Oh, How I've Fallen Because of You

Different Sides

Espresso long accepted the fact that Madeliene wouldn't ever come to this kingdom. He probably found another kingdom to settle in for now. Besides, since he was helping out on expeditions or hiding away in his home to do research—Madeleine's absence slipped from his mind.

Time passed and things are going well.

And then Pastry Cookie came into the kingdom, looking for reinforcement. Apparently, she wanted some assistance in dealing with enemies in the Cake Tower. She warned that it would be a long journey.

Everyone else seemed to be too busy to offer help, so with a sigh, Espresso begrudgingly volunteered.

So here he was, dealing with Pastry's religious mumblings as they went up tray after tray.

Oh, if only he knew what awaited them...

...

The sound of armor clanking alerted Red Velvet Cookie of visitors.

"Working hard as always, Red Velvet Cookie."

He looks to see the priestess, Pomegranate Cookie—and another cookie behind her.

That must be the new cookie he's heard of.

"Now isn't that a surprise!" He greets her, "Pomegranate Cookie, in the dough."

His eyes then went to the newcomer, who has a charming smirk on his face. Red Velvet Cookie could admit, the new cookie was quite a handsome fellow.

"And who is this?"

The new cookie opens his mouth to speak when Pomegranate Cookie cuts in.

"Now is not the time for introductions," she huffed, "We're here to check on the progress you made."

Ah. A report. Red Velvet Cookie proudly states his progress, only to be met with disappointment. He couldn't help but huff. He couldn't work with those numbers—especially in these conditions. Of course, the priestess wanted him to fix the source of the problem...once it is found.

Sheesh... he was doing what he can.

Then a Skelecake rushed in to inform him of an intruder.

An intruder. He supposes he'll have to deal with them then.

"Looks like we have some uninvited guests," Red Velvet Cookie sighed, "I will get rid of these nuisances."

"And I'll be waiting."

"Wait."

Finally, did the newcomer speak, who was petting the newborn cake hound earlier. He stands.

"Let me join you, two cookies are better than one."

Red Velvet Cookie nodded.

"Very well, follow me."

And the two set off, with Pomegranate Cookie left to wait with her cup of tea.

Once they were out of earshot, did he ask:

"What is your name, fellow ally?"

...

They had been fending off these cake monsters for ages. Expresso already feels himself tiring out.

"There's no end to them!" Pastry Cookie exclaimed, exasperated, "It pains me to see such a holy place stained by fallen desserts."

Espresso only sighed, looking up.

There were still more trays to go.

"Ah, so the little nosy gnats have shown themselves."

The two cookies turned to see a figure step out from the shadows. His dough is red with long red-and-black streaked hair of frosting. His eyes were a pale shade of blue, with one of them being...off. The right is mostly black—only a sliver of blue.

And in place of his right arm, was a giant one of red cake and white icing.

"How typical of gnats to be attracted to sweet things..."

Expresso made a face at the idea of something sweet.

Yet he also couldn't help but be...intrigued by this cookie's appearance. Pastry Cookie, on the other hand, looked horrified.

It was no brainer that this cookie worked for the dark side, if the state of the cake tower said anything about it. But the mention of Pomegranate Cookie definitely solidified it.

He was an evil cookie, serving his Master.

The two refused his offer to work for him, and rightfully so—despite their exhaustion.

Expresso only sighs as the two banter back and forth. He sees no use in joining in, cutting to the chase by firing a bean near the mixed Cookie.

He lets out a cry of shock and steps back.

There's the chance for Pastry Cookie to fire.

She never misses.

Until her bolt hits against a shield of dark chocolate.

A familiar shape...

"There are two of you!?" Pastry Cookie exclaimed.

"Now what cookie would I be if I didn't help my comrade?"

Espresso's eyes widened at the voice, horror on his face when the shield lowered to reveal...

"Madeleine Cookie..."

But he was different. His dough is pale as the moon with hair that no longer twinged with vanilla. Instead, it is as white as whipped cream. His armor, once made of white chocolate and vanilla cake was now dark chocolate with strawberry jam. Yet still, he holds his characteristic grin.

"Expresso Cookie," he states, the grin fading to a smirk, "so it seems we meet again."

"What...what happened... you- you dedicated yourself to the Divine-!"

Loud laughter erupted from the dark knight.

"Oh yes. Foolish me, following the light..." Madeleine chuckled, "that cookie is dead. Wonderful news, isn't it? I now serve the darkness."

And yet, Espresso is downright horrified.

How could this happen?

How did things end up this way?

Madeleine, who always did things in the name of the Divine and often boasting.

Madeleine, who could wow audiences and entertain young cookies with stories of glory and adventure.

It was like, he was gone. Remade. Replaced even.

Espresso never felt so devastated in his life.