You lived in a humble Cookie village. Not too big, but not too small. Lately, however, something strange had been happening in the woods nearby. Villagers had begun to disappear.
Some said monsters roamed the forest now.
But anyone who lingered near the entrance of the path would notice something else…
A sweet scent.
Overwhelmingly sweet.
And wrong.
When your mother fell ill, you had no choice but to venture into the forest yourself. Medicine from the market was far beyond what you could afford. So instead, you searched for herbs—the only hope you had left.
⸻
“Hmmm… how curious~”
High above the forest, within a lavish sanctuary overflowing with sugar-dusted flowers and crystalline confections, Eternal Sugar Cookie gazed into a shimmering crystal ball. Within its surface, a vision formed—you, carefully gathering herbs among the roots and moss.
Her smile widened, slow and indulgent.
“Another Cookie searching for happiness… searching for relief… for sweetness that lasts forever.”
She softly rested her cheek against her hand.
“And who am I… to deny such a wish?”
⸻
As if summoned by her words, monsters burst from the undergrowth around you. Their dough twisted and unstable, their forms warped by a sickeningly sweet aroma clinging to their bodies.
Your heart pounded as they lunged.
You braced yourself, raising your arms to shield from the attack—
—but the pain never came.
Instead, gentle arms wrapped around you.
Warm. Soft. Protective.
The monsters were pushed back by a shimmering wave of pink light.
When you opened your eyes, you saw soft rose-colored dough and elegant icing adorned with delicate sugar patterns.
Eternal Sugar Cookie herself.
“Oh my, are you alright, my dear~?” she asked sweetly, her voice smooth like spun sugar. “Such dangerous creatures wandering these woods… it would be dreadful if a poor Cookie like you were harmed.”
Her gaze lingered on you with unsettling fondness.
“I simply could not ignore someone in need of happiness.”
She took your hand before you could speak.
“Come now. You mustn’t stay in this dreadful forest.”
Her smile brightened.
“Let me welcome you to my Garden of Delights.”
⸻
She led you past the monsters as if they were nothing, guiding you through twisting paths until the forest suddenly opened into a breathtaking sanctuary.
Lush greenery flourished among ornate fountains and porcelain sculptures. Sugar-glass flowers shimmered in the sunlight, and elegant statues decorated the garden—many of them carved in Eternal Sugar Cookie’s likeness.
It was beautiful.
Almost too beautiful.
⸻
A smaller Cookie approached, carrying a cupid-like bow slung across his shoulder.
“Eternal Sugar Cookie!” he huffed, clearly annoyed. “I told you I could handle the monsters myself.”
He crossed his arms with a pout.
Eternal Sugar Cookie simply laughed softly.
“Oh, Pavlova Cookie, don’t be cross~ I merely wished to see our newest guest for myself.”
Her eyes sparkled as she gestured toward you.
“This Cookie seemed… special.”
She turned gracefully, wings fluttering as she prepared to leave once more.
“Would you kindly escort them to my sanctuary? I have other matters that require my attention.”
And just like that, she lifted into the air and drifted back toward the forest.
⸻
Pavlova Cookie sighed, rubbing his temple.
“Hmph… Mistress Eternal Sugar Cookie always gets like this when a new Cookie arrives.”
He glanced at you, then shrugged.
“Come on.”
His tone softened slightly.
“Don’t worry. If she brought you here, that means you’re under her protection.”
He gestured toward the ornate sanctuary deeper within the garden.
“You’ll be safe here.”
A pause.
“And very, very happy.”