The Chase

To Manor Oyster the consul and scientist headed, discussing what had been done thus far, and pick up some more pearls for research of Pearl Candies. "This blend you have prepared is quite exquisite. I could not help but keep wanting for more. Its rich and deep flavors are... calming." Clotted Cream hummed, a small smile on his face. "I do hope Mochaccino Cookie's presence is not a burden."

"Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact." Oyster shook her head, sipping her tea. "A pleasant surprise, a guest joining you. And I'm glad you like it. It's quite special, you see. House Oyster's little secret, if you will! Here, have some more. We have more than enough oyster shells after all. Now then. What's this about a 'strong, free Republic'?"

"Ah, yes. Allow me to elaborate. On the surface, everyone is free here, in the Republic. Everyone wears a smile on their face, everything works like finely tuned clockwork." Clotted Cream explained, taking a small sip of the tea. "But I believe... that there is unknown fear that's haunting our people. Fear of the Dark Flour War back in the Vanilla Kingdom, and... fear between the two irreconcilable factions of our society. A place open to everyone yet controlled by few."

"There are those who reign over the masses with power and wealth gained through nurturing fear in the hearts of the Cookies. These Cookies in power can eat whatever Jelly they wish, and they do not fret about their dough growing stale." Clotted Cream continued, explaining the state of affairs. "But the world outside the Republic is changing. New kingdoms and nations are rising as we speak, and we're against a grave threat: Dark Enchantress Cookie. How long do you think the Republic will last in these turbulent times? I believe... that we need a new force that will protect ourselves."

"Well, well, well. I see that you're quite different from your predecessors. Yes, you're the youngest and freshest to become Consul, but even so... In fact, I've always wondered where you've set your sights on. But hearing you today... You have definitely piqued my interest. I look forward to seeing where your leadership brings our Republic." Oyster remarked, smiling a bit.

"Thank you." Clotted Cream nodded, glad he had been given a chance.

"So, tell me. What have you done with the pearls we provided?" Oyster asked, curious.

"Espresso Cookie is currently using them to produce more Pearl Candies. Thanks to our previous progress being so rapid, repeating a Magic Candy's creation with pearls serving as a vessel was a simple matter." Mochaccino answered, smiling a bit. "Though, Espresso Cookie's concerns for the future use of such power is... understandable."

"If I may add to the matter, I would be painted as a liar if I did not admit my own concerns. The Soul Jam, while secure, is still at risk of being stolen. With Espresso Cookie's concerns and the threat of Dark Enchantress Cookie... Well, it is something I have begun to worry over myself." Clotted Cream added, sighing a bit. "Which brings me to my next proposal."

"Hm?" Oyster looked at the consul, wondering what he had in mind.

"Mochaccino Cookie, I now know how much you wish to secure the Soul Jam's safety. You've already shown as much, by the way you've acted towards Espresso Cookie's concern." Clotted Cream turned to the scientist, curious. "And you have proven to be a trustworthy ally, given how much you've aided the Institute of Thaumaturgy's research. With that in mind, I'd like to request you personally safeguard the Soul Jam. If anyone can protect it, I believe it is you. Do you accept?"

"My, is this Cookie truly worthy of such responsibility?" Oyster asked, glancing at the scientist, admittedly intrigued by the request. "To trust this Cookie with such an important task... That's quite the gamble, Clotted Cream Cookie. Are you sure you want to take that risk?"

"It is not a gamble, nor a risk. I have seen Mochaccino Cookie's capabilities, and am certain that he will handle this task with care and diligence." Clotted Cream insisted, glancing at the scientist. "Mochaccino Cookie, what say you?"

"..." Mochaccino took a moment, thinking things over. "Very well. I will safeguard the Soul Jam. The power Ancient Heroes will be in safe hands. Neither Dark Enchantress Cookie nor anyone who covets their power will lay a hand on it. For the better of all Earthbread."

"Excellent. I trust that you will." Clotted Cream smiled, relieved.

"It is incredible how much reliance and trust has been placed on one Cookie in such little time. Not that I'm complaining." Oyster chuckled softly, smiling. "Now, shall we have another cup of tea? Perfect for today's weather."

However, in Mansion Custard, the atmosphere could not be any more different. Entirely contrasting, in fact. "Report. How is the research progressing?" Custard asked, frowning a bit.

"We've received reports that the Institute of Thaumaturgy have successfully created Pearl Candies. The pearls needed for this endeavor have been provided by Elder Oyster Cookie." A Custard soldier stated, earning a look.

"Using something as expensive as pearls? HA HA! Clotted Cream Cookie... boldness bordering on audacity. First Magic Candies and now Pearl Candies. What else can be created by harnessing the power of Soul Jam?" Custard hummed, smiling in cunning amusement. "And the Soul Jam is being guarded at the Institute of Thaumaturgy?"

"Yes, Elder Custard Cookie. But..." The soldier frowned a bit, looking a tad nervous. "Consul Clotted Cream Cookie has tasked an outsider with the duty of guarding the Soul Jam."

"What?! Who?!" Custard asked, his mood now ruined.

"The Cacaoian Scientist, Mochaccino Cookie." The soldier informed. "He's been aiding in the research and development of Magic and Pearl Candies. According to Consul Clotted Cream Cookie, he has proven himself to be trustworthy."

"Does he not remember what happened days ago?! How recklessly he stained our great Republic?! To have such a foreigner guard the Soul Jam, I cannot believe it!" Custard Cookie scoffed, angry and insulted. "The Soul Jam was in the capable hands of House Custard's soldiers!"

"What is our next course of action, Elder Custard Cookie?" The soldier asked, ready to follow whatever orders were given.

"We must disprove Clotted Cream Cookie's judgment. He's making a mistake by letting that outsider guard the Soul Jam. The power of the Soul Jam will soon be ours. Its unlimited power and possibilities... As long as we have access, we must seize every opportunity presented to us!" Custard declared, his expression hardened and determined. "Seize the Soul Jam, we cannot allow such ludicrous decision to become an obstacle."

"How many soldiers shall we send to the Institute, Elder Custard Cookie?" The soldier queried, ready to act.

"This will require subtlety. And that scientist cannot be so capable as to guard the Soul Jam by himself. Send three of our best. And be sure not to raise an alarm. Do not alert anyone." Custard commanded, a serious, scornful expression forming on his face. "Soul Jam and Magic Candies... Treasures too precious to share with anyone. And just when a Consul from House Custard is in power! This was perfect timing!"

"It is an honor to serve House Custard! Now and forever more!" The soldier saluted, smiling.

"Of course, it is! Even among the Nine Great Houses, our house's history, traditions, and legitimacy reign supreme! Did you know that my brother even served the king back in the Vanilla Kingdom?" Custard boasted, proud.

"Yes. I'm aware! I also know that the whereabouts of your brother are unknown!" The soldier informed.

"Yes, yes. He insisted that he must protect the kingdom no matter what and remained. I wasn't able to hear from him ever since then." Custard sighed a bit, frowning. "I don't even know if he survived. Even my newly baked nephew may not have survived. If I didn't part with my brother, I probably wouldn't have even adopted Clotted Cream Cookie. But in the end, Clotted Cream Cookie became Consul. All is well that ends well! And so it will when that Cacaoian's inefficiency is brought to light!"

"May House Custard's cream shine in its eternal glory!" The soldier cheered.

"Good, good. Now go rally your three best soldiers in all corners of the Republic to seize the Soul Jam from the Institute of Thaumaturgy at once. Only the best may join this operation. Understood? Our destiny is upon us!" Custard Cookie commanded, pleased.

"Yes, sir!" The soldier nodded, running off to do as he was told.

It was time for Custard's plan to be set into motion. Mochaccino was in the Institute of Thamaturgy, keeping a keen eye on the Soul Jam. "Are you sure you can handle this by yourself, Mochaccino Cookie?" Espresso asked, grabbing his coat before he left.

"I have handled worse before. I will be fine. Only a fool would try and take it now. Besides, you need rest. I took mine not long ago, my energies are at peak performance. You, however, have been working nonstop. You should be at your best by morning. You can sleep soundly knowing I'll keep the Soul Jam safe." Mochaccino promised, smiling softly.

"...You better." Espresso sighed, a bit reluctant to leave. But ultimately, he did, trusting the Cacaoian's skills.

While he was alone, the three Custard soldiers were outside, waiting. The leader turned to his two compatriots, speaking quietly. "Attention! I have received orders from Lord Custard Cookie. We will subdue the scientist and retrieve the Soul Jam. Give me a status update on the Institute of Thaumaturgy." He ordered.

"We are in position, sir. The ley aquaducts have been sealed and the magichanical security devices disarmed... it is only us against a lone scientist." One soldier reported, holding a rifle-shaped weapon.

"The target appears to be standing watch over the Soul Jam. There is no sign of movement or awareness of our presence. We should strike while he's distracted." The second soldier informed, their own weapon at the ready.

"The plan is in motion, soldier! We are not to fail House Custard! Go! Now!" The leader nodded, his weapon at the ready.

As the soldiers quietly opened the doors, they looked around the dark area, seeing no sign of the Cacaoian. It was a sign to keep moving, slowly make their way to the room containing the Soul Jam.

And suprisingly, no sign of the scientist. The room was empty, save for the Soul Jam. They were all tense, knowing something wasn't right. But, they did not mind, and cockily approached the vault that held the Soul Jam.

"Look at it... such power. House Custard will thrive with it in our hands." The leader chuckled, eyes glued on the Soul Jam.

"Imagine the possibilities. Every other Elder will be left in the dust as our House rises to glory. Perhaps even becoming the new Vanilla Kingdom." One soldier nodded, smiling a bit.

"No need to imagine. It will happen. All because of this. Our true potential will finally be realized." The third soldier nodded, his voice smug and arrogant.

But before the three could touch it, Mochaccino appeared behind them, dropping from the roof, where he was hidden. The leader gasped and quickly turned around. "You are not supposed to be here." The scientist huffed, crossing his arms.

"You will not stop us, outsider!" The second soldier snarled, his rifle-weapon glowing brightly.

"You can try." Mochaccino huffed, not moving a single muscle.

The leader narrowed his eyes, his own rifle-like weapon glowing brightly. "Do not underestimate us, Cacaoian. You will regret it." He snarled.

Mochaccino was silent, waiting for their move. The second soldier growled and aimed his weapon, firing a shot. However, an electric shield formed and redirected the attack to the side. "What the-?!" The leader gasped, eyes wide.

"Apologies, I have not been able to test the new Pearl Magic Candy I installed into my Power Suit. So..." Mochaccino's hands were electrified as sparks of electricity sparked off his palms. "I will test it now. Please, stand still. This is going to sting."

He slammed his hands onto the floor, the electricity travelling across the ground and striking the soldiers. All three screamed as electricity surged through their bodies, falling to the floor with a groan. The shock wasn't so lethal as to kill, but it was enough to knock them out, leaving them unconscious, electrified, and twitching on the floor, stiff and aching.

"Hm... looks like the voltage was much too high. I meant to give them a minor shock, not an overdose. The amplification provided by the Pearl Candy was more than I anticipated." Mochaccino noted, humming in thought. "There goes a possible interrogation. I best restrain them until they are conscious once more."

"Request... for... reinforcements..." One of the soldiers wheezed, before going limp.

"..." Mochaccino blinked, internally facepalming at his lack of awareness in not realizing one of the soldiers was still conscious. "What to do now? I am sure they cannot overwhelm me. Not with the Pearl Candy's power in my suit. But... the Soul Jam must be safeguarded. What to do...?"

"Relocation. The soldiers likely know I am here, so they will most certainly find me." Mochaccino deduced, sighing a bit. He walked over and picked up the Soul Jam containers. "I best act fast. Luckily, that is my strong suit."

As he made his escape out the Institute, Mochaccino's figure was seen carrying and running down the Monument Spire Plaza, being noticed by Gingerbrave. "Huh? Is that Mochaccino Cookie? What's going on?! Are you being chased right now?" He asked, confused and worried.

"Hey! What're you holding onto? Is that... the Soul Jam?! Mochaccino Cookie, what's going on?!" Crunchy Chip questioned, shocked and alarmed.

"Thieves are after the Soul Jam. I must hide it. Now." Mochaccino replied, looking ahead.

"What?!" Espresso was stunned, his eyes wide.

"Yes, they're after- Wait a minute, you should be resting!" Mochaccino exclaimed, his attention momentarily drawn away by the sight of the coffee mage.

"That is not the concern right now! The Soul Jam must be protected at all costs!" Espresso insisted, narrowing his eyes.

"There he is! THIS WAY!" Another Custard soldier called out.

"Who are they?" Wildberry Cookie asked, confused.

"I do not know. I have not seen them before." Mochaccino frowned, holding the Soul Jam close.

"They are soldiers who answer to Elder Custard Cookie. I see now... House Custard is attempting to steal the Soul Jam. We cannot let this happen! Follow me and make haste, we cannot allow them to follow!" Espresso explained, starting to run.

"You heard him, everyone! Follow!" Mochaccino ordered, running after him.

"Wait up, you two! We're coming with you!" Gingerbrave exclaimed, following along as Crunchy Chip and Wildberry followed close behind.

Meanwhile, the other Custard soldiers were being rallied due to the call for backup. "Give me a status update on the Institute of Thaumaturgy!" The one in charge demanded, looking at the other.

"The three soldiers are currently unconcious and bound, sir. I'm afraid that the Soul Jam was not secured." The soldier stated, shaking his head. "As for the other soldiers, they have been instructed to their positions."

"Damn it! How did they get defeated so easily?! And the airship port?!" The leader questioned.

"We also have Cookies securing the perimeter. I've given them instruction to make sure there are no airships entering or leaving the area." Another soldier replied.

"Soldiers are surveilling the market and the piazzas as well. The one with the Soul Jam will not go far! We will catch him and bring the Soul Jam back, sir!" The last soldier stated.

"Good. Do not let your guard down. For the glory of House Custard." The leader nodded, determined and confident.

Back with the currently running squad of Cookies, they were trying to lose the Custard soldiers. "We must tread with extreme caution. Elder Custard Cookie is known to be ruthless in his pursuit for power." Espresso warned, his tone serious. "He will not stop until he achieves results. The pursuit will be relentless. We head for the Lower City. This way!"

Coindidentally, Madeleine also happened to be in the Lower City's Market. "Ho-hum, ho-hum! Another quiet day in our fair city." He said, walking around, unaware of the situation at hand.

"OOOH! Ser Madeleine Cookie! On patrol? It's been a while since we've seen you in this part of town." A merchant greeted, waving.

"Indeed it has! Tell me, good merchant... Do you like my cape?" Madeleine smiled, showing off his cape.

"Aye, the way it flutters in the wind is quite fancy and regal looking. While you're down here, how about a Herring Jelly Pie? Fresh outta the oven, using only top-notch Herring Jellies!" The merchant offered, smiling.

"Hmm... That merchant is quite the smooth talker." Madeleine whispered, a hand under his chin before his gaze fell on something stapled to a pole. "What's this? A new wanted poster? How strange! This wanted criminal looks just like Mochaccino Cookie."

There was a brief moment of silence, before the realization came that... "Wait... THIS IS MOCHACCINO COOKIE?! And... is that ESPRESSO COOKIE in the background?! That expression devoid of all emotion! That presumptuous and arrogant stare!" Madeleine gasped, looking over the poster in shock.

"Where'd they go?!" A Custard soldier's voice shouted, the soldiers passing the Lower City's Market.

"I think they went that way!" Another soldier shouted.

"Are they on the run? Why? What is going on?! I must get to the bottom of this! Espresso Cookie, Mochaccino Cookie, what have you both gotten yourselves into?" Madeleine declared, his brows furrowed, before he rushed after the group.

Near the Back Alleys, the soldiers had caught up with the group. "There they are!" One pointed, their guns at the ready.

"Get him!" Another one, referring to Mochaccino, commanded.

"This place is a maze! I'll never get used to all these narrow alleys!" Crunchy Chip groaned, not liking the location. "Mochaccino Cookie, can't you fly?!"

"If I do, I might accidentally absorb the Soul Jam. If that were to happen, there is no telling what would occur." Mochaccino shook his head, frowning. "And if it is an explosion due to overcharge, then I would rather not risk it."

"Just try to keep up! Quickly! This way!" Espresso directed, taking a turn and making the group run even faster.

"Where do you think you're going?!" A Custard soldier questioned.

"Nope! Wrong turn!" Espresso cursed under his breath, leading the group away.

"We know these streets and its twisted alleys. You can't escape!" The soldier shouted.

"Oh no...! We're trapped in this alley! And there's nothing we can do about it!" Gingerbrave panicked, his eyes wide.

"Agreed. This is bad! There are too many innocent bystanders nearby... Using the Magic Candy here will cause more harm than good..." Espresso sighed, closing his eyes and thinking of a solution.

"End of the line! Return the Soul Jam. NOW!" Another soldier ordered.

"Is this the end..." Espresso mumbled, looking defeated.

"CAW! CAW!" A crow's cawing sounded out.

"What on Earthbread is that?" Espresso blinked, confused.

"CROWS?!" The soldiers shouted, struggling to get them off.

"CAAAW!" They cawed, flapping their wings.

"Wait... Are those...?! Black Raisin Cookie's crows!" Mochaccino and Gingerbrave realized, eyes wide.

"In the nick of time! My crows'll take care of the Soul Jam!" Black Raisin's voice spoke up, catching everyone's attention.

"Alley-oop!" Mochaccino shouted as he opened the cases and tossed the Soul Jam toward the crows.

"CAW! CAAAW!" The crows cawed, catching and flying off with the three Soul Jams.

"Now is our chance! We must flee! Let us hurry to Choco Mud Town!" Espresso called out, the group running away from the Custard soldiers.