Chapter Text
Salt Coffee sat on the makeshift boat, gazing at the sea. Peaceful, sweet waters, calm blue sky - this was the weather Salt Coffee had hoped for. She definitely did not want to encounter problems on the way to the Creme Republic.
Especially since her siblings were sitting on the boat with her.
They were currently moving from the Vanilla Kingdom - for a vacation. The Cookies hadn't had some rest for weeks - what with redecorating the kingdom.
This was supposed to be a holiday, a break from their duties and work. Yet... something felt so wrong. Like a typhoon on approach.
An overwhelming sense of danger kept Salt Coffee from enjoying the cool breeze of the wide sea.
"Salt Coffee Cookie? What's wrong?"
She immediately turned and was met with the worried face of Blueberry Crepe Cookie.
Oh, how she wanted to tell him. That she was fine, she was OK. There was nothing to worry.
But, taking a glance at his face, she knew that he wouldn't believe her.
He had sensed her worry.
She groaned, fidgeting with her waffle headpiece. "I... don't know. I keep getting this... um, sense, y'know? Seriously, I felt like I just couldn't take a break... I was feeling like something horrible might happen..."
"Really? Oh, I think it's nothing to worry about! It's probably just a false sense. After all, what could go wrong? We're on a holiday! We should relax, right?"
She nodded absently, "Yes... I guess."
But as Blueberry Crepe turned away, she still couldn't help but think about it...
~
Blueberry Crepe paced the length of his cabin.
After his talk with his sister, he still felt so, so... nervous. Worried.
He'd told Salt Coffee it was okay. Nothing to worry about. But in her state, she hadn't realised that he was also reassuring himself.
...
He's terrified.
~
The bell rang through the boat, signalling lunch. The four Cookies all but burst through their cabin doors and ran straight to the dining room. After all, Salt Coffee Cookie was a good cook!
Strawberry Crepe couldn't help but feel their mouth water as Salt put the dishes on the table - warm jelly stew, some veggies, and - oh, Witches - Star Jellies! She even served them sodas! And, of course, they got the best - flavour - ever - strawberry! Well, she does know how to care for the most important member!
...Well, they are now, at least.
Not in the past.
...
Whatever! All that matters is that they are the most important member now. Forget the past. Their parents were dead anyways. And they needn't be sad about it! ... (They are, deep down... And they sense a tragedy... No...!)
...
Strawberry Crepe immediately digs into their meal. Sooo tasty! Sweet and sour and savory at the same time... Simply delicious!
Salt Coffee saw them munching greedily and grinned. "You hungry, Crepe? Witches, I've never seen a Cookie eat so quickly!"
Oh... there was something wrong about her voice. Worry?
...
Probably worrying if they liked her food!
They were tempted to say "Yes, it was delicious!" Buuuut, what fun would THAT be?
So of course, they answered with a "Ugh, your food is HORRIBLE! Seriously, do you know how to cook?!"
Unfortunately (hmph, not again!), she snickered and sang, "Why, soooo glad you love my food!"
"Ugh, you horrible Cookie!"
"Oh, thanks so much for the compliment!"
As the two of them were bickering, Chocolate Coffee suddenly stopped eating and looked up, eyes wide in horror. "Brothers! Sister! Something... something is...."
He didn't get to finish his sentence.
The boat began to rock, and he fell to the floor.
Strawberry Crepe and Salt Coffee immediately stopped the argument.
Blueberry Crepe ran to help Chocolate Coffee.
All of them began to stare with horror into the dark storm, as the waters turn black and murky.
"No..." Salt and Blueberry whispered at the same time.
Strawberry Crepe remembered.
They realised.
Their expression turned into one full of horror and understanding.
The tales.
Oh, the tales.
They were in the Duskgloom Sea.