Chapter Text
“Well, if it isn't the self proclaimed Great Destroyer himself.”
Mystic Flour Cookie greeted her fellow Beast as he entered into her Ivory Pagoda.
“You are awfully far from your Temple. What do you need?”
“Yeah, so, uh, can we talk? I need some advice.”
Mystic raised her eyebrows slightly before nodding and leading her friend into the Pagoda.
The two arrived on the balcony of Mystic Flour's Chambers.
“So, what is it you want to talk about?”
“*sigh* So, as you know, I baked my son recently.”
“I know. All of us were there for the celebration. I know my demeanour does not show it but I am quite happy for you.”
“Yeah, well, I guess I'm kinda… worried.”
Mystic Flour stared at him confused.
“Worried? What do you have to be worried about?”
Burning Spice looked annoyed by her responses.
“He wasn't baked the way I thought he would. And that's kinda my fault what with my corrupted Soul Jam and all. The healers say they don't know what to make of him, or how this will affect him as he gets older. I wanna love and support him no matter what he's going to be, but I'm worried about how the rest of the world will take to him.”
The Destroyer was clasping his hands out of anxiety and worry.
“There's never been another Cookie like him on Earthbread. I'm just scared that the world will fear him, like they do me.”
“But I thought you revaled in Cookie's fear towards you. Why is this any different?”
“Being feared means that Cookies listen to you, but they don't want to know you. The only friends I really have are you guys. I want him to experience the world without being judged or feared.”
He looked at Mystic who gave him the same deadpan, uncaring look she always has.
“Can you at least act like you care!?” The Destroyer snapped at his friend.
“I do care.”
“Well you sure as hell ain't acting like it!” Burning Spice was ready to turn and leave before he felt a hand touch his shoulder.
“Burning Spice Cookie, what I have learned from my experiences is that the world can be a cruel, unforgiving place. There's no way to control the way the world will react to you or your son, but you can control how you react to them. You have chosen aggression, which has resulted in you becoming even more isolated and alone.”
“...”
“I am not a parent, but the best advice I could give you is not to raise him to act like you. Be the kindness and support he needs so that he can better handle the world when he eventually goes out there.”
Burning Spice was stunned. What Mystic Flour had said reminded him so much of who she used to be. He didn't think she still had it in her.
“Wow. I’m sorry I underestimated you. Guess you care a lot more than I thought.”
“I don't care for the world at large, but I do care for those closest to me, like you care for your son.”
Burning Spice grabbed the other Cookie and pulled her into a hug.
“Thanks, Mystic. I really needed this.”
Mystic Flour was surprised but reciprocated the hug.
“Now, I better head back. If I leave Cap with Nutmeg Tiger for too long she might try and decapitate him.” He chuckled and turned to leave before Mystic Flour stopped him.
“Wait! Do you have to go right now? We could sit and have some tea? Maybe talk a little more?”
“Eh, why not? I've got time.” Burning Spice smiled as he sat legs crossed at the table across Mystic Flour.
Though her demeanour may not show it, she was grateful to have him in her life. Made things a bit more interesting.