Chapter Text
Inside a small café they’d found while exploring the Crème Republic, Plain Wafer and Pure Vanilla were having a bit of a very late breakfast. Neither had any supper the previous night, nor did they eat anything when they departed the manor.
Plain Wafer was eating her French toast while Pure Vanilla sipped on the tea he’d ordered, glancing out to the lovely seafront view while lost in thought. He never actually expected her to stay with him and was very ready for the sad goodbye, but now here he was, a guardian to her with a promise to her father.
Was this how Hollyberry and Dark Cacao felt with their own families? Pure Vanilla had an overwhelming sense of protection and a warm feeling in the chest. He did once feel it with Gingerbrave and his friends, but his lot but it was much stronger now. It felt almost greedy of him if he thought about it. Speaking of greed, he wondered how his dear friend, Golden Cheese Cookie was doing. It'd been so long since he’d seen her... he prayed she was okay.
A tug to his sleeve brought him out of thoughts as he looked to his side, “Yes, my dear?” Plain Wafer slid a golden croissant in front of him. It was another item that had been ordered with breakfast. That confused him—he thought French toast would be enough. “You need to eat too...”
Ah, now he understood, she intentionally ordered it for him it seems. “Don’t you want it, Plain Wafer?” he took notice of her empty plate. Plain Wafer shook her head, puffing up her cheeks, “You need to eat too. It's my job as your new guard to make sure your looking after yourself.”
Pure Vanilla couldn't help night chuckle, she really took what her father told her seriously and she wasn't really wrong. He should eat, even if he doesn't feel like it. “Alright dear. I will, thank you,” he put down his teacup to pick up the golden croissant and take a few nibbles which then turned into big munches.
She smiled victoriously at achieving her goal as she picked up her glass of orange juice to finish it the rest, then set it down. “I’m done!”
Pure Vanilla surprisingly finished the Golden Croissant faster than he thought he would. He supposed he was more hungry then he assumed as he brushed crumbs off his robes. “What would you like to do now, dear? More sightseeing? Or want head to the Institute of Thaumaturgy?”
Plain Wafer tapped her chin as she thought for a moment, “Well, we have seen a few sights now and it got a lot busier outside... can we go to the Institute of Thaumaturgy now?” Pure Vanilla gave her a small smile and collecting his staff to stand and politely tuck in his chair. They’d already paid when ordering. “Of course, hopefully we can meet up with our friends too.”
Plain Wafer had tucked in her chair as she rushed to his side, instinctively holding his hand. She no longer felt as embarrassed doing it... she she really didn't want to get lost in this city anyway.
It took them a bit longer to find the Institution than they thought and by a lot longer, almost half the day had passed as they got distracted by more sights then took some wrong turns, it was very easy to get lost in this city but now both looked up in awe at the Institute as the sun was setting in the distance.
“Well, I didn't expect to see you two here of all places. Taking in the sights of our grand Institute~?” The familiar voice making them both turn head, it was Espresso Cookie carrying scrolls, tomes, and research materials in his arms.
Pure Vanilla looked over to him, “We are. I see you're busy at work yourself Espresso Cookie. How are things going?” Espresso pushed up his glasses a little as he juggled the items in his arms. “I just went to my laboratory for some materials, the others have gone back to Mansion Madeleine.”
Pure Vanilla hummed, “I see, I guess we can join them soon. We do need a place to stay tonight and I'm sure Madeleine Cookie would not mind? But actually, we are here for a reason. Dear Wafer wants to see if there are any books on the object she found that caused her to be here with us now.”
This seemed to gain Espresso Cookie's curiosity a tad. “Now you mention that, I believe I have some research regarding an object that matches the description given at the Waffle Hanger. Unfortunately, I am very busy at the moment. I know where I placed it in the Institution and you're welcome to read it; I can’t promise it’ll help too much though, it wasn't researched that long ago.
His gaze looked to Pure Vanilla as a thought came to his mind, frowning an eyebrow, “... Actually, maybe I’ll bring it out to you. I'm afraid we don’t know how the Soul Jam will react if you come back in proximity of them and I'd rather our research not be interrupted by a reaction at this point in time. Wait right here.”
Espresso Cookie walked up the stairs before either could say much more and they decided to sit on the steps and wait for him. They watched as the sun was slowly setting in the distance, giving the city a bit of a shiny gleam.
“Have you enjoyed yourself today dear?” Pure Vanilla spoke up, breaking the silence. She looked at him with a nod, “Yeah, I’ve never been so far from the Kingdom before, it’s all so different, and very shiny,” she raised a hand to her face to stop the sun from reflecting in her eyecings.
Pure Vanilla hummed in acknowledgement, though a question that had been plaguing him since this morning finally arose, “How come you didn't want to stay here? I understand your father wanted you to return with me, but you were very accepting of it.”
Plain Wafer blinked at the question, not quite expecting it as she fidgeted with her sleeves a little. It was something Pure Vanilla had taken notice of her doing a lot when she was nervous. “I-I well... I kinda wanted to stay with you, where it's familiar and comfortable. Everything around me has changed so suddenly but you're still the same, and this city is too crowded and the the though of the Academy reminds me of back then...”
The disguised hero smiled warmly at her, he had a feeling her answer would be related to familiarity. It can’t be easy to take in all the changes around her within a few days. Now knowing her past circumstances, it made sense she wouldn't want to be reminded of something that brought her great trauma.
Pure Vanilla Cookie moved closer and placed an arm around her shoulder, bringing her into a sideward embrace. “Well dear, it seems you're stuck with me now. When we get back, we should consider how to make your new room yours and finish your homework,” making a small tease at the end as she gasped at him... “Homework!? But I don’t ha-” Plain Wafer blinked in realization when she saw him containing a laugh, “Hey! Technically, if I had any I'd be a few decades late now!”
“Sorry, Plain Wafer! I couldn't help myself, but now that I think about it, what would you like to do in that sense? I actually do teach a small class back in the Kingdom, would you want to join us? Continue your studies? You might be at a little higher level than many of the villagers though,” She seemed surprised by that. “You're a teacher? Are you gonna give me homework if I do...?” Plain Wafer narrowed her eyes at him for a moment before actually seeming to think about it, “I’ll... think about it, the villagers are nicer than… them...”
Pure Vanilla accepted her answer for now, not wanting to cause her to be saddened by old memories. Footsteps were heard behind them and someone clearly out of breath followed. “O-oh phew... I-I found them... here you go, please bring them back later and don’t damage them... now do forgive me, I really need to get back, before something else goes wrong...”
Espresso Cookie was clearly out of breath as he quickly handed over the stack of papers that were bound together. He turned on his heels to run back up the stairs and out of view, not even giving the two a chance to thank or wave him goodbye.
Plain Wafer stared down to the papers in her hands when she felt her heart skip a beat and her hands began to shake a bit. The image drawn on the cover being the very item she’d picked up a few days ago as she breathed out reading the title. “... Time Jumpers... that’s it, that's the item I picked up!”
Pure Vanilla put a hand to her back, gaining a small worried expression but turned to look at the setting sun, “Wafer, how about we find our way to Mansion Madeleine and you can read it while being a bit more comfortable?”
She snapped out of it and stared at him, “O-oh yeah, that’s a good idea,” Plain Wafer quickly put the papers into her satchel and turned as she stared at the paved road... “... Do you know which way it is?”
Pure Vanilla, if he wasn't wearing bandages across his face, would have the exact same expression as her, staring to the road, “...I do not...”
Oh great...
Night had fallen by the time the two had found the manor, with the star illuminating the sky.
They’d decided to get supper while making their way from another café just in case they got a bit too lost, which turned out to be a good idea. Plain Wafer had been delighted to order a little omurice meal and convinced him to also try it, it was quite delicious.
Plain Wafer had run up to the door, raising her hand to knock on it as she stepped back and waited, taking a glance behind as Pure Vanilla wasn't that far behind, leaning slightly on his staff, “you are definitely faster than me, dear,” which just made her snicker.
To their delight, it was Madeline Cookie who answered the door, in a different outfit than she’d seen him before but him answering did save them from having to explain to anyone why they were there. Madeleine Cookie's face lit up with a smile when he saw them. “Pure Vani- I mean, Healer Cookie! Little Miss Cookie! What are you doing here this late?”
Plain Wafer frowned a little. Had he forgotten her name already? Pure Vanilla spoke up, “Ah, Madeline Cookie. Do forgive our intrusion so late. It seems things have changed a little, would it be possible for us to stay with you for the remainder of our stay?”
The Paladin gasped, stepping aside to allow them entry, “Of course! You’d not even have to ask, it’d be an honour!” Well that was easy, “Welcome to Mansion Madeleine!~ the others have just retired to rest but I can show you to the room Gingerbrave is in for tonight until we can have a room made up for you.”
“It’s quite alright. We can just stay with Gingerbrave if it saves preparing a room. I'm sure he’d love the company, right Wafer?” Pure Vanilla addressed her as she was currently staring at some of the portraits in awe but soon replied, “O-oh uhh yeah!”
“Right then good friends, follow me!” Madeleine Cookie marched onwards down a hallway with both of them following him as he stopped at a door. “Here we go, it is quite late so do have a good night rest and we can talk more in the morning~!” he gave a small bowing salute as he marched back down the hallway.
Pure Vanilla Cookie knocked on the door so they didn't accidentally disturb their friend if he was already resting, but seems he wasn't as Gingerbrave opened the door, with his ever so bright smile. “Pure Van- I mean, Healer Cookie! Plain Wafer! What are you guys doing here?”
Pure Vanilla chucked back as he repeated what he said to Madeline Cookie. “Pure Vanilla is fine while we are here, Gingerbrave. I'm afraid circumstances have changed a little so we’ll be staying with everyone here for the remainder of the trip now, if that’s quite alright that we share a room?”
Gingerbrave did seem to get a bit of a worried expression when Pure Vanilla spoke of them now remaining with them, which made Plain Wafer raise an eyebrow. Clearly something was hidden from them but he was quick to cover it with enthusiasm. “Of course, Pure Vanilla Cookie! Come in! You guys must be tired, we can have a slumber party!”
“Slumber party...? I’ve never had one before, what do you do?” Plain Wafer said idly as she set her cloak on a hook with her hat. Gingerbrave waved his arms to explain, “Well, you stay up talking, sometimes you have snacks and uhh, pillow fights!”
Pure Vanilla chuckled at the sight while he undoing his bandages around his face and the one on his staff, letting it breath a little and let to the side of the bed. “As much as that sounds delightful, it’s rather late and we wouldn't want disturb anyone else within the household. But it does sound fun for another night friend.”
Gingerbrave gave a small aww noise which made Pure Vanilla chuckle a little more. “Had an eventful day? Are things going alright?” She could see the way Gingerbrave flinched a little to the question, rubbing back of head nervously... “W-well, uhh, as good as can be, yep! Hey, what do you have there?” He quickly changed the attention towards Plain Wafer as she held the papers Espresso Cookie gave her earlier. She went to sit on the side. “Answers. Hopefully to what happened to me.”
“What happened to you?” Gingerbrave tilted his head, confused and looked at Pure Vanilla questioningly, as he spoke up. “Ah, right, I'm sorry Gingerbrave, I guess it’s time we told you the full story of the day our dear Plain Wafer Cookie showed up at the Kingdom.”
Pure Vanilla sat on the bed between the two smaller Cookies. Plain Wafer stared at the papers in her hands while Pure Vanilla carefully explained what had happened that day to Gingerbrave, making sure not to leave any details out. Then, he explained the events of today leading them back to the Mansion Madeleine. “She'll be staying with me in the Vanilla Kingdom for the foreseeable future, with me as her acting guardian.”
By the end of the tale Gingerbread had his mouth open in shock as he looked to Plain Wafer, “T-that's... woah, you're from the past? That's so cool! But also sad with the circumstances...” clearly not really knowing how to feel about the situation he’d just been told.
Plain Wafer just gave him an idly nod, clearly focused on the papers in her hand. There was a slight tremble in her hands but Pure Vanilla put a hand to her back, “Go on, we here with you, right Gingerbrave?” he look at Gingerbrave who gave a firm nod with raised fist, “Yeah, whatever happens you’ve got us, your friends!”
Taking in a breath, the words encouraging her, she opened to the first page and started to read it out as the two leaned over, Gingerbrave having to crawl across the bed to her other side to get a better view.
“Time Jumpers: a golden gear-shaped device with multiple hands are theorized to be part of a bigger machine given its shape. They have the ability to send a cookie a little ways into the future when activated. So far, the max we have seen is four to five minutes as the Cookie would disappear and appear back in the same place...” she frowned to this, “Well, clearly that's not true now, is it...” Plain Wafer grumbled a little to herself as she continued, flipping the page.
“We first discovered these items appearing randomly in carpentry shops across Crispa a few months back and a few were collected for testing…” She slapped her hand to the paper a little, “well, that is not true either! How did I find one!?” Pure Vanilla gave her a soothing pat to the back when she was getting frustrated. Plain Wafer took in a breath and continued reading.
“We further theorize that it might be possible to recreate these devices ourselves, but playing with time is a fickle thing. We’ve still yet to proceed with that part of the research but one thing did become clear to us: once used, the Time Jumpers disappear or become non-functional. It is a one way system, there is no returning back to when you were… before,” Plain Wafer felt her shoulders slump while she read out the last words. “... I couldn't go back even if I wanted to... I was doomed the moment I activated it...” Her voice was full of sadness.
Pure Vanilla brought immediately into a sideward hug, resting his chin on her head, “Don’t say that, you weren't doomed... In a sense, you were saved from what was to come... it’s like a miracle.”
Plain Wafer looked up to him curiously for a moment, then her expression changed to one of sadness to anger as she pushed away from him. “Miracle?! Some miracle! Mama's gone! Papa's is different and old!. My home is destroyed! Everything I thought I knew was gone in an instant!” she seemed to be having a small tantrum as she slapped her hands against her lap, ruffling up the papers a little.
Gingerbrave had a shuffled back a bit with wide eyes, but he saw Pure Vanilla glance over to him and mouth something. He jumped up and tip-toed out of the room on a small quiet mission. It might be best he wasn't in the room for this and Plain Wafer needed some space...
Pure Vanilla turned back to Plain Wafer as she seemed to thrash around a little more. Clearly, he’d not quite worded things correctly but her next words made his heart sink. "Why me!? A flavourless Cookie like me!? I didn't deserve it! This miracle! It’d be better if someone else found it and…!”
In an instant, the room went silent as only the noise of a slap echoed out. Plain Wafer's head had jolted to the side slightly with her eyes wide with shock raising her hand to her reddening cheek as she slowly glanced back up, “... P-Pure Vanilla..?”
Pure Vanilla's hand was raised in the position from the slap... his usually calm and sweet face was now red with tears gathering in his eyes... “Don’t you dare say you didn't deserve it! Don’t wish... that fate on yourself...” he choked on his words at the end. He clearly knew what she was going to say next.
He grabbed her shoulders, “You are an amazing Cookie in your own way, flavour or not. Don’t keep putting yourself down or comparing yourself to others!” Pure Vanilla pulled her close into a protective tight embrace with her face pressed into his chest, she could feel tears from above fall onto her robe.
“By a miracle, I meant to me... You're my miracle, dear Wafer. Someone that came back... someone I didn't f-fail... You have brought me so much of the joy that I thought I'd lost forever,” Plain Wafer managed to tilt her head up a little to look at him. It all begun to make sense... how foolish she’d been, only thinking about herself when Pure Vanilla who’d been with her since that day, making sure she was alright, concerned for her wellbeing, had probably been dealing with the grief for decades...! And for her to imply such a thing that right in front of him...
Plain Wafer promised her Papa to look after Pure Vanilla in his stead and she’d already failed that by making him cry. The sight was not something she ever wanted to see again.
Wrapping her arms around his waist and she hugged him back with just as much force, “I-I'm sorry! Please don’t cry! I-I didn't mean it... I was just... frustrated, I wasn't thinking! Please Your Majesty! I won't leave you, I promise!”
They stayed like that for a few minutes, only the faint sniffles of now dried tears above her were heard when Plain Wafer pulled back a little and felt his hand come to rest on her red cheek with a faint shimmer of light. “I’m so sorry, Plain Wafer... let me fix that, I-I shouldn't have done that...”
Plain Wafer let him healer her cheek, but shook her head, “No, you were right to do that. It snapped me out of it. I-I'm sorry I wasn't considering your feelings in all this, but you’ve only ever been concerned about mine in return... Papa was right, you do need someone to watch after you,” giving a small cheeky smile with her tease which made him giggle.
“I guess we’ll just have to look out for each other, my dear. Let's stop looking back to the past and look towards a bright future together,” moving his hand away as the light.
Plain Wafer blinked at words, he was totally right. She was so fixated on the past, she stopped considering the future. The future blessed upon her, a bright future that hopefully awaited them all. “Y-yeah your right... I guess that’s what Papa wanted for me too. I have a future ahead of me now and I get to walk it with everyone.”
Both smiled at each other as the door behind them opened, Gingerbrave stumbled in with a tray holding three mugs trying his best not to drop them, “Here ya go Pure Vanilla Cookie, three hot chocolates! One of the Aunties helped me make them and even some marsh- W-woah, Pure Vanilla Cookie, are you okay?? Your face is red!”
Pure Vanilla rubbed his sleeve to his face, “I am fine now Gingerbrave, just some things that needed to be said. Thank you for doing that little errand. I think it’s time we retired to bed after we finish these,” Gingerbrave set the tray on the dresser and handed out the mugs of hot chocolate. They had cooled on his journey back and could be sipped with ease, it definitely hit the spot.
Gingerbrave was quick to down his hot chocolate earning himself a foam moustache as he brought up a question. “There's only one bed in here, though it's pretty big!” Pure Vanilla sipped a little with a hum, “I can take the sofa, you two deserve the comfort of th-” but Plain Wafer cut him off in unison with Gingerbrave!
“No, that is not fair to you!” they nodded to each other, at the same time as well.
Pure Vanilla blinked at them in surprise, “I-I can’t possibly make one of you take the sofa or the floor...”
Plain Wafer crossed her arms, “The bed is big enough for all of us! Right, Gingerbrave?” he nodded back firmly to her. Pure Vanilla knew he wasn't getting out of this as he sighed and glanced at a bookcase. “Alright, you win you two. How about I also read us a story?” which made them both raise their arms in cheer.
“Yeah! Story!”
With mugs left on the dresser, the only light in the room being the lamp from the other nightstand. The trio found themselves cuddled up in the bed. Pure Vanilla was in the centre, holding a book as he read the story to the small Cookies next to him.
As he came to the end of story, he glanced at each side to them, noticing his two little friends had drifted while slightly clinging to the side of robes and snuggling into the blanket. “... And everyone lived happily ever after. The end,” he closed the book lightly as he leaned over ever so slightly as to not disturb them and turned the lamp off, leaving the book under it.
Pure Vanilla let out a small, tired sigh and he nestled as best as he could under the blanket and started to the ceiling. Was this what it was like to be a parent? He was expected to be something of one to Plain Wafer now, wasn't he? Was he really up to the task? He’d promised Heavy Cream Cookie after all.
He felt something all of a sudden that made him jump. He glanced to the side Plain Wafer was on, seeing her snuggle more into him and mumbled in her sleep. “... Mama..” As if on instinct, he rubbed her back and leaned down to give a small kiss to the top of her head, then snuggled back into the pillows and closing his eyes.
Maybe it wasn't as hard as he thought.