The Judgement...

In the hushed ambiance of the recovery rooms nestled within the heart of the Crème Republic, Mochaccino began to stir.

The soft hum of his suit's intricate workings and the distant murmur of hushed conversations formed a backdrop as he gradually emerged from the depths of unconsciousness.

The events leading to his lapse into oblivion flickered in his mind, a painful collage of actions he struggled to reconcile.

As his eyes fluttered open, Mochaccino found himself ensconced in a clean, sterile recovery room.

The muted glow of medical equipment cast a gentle illumination, and the steady beep of a nearby monitor punctuated the prevailing quietude.

Blinking away the remnants of his unconsciousness, his vision still a tad blurry, he became acutely aware of the white walls enveloping him and the pristine sheets that cocooned his form.

Espresso, an unusual worry etched across his typically stoic face, stood sentinel beside the bed.

 This uncharacteristic expression drew the attention of Madeleine, who entered the room with a look of mild confusion, her normally calm demeanor unsettled by Espresso's visible concern.

"Mochaccino Cookie! You're awake!" Espresso's voice, far from subdued, carried a heavy sense of relief as he acknowledged the scientist's return to consciousness.

The weight of the room seemed to lift, if only slightly, at the sight of Mochaccino stirring from his unconscious state.

Madeleine, his eyebrow arching at the rare spectacle of concern etched on Espresso's face, exchanged a puzzled glance with him. "Espresso Cookie, are you feeling alright? You seem... different."

Espresso, momentarily caught off guard, cleared his throat and attempted to regain composure. "I'm fine. Just... concerned," he mumbled, an unusual admission from someone not accustomed to displaying such emotions openly.

Meanwhile, Mochaccino, still grappling with the aftermath of his actions, shifted his gaze between Espresso and Madeleine. "What... What happened? Is everyone okay?" he stammered, his voice carrying a trace of the inner turmoil.

Espresso hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "You took down the Masked Cookies. But the way you did it... it was unlike you. We were worried," he admitted, an unusual vulnerability present in his words.

Madeleine, now thoroughly bewildered, pondered, (Espresso Cookie, worried? That's a first. Why doesn't he act like this around me?)

The room hung heavy with an undercurrent of tension, an unspoken concern weaving its way through the trio, each ensnared in their private mesh of thoughts and emotions.

On Mochaccino's countenance, a tumultuous medley of emotions danced; confusion, guilt, and an inner turmoil that eluded easy expression.

"I... lost control. I need to understand what happened," he confessed, his gaze oscillating between Espresso and Madeleine, a plea for answers and a touch of reassurance.

In the sudden realization of his prolonged unconsciousness, Mochaccino's hand absentmindedly found the back of his head. "Wait, how long have I been... out of commission?" he inquired, his tone a mix of daze and concern.

Espresso, grappling with the delicate task of conveying unwelcome news, pondered his response. He cleared his throat, seeking a way to articulate the reality with gentleness.

Finally, he addressed the still-dazed Mochaccino, "You've been unconscious for... about a day and a half. Less than an ideal time period, I'm aware."

The words hung in the air, marking the passage of time and the weight of the events that had transpired during Mochaccino's unconscious hours.

"A day and a half?! What happened while I was out?" Mochaccino's exclamation carried a desperate urgency, a yearning to grasp the lost moments and piece together the puzzle of the day he had missed.

"Fortunately for you, not a whole lot. More of those masked cookies appeared to try and cause trouble, but Crunchy Chip and Wildberry were able to deal with them well enough," Espresso began, cautious not to disclose anything that might further unsettle the scientist.

He continued, "We've also conducted our analysis on the Soul Jams, as well as begun experimenting on condensing their energy within them into a different container. A new vessel of the Ancient Heroes' power, if you will."

"Really? I'd like to help, but... You know..." Mochaccino's voice carried a pensive undertone, uncertainty swirling within him.

"I understand. Take all the time you need to readjust. And that reminds me, Clotted Cream Cookie spoke on your behalf yesterday while you were not aware. He claimed you had opted for the right course of action despite the excessive use of force." Espresso swiftly added, observing the shift in Mochaccino's expression from pensive reflection to intrigued interest.

In the hallowed chambers of the Crème Republic's council, the Elders assembled, their collective gaze focused on the unfolding tale of Mochaccino's forceful intervention, a narrative woven by Espresso in the soft hum of the council room.

"Are all Cacaoian Cookies this poorly disposed to their possessions being taken?" Oyster Cookie, the head of House Oyster, mused aloud, her silver eyes shimmering with a touch of pity as she delicately stroked her chin.

The head of House Custard, Custard Cookie, injected a venomous tone into the conversation, proclaiming, "It's an absolute disaster, especially for us! Typical outsiders, ruining our beautiful Republic!"

Mille-feuille, her expression reflecting deep disappointment, chimed in, "The Divines know of the crimes against their fellow Cookies today, and they will not be as kind as we."

Tension gripped the atmosphere, an unspoken weight hanging heavy in the air. Clotted Cream, standing resolute before the Elders, took a measured breath, preparing to present a defense for his fellow Cookie in the face of judgment and criticism.

"Elders, I stand before you not to excuse Mochaccino's actions, but to present a perspective that may not be immediately apparent," Clotted Cream began, his voice a steady and measured cadence that echoed through the chamber.

Custard, with a venomous tone, interrupted, "What other perspective could you possibly provide that could justify a Cacaoian 'scientist' to make such violent acts in our Republic?!" The word "scientist" was spat out with evident disdain, as if it left a bitter taste on Custard's tongue.

"Let the boy speak, Custard Cookie," Baumkuchen, the head of House Baumkuchen, interjected politely from behind his full-face mask. "We should at least listen to what the Consul has to say."

Mulled Juice, the head of House Mulled Juice, also added his support, "I concur. As a fellow Cookie of science and engineering, I wish to hear Mochaccino Cookie's defense as presented by Clotted Cream Cookie."

"I thank you for your time. Now, for my first statement, let us not forget that Mochaccino, in his own way, managed to avert a potential conflict between the Crème Republic and the Ancient Heroes," Clotted Cream asserted, his statement raising eyebrows, with a mix of disbelief and intrigue flickering across the faces of the assembled Elders.

He continued, delving into the hypothetical scenario, "Had he not intervened, we would find ourselves grappling with a far graver situation. The Soul Jam, the very essence of the Ancient Heroes' power, could have slipped into the wrong hands, ushering in consequences beyond our current comprehension."

"Kid's got a point," Captain Caviar, the head of House Caviar, injected with a pirate-like flair, a distinctive tone often associated with him. "The Ancient Heroes would have our heads if they found out their Soul Jam wasn't secure."

Clotted Cream seized the moment, locking eyes with each Elder to gauge their reactions before pressing on, "Consider this. If Mochaccino Cookie had not acted swiftly, we'd find ourselves in the unenviable position of explaining to the Ancient Heroes that, due to a lapse in our security, their Soul Jams were seized by a group of masked Cookies."

Sablé, the head of House Sablé, enhanced the scenario with a pointed question, "Can any of us truly fathom the repercussions of such a revelation? The Ancient Heroes might not have been forgiving." She painted a vivid picture of a potential conflict between the Vanilla, Hollyberry, and Dark Cacao Kingdoms against the Crème Republic, a deeply unsettling thought.

"That is true. Mochaccino Cookie's admittedly gruesome and unnecessarily violent actions resulted in the retrieval of the Soul Jam. Without it, our Republic would be a target of resentment from three different kingdoms," Baumkuchen visibly shivered at the prospect of becoming the enemy of three Ancient Heroes.

A moment of weighty silence enveloped the council chambers, each Republic Elder pondering the perspectives laid bare by Clotted Cream, Sablé, and Baumkuchen.

Clotted Cream, the first among the trio, meticulously surveyed the room, making direct eye contact with each Elder, seeking their stance in this quasi-judicial assembly.

Captain Caviar and Mulled Juice displayed a subtle alignment with Clotted Cream's position, their expressions reflecting a leaning towards agreement. Captain Caviar seemed more inclined to endorse the Consul's viewpoint.

Sablé and Baumkuchen appeared poised to join the consensus with a bit more coaxing, teetering on the edge of agreement.

Oyster and Vanilla Sugar remained neutral for the moment, the latter withholding her statements. Oyster would likely require a compelling argument to sway her towards forgiveness.

On the other hand, convincing Custard, Mille-feuille, and Canelé, who stood steadfast in their reservations, proved to be a formidable challenge.

Recognizing the obstinacy of the latter trio, Clotted Cream acknowledged that persuading them might be futile.

Yet, he understood the significance of securing the majority vote. Convincing six out of the nine Elders would be more than enough to ensure favor for both him and Mochaccino.

After a pause, Clotted Cream's voice sliced through the air, honing in on the core of his defense. "Finally, though Mochaccino's methods may appear extreme, we must recognize that he averted a potential tragedy. Picture a scenario where the entire Crème Republic is marred by collective distrust from all the Ancient Heroes and their kingdoms."

"Mochaccino Cookie, through his actions, averted a situation where the Ancient Heroes might bear animosity towards us. Excessive force, undoubtedly, but it was a choice that shielded us from a fate far more perilous," Clotted Cream concluded, his statements delivered with a sense of finality.

"As I implore you, esteemed Elders, to contemplate the broader canvas. Mochaccino Cookie acted driven by a sincere concern for the safety of our Republic. Espresso Cookie, his close friend and kin, resides here. He would not jeopardize the very haven that houses his friend," he emphasized, underscoring the profound friendship shared by the two Coffee Tribe cousins.

"The potential repercussions of inaction could have been far more severe. We must gauge the cost of his methods against the potential toll of inaction," he finalized, accentuating the gravity of the situation if Mochaccino had chosen not to intervene.

In Clotted Cream's eyes, the Elders could discern an unwavering resolution to stand firm in his defense of Mochaccino.

It was evident that this was a hill he was prepared to defend or die on. Captain Caviar, a keen observer of such resolute determination, respected Clotted Cream's unwavering stand.

"I say we give the lad another chance at it," Captain Caviar proclaimed, arms crossed, his conviction clear. Convinced that Mochaccino's intentions were benevolent, he asserted, "If that Cookie prevented any o' the Ancient Heroes from coming at our necks, then let 'im be free."

Captain Caviar's unexpected proclamation left the assembly in a collective gasp of surprise, his boldness setting the stage for a cascade of opinions from the other Elders.

Mulled Juice, with a relaxed demeanor, chimed in, "I agree. As a fellow Cookie of science like myself, I would also like to vouch for Mochaccino Cookie to be pardoned and forgiven."

Clotted Cream sensed a touch of bias in Mulled Juice's judgment, but welcomed the support nonetheless.

The momentum continued as Baumkuchen, in a measured tone, voiced his gratitude, "For preventing the potential crisis of facing the Ancient Heroes' wrath and possibly losing everything our Republic worked for in the process, Mochaccino Cookie has my cordial thanks, as well as my pardon."

With three Elders expressing forgiveness, a glimmer of hope flickered for Clotted Cream and Mochaccino. However, as expected, a trio of dissenting voices emerged.

"No! He stained our Republic in the strawberry jam of Cookies under the control of someone else! He could have turned them in for imprisonment and questioning, but instead, killed them in a cold and heartless manner!" Custard immediately protested, vehemently disapproving of Mochaccino's actions.

"While what the scientist did prevented a possible mistrust of our Republic from the Ancient Heroes' part, I don't believe it was worth taking away the lives of three Cookies," Canelé argued, crossing her arms in indignation.

Mille-feuille echoed the sentiment, emphasizing, "In such a gruesome manner, no less!" The air in the chamber grew tense as opposing views clashed in the debate.

With three Elder Cookies standing in favor of forgiveness and three adamantly unwilling to pardon Mochaccino's actions, the pivotal decision now rested with Sablé, Oyster, and Vanilla Sugar.

The atmosphere in the council hung thick with anticipation, the weight of Mochaccino's fate oscillating between the contrasting opinions.

"I would like to give my verdict," Sablé announced, her tone carrying a slight smile. "Everything we worked for, everything this Republic is and will be, everyone who happily lives in it... we still and will continue to have it, thanks to Mochaccino Cookie's actions. Whatever apology he may present to me, I accept with open arms." Her words resonated, creating a ripple of contemplation.

Oyster, seemingly stirred by Sablé's perspective, chimed in, "That is true. House Oyster could've lost everything we gained in the future where Dark Cacao Cookie's scientist wasn't there... I need not be further convinced; the scientist is still welcome in this Republic."

As Sablé and Oyster aligned with the forgiving stance, Custard, Canelé, and Mille-feuille felt the ground beneath their objections waver.

However, the deciding voice remained with Vanilla Sugar, who, with measured deliberation, delivered her verdict. "Let him be. I will forgive and forget what he did to the Masked Cookies. They usurped the Soul Jam, and no matter what method is used, the faster it is retrieved, then I've no qualms with the means."

Vanilla Sugar's decision signaled the continuation of Mochaccino's presence in the Republic, a verdict that landed like a blow to the collective pride of Custard, Canelé, and Mille-feuille.

The balance tipped in favor of forgiveness, leaving a lingering tension among the Elders as they grappled with the aftermath of the contentious decision.

Clotted Cream allowed his eyelids to descend, a serene smile gracing his features. What had begun as a strategic defense to win Mochaccino's trust had evolved into a genuine admiration for the scientist from the Dark Cacao Kingdom.

The echoes of his own words, interwoven with the sentiments of concurring Elders, reverberated within him, fostering an unexpected appreciation for the once-misunderstood figure.

"Thank you, Mochaccino Cookie," he whispered, a quiet acknowledgment of the unanticipated bond that had emerged. With a triumphant swell in his voice, he addressed the assembly, "By majority vote and the thoughtful considerations of the Elders, Mochaccino Cookie has been deemed... pardoned and forgiven!"

As Clotted Cream's proclamation hung in the air, Espresso's voice interjected into the memory, bridging the past with the present. "...and that is what happened," he concluded, threading the narrative together.

With a bitter undertone, he added, "Thanks to Clotted Cream Cookie, you likely won't be receiving dirty looks from... ugh, the frankly ungrateful upper city citizens," expressing his discontent at the lack of recognition for his friend.

Within the room, a subdued atmosphere clung to the walls, marked by unspoken tensions and the delicate dance of emotions.

Mochaccino, burdened by the weight of recent actions, found himself reevaluating Clotted Cream, detecting a sincerity in the fellow Cookie's intentions that transcended the strategic dynamics of the recent proceedings.

In the contemplative aftermath of his moral dilemma, Mochaccino found himself entangled in an inescapable web of dread.

The indelible line he had crossed left an ominous mark, compelling him to confront the haunting reality that he, a supposed harbinger of scientific progress, had become the arbiter of not one, but three lives.

Breaking the contemplative silence, Espresso's comforting voice intruded, offering a lifeline as Mochaccino rose from the bed, tentatively attempting to reintegrate into the responsibilities that awaited him.

The resonance of his friend's words echoed through the room, urging Mochaccino not to succumb to the abyss of despair indefinitely.

"But... you can't just wallow in despair forever. Other people need our help, your help. The best we can do as Cookies of science is try to make sure it can't happen again," Espresso added, his fellow Coffee Tribe scientist placing a reassuring hand on Mochaccino's shoulder.

It was a tender gesture, a reminder that camaraderie and support could persist even in the bleakest of moments.

In gratitude for the offered support, Mochaccino responded with a heartfelt, "I... thank you, Espresso Cookie," their connection underscoring the resilience of friendship amid the shadows of remorse.

"I would not stand for you staying in such a state, Mochaccino Cookie. You are welcome to take some time to ease yourself and regain your bearings, perhaps speak with some of the others you're more familiar with," Espresso said, a small smile breaking through the weighty atmosphere, a subtle yet profound acknowledgment of understanding.

"When you feel prepared, rendezvous with me at the Institute of Thaumaturgy, where we can delve into extensive research on enabling others to harness the power of an Ancient Hero," Espresso appended, taking his leave with a meaningful glance directed at Madeleine, a silent reproach lingering in the air.

Meanwhile, orchestrating a voyage to the Republic on short notice proved to be a formidable challenge at the bustling Docks. The urgency of the journey exacerbated the already intricate process.

Despite the impediments, Pure Vanilla found himself in an unprecedented stroke of luck, successfully navigating the hurdles and arriving at the Republic in a mere two days.

Surveying the unique landscape, Pure Vanilla couldn't help but marvel at the unfamiliar surroundings. "My my, what an... interesting place. It's a good thing I still have those traveler's robes. I might have caused a stir otherwise," the healer pondered aloud, embarking on a stroll without a predetermined destination.

With a persuasive charm, Pure Vanilla had acquired a spare map from a fellow traveler. However, armed with only a vague idea of Mochaccino and Strawberry Crepe's whereabouts, the healer anticipated a potentially protracted search.

Yet, fortune favored him once again. A mere half-hour into his quest, Pure Vanilla serendipitously stumbled upon Strawberry Crepe in a diminutive laboratory nestled within the lower city, a sector curiously absent from the map he had obtained.

Whatever the case, he immediately piped up with, "There you are, Strawberry Crepe Cookie. You had me and Black Raisin Cookie worried to death with your disappearance."

"Fine, you got me. But you should know that Mochaccino has... done a few things that went far..." Strawberry Crepe said with apprehension, clearly feeling some kind of guilt.

"What things, Crepe? What things has Mochaccino Cookie done?!" Pure Vanilla said, clearly concerned but keeping calm.

"Just... he uhh... think it's best if you read this newspaper." Strawberry Crepe hesitated, handing Pure Vanilla said paper object, on the main page, which read:

"Cacaoian scientist has been reported responsible for the death of three Masked Cookies whose identities are unknown, as their state is far too brutalized for proper investigation into their facial features. Witnesses say the manners in which the masked victims were killed were gruesome and extremely violent."

After perusing the distressing article, Pure Vanilla visibly grappled with his emotions but made a concerted effort to maintain composure. "Strawberry Crepe Cookie... did you... have a part in this? Please... be honest with me," he inquired calmly, his tone carrying both reassurance and a keen perception of Strawberry Crepe's guilt-laden demeanor.

"I uhh... I... I might have... convinced him to go and... stop them forcibly. I didn't expect him to do that, but I could only cheer him on as he slammed that masked cookie into the pavement," Strawberry Crepe confessed, his words tinged with remorse and unease.

Pure Vanilla sighed, responding with understanding, "I don't blame you, nor do I blame Mochaccino Cookie. But this sort of thing isn't okay. We can't just go around killing people in the name of justice. Where is Mochaccino Cookie now? He might not take murder such as this well."

"I think... I think he's in the upper city, near that weird institute," Strawberry Crepe answered, trailing behind Pure Vanilla, who exuded an air of assurance.

Even though Crepe had played a role in pushing Strawberry Mochaccino to cross ethical boundaries, there was a complex blend of understanding and forgiveness in the healer's demeanor.

Despite the brutality of the actions, Pure Vanilla acknowledged Mochaccino's intent as noble, though the means employed diverged from his personal approach. Soon enough, the scientist's worries would fade away, and light would return to his soul once more...