"So, Almond, we need you to solve this case of a stolen cashier in 7 Cocoa Street, in a local juice bar, the suspects are below..."
Almond stared at the files on the desk provided to him.
It had been a few years ever since he lost his best friend to said best friend's family, and he'd taken up more detective work over the years to distract him.
Cashew had been evidently worried, but soon saw his potential in the field and allowed him to make his own schedules, reminding him to achieve a balance between work and rest.
Almond still could vividly visualize the days after the separation even after so long; waking up in a hospital bed with tearstains still on his face, everything reminding him of a friendship lost.
It had been like Pecan all over again.
"Evidence points to one of the thieves possibly being Roguefort Cookie." the Cookie in front of him continued, pulling out a specific file.
Almond perked up after hearing Roguefort's name, taking the file and examining it.
"Not much is known about this newly debuted criminal, but it seems that they do not involve in bloodshed or murder but instead lighter offenses like stealing, despite being of the Cheeses family famous for killing off innocents and justice departments alike. I assume you have a firsthand experience of this, detective."
"Indeed I do," Almond replied, trying to keep his cool, calm mask on, "but that may be exactly why they are so dangerous. They may appear to be harmless, but sooner more powerful than what we've seen."
What are you saying?! Almond's brain screamed to him as he said those words, You know he's not harmful at all and is mostly doing this because he's forced!
"Amazing observation, detective. The Nuts truly have some incredible training provided."
"I am quite grateful for what I have received."
And yet, there is one last thing you have yet to retrieve.
"Indeed, you must proceed with caution. The department entrusts you with this case because we believe in your skills- that have grown tremendously over the last few years."
"Thank you, indeed. Now, I'm afraid I have to take my leave."
"It's not a problem. I assume you will crack this case like the many others you have successfully solved?"
"I will try my best."
Not wanting to engage in any more conversation, Almond scooped up the documents on the table, nodding before he exited the Head Detective's room.
The training, or rather, private detective agency he was in was soon to be passed down to him; Pecan used to be in charge of the whole thing as Head Detective, his past duties temporarily shared by a family friend and Cashew until Almond was deemed skillful enough to run the agency as a leader.
Investigation work seemed more like an escape than a responsibility to Almond; the constantly buzzing thoughts in his head faded into background noise during his duties, putting up a serious facade similar to his father's.
"7 Cocoa Street..."
Grabbing a briefcase and filling it with all the needed items, he started heading towards the train station.
Because as far as he knew, Roguefort wasn't one to steal without regrets.
And regret often leads to action.
Or at least, he hoped he'd retained this mindset.
After all, he'd lost him physically; he didn't want to lose him mentally as well.
~♤~
Roguefort stood on the rooftops of 7 Cocoa Street, holding a sack of coins in a simple disguise.
He'd once again fulfilled his family's wishes, but at what cost? The hard-earned money of the bar was all gone in an instant.
Because he had to "practice his skills", as Cheddar would say, that "a small shop is the first step before you go on to banks and shimmering jewels".
What he held in his hands could feed an entire family, for months on end; but he was foolish enough to take it all when he had all he needed. Enough food, a roof over his head (even though it wasn't a warm one), clean running water.
How could he do such a thing? He'd maybe even killed some less fortunate Cookie, without meaning to. Who knew?
Roguefort shuddered at the thought that he'd killed Cookies. Indirectly, through stealing their wealth that was already little.
Quickly checking if his disguise could completely cover his identity, he hopped down and blended in with the Cookies around before slowly making his way towards the restaurant.
The restaurant was still operating even though it had been a week since the robbery; he was sure that the owners were devastated. They'd been crying on television; something about pouring their heart and soul into operating the juice bar.
The news had continued to report on this, and while Cookies from all around the Main City had tried to help, it was still barely running.
When Roguefort returned to the hideout after escaping in the shadows, Cheddar had praised him; saying that he'd "made some progress" ever since he'd started his forced life as a criminal.
Cheddar had pointed to the television, at the crying owners, showing how much of an impact Roguefort had done, that he'd fulfilled his role, as if it was all just a game.
When Roguefort had retreated to his room after being overwhelmed with guilt, Mozza had appeared, only leaving frigid comments that would pierce his heart even more.
"Say it enough and you'll start believing. One day you will embrace your identity as Roguefort, the thief, and won't be this utterly weak mess of a Cookie."
And as much as he hated it, he was starting to believe it; the promised change, the hope of being with Almond again with no care for lineage and duties was only slipping farther and farther, like a light only hanging from a thin thread that he felt would soon break.
Finally arriving at the place he'd robbed just a week ago, he entered the bar, nodding at the guard at the door; the bell on the door ringing to signal a new customer.
The ring was supposed to be welcoming, but it seemed to hold a small reminder for Roguefort; for just a week ago, the bell invited him to an irreversible crime.
"Welcome, what would you like?"
One of the owners was standing behind the countertop, cleaning a glass while seemingly lost in thought; the other had approached Roguefort despite the mood clearly not being cheerful.
"Oh, I'm not here for a drink...I found this sack of coins just near your shop and it seems to be from the robbery last week, since there are memos with your telephone numbers and name on it..."
Roguefort was trying to keep calm and not burst out in a round of apologies of how sorry he was for causing so much trouble.
"I..put on some gloves in case I'd cover up some evidence that you might need..."
To find me... Roguefort's head buzzed.
Both owners and a few of the customers looked at him in shock, with one of the owners nearly dropping the glass they were holding.
The owner peered open the bag, and sure enough, the coins were there; Roguefort had actually kept some in case he needed evidence, but he'd returned enough to support the bar for at least a few more months.
The guard, noticing the commotion, entered the bar, before noticing the gold in Roguefort's hands.
"I suppose this is evidence? I'll inform the authorities so we can sort it out. We'll return the coins to you, don't worry about that part."
"Here you go."
Roguefort handed the sack to the guard, who nodded before walking outside to inform his colleagues.
"Thank you so much, kind stranger! Please, sit down for a drink. We can't thank you enough."
"Oh, it's fine, I'm just doing my part. I've got to go somewhere else now, anyways.."
Plus, I'm not kind at all, and I really don't want to expose my identity accidentally, or make any of my family suspicious of me for being away so long.
Roguefort exited the bar with a smile before walking off, blending into the crowd, before taking the route back to the hideout.
Just when he entered the first alleyway, a familiar voice sounded behind him.
"I knew you'd be here. There aren't any cameras around."
Roguefort turned towards the voice, and blinked again.
Almond stood in front of him, eyes staring straight at him.
Silence covered the two like a blanket. It wasn't disbelief, as both knew they'd been forced onto these paths since birth; it wasn't complete happiness either, as neither wanted to be in their own positions right now.
"I suppose you've returned the things you've stolen?"
"You got chosen to solve my case, didn't you?"
"I did, and it seems that the case is cracked, but I- I don't want to think you did it."
"We both know this is our fate, to always be the opponent of each other. Never again can we go back!"
"Roguefort, of course we can leave all this behind! We can go somewhere else...Earthbread is so big, they'll never know where we went- we can even take on a new alias!"
"No, it's impossible! Don't you see what I've done?!"
"Everything is possible...! Who cares if you come from a long lineage of criminals?!"
"Everyone cares! Don't you see? What will happen when 'oh, the son of the Cheeses decided to run away to god-knows-where'? They'll only come and find me again, and you'll risk your life again because of me!"
"Who says they will?! What if we stand and announce that our rivalry is all over, that it was all just for show?!"
"They'll riot, Almond! They'll all go crazy- don't you remember why the rivalry even started in the first place?! It was to unite all the Cookies which were divided, through a common enemy!"
"Aren't they all united now?! Then what's the point of all this?! We can prove you're changed!"
"Just me?! Almond, this world is full of greed! My family is responsible for leading it all, and we can't change it! Changing me in front of everyone would be useless and there'd just be more people trying to-"
"Take off that mask of yours, Roguefort. I know a part of you, all those years ago, is still inside."
Take off that mask of yours.
The words were ringing in Roguefort's head, and he didn't know how to respond; he wanted to leave, but he knew he'd only put Almond in more danger. Wasn't Almond happy with his life now?
Say it enough and you'll start believing.
Your fate is to be the charming thief of the Main City, there is no other choice.
"I..."
"Don't listen to them, come with me and we can start a new life, somewhere far away..."
"How about you?"
"Huh?"
"You have a stable job, a reputable family, all the things you would need. So why are you offering this to me?"
Why are you offering this to me?
Almond flinched.
Why was he willing to sacrifice his career and his oeaceful life, for Roguefort?
"It's because you're my friend, Roguefort. My best friend. And I want to experience life with you without any burdens."
"Are you sure?"
"I wouldn't be standing right now if I weren't."
Almond extended a hand, walking closer to Roguefort, both of their resolves now hardened.
"Let's go. To a better future."
And they both went off, to somewhere far, far away from the Main City, and lived happily ever after with different names, but a stronger bond than what could've ever been.
~♤~
Roguefort woke up in a cold sweat, in his room in the Cheeses' hideout.
"Wait a minute..."
He tried to sit up, but pain rippled through his frail body - he felt like he was almost on the verge of crumbling.
Collapsing back on his bed with a grunt, he knew something was wrong.
What had happened to him?
The last thing he remembered was Almond-
Almond.
Almond!
Looking around for any form of communication, Roguefort found his mobile phone on his bedside table, summoning all his strength to grab the device.
After a while of struggling, he finally managed to retrieve the smartphone, immediately opening the news application.
On the top of the page, in bold words, was the week's headline:
Heir of the Nuts, Almond Cookie found in Alleyway, Now in Critical Condition.
"No...!"
~♤~
[Originally published May 02, 2021]
HAHA YOU GUYS THOUGHT IT WAS A HAPPY ENDING ALREADY
HAHAHAHAHA POINT AND LAUGH
I- I'm sorry. XD
This took over a month, and for good reason. This chapter is two times longer than the usual.
This isn't the end though! About two chapters to go (I think!)
ANYWAYS, WHAT HAPPENED??
Why is Roguefort suddenly all bandaged up?
Almond's in critical condition?!
Will they ever get their happy ending?
Find out in the following two chapters!
I'm really glad I persisted long enough on this book, even somehow long enough for Almond to be canon...XD
I hope you enjoyed this confrontation and place your bets on the ending/what happened!
(Please comment. I'd love to see your ideas!!)
See you very, very soon. :)
Next chapter:
Finally, as all the Cookies of power arrived at the ballroom, Roguefort slipped on his mask and blended with the shadows, a flickering flame that was waiting for its time to shine.
~♤~
"No, no. You didn't kill me, you aren't responsible for your family's decisions. Don't worry, I'll live through this and I'll keep my promise, alright?"
~♤~
"After so many years, and you still haven't let go..."
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