Chapter 3: Hearts and Souls!
Warning: Alcohol use and violence.
Sally happily skipped to her favorite balcony, but when she arrived her baroness was missing. "BonBon?" She called, looking around carefully. Nothing gave her a hint, so she ran out. "Victor! Have you seen BonBon? She wasn't in the box." Sally huffed for air as her heart felt heavy. The security guy gave a concerned look as he spoke. "She left a little while ago. She looked upset." "What?" Sally caught her breath and ran through her thoughts. 'She must have gone home... but by herself?' Sally revved up her legs and quickly bolted from the theater.
Bon leaned up against her tree with tears in her eyes, looking up at the night sky. "My my, you look ravishing." A voice came from behind the unamused noble. "I have over 16 hours, and I don't feel like having company." Bon growled viciously. "Aw~ princess had a bad day at the theater?" The Devil walked out of the darkness with a wicked grin. Bon only answered with a huff. She put one leg through the tree as the Devil continued to talk. "How about we have some fun? I'll help you forget everything about her." Bon paused before pulling her leg back into the over world. "Fine... it's not like I have anything better to do." The Devil held out his arm and she took it willingly.
Sally ran as fast as she could. Even when she entered Sugar Land she didn't slow down until she was at the castle gates. She knocked on the gate. "Bon! Are you home?!" Sally called. She was surprised to see Berry the gummy bear. "Berry! Did the baroness make it home?" Sally pleaded to the candy who instantly grew a worried look. "No. She hasn't made it back. I knew this wasn't a good idea!" Berry opened the gate. "Let's look together, she couldn't have gotten too far!" Sally grabbed the candy and headed back to the over world.
Laughter filled the underworld as the two rulers sat down at the Devil's personal bar. Both had been drinking for hours, and Bon's clock was ticking. "So what do you do with all those souls?" Bon asked curiously. "I use them as pawns when I need one, but you my dear would be more like a rook or a knight in my favor." He giggled, chugging down his full pint. "Wow, (hiccup) really? That's so sweet! You really think I'm strong?" Bon took a swig of her own. She wasn't much of a drinker but she really felt like she needed it. It helps that her dink was flavored with chocolate. "Of course! You're a leader! Not to mention how many children you've captured and eaten." "Don't bring that up! I only eat the naughty ones." She pouted making the Devil smile. "My kind of friend, we are friends. Right?" He swayed to her, wrapping his arm around her neck. "Well, I don't have many. So I guess so." She hiccuped as she looked at the bottom of her glass. "More dear?" He offered happily. "Yes~ sure." She slurred, sliding her glass forwards. After it was filled, the two continued to talk. It didn't take long or Bon to pass out drunk on the floor.
"Bon Bon. It's time to go home. Your time is up!" The Devil laughed as the candy princess lifted her head. "Hu? What do you mean. I had 13 hours left." "And you slept it away my dear." The Devil smiled as he pointed at his clock. Bon tried to sit up but a massive headache stabbed at her brain. When she did realize the time she began to sob. "Oh don't worry my dear. I'll take you home safely. Then Sally and Berry can sleep soundly." He chuckled. "Hu? What are you talking about?" She growled through the pain. "Don't you know? Sally and your gummy had been looking for you all night." Bon shook her head, "No! She wouldn't have done that." Bon stared in disbelief. "You don't believe me? Here, take a look." The Devil pulled up an image bubble with an exhausted Sally limping around the Isles with Berry close to her side. "I need to go to them!" She picked herself up and stated to walk out before the Devil blocked her way. "Your time is up, I'm taking you home." He smirked devilishly. "Sorry friend, but I must go." Bon pulled out her cane from under her dress. She clicked it into a shotgun and aimed it at the Devil. "My lady, if you loose I own your soul."
"And If I win you brake my curse forever. Deal?" Bon's teeth sharpened and her eyes began to glow yellow. Her monstrous form didn't scare the Devil one bit. "You have yourself a deal princess! Show me what you got!"
The baroness couldn't move. Even her sight was hazy as she laid deadly still on her castle's cold hard floor. She couldn't feel anything, even the soul contract in her hand had no presence to her fingertips. When a guard found her, she couldn't register anything but her body being relocated.
"Berry, we'll never find her at this rate. What if the Devil has her!" Sally panicked as the bear tried to calm her down. "She can handle herself Miss Sally. She's a lot stronger then she looks." "I don't doubt that, but..." Sally was distracted by a flying candy coming towards them with a note. Berry waved it over and took the parchment. "Is she home?" Sally asked impatiently. The bear closed his eyes as he lowered the paper. "She's home, but something awful has happened. I must be going." "Take me with you! I need to see her!" Sally begged. The bear gave her a stern look. "My lady wouldn't want you to see her in her current state. Please be patient and we will send for you when she's ready." Berry began to walk on his own as Sally watched. Streams of different emotions filled her with worry and sadness.
A week had passed and Bon still couldn't move on her own. Her cold eyes slowly regained color, but moving just one finger was difficult. Sometimes she would mumbled to herself. The only word Berry could understand was "Sally", but he knew he should wait to call her up. "My lady, are you feeling any better?" The bear asked. He jumped when Bon moved her head. Her soulless eyes gazed, what felt, right through him. "My Lady!?" He leaned forward, pushing a lock of hair out of her face. "B...r...y." She mumbled softly. "Oh thank goodness! Can you move?" Berry was hopeful as his master slowed shifted in her bed.
It was too long of a wait. Sally could barely work with her mind worrying about Bon. She began directing their next play, but she refused to be apart of it. Bon was her main concern at the moment, and she hadn't gotten any news sense she was found. Two weeks was killer to the actress. So when the blue gummy bear shuffled into the theater Sally was ecstatic. "Berry! Oh my god I am so happy to see you! How is she!" Sally fell to her knees as her troop jumped from the stage to join her side. "She is much better, and really wants you all to join her at the Sugar Land Ball." The bear handed Sally a box full of envelopes. "Just remember to not talk about it. My lady isn't well enough to let you brake a rule." He warned. "Of course! Thank you so much Berry. We'll be there." "See that you will. She hasn't been herself and I want you to help her." The two exchanged worried looks before the candy took his leave. Sally sighed in relief as she opened up the invitation. It read:
Dear invited guest,
I, Baroness Von Bon Bon, invite you to my Sugar Land Ball. Please remember to keep the existence of Sugar Land to yourself, for I trust you to follow my rules. The Ball will be held in my castle in celebration of my birthday! Gifts are unnecessary, but I do insist on formal attire. I hope to see you here this Saturday!
Sincerely, Baroness Von Bon Bon.
"I wonder if she wrote them herself." The younger girl commented after reading her own invite. "Her birthday?" Sally sharply took a breath as her eyes sparkled under the theater lights. "Oh I can't wait! Troop dismissed!" She yelled as she ran out the doors. Though she did stick her head back in, "and don't forget to keep her home to yourselfs!"
The small squeak of wheels echoed in Bon's room as she rolled around in her wheelchair. She had gained her mobility but the injuries on her legs where still healing. She was dressed in a long pink robe that covered her from neck to toe. The door opened slowly as a gummy made his way inside. "My lady, you're invitations have been dispersed. Also, a new dress has been ordered for your ball." Berry bowed as Bon moved towards him. Her eyes, cold and lifeless, gazed at him before she spoke. "Splendid. Thank you." She said, lacking any sign of emotion. "My pleasure. Now please get some rest. You're going to need your strength."
Saturday was finally here. Sally got up early and brushed out her hair vigorously. She tightly twirled it into a bun and began with her makeup. Bright red lipstick and blue eyeshadow was her favorite combination along with some glitter to make it pop. Next was clothing. She had just gone out a few days before and picked out the most exquisite suit she had ever seen. A pair of blue skirt like pants and a matching feminine blazer; she wore it over a white button up shirt and black tie. She released her hair and began to curl each bunch with a curling iron until she felt it was perfect.
Sally met up with her troop before heading into the magical land of sugar. They entered the castle and paid close attention as the trumpets sounded. "All hail her lady ship! Baroness Von Bon Bon!" Berry announced and all the candy citizens bowed, Sally and her troop followed suit. Sally watched as Bon slowly made her way to the stairs. Bon walked down with her cane in hand and a fan to hide her face. Sally didn't know what to think. When Bon got to the bottom she glanced over at Sally. Without lowering her fan she spoke, sounding a bit horse. "It's good to see you." She said before turning to everyone else, "Welcome! Thank you for celebrating with me, now lets..." she fright off a cough before continuing, "now lets have some fun!" Bon opened a pair of large doors. She walked inside, being followed by her guests. Berry took her hand as he walked her to her throne at the end of the room. She turned, and before sitting she clapped her hands. "Eat, drink, dance!" She shouted as music began to play.
The candy people did as commanded but Sally and her troop stood close to the door. Sally leaned down to the children. "Go have some fun. Just mind your manors alright." She said sweetly. The younger girl puffed out her chest, "You're not my mom~ so no promises!" The kids ran off giggling. "Lighten up Sally, Bon won't hurt them." The man smiled, taking Sally's hand in a friendly manner. The other members dispersed into the crowd as Sally looked up over everything to see Bon. "How am I supposed to get to her?" She asked. "We dance." Her friend took her waist and began to follow the crowd. Sally was good at ballroom dancing but she liked to lead, so that led to her tripping over feet occasionally. When they reached the throne they both stopped to bow at Bon's feet. They couldn't see it but the noble was smiling behind her fan. Sally stood up and was going to ask Bon to dance, but her so called friend stepped in front of her. Making her feel a bit betrayed. "Lady Bon Bon, may I ask this dance?" He asked her. Bon got up and wobbled forward. "I must admit that I am not at my best, but I will attempt." She answered. "No my lady! You're not well!" Berry interrupted, getting in between the three. "Lighten up Berry. Let me have some fun. Have them play something a bit slower if you're so worried." Bon insisted, handing her fan to the bear. Sally held back a gasp as she looked at Bon's patched face as Bon turned to her. "Sally, may I dance with you next?" Bon asked sweetly, even if her eyes looked cold and distant. "Of course Sugar. I wouldn't want to dance with anyone else." Sally answered genuinely, earning her a gentle chuckle. "Shall we?" Bon held her hand out to the man. "Yes." He took it gently and placed his other hand on her waist as the next song began to play. Sally held back a snarl, thinking that her best friend was hitting on her crush.
The two dance quietly at first. They both were careful and the crowd made sure to give them space. The man began the conversation as soon a Bon got her feet in sync with his. "She was really worried about you. Every time she tried to visit, your guards denied her." He began. "That wasn't up to me. I was unconscious." Bon looked away. "Why didn't you wait for her?" He asked firmly but Bon returned the energy. "Don't interrogate me! I have more questions then answers for you." She spat. The man chuckled, "Of course, ask away."
Sally felt a hole eating away at her gut. She watched her friend dance with her love interest in spite. "I was going to ask her..." She growled under her breath. Berry tugged on her pants to get her attention. "My lady wants to dance with you too. Just be patient, she might need to rest in between." He reassured her. Sally hummed in discontent, "How bad is it?" She asked in dread. "She's getting stronger every day, but I don't think she'll be able to fight any time soon. We were so happy when she started to move, but she gets tired easily." "Did she tell you what happened?" Sally hugged herself tightly. "She refuses, but..."
"But?"
Berry shook his head. He didn't want anyone to know about Bon's soul contract, especially Sally. "If she tells you that's her choice, but please don't force it." Berry asked of her. Sally was going to say something but noticed Bon and her friend was walking back towards then. Bon was out of breath but had a big grin on her face, and her dance partner also shared the same grin. "Did you two have fun?" Sally smirked, with a raised brow. "Oh yes. At first He was being a bit pushy, but after we cleared up a few things, I felt much better." Bon curtsied to the man as he bowed. "She's all yours boss." He saluted before heading off. "Miss Sally Stageplay." Bon held out her hand, but was shocked when Sally took it with both of hers. "You should take a brake. I can almost see your breath." She protested. "You're starting to sound like Berry. I'm fine dear really." The two looked at each other for a split second before Bon gave in. "Fine, I'll wait." Bon huffed before wrapping her arms around Sally's neck. "I missed you." Sally whispered, gently running a few fingers through maroon hair. "I know. I'm so sorry." Bon held back her tears as she nuzzled through the cute blond curls.
Bon backed away and grabbed Sally's hand hastily. She lightly trotted behind the throne to a small glass door that blended with the windows. Bon opened and allowed Sally to go first. "Why thank you Sugar." Sally chuckled as she walked through. It was a small outdoor lounge, with a swing and a few chairs. "I thought we could use some alone time. It's been a while." Bon walked over to the swing and sat down not expecting Sally to go behind her. Sally gently pushed on the candy plank. "I didn't get to say this earlier, but you look beautiful Sally." Bon started, earning herself a hidden blush. "You're not bad looking yourself." Sally teased. "You don't have to lie. I look awful." Bon sighed. Sally stopped the swing and slid to the front. "Don't say that, you're gorgeous."
"Thanks Sally, but right now you're the only one that can fit that description." Bon smirked as some light returned to her faded green eyes. "BonBon~ you flirt." Sally leaned forward, leaving a light kiss on Bon's cheek patch. "I think you missed." Bon smirked mischievously. "Missed? What do you..." She was cut off by a pair of sugary lips smacked against hers. She leaned into it eagerly kissing back with a needy hum. Her hands wrapped around Bon's waist pulling her closer. Sally was surprised when Bon slipped off the swing, pushing her down onto the ground. "Sugar? Are you ok?" Sally watched as Bon loomed on top catching her breath. "Ya... just so happy to see you." Bon leaned down and relaxed on Sally's chest. The princess's body flopped to one side as she took short shallow breaths. Sally didn't argue. She was worried, but she wanted to hold her and never let go.
Sally laid down in silence as she watched Bon nap in her arms. Curiously was getting the best of her as she gently pushed up a puffy pink sleeve. She was horrified to find bite like scars along her pail pink skin. "Oh Bon. What happened to you." Sally began to tear up but wiped it away when Bon shuffled. "Sally?" She mumbled sleepily. "Yes Sugar?" She answered with a light nuzzle. "Do you think I can dance now?" She asked childishly with a pout, making Sally chuckle. "I'll dance with you whenever you want." That made Bon smile. She sat up noticing her sleeve. "Oh... it will heal. This isn't even the worst part." Bon lifted her dress a bit and unlatched her tight candy splints, revealing jagged marks. It looked as if she was mauled by a bear. Bon tossed her supports into a hedge happily. "I hate those things. They make walking so much harder, let alone dance."
"Are you sure that's ok?" Sally showed her worry. "Berry made me wear them, but now you're here. I trust you to catch me." Bon winked as she slowly lifted herself up. Sally helped as she followed.
The hall was still bursting with life as they reentered. Sally held tightly to Bon's hand as the princess practically dragged her to the dance floor. "Sally, it would be an honor if you'd dance with me." Bon curtsied low to the ground, not moving until Sally lifted her chin with a finger. "My Lady BonBon, the honor is all mine." They clasped their hands together. Bon's other arm slid to Sally's shoulder, as Sally's slid to Bon's waist. "Just let me know if you need a break." Sally smiled as Bon chuckled. "I will, now show me what you got Darling." And with that, Sally swept Bon off her feet.
They spun and twirled onto the dance floor as the others stood back to watch. Bon's eyes lit up as Sally squeezed her closer. The two were in perfect sync as there feet moved to the rhythm. Blue and pink mixed together, like cotton candy, as they glided across the floor. So elegant with every sway of their hips. Bon had never felt so close to anyone before, this person she was dancing with was leading her into a beautiful work of art. She didn't want it to end. She leaned in closer, her arm touched Sally's backside as their feet continued to move with the music. "You're a wonderful dancer." Bon swooned. "Thank you, but you're only as good as your partner." Sally released Bon's waist and twirled her a few times before bringing her in once more. "Your so cute Bon. You like twirling don't you." Sally smirked flirtatiously as she moved her hand a bit lower. "I like the feel of your hands mainly, but I do like showing off." Bon chuckled playfully. "Oh?" Sally moved both hands to Bon's waist and lifted her up as the music changed. "Sally~" she giggled while lifting her arms as if in flight. "This isn't ballet silly ~" Bon hardly scolded. When she was placed back on the ground she quickly took on the new dance. Her toes where the only thing touching the floor as she twirled. Sally grabbed Bon from behind and helped support her ballerina with a huge grin on her face. She didn't know Bon could dance like this. 'How many dances does she know?' Sally thought to herself as she quickly changed the style. She tapped her heels on the ground and clapped her hands. "Flamenco now? You're making this a game aren't you?" Bon chuckled as she took hold of her dress, flinging her head back as she copied Sally's movements. Heals clicked on the floor as the two danced around each other. The band tried their best to keep up with them. "Trouble Sugar?" Sally asked as Bon couldn't get the right balance. "I'm not wearing the right shoes for this." Bon pouted. "Sorry, I was just trying to see what you can do." Sally said as she wrapped an arm around Bon's waist. Bon slid a hand up the other's shoulder as they started to tango. "Better Sugar?" Sally asked as they leaned together, legs calmly sliding past one another. "Darling, you make everything better." Bon fluttered her lashes as their faces came close together. Sally hummed as she slowly lifted Bon back to her normal standing position. The crowd cheered as the two held hands sweetly. "Happy birthday BonBon. I have something for you." Sally let go of one hand to reach into her blazer's pocket. She pulled out a small box. "Sally, you really didn't have to..." Bon was shocked when Sally got down on a knee. She opened the box which obtained a ring. A red rose gem was in the center with smaller diamonds decorating the side. Bon was speechless. "Baroness Von Bon Bon. When we first met I couldn't get you out of my mind, and even now you're the only thing I would ever want there. It would be an honor if you would allow me to become your girlfriend." Sally couldn't help but look away. If she was rejected it might as well be her end. But if she would have looked up, she would have seen Bon's eyes fully restore from their cloudy haze. Even Bon's skin regained its bright pink glow. "Sally?" Bon choked on her happiness as she fell to the floor, hugging her lover's neck. "Sally I would love to be your girlfriend!" She pulled Sally in for a long passionate kiss. The two took a moment before parting. "May I?" Sally asked while holding up the small box. "You may." Bon held out her hand. The ring fit perfectly on her slender pink finger. "Lovely, just like you." Sally smiled sweetly, giving the hand a small kiss of it's own.