The Relief
And true to Strawberry Crepe's speculation, Mochaccino was presently situated within the walls of the Institute of Thaumaturgy, engaged in a study alongside Espresso, likely an attempt to bury his concerns under an ocean of academic discourse.
"Oh, Mochaccino Cookie. I meant to tell you, without your permission to be granted, Dark Cacao Cookie's Soul Jam is still intact. Clotted Cream Cookie made it quite clear that every study is to be conducted with your permission and supervision." Espresso stated, notifying Mochaccino of the recent developments.
"I hope that did not hold back your studies too much, did it?" Mochaccino questioned, the words escaping his lips with a slightly worried tone. "Having only Miss Hollyberry Cookie and Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie's Soul Jam to work with would be rather difficult."
"It was nothing we could not overcome. I do speculate we've been set back at least a week or two, but now with your genius and intellect, we can make up for lost time. As well as begin research on Your Majesty's Soul Jam." Espresso reassured Mochaccino, patting his fellow Coffee Tribe scientist on the shoulder.
"Well then, let's not keep wasting any further time. Let's resume every bit of research that hasn't been done without me to authorize. We can compare notes and discuss any observations and experiments. It's been a while since I've felt the exhilaration of conducting thorough and lengthy research alongside a peer." Mochaccino expressed, his spirits visibly returning, his eyes alight with excitement and joy.
"That's the Mochaccino Cookie I know. The Mochaccino Cookie that makes my work a whole lot easier to bear when you are present," Espresso chuckled, grabbing a notebook and pen before gesturing for Mochaccino to follow him to the Soul Jams' holding facility.
"Mochaccino Cookie!" Pure Vanilla's voice cried out from across the room, prompting the scientist to turn in his direction.
"Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie, what are you doing here?" Mochaccino asked, visibly confused and startled about his sudden appearance.
"I came looking for you! Strawberry Crepe Cookie told me everything about the incident," Pure Vanilla exclaimed, running up to Mochaccino. "I'm terribly worried about you."
"I'm doing fine, really. I was just about to get to work on my studies." Mochaccino informed, attempting to assuage Pure Vanilla's concerns. "I just... I'm not proud of what I did. I can't look at myself the same anymore... The strawberry jam is stained on my hands, and it will never wash off. If I'm certain of something... this will haunt me forever."
"Oh dear... please, Mochaccino Cookie. Just come with me, and we'll have a talk." Pure Vanilla insisted, gently guiding Mochaccino. "If that is okay with you, and Espresso Cookie. I don't want to hold you back."
"By all means, go and speak with him. I will conduct some tests while you're gone. Just be sure to return swiftly. And do take care, Mochaccino Cookie." Espresso stated, walking toward the Soul Jams' holding facility as Mochaccino nodded in understanding.
"Come with me. There's a lovely little spot by the Republic's lake that we can sit down and chat. You can tell me what's on your mind," Pure Vanilla encouraged, taking Mochaccino's hand and guiding him outside the institute.
A gentle breeze ruffled the water's surface, creating a pleasant ambiance as Mochaccino and Pure Vanilla arrived. The sun's radiant glow illuminated the serene waters, its warmth enveloping the shore.
"Please, take a seat," Pure Vanilla beckoned, gesturing to the bench.
After taking a seat, Mochaccino exhaled, his tone carrying a note of regret, "I'm sorry I caused you and everyone else so much concern. I was not in my right state of mind, and that doesn't excuse what I did... but I want to believe I did it for the right reasons. But even then, the methods were wrong. I just..."
"I understand this is a decision you were neither willing to make or prepared for. This must weigh heavily on you. I can't imagine having the lives of other Cookies on your hands. That must feel like an eternity of regret." Pure Vanilla sympathized, his words imbued with compassion.
"It does... The images won't leave me. I never saw killing as a necessity. Or, an option, for that matter. But when I heard the Soul Jam had been taken, only one thought filled my head... retrieve it, at any cost. And... well, you likely know the rest," Mochaccino responded, his features weighed down by the heavy burden.
"Yes. I read the paper, and I've heard a bit of what happened. I know it must have been difficult for you. I always had a sensation that you were distinct from the other Cacaoians. I couldn't explain how or why, but something was telling me that you were different from the rest," Pure Vanilla admitted, his voice a soothing balm against the harrowing memory.
"You're referring to the fact I don't take well to violence, aren't you? It's not my favorite thing to discuss. Truth is, I wasn't raised in my kingdom of origin. I grew up beside Espresso Cookie, and most of my life was spent in Parfaedia Institute. That is where I developed my interests and expertise." Mochaccino added, revealing the nature of his past.
"Interesting, I was not aware. But that is quite the place of education, no wonder you are the way you are," Pure Vanilla stated, his words imbued with respect and awe. "It's no wonder you are so kind and compassionate. You are a testament to the values the institute upholds."
"I... thank you, Pure Vanilla Cookie. That's quite the compliment coming from you," Mochaccino responded with a shy tone. "But... the truth is, I don't feel like a Cacaoian Cookie. Not only am I not raised there, but my mindset and principles are quite different. Sometimes, I question whether or not I belong there."
"I have heard of your contributions to the Kingdom, and the Cacaoians seem to be quite fond of you. Your inventions and studies have benefited them greatly. You may not think of yourself as a Cacaoian, but they do," Pure Vanilla replied, offering Mochaccino a reassuring smile. "And, not to mention, you've won over the hearts of many, especially Caramel Arrow Cookie's."
"Yes... they do accept me despite how different I am, but... I don't feel like one of them. I can't handle the burdens of war and combat. It's just... not me." Mochaccino explained, his voice laced with uncertainty. "But, regardless, I feel the need to help and assist, which is why I was willing to take the risk. To retrieve the Soul Jam."
"That's an admirable quality. You're someone who wants to help others, even if it means putting yourself in harm's way. You see that violent act as a stain on your soul, on your hands, and you feel you will never be able to wash it away. But protected the Soul Jam, prevented it from falling into the wrong hands." Pure Vanilla reminded, his words carrying a weight of meaning.
"Perhaps so. But it doesn't make the memory any less traumatic. Seeing the aftermath was... difficult, to say the least," Mochaccino confessed, a haunted look lingering in his gaze. "I will not soon forget the sight."
"I understand, and I'm here to listen if you ever need to talk about it. You have a kind heart, Mochaccino Cookie, and I'm glad to call you my friend," Pure Vanilla remarked, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on the scientist's shoulder. "And I hope that, one day, you will find peace with what happened, and know that you did what you thought was best, for the sake of the kingdoms."
"Thank you, Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie, your words are a blessing," Mochaccino stated, a hint of relief and comfort audible in his tone. "I'm sure with time, I will learn to cope. But, right now, it's difficult."
"And that's alright. You've been through a lot, and it's going to take some time for you to process it. You are not alone, and there are those who are here for you, ready to offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on," Pure Vanilla assured, his gaze filled with understanding and compassion. "But, in the meantime, let us take a moment to appreciate this lovely scenery."
"I'd... like that very much," Mochaccino answered, his words underscored by the tranquility of the lakeside. The breeze gently caressed their dough, the sun's rays bathing them in warmth. The serene water lapped at the shore, creating a soothing ambiance.
For the moment, all was well, and Mochaccino could finally relax and ease his troubled mind. The burdens of his actions had yet to fade, but they were lightened by the support of those around him. And, for the time being, that was enough.
Pure Vanilla and Mochaccino Cookie sat on the edge of the lakeshore, enjoying the beautiful scenery. The healer's words echoed in the scientist's mind, bringing a measure of peace and comfort to his troubled soul.
And, as the two Cookies gazed out over the glistening waters, Mochaccino couldn't help but reflect on his place among the Cacaoians. Perhaps he was different, but perhaps that was what the kingdom needed.
"Sir Pure Vanilla Cookie, I appreciate your company. But I'm sure there are things you need to attend to, and I should be getting back to the Institute of Thaumaturgy, so we can get started on the Soul Jam research." Mochaccino spoke, a note of gratitude and regained determination in his voice. "It is time for me to get back to work, and to focus on my studies, not dwell on the past."
"Ah, yes. We shouldn't keep Espresso Cookie waiting any longer. He's been quite eager to get started on research," Pure Vanilla responded, a tinge of amusement in his tone. "And you can drop the formality, Mochaccino Cookie."
"Oh, apologies, Pure Vanilla Cookie," Mochaccino answered sheepishly, a hint of embarrassment in his tone. "I look forward to learning more about the Soul Jams. May this research prove fruitful and beneficial to the greater good."
"One more thing before you leave... Dark Cacao Cookie has revealed his former plan for you to... sabotage the research of the Soul Jam. But, he has expressed remorse and regret for his actions. He intended to tell you sooner, but his memory faltered for a while. So, you can rest assured, that burden is no longer yours nor anyone's to bear," Pure Vanilla added, his expression serious, though his words held a note of compassion.
Mochaccino felt a huge wave of relief wash over him, the weight of his burden lifted. So, he didn't have to continue with such an underhanded act after all.
"That is good to hear. I was beginning to doubt myself and the integrity of my research. But now, I can move forward without hesitation, knowing that I am acting for the benefit of the Cookies of Earthbread," Mochaccino remarked, a sense of renewed purpose emanating from his voice.
With those parting words, the scientist back to the Institute, his steps carrying a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He knew that there was still much work to be done, but he was ready and eager to face the challenges ahead.