Chapter Text
PROLOGUE
Long ago beneath the endless silence of snow and stone, two rulers stood as opposites bound in one accord.
Both cold, and cruel, but with their own motives.
One born of the darkest cocoa bean, one who would live to train armies, forced from bitter strength and unyielding will,
One born from untreated illness--A cold ruler of Life, playing and dictating god in her own hands.
A kingdom stood with no warmth, and the cold cruel take of life stood with no empathy, but a pact was struck in the stillness of the ancient cavern. Their hands meet--Cookie, against ice, and a promise was woven into the fabric of the land itself.
Their hand raised, the lightest and softest of blue fingers edged forward, with a curve that reminded one of Icicles on the tip of each finger.
The two met in a cavern, hollowed out and forged with only the prettiest icicles; the walls seemed to be so crystal clear, they acted as mirrors. Chills would run up and down your body, no matter on how much armor you wore it always found a way to creep in, like slither, blue, prodding snakes.
The King would turn, and he'd be met with a face; one he grew ages to remember, to yearn and hate all the same.
Her eyes are a piercing shade of cerulean, embedded with slits of white, slashing through her eyes like white daggers. Those were the most striking part of her face, glowing faintly with the ancient power of winter’s soul. They hold an unyielding calm, yet an undeniable chill that can silence any who dare oppose her. Her attire cascades like a waterfall frozen to time—an opulent gown composed of translucent shards and layer. Finally, perched upon her head is a magnificent crown of frost, its design an intricate lattice of icy filigree and long, elegant icicles that reach skyward like frozen spires, signifying her cold royalty. And her hair flows down in pale, silvery-blue strands, resembling a long, delicate yet dangerous strand of ice, each strand refracting light like a crystal in the sun. Her lashes and eyes would slowly shut.
'' So long as you honor my dominion; what encases and supports this world, this life, no harm shall come to you or your own. Break my bond, Cacao, and you'll find that the price you may pay, will be far worse than death-- and etched into your kingdom's very soul. '' Her voice firm, the cavern around it echoing and ricocheting like a silent bullet.
'' By my name, Dark Cacao Cookie, I give you my word. I shall not raise my blade nor my hand against the ice you claim as yours. I will not fracture what you guard, nor trespass over dominion. Let frost remain frost, untouched by my might and resolution. '' Cacao's hand would place upon his chest, fingers curling against his armor, they can't help but shake. With a second to think, he continued, '' This I swear, so long as you keep your silence and trust upon my kingdom, and you protect, as the force of nature you are. ''
A draft seemed to invade the cave, parting Cacao's hair into strands and slightly larger pulls, while the woman standing before him, her hair stood rigid. There were no witness around, just a silent trade between two who could've had more.
Dark Cacao reached outwards, his gauntleted hand hid the trembling that the armor covered, it had always been like that, armor to cover what he deemed too ''vulnerable,'' or '' sensitive.'' Only now he felt the crystal fingers seemingly pierce through his armor--and touch underneath. Her breath exhaled and she stared at him--
Cold. It was always cold.
'' By my name, Frost Queen Cookie, I vow, so long as your word stands and your sword is lowered, no storm of mine shall lash your land. No shard of ice will pierce your walls like unforgiving arrows; nor snow smother your people or trades. I shall keep winter at bay, as long as you honor the ice. '' Her fingers faltered in his grip for longer than they should've, waiting with patience that seemed all too unlike her. He'd raise her hand, talons of ice curling into his palm, and he'd lower his head, not in respect or even fear-- but in reverence, His lips touch the back of her hand, it's the softest, gentlest touch he's ever bestowed upon another living creature. In the small time the kiss happened, he was overwhelmed by just her--and her hands alone. They were almost frozen to the bone in frost and clingy ice, adorning her arms and hands like slim reapers, but he didn't want to exactly pull away neither--his head raised though.
'' This I swear, until the mountains and I, and I alone, crumble to dust. ''
And then a bond was set--a vow bestowed upon years and years to come, one offered protection and the other gave reassurance of what was hers would stay hers.
Years later the king walks these halls. Hundreds and hundreds later--enough to make a few mistakes he could repair, enough to change demeanor and personality, someone new, but he had built what he had craved for most, a protected family. Silent but heavy-footed, it was always easy to tell the king was arriving via his footsteps, it was as if the stone bowed under his presence. In the hush of these harsh, cold nights, only the torchlight he held kept shadows at bay.
He stood outside his daughter's chamber. Caramel Arrow Cookie, most trusted warrior of the Dark Cacao Kingdom he had--and more importantly, yes, his daughter. Taken in as she had stumbled across the kingdom, she had promising talents as a young cookie, determined, loyal--no matter what it seemed he put her through, she'd come back mostly unscathed. Even through the unfortunate, vulnerable episodes where he had casted her out--banished, in his time of need she came back, proving that with no doubt she still believed in him, not just as a Cookie, but a King.
However, despite her strong attributes, sleeping properly on a bed was not one of them, many times when he'd check on her, her sleeping positions would be... ever-slightly weirder every time.
He'd open the door, her room was always neat and tidy, due to how she's oddly very strict on how her room is organized and laid out, but it's still got an essence of comfortable with the amount of blankets she liked on her bed--which is surprising because she sleeps above them all. She's stretched across the bed in her pajama's instead of inside it, bow still propped against the wall within reach for... just in case. Dark Cacao couldn't help but smile at her unorthodox ways of sleeping--his probably weren't better.
He'd carefully gather her up, hand on one back, one under the knee's just to quickly move her, he'd shift her so she'd lay beneath the covers, most night's he'd have to do this and he didn't know if she knew he did-- the nights get cold; extremely cold. His hand brushes her hair backwards, Caramel ever rarely had her hair down, when it wasn't in her classic ponytail it was pretty long, he wondered how long it would take to actually tie her hair. Strands fell across her face, he bent, as he had her since childhood he pressed a kiss to her brow, like a father would so--
and froze.
It's visible but ever so faintly and he could feel it when he ran his hand properly along her head, the skin was cold; unnaturally so. Small bumps rose along her temple, crystalline ridges that caught whatever light it would be able to snuff out. Nor scars, not marks--
Ice.
And it's growing beneath her skin.
Cacao would pull back briefly, and his breath would catch in his chest, brutally snatched by surprise, the torchlight flickered across the frost that had begun to take root and place beneath his daughter's flesh, he'd carefully inspect it. These were like shards--icicles even-- almost like they were slowly piercing out of the skin, or being slowly pressed outwards. He'd try to chip it off, maybe it was frozen from her duties of being a Watcher-- but that stayed on--
And he couldn't help but be terrified, despite knowing everything would be alright, wouldn't it?
Chapter 2: Day: 3 / The calm before the frost
Summary:
Caramel comes to wake her father up, reminding him of the such special day the two have together!
She's cheery and in a good mood--cacao brushes it off and spends the day with her!
Chapter Text
THE THIRD DAY / THE CALM BEFORE THE FROST
It was a surprisingly normal day in the Dark Cacao kingdom--weather wise.
The sky was surprisingly clear--well, as clear as lavender purple skies would get, the clouds intertwined like dancing friends swirling with delicate kicks, the sun blocked by their radiance but it seemed to not mind, letting the clouds shine and clot together further. The kingdom below the castle seemed to be in a much brighter mood--they say weather affects the person, that would absolutely be true with the Dark Cacao Kingdom! The residents flourish and thrive, they're more hustle-bustle and out on the streets, young denizens would squander around dark-chocolate slabs on the street, elders would set up vendors--it wasn't like they'd be able to attract any outsiders due to the strict limitations still on who enters and leaves the kingdom but it's lenient now, some from the Milk Tribe even choosing to come, see, buy and leave!
There's always a freezing wind in this damn kingdom though--despite if the universe deemed it a ''nice day.'' The fortress at the top of the kingdom seemed to silently groan, as it had done for the hundred of years it stood, the fortress carries the bite of cold that never truly left the moments, but within the castle and it's chocolate lathered walls, warmth lingered--embers pulsed low in the hearths and the heavy pelts kept all sorts of invading drafts at bay.
Cacao lay in his chambers, fire flickering in the hearth across his room, god--he wished for just a day of rest, the weeks of endless writing, solving disputes with lingering tribes and residents, or even other kingdoms, it was tiring, he'd always felt a little... different to other rulers, but a ruler is a ruler, and they'll all stand till they fall, he is no different. It's only here when Dark Cacao stirred awake, to the noise of soft knocking by his door.
He'd silently grumble in his throat, his palm lay across his face, fingers slightly tensed as he rubbed his eyes awake, '' Proceed. ''
'' Good morning, my liege! '' came the voice from beyond the door--instantly recognizable, but bright and too eager to be awake for an hour this early, '' You have to hurry, or you'll sleep the whole day away! '' A hand would peek throughout the now open door, the click of it opening not even registering to Cacao, the door opening before he could even answer. The soft thud of black boot against carpet was almost unnoticeable, and as soon as he knew it, Caramel stood in his bedchambers, her hands curiously clapped together like almost.. praying.
She seemed to look and feel entirely different--her hair, long and usually tied up was loose and displayed for all to see, it seemed to fall like black silk, tinted with her iconic caramel streaks that decorate her hair--Caramel's always taken pride in her hair, it being long and healthy, it almost touches her ankles, but despite that she's still wearing her normal uniform. Her eyes of russet glinted brightly out of excitement. Her smile is wide and she tilted her head, hair slightly parting like waves.
'' Father, you've forgotten, '' her hand planted on her hip, if Cacao were paying attention, he'd see the discoloration in her fingertips, she'd walk closer to the bed, and he had not moved an inch-! Her hands planted on his shoulder as she slightly shook, '' Father-! ''
Cacao was up faster than he should've been, clicking something that should not have clicked, but definitely did. Yeowch. But her hands had a faint chill but it was as if he felt it through a blanket and robe entirely.
'' Caramel, you're freezing. ''
'' My King, I've been up at a very... odd time, forgive me, but I was just so- so overwhelmed with uh-- excitement! I simply couldn't wait! ''
'' And theee... special occasion? '' He'd retort, when waking up Cacao did not have his usual ''stone face,'' that he was so famously rumored for, he was expressive and right now staring at Caramel, extremely confused. The King would lump himself up onto his forearm and squint at her.
Caramel would huff, but she didn't seem all too bothered, just rolling her eyes with a casual huff, '' The day! Or well, our day! The day I officially became truly apart of this kingdom and--and your life... ! ''
Those hands seemed to grip tighter onto one another, as if holding back, and Caramel's eyes looked as if almost pleading despite being a happy grin.
Ahhh, that day.
Dark Cacao would blink as he sat upright, fur cloak slightly drooping from his shoulders. Her happiness felt downright unusual before this--the day, but that's right.
On this day many years ago, Dark Cacao, despite never being great with kids as it was obvious from the... past, had finally accepted the responsibilities of what he was bestowed, Caramel was always working with the kingdom forces, even at a ripe young age, but every night she would leave with no informing and sleep somewhere hidden, discreet--but It was still on the street... and looking at this once so young girl, born in the frosty lands, but with a bright fiery soul, and unbridled passion for the craft's of bows, he'd figured he could start new... and fix what he had broken before, adopting her. It wouldn't be long after, he'd adopt Crunchy Chip too--but Witches... who even knew where he was...
He'd smirk and lower his head, '' Hmph, '' before sitting upright, '' So it is, this couldn't wait at a time I was awake for? '' It was a reasonable request, he was only just draped in a robe under blankets, his chest bare and scarred with cuts from how long ago... his hair was also a mess that'd take longer than ideal to get to it's normal, silky, long length.
'' If I left you to your own reigns--you'd sleep half the day, sire. '' Caramel sat on the bed and chuckled.
He'd retort, '' Very well, within reason, be up in twenty or so--what shall we be doing? The day belongs to you solely then. '' Cacao would pull the covers, and he'd twitch at the seemingly cold air, he'd notice Caramel's own breath was showing, it was frigid. He'd swung and stood on his feet, pulling the lengthy, thick robe around his body with a ruffle. Then and only then when he looked at her--it seemed she were not even a Watcher, but his warm daughter standing below him, uniform a tad bit too large, and a weapon she had yet to master, proud filled him, proud for her and himself--he had done it right this time.
Caramel's answer was short and quick, like she had it prepared in the back of her mind, or even the tip of her tongue.
'' Training. ''
This wasn't a usual for him, training early on a Saturday morning, a surprise but a welcome one. She had always favored the weight of her splitting Gakgung, it seems she'd like to dance between sword and blade, for fun, or to refresh herself? It was unclear, the sting of sparring got a thrill out of Caramel arrow. It was her language of joy, a lovely memory of how she even ended up in this life, sparring and pushing herself to be even stronger! This was her measure of closeness with him.
And so with a acknowledging nod, and a smile that was able to able to form after years, Caramel's eyes glistened with sugary delight, her head shooting up like an attentive student, eager to honor and learn. She'd quickly get up and her footsteps thud away, Cacao would slightly move. '' Tie your hair-- ... '' He called out, but no response came, typical. She wouldn't spar with her hair down, would she?-
Later that morning, the courtyard echoed with the clash of steel against blade.
Caramel had split her bow into two as it should, two hand-wielded blades of opposites, harmony and chaos, apathy and resolution, determination and vacillation, when brought together they worked in beautiful harmony in The hands of the beholder. Each blade is, like its constructed form when a bow, half-black and half-white and each appears to be a perfect mirror. Caramel's laughter rang sharper than her blades, more vibrant than usual. Dark Cacao would parry each blow, his stone face faltering throughout the whole fight--genuinely enjoying himself.
'' Your moves, Caramel, they're reckless! I could've hit you multiple time's, I hope your giddiness won't transfer to when a true battle begins, '' he exaggerated, catching her off guard; blocking another swing of her blade with his sword, pretending to pierce her chest and mocking the strike with an overdramatic ''boom'' noise from his lips.
'' Reckless? '' Caramel shot back between breaths. '' No, sire!--Just happy! It feels as if ages since I've spared with you properly. '' And for once, she seemed to be truly happy, it wasn't like she never was, she just kept it more reserved, Cacao couldn't help but adore this lively persona of his daughter.
'' Then let us continue! '' He cackled, raising his sword to the sky, piercing--splitting the air with a heavy woosh. His Soul Jam crackling in the overhead light of the sky-- and for once, he seemed happy too.
Her movements become light, her grin and slashes persistent and consistent; despite reckless. Caramel continued to laugh.
Swing, slash, woosh and crash-- the ding and schwing-- of blades flying and meeting one another, If you were inexperienced to the Dark Cacao Kingdom, you'd think it were a real fight! But no, just Father and Daughter.
Caramel even laughed when cacao's sword split with her weapon a little too hard-- knocking it aside, and it clinking and chattering against the floor. Her hands would just lose all tension, dropping her other blade and just bellowing. Cacao found it odd, like she had a case of the giggles! But she'd press again, fierce, determined, and burning!
From the edges of the courtyard, there laid a lone figure, leaning on the side of the bench, somewhat short and average-bodied, dark doughed with strikes of brown on each of his cheeks. Those blaring yellow eyes, similar to the animal that lays beside him. Hair white and cut very nicely, with black streaks, he leaned against his iconic Cream wolf, who leaned back in to his embrace. The outfit of Crunchy chip was a blend of his normal uniform with some more comfortable modifications to them, and with a modern hanbok shawl, with certain wolf like patterns and a white fuzzy trim.
Crunchy chip watched with wide, but almost used to these shenanigans, he'd huff and roll his eyes at the clashing, he was going to use the training grounds today for his Cream Wolves--but he'd let these two have their fun. He wasn't much older than Caramel, only being adopted a month prior to when she was when she were a kid, but he still felt included. To any other eyed, it was a picture of joy and celebration of Father and Daughter, family and warmth, warrior and heir, bound together in laughter; and royalty.
But beneath her strikes and the cheer of laughter, there lingered something faint that even she recognized a while ago, but she summed it up to being outside more than usual. Her fingertips had lightened, and a frost symbol appearing on her right shoulder, just underneath the skin, but It wasn't much for concern, she felt fine, ecstatic even! A shiver ran across Caramel Arrow's skin between strikes. And when she turned away from the King to grab her bow and move on with their day, now they were awake, the faintest sting and shiver trailed up her shoulder, and she'd never even know...
..of the thin frost patterns, delicate as spider silk, as white as softest cloud--but carrying the damage of a deadly spider, these frost patterns travelled, slowly, but they travelled.
The day would pass in the way that Caramel would forever remember.
They sparred for the morning, in the courtyard, until the stones of it would grieve the next time they matched, bearing the marks of their training, until her laughter could be heard over the fortress's walls, and with the confusion of a few denizens. Crunchy chip would briefly tag along as the two would look around in town, the siblings cracking jokes at one another--not ''sibling love,'' no--more like a secret bickering between the two that not even the King could decipher, they elbowed and giggled, attacking one another with snarky words or comebacks, Sibling stuff. Cacao can't help but thank he were an only child. The trio would walk outer halls, throughout towns, and through sneaky allyways till he'd disperse to catch a Cream Pup that had gotten lose.
For once, Dark cacao let himself be drawn into Caramel's own pace; he's not walking because he must be somewhere at once, he's walking because plainly--his daughter asked him to. And he let himself be drawn into the strange joy, that seemed to wrap her for this particular day. But when night fell, the two would return back to the comfort of their own walls.
In the familiar halls, Caramel felt slightly chilly, her hand would go unnoticed, and slip her sleeve more downwards to cover her arms, they're chilling! But the nights were harsh in the kingdom, as proven time and time again. Caramel sought something she had not seen since her earliest years, though.
Dressed in her familiar soft pajama's, the fabric is still the same as she enjoyed, soft and plushy, the button-downs running down the front are smooth and easy to walk in, and the collar, sleeve cuffs and overall sleeves remain in a fluffy, creamy white trim, which stand out against her gorgeous, fluffy pajama's. Who cares If she were grown--? Comfort over proper sleepwear any day! She padded to her father's chamber. In her hands, she clutched nothing--no bow, no arrows and no armor, only a quiet, unspoken request.
She'd knock, '' Father...? ''
'' Come in, '' His voice bellowed, as if he were expecting her. He was now in his regal robes, his most iconic 'Vanquisher of the Dragon' one's. His hair slightly tied up, and wearing purple half-rim glasses, he usually wore them when reading important documents, but they did help his sight exponentially.
'' Sire I... have a request. ''
'' Proceed. ''
'' I'm feeling quite... nippy--and you are always free to--to decline but may i.. sleep in your quarters tonight, to warm up..? ''
Cacao's heart melted--she used to sleep in his room when a younger cookie, the warmth always seemed to sooth her straight back to sleep if she woke up, and then she grew and he had to respect her privacy and independence by giving her her own quarters, but just her standing there made him wonder of how she was when she was a child, she'd crawl into his bed, and sleep in his loving embrace, trusting. He gave a solemn smile and nodded with no singular word; or even breath.
Her eye's light up and without a word, she climbed beneath his heavy furs, tucking herself close to him. He'd raise a brow at how comfortable she'd be getting, clearly taking advantage of her very comfy and warm position, he'd say nothing and tug at the edge of his great robe, wrapping it around her like an extra makeshift blanket, on her it hung like one even. Within moments, her head pressed against his chest, her breathing softened, and her weight stilled against him.
Dark Cacao's gaze would soften against his daughter. His hand would rest over her back and he couldn't help but run small circles over it, it seemed to be a soft motion she enjoyed, his hand dipped momentarily to the blankets and pulled them upwards, but as his eyes adjusted to the flicker of the hearth that illuminated the room in soft glows and pulses, he had noticed what he'd missed beneath the ordinary daylight.
Her lips-tinged pale, despite being warmed for a good thirty minutes or so.
Her fingertips-lightened, almost a lightened version of her dough, as if one was returning to--no, no.
No.
He'd lift her arm carefully, checking for splotches of weight on her dough--if that disgusting plague were to come back, it would affect the arms and throat-- and it would spread rapidly, but luckily It was not, he checked up and down her arm with extreme caution, and brushed of any signs of it being... that. No cookie was perfect, they all get ill and she was no exception, but that didn't stop a burrowed frow, and a concerned face.
He'd curved his arms around her, pressing and holding her closer, as though his warmth alone could drive out the creeping chill that threatened to consume both.
'' It was just the cold. '' He told himself. '' No cookie is invincible, we all get sick, if she were to get worse, she'd tell me and I'll have her observed for a day or so. ''
She stirred faintly but this did not wake her at all, her breath still brushed against him, and she even leaned into him. Dark Cacao shifted one hand, brushing the dark strands from her brow and eyes. The gesture was instinct at this rate, one he had done countless times before, to her and him, but not all enough to another. He bent downwards and lightly pressed a kiss to her forehead.
The skin beneath his lips was colder than it should've been.
Colder still... and harder.
Not all of her yet--only a whisper and only a trace, like frost blooming, and forming across a stone-carved monument, but it was there.
Dark Cacao lingered there, before turning onto his side, letting himself embrace her and her, him. His chest rose in relaxation, heavy with something but unsaid. And he held her tighter, as if he could keep the ice from taking her by sheer will alone.
He would get her monitored tomorrow for sickness.
Chapter 3: The Wolves will tell the Songbirds, of Frost and Fang
Summary:
Caramel Arrow decides to get up today! A remarkable achievement in of its own--and she decides of a rough... perilous journey...
To meet the Cream Wolves!!!!
But the Wolves are very aware.
Chapter Text
The Fifth Day ! Of Frost and Fang
The morning light would spill thinly through the windows, painting the walls of stone a soft gold.
Such as light is, creeping pale and thin across her room and the fortress itself.
Caramel was already ''up and at em,'' as they would say. But not with her usual steady readiness, with a slight hinge of restless energy, almost jittering beneath her skin, she summed it up to having a... few too many drinks last night, she wasn't a cookie to drink but urges arise, and it wasn't as if she was actively on search today--such reckless thinking she thought.
Caramel had already dressed herself, tugging the familiar fabrics on yet again, she slung her Gakgung across her shoulder; tightening the strap with ease and precision as if she were preparing to go on a great adventure! One that would surely challenge her mind, body, and wit alone! Her eyes shone bright, brighter than usual--! Too bright. She had decided today that this day, would belong to Crunchy chip; their shifts often if not overlapped, but other than that, the adopted siblings seemed... distant, and if there's one thing Caramel hated it was not being bonded and trusted by family.
She slung and prepared.. for what would be the most challenging expedition of her life...
No...
For what she was preparing was for far worse...
For what she prepared for was... meeting the adorable Cream Wolves, and the pups along with them!!
For today, she chose not to spar, but she chose to sought out her brother; Crunchy Chip, for such a perilous journey indeed.
She was already out her bedroom door by 7:30.
He was already in the courtyard when she arrived.
The proud figure stood in the courtyard, the even prouder Cream Wolves standing besides him; their hearts burn bright as they were linked together in soul. The fur of the Cream Wolves shone--fluffy and squishy they were, and it highlighted them against the stern stone of the courtyard.
It was training day for the wolves! Buttt... Crunchy Chip had an especially rough night last night, so he'd be going especially easy on the Cream Wolves--not the most dignified thing he had done as a warrior... but everyone needs their breaks. He sat on the bench side, eyes slightly droopy, his icing not properly brushed either, and he was oddly missing a glove. The wolves growled and playfully barked at one another; even going out to wrestle one another on the ground, playfighting. Crunchy Chip would nod his head occasionally, and toss out some decent scraps he got for them, from the kitchen, one wolf let an extremely large yelp sound out as it grabbed it and ran.
'' I think.. I needa train you more... feral little things.. '' Crunchy would sigh, hand leaning on one of his cheeks. It would slide up his face, and rub at his eyes. It got to a point where he hadn't even noticed Caramel Arrow standing right beside him. Her hand would plant on his shoulder--
SWIPE!
His instinct was to swipe her arm away, not out of training but also heightened awareness, he got more paranoid--or even aware when tired.
'' Crunchy!- ''
He'd squint as he heard who it was, '' Oh I--I'm uh-- Sorry, Caramel, I didn't realize it was you. '' He truly hadn't!
Caramel Arrow's eyes would soften as she gazed upon his disheveled appearance.
'' Mind if I joined you? '' she'd ask, kneeling down, her gaze had drifted towards the little pup by Crunchy's boot; this Cream Wolf was especially a runt of the litter, it's fur was messier, eyes seemingly too big and sad, wet. Sad it cannot rough and tussle like the other Cream Wolves could. Caramel's fingers would worm its way behind the pups ears with slight unusual vigor, it would lean in at first, appreciative of the scraps. It's only when Crunchy Chip nodded to let her sit beside, that she pulled the pup out, and onto her lap, it's tail flicked--but hesitated.
It shifted away as her fingers stroked it. Her touch lingered for too long, fingers skimming the animals fur like she couldn't quite... feel it, and with a seeming mewl jumped off her lap, it returned back to it's position under the bench and right against Crunchy's boot, ears pressed flat, and a slight rumble in its throat. The other Cream Wolves seemingly took notice, halting their playful fighting, their steps... uneasy, their noses twitched as though they caught a scent the cookies could not.
Crunchy chip frowned, '' That's strange... They've never acted like that before.. ''
He'd lean over the bench and pick up the pup, '' But... it is just a pup... not good around others juuust yet. '' His hand would ruffle the pup's fluff in-between its ears, the pup would relax, as if it were drifting asleep in his arms. Crunchy chip's eyes would seamlessly drift for a moment, before glaring at her, '' You're in a good mood. ''
These Cream Wolves were family though. He had grown with them as such; they were his family too. And their sudden caution wasn't something to take lightly.
Caramel would only left out a slight chuckle in her throat, but maybe even that was a sound too sharp, '' And you're not? ''
His attention would drift back to her, he added, '' No... I had the worst dream last night, seems to be reoccurring for a few days now... '' His chin would rest on his hand, letting out another huff. These dreams... they're worrying, for he cannot make sense of them himself.
Most of these dreams had happened recently, over the span of a few days. These dreams consisted of swirling colors... of Icy whisper and frosted mist, and powdered snow. These colours would swirl into visions, visions? Maybe they were just apparitions. The reoccurring one was this-- contorted limb, it was maybe an arm he had guessed, but inhumane. Malformed and hostile, but the one who it was attached to was seemingly transparent, like this arm could've been a host, a parasite that clung and infected. One time would've been enough but... over the countless days and sleepless nights, it had been more than worrying, he had now summed it up to maybe just paranoia, a common thing the Soldiers of the kingdom got over the countless trails and efforts they're put when in battle.
Caramel would nudge him, Crunchy had zoned out, '' Do you need to talk about it...? ''
Crunchy would huff, and then let out a chuckle, '' Nah, I'm fine. It'll go away, they always do. So why are you down here either way? ''
'' Well, I just feel like we haven't been talking as much lately, and I'm worried that our distance and.. other subjects could cause us to drift--''
'' You're worried of us drifting apart? You've always been a weird one with family... '' Crunchy cut her off and continued, '' You're my sister. And we aren't drifting apart, no matter how much you think we may do, I'm still gonna criticize your poor arrow skills, no matter how far we get-- '' His one-fanged smirk would reappear. His eyes would drift to the Cream Wolves, they seemed to reassume their playing.
Caramel would cackle, a bit too sharp and loud for such a slight joke but hey--she got more sleep than he did, and usually when she's well rested Caramel could be...energetic
As the hours went on, the two spent it talking, conversing, and since Caramel had such amounts of energy, she got up and decided to play with the Cream Wolves for a bit, using a spare arrow from her quiver to play with them; Crunchy chip silently pleaded that Dark Cacao himself did not notice the ''faffing around'' that the Cream Wolves were doing instead of training. But the slight unease in the wolves grew themselves. She would chuck the arrow various distances, they'd squabble and argue over who got it first--she even had to separate them a few times to make sure no actual fights sprouted. Her laughter was loud, and her gestures extravagant. The Wolves would bear their teeth at one another every time she tossed the arrows, but a particular time she went to break up a fight again their hackles rose--as though her warmth carried something wrong.
'' Caramel,'' Crunchy would step up, slightly cracking like stone, he'd step and grab her wrist, she'd be alarmed at the contact, '' The wolves are acting weird-- you haven't been around any other animals... have you? ''
'' What is your-- ... ah, now that you mention it, I may have been around some cream cats when with Father... ''
Crunchy chip would sigh and let go of her wrist, '' They hate cats-- well that explains their aggression towards you, make sure if you want to interact with them tomorrow, to shower. They have very strong noses; can track scents for days, a blessing and a curse however you see it-! ''
'' I've already showered though, I didn't think it would transfer even after cleaning... '' Caramel would glare to the Cream Wolves; who've gone back to ignoring the two and running around, chasing one another.
'' (They've never been like that before with someone, not anyone... If Caramel is true then-- It must be something else.) '' He'd think deeply to himself, one wolf, a particularly old one stood by his boot, diverging from the others. Its eyes would protectively fixate on Caramel, ready and prepared.
Her eyes soften slightly, but they sharpened, her tone would stay soft, '' So... I hope I have not done something to upset them. '' Caramel's foot would slip forward, and that old wolf would growl. It's fur slightly spiking up, and it's back hunching. Almost immediate, Caramel pulled back, her eyes shifting to shock. What had she done wrong, they'd never done this to her before...
Crunchy would gasp slightly before kneeling down, his puffy pants slightly dirtying as he kneels, claws from his Goreum smoothing down the Cream Wolfs fur; he'd usher and shush it. Once getting the Cream wolf to a relatively calmer state he'd stand up, voice and gaze shifting warily towards Caramel, '' I-- I'm sorry but they do not seem... comfortable near you--They've never acted like this towards someone I-- I'll get to the meaning of it, but I think it would be best for you to.. leave, sorry. ''
Caramel's heart would slightly sink, the warrior not knowing what she had done to deserve such aggression from such loveable creatures!- She'd huff, her breath forming in a icy, venomous mist.
'' I understand, enjoy your evening, Crunchy chip. ''
Her footsteps would echo as the confrontation ended, the stone of the courtyard silencing the helpless internal struggle, Caramel would then seemingly disappear inside the castle.
Crunchy's gaze would linger, for a little longer that necessary. That glint in Caramel's eyes seemed all too piercing.
The soft padded footsteps of hers went for hours. Caramel wandered aimlessly around around the fortress and it's walls, her earlier joy fading to a quite ache in her bones. Her dough prickled faintly, chilled from within. More than once she pressed her hands to the brazier's lining the walls, greedily drinking in their heat. But it never seemed enough. Caramel would lean against one specifically; not too close to get burnt against the fire, but it felt threatening. Maybe she was actually coming down with a cold-- such an odd thing for a Dark Cacao Warrior, she'd wonder.
If it weren't for the sudden deep voice that'd sounded out Caramel might've actually fallen asleep against the brazier.
'' Caramel Arrow Cookie. '' It was low and firm, but softer than it were in the morning.
The Watcher would recognize--and scramble up onto her knee's and almost fumble on getting up. Once up she'd brush her uniform out and stand up straight, '' Y-Yes sir! ''
'' You do not need to be so formal, you looked as if you were about to fall asleep in the hallway, '' his tone seemingly... worried. An anxious feeling spread throughout Caramel Arrow. Whenever the King expressed other seemingly buried emotions, it was always a weird experience.
He'd add on, '' I also saw your departure from the training grounds earlier, and the seeming fright from the Cream wolves. Did something happen between you and them? ''
Caramel would freeze up--truth be told, she didn't know what was actually... wrong, '' I..I don't know my.. Liege--The Cream Wolves seemed-- aggravated with me... A pup even running away from my hands. I thought it would be due to the cats we stumbled upon a few days ago-- but even I recalled I showered, so I do not know, sir... ''
Cacao stood firm and tall; but even he, for he didn't tend to the Cream Wolves, would recognize the aggression of such docile, tamed creatures. Dark cacao would step closer, the soft light of the torches on the walls provided some, but not a lot of light, it casted a shadow, it fell over her.
'' Are you alright yourself? ''
'' I am fine, Sir. ''
He'd study her in silence, gaze lingering on the paleness of her lips, the faint discoloration tracing her fingers-- were they... blueish? It seemed to clutch the skin. His hand would stretch out, and he'd command, '' Let me see your hand.
Her hand-- it seemed to freeze up. She had never been asked to show her hands or any other part-- she trusted the king but... it was as if he had just asked her to break her trusted Gakgung in front of him. Why did these such.. irresponsible emotions, such false ones too! Anxious? The Watcher had never heard of that! For she did not get-- ... maybe she did a little. Her hand stretched out, letting Dark Cacao's hand wrap around hers. The embrace of her fathers warm hands was oddly... comforting.
Cacao's eyes would widen slightly, '' You have been inside for hours, till the moon graces us with it's slumbering presence... and you're cold, '' He'd mutter.
Caramel Arrow would force a laugh stilted in her throat--it was awkward and slightly broken up, as if she were also trying... to breathe. '' It is just the cold, Father. You know me--I don't dress warm enough for the evening! I always assume the weather.. ''
For a long drawn moment, neither had spoke. Then Dark Cacao would exhale though his nose, the closest it came to being a sigh. He'd pat the back of her hand as if trying to warm her up. His hand would raise, heavy but gentle, and it would rest briefly atop her head.
'' Your fingertips are discolored, Caramel. I will see that the Second Watcher take your post for a few days, and I can see your breathe inside-- too visible, you seem labored.'' His speech would halt, as if he didn't always trust his decision, he never did, not after him, '' If it is only what you claim it is then see to it you warm yourself, and rest for a few days. I will not see you fall ill. The Healers will tend to you for your period off duty-- just in case. ''
'' But sir-- ''
'' Need I not make myself any clearer, Caramel? '' His voice was sharp, and firm. It cut harsher than any blade would, but as it was with the King, his word went as law, and it was incredibly difficult to change his mind; not that anyone had attempted to.
Caramel would huff, that icy mist of her breath exhaling, before dissipating. She responded defeated, '' Yes sir. ''
He'd nod, '' Good, see yourself off, Goodnight. '' His footsteps would sound off as he'd make way to the west ward of the Fortress, seemingly to put the input of Caramel Arrow's condition.
As she stood, she were confused, and looked to her fingers.
The tips of her fingertips were blueish; almost frosted over, one by one she'd press them against each other, fiddling and pushing against her own hand. Her fingers felt abnormally stiff and rigid, and the further she looked-- the further she'd see the tinted insides of her jam. That shouldn't be visible at all. Her jam bear the striking resemblance of normal jam, glorious and a rich red, but hers... slightly darker. It could be rounded up to maybe a severe illness she caught while being outside deep in the woods--yes, that was it. But the fact she could see her own life flowing through her--was distressing.
Her breathing became all too.. noticeable. Labored, like he had noted, and seemingly irregular. Her breathing was long, then short--then seemingly nonexistent, and then almost painful to inhale. It was clear she was coming down with something, dear lord. The hints of blue that seemed to spread from her back to her now fingertips was also cause for concern--she had been aware of the carvings on her back, but she had thought they'd... vanish by now, the fact they'd spread to her fingers--
She was just being... irrational. Caramel would heed the King's advice, and take herself to bed, a smile strained across her face.
Inside her room...
Her Gakgung would drop, her uniform drop as well, and for the first time in a few days-- she'd get a proper look at herself, in comfort and privacy.
She didn't look wrong. Her body seemed fairly normal-- even removing her undergarments to see if anything was... really irregular, but when she'd step closer to the mirror she'd gasp--
Those blue lines, they'd spread across her body, like the thin stream of a frozen river--this was yes, the main worry that she had, that she also saw in her fingertips--but on closer investigation, she saw these lines... pulsed. Jam was never meant to pulse, unless you were an Ancient or higher. Countless times, when she'd see her father fall with an open wound his jam were a rich dark purple, she'd always wondered why it were that colour, was it always purple? A fate destined from them from young age? Or had their Soul Jams shifted it as some sort of recognition, irregular jam? Irregular power. But this wasn't like that, her father's jam pulsed due to overflowing energy, hers would pulse like it were carrying a different lifeform in her; it felt sharp.
And the main spawn of it, was her chest. She'd lift up her upper chest to look at the lines all connecting, swirling and shaping themselves into some sort of twisted symbol-- one reminiscent but... not something she could vocalize, like it was on the tip of her tongue, but she just didn't have the words! Her back would be shown to the mirror, fingers carefully pushing her hair to the side to show her back. The lines crawled across everywhere--like desperate spiders, climbing and claiming whatever they could in a attempt to nest, to home. She'd inform a healer on this worry tomorrow...
Caramel would slip her undergarments back on, and slip into bed, but every moment and action she'd perform sent a chill around her body, even laying, comfortable against her blankets and bed left an overwhelming sense of dread in her chest. Caramel would sigh.
The moonlight creeped through her windows, and through the frost, and she'd pray, her dreams be comfortable and comforting.
The windows in her room had a almost hand carved frost creep along the bottom, but the longer you'd stare, the quicker you'd realize, they'd creep over the glass like a predator, like clawed fingers, waiting to claim and collect. Fingers of jagged icicles and hostility, giving an appearance that the window looked even shattered.
Chapter 4: Blood burns faster, ! DAY 6
Summary:
Caramel grows weaker..
The infection.. starts and the effects are shown...the effects are... dire.--
Notes:
TY for bearing with me, this chapter is super long and im busy andnstressed, ao3 curse lol but i got stuff cooking
Chapter Text
Morning bled, like her blood wished it could.
Through the pale snow-clouds sunlight drifted in; not much, just to slightly illuminate the room, It casted Caramel's bedchambers into a colorless hush
Caramel Arrow stirred against the mountains of furs piled over her. One's she remember not putting on herself. As if on command her eyes drifted to the Healer Cookie sitting on a stool, blankets folded over her lap and she seemed to be dozing off herself. Caramel was not one to be caught off guard--but was, she jumped slightly and squeaked, which in return alarmed the Healer.
'' Witches--! '' She stuttered, '' My apologies u--uh--Madam, I--I had not the faintest of winks last night aand--i--... ''
Caramel raised, '' You do not need to explain yourself, I understand. '' And lowered her hand, the sign usually being taught of appreciation, or forgiveness.
The Healer visibly relaxed, inhaling and exhaling. The Healer adorned a large, square-shaped headdress with purple ribbons drifting off of it, resembling a graduation cap, maybe it signified her importance, or was just standard as part of the Uinyeo. The Healers eyes were violet-purple, sharp in shape but seeming to always soften or curve as if she were constantly worried. Her Uinyeo was of dark purple, white, and black, resembling the formal garment of the Healers, they were instantaneously recognizable.
Her hand folded over the blanket, and she swallowed. Despite the seeming attempt at being stern, it felt as if this cookie were just thrown into it all headfirst--and told to just roll with it.
Her tongue tripped over her teeth, '' Right-- so be-uh-- before we begin... Madam, can you--um- - tell me how you're... feeling? '' The Healer seemed as if she hadn't treated anyone...ever? Or maybe anxiety just built up from maybe treating Caramel.
Its as if the words just snapped her back into mind and body--she was uncomfortably aware, despite being in undergarments, of how they clung almost damply to her skin. The silence grew bold as the Watcher took a moment to breathe; it misted like mid-winter air. With clammy hands, they undid her hair tie, to let her hair roam free, then she had just grasped at how cold she were, it made sense.
'' Too... cold, '' she'd whisper, though sweat would bead along her now descending hairline. The Healer immediately jumped to her boots, eagerly made her way forward with another blanket--
Caramel's hand shot out like an arrow--halted and The Healer flinched. It shook like she were struggling to even keep it upwards. The Watcher would then withdraw backwards, inching away slowly, palms pressed haerd to her own chest as if the frost there would crack and spill out.
The Healer quivered, '' Madam... do you mind me asking what those--uh- uhm.. carvin--Lines.. are across your body? ''
The horror made itself all more welcome.
Caramel stood, regained her footing and looked towards the mirror--
Holy fuck.
Holy fuck.
Those blue lines that followed along her jam now--had she not realized? They had turned sharp--jagged and edged, like the lines were all needles of frost, conducting their own ways and dreams... in every direction. Like her body were a ghostly white tree, and the branches be her twisted, contorted blood flow. They pulsed brighter, like Christmas lights would--something is flowing, living and thriving inside her. Last night it had all been some sort of soft... but these weren't, almost as if they had purpose, but now they twisted.
Twisted and twisted around her chest and core, as if they were sharp, cruel hands that were ready to snatch; not even Caramel was prepared for this. Her reality brought back yet again, by a hand on her own, guiding her to sit, Caramel followed.
The Healer would check her pulse, not before placing a blanket on the girl. Pulse--rapid, thready. The hearth roared and blazed with all its glory, but still Caramel almost...curved, curling inside, tighter, as if she were hiding under blankets, murmuring for more warmth even as sweat would drip down her neck.
The Healer would quickly flick on the bedside lamp; the better she could see her patient, the better she could determine what were wrong--her fingers shook from and back, to be put to care for the life of someone so important, failure is not an option. Under the lamplight, faint white and light glimmered across Caramel's collarbone, as if the ice underneath was shining--was it even ice? Assumptions would be the completely wrong judgement to make... but they were a judgement. The lines crept from the sternum outward, weaving toward her shoulders in slow, but jagged relentless arcs. And with all the lines varying in size--they all seemed to be thick around her chest.
'' Are you... sure? '' The Healer questioned.
'' Sure on what? '' Caramel would respond.
The swallow was audible,
'' That you're... okay? ''
...
...
...
'' No. ''
In the Ward...
Two Healers stood, reading off of the same scroll that had been administered by a later Healer. They've been instructed to prolong their visits, but the Healer that were sent had started acting... strange. Their own anxiety skyrocketed, hands clammy, she were always a very anxious cookie, but she started mumbling something on the frost. Any signs of frost on the scrolls were almost ripped, like evidence trying to be destroyed.
One Healer would plant his palm on his hip, and trace down the scroll with his finger, '' That's not good... ''
'' What do you read!? '' The other responded, eager.
'' It seemed that Choco Syrup Cookie has... etched out any sort of resemblance to frost, ice, or the cold on her report of the King's kin...?'' His finger trailed down, glasses tilting, '' It's not weird to say nor think--that this isn't just a one time mistake. ''
The younger medic chirped up, almost yanking the scroll, the older Healer would scoff in annoyance, '' Maybe she scratched it off for--for resemblance!- She wants us to investigate--but wants none to know of it--hey! ''
Woosh.
Paper rustled and he yanked the scroll back, '' Calm yourself, Fudge Cookie. Choco Syrup has never been one for skipping around. Despite her overly anxious demeanor, she cuts to the point--weren't she mumbling?-''
'' Mumbling! Oh yes! Of these oh so callous phrases! What drives one to say that to another.. ''
Fudge cookie had a dear problem with interjecting, waiting her turn and quietness, all the wrong qualities of a Healer... yet she were the best, '' Mumbling... yes. ''
He'd cough.
'' The report states that Caramel is suffering from some sort of... infection. It's noted she seems to sweat in unreasonably hot settings, like the Hearth and multiple blankets being worn, yet complaining of the... unbearable cold. '' He'd pause, and look down the scroll, eyes scanning for any factual error or mistake that dared to exist, '' Visible frost blooms have been noted to almost trap her body. Making mobility almost eccentric or sluggish, like a 50/50 scale. Some of these blooms are like delicate white veins, while others, intoxicating lines of a blue venom, these go across her arms, chest, legs, and presumably under too. ''
He'd pause, readjust his glasses and squint closer, '' Curious.. ''
'' Let me see--let me!- ''
'' Calm yourself! It's noted here Caramel's hair had started to... almost crystalize with frost...? Her iconic tips and ends, seemingly fading into a white, or icy blue as streaks. Her skin feels almost freezing, her fingertips, lips and cheeks are discolored, and she looks like the sickly.'' His finger would scroll to the bottom, '' Behavior is concerning too, she is uncharacteristically brushing it all off, and blaming it on minute things. ''
'' What do you think It could be Xocoatl Cookie? ''
Xocoatl's hands would drift, and he'd stare at Fudge Cookie.
'' It spreads like a chill through stone... like a leaf in the wind, whatever this thing... is. It's undetected. '' He would stand and then stride, walking with pride and performance, Fudge Cookie trotted after him like a kitten, and watch him rummage through books. '' I've only heard of such a thing in old scrolls--old enough of Beasts--One only can cause something this... dire. ''
'' What...? ''
'' The Pale Ailment.'' He sighed, and grabbed Fudge Cookie's face, '' Think of how it ravaged our Kingdom! That plague-- we were overrun! This could be a more advanced sub-species of the infection--before, it involved a lot of white and... flour, this one, could've adapted to the icy terrain of this habitat, effectively making it immune-- a cure would be difficult unless we can focus everyone on one... like ordered. ''
His hand would rest on his chin, Fudge mimicking him in idolization. The two Healers would both pause, as if an icy draft had hit them, the realization settled in...
... They now had to inform the king of their thoughts and the condition... of his daughter now.
Dark Cacao Cookie’s march carried the weight of a warlord, each step a echoing thud against the cold stone of the citadel. Yet when he reached the arching threshold, he stopped as though struck. His shadow stretched long before him, halting mid-stride.
The word plague lingered in the air like the toll of a distant bell—low, metallic, inescapable. It reverberated through him and Dark Cacao Cookie’s stride faltered, heavy boots grinding to a stop against the stone. He tightened his jaw, coiling tension across his frame until even his gauntlets creaked. His shoulders stiffened, and for a heartbeat, the Medicinal ward seemed to shrink around him. His gaze fixed on the door ahead. The word plague struck him like a hammer blow, ringing in his skull, reverberating in his chest. His jaw set hard, but his eyes—dark as storm-forged steel—remained locked on the door ahead. He knew what he were expecting..
Did he?
'' Caramel you're--shivering! ''
The brazier’s glow pulsed at the edge of her vision, its embers shifting like molten eyes. She clutched at it instinctively as the blanket around her drooped, her hand trembling as though pulled between fever and frost. Heat scorched her palm, but it was distant, muffled—like warmth through a wall of ice. Beads of sweat rolled down her temple, only to freeze before they could fall, crystallizing into tiny prisms that clung to her lashes, before dropping.
Crunchy chip took a seat besides her on the floor. '' I can't believe I've had to lug these in... you're still cold--?'' He'd jokingly chuckle before looking at her--
Caramel barely lifted her gaze to the brazier above. What she saw made her breath hitch. The reflection of the flames glinted in her eyes, Crunchy Chip would falter. Her reflection no longer belonged entirely to her.
Strands at her temples, sweat, water or even ice had leached into brittle white, though her hair hid most the lines were fragile like spun sugar left in the snow. At their ends glimmered a faint, glacial blue—cold fire eating its way inward. Her lips curved into a smile she didn’t feel, a brittle mimicry of humor.
Crunchy chip's fingers would slowly reach before he'd glance at her for a look of approval, and she'd nod.
His gloved fingers wrapped around her hair, and the slightest press into those strands resulted in him yanking his hand backwards--it stung! Like the strand had just become a knife and pierced through his glove!-
Caramel jolted back as well, fingers tracing her own hair, '' I--I'm so sorry Crunchy!- I-- I don't understand what--''
'' Stop apologizing!- '' Crunchy's hands would grab Caramel's, forcing her to turn towards him. His fingers; leather adorned had tightly gripped onto her own, like his own desperate attempt to warm her up. '' The Caramel I know wouldn't apologize for something that wasn't her fault! You're just a little sick--and you will get through it! '' His fingers tightened, the slight warmth making her feel almost... normal.
A laugh slipped out, thin and fractured.
'' ...Guess I’m going grey early, '' she muttered, though her throat seized on the words. Crunchy's fingers would run over her own and he would not respond on the comment.
Her chest thudded with each beat of her heart, and with each beat came the sensation; something threading beneath her dough, weaving icy veins into her flesh. She could feel it rooting there but not like before-- it felt more prominent, like it were taking action, not across her skin but inside it, a lattice of frost branching out in delicate cruelty. Her arm stiffened, pain sharp as a thousand needles, as pale webs of crystalline blue shimmered beneath the surface and she'd yank her arms back.
Crunchy's eyes faltered in fear.
Caramel pressed her other hand against the pain, as if pressure alone might stop the spread. The cold burned her from within. Her smile tightened, the denial lodged hard between her teeth. Under her clothes--a macabre of a body, like an ice rink that had allowed many blades to cut its surface, she had to snarl and lurch her back forward to almost--almost bear the pain. Crunchy chip would slightly part her hair.
'' Caramel… '' His voice was hoarse, low as gravel. His eyes darted to the sweat streaming down her face—only it wasn’t sweat anymore, not entirely. Droplets froze mid-fall, clinging to her jaw like beads of glass. '' You’re— '' He swallowed. '' You’re dripping sweat--and-- It's... ''
The sweat would freeze in almost an instant, hit the floor, and dissolve in its own liquid.
'' C..Crystalizing... ''
Her laugh and response was just quick, too quick, cracking like ice underfoot. She lifted her chin after he had lowered it, forcing those fires and flames of brightness into her voice until it rang shrill and hollow like a vessel.
'' It’s nothing. Just the cold playing tricks, You'll see. Maybe it's a gift... ''
But her hand betrayed her, shaking as she brushed damp bangs from her forehead. The strands slipped through her fingers and as they shook, crystalized; staying a perfect shape till she'd decide to drop them, and they vanish. ''Maybe this isn't so... much.. of a bad thing--we do live in an icy fortress..'' Her sweat and the ice that followed no longer normal but streaked with icy blue that caught the light like shattered frost.
For an instant, she saw herself in Crunchy Chip’s eyes—not the woman she had been, but the thing she was becoming.
And what he saw, was not the woman she used to be—but something piloting her, and pretending to be whatever she were becoming.
And for the briefest heartbeat, her mask slipped. Her voice softened, cracking just at the edges.
'' It’s nothing, '' she whispered again. This time, it sounded less like denial and more like a plea.
'' Caramel-- ''
'' It's nothing. '' She'd snap, turn her legs and swerve her back.
Crunchy would not act further, just stand and slightly lean behind her, '' I'm... always here if you need to talk. Just... remember that. ''
He'd take a few steps, but his body ached—he didn't want to leave her but she wanted to be alone.
'' Seeya Carrie. ''
But she did not say goodbye back.
The murmur of voices carried down the corridor, hushed but sharp enough to cut through the silence.
“…an enhanced Pale Ailment…” one of the Healers--Xocoatl whispered, the syllables wrapped in dread.
The words curled through the stone hall like smoke. Dark Cacao Cookie paused outside the ward like he had for... well, he lost track of how long he'd been eavesdropping. The low chant of speculation pierced him deeper than any blade ever could, cursed or not. His hand clenched around the doorframe until the wood groaned. Then, with a deliberate push, he entered.
The air inside felt a bit colder than the rest of the fortress, the Medicinal ward had always felt like that ever since the first ''wave'' of the Pale Ailment. Lanterns guttered against the chill, their flames shrunk to pale tongues of fire, too scared to shine in his presence. Healers flinched at his arrival, stepping aside instinctively as his towering form crossed the threshold.
''S--Sir Cacao! '' Fudge cookie froze, slightly hiding behind Xocoatl, probably the only Healer who didn't have some fear of the king.
'' Our reports on your kin have extended--The frost-veins traced cruel lines along her skin, glimmering faintly in the lamplight like shattered glass beneath her dough. Each breath when tested rattled shallow, fog curling from her lips as though her lungs themselves were freezing from within--and Choco Syrup has seemingly gone...mad from it. ''
Dark Cacao’s gaze raked over the news, not only for this but to lose a Healer... grim recognition sets into his bones. This was no ordinary sickness. No passing fever. He strode forward and lowered himself onto one knee beside the Healers, his armor clinking softly. '' What makes of Choco Syrup? ''
The two froze.
'' You better see for yourself sire, for this ailment... It does not wait--It does not possess. It claims, and transforms. Fudge Cookie? At once. ''
Fudge Cookie would step out and bow, before beckoning the King towards a closet.
'' In a day.. she's become.. this... ''
Inside, chained to the far wall by multiple Healers, slumped the figure of Choco Syrup Cookie. Once calm, reserved, a soft-spoken scholar beloved for her patience but slight paranoia,s he was now little more than a ruin of herself. The air around the Healer stung with unnatural frost. Her fingers—once deft with scrolls and tinctures, recipes and medicine alike—had blackened and stiffened into something closer to stone, ice crusting their tips. When he shifted, a low crack rang out, like frozen branches splintering.
Her skin trembled with a pallor so severe it seemed bloodless. Where warmth had once colored her gaze, now there was only glass: eyes pale, crystalline, glimmering faintly with an inhuman reflection. Any sense of life in that icing had retracted.
'' Stage Three we've determined--It seems she was around your daughter so much it had transmitted... fast,'' Fudge Cookie whispered, her quill scratching against a tablet even now. ''The Fracture of Warmth. We don't know the stage of Caramel. ''
Choco Syrup stirred. Her breath rasped like choking for air. Fudge cookie would step Infront of the King. Choco Syrup's breath would release thin curls of mist that hung like smoke. Every movement was accompanied by a soft creak of ice forming beneath the skin. She lifted her head, lips parting in words that no longer belonged to the soul she had been. Her voice was soft, detached, almost lyrical.
'' Peace, '' she murmured. '' Do you not feel it? The silence? The stillness waiting beneath all this noise…''
She strained forward in his bonds, shackles ringing faintly, the slight laugh of the damned chittering underneath. Her hands reached, trembling but intent, as though to offer Dark Cacao her chill.
'' Come! Let me share it with you. The cold does not burn—it soothes! It makes everything… quiet. You will transcend sire--TRANSCEND! ''
Dark Cacao’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. He simply studied—cataloguing the signs, forcing himself to see.
'' Your Majesty… there is more. '' Fudge’s gaze shifted toward Choco syrups condition, though she did not speak her name. '' In later progression, the ice manifests outwardly, like it... wears it's host. Limbs encased, reshaped into jagged coverings—blades, spears, weapons of their own flesh. It is not only a sickness. It is… a turning. '' Her voice fell even lower. '' She tried to seek... release, and we worry your Daughter may do the same. ''
Dark Cacao’s gaze flicked to Choco Syrup’s throat. There, faint beneath the frost, lay livid lines where rope had once cut. A noose had bitten deep, the attempt plain. The frost had healed the wound, sealing it into her skin like pale scars. Choco Syrup met his eyes with something that might have been calm—or madness.
Choco Syrup smiled faintly, and the expression was wrong. Too serene. Too final. Her breath fogged into crystalline flakes that clung to the chain at her throat, before combusting into maniacal giggling and laughter one could akin to a lunatic.
The closet door would close, locking them in there.
Fudge Cookie did not flinch when it closed, but to lose someone so trusted... to see them unravel into a walking preach--stung, but her jaw tightened. “They began to… seek others. Conversion, contagion—it matters not which. They crave to spread it, whispering serenity as they drag more into their frost. Warmth becomes unbearable to them. They call it ‘impure.’”
Xocoatl would nod and stand beside her. '' Last night, when she returned from your daughter's quarters, her steps were loopy. She seemed like an ice statue with her body temperature. She had tried to... grab others, fortunately, she were not successful. Calling us ''Fools'' for not listening, she then tried to hang herself in the closet. '' He'd exhale, and tap his scroll, '' fortunately--she were knocked out as she failed. We restrained her and are studying-- hoping for it to be maybe a chance to study towards a cure--but sire. ''
They all halted.
'' Your daughter is in grave danger. If--this has taken a Healer in a day or so, who knows how long till it'll take her to... crumble? Fortunately your daughter is...strong, mental and physical but--we don't fully understand the effects yet, a strong morale such as her's and determination could help... slow it but we don't have a clear answer--''
Dark Cacao’s expression did not shift, but his voice thundered low, sharp as an order on the battlefield.
'' Enough, '' he growled, turning his head toward the healers. '' If you cannot name it, I will find the one who can. ''
The healers exchanged uneasy glances, their silence damning.
Dark Cacao straightened, his decision already sealed. His decision shadowed with a resolve born of desperation.
Before the sun had finished sinking beyond the mountains, he would ride. Through storm and stone, into lands he had long sworn never to tread again. He would scour every scholar’s library, every battlefield relic, every ancient ruin until an answer was torn from the cold dead earth itself.
'' Sire--what do we... do with your Daughter? ''
His words were sharp, he did not turn to even glare at their stupidity, '' You are not to let her suffer. Do not let her seek the release the others have tried. I plan to sought out the beginning of the plague-maker, and slay them, it'll restore our kingdom and your respected. And I know exactly who has done this. ''
There was one place he had not sought in years. One enemy who still lived in the echoes of old wars, her name blackened by corruption and half-forgotten lore. Tucked away in a Pagoda that was bleak and bled Apathy, for one who did not care on the fate of another, especially someone so dear. She had wanted his resolution--and he had no doubt she'd take unconventional methods to get there.
Mystic Flour Cookie.
Dark Cacao Cookie would ride for Beast Yeast. And this time, he would kneel to no one—friend or foe—until he had wrested salvation from the hands of his oldest enemy.
“Over my dead dough!”
Crunchy Chip’s growl was low, feral, his wolves snapping and snarling at the figure before him. '' You think I’d let you near her? You’d poison her faster than this plague ever could! ''
Affogato Cookie smiled thinly. The conniving Cookie had managed to... bribe his way back into the solitude of the Kingdom, not at expense. He looked terrible. His old robes cast aside and he had taken a regal rogue look, with a bloody blue apron and gloves. Their icing although garnered with the same headpiece resembled no loyalty, and that bun was messy, as if thrown in a hurry. His expression sharp as a dagger sheathed in silk. He adjusted the drape of his sleeves with an almost theatrical calm, ignoring the wolves’ teeth flashing inches from him.
'' You waste precious time barking, little soldier, '' he purred, voice smooth, cloying. '' And while you posture, she freezes closer to death. ''
Crunchy Chip stepped forward, '' What do you even know?! '' He was chest to chest with him now, one hand already tightening around the hilt of his weapon. His jaw worked, rage simmering hot enough to melt the frost on his breath. '' You lie as easy as you breathe, Affogato. Stay away. ''
But Affogato’s eyes glimmered with something darker—satisfaction, or annoyance perhaps, or the thrill of holding knowledge no one else dared claim. His words sliced through the tension, soft but deliberate.
'' I am the only one who knows what ails her. ''
The hall fell silent at that. Even the wolves stilled, their growls fading to uneasy whines.
Inside the chamber just outside the wall, Caramel’s breath rasped shallow, mist spilling from her lips. Her arm trembled violently, a sheen of ice forming along it like armor half-forged. Every moment wasted brought the frost closer to consuming her entirely. Maybe.
Crunchy Chip’s resolve wavered as he glanced back through the doorway, his eyes lingering on her frail form seemingly though the wall, he heard her pain. The sound of her strained cough—sharp, brittle—cut through his defiance, and his resolve as a warrior simmered, replaced with the desperation of a brother.
Affogato tilted his head, voice pressing in like a whisper against the ear. '' Do you truly mean to gamble her life on your pride? ''
Crunchy Chip’s hands clenched white around his blade. A long moment passed before he hissed through gritted teeth, stepping aside just enough to let the other pass. '' Touch her wrong, and I’ll gut you before your lies leave your tongue. ''
Affogato inclined his head, the picture of grace, though his smile lingered like a stain. He swept into the her room. Caramel had yet to be moved into the Medicinal ward, eyes already fixed on Caramel like a vulture circling a wounded beast. And for the first time since the frost began to spread, the two had exchanged glances of ages ago, and everything bubbled up fear—anger—hate.
'' Get. Him. Out. ''
Caramel's back was turned, but she knew.
Chapter 5: Forces collide ! DAY 8
Summary:
One man sets foot in an oh so distant land, to confront what may be the beginning...
.. and Affogato gets jumped by a unstable sister and her brother.
Lovely
Notes:
i think i should've explained (the days that r mentioned in the story is how long caramel has been infected)
Chapter Text
The storm broke open above him.
A black sky stretched across the place of his arrival. The Pagoda.
That sky stretched, and it was stitched with white lightning like the gods had hand-crafted it for his thunderous arrival, he had been friendly with the gods he thought. Beyond the veil of snow, the Ivory Pagoda rose—an obelisk of bone-white stone, stark against the conjuring storm above it. It did not gleam but rather drank in what little light dared touch it, a pale shadow upon the mountainside.
Dark Cacao Cookie dismounted at its base, approaching through the flour-blizzard, cloak snapping behind him. His boots bit into the ice, each stride deliberate, inexorable. When he reached the great gate, he braced himself to heave it open—only for the doors to groan and part of their own accord, their hinges sighing like the exhale of something ancient. No guardian barred him, no chains or wards. Instead, as though it had been waiting for him, spilling a draft of air colder than the storm itself. His arrival, a first time was friendly like a spider luring in its prey. Now none await him.
He entered.
The hallways stretched impossibly long, lined with silent statues whose eyes seemed to follow him. All of the Pagoda leader. If it wasn't for her apathetic personally, you'd think she'd adore herself, but it seems the statues were gifts. If the walls weren't lined with towering momentums, they were adorned in patterns, tapestries, silks and white weaves of spiders silk. Each step echoed, swallowed by the hollow chambers, until sound itself felt fragile. Until a step felt too intruding. Shadows bent strangely in the lamplight—drawn toward him, not away.
He walked the length of spiraling corridors, up stairwells carved from ice-veined stone, past murals of gods--Beasts locked in endless struggle. The air grew heavier, colder, the silence thick enough to press against his chest. Yet he did not falter. He had come too far to turn back. The last time had been guided here was under the premise--protection of a humble Haetae, who's bite was certainly worse than their bark.
Cacao would remember those times--his most trusted soldiers besides him, traversing the Pagoda, and the ending where resolution overcame Apathy, was the darkest moment of his life.
He thought he had lost everything, again.
But now, not again,
Not ever.
At last, at the highest chamber, he found her.
Basking upon that gold carved Lotus flower, that unwraps supposedly revealing something so delicate... there was nothing ''delicate'' about the Deity that sat before him. Her eyes stilled and her body closed as still as a statue, her robes trailing like smoke across the pale-polished floor. Her presence was not warmth nor welcome, but inevitability—like Flour itself had taken shape. She did not greet him, nor turn her gaze, though she knew he had arrived.
That Lotus dish transferred her size to one much more suiting of a Beast Cookie, where mere mortals look as if playthings, but she did not relish in this power. With pallid white skin and long white hair which had curved bangs angled inwardly and parted in the center by the wheat-shaped ornament containing her Soul Jam. The half of his.
Her hanfu always seemed to be tucked in perfectly, and her veil stretched for miles, Cacao swore he saw it dissipate into the air surrounding them.
Her hands always retaining the Abhayamudra position.
Her eyes of prominent, powder-white eyelashes, but upon him being in her gaze--her pupils darkened.
'' You return, Cookie. You oh so foolishly return to the place of your crumbling. ''
Dark Cacao’s voice cracked against the rafters, a thunderclap of fury.
“That is not of importance, '' His sword flashes and it plants into the ground, cracking it. Mystic's demeanor flared up, like a threatened bird. '' You knew something like this would come.” His words reverberated, rattling the beams above. ''You of all beings—born of elements--above elements, bound to them! You've brought a sick, sick curse--And I do not care who I have to slay, I will take you down with me if it guarantees!-- ''
Mystic’s eyes flicked to him at last, pale and distant, the black dimming, as if she gazed through centuries rather than at the king before her. Her words unfurled soft and slow, drifting like falling ash. She scoffed. '' Your daughter freezes from the inside, yes. But my hands are not in this. I don't dabble in frost, you of all should know that. ''
The chamber vibrated with the force of his gauntlet as it slammed against the floor, like his sword.
'' LIAR! Who else had cursed my kingdom with a plague so sickening-- '' Cacao's voice would crack, with anger and fury along with the floor. '' So... vile. You are upset at your failure to regain my Soul Jam, that you have enacted a stronger version of your pasty plague upon not just my kingdom--but my Daughter! ''
Dark Cacao Cookie would pry the sword out of the ground, raising it up, towards the goddess.
Still, she did not flinch.
'' If I go down so be it! I've seen what becomes of the Cookie that succumbs to your plague. And it is treacherous. Destroy this plague off my kingdom--or don't. I'll cut you down either way with my might and Resolution alone as i have before and will once more! I will go down fighting-- ''
'' Silence. ''
Mystic Flour's voice boasted, reverbing through the halls, her eyes returning to that oh so black state.
'' How dare you assume this plague is of my doing--I have no control or power in these forces, and yet your unprecedented judgement leads to believe this is my doing. '' Mystic's body would move, not to step off of the Lotus disc but to lower herself, menacing and towering over the small King before her. '' You broke something long ago, King of Stone. Not of mine. Not of me. The 'frost' that spreads now was seeded before you even returned to your fortress. I do not weave frost, I weave silk. ''
Dark Cacao’s growl deepened, frustration boiling against her calm.
“Do not dance around me with riddles. She suffers while you stand here speaking smoke.”
'' Your illness is not of my fault, it is a mistake of not realizing how much you'll lose, embrace the act of futility and all will be clean. That is my goal. I do not wish to command or power--No Cookie deserves such power, your illness claims to control, spread and contaminate. '' She'd sit back up, straight. '' Such is the opposite of mine, it is all so very futile. ''
Mystic Flour would inhale, her chest expanding softly, before exhaling. '' You mistake me for an architect of your ruin. What unfolds in her… is set by forces older than what you imagine. Older than your fortress. You broke something long ago. Not of mine. Not of me. And the shards have waited, patient, to pierce her now. ''
His gauntlet slammed against the stone, the strike echoing like a war-drum. All it could do-- one lunge with a gauntlet and a sword and he'd end this.
'' Speak plainly, witch! ''
Her eyes, clouded and unblinking, shifted to him at last.
'' It is not mine to speak plainly. But hear this: the frost in her veins was seeded before your return from exile. Even had I vanished from this earth, it would still have come. ''
'' Your actions have consequences. ''
The silence between them swelled, heavy as snow-laden air. Dark Cacao’s breath came ragged, clouding the cold. Slowly, his shoulders sagged beneath the weight of inevitable.
His voice dropped to a hoarse rasp.
'' ... Then it was never you. You won't get an apology though. ''
Mystic would not gleam or smile in his discomfort, she took no glee in suffering nor no pity stemmed.
'' You storm like thunder through my pagoda, spit false claims and then return none of your faults. Of course, you Cookies... storm and take--Greed,” she murmured. '' But besides... the elements themselves are against you. Whatever have you done to aggravate them, I wonder... but remember, when stone defies the tide, it is always the stone that cracks.”
'' You will be no different, Cookie. ''
Her words lingered like frostbite as he turned from her chamber.
'' I am no ordinary Cookie, I am Dark Cacao Cookie. ''
With his cloak whipping in the storm wind, he left the pagoda with the echo of her final warning carved into his mind.
'' Drink this. ''
Affogato Cookie sat far too comfortably at Caramel Arrow’s bedside, swirling a steaming cup between his hands. His voice dripped with honeyed malice, each word stretched for effect. It wasn't as if he were trying to be malicious, he just had that way of speaking... snake like, it wasn't his fault! He offered the cup out. '' It will calm the fever… or at the very least keep you from thrashing about like a restless pup.”
Caramel’s eyes, fever-bright and sharp as broken glass, locked onto him. Fool her once, shame on him, but to fool her twice would be shame on herself. She glanced at the cup from his hand, it looked to bleed like poison.
'' What are you feeding her, Affogato? '' Crunchy spat up, his intimidating presence becoming more noticeable as he stood in the corner.
He would already respond with a sigh, '' Nothing, just a herbal concoction--regardless of you buffoons, I understand what I'm dealing with! '' His fingers would inch closer, offering the cup out.
Caramel arrow would squint, the slightest hint of restrain tainting her voice. '' With all due respect, you’d poison me before you’d help me,” she spat. “Don’t play the saint.”
Affogato didn’t so much as flinch. His smile thinned, sly as a dagger hidden in silk. The ''healer'' would push the cup onto her bedside, more annoyed, but smugly hiding it.
'' Poison? Oh, no, dear archer. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t still be breathing. ''
'' Watch your tone. '' A snarl would slither across the room frum Crunchy, Affogato would wave it away metaphorically.
Her laugh came too fast—high, brittle, bubbling with something manic. Caramel pushed herself upright despite the sweat slicking her skin, jabbing a trembling finger toward him.
'' You think you’re clever. You think you know everything. But you’re nothing but a worm, crawling through a kingdom that isn’t yours! ''
Affogato would stiffen, he had never been met with such hostility from the Watcher, it even seemed to caught Crunchy Chip off guard. The Watcher was trembling in her own bed, arms shaking like--with fury. '' You think you can just come crawling back into this kingdom after what you did. I'd shoot you where you'd stand if given the opportunity!- ''
Crunchy Chip darted forward, eyes darting to Caramel before narrowing on Affogato. He caught his sister by the shoulders, easing her back against the pillows with more force than gentleness.
'' Enough! Both of you. '' His voice cracked like a whip. Then, lower, venomous: '' She’s sick. And you—” he rounded on Affogato, blade hand twitching—“you’re making it worse. She doesn't need whatever you offer-- you're here to tell us everything. ''
Affogato spread his hands wide, feigning wounded innocence. Palms spread out and his eyes lowered.
'' I offer help, and this is the thanks I receive? If she is so careless enough and doesn’t appreciate it—”
'' She doesn’t need your words! '' Crunchy snarled. His fists would grab at Affogato's clothes, hoisting him above the bed--Crunchy Chip were a small soldier, but a pretty strong one in that fact-- '' My sister is fighting, she's fought more than you'll have ever had to in your life!- Keep your ignorance out of these walls!- ''
Caramel twisted against an invisible force, her laughter spilling sharp and sudden, her head would tilt backwards and it would pause Crunchy and Affogato in their tracks, her laughs echoed wrong in the close chamber. Her hands wrapped around her arms, fingers slightly digging into the white lines all across her.
''.. Caramel-- ''
“Let him stay!” she snapped, though her voice broke with a ragged edge. “Let him talk—I want to see what this lying snake came back for--for forgiveness! Well when our heart and flame returns to the fortress, you'll be dragged by your feet!- '' Caramel would slug her head forward, yanking the blanket off of her and standing.
Caramel had... changed. Over the past few days--long days Caramel had shifted. The icicles that formed onto her hair had finally stiffened, breaking them off was near impossible. The frost blooms blossomed on her arms, different places now being taken, but it seemed her right arm to be more...prominent. Her eyes had no longer that blaring flame she possessed in her youth but something... else, something bleak and empty, glassy. And Crunchy swear he saw the lines... also be a faint grey.. like the frost infected her sight--but there was no denying the sort of flare in her eyes, a fire due to not passion, but some sort of determination.
'' I'm not dying, and I refuse to fall! Not at anything's hands, If I fall be it my own hands! ''
'' Don't say that-- '' Crunchy pleaded before being cut off.
'' No!- Everyone thinks I am dying! I have never... felt better, and you want to take this--away!? To regain my 'normality?!' What do you wish--I don't understand! '' Caramel was only dressed in a long robe with the sleeves rolled upwards, her hair in a slight ponytail with not enough effort put into it. '' This is beauty! This is inevitable! This is better!- I feel so much better! ''
Herm arms opened, outstretched as she turned towards the two.
'' Gaze upon such beauty and tell you want to snatch it away-! You'll see-! ''
Affogato would stand up, hands wavering and gaze...uncharacteristically worried. '' Caramel Arrow, you need to stay put. You can't move around too much--you're in critical danger-- ''
'' Of what?! Freedom! You want to put our kingdom under strict control and-- and- surveillance and-- you--! '' The Watcher's body would shift from tall and proud to lurching over, clutching. Her breath became labored and extremely too visible. The cookie lurched over and shook, repeating these ushered promises to herself, something that was too quiet to decipher. They weren't sure if they wanted to decipher it.
Crunchy chip would crouch beside her, gloved hand on her shoulder before it was knocked back by Caramel swiftly, Crunchy chip would hit the floor behind him, a small thud and a bang as he hit his head on the side of the bed--Caramel Arrow got up and made herself scarce quick. Crunchy froze, stricken. Her words cut deeper than any blade.
But the last thing he had seen, she flashed something--her head towards him last second...Her smile. It was her smile that had curved then, faint and crooked, the kind of smile that didn’t belong to her at all. Too Malicious, would belong better on Affogato. Her hands trembled where she held them up, and when she flexed her fingers, the brittle crack of nails splintering against the sheets filled the silence.
Crunchy saw it—the restless gleam in her eyes, the wild tilt of her laugh, the frost creeping higher up her arms. Was this... her? In seemingly just slightly over a week it was if she had entirely did a full one-eighty via personality. This wasn’t his sister anymore. Not fully he believed...
His jaw locked. Without another word, he jumped upwards and he seized Affogato by the collar and dragged him from the air and onto the bed.
'' Start talking. ''
Dark Cacao marched through snow and storm, each step sinking deep into drifts that howled against his armor.
The wind clawed at his cloak, tearing it sideways like a banner in retreat, but still he pressed on. Mystic’s words echoed with every crunch of ice beneath his boots: '' The elements themselves are against you. ''
For the first time in years, the King felt something heavier than his crown, heavier than the endless burden of stone walls and starving mouths. It was the weight of the world itself turning its back upon him, cold and vast and merciless. The storm did not ease. It thickened, swallowing the horizon until the path itself blurred into nothing but shadow and white. Yet he pushed forward, knowing what waited at the end of the road: his fortress, his daughter, her breath fogging weaker with each passing hour.
Every mile carved away another layer of time he did not have. The frost was spreading in her even as he trudged through snow. Each heartbeat in his chest felt like one less in hers. The King’s jaw set, his gauntlets clenching until the leather creaked. His people would see their sovereign return from the storm. His daughter would see her father again. He would not allow the elements, nor fate, nor the past itself to claim her without his defiance.
But even as he swore it, the storm roared louder, drowning oath and breath alike.
And with every step homeward, the truth gnawed deeper: time was running thin.
The frost was winning.
Acrillex on Chapter 1 Wed 20 Aug 2025 01:09PM UTC
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returntof4lour on Chapter 1 Wed 20 Aug 2025 03:51PM UTC
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OrdinaryHomoSapien on Chapter 1 Wed 20 Aug 2025 01:26PM UTC
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returntof4lour on Chapter 1 Wed 20 Aug 2025 03:52PM UTC
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returntof4lour on Chapter 2 Thu 21 Aug 2025 11:41AM UTC
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returntof4lour on Chapter 4 Wed 10 Sep 2025 01:41AM UTC
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