Holiday Express (Story)

Story

“Growing takes time!„ ↕
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“Forward, friends! What's next?„ ↕
	This article could use some work. Here's what's left to do: finish filling out the investigation mini game section add the combined sprites of Cheddar Cheese and Macaroni to 1-7

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Holiday Express[]

Prologue
It was a perfect holiday party, full of laughter and cheer. "Happy holidays," someone mumbled, and the sound dissipated into the darkness of the train. Linzer Cookie — "Miss Waffle's Holiday Express Mystery


	Royal Bear Jelly
	Dear passengers! Allow me to welcome you on behalf of the Holiday Express crew. I am your conductor, Royal Beeeear Jelly!
	Royal Bear Jelly
	I will be checking your tickets momentarily! Please have them ready!
	Royal Bear Jelly
	Oh, you don't have a ticket? Not to worry!
	I prepared a ticket for each and every passenger!

Royal Bear Jelly	You can board the Holiday Express with this Gift Ticket!
Royal Bear Jelly	If you wish to arrive at your destination even faster, upgrade your ticket to a Premium Ticket.
Royal Bear Jelly	There are two Premium Tickets: Story and First Class!
Royal Bear Jelly	Please don't hesitate to ask the train attendant for help!
	Royal Bear Jelly
	Now then... are we all ready?
	Royal Bear Jelly
	Let's see... The Banquet Car, Lounge Car, Dining Car, and the suites... The Holiday Express is ready—as is my rather dapper-looking mustache!
	Royal Bear Jelly
	All aboard the Holiday Express!
	And may everyone have a jolly good time!!!

1-1. The Holiday Express

	CHOO CHOO!
Train Attendant Cookie	Ahem! All aboard! Please take your seats! Mm-hm! The train bound for the Cookie Kingdom will be departing soon!
Train Attendant Cookie	Miss! Can I take a look at your ticket? Mm-hm! Ah, happy to have you aboard, Linzer Cookie!
	He he. Good evening! It would seem that my reputation precedes me.	Linzer Cookie
Train Attendant Cookie	But of course! Your detective novels are famous worldwide! I, myself, have gathered the entire Miss Waffle series, mm-hm! ... Are we to expect the next book soon, dare I ask?
	Aww, you flatter me! Rest assured, the next book is already in the works!	Linzer Cookie
Train Attendant Cookie	Your ticket is in perfect order, mm-hm! Happy Holidays, miss!
Linzer Cookie	Happy Holidays.
Linzer Cookie	...!!!
	You...	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	... Crème Brûlée Cookie?
	Miss Linzer Cookie? May I assist you? The train will be departing in a minute, so please do be seated, mm-hm!	Train Attendant Cookie
Linzer Cookie	Ah, it's nothing! Do excuse me.
Train Attendant Cookie	Welcome aboard, good sir! This train is bound for the Cookie Kingdom, mm-hm! May I see your ticket?
Crème Brûlée Cookie	... Here.
	Excellent! A minute later, and you would have missed your train, mm-hm! Please, take your seat!	Train Attendant Cookie
	Ahem! Dear passengers! The doors are closing! Our train is departing mm-hm!	Train Attendant Cookie
	CHOO CHOO!

1-2. Inside the Train

Royal Bear Jelly	Dear passengers! Allow me to welcome you on behalf of the Holiday Express crew. I am your conductor, Royal Beeeear Jelly!
Royal Bear Jelly	Our luxurious Holiday Express travels to the Cookie Kingdom only once a year! I sincerely hope your journey aboard our trail will be most pleasant and jolly!
Royal Bear Jelly	Enjoy the majestic vista of snow-covered plains and mountains. And do not miss out on our specially-prepared Holiday Banquet!
Royal Bear Jelly	The Holiday Express crew will do everything to make your travel most memorable and delightful!
	Oh...! I've never been on a train like this...	Angel Cookie
Carol Cookie	Indeed! This entire train has been lavishly decorated for the holidays! It fills my heart with joy.
	Ah, there are so many wonderful holidays around the world! But to me, winter holidays are meant to be spent at one's loving home among family and friends!	Sparkling Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Allow me to introduce you to our luxurious cars and top-class amenities!

Royal Bear Jelly	This is our Banquet Car, boasting its exquisite grand piano! Perhaps, we will even get a chance to listen to the one-and-only, Crème Brûlée Cookie's performance?
	What?! A pianist Cookie?! Didn't know it was a thing!!!	Schwarzwälder
Angel Cookie	Please, play something for us...!
	I will be rather busy practicing for the upcoming Grand Holiday Concert. ... But you may feel free to come and listen.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Excellent! Next up...!

Royal Bear Jelly	Allow me to welcome you to our Lounge Car! How do you find our Holiday Tree? Most lovely, don't you think?
	It's so tall and festive...! Look, the ornaments are glimmering in the light...!	Angel Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Make sure to be present for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony! I assure you, it will be unforgettable!
	Heh, they betta have some grape juice on board!	Vampire Cookie

Royal Bear Jelly	Ah, yes! The Dining Car, where our unparalleled chef is already making preparations to indulge your sophisticated palate!
	Just imagine... Fine dining with breathtaking nature as the backdrop...! How romantic!	Sparkling Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	And lastly! The pride of our Holiday Express!

Royal Bear Jelly	Deluxe-class personal suites, furnished with almost anything you can imagine... and more!
	Well, well! I even have a special compartment for my coat! How marvellous.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Detective, need I remind you we're not on vacation...?
Macaroni Cookie	But, I gotta admit, this train do be pretty fancy.
	Now where did I put my list... Ah! Next, I shall personally see you to your suites.	Royal Bear Jelly
	Supper will be served shortly in the Dining Car. I am sure you will find the menu most... delectable!	Royal Bear Jelly

1-3. Grand Supper

Royal Bear Jelly	Ah, Miss Linzer Cookie! Your seat is right this way. Will there be any additional requests...?
	No, thank you! Am I the last to arrive?	Linzer Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Some passengers have not... Ah, there they are!
	Mmm, this place is filled with the fine fragrance of grape juice. Now that's what I call "good service."	Vampire Cookie
Old Jolly	Dibbity-ho-ho! Ye're so very right, my good sir! I have prepared a great selection of vintages for the Tropical Soda Islands juices!
	Oh yeah? Then what are we waiting for...	Vampire Cookie
Old Jolly	Doopty-ho! My sir! But these are presents of the dear Gnomes in the Cookie Kingdom!
	Esteemed passengers! Everyone has gathered, and supper will be served in a minute. In the meantime, isn't it an opportune moment to become properly acquainted?	Royal Bear Jelly
Schwarzwälder	Acquainted?! A BRUTE is CRUMBLING from hunger here! Besides, I bet every flatster around has heard about me a couple of times!
	He is not wrong! Schwarzälder, is it? Stories of your... deeds are quite famous where I come from!	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Schwarzwälder	Then perhaps you also heard that I DON'T LIKE TO BE CALLED BY THAT NAME?! And who are you anyway?
	Ah, I do have a rather packed schedule involving lengthy trips. Cheddar Cheese Cookie. And this is my rather troublesome colleague, Macaroni Cookie.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Psh. Nothing troublesome about me! You gotta look hard for a Cookie as responsible and diligent!
	Are you two going to attend the famous Holiday Festival? The Year's End festivities in our Kingdom are very fun!	Sparkling Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Alas, the most fun thing that awaits us there is our layover. And then, another train...
	Let us not get into... further details, Macaroni Cookie.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Carol Cookie	Such secrecy! I, for one, am looking forward to spending the Tree-Lighting Ceremony with Angel Cookie tonight!
	How I wish I could fly all the way to the top of the tree and touch the pretty star...!	Angel Cookie
Old Jolly	Dibbity-ho-ho-ho! I see the holiday spirit has already begun to spread! I have prepared wonderful gifts for all Cookies, Sugar Gnomes, and Cake Hounds!
	It is a shame you must work during the holidays, too! But it is you who makes this time of year all the merrier!	Carol Cookie
Old Jolly	I swear by my sugar beard! I won't stop until my candy cane cracks! Doopty-ba-doo!
	Now that you mention it... Your candy cane does look a bit worn...	Angel Cookie
Old Jolly	It's true... I have used this very same cane since the day I started working as a Sugar Gnome! Been with me through thick and thin!
	You, Sugar Gnomes, always work so tirelessly! I admire you!	Carol Cookie
Old Jolly	Ho ho! Oh, but I'm not alone this time around! This chum here has a concert to prepare for! Aye, Crème Brûlée Cookie>
	Yes, the Grand Holiday Concert in the Cookie Kingdom.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Sparkling Cookie	I bet the entire kingdom will gather to see you preform. Say, how do you keep your composure on stage?
	Tension helps with focus. The last thing I want the audience to see is me being... relaxed.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	... A cup of tea, please, nice and hot!
	Right away, Miss Linzer Cookie! If I may... Are you visiting the Cookie Kingdom for the holiday festivities? Or perhaps... to work on your next book?	Royal Bear Jelly
Linzer Cookie	I would neither confirm nor deny it.
	"The Mystery Above the Waves" was fantastic, simply fantastic! I wonder what thrilling story you are preparing this time, mm?	Royal Bear Jelly
Linzer Cookie	He he... You will find out soon enough!
	Seems like conductor Royal Bear Jelly is a huge fan of Linzer Cookie's work...	Macaroni Cookie
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Why, I, myself, am an enjoyer of her "Miss Waffle" series!
	Hmpf! Those novels are nothing like the cases we crack!	Macaroni Cookie
Carol Cookie	Crème Brûlée Cookie, where are you going? Supper is about to be served!
	All this talk about my concert only reminded me that I must practice more. I will grab a bite later.	Crème Brûlée Cookie

1-4. After the Supper

Angel Cookie

The food was delicious...

Indeed! I haven't had a finer meal in a while,

My compliments to the chef!

Linzer Cookie

Royal Bear Jelly

Don't forget to try our ice cream cake dessert!

Fancy a glass of sparkling juice to commemorate the evening?

Sparkling Cookie

Carol Cookie

Ooh, I would love one, please!

Sparkling Cookie's delightful concoctions never fail to amaze me!

Oh-ho-no-no-no! Not for me, my good lad!

Pack me a piece of cake, I'll eat it before lights out!

Old Jolly

Sparkling Cookie

Oh... very well.

Linzer Cookie

And I'd just love to stay longer, but, alas, all this jolly mood in the air doesn't allow for speedy writing!

... My publisher loved the manuscript, but... it lacks that something special.

I want to write something fresh, something... electrifying!

Linzer Cookie

Hmm, how uncanny...

This setting is quite similar to my novel-in-the-making. The train, the holidays...

Knocking

KNOCK KNOCK

Linzer Cookie

Yes?

???

... It's me.

Linzer Cookie

Me who?

Crème Brûlée Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie, who else.

What a surprise.

It's been so long, I almost forgot what your voice sounds like.

Linzer Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie

Forgot? You? Of all Cookies?

How is that surprising?

Anyway, what's the matter?

Linzer Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie

I, uh... Could you swap rooms with me?

Crème Brûlée Cookie

No, never mind...

Is it because of Schwarzwälder?

Is he being too loud?

Linzer Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie

... Yes. I don't know what he's doing, but all I can hear is the loud thudding and thumping!

You could have asked the conductor.

Linzer Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie

I... I didn't want to come across as... difficult.

Not before the Grand Concert...

I see. Well then, I shall grant your wish!

I haven't unpacked yet, so it won't take long.

Linzer Cookie

Crème Brûlée Cookie

... Thank you, Linzer Cookie.

Linzer Cookie

What do you know.

All these suites look exactly the same.

Thanks again. Good night!

Crème Brûlée Cookie

Linzer Cookie

So, this is my new room, hm...?

Investigation
New Evidence	Infomation
Pamphlet - Suite Map	Electrical Room Suite No.1 - Carol Cookie Suite No.2 - Angel Cookie Suite No.3 - Royal Bear Jelly Suite No.4 - Linzer Cookie Suite No.5 - Sparkling Cookie Suite No.6 - Vampire Cookie Suite No.7 - Old Jolly Suite No.8 - Schwarzwälder Suite No.9 - Crème Brûlée Cookie Suite No.10 - Cheddar Cheese Cookie/Macaroni Cookie Kitchen Dining Car Lounge Car Banquet Car
Pamphlet - Itinerary	16:30-17:00 - Boarding and Checking Tickets 17:00-17:10 - Departure 17:10-18:00 - Announcement 18:00-20:00 - Supper 20:00-00:00 - Break Time 00:00-01:00 - Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Piece of Ice Cream Cake	A complimentary dessert for the passengers of the Holiday Express. It's made of ice cream. Better eat it fast before it melts. Full of red, juicy berry filling.
Linzer Cookie's Manuscript	The manuscript Linzer Cookie is working on. It contains the finished manuscript, but the envelope is not sealed shut.
Linzer Cookie's Notebook	A notebook used by Linzer Cookie to jot down her thoughts. Myriad of possible themes and ideas are scribbled down. Linzer Cookie worked hard for the perfect plot twist.
Linzer Cookie's Fountain Pen	It has a recorder function, useful for note-taking and journaling.

Linzer Cookie

All my things are in place.

I should record this.

CLICK!

Linzer Cookie

Ah, ah, testing.

It is currently December 23rd, 9:15PM. I swapped suites with Crème Brûlée Cookie. My current location is...

Deduction
Deduction Objectives	Where is Linzer Cookie right now?
Evidence Selected	Pamphlet - Suite Map Suite No.9 - Crème Brûlée Cookie

Linzer Cookie

And... Oh, would you look at the time!

There's a special event happening at midnight. Which is...

Deduction
Deduction Objectives	When is the special ceremony?
Evidence Selected	Pamphlet - Itinerary 00:00-01:00 - Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Linzer Cookie

The Tree-Lighting Ceremony...

A lot of Cookies seemed to be looking forward to it.

I suppose that's all for my recording

CLICK!

LInzer Cookie

All this room-swapping business has made me thirsty.

I suppose it's time for some refreshments.

Evidence Updated

Linzer Cookie's Fountain Pen

It has a recorder function, useful for note-taking and journaling.

There is a recording saying something about switching rooms with Crème Brûlée Cookie, made on Dec 23, 9:15 PM.

1-5. Vanished Sheet Music

Carol Cookie	Ah, Linzer Cookie! Care to join us for a game of cards?
	Now, I do have a manuscript to finish... But surely I can afford to play one game!	Linzer Cookie
Sparkling Cookie	Miss Linzer Cookie, would you be so kind and not use you detective novelist skills to read our faces right away, mm?
	He he, I may or may not spare you this once.	Linzer Cookie
Carol Cookie	Schwarzwälder, can we interest you in a game of cards? Come join us!
	Can't you see I'm busy?! Just... pretend I'm not here and PLAY ALREADY!	Schwarzwälder
Angel Cookie	I wonder what he is so preoccupied with... Slouched over there writing...
	Wait, wait, wait! Let's all have a glass of juice before we start a new game!	Vampire Cookie
???	... WAS NOT ME!!!
Sparkling Cookie	Huh?! What was that? What happened...?

Carol Cookie	It's Crème Brûlée Cookie and Old Jolly! What happened?
	My... my sheet music for the concert is gone.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Angel Cookie	Disappeared from your suite...?
	Correct. While I was in the Banquet Car... And then I saw Old Jolly snooping around my suite.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Old Jolly	I'm telling ye, chum! I. DIDN'T. DOOPTY-DO IT! Why would an old Sugar Gnome steal from ye?
	Then why did you go near my suite?	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Old Jolly	I... I... I was lost!
	"Lost"?! In a hallway straight and narrow as this? I find that very hard to believe.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	Before this argument becomes too heated, I must point out that Old Jolly doesn't have your sheet music on them. It's rather unlikely they're the culprit.
	Crème Brûlée Cookie, could it be that you misplaced your sheet music?	Carol Cookie
Crème Brûlée Cookie	I positively couldn't have... But very well! I'll look again. Sorry... for the fuss.
Angel Cookie	Crème Brûlée Cookie looks so upset...
	Perhaps we should let Royal Bear Jelly know in case the sheet music won't reappear.	Sparkling Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Pardon the intrusion...! huff puff Does anyone require my assistance...? Is there a problem of some sort...? huff puff
	Ah, Mister Royal Bear Jelly! You arrived, and not a moment too soon! Did you run here? You're out of breath!
Royal Bear Jelly	I must have... overexerted myself preparing of the Tree-Lighting Ceremony! Please, come join us at midnight! The ceremony will last a whole hour!
Carol Cookie	I shall wait in the Dining Car with Angel Cookie. We can play games until midnight!
	If you'll excuse me, I must get back to my manuscript. Enjoy the ceremony!	Linzer Cookie

1-6. In Dreams
The Night Express was speeding into the wintery dark, as if hoping for the dark to conceal; the sinister secrets it carried aboard. Many years have passed since that fateful night, and yet...
... Miss Waffle couldn't forget that foul smell of depravity hanging the the gloomy twilight air. Somewhere in the same train, a shadowy figure rose in a doorway. Something terrible was bound to happen...
	No! You're not... going... anywhere!!!
	WHAM!!!
	Eek!
	Huff... Puff..
	FSHHHH..

Linzer Cookie	Oh!
Linzer Cookie	It was... only a dream!
Linzer Cookie	There has been nothing but the manuscript on my mind lately... Now it even comes to me in my dreams! But I must admit, what an intriguing Hooke!
Linzer Cookie	I especially liked how different scenes were punctuated by those spine-chilling sound effects! He he he...
Linzer Cookie	... Or is it because my premise is so similar? Am I mixing up my book and reality? Hmmm... The same train rushing towards the holidays...
Linzer Cookie	An endearing ingénue, a serene poet, a bartender, a carefree drone, a brawny, ill-tempered bully, a hapless holiday messenger, a pianist...
Linzer Cookie	Two suspicious figures veiled in secrecy, and the protagonist detective.
Linzer Cookie	Come to think of it, the resemblance is uncanny... Then, the next thing that will happen is...
Linzer Cookie	... Don't be absurd, Linzer Cookie. It seems like the manuscript is beginning to toy with my common scene. At this rate, I'm not surprised.
Linzer Cookie	Let's go back to sleep...

1-7. Nobody Move!

Royal Bear Jelly	Good morning, dear passengers! Our famous Hearty Breakfast will be served shortly!
	Royal Bear Jelly, you look... different...?	Angel Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Ah, I am surprised you noticed! Indeed, I thought it was unbecoming of me to celebrate the Holidays with my moustache untrimmed!
	This new style suits you very well!	Carol Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Ah, you flatter me, Miss! Now, time for the welcome beverage to make your morning especially bright and fragrant!
	This... this is... TEA?! Hmm... Not bad! But it's too sweat for my taste!!! I'll still have it though...	Schwarzwälder
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Oof, my eyes are weary from reading the documents all night long. A cup for me, please!
	I hear WHAT?! Detective, all you did was listen to me with your eyes closed!	Macaroni Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	But I do not see Crème Brûlée Cookie and Old Jolly?
	Those two sleepyheads! We should start without them!	Vampire Cookie
Angel Cookie	But it's always merrier together...

Royal Bear Jelly	I will go wake them up! Crème Brûlée Cookie's room should be right... here!
Knocking	KNOCK KNOCK
Royal Bear Jelly	Mister Crème Brûlée Cookie! Breakfast!
	I'm here.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Royal Bear Jelly	Ah! I see you've already woken up!
	Crème Brûlée Cookie, you look so pale! Did you not sleep well?	Carol Cookie
Crème Brûlée Cookie	... Not really. But don't worry about me.
	Excellent! Next, Old Jolly... A knock on the door...	Royal Bear Jelly
Royal Bear Jelly	Old Jolly! It's breakfast time! Hello? Old Jolly?
Vampire Cookie	Huh... I wish I could sleep that soundly!
Royal Bear Jelly	Old Jolly? I'm coming in!
Schwarzwälder	Ha ha! Leave it to me! I can wake up ANYONE! They will think twice about going to bed next time! Hey, you, lazy Sugar Gnome!
Door Opening	SCREECH
Royal Bear Jelly	...!
	... What on Earthbread!!!	Schwarzwälder
	Old Jolly, OLD JOLLY!!!	Schwarzwälder

Linzer Cookie	"The morning promised to be brisk yet otherwise uneventful. Alas, evil had other plans..."
Mysterious Cookies	NOBODY MOVE!