"I wonder where Ralph went," Felix said as they all took a seat in the train to leave Hero's Duty. This armor is a bit uncomfortable. I don't wear this all the time, do I? It doesn't feel like that would be the case.
Calhoun sighed. I hardly noticed he wasn't there, being preoccupied.. Come to think of it, Vanellope disappeared as well. "We'll worry about that later," Calhoun said, "Wreck-It can handle himself, and Vanellope probably went to Sugar Rush 2 anyway.. How's your head?" That headache isn't a good sign.. At least you're able to leave the game, I was worried about that when I saw you glitch..
"Not to worry, my lady. I'm fit as a fiddle," Felix said cheerfully, his cheeks burning bright just sitting next to his wife. I still can't remember anything else, but the honeyglow doesn't lie. I just have the privilege of getting to know her all over again.
It was a short ride, as always, leaving Hero's Duty. Alex was busy talking with other surges at the end of Game Station West, as they assembled a monorail for transport back and forth between the two power strips.
Without any delay they went inside Sugar Rush 2.
It was a sight to behold, the soldiers of Hero's Duty riding go-karts, made of candy no less, into Sugar Rush 2.
Marco had somehow flipped his kart over, messing up his red curly hair in the process. The kart flipped itself back over automatically, but the damage was done. Once inside, after they got out the karts, the karts drove themselves back automatically. Perhaps it was a sick joke, forcing people to drive themselves. Marco would later go on to complain to Alex, while pointing at his hair, and have it 'fixed' like every other game's tunnel transport.
"Fan out ladies, those scumbags are in here somewhere," Calhoun said firmly while grabbing her sensor to check the surroundings. The other soldiers split off into small groups and headed in different directions.
"Why don't we head to the castle and check with them?" Felix asked cheerfully. It's their game, they should be aware of the risks. Although I get this weird feeling it might not be such a good idea.. But why?
"Good point. If those maggots came in here they're probably headed there as well," Calhoun said in an annoyed tone. The two of them jumped onto her cruiser and flew across the candy cane forest and headed in the direction of the sugar cube-bricked castle.
Meanwhile, King Candy was finishing Ralph's tour of the castle.
"And this is the bathroom.." King Candy said sheepishly, "And that completes our tour of the castle." He laughed nervously. I'm sorry, Ralph, but you do stink..
Ralph nodded and crossed his arms. He's saying I stink, isn't he? It's not my fault. It's in my programming.. "It's a really nice place" he said plainly, "Never been fond of p.. salmon though." C'mon, this is clearly pink.
Vannie looked to the side so that she didn't look either of them in the eye. Now who's being rude, Dad? You're going to make him mad or something.. He may stink, but it's not that bad once you're around him for a while..
"If you'd like, you can freshen up, and we'll have a meal prepared for you," King Candy said as warmly and nonchalantly as he could. In a way, you're family, being from another TobiKomi game. I'll offer him a guest room for the night.. I can make him a place to stay in the game later. It would be better than leaving him homeless..
Ralph sighed knowingly and shoved down the urge to get angry. I knew it.. Life living in a stump surrounded by bricks doesn't lend itself to cleanliness. I'm used to the smell by now, but it's worlds apart from the scent of all this candy, in more ways than one. It kind of hurts to hear it, but at least he's sort of nice about it.
"Uhh.. Sure, I don't see why not," Ralph said dryly with a hint of annoyance, "Just remember, no chocolate." He entered the rather large bathroom. The shower is surprisingly spacious, for normal-sized people.
Vannie went to her room to wait for dinner to be ready, while King Candy went sit on his throne-car and told Sour Bill to have Spicy Jill prepare a feast.
There was no spare set of clothes or anything set out for Ralph, a detail that they had all overlooked. Like I could expect anything like that. He sighed and simply took a shower while still wearing his one and only outfit, using this weird stuff called 'shampoo' and 'soap'. He hadn't taken a bath in over a decade as far as his programming as concerned, so it was an interesting experience for him. It smells nice, but I know not to try eating it now. He spit out a small chunk of soap. Not everything around here is made of candy.
In Vannie's room, she was just laying in bed, looking at the high ceiling. I wish I was out racing, but I can't leave while there's a guest. It would be rude. Besides, he's interesting. I wonder if everyone out there is like that..
She got out of bed and walked over to her dresser, picking up a framed picture that was sitting there. It was a photo of her and her real parents, before they died in a crash when she was 9. She was too young to rule at the time, so her parents' advisor, Candy Kane was made king instead.
She smiled somberly as she stroked the protective glass, with tears gently rolling down her cheeks. The memory came flooding back.
It was a bright and sunny day. Vannie had just turned 9 years old that day. She was happily riding along with her parents, headed to the land of Adrenaline Rush chatting about how she can hardly wait to learn how to drive a kart in a few months with the other soon-to-be racers. She didn't have her trademark candy decorations in her hair, though her hair was still done up in a high ponytail.
"You're going to love it Vannie," Vincent von Schweetz said happily, glancing back at her. He had auburn colored hair and a five o'clock shadow. The crown atop his head bounced excitedly as they drove along the Hershey Highway.
"You'll be the greatest racer ever once we're through with you," Penelope von Schweetz said proudly. She had long black hair tied into a ponytail with candy decorations placed randomly, just like her daughter later would.
"I can't wait to show you what I've got," Vannie said excitedly, "I'll come home with the biggest trophy you've ever seen!" She spread her arms wide for dramatic impact.
Vincent laughed, looking back at Vannie warmly, "I can't wait to see it.. If it's you, anything is possible."
Vincent didn't see it in time to stop, but there was a large road block at the end of the bridge where construction was underway. The kart slammed into the road block hard. Penelope died instantly, having hit her head on the windshield. Blood oozed out of a gash in her forehead slowly. Vincent managed to survive for a few moments. Luckily, Vanellope was unharmed as she noticed in time to brace herself against the marshmallow seat behind her mother.
"Mom! Dad!" Vannie screamed as she got up from her seat, desperately trying to wake her mother. No no no.. This can't be happening.
"Vannie," Vincent said weakly with a look of horror on his face.
"No.." Vannie said as tears streamed down her cheeks, "Dad, stay with me. We'll be okay. We just need to get to a hospital.." She trembled as she tried to wake up her mother again. "No.. Don't do this to me.. Mom, wake up.." She sniffled. Please..
"Vannie," Vincent said weakly as he swallowed hard, "I'm sorry.. I won't be able to teach you how to drive after all.. But you're a strong girl. You'll make us proud, I know it."
"Dad.." Vannie said, wiping tears from her eyes, only to have more tears take their place, "Please don't die.." If I lose both of you..
"I'm sorry.." Vincent said, using the last of his strength to give her one last hug, "I love you.."
"I'll show you, Dad.. Mom.." Vannie sniffled as she held onto her father's lifeless body, "I'll be the greatest racer ever!" She sat there until help arrived, sobbing quietly. I'll show you..
Vannie shook her head somberly and placed the picture back on her dresser. I miss you two so much.. I'll make you guys proud, promise. Dad.. I mean, King Candy taught me how to drive, you know?
The memory was programmed in, of course, but to her, it was as real as everything else.