*Chapter 10*
Ralph and Vanellope quickly began to run away from Vanilla Lake, it's beautiful glow enchantingly haunting. The two pushed past all the candy trees, running as fast as they could. Ralph held Felix in his arms tighter than ever, praying that he would make the train ride back to their game. Vanellope and Ralph flew through the forest like deer in their homeland. They dodged trees like it was their profession. They didn't miss a single beat as they raced back to Sugar Rush's entrance. They immediately boarded Sugar Rush's outlet train, panting and heaving. Ralph loosened his grip on Felix and looked down at him. He was still alive, but his eyes were half closed. He mumbled something incoherent as he weakly gripped his side. Ralph caught a glimpse of the gash in his side as he quickly set Felix down. He took the coat of his tux off and quickly wrapped it around Felix's wound. Ralph's large coat dwarfed Felix. Ralph hoped it'd slow the bleeding as he put pressure on the area.
Vanellope and Ralph didn't speak. Not a single word was said as they flew off of Sugar Rush's outlet train and bursted back into End Of Line Game Station. The countdown was a mere 60 seconds away from the New Year. Ralph quickly barreled through people, not caring who he hit or knocked over. Vanellope kept her pace quick behind him. Ralph hollered at people to get out of his way because of the emergency. People quickly moved aside for him, giving their shocked and surprised looks. Ralph quickly began to scan the area for Calhoun and the rest of the group, but they were no where to be found. He continued to rocket towards Power Strip's train station, hoping that somehow they'd save Felix from this fiasco. He wished they had time to stop and search for his bride, but he knew getting Felix back to their game was the top priority. Ralph and Vanellope quickly barreled down into the Power Strip's train station and bursted onto one of the trains. Ralph quickly and anxiously picked a seat just as everyone began to cheer for the New Year. Vanellope gently sat down across from Ralph; he began to fidget uncontrollably and look around.
"Can this train go any faster?" Ralph hollered as it began to putter forward, climbing to it's usual speed. Vanellope calmly sat down next to him and put her hand on Ralph's cheek opposite her, making him face her.
"Ralph, there is nothing we can do right now but wait," Vanellope said calmly. Ralph gazed at her, tears in his eyes. Vanellope heaved a shaky sigh and gazed down at Felix, tears billowing in her eyes as well. Both gamers could feel their blood run cold.
"Vanellope," Ralph said weakly as he looked down at Felix, "Wh-what do we do, how can we- What happens if, he doesn't make it?"
"He will make it," Vanellope tried to act as confident as she could, though she was just as concerned and worried as Ralph was. She gently put her hand on Felix's head and pet his hair, "We have to make him as comfortable as we can. We'll be to your game soon. There will be no stops, so this ride should go by fast."
"Yeah," Ralph frowned as he finally was able to catch his breath. He gazed down at Felix, his eyes still full of tears.
"Ralph?" Felix weakly asked as he put his fingertips on Ralph's chest. Ralph eagerly looked down.
"Yes? What is it?" Ralph questioned in a shaky voice.
"Y-you're, the best bad guy, I-I've ever, known," Felix stammered, almost in a dazed stupor. He winced and groaned as he lulled his head. Ralph steadied him and nodded, trying to keep his attention.
"Felix, stay with me," Ralph said firmly, urging him to stay awake. Ralph inhaled shakily and quickly tightened his coat to Felix's wound. Felix gently groaned in pain and arched his back a little. Vanellope kept her hand on Felix's head as he slumped into Ralph's chest. He gave Ralph a small look of defeat as he began to close his eyes. Ralph softly shook him.
"No no, Felix, stay with us," Ralph urged in a louder tone. Felix closed his eyes and heaved a painful sigh as he put his palm over Ralph's heart.
Ralph immediately hugged Felix close to him and tugged him up into his chest. Ralph bowed his head into Felix's chest and stomach and urged Felix to stay with him over and over. Vanellope sighed nervously as tears slid down her cheeks. She continued to pet Felix's head, praying that the train would carry them faster than ever before. Felix lay limp in Ralph's large, protective arms. Ralph inhaled sharply and gently relaxed his arms on Felix, letting him sink back to where he was laying. Ralph gazed down at Felix in stunned terror, his cheeks wet with tears.
"C'mon buddy, you can't leave us," Ralph's voice crackled, "Wh-who's going to fix the Niceland building?" Ralph stated calmly as more tears poured down his cheeks. Vanellope wiped her face clean of tears before more slid down her face. She heaved an uncertain sigh and kept her eyes on Felix. She gently began to rub Ralph's shoulder. Ralph slowly tilted his head a little to look at Vanellope. He breathed shakily and gazed at her. She stared back into his sad, glassy eyes. She knew he was searching for answers, some kind of relief. Vanellope stared back at him with shocked, dull eyes. She had never seen Ralph so unsure about anything in her life. She rubbed his shoulder firmly and nodded, forcing a smile.
"He'll be okay, Ralph," Vanellope urged. She quickly moved her hand to Felix's neck to search for a pulse, "He's still breathing, Ralph. We just have to sit it out."
"Yeah," Ralph breathed as he looked down at Felix. Felix was rested into his chest firmly, his hand still over Ralph's heart. Felix's eyes were half open, dazed and softened. Ralph slumped in his chair, finally allowing his shoulders to gently relax. Though he dare not loosen his grip on Felix.
"We're almost back to Game Central Station, Felix," Ralph stated, trying to sound certain, "Hang in there."
"Almost home," Vanellope cooed as she pet his head again. Felix mumbled something inaudible and nodded a little.
"I-If he goes, h-he won't regenerate... H-How would we break the news to Calhoun?" Ralph mumbled nervously. Felix gently gripped Ralph's shirt and gave a look of exhausted, uncertain terror.
"Ralph, he will be fine," Vanellope urged, her voice wavering, "Let's calm down, we don't need to scare him."
"O-our game will be unplugged," Ralph urged in his deep voice, his eyes billowing with tears again.
"Ralph, please," Vanellope begged as she pet Felix's head.
"I-I can't lose the only brother I've ever had," Ralph said, his voice raspy. He sniffled and looked down at Felix with longing, horrified eyes.
"Ralph," Vanellope said firmly, she put her hand on his cheek. She made him face her again as she stared into his eyes, "I'm telling you, he will be ok. He's surrounded by people who love him dearly. We will not go down without our best fight. The only thing we can do in this moment is make him comfortable."
"Right," Ralph said in defeat as he looked back down at Felix. He chuffed a stuffed up sigh, "Some New Years this was…"
"It certainly has been interesting," Vanellope stated as she repositioned herself. She gently continued to pet Felix's hair.
The three sat huddled really close aboard the empty train in each other's horrified presence. The only thing they could do was wait in agonizing pain, both physically and emotionally. Ralph would consistently nudge Felix to keep him from falling asleep or having a game over. Felix would mumble things now and again, but nothing made sense. Ralph gazed down at his brother with saddened eyes. He knew that if Felix died, his game would certainly be unplugged. He was more concerned with the fact that he'd be homeless without his brother. Felix would cease to exist, taking a piece of Ralph with him. Ralph shook his head in disbelief and hugged Felix tighter.
"I can't believe this would happen," Ralph said softly, "Felix put his whole life on the line, for us, for me…"
"He did it, because he loves you, Ralph," Vanellope assured, "No one just does something so selfless like that unless there's pure, genuine love behind it. It seems you've had a best friend all along, and he was right under your nose. Literally." Vanellope smiled.
"It was just socially unacceptable to be seen with me," Ralph tried to chuckle as he felt Felix weakly pat his chest, not having the energy to do anything more than that.
"Next stop, Game Central Station," the automated voice said over the train speakers. Ralph immediately sat up straighter and held Felix tighter, prepared to make a run for it.
"We're gunna make it, Felix," Vanellope urged, "Hang in there."
"Hold on, buddy," Ralph said softly a the train slowly came to a stop.
Ralph immediately stood and barreled through the train doors, nearly knocking them off their hinges. Vanellope quickly followed close behind. The tore through the Game Central Station with purpose, their clothes tattered and slightly bloodied. The whole station was empty and dark, only lit by dim lights on the ceiling and the glow coming from each game outlet. Ralph immediately barreled into Fix It Felix Jr.'s outlet and awkwardly sat in the old outlet's train. It tinkered along, finally taking them into their game. Ralph panted as they came to a stop in their game. Ralph beamed and looked down at Felix.
"We're here, buddy," Ralph sighed shakily, "We made it."
"C'mon, set him over here," Vanellope suggested as she motioned towards a bench that was at their station inside Felix's and Ralph's game. Ralph gently sat him down on the bench, making sure he didn't slump.
"Ok Felix, we're here!" Ralph stated happily, Felix gave him an uncertain look and acted as if he wanted to say something, but was overwhelmed by pain.
"Ralph," Vanellope suddenly said with a frown.
"Regenerate, c'mon, c'mon," Ralph urged as he motioned his hands outward. Vanellope put a hand on his shoulder.
"Ralph this is going to sound terrible, but, doesn't Felix have to die first in order to regenerate?" Vanellope gently asked. Ralph slumped his shoulders and gave Vanellope a desperate look.
"You really expect me to kill him?" Ralph frowned, "Look at him!"
"Ralph," Vanellope almost chuckled, "There's no other way. You're the villain in this game. How does Felix usually die in mid-game?"
"He dies from bricks falling on him," Ralph said nervously. Vanellope cocked her eyebrow and motioned her arm to the massive mountain of bricks behind the train station. Ralph slumped his shoulders and hesitantly trekked to grab some bricks. He came back with a handful and gave Vanellope an uncertain look.
"It's the only way," Vanellope stated, motioning her head towards Felix, who was gripping his side in pain. Ralph bit his lower lip and readied a brick.
"Sorry, buddy," Ralph stated gently as he shut his eyes and hurled a brick at Felix. Vanellope covered her eyes, not wanting to watch.
Ralph viciously hurled a few bricks at Felix, wanting this all to be over with. After the fourth or fifth brick hurled, the 'game over' music quickly played as it made Felix lay on the ground, holding a flower to his chest. He then quickly glitched a few times and popped up on his own two feet, back to perfect health. Felix gazed at Vanellope and Ralph with a look of pure terror. He quickly gripped his side and touched where the gaping wound used to be. He heaved a long sigh and relaxed, looking at Vanellope and Ralph with a humble, terrified look.
"Felix!" Ralph exclaimed as he beamed, "You're okay!"
"Thank User," Vanellope mumbled as she put her hand on her forehead. They quickly made their way over to Felix. Felix put his hands over the sides of his head, his face pale with fright. Ralph nervously smiled down at him.
"That was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me," Felix exclaimed quietly, his eyes sullen and horrified, "I thought I was going to game over for good."
"It's pure luck you didn't," Vanellope stated gently, "That was some nasty wound Rancis delivered."
"Ralph," Felix chuckled with disbelief, "You… You, fixed it."
Felix, Ralph and Vanellope all stood together in silence. Each one inspecting the other. Felix was sparkling, his wounds all back to normal. Ralph was in his now tattered tux, the coat of his tux sitting stained on the bench behind Felix. His hand and knuckles gashed and bloody. Vanellope's handmade dress was torn and stained with dirt. She had a gash in her shoulder that bled. Everyone stood still, taking in everything that had just happened. They each gazed at one another, silently pouring their hearts out. Each horrified, sincere look spoke impossible volumes of appreciation they suddenly each had for each other. Felix calmly broke the peace and stepped over to Ralph. He put his hand out for a handshake.
"Thank you, my brother," Felix stated with a small, humble smile, "Without you, I-I'd be long gone…"
Ralph stared at Felix's perfectly gloved hand for a second before giving him a gentle smile. He knelt down and carefully gave Felix a hug into his shoulder. Felix chuckled happily and hugged Ralph in return, patting his shoulder in a brotherly way. Vanellope smiled and sighed with relief as she crossed her trembling arms.
"That was too close for comfort," she stated in an annoyed tone as she uncontrollably glitched a little. The gash on her shoulder continued to ache and cause her code grief. Vanellope winced and held her arm gently. Ralph stood and ruffled Felix's hat in a brotherly way before giving his attention to Vanellope.
"Are you alright?" Ralph asked, looking into her eyes genuinely.
"I'm fine," Vanellope said meekly.
"I can fix it," Felix beamed as he grabbed his golden hammer, a new one regenerated once he did. Felix chuckled, "I can fix ALL of it."
"Thanks, Felix," Ralph smiled as Felix tidied up everyone's wounds with one flick of his magic hammer.
"Anytime," Felix said softly before slumping his shoulders, trying to find a genuine smile inside of him, "Well, happy new years you guys."
"I completely forgot," Vanellope said as she rubbed the side of her head. She examined her dress and was relieved to see that every single tear and scuff mark was cleaned. She smiled and looked up at Ralph with a meek smile.
"I wonder what Calhoun, Taffyta and Candlehead would think about all of this," Ralph breathed as he gazed down the tunnel that led to Game Central Station.
"I don't think Calhoun would be too pleased," Felix chuckled, "Once you and Vanellope slipped into Sugar Rush, I saw that Rancis character follow you guys there. He had that dreadful sword with him. No one saw me slip away, but I knew if I didn't follow him, I would've regretted it."
"Good call," Vanellope breathed thankfully, "Who knows what would've happened if you didn't show up."
"I'd probably be dead," Ralph said as he gazed down to the ground in shock, "There'd be no saving my hide after something like that. I'm thankful Felix weighs practically nothing."
"Do you think Rancis will regenerate eventually?" Vanellope asked, though her eyes weren't hopeful.
"Who knows," Ralph said softly, "He sunk pretty hard, pretty fast. Guess the only thing we can do is wait and see what happens."
"After how he treated everyone, I hope he never comes back," Felix worried as he took his hat off, "He practically went Turbo."
"Should we go back to the party?" Ralph asked after a handful of moments of silence between the three, "I'm just about ready for a reset after all of that."
"I completely agree," Felix sighed as he rubbed the side of his head, "I-I think I need to lay down. I've never felt that terrified in all my life."
"You're telling me," Ralph mumbled as Felix pat his arm; he head towards the Niceland building in a calm, weak manner, "Sleep well Felix."
"Thank you, guys," Felix stopped and smiled at them, "For everything."
Ralph and Vanellope waved gently at him, both smiling a little. Ralph sighed and focused his attention on Vanellope. His game cabinet was silent and still as Felix left. Ralph inspected her dress; he was glad that Felix was able to fix it from the tears and stains. Ralph uneasily rubbed the back of his head, his mind very slowly coming back to the happy side of this New Years celebration.
"I don't suppose going back to End Of Line Station for the after party isn't something you're interested?" Ralph smiled meekly.
"As long as you're up for the long train ride," Vanellope beamed, giving him a knowing look, "Mr. softy."
"All of this stays between us," Ralph barked, trying to be serious as Vanellope got back Fix-It-Felix Jr.'s train, grinning.
"Says you," Vanellope chuckled as Ralph sat down across from her with a thud, his face concerned and annoyed.
"I have a heart, you know," Ralph muttered, "It's not like Felix is just any game character. I kind of rely on him staying alive. If he dies, our game ceases to exist."
"You love your brother," Vanellope sneered playfully as she wrinkled her nose at Ralph. Ralph huffed and titled his head in annoyance as the train puttered into their outlet. They got out of the train and started heading towards Power Strip's train station. Vanellope walked ahead of Ralph a few steps, her beautiful dress sparkling in Game Central Station's calm lighting. Ralph looked at her and smiled a little before slowing down.
"Vanellope?" Ralph softly called ahead to her. She eagerly turned around and smiled at him with a sniffle.
"Yes?" She said gently, the two were a few yards away from each other. Game Central Station was silent.
"Why don't we, I don't know, ditch our End Of Line Station idea," Ralph suggested with a small smile.
"What do you mean?" Vanellope asked gently as she stepped closer to him. Ralph glanced at the Pac-Man outlet.
"We're the only ones in Game Central Station," Ralph beamed with a shrug as he looked around sheepishly. Vanellope glanced at Pac-Man's outlet as well and slowly grinned.
"I think you've gone Turbo," Vanellope laughed as the two suddenly scrambled for Pac-Man's outlet. Ralph chuckled.
"Tell me something I don't know," Ralph laughed. The two quickly hopped on the Pac-Manorail. It smoothly glided forward as Vanellope pat the outside of the monorail.
"Wow, Fix-It-Felix Jr. surely needs one of these bad boys for their game," She beamed at Ralph. He rolled his eyes as the monorail slowed into the station.
"Ralph will we get in trouble for being here?" Vanellope worried with a smile as the two stepped into Pac-Man's game.
"Probably," Ralph blurted out as he quickly darted down one of the long hallways. The walls and floors were black. The only light were the original blue neon lights on the game floor. Vanellope squealed and quickly looked around.
"Ralph!" She laughed as she took off after him, losing him completely. She hiked her dress and looked down at her feet, forgetting where she left her shoes. She shrugged and quickly ran down another hallway, hoping to bump into Ralph.
"Lost yah!" Ralph called from a bit aways. Vanellope immediately slumped her shoulders.
"Ralph come back!" Vanellope laughed as she ran down multiple hallways. She suddenly caught a glimpse of Ralph just as he was darting around a corner, "Found yah!"
"No you didn't," Ralph called. Vanellope immediately lost him.
"Ralph you're too fast," Vanellope laughed as she began to pant. She slowed to a stop and rested her hand on the wall next to her, "It's really hard to run in this dress, you have an advantage!"
Suddenly the game went silent. She could hear some shifting around and nothing else. She rolled her eyes and sneakily began to walk down a long hallway she was already headed down. She came to a four way intersection and slowly gazed down each hallway, hoping to see Ralph run by. Before she could turn to look down the last corridor, Ralph suddenly bursted out from it, sweeping her up into his arms and twirling her around. She flinched and squealed as she slapped her arms around Ralph's neck.
"Ralph you scared me!" Vanellope hollered as they both began to laugh. Ralph slowed down the twirling and hugged Vanellope tight, squeezing her to him. She beamed and leaned into him, trying to catch her breath.
"If we're going to get into trouble, at least we'll be together," Ralph laughed as he gently let Vanellope go. She slid her hands down his chest as they both heaved a few exhausted sighs. Vanellope gently pat his chest and smiled up at him, the dim blue light calming.
"Well this was exciting," Vanellope beamed.
"It's easy to get lost in here," Ralph stated as he looked around, "I wonder how Pac-Man does it."
"Like this," Vanellope grinned as she ducked away and ran down one of the corridors, giggling away.
"Hey," Ralph hollered as he quickly chased her. Vanellope laughed and swiftly weaved through hallways, eventually losing Ralph.
"Waka waka waka," Vanellope hollered, mocking the Pac-Man noises. Ralph's laughs could be heard from across the game. She quickly head for Pac-Man's cast portal and stopped. She spot Ralph run around a corner before skidding to a stop and pointing his finger at her.
"Not so fast," He hollered as he quickly began running towards her.
"Can't catch me," Vanellope hollered as she hiked her dress and stepped through the cast portal. She quickly appeared behind Ralph on the other end of the portal. Ralph whirled around.
"Ohhh no, I'm not playing this mind game with you," Ralph laughed, rubbing his head in a confused manner.
"Catch me if you can," Vanellope chimed sweetly, she stood close to the edge of the portal. Ralph slumped his shoulders and held his head, panting and heaving.
"Alright, little kid, I can't keep up with you," Ralph chuckled, "You're too fast!"
"What did you call me?" Vanellope said softly, her shoulders gently dropping. She calmly let her dress out of her hands. Ralph suddenly gazed at her with a stunned facial expression, his face red with embarrassment.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Ralph stammered as he quickly stepped closer to Vanellope. She looked mildly upset.
"You, called me 'little kid'," Vanellope said in a serious voice, crossing her arms. Ralph swallowed hard, putting his hands in front of him defensively.
"I-I'm sorry, Vanellope, it's purely habit," Ralph said honestly, feeling his heart practically stop. Vanellope wrinkled her nose at him and nodded once.
"I see," Vanellope said softly, the thick air around them suddenly really tense.
"Surely you understand," Ralph stammered, "I-It was the first nickname I ever had for you."
"It's okay, Ralph," Vanellope said, trying to sound sincere. She frowned for a second and looked around. She eventually forced a smile and pushed her hands together, "We should probably get going. I'm sure Pac-Man and his cast will be home soon."
"Maybe," Ralph said gently, his shoulders slumped. Vanellope gently pushed past Ralph and headed for the exit. Ralph scrunched his face and gazed up at the ceiling, silently cursing himself. He frowned and slowly turned around to follow Vanellope.
The monorail ride was short but painfully silent. They slowly stepped into Game Central Station, which was still empty. Vanellope slowly turned around with a small, almost annoyed smile on her face.
"Well, thanks for tonight, Ralph," Vanellope said sincerely as she took one step forward, wondering if she should hug him. She gazed up at him questionably. Ralph gently opened his arm for a hug.
"I'm glad I got to spend New Years with you, finally," Ralph beamed, embracing Vanellope. She happily leaned into him.
"You're the first date I've ever had," Vanellope smiled as the two pulled away. Ralph blinked at her a few times, his hopes slowly coming back.
"Date- I-I am? I am, I'm glad," Ralph nervously stammered as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, "I-I'm glad you had fun. Will, I-I see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Vanellope softly chuckled, "I'll see you then."
"See you then," Ralph smiled nervously, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Ralph," Vanellope smiled at him lovingly before slowly making her way to Power Strip's station at the end of Game Central Station's hall.
Ralph slumped his shoulders and watched Vanellope's train leave the station. Ralph immediately began harmlessly flailing his fists around in anger.
"What, is, my, problem!" Ralph hollered as he slammed his fists down on Game Central Stations floor with a loud thud. He immediately began to trudge back to his game.
"Little kid," Ralph mumbled, "Who calls a beautiful young woman LITTLE KID." Ralph vanished into his game, both floored and distressed, excited and hateful towards himself. He figured it was the most exciting night he's had in quite awhile.