Disclaimer: "Wreck-It Ralph" and all characters related to the movie belong to The Walt Disney Company, and/or their respective gaming companies. Wreck-It Ralph was created by Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, and Jim Reardon. Level Up! and any characters not associated in their own respective franchise belong to Berserkeroo. All rights reserved.
(A/N: *crawls over to computer* *clicks submit* There! This took too long for me to post, because of college work, but I'm alive and I bring fanfiction! :D I don't have as much time as I would like to write, especially since I love writing this fanfic, but what are you going to do. *shrugs* Lucky for you guys I'm not overrun with homework so maybe I might have the next chapter within the week! New ideas, well new to you guys, are being introduced this chapter! :3 As always, thanks for reading and enjoy the fanfiction.)
It was late in the day, which was a norm for closing hours in Litwak's Arcade. All character were gearing up for the joys and pleasures of their well-deserved breaks after a hard day's gameplay; all except for Vanellope von Schweetz that is. "He was not kidding when he said I would be making up for the lessons I missed. I've been at it for almost three days," she thought with a look of clear disinterest. As much as she loved learning new things about her game, Sugar Rush calligraphy was obviously far from her list of things she wanted to do today. Her mother noticed her lack of avidity in her teachings, and nudged her husband in the side. A look of curiosity got the better of their daughter when the potentate agreed to the suggestion — after all — it was traditional. He turned to his heir who was somewhat interested in what he had to say.
"We think it's time that we start including Ralph in the royal lessons Vanellope," Candy states with a smirk. All hope that she had for freedom was deflated with one sentence. Wait, what did he say? Ralph could attend the lessons! However, her excitement quickly diminished at one key fact. "Ralph isn't going to be interested in this royalty junk dad," she says with obvious of disappointment in her voice. "Too bad for him. He will be the man you marry one of these days, so that makes him our game's future king. He has to learn this if he wants to marry you. I can't hand the throne over to a king who is ill-prepared." Vanellope raises her brow whilst pondering the situation. True she planned on running the game as a democracy, but as long as her parent's held the throne, she couldn't change traditions. Not to mention that a certain creature wouldn't be very pleased at finding out about it. All in all, it worked in her favor. " I'll go get him right now."
Ralph's reaction to hearing his new after hours activity was dead on to what she had guessed. "Why do I have to go again?" he asks as they neared the castle. "You do want to marry me one day don't you?" she replies with his question with a question. "You are such a manipulative little vixen, you know that? Not to mention really lucky that I'm a patient man," he thought with a side of sarcasm. He had no intention on sharing that thought, but he had a feeling she knew based off of the devilish grin tugging at her lips. In hopes that she didn't know, he played the question off with a simple eye roll.
The mischief behind the grin broadened ever so slightly. Two could play that game. "Aw, you don't want to spend time with me Ralphie-boy?" she coos sensually while batting her eyelashes. "I'm going, I'm going," he says as he gets out of the car to head into the castle.
The couple enters the castle, receiving the casual yet respectful salute from the Oreo guards. Ralph noticed that they looked different this time around; their creamy centers were orange and they exhibited noticeably different spears that resembled monsters seen around the Halloween season. It was late October, so he guessed that the Oreos' physical appearance changed with the season.
As they embark deeper within the castle, the wrecker leisurely surveys the wall with the lineage of royal family. There was a recurring theme in each painting; a content, equine creature nestling in the background. For the most part, the creature would either give a neutral gaze, or a gaze of admiration — almost as if it were giving the monarch a look of approval; there were very few and far between with the creature having it's back turned to the monarch with a crossed look of impassiveness or mild abhorrence. Vanellope caught onto this from the corner of her eyes. "That's the candicorn, a very important and powerful being here. It's thanks to him that our game is made entirely out of candy," she says just before stopping at the portrait of the first king — King Lucas I. The candicorn in the background seemed to hold more favor and affection in this painting in comparison to the others. "Let's go before my parents think I ditched my lesson and send the guards to bring me back."
Any trace of enthusiasm that was previously on the auburn man's face was now at the mention of the impending training. "Don't look so glum," Vanellope says, indubitably amused at his pending boredom. "I'm not glum; I just don't want to do this. I'm not king material. What if I make a fool of myself?" Ralph grumbles. "You won't make a fool of yourself Stinkbrain, and if you do, I'll be there to mess up with you." As they entered the throne room, it was vaguely empty excluding the ruling couple. "See. You're amongst family," she turns to him with a reassuring smile. Family? Candy and Confection were Vanellope's parents, so that would make them his future in-laws.
Unfortunately he couldn't meditate too long on the subject of family with the voice of the king bringing him back to the gaming world. It was a good thing too. It was starting to stir memories best left forgotten. "So glad you can join us Ralph." It was a good change of pace to sweep everything that had previously occurred under the rug, and get down to what mattered. "Now, lets get started on a bit of grooming," Confection informs with a hint of mischievous pleasure. In a way, she was looking forward to this day since giving birth to her daughter. It brought back fond memories of her training with her detestable in-laws; and just like Ralph — she wasn't of a noble bloodline — so she knew that there was going to be some work to do with him.
Confection cast an affectionate glance towards her husband. "So what do we have in store for the little lovebirds bubula?" Candy couldn't hold back some of his own interest in what they could do. There were so many things to prepare for after all, but he supposed that Vanellope wouldn't appreciate an intensive lesson for Ralph's first session. Decisions, decisions... He left the decision up to his spouse though; he would have his fun later. "All right then... Let's go easy on him dear. First we'll start with a few basics, after which, we'll delve into a bit of Sugar Rush history." The king wraps an arm around the shoulder of his future son-in-law. "I can teach you to walk, talk, sit, and stand like a king, and by the end of the day you will be one step closer to being my successor." He noticed the subtle look of tension on the eight-bit villain's face. "But no pressure." Oh gee, well that helps.
Vanellope watches on as Ralph attempts to mimic the proud, regal steps of King Candy. Ralph just now noticed that she and Confection weren't joining in. "And why aren't you doing anything?" he asks, causing the book almost falls off of his head. He fumbles around to keep it on his head. "Focus!" Candy scolds. "Sorry."
"I already went through all of this with mom so I'm going to get an earful of Sugar Rush history," Vanellope made a gagging noise. Confection swatted her in the arch of her back. The young heir decided to keep her mouth shut and put her hands in her hoodie. "Good girl. Now if you two can remain well-behaved we might let you out early to do whatever you want... except that," she quickly corrects. Ralph quirks an eyebrow at the implication until he caught onto what she meant. He wanted to yell, "Oh come on," but decided against it. It was probably some rule that he shouldn't break in this game.
The young couple had finally risen out of the confines of the castle walls. "Freedom! Dear sweet mod, freedom!" Ralph said as he kissed the chocolate ground. A pair of tanned feet came into his sight as he started arose from the ground. "As much as I appreciate the gesture, I don't feel comfortable being bowed down to His Future-Kingliness," Everlyn said with the usual blank stare on her visage. He opened his mouth to make a remark, but came to the resolve to leave it alone. The surfer looks up the stairs to find her president. "Hey Prez! How goes it?" she shouts out with a wave. "It... goes?" Vanellope responds. "That's totally righteous. Is king-papa in there? It's kind of last minute, but I got to see him, like uber bad."
"He's still in there Ev." The ambassador punches the air in victory. "Noice! Thanks cooha! So what you two landlubbers doing today? Date or something?" she asks out of the blue. "Yeah, but we don't know where we want to go. Our friends are kind of scattered so hanging out with them is out," Ralph explains. "Got this total fabu place in Sugar Rush. Not that many surfers even know about it. The Goober Grottoes track will take you right to it. You can only go there if you surf through the track at low tide. Haven't named it yet, but it's one beauty of a place."
"As much as we appreciate the information Everlyn, didn't you say that you needed to see my dad really badly?" Vanellope reminds her. Sometimes the girl could be a real airhead if she wasn't reminded of things she was supposed to do. "I so forgot. Thanks prez. Catch you later," she says before running up the stairs to confirm that she needed to talk to the king.
"So do you want to check this place out?" Vanellope asked; she knew how much he loved quiet, secluded places. "Sure. I'll grab my stuff and meet you in the castle in an hour."
On his way out, Ralph saw a somewhat familiar face; Sly Cooper. The thief became aware of his presence after walking a few more feet. "Hey big guy. How's it shaking?" he said with an extended fist. Ralph trades dabs with him before replying, "Good. About to head home in a minute to get a few things so I can hang out with Vanellope. How's it going with you?" Sly cracked his trademark smirk. "Better than ever. I was just heading to Candy to ask him a question. I'm going shopping later, and I wanted to get Vanellope a gift. Think she'll like a gold bracelet?" Ralph nods. "She's not picky with gifts Sly. If you're genuinely giving her something that you put some thought into, she'll appreciate it." The raccoon tips his signature hat in gratitude before leaving the game.
Tennessee shoots a round of shots in front of his descendant, making Sly push away from the table. "You're lower than a snake's underbelly for this," he puts his cane revolver back into its holster. Galleth raises his lance cane into the air with sheer acquiescence. "Here, here, my good chum! This is most unacceptable. A Cooper man should never steal from a fair maiden," the Medieval Cooper shouts exuberantly. "Not so loud you pansy in a tin can. I was just about to take a nap," Salim stretches out before resting his head on the back of his chair.
Rioichi pinches the bridge of his muzzle with clear frustration at his relatives. "This is very dishonorable for a Cooper, especially for one who holds honor among thieves as highly as you do Sly-kun," he says as he meditates to regain his composure. "It's not dishonorable if she has it coming. King Candy has done a lot for our game, and the least we could do is give a little retribution to restore his daughter's honor. Doronjo is a thief with no honor, and as Coopers, we shouldn't stand for it when one of the gang or their families have been disgraced!"
"You know it doesn't matter to us Sly. The Murray knows no fear!" Murray said while he flexed his muscles. Bob claps his hands above his head while spouting his agreement in his native tongue. "You're point is valid Sly-kun, and if our great ancestor approves, so will I." Galleth lowers his lance with disapproval. "Galleth, we need you. I've surveyed the area and she has some barriers on her walls. You're the only one who can perform the Catapult Crash. You are a key component." The mention of his importance to the mission inflated his ego. "Yes, I am an essential part of the mission. You possibly couldn't do it without me chap. Let us go straight, proud, and true through the stronghold of this immoral maiden so that we may avenge the honor of the just and deserving." Dimitri glances over to Bentley. "And you said my rhymes were wack bro? This cat is out of the times, like way out."
"You keep forgetting that they aren't from our time period Dimitri," Bentley says before calling attention to the team. "All right, listen up. With the reconnaissance pictures Sly took, I have devised a plan that requires all of our skills-" Salim Al-Kupar jumps to a start at the mention of the words all and skill. "Oh no. I am not doing any climbing. I just want some sizzling pesarattu with a side of kobbari pachadi topped with scorpion tails," he starts to complain. Everyone starting to groan about his insatiable appetite, except Murray — he was wondering how it would taste. "You can have your food and a nap after the heist Salim," Sly states, cuing for his turtle friend to continue.
"As I was saying this requires all of our skills. First, Dimitri will have to swim through the underground waterways to get to the security control room, however it will cause a lot of booby traps to come out. Rioichi will have to using the Leaping Dragon technique to get through them so he can give me access to shut down the grid. After that, we're going to need Salim to climb these Beech trees. You're the only one who can climb these smooth barked puppies," he heard the Arabian raccoon mumble something about hating to climb before continuing, "... Salim will flip the switch to let Murray and Bob in through the back door. There are going to be a lot of guards so you two need to clear them out fast before they try to get the security back online. After that, Galleth, Sly, and Ten-"
A firm hand slams against the table. "I said I ain't robbing no girl!" the western bandit hissed with a pout. "And you said you took defending the Cooper name seriously," Sly scoffs. "Don't test me boy." The younger raccoon smirks as he goes into a stare down with his outlaw ancestor. "I have a few pics of the gold in that vault. That girl you're trying to defend might have beaten your record Tennessee. You sure your chivalry can best your pride. " Tennessee grabs the photos before growling a bit. "... I still don't like it, but no one bests Tennessee Kid Cooper."
"Are you funky dudes going to keep going at it like cats and dogs in a sack, or are we going to get down to what matters yo?" Bentley nods agreement with the purple iguana and continues. "If you two have kissed and made up, I can finish. We're going Tennessee is going to use his Crackshot technique to blow open the inner gate. Galleth will then climb the building's tower, and destroy the security boxes with his Catapult Crash, leaving it all clear for Sly to get into the vault and let the rest of us in. Murray will crash through the walls and we stash our loot and get the heck out of there."
Wreck-It Ralph finally had his board in hand and wore his swim gear. Currently in his younger form, he earned a few catcalls from a select few women in Game Central Station. He shakes his head as he recalls the unwanted attention. He enters the game to immediately get catered off into one of the secret tunnels that was behind a large portrait of King Ali Bubba a group of forty candy people.
Ralph rubs his head as he is left in the room with the king. Candy turns his head from the fireplace. He blithely blows out a marshmallow that was roasting on a stick. "Just the man I wanted to see. Marshmallow?" he offers the toasted marshmallow. "Uh, no thanks. Not to be blunt, but is there a reason you need to see me?" Ralph asks with scrutiny. Candy shrugs and eats the marshmallow himself before placing another one on the stick to start roasting. "You're a perceptive young man; I admire that. I know we got off on the wrong foot, and it hasn't gotten much better, but I appreciate the happiness that you bring my daughter and I wanted to thank you for that," he starts off.
Ralph scratches the back of his neck with a goofy smirk. "She makes me happy so it's only natural that I want her to be happy," he responds as he looks away. "I'm glad that you feel that way, and that is enough for me to give my blessing for when you want to take her, but there is just one thing Ralph-" The villain looks back at the king, he was pulling a lit marshmallow from the fireplace. "How well do you think you'll be able to defend this game when the time comes for it? Our game if still fragile from the years that Turbo took over, and realistically speaking, I don't know if we'll be able to defend ourselves."
It took him a minute for him to come into grips of what could cause the king to get flustered over his game's security. The prophecy from the beach guru. The Riders ambassador came by with a look of urgency, but she couldn't pinpoint what was to be said. She said the guru needed more time; but with that time, it might be too late. "I'll do whatever I can to keep this game and everyone in it safe."
Candy watched as the marshmallow started to burn. In the midst of the pyre, he recollects on the nightmare that used to plague his daughter's dreams. He had a feeling that it was more to it than a rogue nightmare. Maybe the candicorn had something to do with it; a message within a dream — but who was the mysterious foe that would rise out of the ashes of the old? He brushed off the thought, at least for now. He would talk to Klonoa about this when they go dream travelling in his sleep, but for now he was talking with his successor in his hidden chamber.
Candy finally blew out the remnant of the marshmallow, and threw it in the trash. "Vanellope was happy earlier. You two going somewhere in particular?" he decided to change the subject. "Erm, yeah. Found out about a place in Sugar Rush, and we're going to go check it out," Ralph replies while shifting from one leg to the other. Good. They would be close. "Off you go then. Both of you, have a good time," he watches Ralph begin to walk off, "... and Ralph. This remains between us men, at least for now." Ralph slowly nods. He didn't want to keep things from Vanellope, but the look on her dad's face said there was no room to debate it.
Ralph leaves through the painting and begins to walk to Vanellope's room, only to bump into the racer in question. "There you are Stinkbrain. You're late. I was afraid that you wanted to cancel." He had to admit the pout that was on her lips was still adorable in her older age. "Me? Cancel? Never," he placed a not-so-chaste kiss on her lips; leaving her completely flustered and weak in the knees. A low pulse gyrated between them. Gradually they open their eyes at a tingling sensation, almost like they were enveloping within a soft, silk, static aura. Ralph regards that their hair was waving gently to an unknown current. It felt as if they were lighter than air. The feeling fading as they parted lips. "Whoa, that was... new," they linked minds unknowingly. They looked at each other, noticing that they were both half nude in their beach gear. Their skin was graduating from its usual tones into a more scarlet hue. "Mom wasn't lying when she mentioned the temptation being strong, and this was just a kiss..." Vanellope held her hands onto his bare chest, not quite ready to leave his arms, but she felt him do it for her. Each of them had a similar thought roaming in their head, particularly pertaining to a swift completion of their training as the future rulers of Sugar Rush.
The Cooper Van was skidding, and screeching across the tracks before entering the port of Game Boreal Station. Sly was busting a gut over the massive amounts of gold that they looted from Doronjo's vault. "She was just asking to get robbed with all that gold. She would have made one heck of a Cooper if she were a raccoon," he says to his team. "I'm sweating like a sinner in a church house over this. I obviously had more gold than her. I swear I'm going to be like Salim and take a nap," Tennessee said smugly as he wiped his brow with his hat.
"Hey fancy britches, what are you going to do with your loot?" he asks with a crooked grin. "It's Sir Galleth, you uncouth vagabond. I will be doing the noble thing and assisting with the remnant of our game's debt," Galleth said with his usual air of nobleness. "That is honorable of you Galleth-sama. I was planning on doing the same. I could get my sushi shop back open the sooner things level out." Salim rolls his eyes, but he knew that the well-being of the game outweighed his own desires, but he was going to grab some food and a nap before deciding to be a nice guy. "Man, y'all don't know how to enjoy money, heck y'all don't know whether to check your butts or scratch your watch."
"Says the guy who wanted nothing to do with the robbery in the first place. Talk about confusion," Bentley retorts with a cocky grin. The remaining gang had a laugh at the joke at Tennessee's expense. "Oh go ahead and yuck it up. See if I care."
After distributing the loot into its proper place, the band disperses after taking their small share. Sly put most of his in the small vault in the back of the van, but he had two golden bars with him for a distinct purpose. He walks into Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return and heads for the Coal-Mining Town. He almost wanted to take his shirt off at the sheer heat in the town, but he wasn't going to be there long. He was just going to use the alloy machines below to convert them into gifts: the bracelet for Vanellope and the necklace for Peach's wedding gift. He might as well kill two birds with one stone and give the jewelry to them at the wedding tomorrow morning. "Thank mod we're closed tomorrow!"
It was late evening on Halloween, and the arcade was closed for the autumn holiday, which made today the perfect day to host a wedding. All had gone according to the plans of all who contributed to the matrimony of the royal couple. Toads and Koopas were scuttling around the bustling ballroom floor of the Mushroom Kingdom castle. Everyone was making casual small talk amongst each other. Ralph was in a long conversation with Dr. Eggman ever since the wedding ended. "So what do you think? Can you manage something like that?" Ralph asks. The Mobian scientist pulls at the tips of his mustache while pondering the idea. "To modify a power ring down to a wearable size and still retain its purpose? It's a bit difficult for someone who isn't a Mobian, but definitely doable. If I start synthesizing after the wedding, I should have it by done by closing. Come by on the weekend. It would need to cool down for a few days," Dr. Eggman gives a low chuckle. "Look at me playing jeweler. Ralph you sly dog."
Vanellope watches from a distance with a drink in hand. "You would think Bowser, of all characters, would have real drinks instead of juice. Wonder what they've been talking about for so long. I'm bored out of my mind here," she groans. "Then let me remedy that for you Ms. Von Schweetz," Sly said as he gave a bow in his tuxedo disguise. He pulls out a small gift box. Curious, Vanellope opens it to find a golden charm bracelet holding three charms; a Sly Cooper icon, the duel sugar cubes that made up the seal of Sugar Rush, and a brick. "Thank you Sly. You didn't have to get me something. It's a little awkward receiving a gift at someone's wedding." Sly's face scrunches up as he brushes off the fact. "I got Queen Peach something too," he replies with air quotes as he pulls out the golden necklace.
Candy takes notice of the lustrous objects and approaches to get a better look. "Sly, where did you get the money for that. It's not a good idea-" The thief holds up his hand to interfere with the sentence before he could finish. "You got to live a little Candy. Besides, we came into a random bit of money and our currency is back on the incline." The sugar king was surprised at the news, a tad curious at where the money came from, but still happy for his friend. "Congratulations. I hope you guys learned your lesson on reckless spending and selling."
"Definitely. We won't be making that mistake anytime soon. Bentley installed a new monitor for our currency's worth. We'll be keeping a closer eye on it," he says before slinking off to find the bride.
Vanellope gave her dad a side-glance, silently asking if she could change into something a bit more casual than the princess dress, but the answer was still no. She wanted to hang herself in the middle of the room for having to wear the dress to the wedding, and she wasn't even a bridesmaid! Un-fudging-believable.
Ralph had just finished up his conversation with Dr. Eggman and returned to his girlfriend's side. Music started to play as couples started to get up to dance with their better halves. Oh my love, my darling... Candy and Confection were already sauntering across the marble ballroom floors; so were Calhoun and Felix for that matter. I've hungered for your touch, a long, lonely time. They seemed to be in their own little world as of late. "Care for a dance?" she heard come from her right. "With you? Anytime."
Ralph wraps his arm around her waist as they sway to the love ballad. And time goes by, so slowly, and time can do so much. Are you still mine? Vanellope leans closer to his heart as the song melds into the background. In a leisurely haze, the shimmering, amorous hazel eyes observe the other couples from their warm, toned comfort; particularly the newly wed couple. Without a shadow of a doubt, Peach was enjoying dancing with her new husband. Deep in the recesses of her at ease mind, the memories of the wedding night were beginning to surface. An inaudible wry laugh streams from her pursed lips. "And here I thought weddings were just boring events that you had to wear dresses to." She's only attended one wedding, but she was a kid back then and didn't comprehend the ceremony very much.
Vanellope looks up at him, wondering if he felt it as well. Little did she know, that the gears were already shifting in place.
(A/N: So, I hope you guys enjoyed a few of the things going on in this chapter. I'm really looking forward to the next one coming up. A bit of tension mixed with love. The lyrics at the end of the chapter are from Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers. I don't own them, I swear! DX)