new opponent is to send spies and perhaps harm them from the inside of their ranks."

Right. A spy for you to gain more allies... Cara thought bitterly, as Affogato named two of his most trusted disciples, which he saw fit for the job.

King Dark Cacao pondered all that was said before drawing a conclusion.

"Sending spies may not be my usual way to deal with a problem, but seeing that we know verly little about this so called 'rebellion', it might be a smart move. It would quickly clarify the scale of the threat."

Oh heavens above, please no-

"Nevertheless I have other candidates for this mission in mind."

Affogato lowered his head, sunken in thought.

Cara's interest was piqued. At the same time she was relieved the king didn't blindly follow what his advisor said. She sensed the curiosity in the other cookiesaround her, who were also waiting for his majesty's next words.

"Thank you all for coming everyone. Take the given information along and instruct your troups to act accordingly. Caramel Arrow Cookie. Affogato Cookie. I would like to speak to you in private. The rest may resume their duties." The king nodded and the conference was over.

Shuffling and movement filled the Hall of Dignity. Everyone except for Cara and the snake got up and left quietly. Soon the hall was vacant except for the three and one royal guard.

Cara straightened her posture, awaiting the king's orders. She had a bad premonition about this set-up.

"Please come closer First Watcher." King Dark Cacao beckoned her over with a wave of his hand.

She did so without hesitation and stood before his throne. The king motioned for Affogato to stand beside her. He only moved after a moment of hesitance, clearly not happy about being put as an equal next to Cara.

He was wearing perfume. It was so strong and sweet, that Cara almost gagged from it. She wanted to shove him to gain a bit more distance between them. Following her better judgement she decided againstit however.

Not in front of the king. She could shove him later in a corridor. Or down a flight of stairs. Surely she would make lots of cookies happy.

"There's a bit of information I have deliberately kept from the rest." The king admitted after a small moment.

Both cookies in front of the throne tilted their heads. 

Dark Cacao reached behind himself and brought forth a lrage piece of cloth. Unrolling it revealed a flag.

"They have a flag?" Affogato gasped in disbelief. "Perhaps the threat is already bigger than anticipated?"

Cara shook her head. "With all due respect, many insignificant groups of thieves have flags or banners nowadays. It's an odd trend they have developed."

Affogato huffed. "And they have golden paint on them?"

"Very much so." Cara sent him a light glare.

King Dark Cacao sighed, effectively interrupting their bickering. "There's also this note. It came along with the flag."

He showed it to them. The note said:

You won't be king much longer.
- E.

That was all. It was written in neat handwriting though. This might come in handy when identifying the author of this note.

Cara's stomach twisted a little however. This was a direct threat to his majesty. Pretty bold, if she had to be honest. 

Affogato eyed the note in suspicion. "Who do these imbeciles think they are??"

"I don't know. But you two will find that out for me." The king said seriously.

Cara gasped. She was supposed to spy on the rebels?? With Affogato?? As a team? What did she do to earn this punishment...? Thankfully the ganshin seemed to be equally dismayed.

"My liege, you can't mean..."

"Yes, Affogato. I do mean it." Dark Cacao straightened his back. "As my Royal Advisor and First Watcher I trust you two the most to mingle with the rebels without having to worry about your loyalty. I want you to leave early next morning if the weather allows it. Reportback to me with any news you will find."

Oh heavens... This is gonna be the end of me. 

Despite her bitter thoughts, Cara kept a stoic expression and bowed alongside Affogato, accepting the mission.

"Yes, my liege."

"As you wish, your majesty."

 

 

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

Summary:

A familiar someone joins the rebels.

Somewhere in the snowy valleys of the kingdom, a lone figure marched through the snow. His black cape and overall darker appearance in stark contrast to the endless white around him. 

 

Stoic as ever, he set one foot in front of the other, not minding the cold winds blowing tiny ice crystals into his face. They stuck to his lashes, freezing them partially. His every breath was visible before him. 

 

But he wasn't bothered, no. He grew up here. Nothing about this experience was foreign to him. 

 

He just pulled his hood further into his face and kept going. 

 

His destination slowly became visible before him. A simple yet sturdy wooden wall surrounding a settlement. 

 

He remembered this place. This used to be a normal village at the foot of a mountain. Originally it was founded to guard the mountain pass not to far from it. Back in the days of his younger self it was already filled with people, fundamentally different to the rest of his kingdom. 

 

They had always been free thinkers. Sceptical towards the king even. It was no wonder they had taken on this path of resistance now. 

 

He was keen on joining them. 

 

Finally he stood before the closed gates to the fortified settlement. Quietly he waited to be noticed. He never was a loud cookie to begin with. Shouting had just never been part of his nature. 

 

Thankfully he didn't have to wait long. An archer in a red hanbok with leather wrist guards and shoulder pads peeked his head over the wall. He squinted at the dark figure in the snow. 

 

Hands clenching around the bow, he snarled. 

 

"Name and reason for being here?" 

 

The visitor pulled back his hood, revealing raven hair with two white streaks in it, that barely went to his shoulders. A single, red eye returned the archer's surprised glare. 

 

"My name is Dark Choco Cookie. I wish to join your cause." 

 

The archer stared a moment in disbelief, before jumping down from the wall to open the gates. 

 

As soon as they did, Choco pulled his hood back over his head. He didn't want to be recognized by everyone immediately. First he had to figure out, what the other rebels thought of him. 

 

Inside the village, two more soldiers (dressed in similar uniforms as the archer) awaited him. They took him into their middle and beckoned him to follow them. 

 

They brought him down the main pathway. Workshops littered the street left and right. All sorts of things were crafted in them. From odd looking saddles to armor to weapons. What surprised Choco the most however, was the delicious smell of food wavering through the air. He could smell a variety of herbs and spices, all in defiance of his kingdom's customs. 

 

The Dark Cacao wasn't big on using spices, due to the scarcity of food in general. If you're lucky, your meat jerky was seasoned with a little salt. 

 

But this, here, smelled like a lavish variety of a lot of foodstuffs. He wondered ho they pulled this stunt of. Hopefully he would learn soon. 

 

The soldiers brought him to the largest house in the village. Coincidentally, it sat at the opposite end of the settlement, it's slight elevation allowing it to overlook the other houses. 

 

The door was unlocked and the inside clean and tidy. Choco took of his boots and the soldiers asked for his weapon. Obediently he handed them his sword. (And cape, inside of the house was comfortably warm.) Only then was he allowed to step from the entrance area onto the polished wood floors of the living area. They were so shiny, they almost reflected his dark figure like a mirror. 

 

He didn't glance at his almost-reflection and wandered towards the fire pit in the middle of the space. It was embedded into the ground, with a low table built around it and a kettle hanging on a chain above the fire. 

 

Since he wasn't told what to do here, he took the freedom to sit down at the table. Folding his hands neatly, he waited patiently. 

 

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw one soldier cross the room and go up the steep stairs to the second floor. The other soldier stayed behind to watch him. 

 

Choco glanced around the room. The lower floor of the house was definitely built in an open floor concept. Warm colored walls comlimented the dark wood floors and plenty of windows gave the space a more welcoming atmosphere. A more comfy looking lounging area was grouped around a second fireplace on the other side of the room. A couple shelves stood against the walls, filled with papers, books and the occasional decorative item. Wallspace that wasn't covered by a shelf, was either decorated with a display of hunting trophies or the banner of the rebels. 

 

Choco stared at it for quite a while. What could the dragon stand for? 

 

Before he could dwell on it further, two figures descended the stairs. The soldier and the cookie, who he presumed to be the leader of this organization. 

 

Crumbs, what was it with him and ending up under the command of intimadting women...? 

 

She was almost as tall as him. Her stern, amber eyes framed by sleek, brown hair that almost reached her knees. Her hair was partially put up and adorned with golden accessories, that had the shape of flames. Her hanbok, too, was red, but significantly more ornate. Embroidered fire climbed its way up from the hem of her clothes towards her belt. Nonetheless, her overall appearance seemed suited for battle. 

 

Choco swallowed. 

 

She thanked the soldiers and sent them on their way to continue their duties. Then she approached Choco and sat down across from him. 

 

"Tea?" She asked with a subtle smile. 

 

Choco nodded. "That'd be great." 

 

She nodded and checked if the kettle had water, which it did. With a more satisfied smile, she reached underneath the table and brought forth two clay mugs without handles. 

 

"Forgive me, but this won't be a tea ceremony." She muttered, while preparing two servings of green tea. 

 

Choco didn't mind, honestly surprised by this level of hospitality. 

 

Once done she handed him his mug and set down sugar and honey on the table as well. Where on earthbread did she get that from...? 

 

With a guilty twinge in his stomach, he reached for the sugar and allowed himself one spoon of it in his tea. 

 

The woman before him nodded approvingly, before getting her own dose of sugar. 

 

"I never was a fan of bland tasting things. If I were, I'd just drink water." She sighed. "Anyhow. Now that you're accommodated, I believe it's time I introduce myself. My name is Ember Cookie, but you will address me as either ma'am or milady. Whatever tickles your fancy." 

 

Choco nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

 

Thankfully he wasn't new to using such terms. 

 

"You said you wanted to join my cause. Why?" She suddenly, but calmly cut straight to the point. 

 

"Well..." Choco mumbled, taking a sip from his tea. "This kingdom is in dire need of change. The citizens are starving, threats from the wilderness are barely under control and no one's making efforts to trade with neighboring nations to improve our shortage of basically everything. I tried to... Reason with my father about these changes, but... "

 

His voice trailed of and he quietly guestured towards the scar over his missing eye. 

 

"...It obviously didn't end well." Ember finished his sentence for him, which prompted another nod from him.

 

"Yes. He is very... Advice-resistant. Ignorant even. I believe a rebellion is needed to bring this land the change it deserves." Choco finished his reasoning. 

 

Ember nodded, seemingly satisfied with his arguments. 

 

"Very well then, Dark Choco Cookie. Welcome to the Rebellion of the Red Flame. We will find a position for you that is suited to your skillset. And maybe even teach you a little more." 

 

Ember reached over the table to shake his hand firmly. With this guesture, his fate was sealed.