*Chapter 33*
"Taffyta," Vanellope began as the two entered the large, outdoor arena, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"No," Taffyta frowned as she gazed around. The stands were bustling with people, but the sandy volleyball court before them was empty.
"You guys lost?" Came a sudden voice behind them. The two girls whirled around, coming face to face with Sonic.
"N-no, we're not lost," Taffyta said nervously, trying to keep face, "Where do we sign up?"
"Sign up?" Sonic wrinkled his nose as he stood from his beach chair, setting his drink down. Tails stood up with him as well, his tails wagging around curiously, "You want to compete in the volleyball tournament?"
"Yes," Vanellope breathed, suddenly feeling as if they weren't welcome.
"You want to challenge us?" Sonic scoffed as he put his hands on his hips.
"Yes," Taffyta barked, "Is it not obvious?"
"Alright, this should be easy," Sonic said nonchalantly as he looked at Tails, "Go tell them that we found competitors." Tails nodded and quickly sped off, leaving a cloud of sandy dust behind.
"Your pit is on the other side of the court," Sonic pointed, "The game starts in ten minutes. Good luck."
"Thanks," Taffyta breathed as the two girls quickly crossed the side of the court.
"Taff," Vanellope swallowed hard and gazed out at the sunburnt court, the sand gleamed with pride; it was perfect.
"Vin?" Taffyta chuckled as she shook her head, "You nervous?"
"Very," Vanellope spat with a small laugh, "I-I thought this was a good idea, but…are you sure we're not totally in over our heads here?"
"I'm totally positive we are swimming with the sharks," Taffyta laughed nervously as she gazed out at the crowd, everyone was gathering and picking their seats. Vanellope's eyes bulged.
"Did you see the way Sonic looked at us?" Vanellope hissed.
"Like dead women walking," Taffyta chuckled. The two reached their pit on the other side of the court, opposite Sonic's and Tails' pit.
The two quickly set their bags down and began to get somewhat comfortable. Vanellope quickly grabbed a bottle of water and began drinking quickly. Taffyta gazed at her with concern.
"Vin, chill," Taffyta scoffed, "You don't want to end up puking water all over the court."
"That'd be a good excuse to end the game without losing, right?" Vanellope asked curiously.
"Not if Ralph is watching," Taffyta laughed. Vanellope froze.
"User, Taffyta, I forgot that Ralph and Felix were planning on being here before us," Vanellope said in a rushed way, her face suddenly lost all of its color.
"Don't worry," Taffyta chuckled, "It's not like we don't know how to play volleyball."
"We don't know how to play volleyball against Sonic and Tails," Vanellope worried as she gazed out to the court, "They're undefeated!"
"Well, today, that all changes!" Taffyta said excitedly as a loud voice came over the sound system in the arena, declaring the beginning of the game. Taffyta inhaled sharply and quickly took her shirt off, revealing her bikini top, "Okay, come on Vin, you ready?"
"I-I used to be," Vanellope laughed nervously as she hesitantly took her shirt off as well, both girls in their bikini tops and board shorts. They slowly began to step out onto the court as more gamers made themselves present in the stands. Sonic and Tails emerged from the other side of the court as well, an intimidating gleam in their eyes.
"Here we go," Taffyta smiled nervously back at Vanellope. Vanellope nodded once, she began to shake as the crowd went wild.
"Geez, why is everyone going so crazy over this event?" Ralph asked as him and Felix pushed their way through the crowd into the arena.
"It's one of the largest events of the year," Felix chuckled, "I wonder who is brave enough to challenge Sonic and Tails this year."
"Someone who wants their butts whooped, that's for sure," Ralph rolled his eyes. The two quickly found a seat towards the middle of the arena and sat down.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we present to you our annual volleyball tournament!" Came someone's voice over the sound system, "For four years, they've been undefeated, give it up for Sonic and Tails!"
The crowd roared.
"I'm sure this'll be their lucky fifth year win," Felix chuckled as he nudged Ralph.
"And on the opposing team," The announcer continued, "They're sweet, they're fast, but are they fast enough? Representing Sugar Rush's sweeties, Vanellope Von Schweetz and Taffyta MuttonFudge!"
"Vanellope and Taffyta?" Felix choked as the two girls appeared on the sandy court. Felix shot Ralph a surprised look.
"Candlehead wasn't kidding," Ralph breathed as his eyes widened. He suddenly felt his whole face get hot as he locked his view on his girlfriend down on the sand. He felt as if his tongue was swollen, he couldn't wrap his mind around the image that was suddenly burned into his mind.
"Ohh, jiminy jaminy," Felix chuckled as he slapped his knee, "This is going to be some game."
Ralph felt his whole face practically burn off, his eyes basically trained to not leave the sight of Vanellope. Suddenly, the character next to him wolf whistled aloud, the whole arena cheered. Ralph immediately glared at the guy next to him, his blood almost immediately started to boil.
"That dark haired beauty sure has a nice body, eh?" The character said loudly to Ralph.
"Watch it, that's my girlfriend down there, buddy," Ralph barked angrily, his fists tightening.
"Don't you wish, Wreck-It," The character chuckled as he nudged Ralph's arm. Ralph flinched before rolling his eyes and quickly looking over to Felix.
"Aren't you glad we came, now?" Felix said with a smug smile, Ralph felt his face practically turn beet red.
"Felix," Ralph began to complain.
"I'm sure you wouldn't forgive yourself if you missed something like THIS," Felix laughed as he kept his eyes on Ralph, pestering his brother.
"Felix will you mind your own business?" Ralph shifted restlessly in his seat, his face on fire.
