Manny pulled his bow back and aimed carefully at her target. He let the arrow go and it whizzed through the air hitting the caramel apple on top of Dough's head, and then pinning it to a tree. Dough clapped his hands. "Another bulls eye! You're amazing Manny!" He said happily. Manny grew a smirk and then walked of and pulled the arrow from the tree. "You gonna eat that?"
Manny rolled his eyes. "Knock yourself out buddy." He said before tossing the apple to Dough who bit into it. He walked back over and then placed the arrow back into the bow. He pulled back to fire and then suddenly heard something over near the bushes. "Who's there!" He shouted as he quickly turned around and fired.
The arrow struck one of the gumball guards who fell over and revealed Garry. Manny looked terrified. He had no idea he'd just fired at the prince. He quickly bowed down and prepared to apologize, but Garry held his hand up. "There is no need to apologize. That's what gumball guards are for." He said watching as the guard sat up and pulled the arrow from it's sticky torso.
He walked up and then signaled for Manny to rise. "I talked to Tea and she told me you two were out here. Did you not enjoy the party?" Garry asked.
"It was fine, but it just wasn't my type of gathering. Besides, I think it would be better if my efforts were focused here, preparing the race tomorrow."
"And shooting at targets helps you prepare for the race?" He asked.
"It just helps calm my nerves sir." Manny said hoping it wouldn't get him in trouble.
"I see. That was an incredibly accurate shot. You're archery skills are as sharp as ever." He said smiling. "Well, whatever you need to do to prepare yourself, keep at it."
"Thank you sir." Manny said tipping his hat.
"I hope that you show such skill at the race tomorrow. Now if you'd excuse me, I'd like to talk with Dough for a moment." He said.
Both Manny and Dough looked surprised. Usually Garry wasted little, if any, time on Dough. Everyone knew Garry didn't exactly view him as the brightest, and honestly found him annoying. Well, everyone except Dough himself of course. "Um, sir. Don't you think it would be easier to talk to me instead?" Manny asked.
Garry frowned at him. "If I wanted to talk with you, I would have said so. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have much to talk about." Manny looked over at Dough who looked worried. Manny nodded towards him and then left.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Dough asked innocently.
Garry looked over Dough who simply stood there. He hated having to deal with this idiot. Talking to him was like talking to a sack of flour. But he would have to put him with him for the time being. "Dough, do you like working with Manny?"
Dough nodded eagerly. "Of course. He's my best friend after all. We're ranked forth on the leader board." He said proudly.
"Of course you are. But you see, there's a little something I wanted to talk to you about. I'm sure you know that the twins win puts up in the lead for the grand prix." He said.
Dough nodded. "It was really funny when they mooned that Swizzle guy." He said laughing.
"Of course it was." Garry said rolling his eyes. "You may not know this, but the twins are the weakest racers on our roster. But yesterday they won easily. This means the bar is set very high for the next race. After all, we can't have the weakest ones winning and then have our very best lose, now can we?"
Dough shrugged his shoulders. "Can we?"
Garry looked like he wanted to strangle him, but he just sighed. "No Dough, we can't. That's why I need you to make sure you win tomorrow. As the driver it heavily depends on you to bring us victory. Because of this, I'm going to give you a little incentive."
"What's incentive?" Dough asked.
"Something to make you want to win." He said smiling evilly. "Your incentive will be your partnership with Manny. If you lose, then I'll have you two separated."
Dough looked at him nervously. "Wait, when you say separated-"
"I mean you two will no longer be racing partners."
The stakes slowly began to sink into Dough's brain. "W-wait... you can't do that! Me and Manny have alway been partners! We're like brothers!" He shouted.
Garry laughed and patted him on the head. "Oh Dough, you silly boy. I can do whatever I please, and I will. Now if I were you I would start worrying about tomorrow's race. Good luck." He said beginning to walk off. "Oh, and don't tell Manny about this. Wouldn't want to put any extra pressure on him." He said with a smile.
Dough stood there and began sweating bullets. Him and Manny separated? He couldn't seem to comprehend something like that. They had always been together. From the moment their code was created, he and Manny had been inseparable.
Garry kept walking with a satisfied smirk. As he walked by her saw Jimmy leaning on a nearby tree. He glared at the jawbreaker themed boy. "Is there a problem Jawcracker?" He asked.
"Of course not sire." Jimmy said as he stood up and walked away.
Garry balled his fist up angrily. Jimmy was a thorn in his side, and he's have to pluck him one of these days. But for now he would simply go on with the plan. The twins victory had honestly surprised him. If they won this easily, there wouldn't be a final race. He couldn't have that. He needed to see Sydney and Cindy crush Orangeboar in the finals. He wouldn't be satisfied otherwise.
With Dough shaken like this, he surely lose the second race tomorrow. Afterwards he would simply order one of the others to lose so they could have the final race. Then he could watch as Vanellope and her losers came so close to victory, only to have it snatched away. He chuckled. "I am so evil." He said proudly.
The second day of the race had brought just as many spectators as the first. Everyone had met at the Rocky Road and anxiously awaited to see who was competing. Vanellope and the others waited at the sideline as Snowanna and Candlehead prepared their kart for the race. Though not nearly as rough and bumpy as the Candy Corn fields, the Rocky Road was rough terrain.
"Hey Afro." Snowanna stood up and turned around to face a sneering Manny. He walked around their kart and looked over it. "Hmm, not bad. It really does fit you. But don't think just because you have half decent ride it's going to save you from getting whipped today." He said stopping in front of her.
Snowanna rolled her eyes. "We're not afraid of you. If you think trying intimidating us will knock us off our game, you got another thing coming." She said placing her hands on her hips.
Manny laughed. "You sure are feisty for a girl. Tell you what. Since your cute, if you ask really, really nicely, then I'll only lap you once." He said cupping her chin.
Snowanna smacked his hand away. "Fat chance loser!"
Candlehead looked over at Dough who was staring down at eh ground. "Hey Dough." She greeted waving at him.
He looked up surprised. "Oh, hey Candlehead." He said putting on the best smile he could.
Candlehead knew she wasn't the brightest person. She didn't get a lot of jokes, and she was usually the last person in the group to figure out what was going on around her. But she could tell with one look on his face that something was wrong. "Are you okay?" She asked worried.
He looked back down trying to hide his face, but Candlehead could still see. It looked like a mixture of fear and confusion. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's have a good race."
Before Candlehead could ask any more, Sour Bill called them to the starting line. "C'mon Candlehead, we have a race to win." Snowanna aid hoping in the driver seat. Candlehead nodded and then jumped onto the back of the kart.
Manny jumped onto the back of the kart as Dough took the driver seat. This had surprised most of the other racers. Dough could barely count his own fingers. Was he really fit to be behind the wheel of any motor vehicle? "You ready for this man?" Manny said patting him on the shoulder. Dough gulped and then nodded. He would win. He HAD to win.
Sour Bill stepped in front of the starting line. "Today's race will be one lap around the Rocky Road. This time items will be turned on. Are both racers ready?" He asked.
"I'm ready." Snowanna said revving the kart.
Dough looked at the steering wheel in a daze. "Dough?" Manny said looking down at him. "Dough!" He shouted.
Dough snapped up. "W-what?!"
"Are you ready?" Sour Bill repeated. Dough nodded reluctantly. Sour Bill lifted a little green flag. "Okay. On your marks... get set... go!"
Both of them sped off from the starting line. Everyone watched eagerly to see who would take the lead. They got their answer when Dough and Manny pulled ahead. "I didn't know the runt was that fast." Taffyta said surprised.
Tea smiled. "Most people think that because he's not the smartest, he's nothing to worry about,but Dough is actually a great racer. If your friends take this lightly, they'll lose." She warned.
"Ha ha! We're in the lead! Keep it up man!" Manny said as they approached the first turn. As they drifted around Manny reached out and grabbed one of the items, which was in the form of a floating rainbow colored candy wrapper.
Snowanna looked annoyed and slammed on the petal as hard as she could. "Man, he sure is fast! How are we going to catch up with him?" Candlehead asked.
Snowanna saw a line of floating candy wrappers ahead. "Ha, items! Quick, reach out and grab one!" Snowanna yelled. Candlehead reached out and snatched the item.
"SWEET SEEKERS!"
Candlehead backed up slightly as a large turret shot up from the middle of the kart. She grabbed onto the handles of the turret. "So do I just fire?" Candlehead asked.
"Yes girl!" Snowanna shouted.
Candlehead nodded and then took aim at them. She pressed down on the trigger sending three giant pieces of candy flying towards them. Manny turned around with a smirk. "Nice try ladies!" He said tossing his candy wrapper up.
"SUGAR SHIELD!"
A dome of sugar suddenly came up and surrounded them. The three candy themed missiles crashed into the dome, but it didn't even budge. "Better luck next time." Manny said saluting them.
"Oh no! They are not getting away! Candlehead, light it up!" Snowanna shouted. Candlehead nodded and then lower her head so her candle was right near the exhaust pipe. It sparked before the pipe suddenly began spitting out flames and boosted forward. Everyone cheered as Snowanna and Candlehead began gaining on them.
"Wait a second..." Patrick yelled.
"...can they do that?!" Petty shouted.
Taffyta smirked and pulled her lollipop out of her mouth. "Well, If I recall, since Sour Bill isn't saying anything so it must not be against the rules." She twins stuck their tongues out at her until Tea grabbed their ears. "Better behave boys."
Snowanna and Candlehead drove up beside Manny and Dough. "Looks like your the ones who are going to eat our dust!" Snowanna said winking as Manny.
Manny smirked back at her. "Okay, so you're not as bad as I thought! But you still won't be able to beat us!" Dough looked over at them and began to panic. What if they passed them? Would be be able to pull back ahead, no, he couldn't risk it! He had to win!
Dough turned the wheel around and suddenly rammed into them. Snowanna and Candlehead skidded back, but managed to stay on the track. "HEY! What's the deal?!" Snowanna shouted. She expected this type of racing from the twins, but she had never guessed that Dough would stoop so low.
The racers in the stands looked surprised. "Is there a strategy you guys have that doesn't involve smashing into the other person?" Rancis asked looking towards the Sweet Tooth racers.
Sydney looked genuinely surprised. "That's weird. Dough has never rammed anyone before. He doesn't have single violent bone in his body."
"Maybe Manny finally got to him." Cindy said crossing her arms.
Jimmy glared up at Garry who was watching the race a smirk. "Or maybe Garry gave him a little incentive." Jimmy said bitterly.
Sydney looked over at him. "What does that mean?"
"Nothing..." Jimmy muttered angrily.
Snowanna readjusted her goggles and then sped forward. "Candlehead, if he tries the again, then you burn their kart to the ground!" She ordered as she slammed onto the petal once more. Candlehead nodded and then reached out and grabbed another item.
"TRICK OR TREAT!"
A large pumpkin suddenly appeared in Candlehead's hands. It had a question marks carved in to it and the stem was shaped like a handle. "Was is it?" Candlehead asked. This was a completely new item to her. She hesitantly reached up and pulled the handle opening the top of the pumpkin.
"TREAT!"
Suddenly a swarm of candy corn with bat like wings flew out and headed towards Manny and Dough. They swarmed around them blocking their vision and attempting to pick apart their kart. "Whoa, I'm never seen that one before!" Tea said surprised.
"It's the Trick or Treat. When you open it it either gives you a cool item, or it blows up." Jimmy said yawning. He'd been practicing so much he had seen every item in the whole game. "That Candlehead girl must be really lucky."
"The stupid ones often are..." Minty mumbled.
Dough tried to focus on the road while Manny swatted at the candy creatures. "Ah, this is so annoying!" Manny shouted. He looked back and then saw Snowanna and Candlehead passing by them. "I don't believe this!"
"Ha! We got this in the bag!" Gloyd said as he and Swizzle high fived.
Snowanna cheered as Candlehead reached out and grabbed another item. "C'mon Candlehead, let's put a cherry on this sundae!" Candlehead nodded and then used the item.
"SYRUP SLICK!"
Maple syrup began spilling out from the back of there kart. When Dough and Manny drove over it their kart began swaying back and forth. Manny was barely able to balance himself while Dough just quickly began turning the wheel.
He tapped lightly on the brakes and then began drifting. Their kart drifted smoothly, alost as if it were gliding across the syrup slick and they began catching up with Snowanna and Candlehead.
"How is he doing that?!" Swizzle asked.
"Dough handling and speed make him the perfect character for drifting. You should see it when he's doing donuts in the court yard, it's awesome." Larry said smiling.
As they were just about the clear the oil slick, Dough's hand suddenly slipped and their kart were skidding out of control. They spun off the track and then crashed into a giant walnut. Dough slammed his hands against the wheel. "No, no, NO! This cannot be happening!" He said grabbing his head.
Manny shook his head and then looked down at his partner. He looked like a nervous wreck. "Dough, what is wrong with you? You seem totally of your game today! Just relax." Manny said trying to calm his partner. Dough must have been feelings the pressure from the competition, which was bad. He was a great racer, but only when he was racing for fun. He had never let competition ruin his love of racing.
Dough shook his head. "No, I have to win!" He said as he pressed his foot on the petal. Snowanna and Candlehead were gaining a wide lead.
Manny grabbed onto the back of the kart. "Look, if you're worried about losing the grand prix then chill. I won't be mad even we lose. I promise." Manny said.
"That's not it!" Dough yelled. "It's something else!"
"What?!" Manny asked.
"I'm not allowed to say!"
Manny looked confused. Suddenly he remembered what happened last night. "Does this have something to do with what you and Gary talked about?" He asked. The silence was all the answer he needed. "Dough, what did he say to you?!"
"He said if we lost we couldn't be partners anymore!" Dough said his voice cracking.
Manny frowned. "Listen to me, I don't care what Garry or anyone else says! We're partners, and we're always going to be partners!" He said.
"But what about Garry?" Dough asked.
"Who cares about him? I promise no matter what happens I'm not going to let us be separated. I have always been there for you, and whether we win or lose this stupid race that is not going to change that!" Manny assured.
"Really?" Dough asked.
"I swear my hat!"
Dough looked back at her partner shocked. Manny loved his hat more than anything else in the world. He then looked back at the race track. "You're right, we don't have to worry about winning or losing, cause we're gonna win!" He said smiling. He pressed down on the petal and sped forward.
As Snowanna and Candlehead began going over the bridge of the Rocky Road, Candlehead looked back and saw them gaining. "It looks like their back." Candlehead said.
Dough drove up beside them and Manny took his hat off and bowed. "Sorry ladies, but we really have to be going now." He said as Dough pulled ahead of them.
"Bye Candlehead!" Dough said waving.
Snowanna frowned and struggled to keep up with them. Candlehead couldn't help but crack a small smile. Dough looked like he was back to his usual bubbly self. "Candlehead! Are you paying attention?!" Snowanna asked.
"Oh? Yeah!" Candlehead said as they approached the end of the bridge. They watched as Manny reached out and then grabbed an item.
"CHARACTER ITEM! CARAMEL CROSSBOW!"
A crossbow suddenly appeared in Manny's hands. "Ha! We got this in the bag!" He said as he took aim. He pulled the trigger of the crossbow and it fired off an arrow with a caramel apple stuck on the tip. The arrow his Snowanna and Candlehead's kart right on the hood, and it stuck there.
"What in the world?" Snowanna said confused. Manny fired more arrows and Snowanna twisted and turned trying to avoid the barrage of caramel apples. A few more of them hit and Snowanna soon realized that the apples were weighing the kart down. "Oh crumb!"
"A character item? What the heck is that?!" Vanellope asked.
"Every character has a item. An item only they can use. But there's only about a one in a hundred chance your going to get it. Even less if your in the lead." Jimmy explained. Snowanna and Candlehead were slowing down, but Candlehead reached out and managed to grab an item as well.
"CHARACTER ITEM! CRISPY CANDLE!"
The fire on Candlehead's head went from a small flame to a blazing inferno. The caramel apples were easily melted away and Snowanna and she gained their speed back. In fact, they were moving even faster than before.
Everyone seemed surprised except Taffyta smiled. "That is dumb luck at it's finest." She said proud of her friend.
Candlehead smiled at the lage fire on her head. "Wow, this is the biggest my fire has ever been!" She said excitedly.
"Yeah, that's great! Now light them up Candlehead!" Snowanna shouted. Candlehead nodded and then squeezed her eyes shut. The fire began shooting out balls of fire towards Manny and Dough.
"Oh fudge! Evasive maneuvers!" Manny yelled. Dough began moving back and forth dodging the ball of fire. Manny turned and fired more arrows at them, but they melted away before they could even touch the kart.
Candlehead took a deep breath and then shot a large fireball towards them. It struck the kart sending them spiraling out of control. Dough slammed his foot on the breaks just before their kart fell into the river of chocolate milk. Snowanna and Candlehead quickly passed by them and then past the finish line.
The crowd broke out into cheers. Vanellope jumped up into the air ecstatic. "YES! We did it! We did it! We did it! We won!" She said jumping up and down.
Swizzle and Gloyd jumped up and high fived. "Yeah! That's how we do it in the Candy Kingdom!" Swizzle said raising his arms.
"Never a doubt." Taffyta said crossing her arms.
The Sweet Tooth raced all seemed to look on with indifference. All except Jimmy who was seemed fairly sour about the results. Snowanna and Candlehead grabbed each other and jumped up and down cheering. "We won, we won, we won, we won!" They chanted happily.
Dough and Manny made their way to the finish line. Manny could see his partner shaking nervously. He reached down and patted his shoulder. "I'm not going to let anything bad happen. I promise." He said sternly. Though Dough could still hear a hint of doubt in his voice.
They stopped near Snowanna and Candlehead and then jumped out. "It was a really good race." Dough said smiling towards them.
"You too." Candlehead said. She reached up and then poked her candle and sighed. "I'm going to miss my big fire though."
Snowanna smirked at Manny who was frowning. "Is there something that YOU want to say Manny?" She asked smirking at him.
He sighed and then grew a smile on his face. "Okay, I admit it. You were the better racer." He held out his hands and Snowanna took it. They shook hands and Manny tipped his hat. "But NEXT time we're going to win for sure."
"Anytime you want a rematch." Snowanna said.
Garry stood up from his chair and then clapped. "Bravo everyone, a wonderful performance." He said smiling. Jimmy glared up at him angrily. He wasn't really made about Snowanna and Candlehead winning, he could honestly care less about this stupid grand prix. He was mad Garry's stupid plan had worked.
"That was an excellent showing Snowanna and Candlehead. Beating Manny and Dough is no easy feat. I look forward to what the rest of you can do in the next race tomorrow." He said before sitting back in his chair. His blimp began floating off.
The Sweet Tooth racers began making their way back towards the castle. "I will see you tomorrow my beloved." Larry said kissing Jubileena's hand. Suddenly Jimmy grabbed the back of his shirt collar and began dragging him off. "W- Hey! Que Pasa?!"
"See you folks tomorrow." Sydney said tipping his hat.
As Fang passed by Rancis and the two glared at each other. Tomorrow would be there race, and Rancis would show he was wrong about him being a softy.
Dough and Manny stood before Garry who was seated on his throne. Dough looked down at the ground nervous while Manny glared at him. The others all stood a few feet behind them. "Now then, I believe I told you that if you lost, that you and Manny would be separated." Garry said with a smirk. Manny gritted his teeth and prepared to say something.
Even if it meant being banished from the kingdom, he was not willing to be split up from his best friend. "But I've though it over, and because you had such a good showing, I have reconsidered. You two will remain partners." He said yawning. "Don't disappoint me again."
Dough's face lit up and Manny let out a relieved sigh. "Now, you may all go. Except you Sydney, I need to have a few words with you."
Everyone turned to leave the room. "Have fun taking more orders from your master, devil dog." Jimmy said as he bumped Sydney on the way out.
Sydney ignored him and waited until everyone else left. Garry smiled down at him and leaned on the arm of his throne. "I'd say my plan worked out pretty well. I got what I wanted and those fools now think they have a chance at victory." He said confidently.
"You scared Dough half to death." Sydney stated.
"Oh, that little dough ball could use a good scaring. He's so annoying and peppy all the time. Anyhow the greater goal was met. We're one step closer to your race. All I need to do is have either Jimmy or Fang throw the race, and then you can leave that pumpkin headed moron in the dust at the finals."
Sydney frowned. "Why exactly do we HAVE to have the finals sir? Why can't we just win the next two and be done with. I'm pretty sure Fang and Tea can beat Taffyta and Rancis. And I know there's no way Jimmy and Larry will lose."
"I realize we could just crush them. But there's so flare in that. We need to bring this to a climax so we can gain the admiration of the rest of the arcade. The newcomers sweeping in and beating the veterans just by a hair. It'll be a true underdog victory." He said leaning back in his chair.
Sydney was silent. Garry may have been devious, but he certainly knew how to get people on his side. The way he played the crowd yesterday and today had made most of the arcade welcome them with warm arms. Still, he didn't think it was worth making the others have to throw the race. "You know neither Fang or Jimmy would throw the race." Sydney stated.
Garry yawned. "Oh, I know. Even if I threatened to throw them out of the kingdom their much to stubborn and prideful to throw the race. So I'll just have to make sure one of them loses. Seeing as Jimmy has been plotting against me, having him lose will be a great way to humble him a bit."
"But sire, what if Fang actually loses. Jimmy will have to win then." Sydney argued.
"Oh, Fang won't lose. You can bet on it." He said deviously.
Sydney looked at him worried. "Garry... you're not actually planning on cheating are you? Even I think you're taking this a little too far." Sydney said.
Garry looked up at his friend. Sydney had only called him by name when he was serious about something. He sighed. "Oh, don't be such a worry wart. I know Fang can win on his own, I don't have to plan anything sneaky or underhanded." He assured.
Sydney nodded and then turned towards the door. Garry grew a wicked smile. Just because he didn't HAVE to plan anything, didn't mean he wouldn't.
A/N: Bet you guys thought I was dead huh? I am SUPER sorry for not updating for so long. I was having a little writers block, but that wasn't the main problem. The main problem was that my computer was broken, and I lost all m files, which included this chapter. Then I FINALLY got a new computer, but it keeps shutting down for no reason. I ended up having to rewrite this chapter THREE times. I tried to make it a little longer to make up for the long update.
I know this chapter focused mostly on the Sweet Tooth racers, but don't worry. We'll be getting back to Vanellope and the others next chapter.
Also, I'm making another call for anyone willing to draw the Sweet Tooth racers. As you can tell by the cover, someone was working on it. But they suddenly just stopped for some reason. So if anyone else wants to take a crack at it, be my guests.