Fight or Flight

Vanellope kept on and on with her long, extensive list of questions.

This time, Calhoun was the one to take the fall. Vanellope asked about every single one of her weapons, how they worked, how many cy-bugs she killed with them, and whether or not she could use one.

To that, Calhoun barked a laugh and said, "Not on your life, shrimp."

She tried ignoring the little would-be racer, but it was agonizingly difficult. Vanellope was aggressively obnoxious, and she was not at all ashamed of that fact.

Ralph couldn't help but crack a smile at the interactions. Vanellope was the most interesting kid he'd ever met. And Felix wasn't too far off when he said that Calhoun was quite an extraordinary girl. She was strong, determined, and dedicated. Words Ralph wouldn't have used to describe himself.

Throughout the walk, Ralph kept throwing glances at his lover, and was elated to see that the short man was doing the same. Felix wouldn't stop blushing since their passionate encounter earlier.

Stone-cold, cynical Ralph who terrorized people and was supposed to be the baddest bad in his town had the honeyglows something awful.

Whatever that meant. He just heard Felix say it a couple of times.

Every time he saw Felix's face, his cheeks would ache from the simpering. Good gravy, if the others heard the silly things that were swarming in his head...

"What's that on your neck, Stinkbrain?" Vanellope said, craning her neck up to him.

Ralph's head shrunk into his shoulders. "Uh... mosquito bit me."

The little girl giggled. "There's no mosquitos here, you goof!"

Out from the corner of his eye, Ralph thought he could see the smallest hint of a grin on soldier lady's face. It surprised him that she was actually capable of such things.

But if he was thinking that way, then he was being a hypocrite. Judging other people before he'd gotten to know them. He knew about that concept all too well, and it wasn't fair of him to enact it on someone else.

Even after she did kidnap Felix and imprison him.

There was something about her that piqued his interest, aside from being the newest addition to the arcade. She seemed to be experiencing some form of turmoil outside of her own video game. Or rather, inside. Ralph wasn't sure what it was that caused her to act like a tyrant in all situations, but he thought it was safe to make the assumption that it had been intense and potentially life-changing.

Enough to make his rationale for going Turbo seem like a petty tantrum.

She noticed he was looking at him and decided to strike a conversation.

"How's your ribcage, Wreck-It?"

Ralph almost choked on the air in his lungs when she asked. Even a simple check-in like that was spoken in a less-friendly tone.

"Still good, Sarge."

"Really?" Her voice sounded skeptical.

Ralph nodded fervently. "Yup, nobody takes a wallop like good, ol' Ralph-meister."

"Okay, then."

And she decided to leave it at that. It seemed she wasn't the best conversationalist, either. That was fine, because Ralph couldn't think of anything else to say to her. Except the one question that nagged at the back of his head about why she decided to let the two fugitives get off so easily.

And why she decided to help them.

...

"There it is!" Vanellope squealed and pointed at the enormous, pastel-green factory hidden behind a frosting-topped mountain. Vanellope snuck up behind a large gumdrop and observed the entrance.

CLAW guards armed to the teeth stood side-by-side, weapons in hand.

"Oh, jingles!" She pouted, slamming her fists against the gumdrop's jelly surface. "How are we supposed to get through there?"

Calhoun held her rifle on her shoulder. "We could always go in the old-fashioned way."

"I don't think it'd help us stay invisible if we did that." Vanellope murmured, her expression deep in thought.

Ralph almost suggested the same thing. He had the arm strength to punt every single one of those guards into the cotton-candy sky. But he had to consider the consequences of such an act.

Taffyta stepped forward. "I know another way in."

Each of the others turned and raised their brow suspiciously.

"What kind of game are you playing, Taffa?" Vanellope said, hands on her hips.

"The kind that gets us closer to our goal."

She led them towards the rear, where it looked like they approached a dead end. But Taffyta turned her head to look both ways, ensuring that no one else was around. And removed a small square of the green wall. Behind it was a keypad. She input the code, but the secret door she was talking about didn't open.

"He must've changed the code." Taffyta said, crossing her arms. "Of course he did."

"Here," Ralph said, stepping forward. "Let me try."

"What are you going to do?"

He cracked his knuckles and slammed his fist in through the wall. At first, it resisted. But he did it several more times until it finally busted open, revealing a large, white room on the other side.

Vanellope cheered and skipped her way in. "You're a genius, you moron!"

Felix smiled up at his lover. "You can always count on Ralph to get the job done!"

Somehow, even Calhoun nodded to him in respect. "Well played, Tiny."

Finally, he was gaining recognition for wrecking something.

...

Inside, the factory was painted over with white walls and pink accents, and a checkered floor. As they walked, they could see a long stretch of a conveyer belt that wasn't in operation, several cranks and levels on the walls and floors, gears placed on the walls, and some black television screens.

Their steps and voices echoed off the walls. It was strange how this room was colored pale white like an asylum, while the rest of the game's setting was decorated with warm shades and friendly, vivid tones.

Well, the team wasn't here for sightseeing, anyways.

"Okay, Lady Airhead," Ralph said to Vanellope. "You want to tell me how this all works?"

"Hold on a second, Peabrain, I'll figure it out."

Ralph walked up to a control panel, where a million colorful buttons practically jumped out at him. "Uh..." He scratched the back of his head. "How am I supposed to tell which ones the right one?"

He nearly jumped out of his skin when Felix appeared by his side and reached over with his little arm towards the control panel.

"I think it's this one..." He murmured. As he retracted his hand, he brushed against Ralph's abdomen. "Oh, sorry..."

No, you're not. Ralph smirked down at him, then refocused his attention on the controls. The machine started up and a loud voice made all of them hop ten feet into the air.

"WELCOME, PLAYERS! LETS GET READY TO BAKE!"

Ralph stepped back. "Alright, kid, I don't see a kart anywhere."

"Doi!" Vanellope said, face palming. "You have to make it, Ralph."

"Make...?" Ralph took several steps back. "No, no, no, bad idea, kid. I don't make things, I break things." He looked down at the handyman. "This is more Felix's style."

Felix shook his head. "No, Ralph, I think this is your time to shine."

The big man hesitated, until Vanellope said, "You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone this time, Chumbo!"

Knowing that everyone else was pushing him outside of his boundaries, and that Vanellope was pleading with her huge eyes Ralph groaned and agreed to do it. After all, how could he have said "no" to such a cute little face?

And his lack of creative skills definitely showed through his efforts. Vanellope tried her best to guide him.

"No, not that button! Don't pull on that level too hard! You'll break it! That's too many wheels! Don't overheat it, you gotta get it just right!"

Felix and Calhoun stood back, and the handyman admired how hard Ralph was trying as he practically plowed his way through the machinery. He loved seeing Ralph use those lusciously big arms of his. The way his unmatched strength revealed itself in his movements.

Though it wasn't the most orthodox way of thinking, Felix found himself wishing Ralph would "wreck" something else now. Something squishy and small.

Shame on you! Felix thought. You've got other priorities to take care of right now! Stop thinking such naughty things!

"You two got a really good thing going." Calhoun murmured beside him.

"Huh? Oh, yeah!" His cheeks tinted.

"He seems like an okay guy."

Felix grinned proudly at his lover. "He is. He's been misunderstood for a very long time." He sighed, dreamily. "I'm the luckiest chap in the world to have him."

Calhoun leaned against the wall, keeping her head low and her arms crossed. She didn't have a hard time talking with the handyman earlier, but she found herself uncomfortable with this topic, and decided to keep to herself.

She did close the conversation by saying, "Whatever happens, you make sure you don't lose him."

Felix's smile faded and he looked up at the tall lady, unsure of what to say next. Her eyes didn't have the same sharp gaze she'd been giving him and Ralph the whole time they'd been together. It was somber.

Felix could never determine a person's emotions and inner conflicts just by looking at their expressions, but he could see that there was a bit of a storm within her. Maybe it had been there a long time before all of this.

"Aw, man!" Ralph's voice whined. Both Felix and Calhoun turned their heads to the newly-baked kart that popped out of the oven. It was a bit lopsided, with mismatched wheels, frosting unevenly spread in multiple layers across the surface and a few sprinkles placed in random spots. "I told you I'm no good at making things..."

But Vanellope wasn't at all bothered by its appearance. "Are you kidding, Ralph? It's perfect! Look at it! It's got a real engine and everything! And it's my kart!" She happily bounced up and down all around the vehicle, admiring the pixie stick engines, the shimmering coat of frosting, the pretzel steering wheel.

Taffyta wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out. "It's so... you."

Vanellope's jaw almost dropped down to the floor. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me!"

Ralph smiled in satisfaction and looked over at the other two adults, who both gave him a thumbs-up in approval. And to say that Ralph was pleased at his work was a massive understatement. He looked down to see Vanellope keeping her attention on the kart, smoothing her hands over the sides and leaving kisses on the wheels. But in the middle of her awestruck analyzation, she gazed up at the taller man and gave him a smile.

To think just yesterday, Ralph was considering wrapping her up in a long stretch of taffy and punting her into the sunset.

"Thanks, Chumbo."

"Don't sweat it, Snotface."

Felix hopped over to look over the vehicle, and he and Vanellope engaged in a conversation about the best kinds of desserts to build with. And while that took place, Calhoun came over and actually stood beside Ralph. Under the warm light, Ralph could clearly see a subtle sprinkle of freckles across her apricot cheeks.

And the tuft of hair that usually covered her eyes was pushed back. For once, she didn't look ready to bust a cap on him.

"Must be real nice being you right now, Wreck-It." She murmured, armored arms folded.

"Yeah, I guess it's pretty sweet."

That comment actually made her chuckle. If he wasn't listening closely, he would have missed it. The casual moment was interrupted when Ralph decided to obtain some closure.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You may."

"Why'd you jump ship on your game and help me and Felix out?"

Her smile faded, almost making him regret his words.

"I don't need a reason for lending a hand to a few stooges."

"But you'll probably be in the big house, and tried for treason. Or worse."

She looked at him. "I appreciate your concern about me, Wreck-It, but don't worry your hollow head about it. I don't need any help. I'm good."

Where had Ralph heard that one before? And why would she automatically assume he was trying to help her out with her struggles? Now he was even more curious about it, but it seemed she'd made it clear that she wasn't willing to give herself away.

He sighed and shifted side-to-side on his feet. "Alright, lady. Just wanted to know the facts."

Calhoun looked back to the two shorter people talking animatedly. "Let's just say I once had what you had."

That answer didn't clear it up anymore. In fact, it only made things more confusing. What did Ralph have that she could have? A life living in the dump while the people of his own game enjoy a cushy, luxurious lifestyle? A medal?

Felix?

He thought back to her reaction to their joined hands. It was almost like she'd broken and tried to put herself back together before anyone else saw her. As if she had to relive something surreal. Or something tragic.

Whatever it was, Ralph was glad to see her looking even more composed right now than she did at that moment. She almost seemed happy.

And he was, too. What more could he have asked for than the three people in this room who didn't resent him for his nature?

Just then, the room began to shake and a piercing alarm went off. Bright red lights bounced off the walls and the black screens showed words written in red:

INTRUDER ALERT.

"What's happening, now?!" Felix yelled, backing up towards Ralph.

"I don't know!" Ralph said.

"Uh oh..." Vanellope mumbled.

Calhoun was already in combat position, pistols in hand, and centered in the middle of the room with the rest. The sound of a drill could be heard and they all turned their heads to the blank wall opposite of them.

The drill plunged through the wall and as the bricks fell away one by one, they could see that on the other end of it was the uni-candy-corn that appeared from the depths of the Underworld. It's demon-red eyes peered into their souls. Foam fell from its mouth.

The candy corn on its head was replaced with the weapon that took a part of Ralph's side. Its rider was the maniacally-laughing King Candy, and by his sides were his loyal compatriots. The cops and the CLAWS, but no cy-bugs.

King Candy wasn't looking any better. His pixels were glitching almost as badly as Vanellope's. His teeth were sharpened, and his clothing was tattered.

Ralph stood at the front of his team, shielding the others with his arms. "You again!"

King Candy cackled and held onto the reigns of his pet. "My, my, i-it's the m-otley crew! Y-you're more persistent that I c-could have imagined!" His eyes shifted to the pink racer. "Taffyta, my loyal subject! I applaud you for m-making my job easier! C-consider your d-debt paid in full!"

"W-what!" Vanellope screamed, looking at the now-ashamed racer.

"I did what I had to, okay?!" Taffyta said, stepping away from the others towards her master.

Vanellope stomped her foot on the ground. "C-consider yourself out of the group!"

Calhoun aimed her rifle at the king. "What do you plan to do with us now, you little imp?"

"My lady!" Candy's hand pressed to his chest. "I-Is t-that any way to treat t-the rightful ruler of t-this game?"

Vanellope shouted, "Y-you're not the rightful ruler!"

Everyone, including herself, was shocked at her own words.

King Candy was displeased, to say the least, at her bold statement. Furrowing his brow in anger, he held a hand up. "N-nevermind the g-glitch! I should have more than I need tonight..."

Calhoun was ready to pull the trigger. "Care to enlighten us?"

King Candy gave her a smirk. "N-no, I'd rather leave you to p-play with my other loyal subjects! Duncan! Wynchel!"

The two cops walked in through the opening of the wall and pulled two levels on the wall. A heavy metal door began to close them in.

"Wait! Why are you doing this!?" Ralph demanded.

The King spun himself and his uni-candy-corn back the other way. "B-because, Wreck-It R-Ralph, like you, I have an insatiable appetite t-that c-can never be f-filled. It's a... n-necessary part of my existence. Now you will l-learn the p-price of being a hero." Before the door closed, they witnessed possibly the most terrifying event they could have in their whole time there. "It hasn't been a p-p-p-p-"

His outer layer shed on its own for a split second. If they blinked, they could have missed it. In that moment, he became someone completely different, but not unfamiliar.

Only two of the four knew who that person was.

"Is that...?" Felix started.

"No way..." Ralph murmured.

"Uh... g-guys?" Vanellope felt the ground shake beneath her feet. As it turned out, the closed door wasn't the only trick Candy had for them. In the time it took for them to be surrounded by solid barriers, the ground opened up and a whole new nightmare appeared.

Dozens of middle-tier cy-bugs. But not the regular kind.

Hybrids.

They'd burrowed their way from underground through the checkered floor of the factory, and now had the others cornered.

"Oh, my land..."

"Oh, boy..." Ralph picked up Vanellope and put her in the kart. "Start it up, kid! I'm going to take out as much of these as I can."

"O-okay..." Vanellope sounded uncertain. She pushed multiple buttons and a burst of sprinkles flew out, the lights turned on and off, and dark chocolate oil leaked from the backside.

"Felix!" Ralph called. "Stay behind me!"

"Okay!" Felix did not argue with him this time.

Ralph did as best as he could while Vanellope struggled to start up the kart. Felix healed his wounds, and managed to turn several bugs back into eggs.

But one of the three adults was acting against her own character. Calhoun stood with her feet planted firmly on the ground, gun in hand, and her finger hesitating on pulling the trigger. Her irises were nothing but tiny specks on her widened eyes, her forehead broke out into a sweat, and her face was pale.

She was frozen.

"Anytime now, Vanellope!" Ralph said.

"I'm working on it!"

Ralph's knuckles were bruised from the hard shells of the cy-bugs, but he never let it stop him. They kept coming up from the ground one after another, and came close to gaining the upper hand. He looked over at the poor soldier lady and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Sarge, look out!"

He sped and took out a massive creature with a face hauntingly similar to the candy servants. He took her by the shoulders and shook her. "What are you waiting for, Sarge? Get a grip! Shoot them!"

Shaking her head vigorously, Calhoun snapped out of her daze and shot at the one behind him. She pressed a button on the side of her rifle and it expanded in length, size, and in features. It now had multiple gun barrels, a faster firing range, a handle, and a grenade launcher. It was amazing how she could carry it on her own.

She never ceased to impress.

"Got it!" Vanellope said, the sound of her kart engine roaring.

"Let's make like a banana and split!" Ralph yelled, his arms grabbing both Calhoun and Felix and hopping onto the kart.

"Hold on tight! It's going to be a bumpy ride!" Vanellope said, smashing ungracefully through the weaker walls as she sped for their lives through the factory.

AN: Ah! So sorry for the long wait! So much stuff going on with the new kitten, the job, and my art. I'm also doing some more stuff with my Sledgehammer one-shots and I decided to compile them into one giant ball of fluff.

Whenever I write a chapter, it draws out a lot of energy, so I have a hard time doing it consistently. Also, about this whole art commission thing, or art requests, I'm not sure I'm going to do it unless it already is in line with what I'm already doing.

I just discovered I'm more of a freestyle kind of artist, anyways.

There are darker things in this version of WIR, but that's just how I roll. I'm loving it.