Chapter Text
What is more painful to hear? Weapons screeching against each other? The unraveling of a broken trust? The drip of a broken heart? Only those who have heard them all know the answer. At this point in the battle, no one was asking such philosophical questions. They couldn't afford that luxury, with the fate of all of Crispia in their hands. The heroes fought with vigor and hope, the beasts' strategy was pure chaos and distractions.
Spears made of earth flew in all directions, a rain lethal to anyone else. They stabbed painfully into enemies, but disintegrated upon contact with friends. Explosions of flowers with prism magic happened at intervals while a beautiful, archaic song filled the battlefield with buffs and debuffs. Particles of flour flew dangerously through the wind in a silent threat, but were countered by particles of light. The shadows became doors of darkness that, with luck, were intercepted by an allied darkness. When a storm of sharp cards headed straight for them, a powerful and indestructible shield saved them. Oh, and there was fire everywhere. That was the current state of the battle.
There were no words exchanged. Would it even be worth it? Why would there be a reminder that this would probably be the final battle? Not even Shadow Milk Cookie did anything but smile maniacally. And of course, in the midst of the symphony of magic and weapons, no one noticed certain furtive glances, small gestures of concern. If anything, the Beasts noticed that Burning Spice Cookie was much more upset than normal. He was focusing all his attention on fighting Dark Cacao Cookie alone. It was not unusual for him to want to fight against strong opponents but he was almost completely ignoring Golden Cheese Cookie. She either hadn't noticed or was too busy launching massive range attacks. That's why they had a chance. Silent Salt Cookie disappeared in front of the Ancient Heroes without them noticing. And when he appeared again he did so from the shadow of the bitter king.
-Dark Cacao Cookie! Look out!- White Lily Cookie was the first to notice. She used one of her bomb attacks, but it would be too late for it to take effect. The flowers and petals blocked their view of the critical moment.
When the petals stopped dancing in the wind and the huge prism flower disappeared, the image that was seen was unexpected. Dark Cacao Cookie didn't have a single scratch and behind him Burning Spice Cookie had stopped the black knight's attack with his own axe.
-Back. Off...- The Beast of Destruction whispered like a threat.
The Ancient Hero had not even moved from his position, he was stunned in place. But it was for a short time since, taking advantage of the fact that Silent Salt Cookie was stuck, he lunged with his sword to try to finish them off. But before the black knight disappeared into the shadows, an invisible shield protected him from harm. A familiar magic that the bitter king did not have time to assimilate because everyone had seen what had happened.
-Burning Spice! What. Are. You. Doing! The enemy is them! Not us!- Shadow Milk Cookie sounded angry but his expression was less severe than other times.
The battle stopped at that moment everyone tried to understand what had happened and why. The destruction beast's grip on his axe grew tighter. There was conflict in his expression, and his smile had faltered. Finally he sighed in defeat and accepting whatever was coming now.
-I'm not going to let anyone take him away from me. Dark Cacao Cookie is mine! - White Flour Cookie gave him a small irritated look, since she should be the one to take care of the bitter king's demise.
-...Well, fine! You can have your 1 to 1 fight but make it quick! - Shadow Milk Cookie in position to launch another flurry of cards, and was interrupted again.
-Did you not listen?! He is mine! I LOVE HIM!-
The silence was such that even Silent Salt Cookie had relaxed as if they were at home. Everyone had been shocked, looking at him as if he were crazy. Even Eternal Sugar Cookie had opened her eyes wide from her cloud. Except Golden Cheese Cookie, she was horrified by such a revelation.
-...You what?- Shadow Milk Cookie came out of her shock with a little irritation.
-You... What?- White Flour Cookie had her eyes half open with much irritation.
-You WHAT?!- Golden Cheese Cookie couldn't believe it. Didn't want to believe it. -A-Are you even capable of love?! You, who didn't know how to nurture and care for civilizations under your care?! - The tone of her voice was almost mocking.
-Yes, I am, thieving bird...- Another threat whispered under his breath, accompanied by blazing eyes full of anger. Such a performance only caused more outrage in the Golden Sovereign.
-This is... A waste of time! Dark Cacao Cookie! Why don't you say something?!-
Attention now fell on the bitter king who had remained silent until now. His gaze, although a little angry, had conflict, and he did not dare to look at his companions. His sword could have attacked Burning Spice Cookie from behind, but he didn't. Instead he put it down, walked slowly towards the Beast of Destruction, stood next to him and took his hand, intertwining their fingers. Shadow Milk Cookie gasped so hard it was almost a scream, and a second silence fell. Silent Salt Cookie was starting to like him, so much so that he even sheathed his sword.
-...Dark... Cacao Cookie?- Golden Cheese Cookie not only sounded stunned, but also hurt. -How could you...?-
-I have no excuses. Only that my heart belongs to this beast... - He still didn't dare to look his friends in the eyes. The other heroes were too confused and shocked by the revelation to notice how Burning Spice Cookie's gaze had softened, his hand giving the king's a small squeeze. -I'm... Sorry...-
-You are sorry? Why are you sorry for?! For stabbing me in the back by going out with the very beast that beat me into almost giving up?! - Her words were true and hit hard, so much so that Pure Vanilla Cookie came out of his shock to try to control the situation.
-Golden Cheese...-
-Golden Cheese Cookie! That's enough!- Another voice rose higher than that of the healing hero. Eternal Sugar Cookie, which began to float on her cloud towards the golden sovereign. She took a step back and pointed her spear at the beast.
-Back off! I'm warning you-
-Shush. Hypocrisy doesn't fit you- Her cloud continued its course until it stopped behind the winged heroine, close enough to rest her head on her shoulder. The intimate act wasn't what brought back Silent Salt Cookie's comfort, but the fact that Golden Cheese Cookie blushed and didn't leave his side.
-...You hypocrite brat!- If it weren't for Dark Cacao Cookie squeezing his hand tightly to keep him by her side, Burning Spice Cookie would have attacked the golden sovereign. His eyes lit up again with anger. How dared she berate his beloved when the thief was in the same situation?
-It's not the same!- Golden Cheese Cookie refuted, being stopped only by her lover's tail.
-Yes... It is...- Eternal Sugar Cookie murmured as she changed position on her cloud to get more comfortable. Then someone else interrupted the conversation again.
-Ujump! Well, enough about all this drama. You all know I love the theater, but this little show you put on is too dramatic for my tastes- Shadow Milk Cookie sounded irritated, he wasn't even smiling. But as soon as he turned and moved away, his smile appeared again. -Berry! My sweet berry. Did you notice all the heart cards I threw at you?-
The third time was no longer so surprising, so the squire woman just sighed tiredly and smiled at the jester who was approaching her. She changed her hand shield to be more comfortable and calm.
-I didn't. I was a tiny bit busy dodging them to focus on that-
-Ouch! How dare you ignore my feelings, dear? - Their exchange was quite playful. But her smile changed to a slightly embarrassed one when she turned his gaze to the healing hero
-I am sorry, Pure Vanilla Cookie...-
-You don't need to apologize...- Pure Vanilla Cookie too, he had the silent beast by his side. In reality, they had been together since the first silence formed.
There was no need for words between the healer and the flower. White Lily Cookie simply walked towards White Flour Cookie in a bit of a hurry, stopping to look at her for a moment and then smile at her. And, although he had a hard time admitting it, Dark Cacao Cookie felt irritated as he saw the apathetic beast smile slightly at the white flower.
And now... What? They were at a great crossroads. Should they continue their fight? They should do it. Just because everyone had a secret romantic relationship with the beasts didn't mean they weren't a threat to Crispia. Still, how were they going to fight each other now? Hands held tightly, wings that gave each other comfort, small hugs and one protective shadow over another.
That day's battle, the one that should have decided Crispia's Destiny, ended in a draw and a conversation.