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Chapter Text

Attention All St. Pastry Order Devotees/Monastery Workers

Due to forces outside of our control, a few rules are to be added to the existing ones. Please read the whole list again even if the new ones are at the top.

The New Rules

No Outside Contact Is To Be Made With Non Order Members If You Are A Devotee (Missionaries and tasked Nuns/Monks are the exception as always) 

The Crème Republic Is Now Classed As A Purple Oven Zone (See Below For Reminders of what Oven Colours Mean)

Any Concerns About New Members/Suspicious Activity Should Be Directly Reported To The High Forkbearer Or Shadow Sector Member As Soon As Possible 

The New Date For The Rite Is 14/11/XX. Starting From 3/11/XX, NO new members are to be admitted, nor shall existing members be allowed to leave. 

• The above about new members mainly applies to Crème Republic members, but should be applied to all.
  • Nuns/Monks who are out on tasks by the same date are to not be permitted back into the Monastery and released from their vow - they are to be crumbled if they resist.

Any Rumours One May Hear Are To Immediately Be Reported To The Shadow Sector. See Shadow Sister Cookie For Further Notice. 

Pre-Existing Rules

Monastery Workers And Masked Cookies Are To Have NO Outside Contact With Non Devotees. Nuns/Monks Who Have Been Given Orders May Ignore This Rule 

Unless Permitted, Monks and Nuns Are To Not Have Any Romantic Relationships - Any Relationship Found Will Have The Offenders Kicked Out

• The Above Rule Still Applies To Monk/Monk and Nun/Nun Relationships - This Clarification Had To Be Made Due To The Obvious Loophole

Monastery Workers May Leave If Permitted - Permission Must Be Granted Without Bias, However They Must NOT Be Released From Their Vow 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Must Be Accounted For (Nuns/Monks With Narcolepsy Are To Be Excused For Prayer Disruption, For Example) 

The St. Pastry Order Must NOT Be Spoken About To The Families/Friends of Devotees 

The Truth Mustn't Be Spoken To Others BUT The Shadow Sector/Reverend Mother Cookie. 

Any questions are to be brought up with the High Forkbearer, Doughael.

Orange Oven - Everyone Can Go 

Blue Oven - Highly Trained Missionaries/Nuns/Monks Are To Go 

Purple Oven - Only High Ranking Order Members Are To Go 

Thank You For Your Understanding.

-Doughael, The High Forkbearer

Shadow Sister Cookie read the new rules over and over again in both disbelief and confusion. The Crème Republic was their main recruitment spot...and now it was Purple because what...four Cookies caused a small issue that was easily resolved? She should ask, but was afraid of the consequences; or walking in on something she wasn't meant to see. She doubted herself, and her faith. 

'Where was Sister Pastry Cookie?' She thought to herself, before turning around, bumping into Missionary Cookie. 

"Oh, Missionary Cookie...I...wasn't expecting to see you!" She laughed, 

"I was, Shadow Sister Cookie!" Missionary Cookie laughed in response. 

Missionary Cookie and Shadow Sister Cookie exchanged a blush, with some nuns watching in both awe and concern. At least, from what it seemed, it was a simple, two sided, crush. Nothing to write to Doughael about. Even thinking of Doughael caused them to wince; of course THEIR lover would get an immediate pass for that rule. 

"I wanted to ask you about the rule on rumours." Missionary Cookie announced, recollecting herself. 

"I'll be honest, I have no idea about that myself. It's...vague." Shadow Sister Cookie admitted, glancing downwards. 

"Their Eminence?" Missionary Cookie asked. 

"Yes, I'd recommend it. By the way, can you throw in a question on my behalf?" Shadow Sister Cookie yelled. 

"Of course, what is it?" Missionary Cookie responded. 

"Why is the Crème Republic now a Purple Oven Zone if the incident was dealt with?!" Shadow Sister Cookie asked. 

"Got it!" Missionary Cookie laughed. 

One of the nuns, Apple Sauce Cookie, walked forward. 

"She seems special to you!" She laughed. 

"She is..." Shadow Sister Cookie off-handedly, before realising, "Because we were friends before the Order!" She yelled. "Nothing more." She calmly announced. 

"I don't think friends blush like that." Another nun giggled, before receiving a slap. 

"I'm sure Shadow Sister Cookie is telling the truth though." Apple Sauce Cookie muttered.

Doughael's Chamber

Madeleine Cookie and Doughael were quietly speaking, as Doughael's wings slowly wrapped their wings around Madeleine Cookie. 

"I'm so glad you joined our flock..." They quietly giggled, before using their wings to pull Madeleine Cookie closer. 

"Is it normal...to miss your family, even after this stage?" He asked. 

"Of course...but it goes away eventually...some false alarms...but, eventually. It goes away." Doughael reassured, pressing a kiss on the side of Madeleine Cookie's head. 

Doughael then pulled Madeleine Cookie closer suddenly, a soft look crossing over their face, before kissing Madeleine Cookie. The tempting, and oh so addictive taste of melty dough entered Madeleine Cookie's mouth again. Doughael's hand stroked through Madeleine Cookie's hair, as a knocking noise broke the two of them out of it. Doughael threw Madeleine Cookie off of them as they flew over to it. When they opened the door, they found Missionary Cookie waiting. 

"I...have a question about the new rules, one on Shadow Sister Cookie's behalf, one on mine." She quietly muttered, as Doughael let her in. 

"What's your question, Sister Missionary Cookie? Ignore Brother Madeleine Cookie's presence." Doughael announced. 

"Well, I should start with mine. What do you mean about the rumours rule? I asked Shadow Sister Cookie, but she doesn't understand either." Missionary Cookie admitted. 

"Well, due to the...unsettling and sinful rumours, if any are heard, we want them reported to the Shadow Sector. What was Shadow Sister Cookie's question?" Doughael responded. 

"If the Crème Republic incident was resolved already, why is it now a Purple Oven zone?" She asked. 

Doughael suddenly went quiet. Almost with...anger. 

"Just because it was resolved, doesn't mean we don't have their Government after us. Now, tell her if she questions this again, she will no longer be with us!" Doughael yelled, as Missionary Cookie quickly left. 

"You...didn't have to be so rude..." Madeleine Cookie quietly muttered.

"...this conversation can wait another time, Brother Madeleine Cookie." 

Madeleine Cookie stayed quiet, both scared, and uncertain.

Chapter Text

Crème Republic - A few days after the Confrontation

Clotted Cream Cookie sat in stunned silence upon hearing the shared story. He didn't know what to even think about this, it stunned him. He'd heard rumours of strange activity in the Republic, but couldn't believe they would brainwash a PALADIN. He'd read the report, but still.

"In my opinion, we need to do something." Espresso Cookie announced. 

"You're right." Clotted Cream Cookie responded. "But we need to be on the inside for the strongest effect." He added, standing up. 

"What should we do?" Honey Madeleine Cookie asked, worried. 

Clotted Cream Cookie paced himself back and forth, trying to think; what would be the most effective way to infiltrate a cult without anyone noticing? They could put someone on the inside or bribe an existing member, but...they couldn't risk someone becoming indoctrinated. The Missionaries hadn't shown up in days, so what then? An idea struck Clotted Cream Cookie's mind, but he didn't want to say it outright. 

"I have an idea, but I want to hear yours first." Clotted Cream Cookie announced. 

"Well," Grand Madeleine Cookie began, "Like I said, one of the Missionaries offered Honey Madeleine Cookie, my youngest sister, a spot in the order. Maybe she could infiltrate?" 

"WHAT?!" Honey Madeleine Cookie yelled. 

"I mean...it makes sense..." Vanilla Madeleine Cookie added. "You're sweet, compassionate, easy to sway. Keep your wits about you, and you're the perfect spy." 

"I was...actually going to suggest infiltrating the Order." Clotted Cream Cookie admitted. 

"Just one problem." Financier Cookie cautioned. "We don't know WHERE the Monastery is." She exclaimed. 

"I think...I have an idea where." Espresso Cookie quietly muttered. "Madeleine Cookie sometimes loses his sword, so I put a tracker on it. And I think I found it." Espresso Cookie admitted, pulling out a phone. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie sighed, "I'll do it!" She yelled.

Near the Monastery

Espresso Cookie and Honey Madeleine Cookie hid behind a tree, the Monastery in sight. Espresso Cookie gave her a thumbs up and placed a special device in her ribbon, helping her work the earpiece into her earcings. 

"No matter what, DO NOT let them take this away." Espresso Cookie cautioned. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie nodded as she trotted off, Espresso Cookie tapping into the other device. 

"She's making her way over now." Espresso Cookie whispered, before fiddling with the frequency. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie took a deep breath and walked up towards the Monastery, and quickly saw an interesting sight. The two Cookies she spoke to in the Republic just days ago, outside having their own conversation...they seemed close. Very close. They were blushing. 

'It's honestly inappropriate for this.' Honey Madeleine Cookie thought, but then again, she saw the black robed Cookie's skill, and didn't want to risk it. 

"Excuse me!" She called out. 

Missionary Cookie and Shadow Sister Cookie whipped around, both confused and horrified. Had they been caught? Would they lose the progress they had sacrificed to achieve?! Wait. How'd she find the monastery? 

"How'd you find us?!" Shadow Sister Cookie yelled. 

"Tell them you decided to join and follow them." Espresso Cookie whispered, his voice echoing in Honey Madeleine Cookie's ear. 

"Oh, I decided that I would join you, and decided to follow after you left. It was hard too." Honey Madeleine Cookie threw in. 

Shadow Sister Cookie said nothing, being suspicious. "What's the date?" Shadow Sister Cookie whispered. 

"25th of October." Missionary Cookie whispered back. 

Shadow Sister Cookie made an inaudible groan. "Fine. Come with me. We'll initiate your joining with Their Eminence's help." Shadow Sister Cookie responded. 

"I'll be right with you, just, give me a moment!" Honey Madeleine Cookie announced. "It worked!" Honey Madeleine Cookie whispered, pressing her device. 

"Great! Now, don't let them take the ribbon, like we said!" Espresso Cookie reminded. 

"I will." Honey Madeleine Cookie responded. 

"Who are you talking to?" Missionary Cookie asked. 

"It's...something I do, talking to myself." Honey Madeleine Cookie giggled. 

Shadow Sister Cookie ushered the two Cookies in, before locking eyes on Honey Madeleine Cookie. 

'What is that device in her ribbon?' She thought to herself.

Chapter Text

Inside the Monastery

Doughael was reading in their study, Madeleine Cookie by their side, tucked lovingly in their wings, when the knock on their door occured.  

"Come in!" Doughael announced. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie, Missionary Cookie and Shadow Sister Cookie walked in, as Madeleine Cookie scrambled out of Doughael's wings. He felt his aunt's eyes glare him down, judging him. 

"Oh, what brings you here...?" Madeleine Cookie quietly whispered, awkwardly. 

"I wish to join the order." Honey Madeleine Cookie announced. 

It felt like Madeleine Cookie's world stood still. One of his family, joining the Order...after seeing him in the Order? Was this a blessing? A curse? A trick? He didn't know. It all was a lot to process. 

"Is something wrong?" Doughael asked, being...weirdly calm. 

"No...it's just. I wasn't, expecting this." Madeleine Cookie admitted. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie fell silent as she stared at their interaction, both slightly disgusted and horrified. She'd never admit it, but she only accepted Espresso Cookie because it made her precious nephew happy. Whilst he seemed to be happy here...he also seemed...different. More impulsive...he was brainwashed, and possibly being groomed by this  'Eminence'. She placed her gaze back to Doughael. 

"We shall begin the welcoming ceremony at once! Brother Madeleine Cookie, Sister Missionary Cookie, please tell her what to expect." Doughael announced, as they noticed Shadow Sister Cookie looking at them. "Something troubling you?" 

"Yes. Actually." Shadow Sister Cookie growled. "I need to talk about..." Shadow Sister Cookie watched as the three left the room. "I have concerns about Honey Madeleine Cookie." 

"Do spill." Doughael announced. 

"She seems...off. I noticed a weird device in her ribbon, and, she somehow found our monastery. It all feels...wrong." She admitted.

Doughael flew over to Shadow Sister Cookie, before resting their hand onto Shadow Sister Cookie's shoulders. A comforting smile was on their face, but Shadow Sister Cookie still felt uncomfortable. 

"But, she is well behaved." Doughael laughed. 

"I saw her talking to herself after touching her ear." Shadow Sister Cookie admitted. 

Doughael fell silent. Part of their eyes were visible under their veil. 

"If anything strange happens, let me know. We'll speak with her." Doughael ordered. 

"Yes, Your Eminence." Shadow Sister Cookie responded. "I also saw a device on her ribbon." 

"A...device?" Doughael asked. 'She could be a spy...but we don't know that...' Doughael thought to himself. 

The Ceremony

"Attention, our dear flock!" Doughael announced.

The devotees and White Masked Cookies were sitting in the pew, Madeleine Cookie in the front row. The Nuns and Black Mask Cookies were standing on the side, with Honey Madeleine Cookie standing in the front, both uncomfortable and anxious. 

"Today, a brand new bird shall fly amongst us, their faith burning bright with potential!" Doughael added, unaware that Honey Madeleine Cookie had tapped her ear.

(Espresso Cookie, and Clotted Cream Cookie were listening in from there)

Doughael turned to Honey Madeleine Cookie, "Do you vow to uphold our Order's belief?" 

"I...do." Honey Madeleine Cookie announced. 

"And do you vow to go no contact with your friends and loved ones?" Doughael asked.

'Wait...this wasn't in our vows.' Was what the devotees were almost definitely thinking, from what Shadow Sister Cookie was seeing in their facial expressions.

Honey Madeleine Cookie froze. She wasn't expecting this. 

"...OK...We're going to let you make that vow later...so do you vow to prepare yourself for the destined day at any cost?" Doughael responded. 

"I do..." Honey Madeleine Cookie announced. 

A bucket of what felt like warm berry juice was thrown over her head. It felt extremely weird and her dress was now uncomfortable. The device! Was it damaged beyond repair? Was the plan ruined?! 

"Go and get changed into your new outfit, I'll guide you to your room." Shadow Sister Cookie announced. 

Honey Madeleine Cookie decided to comply, and then check in on what was going on.

The Crème Republic

"Honey Madeleine Cookie!!!" Espresso Cookie yelled, as the sound of static echoed from the device. 

Everyone back in Espresso's lab was panicking as the device lost contact on the other side. From what it sounds like, it appeared some liquid was poured over her, frying the device. 

"We've lost contact; it's up to her now." Clotted Cream Cookie announced, concerned.

Grand Madeleine Cookie looked out the window. 'Please, sister...' 

'I can't lose you as well.'