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anonymous-person-in-hellhole · 29 days

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Bubs Explores the Odyssey, Chap. II, Day 1, pt. 2

"Thanks for staying behind, Wildberry, sorry for making you stay for us." Bubs rubbed the back of their head while the trio of Cookies traveled to the Institute of Thaumaturgy. Wildberry that it was fine.

"Bubblegum Cookie, it is completely alright, there is no need to apologize." Wildberry spoke, his monotonous voice making it hard to tell if he truly meant it. When Wildberry asked why Bubblegum felt the need to apologize, they answered with this:

"Well, it's just that your duties are being put on hold just to protect a random person-"

"I must stop you right there." Wildberry's sudden but calm interruption surprised Bubs, and they let him speak his mind. "You do realize that, as a group, we all came together with one goal in mind, yes? Leaving you vulnerable to another attack would only hinder us, so, leaving only you and GingerBrave alone, especially with a group that can survive separating into smaller units, as those Cookies with white masks could try attacking you again."

Bubs was surprised that he cared so much about not just his Queen's Soul Jam, but the whole group as well.

"I understand that we have not yet become close-knit companions, I'm afraid to say that I haven't made a single one within this group, but Queen Hollyberry Cookie taught me, through her taking me in and helping me become who I am now, that by having unity and understanding between one another will help all thrive."

"... Wow, uh... thanks, Wild. Or, er, Wildberry Cookie." A pleasant expression crept on Bubs' face, in awe of Wildberry's view and insight. "You should talk more, you're very poetic."

Wildberry's face morphed into a kind smile, which he quickly hid back into a neutral look.

Brave exclaimed, "They're right, Wildberry Cookie, you've got such a deep outlook on life! It's fine to approach the others, especially if you want to make friends with them, too!"

Wildberry hid his smiling face before asking, "Too?"

GingerBrave happily zipped around him. "Yes! You're our friend!" Bubs smiled reassuringly, leaving Wildberry with a grateful smile.

*THUD!*

When a rushing Cookie accidentally bumped into Bubs, they're first instinct was to make sure that the Cookie would land safely, so, catches the long blonde-haired Cookie.

"Oh! Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, thank you for catching me..." She stood up, a solemn look on her familiar face.

"H-hey, are you-"

Just before Bubs could finish their question, Brave reached to her the pendant she was holding onto, which had flown across the street when she crashed onto Bubblegum Cookie.

"Here you go, ma'am." She quickly took it, and seemed to be in a hurry. Despite that, Brave couldn't help but ask,

"Uh, who's in it?"

"Brave." Bubs scolded him, mad that he would try to get private information like this. (Hypocrite!)

"I-it's no one! I have to go." She ran off, leaving the three confused by her statement.

"A portrait pendant, that has no picture of a person with significance, yet she holds it that tightly?"

"Yeah, right? That's so strange."

"... What if she was...?"

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Despite how much later Bubblegum, GingerBrave, and Wildberry had come to travel to the Institute, they had surprisingly caught up to the group.

"Is the Soul Jam still safe?" Wild asked, slightly worried that his Queen's one demand to keep her source of power safe has been failed somehow..

"No, all the Soul Jam are still intact." Chip gave him a nod and a kind smile as he reported, before entering the Thaumaturgy with the rest of the new Cookies in town. "So, is this the the fancy institute y'all were talkin' about earlier?"

This Institute of Thaumaturgy feels bigger on the inside than it does on the outside, which was odd, because the dome'd building itself was already quite big outside. Perhaps it was the effect of the large orb in the middle of everything, standing atop a platform, as it's circled by moving rings, each with runes and symbols etched into them. Those that had never been to the Republic were in awe of how orderly and full of high-quality equipment the building had.

"The Institute of Thaumaturgy is the largest and most well-financed laboratory of magic in the Republic." As Clotted asks Espresso what exactly he was about to do, Bubs tuned them out, their mind filled with the fact that, once they return, they have to stay with Strawberry Crepe to fully research what exactly was the reasoning for their... Anomalous behavior.

At the sound of something about an audience with the Elders, Bubs finally snapped out of their trance, leading to them trying to piece together who these two random strange Cookies were and why Espresso was ordering them to analyze the Soul Jam thoroughly, when they were sure he would stay and do that himself.

"W-what happened?"

"We are going to meet the Elders-"

"And I truly wish that it is a hasty report." Espresso made his way towards the door, and all followed, with Bubs, scratching the back of their head, as they headed north, towards what seemed to be a hovering shell atop the platform; the very centre of the Republic; the Convocation Chamber.

"... How are we climbing up there, exactly?"

Clotty would chuckle, then joked that, "Through climbing up about 120 steps of stairs, and just praying you can jump high enough to reach the Chamber. I only jest."

As the group gathers on what seems to be a platform, Clotted presses on the railing's, and the platform rises up from the ground, giving Bubs a reminder of... yeah, that...

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Outside the gate of the room, the Cookies that were not yet allowed inside (Aka, the foreigners + Financier Cookie) were listening in on the Convocations' discussions with the three inside; Clotted slightly embelleshing how he had gotten the Ancient Heroes to agree to sharing the Soul Jam, how this one Elder with a fluffy sheepmallow would force Espresso and Madeleine into a special commendation tomorrow, and finally, a rough voice of a familiar pirate that Bubs had heard before, as they touched their scar...

"Are we really just going to sit here?" Asked the ever-impatient Cookies-n-Creme general.

"Forgive me if, in your kingdom, you and your soldiers are allowed to be impatient," Financier suddenly spoke, still monotone, yet clearly snarkily, "but in our Republic, we are to not interrupt the meetings of the Elders, due to the respect they command." She had a slight smirk that Bubs caught, catching on that despite her harsh tone, she merely meant to make a lighthearted comment to keep Chip quiet, which he did.

"I just hope the Clotted Cream Cookie will call you, or something, so you guys can finally give your requirements for the Soul Jam." Brave spoke, sitting down, twiddling his thumbs.

"Yeah, considering they've been talking for awhile..." Bubs looks up at the sky, the sun is high and beaming down the glimmering city, it's beautiful landscape and artistry, being seen from above, was the only thing that kept their mind occupied.

"Well, I believe that we have waited quite long enough." Wildberry suddenly spoke, before pushing open the gates himself, shocking the others, especially Financier. Despite this, Crunchy Chip had also joined him, shocking the Elders inside, where Clotted immediately quickly explains their presence in the Convocation. They gave their demands and warnings, and the silver-like shining Elder, Oyster, had quickly given her, and thereby, all of their word to keep the Soul Jam safe.

"If successful, this research will remain in history for all time." The Elder Oyster seemed proud and confident, as though all will end well. "Our Convocation's legacy and the name of the Crème Republic will be remembered by all future generations. It is not an exaggeration to say that the future of the world rests in the hands of our fair city."

Something about how she spoke, it felt... too easy? Too confident and sure of success...

'Perhaps that's just how they act here in the Republic..?'

Once the meeting and report was done, all of the Elders had decided that the meeting was now adjourned, and they all left the floating building, only leaving the Odd crew of Cookies, which were those that travelled from all around Earthbread.

Bubs entered the tall room, quietly.avoiding the all-black pirate captain Elder for reasons unknown to most, except the blond Consul they were approaching.

"Consul," Financier spoke, "your efforts over the past few days have yielded great results. All of the Elders seemed please with your progress."

"Yet, I personally am not. There is still an enigma that perplexes me..."

"Is it about the attack?" Bubs interrupted, and Clotted confirmed.

"It is weird how they just... knew where we were hiding the reliquary. And they can't have been just random assassins, you said there was a tracking device on the reliquary, right?"

"Yes, in fact, the reliquary was enchanted with some of the strongest hexes and security devices known to the Republic... and they cut through it all, like a knife through butter."

"Well, now that you mention it, it was odd how fast they opened it. Even I could tell it's stronger than it seems, and I've never encountered tech and magic like that before..."

"No one knew of such details either..." Clotted spoke, with a serious look to his face, as he then said this... "well, none, except for the Elders."

Financier's eyes widened at what Clotted said, "Sir, but that would... Are you suggesting that one of the Elders might be engaging in such subterfuge?!"

Bubs was shocked, surprised by how Financier reacted, looking back at the others, they were also surprised that he would genuinely suggest this.

'He really is going to prove us wrong in not trusting him, huh?'

"I..." Finn would then calm down, before returning to her usual monotony, "My behavior and words are... unbefitting of my position. My apologies, Consul..."

"Nothing more than speculation, at the moment." Clotted would quickly defend his words, "Without more details... We would only come to an erroneous conclusion. But... I cannot purge this thought in my mind. There is a vail of duplicity and deceit surrounding us."

"What must we do, sire? The Elders are the foremost authority in the Republic." Madeleine intervenes, adding to the discussion, "Even on their own, they hold great power and influence! We cannot investigate them on a whim."

"Investigate, maybe not, but there are many other ways of getting information that you need, you just need the right talking points..." Bubs spoke, explaining to the slow-witted Paladin. Despite seeming cool and calm on the outside, Bubs was excited to practice their dialogue skills again.

"Words are a powerful tool... They are also a window into one's soul. Perhaps we can uncover more through dialogue." Clotted deducts, earning a smile from Bubs, glad he picked up what they put down.

"However, my administrative duties restrain me from ascertaining the full truth on my own." With that, Clotted asked for all of us to cooperate with him fully in this quiet investigation, taking the investigation of the Elders Oyster and Custard for himself, leaving only seven of the nine remaining. Coincidentally, there are 7 of them in this small operation as well, if not adding Espresso into the mix, considering he's about to spend the rest of his time studing the Soul Jam. Although, the Cream Wolf can't talk, so, perhaps it's down to six... and with Financier and Madeleine's own duties as paladins, it's actually down to just the four of them...

"You can trust us, Clotted Cream Cookie! We'll figure out what's going on!" GingerBrave affirmed, bringing Bubblegum back to Earthbread, a common thing that happens when Bubs spaces out.

Clotted thanks them sincerely, then turns to Espresso Cookie, warning him about coveting eyes and other dangers, "... But I must ask, not just for formality's sake; Will you be able to handle such a tremendous task...? Can I ask you to bring a new age of peace and prosperity to all Cookies of Earthbread?"

"Yes, I shall." Espresso saluted, before leaving the room quickly.

"I leave the science-ing to you! Haha!" Madeleine raised his sword up, as though to bless Espresso, before mumbling about what he could do... "Ah-ha! I got it! My new friends from afar, it would be an honor to invite you to stay at Mansion Madeleine during your visit!"

"Huh? Uh, no, it's fine for me to not go- I mean, thank you for your offer, but-" Brave quickly shut down Bubs by nudging them on the side, while Madeleine explained (and bragged) about the mansion. Clotted concurs and asks for the group to recuperate well, before winking to Bubs, leading to them blushing... for some reason...

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As the group would escalate down to the ground, Brave would ask Madeleine about the Paladin's Academy that he and Ser Financier had trained at, which was nestled in the North-western area of the Republic, Bubs was approached by Wildberry about something,

"Is there a reason that Clotted Cream Cookie had winked towards you, Bubblegum Cookie?"

"Huh? N-no, I don't know. I thought it was towards all of us?"

"... It seems as though it was directed towards you."

"... Yeah, it did, right? Why did he do that?" Bubs vents, confused as to why Clotted seems to be trying his best to catch their attention like this...

"Now, I may be wrong, as this is a new territory for me, but I believe that Clotted Cream Cookie was flirting with you."

"Ugh, why does everyone keep saying that? Even when we were at the Vanilla Kingdom."

"Well, perhaps that comment that spread about you being his 'partner' gave everyone the wrong idea, including me."

Bubs face was dusted with a lilac color, remembering what had happened for him to say that...

"It didn't mean anything..."

"Does it not? Your face seems to be betraying your words." Wildberry dryly said, quickly putting on his neutral face as Bubs turned to him, surprised at his snark.

"You Hollyberryians need to calm down, sometimes..."

"We can tell when passion hits someone hard."

As Bubs grumbles, still blushing, and flushing, Madeleine leads the group towards Madeleine Mansion. Bubs knows about it, from their studies, knowing that whole generations have lived there for centuries, and, last time they had studied, had the Grand Madeleine Cookie and her three sisters currently still living there.

As they approached, one of the three actually quickly spotted them, rushing over to Madeleine, alongside the other two. Madeleine greeted them giddily, missing them dearly, when the Grand Madeleine had also appeared, and a great and sweet family reunion unfolded in front of the outsiders.

Before Madeleine could be dragged inside to be baby'd by his... well, attentive aunts, he' introduce the rest of the Cookie Kingdoms.

"All friends of Madeleine Cookie are welcome! Make yourselves at home!" Grand Madeleine announced.

The first aunt immediately started to adore the adorableness of GingerBrave, while the tallest seemed to be fawning over Wildberry, and the most understated (which in and of itself was an understatement) began petting the so-called puppy brought by Chip, which, of course, led to an angry Crunchy Chip.

"Hehe, I mean, your Cream Wolf is so sweet, despite his ferociousness." Bubs teases him, only to have the third aunt also approach them, wondering why their shirt had tears and such in the hips, leading to Bubs awkwardly explaining that these clothes were... all they had. She explained that she can help with that later.

As the aunties would celebrate the fact that Madeleine brought friends home, Bubs awkwardly rubbed the back of their neck. As one of them wished they'd stay friends for a long time, Brave answered with an affirmative "Of course we will!" Bubs couldn't help but smile from the overwhelming happiness that filled them to the brim.

"Follow me friends! Let me show you to your rooms! You are sure to be impressed by how comfortable they are." Madeleine then helped the group to their rooms. Bubs offered to sleep in a room alongside Brave, before eating dinner with everyone and discussing with the aunties if they could possibly upgrade their top, to which they took it upon themselves to improve their outfit design.

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As the night approached, Bubs entered the room, a new belt and a more armored jacket to help protect Bubs much better.

"Wow, they really did help you upgrade your outfit." Brave climed on top of his bed, very tired after all of the running around from today. "I never knew there was such a huge city across the ocean, and so many Cookies are living here."

"I'm just glad you're having fun." Bubs said as they took off their choker, relieving Bubs from the extra armor in their outfit, as they climbed on top of their own bed.

Brave yawned, "But right now, I'm going to sleep, good night, Bubblegum Cookie..."

"... You too, Brave." Bubs rrplied, before lying down, and sleeping, peacefully, for once...

Well, not entirely, as a certain thought about a Cookie with 2% Connivingness was living in their head, rent-free...

'Fridge it all...'

#cookie run #bubblegum cookie #cookie run kingdom #cookie run oc #gingerbrave #wildberry cookie #clotted cream cookie #???#financier cookie #espresso cookie #crunchy chip cookie #madeleine cookie #chapter 2 day 1 #oyster cookie

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