Ch.10
The day had passed by in Sugar Rush and another day had come to the citizens. Sunlight beamed through Vanellope's window up the castle, shining in her eyes. She tiredly turned around on her side, falling back asleep. She didn't even hear the door creak open and her father creeping in. King Candy tiptoed over to Vanellope's bed, looking at her peaceful expression. The monarch smiled and kissed her forehead, brushing her bangs back. The little girl moaned and slowly opened her eyes, looking up at her father.
"Daddy?" she said unenthusiastically, letting out a big yawn.
"Good morning, my little princess," The king greeted, picking her up. "How'd you sleep?" Vanellope smiled and kissed his cheek, rubbing her eyes. "I slept pretty well. How about you, dad? Did you sleep well?" she asked, hugging her father's neck. King Candy smiled and walked out of her room, strolling down to the dining room.
"Knowing my little girl is home, why wouldn't I sleep well?" he questioned, nudging her with his nose. She smiled and giggled, pushing her nose away playfully.
They walked in and inhaled the sweet scent of their breakfast. Vanellope caught the scent of her favorite breakfast: pancakes with chocolate drizzled over it, scrambled eggs and bacon, two omelets, and a vanilla breakfast smoothie topped with whipped cream and a variety of candy all over it. Vanellope's mouth began to water as she eyeballed her breakfast hungrily. "Yummy," she growled, licking her lips. King Candy smiled and Vanellope down in her chair, watching her devour her breakfast, laughing.
"Vanellope, slow down. You'll get a stomachache, cupcake," he warned.
Vanellope ignored him and guzzled down her smoothie, then clutched her stomach, looking satisfied. "That… was delicious," she commented, a small burp escaping her mouth. "Excuse me." King Candy smiled and put down his coffee, grabbing a napkin and began cleaning up Vanellope's mouth. She wiggled her nose and fussed about being cleaned. She wiggled her nose again and sniffled, smiling at her father.
"Can we go now, daddy?" she asked impatiently, jumping up and down on her seat. "I really wanna race!"
The king smiled and sipped on his coffee. "Alright, young lady. Go take a bath and put on your dress. But wait in your room. I have a surprise for you."
Vanellope looked at him with interest, her eyes sparkling brightly. "A surprise? What'd you get me, what's you get me?!" she asked over excitedly, jumping off her chair and began rambling, trying to guess what he father got her. "Is it a kart? You got me a kart?! It's a kart, isn't?" The king smiled and swatted her out the room, chuckling at his little hyperactive angel.
"I can't tell you, cupcake; otherwise, it'll ruin everything."
Vanellope grumbled and pouted, crossing her arms. "Tell me now, daddy! I want to know now! That's an order!" she grumbled The king looked at her questioningly and raised an eyebrow. "Are you ordering me around, little girl?" he asked, looking at her sternly. Vanellope looked at her father worriedly and laughed "What? Me, ordering you around? Ha, that's funny… really."
"Vanellope, do you know what happens to people who order me around?"
Vanellope whimpered, and shook her head. "No."
"I tickle them," King Candy shouted, picking vanellope up and began tickling her.
Vanellope busted out laughing, giggling and shrieking. She begging and implored her father, but he didn't stop. "Stop, stop, I'm sorry! Just stop!" Vanellope shrieked, tears crawling down her face. The king smirked and continued tickling her.
"Who's the boss?" he inquired.
"You are!"
King Candy, looking satisfied, stopped tickling Vanellope. She panted and panted, trying to regain her breath. "You sir," she gasped, clutching her chest. "Play a mean game of tickle fight, sir." King Candy smiled and readied his fingers. Vanellope shrieked and ran out of there, leaving the king smiling to himself.
"Kids," he chuckled, adjusting his bow tie.
"Sire," Sour Bill said. The king looked down at his advisor that had just walked in. "Is everything ready?" he asked, taking another sip of his coffee. "Yes, everything is accounted for the end of the race," Sour Bill reported. King Candy smiled and walked out, Sour Bill in tow.
"Vanellope will love the surprise I got her," he said, entering his bedroom, picking up a pink box with a matching bow sitting on his dresser. "She's been waiting for this day since the day she was programmed." He smiled at his sour advisor and headed out the door, walking up the staircase to Vanellope's room. He stopped at her door and lightly tapped on his. "Sweetheart, are you done?" he asked. Vanellope opened the door, wearing her mint green bathrobe and smiled at her dad. "Not quite, dad." she answered drying her hair off with her towel.
"Vanellope, darling, I have something for you, cupcake," the king started, presenting her with the present. "I hope you like it, darling."
Vanellope took the box and began ripping it open, pieces of wrapping paper flew everywhere. She threw open the flap and smiled the biggest smile the king has ever see. Pulling out the item that she was in the box, she stood up and held a teal, orange, and white tracksuit with brown gloves, a white helmet with a crown stenciled on it, and white goggles. .
"Dad, you got this for me?" she asked him, trying to contain her excitement.
"Go try it on, cupcake," he urged, swatting her back into the backroom. She smiled and rushed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. King Candy smiled at Sour Bill and sat down on a chair, waiting for Vanellope. "I hope she likes it, Sour Bill. I saved that for her since the day she was programmed," King Candy said, wringing his hands together.
"No need to worry, sire. Knowing the princess, she'll adore it," Sour Bill guaranteed.
At that moment, Vanellope came out wearing her new tracksuit. She walked towards the mirror and stared at her reflection in disbelief. King Candy put his hands on her shoulders and smiled. "Do like it, sweetheart?" he asked her, biting down on his lips. Vanellope zipped up the tracksuit and smiled an even bigger smile. "Dad, it…. It's beautiful, thank you!" she squealed with delight, tackling her father father with delight.
"I'm glad you think that way, because you'll be competing today," he announced.
She looked at him with surprise and beamed. "Really?! I'm gonna race with the others?! Oh, this is so exciting!" she yelled enthusiastically, pumping her fists in the air. "I'm gonna be a racer, alright!"
King Candy smiled and helped her in her dress, making sure she was dressed in an approachable manner. He smiled and took her hand, her helmet and goggles in hand. "Come on, Vanellope. That kart isn't going to drive itself."
The rest of the racers were driving up to starting line, smiling and waving to their fans as they made their way to King Candy's stand. The marshmallow crew were dusting and cleaning the starting line, preparing the race.
"Ladies and gentleman, all hail the rightful rulers of Sugar Rush, King Candy and Princess Vanellope!" Sour Bill announced, stepping aside just as King Candy and Vanellope emerged from the curtains, waving to the cheerful citizens. "Ha ha! And hello, everyone!" King Candy exclaimed, throwing candy to the crowd. "Have some candy!" The crowd cheered and snacked on the candy the gracious king offered to them. "Now I understand that it's been far too long since we last race, but now that my beloved daughter has returned safe and sound, we will celebrate with a Random Roster Race!" he declared, smiling as the racers cheered and high-fived each other.
"Do we all have our gold coin?" he asked.
The racers held up their gold coin, not even trying to contain their excitement. King Candy held up a gold coin and handed it to Vanellope. "Her you go, cupcake," he whispered. She took it from his grasp and beamed at him. She smiled, taking a deep breath and tossed her coin in the giant cup.
"Vanelllope Von Schweetz!" the announcer called out over the loudspeaker.
She slowly turned to her father and jumped in delight. "Sweet mother of monkey milk, I'm in the race!" she squealed, glitching out of her dress, putting on her helmet and goggles. Soon all of the other racers ad paid for their participation on the race and headed to their kart. Vanellope caught Rancis' eye and smirked at him, blowing him a kiss. He smiled at her and winked, causing her to giggle. King Candy saw this smiled.
"What was that all about, cupcake?" he asked, trying to keep casual.
Vanellope smiled and looked away, blushing. "It's, uh, nothing, dad. Just a friendly gesture, that's all." She mumbled, nervously laughing. "Come on, let's get this race going. I'm not getting any younger over here." King Candy smiled and grabbed mircrophone, chuckling in it.
"It it with great pleasure to say these words after fifteen years: Let the Random Roster Race begin!" he shouted, shooting a wink at Vanellope. "Knock 'em dead, cupcake. I believe in you!"
Vanellope's eyes glistened through her goggles as she kissed her father's cheek, then jumped down from the stand. Giving her dad a thunbs up, she jumped into his kart and turned on the engine.
3…
2…
1…
Go!
They racers stomped on their gas pedals and sped off, making their way to Gumball Gorge. Vanellope felt the sweet wind rushing in her hair, making her smile happily. After fifteen years of being locked up, she can finally achieve what she longed to do for so long now without any interference.
"Why don't we all have some candy, hm?" she snickered, a mischievous smile grin on her face. She came to Gumball Gorge and caught a Sweet Seekers, carefully aiming it. She blasted it at Snowanna, Gloyd and Adorabeezle, who shrieked, and zipped past them.
"Piece of cake!" she giggled, zooming off.
Vanellope was nearly towards the finish line, a victorious smile on her face. She saw the finish line before her, awaiting her arrival. A smile came onto her face. What can go wrong?
"See you at the finish line, princess!" a voice yelled over the engine, bring Vanellope down to Earth.
She looked at the racer next to her and saw none other than Rancis. He smirked at her and inched forward a bit, raising his eyebrows. "Hope you enjoy sugar dust!" he added. Vanellope giggled and stepped on her gas pedal. The two inched forward everytime, laughing and teasing each other. Vanellope looked up and saw that the finish line wasn't far from where she was. An idea came to mind and she slowly simpered.
"Oh, buttercup!" she singsonged.
Rancis looked at Vanellope, and instantly turned red when he saw her blow him a kiss. She shot him a flirtatious wink and giggled in a cute manner, making Rancis' legs feel like jell-o. "I'll see you at the finish line, butterfingers!" she playfully taunted, stomping on the gas. Rancis snapped out of his daydream and saw Vanellope zipping in front of him.
"Hey, no fair!" he shouted, trying to catch up.
It was no use.
Vanellope already crossed the finish line.
Vanellope waved to the crowd, blowing kisses to her fans. King Candy ran down towards and picked her up, spinning her in the air, kissing her on her cheek. "I am so proud of you, sweetheart!" he said, looking her in the eye. "You make me so proud!" She smiled and hugged her father. King Candy beamed and help up, watching the crowd jump in their wholeheartedly. She pumped up her trophy in the air, driving the crowd insane. King Candy put her down and watched as she made her way to other racers, who clapped along with the other racers. Vanellope walked towards Taffyta and put out her hand.
"Hey, good race out there, Taffyta." She said.
Taffyta smiled and shook her hand, trying hard not to jump and squeal. "Thank you, princess. You were amazing, too." She replied.
Vanellope smiled and gave her a thumbs up. "Maybe sometimes, we can hang out or something." She suggested. Taffyta smiled and returned her thumbs up. "Sure, I'd like that, Vanellope. Is it okay if I call you by your first name?" she asked, looking nervous. Vanellope smiled and shook her head. She went around and shook the hands of every racer, praising them for their hard work and challenging them to a race for some other time. Some took up their offer, and some had even hugged her. Vanellope looked around around for a certain peanut butter and chocolate themed boy, but didn't see him in the crowd. She was about to walk away when she felt a pair of lips on her cheek.
"Congrats, princess," a voice whispered in her ear.
Vanellope turned around and smiled, her cheeks faintly red. "R-rancis! G-good r-race, huh?" she stammered, holding out her hand. Rancis smiled and shook her hand, nodding. "You know, I believe I as about to win if you didn't get me sidetracked," he playfully scolded. Vanellope removed her helmet and goggles and smirked at him.
'It's all part of life, butterfingers," she replied. "Live with it."
Rancis rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Vanellope giggled at this and draped her arms around his neck, biting her lips. They smiled at each other and sheared a small kiss. Innocent, but still, a kiss. They pulled apart and smiled bashfully at each other. King Candy walked up to them, his arms crossed.
"Vanellope," he said, his eyes eying them warily.
Rancis gulped and let go of Vanellope's waist, scared about what King Candy would've done. Vanellope saw how frightened he is and took action. 'The thing is, dad, Rancis and I are… dating," she confessed, preparing for a harsh scolding from him. But all he did was laugh and smile. "Is that it, cupcake? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked, chuckling.
"Wait, you not mad I'm in a relationship with your daughter?" Rancis questioned.
"As long as you keep Vanellope happy, I don't see why you can't. However," King Candy's sunny deposition quickly faded, and his eyes darkened. "If you hurt my little cupcake, I sill send the devil dogs after you and watch them tear you apart limb to limb. Am I clear?" he lowly growled. Rancis whimpered and nodded his head. Kimg Candy smiled and patted the scared boy's head.
"Good. Come, Vanellope. I have a surprise for you," King Candy said, taking Vanellope's hand.
Vanellope took Rancis' hand and kissed his cheek. "He's only joking, Rancis. Don't be such a scardy-cat," she teased. Rancis snapped out of his trance and looked at her in bewilderment.
"Is he always like this?"
"I'm his only daughter, what'd you expect?"
"Point taken, but still." Vanellope rolled her eyes and smiled at her dad. "What's you get me, daddy? Tell me already!" she whined. King Candy smiled and spoke into the walkie talkie. "Alright, you can bring it in now, boys," he ordered. In the distance, Wynnchel and Duncan wheeled in an object blanketed with a white sheet. Vanellope squealed in delight as she made her way. Wynnchel and Duncan leaned in to the princess and whispered, "Your majesty, you should know something. The bakery, it had a malfunction, and-"
"Shh! I want to see my present," she shushed, her finger to her lips. Taking the sheet in the air, she threw it behind and gaped at the object in front of her. There, in front of her, was a kart. Or at least it looked at a kart, It was made with frosting, sprinkles, and other sweets with no overriding theme, unlike the other karts. King Candy stared at the kart in shock, then turned his gaze to the donut officers.
"What happened?" he asked.
"Well, we tried to tell the princess that there was a tiny malfunction in the bakery, and, well, it just broke down," Duncan explained.
The king sighed and looked at his daughter, devastated that he had let her down. "Cupcake, I'm so sorry. I-"
"I love it."
King Candy looked at her in confusion. "You do?" he asked. Vanellope smiled and skipped around the kart. "I love it , I love it, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!" she screamed. "Look, it has a real engine, and just look at these wheels!" she gave the kart's wheel and kiss and smiled at her father. "It's better than what I ever dreamed of! And the fact that you went and did all this just to welcome me back is the thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me! Thank you, daddy! I love you!" She ran towards her father and gave him a hug. King Candy smiled and hugged his daughter back, kissing her forehead.
"You're welcome, my little angel."
King Candy picked up Vanellope and set her down into her new kart, giving her back her helmet and goggles, then jumping into his own kart. "Come, Vanellope! I'll race you back home!" he challenged. Vanellope giggled and put back on her helmet and goggled, smirking at her father. 'You're on!" she replied, waving goodbye at the other racers then zipping off, winking at Rancis. Rancis smiled at the girl, a small red tint on his cheeks. Swizzle draped his arms around Rancis' shoulder and smirked.
"So… you're dating the princess, huh?"
Rancis shrugged his off and jumped into his own kart. "Shut up, Swizzle. I don't see you kissing Sticky any time sooner," Rancis snapped, driving off. Swizzle just stared after him and smiled. 'I have my ways with the ladies, fluggerbutter," he mumbled, making his way towards the salt water taffy themed girl. "Hey, sticky. Can I talk with you for a sec?"