As the group would scale up the house, stairwells to let them ascend easier, they'd be able to see the residents doing their best to survive and thrive within the new house. Folks within the medicinal ward switching members with one another, each one having the necessary skills to tend to the injured and sick. Styles of magic being properly taught, as well as the function of one's energy in their system to adapt in a more sugary body. Even guards still training as they're watching over the higher places, whilst being careful not to try and hurt anyone that crosses them by accident. "Our Goddess has blessed us in not just a house, but a family. Each and every one of us, no matter what kind of candy, are one another's brother and sister. So long as we remember that, we will protect this home until the fall of our Goddess is proven." Flourence's words struck like iron as they'd slowly reach towards the top, where a group of guards watch over its entrance. "At ease, soldiers! These fine folks wish to visit our Goddess."
"Woah, woah, woah. Outsiders, yeah?" One of the guards spoke up, a living Jelly man with small lentil-shaped candies for eyes and mouth, almost acting as coal for a snowman to make the face.
"Unfortunately, yes. However, they ARE trustworthy. Not all of them... well... MOSTLY all of them, are willing to dine on our flesh today."
"Riiiight. Names?"
Harvard was quick to step up, still trying to get used to this cookie-like body he was in, tempted so hard to eat himself, but remained controlled. "Harvard Helsing! Those are my friends: Zazel, Solomon, Stolas, Tsuki-"
"We know those two already. Just the four is needed. Unfortunately, I don't think you are still to be permitted to see the Goddess. She's currently doing her memorial tribute for the fallen God. Furthermore we have gotten some... information that forbids you from entering."
"...It's because I eat cookies, huh?"
"YOU WHAT!?" Harvard's voice immediately gets shut by his friends and Flourence, the latter sweating the same jam again as he'd try to calm the situation.
"Ixnay on the Eating Ookiescay-" The Man murmured before shifting his focus. "Terribly sorry! He's not used to customs yet.."
"I'll say. Ain't that the same kid who nearly killed Khepros with that Sea Monster?" Another Guard piped up, a woman made up of Hard Candy, strong as an ox and sharp as a knife through her arms and javelin for a weapon.
"What's a Khepros?"
"YOU DON'T KNOW!? Daaaaaaaang, we really need to go outside more often."
"Let's not." A third Guard, a lanky creature with a lollipop build of a body and head, complete with peppermints for brass knuckles. "Regardless, boss said it best. Beat it."
"S-surely you guys can-"
"BEAT IT!!"
Despite such a direction, causing Flourence to dejectedly let them depart, Harvard would take notice of the guards expressions. Worry. Fear. Concern. Something was blocking their mind, not letting them get a full picture unless exposed properly. In that instance, Harvard would cast a spell, cutting through both the group and the guards to charge in. Despite such a demand to cease, the boy didn't listen, causing him to be captured by the scruff of his neck. He'd try to cast his spell again, but a quick slam on the ground was enough to interrupt him, letting him see a massive axe before him, nearly cutting his dough-like face clean off, the weapon shimmering as it reflects Harvard's image. The fourth Guard of the House, another Gingerbread man, though more well-built, almost similar to that of King's, complete with a cape of branches and leaves, almost as if he were some sort of druid. His body adorned a traditional black and brown uniform, fitting for the hazel-like color that acts as his dough. His face has cracks across his left eye and mouth, small pieces crumbling off, a battle scar. A second axe was visible on his back, though it wasn't willing to be drawn out. The man was quick on dropping the child and taking back his Axe, the visible cracks deepening as a result. He knelt down as he looked at the boy in the eyes, judging his intention.
Such a stare. Such a face. It felt nearly one to one with the King of All.
The man would raise himself up, a deep voice bellowing out of him, aged, as if he's survived hundreds of wars. "One condition." He'd start, catching everyone off guard. Tsukiya would have her eyes widened, recognizing the man based on tone. Zazel would catch on and try to ask, but the man spoke again, alongside Tsukiya's gesture to not bother creating such a relay in the current moment. "Tag. You tag me. I tag you. If you can keep up with me, then I shall let you see her."
"WHAT!? Criollo! You can't be serious about this-"
"You're seriously gambling precious time and energy for our Goddess on a mere children's game?! Are you NUTS!?"
"Absolutely not! We, the Guards of the Goddess' Heart, shall not permit this type of tomfoo-" The Guards would cease as soon as the man gazed at the three, a silent order to silence them. A noticeable fear was on their faces, a chill down their sweet spine. Tsukiya would ponder at such a name, an indication that he wasn't telling the truth in the boy's eyes. Regardless, Harvard would nod and get himself up.
"Deal! How many tags you wanna do this? 5? 6?" He'd ask, with Criollo breaking his stoutness for a moment, almost humoring the boy in seeing him take such enjoyment on a challenge that could most likely fail at a moment's notice.
"5. I have already tagged you once. It is your turn now." He'd state as he'd ready his axes, the frosting across its stainless steel blade beginning to light up, markings of what looked to be different candies were visible.
"So he has that style too, huh? Least I got some level of experience with it thanks to Flourence. Still... why does he feel... off?" The Magician pondered, as he'd ready a card, staring down at the soldier of sugary steeled nerves. A visible facade, but nothing that can let him know what was the truth.