SORRY IT TOO A LONG TIME. LOTS OF FAN FIC IDEAS, SO LITTLE TIME IN A DAY TO DO THEM ALL. WELL ENJOY THIS CHAPTER AND THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

i do not own Wreck-It-Ralph

A VIRUS ARISEN

Roxus awoke from his unconsciousness in the center of Game Central Station, beaten and weary from trying to fight an endless horde of creatures not from this arcade. But, he failed, without a chance. Everything was in ruins. Game characters lay dead outside their games, blast and claw marks everywhere in the vicinity, and power was barely pulsing through the surge protector to give a weak line of power to keep the games running for a bit longer. The air was filled with the distant sounds of roars, screams, and battles of a last stand inside the game consoles. The arcade was dying. All of Roxus' friends were gone. Felix was the first, when he tried to reach his wife's game. He never stood a chance. After Calhoun heard of the demise of her husband, she took whatever force she had left her game and gave one last charge into the endless horde in a hopeless fight to take down as many of those things as she could before she was cut down. Ralph gave his life to hold off as many of those viruses as possible before he drew his last breath for Roxus and Vanellope to escape. Tragically, she was ripped from his grip by a flying virus and carried off to programmer knows what. It was a matter of time before they reached Lytwak's laptop and do what they did here to that laptop. Roxus could begin to hear the screaming dying down, which meant that the viruses were nearly done with destroying everyone from the games. Roxus couldn't help thinking of all those other people trapped in their games and the people of the games waiting for their final game over. Roxus was the cause of all of this. He knew it and he could not deny that this could have been prevented if he didn't let his feelings choose the decision he made that lead to this.

Roxus moved to the exit of the station that lead to Lytwak's Laptop. He would face as many of those things before he played his last life. It's not enough to make up for causing this, but there was nothing more he could do to stop it now. This would be his penance for the death of his friends and mostly for what happened to Vanellope. Roxus felt no fear of his fate anymore, he didn't feel anything at all anymore. Vanellope's death killed him inside to feel as empty as he was when he first came to this arcade. Roxus then heard them coming and prepared his final stand against them.

From behind he felt and smelled a burning air of ash and death blow. Roxus turned around to see a huge dark clouded portal and then two malicious flame glowing demonic eyes stare right back at him. He knew those eyes all too well. They were the same ones that stared right at him when he lost his heart to become the Arisen.

From it's mouth uttered one question that has forever burned into his mind: "What is your purpose here, Arisen?"

Roxus' eyes opened wide in shock to see the starry night sky. His breaths were deep and quick and his forehead was dripping in sweat from what he was beginning to realize was only a nightmare. At least, he hoped it was just a nightmare. He looked around to see the game of Sugar Rush was still standing as it always should have, despite the new features that were put in place.

He then looked to his left to see Vanellope fast asleep in his arm without a care in the world on her face.

Huh, we both must have dozed off in the rain, he thought. Roxus thanked the programmer that she was still alive and by his side. He held her close and protectively as if fearing she might be taken again.

What a way to find yourself on a castle, Roxus thought. Most of all, however, he was glad and more happy to see her there asleep at his side than anywhere else in the arcade. After the terrifying images he saw, Roxus wanted nothing more than to hold her closer than to lose her ever again to such a fate. Funny thing was, when he held her tighter, she began to do the same, even in her sleep. Her face began to bury itself in Roxus' neck as her hands gripped tighter on his clothes. Roxus couldn't help but chuckle a bit at her adorable response. She was like an infant not wanting to part with a parent, but Roxus knew, princess or not, the roof was no place for her to sleep. Roxus then cradled her in his arms and stood up to carry her down from the roof, to her own room and bed.

The halls and rooms to her room were empty and quiet. It felt kind of eerie and lonely to think how it would be to live here on your own. I guess you don't get all the perks as a lone leader with a castle all to yourself. Sure, doing stuff in such a large home is awesome, but what good is it when it's only yourself that you are entertaining?

Just when Roxus was about to reach her door, he was startled by a deep monotone voice saying, "Need help with that?"

Roxus looked down a bit shocked to see Sour Bill looking up at him, waiting for an answer. "Geezes, you little tic-tac. You could have made me drop her, sneaking up on me like that."

Sour Bill just replied in his usual expression, "It's not like you would let that happen, anyways."

Roxus was caught off-guard by that statement, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Word is spreading how you two spent a whole night on the roof of a castle in the rain. I think that would mean enough for a person to know that caring for her is your to priority," Sour Bill informed Roxus.

Roxus felt his heart drop into his stomach. "Wait, you mean someone told about that?!" Roxus panicked in a low whisper voice.

Sour Bill let loose a small smirk when he saw that he caused Roxus to freak out. "I'm sure it will be just fine."

Roxus glared at him, knowing he was having fun with this.

"Well, I'm glad to see you break your programming from being a sour puss at my expense." He said sarcastically.

Roxus then came into Vanellope's room after Sour Bill opened the door to let him in. He hopped onto the large king sized bed to lay her at the head of the bed to rest her head on the pillow. When he tried to lay her down, her grip tightened as she felt him pulling away from her. She started to whimper a bit as her expression turned upset from feeling Roxus being drawn away from her. Roxus found himself in a bit of a fix of trying to get her in bed without him. Whenever he tried to pry a couple of her fingers off, they just clenched to another part of his clothes or onto his own fingers.

Roxus chuckled lightly from her fight to subconsciously keep her hold. That was, until Sour Bill gave a suggestion, "Why not stay until she wakes up? I'm sure you don't have much to do, anyways."

Roxus tried to argue back about having something to do, but nothing came to mind as an excuse. He sighed in surrender and nodded in agreement, "Okay, fine. But don't tell anyone we are in the same room sleeping. That would be too awkward to explain."

Sour Bill nodded. "I'll make sure you both are not disturbed," he said before closing the door.

Now this felt awkward for Roxus. Here he was, in the room of the President/Princess of Sugar Rush, top and popular racer of the players, power keeper of the glitch, and best friend to the one villain who saved the arcade. What was he, then? Lost program, probable virus, hacker, outsider, and mischief-maker. How was he able to become this close to someone so special? Now here he was, looking right at the sleeping Vanellope right next to him... and sucking her thumb, no less. Roxus wanted so much to wake her up to show her what she was doing and see the embarrassed look on her face, but she was too adorable to wake up right now. The way she cuddled and sucked her thumb was just too much.

Roxus brushed her hair from her face, something he did without realizing until he found his hand caressing her cheek. He didn't want this to happen this early. He began to realize how much she meant to him. Thoughts of leaving before began to give him cold chills of thinking he may have never been by her side like this again. Everything that he had come to love that she was had grown on him; the thought of leaving it all behind made him feel empty. Now, he wanted nothing more than to stay with her... but how was he going to let her know? Sure, he could show how strong he felt towards her but to say it to her was entirely different. This was no scripted dialogue placed in his programming to say. This was actually him feeling and wanting to say this to Vanellope. It feels cliché that, like many great and strong characters, he could take down great giant creatures and armies but was not able to say a few, simple words. It was worst for Roxus after all the great creatures he has slain. Now he was afraid of saying "I love you" to a girl. Just thinking of saying that in his head was stressful enough. It was going to happen, sooner or later, but what he could do to make it less difficult was to tell her while she slept.

Roxus looked into her sleeping face fearing she could wake up to hear him say it. Fortunately, she looked too deep in slumber to do so. Roxus placed a hand on her cheek and summoned as much strength as he could. He let his feelings go to make it easier as he gazed into her closed eyes.

"I love you Vanellope. 'Til death and beyond." Roxus whispered to her.

Roxus heart jumped a beat when he heard her sigh and smile. It was either coincidence or she was dreaming of him saying it to her in a dream. Roxus relaxed when she went still once more in her sleep. He then kissed her forehead and laid his head on the pillow staring at Vanellope holding her hand. Roxus then soon began to doze off. Soon, both slept soundly and happily until the day began for Lytwak's arcade to open.

LATER THAT DAY

The day went as it usually did, with the arcade being busy and kids playing Sugar Rush more often now. The main attraction was the bonus level Starburst Road. Of course, everyone still wanted to try out the new characters: Roxus, Noctus, and Flannery. They especially liked the new racing vehicles of motorcycles, three-wheeled bikes, and a hover car.

But what all the game programs were truly waiting for was the great event of Sugar Rush at the end of the day: The Sugar Rush Grand Prix. Everything was set, the courses just needed to be connected at closing time. Also, everyone else wanted to know how things went between Roxus and Vanellope. After closing time, they will surely see how much they have changed after meeting up and Rancis will be in for the most unpleasant surprise of his life.

After closing time, the racers drove to the finish line after doing a demo run after the game ended. Roxus and Vanellope were last in coming because they thought it was a good idea to go off-road after the cameras moved off them. Meanwhile, everyone waited for them to return from whatever the two free-spirited racers went off to do.

Noctus sighed in relief. "For once, I was looking forward to the end of the day."

Flannery smirked as she got off of her racer. "And thank goodness it's here!"

Snowanna and Taffyta leaned up against her kart, "So, everything went well between them?" Taffyta asked Flannery.

Snowanna replied, "Things seemed to go well, I think. Right, Flannery?"

Noctus groaned before turning away. "The regular gossips... I'm out of here."

Flannery rolled her eyes. "As far as I know, yes. Noctus pulled me away before I could see much."

Rancis decided to cut in at hearing the name Roxus, "What do you mean? Roxus left. You all know he can't stay here, or else he will ruin our game."

Flannery groaned. "Rancis, I could have sworn you were spoiled, not a realist."

Taffyta was just about having enough of Rancis, "Look here, peanut butter brain, you have no right to decide whether he can stay or not. He is here to stay and we all will help fight whatever may come to our game because we care for Vanellope's happiness and not your stupid ego, so shut the fudge up!" Taffyta said, poking him in the chest at the last few words.

Everyone else was shocked and surprised at the sudden outburst from Taffyta to defend Roxus.

Flannery was taken aback and couldn't even respond. Noctus looked back at the scene after Taffyta's eruption before musing.

"Well... I had no idea Taffyta would go so far as to defend Roxus... How intriguing. I suppose she is the lesser of two egos..."

"Yeah, didn't you not like Roxus?" Swizzle asked wanting to know.

Taffyta sighed, "Look, he may be frustrating and a real pain, but I know that he means well. I would like to give him a chance if it makes Vanellope happy."

Candlehead raised her hand, wanting to speak to Flannery.

Flannery nodded after a second and walked over to her. "Yes, Candlehead? What would you care to say?"

Candlehead shouted cheerfully, "Does this make Roxus and Vanellope King and Queen yet!?"

Rancis nearly choked on his breath after hearing this while the others sighed in frustration of going through this again. The other racers either face palmed or sighed shaking their heads.

Flannery groaned. "This day might be longer than I thought..."

Noctus looked to Candlehead. "Not yet. I can't assure you that it will happen, but it is possible. Just be patient a little longer, alright?"

Rancis started to overreact, "Wait, what are you all talking about? It sounds as if you're saying that him and Vanellope are more than just friends!"

Noctus groaned. "Oh, great... he isn't blind. I guess I was wrong about him, then."

"You got to be pulling my leg. There is no way she could ever have feeling for that outcast... that-that Virus!" Rancis said, his face flushed in anger and shock.

"Dude, what is your problem? Can't you let Roxus alone for once?" Gloyd defended.

Flannery crossed her arms in anger. "Since when are you dictating Vanellope's feelings for her?"

"That mistake of a program shouldn't even belong in this arcade, much less this game!" Rancis shouted back, "She deserves someone who looks more like he could be at her side."

Jubileena was one to love and be all about love and hearing Rancis try to ruin what she thinks is a romantic moment between two she likes seeing together boiled her blood sugar. "Don't call Roxus that, you sour patch brat!"

Noctus glared at both of them. "Can we all just calm down for one second and stop yelling at each other and calling each other names? This is supposed to be a sweet, pleasant environment, and we should keep from conflict. I get that Rancis is trying badly to hide his obvious... presuppositions and Jubileena is a romantic... so can we please try and keep some degree of order?"

Rancis scoffed, "We'll just see who is more fit to be with Vanellope" Rancis just hopped into his kart and rested his feet on the dashboard and begun sucking on a sucker.

"I wonder how much things will change after everything has happened?" Swizzle asked out loud, more to himself.

Flannery looked around. "Things have already changed... and I must say, I enjoy it being this way. I'm pretty sure things will only get better from here."

Roxus and Vanellope finally arrived and the first thing the others saw them doing was argue.

"You call that a stunt? I've seen better tricks on Halloween" Vanellope said to Roxus continuing an argument which they seemed to have started long before.

"Admit it. I did the best stunt ever." Roxus said.

"Your stunts were as impressive as a jawbreaker stuck in the ground. My stunts, however, were far off the charts!" Vanellope retorted.

Roxus rolled his eyes, "By off the charts, you mean breaking through the bottom of disappointing."

Vanellope narrowed her eyes at him, "I'll show you disappointing when I kick your butt!" she yelled before tackling him to the ground.

Soon, Vanellope and Roxus were rolling over on the ground, wrestling, while everyone else was just staring at their strange behavior. Vanellope would do most of the slapping and kicking while Roxus mostly pushed and shook her with both calling each other names like doody face, big butt, or farty Mcfartpants.

Taffyta shook her head, "Well, it looks like not much has changed, after all."

Noctus started laughing at that. "They're so much alike... I suppose opposites don't really attract, after all."

Gloyd watched Roxus and Vanellope continue to wrestle and then asked, "Is anyone going to break them up?"

Noctus sighed before walking up to both of them and trying to pull them away from each other. Unfortunately he got pulled in the tangle of the brawl and found himself struggling to get out of it.

Swizzle looked at everyone in question, "Should we all just try to pull them apart?"

Crumbelina just smirked as she watched the fight, "Why? this is hilarious."

"I want to join!" Candlehead exclaimed, starting to walk over.

Swizzle grabbed her arm and shook his head, "Better let them sort this out on their own."

Candlehead gave a pouting face and sighed, "Oh, gummy bears. Why do they get all the fun?"

Flannery couldn't help but giggle at Noctus' futile attempts to try and extricate himself from the wrestling match.

Noctus was trying to escape, but the other combatants had a firm grip on him, and he couldn't seem to be able to break it, "Oh, for crying out loud..."

"What the heck is going on here?" a big, friendly voice called out. Sure enough, it was Ralph that came in and pried Roxus and Vanellope off from each other and Noctus by holding them apart in the air, still swinging their arms and legs out at each other. "Hey, knock it off, you two!" Ralph scolded as he shook them in the air.

They both were shaken out of their tantrums from being shaken roughly.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Okay, I'm done, ya big ding dong!" Roxus said, trying to get Ralph to stop.

"Hey! Is this any way to treat a president, dum dum butt?" Vanellope complained.

"Or spoil all the fun" Roxus added, giving a small pout while crossing his arms.

Ralph shook his head, "Come on, guys. You got a big race to show everyone. They are going to be here in a while, so let's get ready, okay?"

Vanellope rolled her eyes, "Fine, stink brain, but afterwards I'm kicking Roxus' butt."

Ralph smirked, "I'm sure no one will stop you from that."

Roxus stuck his tongue out at Ralph, "Some big bro you turned out to be." Then Roxus and Ralph began to chuckle in good humor. Roxus then helped Noctus up, "By the way, sorry about pulling you into that scrap. It seemed like a good joke at the time."

Noctus shrugged. "I suppose I can forgive you this time. I mean, it really wasn't that bad, compared to some of your other jokes."

Roxus walked off with the rest of the racers, "Come on, you guys; let's all get ready for the big race." They all began talking about who would win and who would beat who as they headed to their karts to prepare them.

Ralph stopped Vanellope, "Hey kid, let's go see if Felix can see if your kart needs tuning up." Ralph picked up her kart over his shoulder and began walking her over to the exit. Vanellope was a bit disappointed for not going with Roxus, but it was nice being back with her major body odor friend. She also waved Flannery to bring her kart along with them. Soon, they made it to the exit and got ready to take the tunnel down to Game Central. But Ralph's main reason wasn't just to help her out fixing up her kart; it was a more personal matter, "So, how is it between you and Roxus?"

Vanellope paused for a brief moment, not expecting the straight-out question. After everything that happened yesterday and how magical it was for her, this was something she couldn't just tell anyone… Not even Ralph.

Flannery raised an eyebrow. "I know you've known her longer than I have... But why are you invading her privacy?"

Ralph chuckled a bit, "I want to know that my little baroness booger face friend has found someone to make her happy."

Vanellope looked away, trying to hide her blush, "I don't know what you are talking about, molasses butt. Nothing has changed at all."

Ralph raised a brow, seeing through her like a window, and smirked. "Whatever you say, President fart feathers. That little rocky brat is such a little nerd anyways."

"HIS NAME IS ROXUS and he's better than anyone in the whole arcade!" Vanellope burst out and then covered her mouth, embarrassed, for showing such a strong burst of anger from Ralph making fun of Roxus.

Flannery laughed at this. "I'm sorry... You're just not very good at hiding your emotions."

Ralph laughed as well and then patted her back, "It's okay, Vanellope. I'm glad he makes you happy enough to defend him. So, I'm guessing you two made it official sometime yesterday?"

Vanellope really didn't care anymore about it after her little outburst. so she just decided to give in, "Okay, fine. Yeah, it is official and no, this won't change who I am. But don't tell anyone about this or else I'll make it a law for everyone to call you diaper baby."

Ralph didn't like the threat and it showed in his expression.

Flannery grinned. "Are you going to make us swear to secrecy? 'Keep the circle small,' as the saying goes?"

Vanellope grinned back, "Like the secret about you blushing when Noctus took you away?"

Flannery scowled, though it was evident she was completely embarrassed. "S... So? Why are you shifting the topic so quickly?"

Vanellope rolled her eyes, smirking, "I just want you to know I got some fudge on you as well." She then makes a scrunching face as she talks to Flannery in mockery, "I think you two are the cutest couple of peeps I have ever seen." She laughs right after seeing Flannery grow red with anger and embarrassment.

Flannery groaned. "Fine. We agree not to divulge the other's secrets?"

Ralph was at an awkward stance, listening to the girls talk about secret crushes and blackmail. This was a thing he didn't want to get involved in, so he tried to move on to a lighter subject, "So, is Roxus going to stay in a new home in Sugar Rush or will he have his own room in the castle?"

Vanellope actually never thought about that. She didn't want him still living games away from where she was and him having a place to live on his own in the same game as she was would make it even worse, knowing he's close and yet far from where she was. Roxus would most likely live in some far-off, unexplored terrain in Sugar Rush. Vanellope didn't want to tell them straight up she wanted him living in the castle with her. But then again she thought back to waking up next to him in her bed. It took her quite by surprise, but it was a good surprise. She liked him being the first person she saw when waking up. She would never tell him, but she thought he looked cute when he was asleep like a little baby. Also the big surprise that she saw him holding her hand while he slept made her blush in a state of bliss as she remembered the moment.

Back to the question, she went with the second best thing for an answer: "Well, it's up to him, really, where he wants to stay, you know. I mean, he is Roxus, after all…"

Flannery nodded. "Completely unpredictable..."

Ralph nodded in agreement, but then another question entered his mind, "So, what does this make him? Your presidential boyfriend, or something?"

Vanellope blushed at the thought of wanting to go back to the title princess to make Roxus a prince. That would be a mistake to say in front of these two, but she thought of an alternative answer, "Well, we never really thought about what to call it. So far it will be.. you know… A really close... couple, I guess?"

"Hmm... Seems a bit lackluster to me..." Flannery pointed out. "From their win/loss records, I'd say that you're the leading racers of Sugar Rush... The Masters of the Track, if you will."

"Yeah, let's go with what she said," Vanellope quickly agreed.

RACING LINE

Roxus was making repairs to his motorbike while Noctus sat in his own vehicle. Gloyd and Swizzle just watched as Roxus did his repairs in order to learn about how his bike worked or maybe get some tips about racing. It was an eventful day, to say the least, when things would get in motion; It was, no doubt, the most historic thing that will happen in Sugar Rush.

"Ratchet!" Roxus called out to Swizzle.

Swizzle gave him the ratchet and then asked, " So, how does it feel, having the president as your girlfriend?"

Roxus hit his head on part of the engine from losing his focus from the personal question that made him jolt up a bit, "OW! Son of a jelly sandwich!"

Noctus chuckled to himself before speaking. "I suppose that wasn't the time for a personal question, Swizzle. How would you feel if he asked you whom you liked?"

Swizzle smirked, "You can't get me with a question like that, even if there was a girl enough to handle me."

"I have a feeling it's Minty. You two seem to have something there." Gloyd said, giving his thoughts.

Roxus sat up, rubbing his head, "Not to mention they both have close to the same color of hair, skin, and eyes."

Swizzle started to stutter a bit, "W-well, that doesn't have t-to do with anything…"

Noctus sighed and threw his head back in his kart. "To think I opened my big mouth..."

"Don't feel so bad, Noctus. At least you helped me get back at him for the head." Roxus said, making Gloyd snicker at a frowning Swizzle.

Noctus grinned. "I suppose so... but don't feel too bad, Swizz. I'm pretty sure anyone would be embarrassed by the prospect of secret crushes getting out."

Swizzle crossed his arms, "Okay, fine let's talk about racing, then."

"Okay, lets talk about how I can outrace all of you, driving backwards, blindfolded." Roxus antagonized. This obviously led to them all arguing about how each of them can easily take on the others. Roxus just went back to work on his bike as he listened to them argue as if it was music to his ears.

As they continued talking about racing, they were interrupted by a not-so-friendly voice.

"How about we go back to the other subject?" Rancis said with a pouting look on his face, crossing his arms. His main focus was straight at Roxus, with a great deal of jealousy and anger. "Let's talk about who is more better off with someone else than another certain virus?"

Roxus could feel himself tempted to change into his original game's form and rip Rancis' head off, but he calmed himself as much as he could. He then crawled out from under his bike and stood to confront Rancis. "I don't think we need to push any buttons here, Rancis. Choices have been made and the ones who made those choices are happy with them."

Rancis gave a smug look, "I don't think those choices were well-thought out. If we all took the time to think of what is best, we all know how this would have all really ended."

Noctus nodded. "Rancis would still be forever alone."

Rancis kept his cool, focusing his attention on Roxus, "You know that you don't belong here, or even in the arcade, for that matter. In fact, you shouldn't even have a place here, especially with Vanellope. I was made the most good-looking racer here, but you, Roxus, needed to make yourself look good because you never were supposed to exist. Just a flaw in technical difficulties."

Gloyd was about to charge into Rancis with fists flying, but Swizzle held him back, "Don't let it get to you, Gloyd. That self-glorifying sour patch doesn't even deserve it."

Noctus jumped up from his cart, glaring at Rancis. "Listen. He's a better person than you'll ever be, so you have no right to speak to him as such. In fact, in case you hadn't noticed, your ego is the reason why you can't ever get any girl to notice you in a good way."

Rancis scoffed at Noctus, "Look who is talking? One who should never have been unlocked. I have every right to speak, since I am an original character from this game. Also, in case you haven't noticed, his being here almost got us killed at the punch falls by that beast from his game. Everyone knows that a virus should never be allowed in this arcade. Who is to say that you haven't been infected by his code to let things in to ruin our game? If someone were to tell the surge protector about this little virus here, then maybe future accidents could be prevented."

This time Swizzle was about to come in with fists flying until Gloyd stopped him, "Hey, what was all that stuff you said to me a while ago?" Gloyd said trying to calm Swizzle down.

Roxus had enough, "What is it with you, Rancis? Why do you have to persist in this? Can't you be happy, knowing that Vanellope is happy? Knowing that I would do anything to keep her that way? Why can't you just let it go when there are so many other girl racers around? Even the recolors…"

Rancis looked Roxus dead in the eye, "I was supposed to be with her. It was in my code to do so. Then, you just happened to force your way in our game and messed with the program. It wasn't my fault that Turbo erased our memories and made me forget about what she was. If I could have remembered, I would have done something about it!" Rancis finished, breathing heavily.

Roxus looked back at him with pity, "I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry I was forced from where I came. I'm sorry I had no where to go or be. I'm sorry I knew nothing of the rules and ways of this arcade. I'm sorry I messed with everyone's program."

Gloyd and Swizzle stood in confusion at what Roxus was saying while Rancis had the smug expression of having his point made.

Noctus was nearly speechless. "I feel... So out of place…" He murmured.

"Then you admit that you were never meant to be with her." Rancis stated coldly.

Roxus nodded, "I do." Rancis turned to walk away, but not before Roxus continued, "I admit she was never supposed to be with me. I was never meant to unlock Noctus or Flannery. I admit I was never meant to make new friends or even exist in this arcade when I was taken from my home." Roxus stepped up to Rancis, raising his voice, "I admit I was never supposed to make new tracks or give new challenges to make this game more successful, to make Vanellope happy from what her programming was made to be!" Rancis was unable to think of something to say to try to interrupt from Roxus' outburst,. "But they did happen. Not knowing they could be altered by our own choices, they happened, despite what our codes say. If we are able to go off from what we know or programmed to know, you can't blame Turbo for not having the choice to help take Vanellope's side when Turbo was around."

Swizzle and Gloyd were in awe at Roxus' point of view and speech. Inside, they were cheering Roxus on, in order not to interrupt him.

Noctus smiled. "This guy... Can speak like a pro!"

"You can sugar coat this to whatever you want, but the bitter truth in the center is life cannot be controlled by our programming. We don't have to follow our code. We choose what we want and how we want to act. Ralph is the epitome of my point. He was a bad guy, never meant to be nice, or save anyone or anything. Yet he saved Vanellope, Sugar Rush, all of you, and the Arcade, despite what his program said. Vanellope and I made our choices and neither you nor our code will change that."

Rancis had nothing left to say, so he gave a scowl and stomped off, but not before saying to himself, "Let us see about that." These words were quiet enough that only he could hear them.

Gloyd and Swizzle came up and started patting Roxus on the back.

"That was awesome, bro! Maybe you can give me some speech tips before I race." Gloyd praised Roxus.

Swizzle fist bumped Roxus, "Well said, my main man. That was inspiring."

Noctus grinned. "I certainly couldn't have said it better, myself."

Roxus fell back, feeling exhausted, "Whew, that felt like it took a lot out of me." In his life as another game character with no dialogue, this was very new and against what he was meant to ever do.

Noctus walked over to him and pat him on the back. "You gave one of the greatest speeches I've ever heard; that's to be expected. But still... We need to finish fixing up our racers before the Grand Prix, right?"

Roxus got back up, "Lets hope you guys don't yell out for me to make a speech before the race," he joked before laughing.

Gloyd was thinking about the idea for a moment. Roxus saw his thinking expression and his face froze. After a second, Gloyd looked back at Roxus and laughed. "I was only kidding, Roxus."

Roxus gave a frown, "Not cool, dude."

Noctus rolled his eyes. "Come on... Let's get to work, shall we?"

FIX-IT FELIX, JR.

While Vanellope and Flannery were waiting for Felix to finish with everything on her kart, they stayed in Felix's room. At first, they talked about how Felix kept hanging medals on the wall and what he would do when he ran out of space. The same went for Ralph, as well. Would he and Felix keep building more buildings out of the fallen bricks, or would they just make the buildings taller? Vanellope even got to the subject of trying to get Flannery to admit that she was still the top racer, even against Roxus. This was one thing Flannery tried to avoid: taking sides and getting caught on who to back up.

They even talked about how such a small guy ended up with someone like Calhoun. Vanellope would make most of the jokes about them, but in the end, she thought it was kind of cool how real opposites attracted with them two. Then, that's where things started getting personal and deep.

Vanellope started looking down and became quiet towards Flannery and it showed very clearly, as Vanellope rubbed the ring on her finger.

Flannery smiled. "I guess opposites attract only in some cases, right?"

"Flannery?" Vanellope asked, sounding a bit scared and unsure.

Flannery nodded. "Think about it. There's so much about you and Roxus that's alike."

"That's what I have been thinking about, but..." Vanellope paused before speaking again. "What happens next? Do we just stay where we are? I don't know anything about what goes on after this. We don't get older, we stay young kids forever. I am the president, like I changed it to be, but ever since Roxus came I have been having these thoughts to be a princess again in order to allow him to... Rrgh!"

Vanellope pressed her fist to her forehead in frustration about these feelings of an unknown cause. These new experiences were just getting her more confused about what the next step was in this new life she was getting into. All she knew was they were getting stronger and filling her mind with questions on what possibilities the future could hold. She knew Roxus had a good idea about where things like this ended up, but she was scared frozen stiff on the thought of even asking him. All she could do now was cry, helpless and clueless. Everyone knew in Sugar Rush that they would never grow older, but what Vanellope was beginning to understand was the mind keeps growing, even if the body doesn't. Nothing could stop the mind from taking in new data and wondering what more there could be.

Flannery sat down beside her and put a hand on her back. "Don't worry. I'm sure you guys can come up with the perfect solution if you talk to him about it. Both you and Roxus are pretty bright; I'm sure that you can figure something out. The only advice I can give you is to focus on the here and now... Worrying about the future only downgrades the experience."

Vanellope nodded to that logic. worrying wasn't helping her think any better now than taking it one game at a time to figure it out. So she thought of positive things to ask Flannery but she wanted to make sure it would be kept a secret, "I keep your secret safe if you keep my secret safe, right?"

She nodded, blushing slightly. "I believe those were the terms."

"Cuz I want to ask you personal questions," Vanellope said. "It's more about asking your opinion."

Flannery sighed. "Very well. I suppose it can't hurt..."

Vanellope twiddled her fingers a bit before asking, "What if I was to go back to being a princess? Would that make Roxus a prince?" She started to blush beet-red from her question.

Flannery thought about it for a second. "I... don't think so. There are only two ways to become a prince. The first is to be born from a queen by birthright. The second..." she smirked, "Is by marriage."

Vanellope's heart dropped to her stomach. She never thought of that as a possible option. She began to turn pale and sweat, "W-w-what?! W-why would you... How could I... We are just... Marriage!?" Was all she could say in her state of shock, "But we're just kids! We can't actually... can we?"

Flannery shrugged for a second. "Remember three things. One, you guys are technically a lot older, mentally. two, nothing has to be done right away... our game is popular, so you won't be going anywhere for a long time. Three..." she paused before smiling. "Calm down. Nothing has to happen at all. So just wait and try not to freak out."

Vanellope waved her arms up and down in panic, "But I have his son of a gum ring on my finger! What does this mean now!?" She said beginning to hyperventilate and looked around the room frantically, "I need a wrapper! give me a wrapper!"

Flannery sighed exasperatedly before finding a wrapper and giving it to her. "Will you please calm down? You don't have to do anything just yet... you have plenty of time. Did you not hear me before?"

After breathing through a wrapper to calm down, Vanellope started throwing a tantrum, "Of course I heard what you said! What I'm saying is, what if anyone else sees and knows about this? Rumors will start flying all over the place! Everyone will be expecting a wedding date or some special ceremony to make Roxus a prince! What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I... *SMACK!* OW!" Flannery smacked Vanellope to snap her out of it.

"Snap out of it and don't let it go to your head! If anyone spreads any rumors about you, they are incredibly insensitive and idiotic for not getting the entire story first! Just... stay focused on the here and now, like I said. Don't worry about things that might not happen." Flannery ensured Vanellope trying to calm her down.

Vanellope rubbed her cheek, "Thanks, I needed that."

Flannery grinned. "Hey, no problem."

Felix then came in with his usual, cheery self, "Well, Madam President, Your kart is all fixed and ready to go."

His cheery expression was enough to let anyone forget their troubles. Vanellope rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Thanks a lot, cheery pop. Now, to go make history as the first Grand Prix winner."

Flannery smirked. "Not if I reach the finish line first, mon amie."

Ralph came in to add to the competition, "Well, first you have to try to pass up Roxus."

Flannery smirked. "Valid point, but who says I can't?"

"Hey, we need to get you all to the race, or you're going to be late!" Felix warned.

"Fine. We will see me at the finish line after the race, then." Vanellope said with overconfidence.

Flannery nodded. "We'll see each other there... it's only a matter of who gets there first."

"I got my money on Roxus," Ralph said, placing his personal bet.

"Ralph!" Vanellope whined in a shocked and disappointed tone, "You're supposed to be on my side!"

Ralph shrugged apologetically, "Sorry but I feel that Roxus has a really good shot at this."

Flannery chuckled. "I suppose we'll see how this all turns out soon, huh?" She grinned. "Let's get to the track before they start without us!"

SUGAR RUSH (Candy Cane Forest)

Turbo made his way through the trees to get to a good enough clearing at a cliff side to see the open land showing the starting line of the race track. He could see most of the arcade was already down there, finishing up the whole track for people to sit down and have entertainment for those who were waiting for the race to begin.

Turbo then brought out a data box and opened it to once again open the portal showing the fearsome face of the dragon inside the swirling, dark-clouded portal.

"We are here, Master, but I don't see Alpha down there." Turbo said, bowing to the dragon.

"That is because he isn't down there yet!" the Dragon growled, making Turbo shake nervously.

Turbo looked up at the dragon to ask, "Why don't we just attack now? I'm sure your greatness can destroy them all without resistance."

The Dragon's eyes glowed in annoyance of Turbo's persistent planning, "I cannot fully enter this world if I don't have a direct connection to the Arisen. I need you to either deliver the data box to Roxus or find someone who can without raising suspicion. Once we are connected once more, I will be able to continue my purpose as the ultimate choice the Arisen will soon have to make."

Turbo wondered what he meant by it. Just hearing the Dragon say this sent cold, dark chills through his code. He was not about to question this beast.

"As you command, master. I will find a way to connect you to Alpha."

Just as he said that, he heard someone muttering something to himself. Turbo carefully moved past the candy cane trees to get a better look and saw Rancis in some kind of angered tantrum. The words that caught Turbo's ears were "Roxus" and "having revenge".

Turbo then let an evil grin cross his face, "I think I found a way to do your will, master." he said, knowing the Dragon heard him.

Meanwhile at the starting line, new music from different games played for the special presentation of the Grand Prix. In addition to new lights, spectacles from mechanical displays, holograms, jets, stunt planes, and other eye-openers dazzled the audience of this grand occasion. Crowds from different games took seats all along the sides of the tracks, completely filling and crowding the sidelines. Betting stands, food stands, small games, and even gift shops with things made of candy (obviously) were among the attractions available. The game was alive with excitement and anticipation. Even the sky was made to display the evening setting, so fireworks and light shows could be seen. It was a crossover over many games and programs. This would surely live as a historical day; not only for Sugar Rush, but for the whole arcade.

But, the main attraction was moving to the last racing track in the sky of Starburst Road. The stands for the game characters to sit in were already modified to blast off the ground and fly into the sky towards the colorful and epic track. Then, there was the meeting with the different racers where they were in the spotlight, giving interviews and going so far as to sigh autographs. Roxus didn't know how they were able to pull off getting fans so quickly, even before the race started. There was even the racing hall museum that someone decided to add with recorded past races and image shots of certain parts of every race that was ever raced. Some images had goofy shots of some of the racers getting hit by power-ups like Jubileena getting A La Mode by a scoop of ice cream. Her face was priceless.

Roxus looked out at it all from a hill. Of course, he had seen differently made tracks from Little Big Planet Karting and Mod Racing, but to see actual games build their own was inspiring and breathtaking. He took in the view as much as he could. It gave him butterflies in his stomach and made him feel a little sick from the spectacle. It was certainly too much to take in at once. He just sat down and laid back, looking up at the evening sky to calm his nerves. Sure, he could have taken credit for making this all happen, but he knew that is was in them all the whole time to create their own world. He was just the drop that made the ripple. Roxus just laid there looking at the sky, until it was suddenly blocked by a long-haired friend.

"Hey, Bromigo!" Dunderson said, out of the blue.

Roxus almost jumped out of his skin at the surprise visit, "AHH! Geez, you long haired hippy! You nearly scared the fudge pudding out of me!"

Dunderson just laughed, "Didn't mean to scare you, little dude." He then took a seat next to Roxus. "Just wanted to come tell you your friends from your game console responded to your message." Roxus was shocked by this; he didn't count on them responding to his message. Or now, at least, he hoped they wouldn't. "They said they were surprised that you are alive after they sent a search out for you. They thought you were erased, somehow, during the shutdown."

Roxus didn't know what to say, "Was that it?"

"No, little dude. They said all you need to do is send yourself in an e-mail to the laptop back home and you can head back home. Isn't that awesome, little bro?" Dunderson asked, expecting Roxus to do something related to jumping for joy, but all he did was look unsure.

"Dude, is something up? You're looking low, man."

Roxus sighed, "I'm not so sure I want to go back now."

Dunderson was puzzled by Roxus' sudden change of mind. "I don't understand. You looked so set on going back home and now you changed your mind?"

Roxus fell on his back, frustrated. "Something came up that made me want to stay."

Dunderson caught on immediately. "Oh wait, was this about the sugar doll princess here?"

Roxus cursed how it seemed everyone seemed to conclude this, "How did you know and who told you, so I can run them over?"

Dunderson chuckled. "Dude, you were talking to your friend about it when you were in at the laptop. I was listening the whole way through."

Roxus slapped his head, "Duh, why didn't I think of that?" He sighed before continuing, "Fine, yes, it's because… well, mostly because I wanted to stay here with her the whole time, but…" Roxus paused.

"But what? You two seemed to be made for each other despite you both coming from game worlds apart." Dunderson said, trying to understand where Roxus was going with this.

"But the main reason why I decided to stay was because… well, uh..." Roxus was trying so hard to think of a way to put it.

"Come on, man, you can tell me." Dunderson said reassuringly.

Roxus pointed a warning finger at him, "Swear not to tell or you shall tie yourself to the Gum Drop Canyon to be crushed by many gumballs. Swear it."

Dunderson raised his hand. "I swear to whatever you just said."

Roxus took a breath before saying, "Vanellope wore the Arisen's Bond ring she somehow got from me and now we are bound to each other for life."

Dunderson was surprised and became enthusiastic about it, "Whoa man! Congrats. Looks like you two are going to get hitched soon, I should tell everyone." he said as he began to get up.

Roxus jumped to his feet, "He-Hey! You swore not to tell anyone!"

Dunderson turned around, laughing. "Stay cool, bro. I was just kidding about that. I just wanted to see how you reacted." Roxus glared at him and sat back down in a pout. "Aw, come on, man, it was just a little joke. I didn't mean anything by it. Are we cool?" He asked, holding out a fist.

Roxus rolled his eyes and fist-bumped Dunderson, "Yeah, I guess. It's not like I haven't done that to others, before. I guess I had it coming to me."

Dunderson then asked Roxus, "So, do you want me to send your home friends a message?"

Roxus thought for a while, "Tell them I will be staying here for a while. But, I will talk to them from time to time."

Dunderson nodded, "That's cool, bro. It's good to know that you are staying after all." The two sat there in silence for a while until Dundersun asked, "So, any real plans for that thing about Vanellope wearing that ring? Because that will make people think of it as something more."

Roxus laid on his back and sighed, "I don't know. I just hope we keep it as what we are or people think it's just an accessory she is wearing until we figure it out."

Dunderson smirked, "You know you would make a great prince to this place for her. She has glitch powers and you have altering powers." Roxus folded his arms over his face in half embarrassment and frustration, "Plus, seeing what game you were from, I say you are highly qualified for the job. You might want to consider it."

Roxus then spoke through his arms over his face, "I'll take that into account."

Dunderson got up. "Well, I better go down and place my bet before they close it down."

Roxus huffed. "Yeah, I better get my bike ready."

Both started to head down to the race track to prepare for the race. It would surely be one to remember.

CANDY CANE FOREST

Rancis continued to rage over what Roxus said. He knew it was true. He could have taken Vanellope's side at any moment. Instead he took the side of the second best girl he knew. But that only put Taffyta in charge. He foolishly did whatever she said in order to gain more of her favor. It all proved pointless in the end. Now he lost everything to a virus, an outcast, a program that he wanted gone at any cost if it meant getting Vanellope. But it would have to look as if it happened by coincidence.

Rancis balled his fist, "I'll deal with you for good, Roxus... No matter what it takes."

Rancis then heard a dark chuckle from behind. He turned to see a hooded small man (Turbo left his face covered to keep his identity hidden).

"So, you wish to get rid of that virus, right?" Turbo asked, though he knew the answer.

Rancis nodded, "For good, yes." But, Rancis then wondered who he was and why he is asking. "Wait a sec... Who are you and why do you care?

Turbo laughed, "Who I am doesn't matter. What does matter is that I wish him gone as much as you for my own reasons. Is that not enough for you?"

Rancis didn't really care who the man was anymore as long as he liked what the man was saying. "Go on..." he allowed Turbo to continue..

Turbo brought out a data box. "This is that Virus' data box that he had placed all over the arcade. I gathered them to make a sure way to expose him for what he is and have the arcade deal with him for good. All you need to do is give it to him and let him receive it and the rest will do itself"

Rancis took the data box without hesitation. "Will it expose it to have Vanellope turn on him?"

Turbo shrugged, "I could say it will have her see him in a completely different way. By the time it is done, Vanellope might even give herself to you."

Rancis gave a cold smirk. "And no one will know my involvement ,right?"

Turbo cackled, "Maybe Roxus will get wise to you after, but who is going to believe a virus?"

Rancis nodded. "I just want everything to be as it should have been. I want to take my rightful place in this game."

Turbo turned to leave, but not before adding, "You will find you will get more than you bargained for." Rancis had a chill in him from hearing that, but shrugged it off.

"I trust you will do the right thing to meet our satisfaction." And with that, Turbo vanished deep into the cover of the forest's saccharine branches, leaving Rancis looking at the data box with a rising smirk.

Later, Rancis was just coming out of the forest after having a strange encounter with the strange person. He didn't know the intentions of what he wanted, but the outcome sounded like a whole lot better than to pass by. At this point, Rancis would do whatever it took to try and get Vanellope for himself as well as his place, like the program intended. You can't mess with the program. It's just not supposed to be that way. He wanted what was rightfully his. If this would get rid of Roxus, then it would have to be done. But, there was just something that didn't feel right with the guy he just met; something familiar and creepy about him just kept gnawing at his judgment. But, that would have to wait until the race was over.

Rancis soon came to the racing area where everyone was either getting an interview or preparing before the race. Rancis then saw Roxus just sitting on his bike, looking like he was mentally preparing himself to race. Rancis took a breath to calm himself for what he was about to say.

"Hey, Roxus?" Rancis asked in a cool, non-hostile way.

Roxus came out of his focus and walked up to Rancis, "Yeah? What is it?" he asked, trying not to sound too upset because of last time they spoke.

"I just wanted to come and apologize about what I said yesterday. You were right and I guess I was just upset with myself. I should let things be the way they turned out and be grateful Vanellope found someone to make her happy." Rancis apologized.

Roxus was suspicious on all this. What made Rancis all apologetic all of the sudden? How could he be sure Rancis was being sincere?

"What's with the sudden change of heart, Rancis?"

Rancis drooped his head. "Look, I know it is hard to believe what I say after what I did and said in the past. It's just what you said kept repeating in my mind until it made me realize that there was nothing I could do. Besides, like you said, there are many other girls I can go for. I should accept what has happened and move on."

Roxus was inclined to believe him. There was a strange, nagging feeling in him, but Roxus wanted so much to take him at his words and end this drama between them all. So Roxus took the chance and extended his hand to Rancis. "Friends with no feud?"

Rancis smirked and shook Roxus' hand. " Friends with no feud."

"Well, you'd better get ready for the race. Wouldn't want to start it without you being unprepared." Roxus said in good nature.

Rancis was about to leave until he turned to Roxus again, "Oh I almost forgot. This weird, strange guy came to tell me that your data is ready and gave me this box." Rancis pulled out a small box. "I don't know what he was talking about, but we all know you like to do stuff in secret, so it's best not to ask."

Roxus took the box, "Don't worry, I know the guy. It's all cool." Rancis started to head off until Roxus called out to him, "If you need help getting a girlfriend, just ask me for some pointers!"

Rancis spoke to himself in a mischievous way, "Don't worry, my girl will be available to me real soon."

Rancis left Roxus holding the box Rancis gave him. He opened it to see his data inside. He had a weird feeling about all this, but as long as he has his data, what else could go wrong? Roxus then placed his hand on it and the data digitized into him. He then had a sudden dizzy feeling in his head after that which caused him to fall to his knees, barely able to hold himself up.

Noctus ran up to him, worried. "Roxus! What happened? Are you alright?"

Roxus shook his head to clear his sight. "I think so. I've never had that happen to me before."

Noctus sighed. "I don't think it's a good sign... Bad things could stem from this."

"What are you saying, that I should back out of the race? I'm not about to give up the race of a lifetime because of a little dizzy spell!" Roxus said stubbornly.

Noctus groaned. "I can't exactly stop you, but I will advise you don't try anything too crazy out there. Only be reasonably dare-devilish."

Roxus playfully slapped Noctus' back. "Since when do those two mix?"

Noctus shrugged off the hit. "It's an oxymoron... but I get your point. In any case, I want to know why you got your dizzy spell. We don't just drop to the ground without external causation."

Roxus patted Noctus on the shoulder in reassurance. "Look, don't worry. I'll be fine and, if it makes you feel any better, I'll get it checked out after the race. Deal?"

Noctus nodded. "Deal, for sure."

"Now, let's get to racing. I can't wait to leave you in pixie stix dust." Roxus said smugly.

Noctus only grinned. "Bring it on, my friend... Bring it on!"

Vanellope and Flannery were making their way back to the raceway where all the racers were. just as they drove up, they began to be swarmed with cameramen and reporters asking for an interview.

Vanellope tried to move through them, but they were persistent in getting her interview. this was something she never experienced and she did not like it at all. "What is wrong with them?"

Flannery scowled as she tried to push away the paparazzi and allow Vanellope some room.

"Being the first ever huge Grand Prix, they're doing their jobs a little too well... It's getting on my nerves!"

"I can hardly breathe with all of them shoving all those microphones in my face and shouting all those questions at me. Is there a clearing yet?" Vanellope asked hopefully.

Flannery groaned. "Still working on it!" She began to try and push the reporters away, with little success.

The ground suddenly shook with a sudden loud slam that made the reporters scramble away. out of the rushing crowd showed Ralph, wiping his hands in front of two large, fist-like holes in the ground.

Ralph smiled in a smug way, "Looks like the president needs a body guard."

Vanellope crossed her arms making a fake upset look, "Well what took you so long? Did you have trouble taking a hero's doody?" She laughed.

Flannery sighed in relief. "I'm obviously missing the joke here, but thanks for crashing in when you did."

Ralph glared at Vanellope, "Can't you ever just say hi, for once?"

Vanellope hopped onto his arm and climbed onto his shoulder, "Aw, come on, Ralph, you know I'm just messing with you." She said before hugging his shoulder to soften him up.

Sure enough, it worked. "Ahh, okay, I'll let it go… this time." Ralph smirked.

Vanellope then sat back on his shoulder again raising her arms in victory, "Sweet! Now onwards to my presidential chair."

Ralph couldn't help but smile at her shenanigans, "Yes, Madam President."

Vanellope waved to Flannery, "Come on, there is another seat on the other side!" she said, pointing to Ralph's other shoulder.

Flannery shrugged. "It he allows it... I haven't known him for as long."

Vanellope then pinched Ralph's cheek and wiggled it, "Ah don't worry about this big guy. He's as harmless as a puppy."

"Just be glad you are a little kid forever and a girl." Ralph joked.

"See? what did I tell you?" Vanellope said. "Now get on up here with the president, unless you want to be down there with all those buzzards."

Flannery grinned. "As you wish, Madam President." She deftly jumped from Ralph's arm to his other shoulder, sitting quietly.

Ralph sighed, "Glad to know I am the presidential riding horse as well"

"Buffalo is more like it!" Vanellope joked and laughed. Ralph just chuckled humorously along with her.

Flannery just smirked as they continued to travel. "So this is what it's like to be above everyone else..."

Vanellope then stood on Ralph's head and shouted, "I'm on top of the world!" She got several awkward stares, but she didn't care.

Flannery just laughed. "Showoff..."

Everything was set. The racers were walking up from their placed karts to the front of the now renamed presidential stand where Vanellope stood, Ralph was behind her as her official bodyguard. People made their bets and took their seats while cameras were rolling.

"What kind of speech do you think she'll give us?" Roxus asked, "Bet you a root beer float that it's just about welcoming everyone."

Noctus shrugged. "I'll take you up on that. I think she'll say something more."

"Like what? you have to be specific so you don't cheat to win," said Roxus pointing at Noctus, " I know better than to not watch out for loopholes."

Noctus scowled. "Fine... She'll also talk about the details of the race and important guest racers."

Roxus gives a smug look, "It's good to be clever."

Noctus groaned. "Revel in your small victory while you have the chance... I'll still win this race."

As Vanellope looked out with everyone's eyes on her, she froze a bit, not really taking the situation seriously before. She knew this was going to be a big gathering of games, but she never knew the pressure that came with it would be so extreme. What was she supposed to say in a time like this? She looked down at Flannery for some kind of help as she shook her head shrugging at a loss for words.

Flannery smiled. "Don't be nervous. Just welcome everyone and talk about the race, and give your best wishes to everyone. You'll do fine. Something I think would be a good idea to is focus on a couple different people as you speak- like Roxus, myself, and a couple other people in the audience. Just relax- you'll be okay."

Vanellope looked back at the millions of eyes on her. She tried to loosen the neck of her sweater and rubbed the her back of her leg with her foot nervously. She then looked at each of her friends to try to give her the courage to do this. Felix with his enthusiastic look of optimism, Ralph with his unsure pessimistic shrug, Calhoun with her stern "Suck-it-up" and "Just-get-it-over-with" stare. That wasn't helping much. Also there was Flannery giving a reassuring nod and Noctus nodding in support as well and then there was Roxus giving her the I'm-glad-I'm-not-up-there look on his face. that was enough to help her with a small idea and scheme so she wouldn't be the only one to face this alone. Let's see how high and mighty he feels with this.

Vanellope took a deep breath before starting, "Hello fellow racers, guests, and friends to the ever first Sugar Rush Grand Prix!" So far it was going well as the cheer of the crowd became deafeningly loud. Vanellope nodded her head in satisfaction and continued, "As president, I hereby declare this to be an monthly event. We thank the racers for participating in the race, the other games for donating supplies to this race, and the reporters for the interviews, as annoying as they are..." she muttered to herself, " who made this day a success."

The crowd gave another cheer and clapped for the efforts given by each and every one of them.

Roxus nodded, "Well, she's not so bad after all at doing this."

Noctus looked a little curious. "She seems calm and reasonably prepared. After looking so nervous just a couple seconds ago, I wonder what else she has planned for this speech?"

They both then saw a mischievous look on her face as she looked straight at Roxus. Roxus' expression dropped in a state of shock of realization that he was in for something.

Noctus smirked. "It's always fun to be right..."

"But who should really be up here to thank is none other than one of our newest racers of Sugar Rush," Vanellope said, building up an introduction.

Roxus eyes went wide, knowing what was coming and then tried to scoot himself behind someone else.

Noctus grabbed Roxus' arm. "Oh, no you don't. Vanellope is counting on you. You don't want to disappoint her, do you?"

Roxus grunted, "You're loving this, aren't you?"

Noctus grinned. "I will neither confirm nor deny it, but you should know by now."

Roxus walked up to where Vanellope stood while she just had a smug look on her face. Roxus swore to himself sweet vengeance later. But for now, he had a crowd to please by giving a speech of some sort.

Vanellope walked back to where Ralph and Flannery were to enjoy the show. "Let's see Roxus handle being the center of attention. This will show him not to be so smug at the great and powerful me."

Flannery nodded. "Let's just hope he can deal with the pressure."

Roxus looked out at all the staring eyes watching and waiting for him to say something. it wasn't the first time this had happened to him. especially like the time in his game when he met the duke. Now that was something to be nervous about. Roxus just was glad he didn't have to wear a hat like last time.

Roxus started out, "Well, uh… I'm glad to be here. So I'm pretty sure you are too." he knew this wasn't turning out too good. "As you know, I was one of the ones to come up with this idea and made it possible for everyone to make it here today."

So far the crowd did a moderate clap for Roxus. He knew he was suppose to say more about this, but as he looked on at the faces of each person there, he realized that it wasn't really about him. He then took a deeper breath and began to stand a little taller with a look of something more than what he appeared to be.

Vanellope and Ralph were taken aback by this new look they saw on Roxus. To them, he looked more grown up than the little boy they saw standing before the crowd. More than just a racer. More than the mischievous Roxus they knew before.

Vanellope was overly impressed, "Wow. what just happened?"

Ralph shook his head, "I have no idea. I didn't think he could change his personality like his game character."

Flannery was also amazed. "That's an awesome ability... I wish we all could do that."

Noctus only grinned as he continued to watch the show.

Roxus began to speak, "But this is not about me. It shouldn't be about me. This is about all of you. Before I came here, we all lived in our own games, following our programs. I thought that is all we could ever do. But look at you now!" Roxus said as he spoke towards everything, "You all made this. You went beyond what your program or code told you to do. You created the game to be even more than just a simple racing game. You created a whole new opportunity to create a whole new world for your own games. You all had it in you to break the bounds of being stuck to one thing and now are able to choose what you want to be. Ralph was the first to prove that to all of us when he saved Sugar Rush and Vanellope. Just when everyone thought he couldn't do anything but wreck things up, he helped restore a game back to what it once was after a virus ruined it. So let this be known not just as a day of a grand prix, a gathering event, or something that binds us all as one, but as a day where we will go beyond what we could ever hope to do. I didn't do all this; you all did and you always had the will and choice to do it all along. This is a day when we all make our own code and direction of purpose"

The crowd then stood and roared in cheers. Behind Roxus and in other parts of the crowd, tears were shed. Vanellope was in shock and awe after hearing what Roxus had said and done. He proved himself to be something beyond any good guy or hero. He was a leader and inspiration to give others a hope to a brighter future.

Ralph was just as surprised and he had a tear to prove it escaping his eye. "Wow. I never knew Roxus had this kind of inspiring side to him."

Flannery was almost starstruck. "I... I mean... wow..."

Noctus grinned, applauding as much as the crowd. "Knew you had it in you, Roxus. Good on ya!"

Vanellope had no words to say. She could only stare at the one she thought she had all figured out. Turns out, he came from a game that went beyond just being an ordinary hero. What kind of hero that was, she would never know. She watched as many of the game characters saw the same thing in him and looked up to him now... like a strong, brave leader to his followers. Like a beloved, humble king to his people. Vanellope looked at her ring with more thought into what it could mean beyond a magical fate. She looked at Flannery with a look asking if it was the right thing to do.

Flannery smiled. "What are my decisions to that of the president? All I'm going to suggest is that you do so after the race... There's no need to embarrass Roxus more than he already has been."

Vanellope smiled and nodded. She walked right next to Roxus and held his hand in the air as she announced, "Let the Sugar Rush Grand Prix begin!"

The racers got their karts to the racing line and into their positions, all prepping themselves for the light to begin. The crowd's cheer died down in anticipation for the race to begin.

Roxus looked to Vanellope, "Ready to race, Madam President?"

Vanellope chuckled, "Please, call me princess," she said before jumping off to her kart.

Roxus stood there a bit, confused and surprised to hear her revert her title back to princess. He wondered why, but then thought it would be best to think of it after the race. Roxus used his pop rock sole boots to give him a higher leap into the air to do a bit of a couple of flips before landing in his seat for show.

Noctus sighed. "I give you props for execution, but minus points for... for... showoffishness."

Roxus smirked, "No need to be jealous when you are as awesome as me." Roxus joked.

Vanellope smiled at Flannery, "I'm going to do it after the race."

She grinned. "Very well, Princess Vanellope. You have my full support... For what it's worth."

Vanellope placed her goggles on, "Now, are you ready to eat my pixie stix dust?"

A competitive smirk appeared on Flannery's face, "I highly doubt that."

The starting light started to bleep and began the countdown to race. The tension was high as it came closer to starting the race. When it hit the green light, they all shot out, racing off the grand race. the top head racers in front were Vanellope, Noctus, Flannery, and Roxus coming in and out of each of the first four ranks to become in first, with everyone else close behind. The crowd shouted out as the race went on and racers started using power-ups to gain an advantage.

CANDY CANE FOREST

Turbo was on his knees as the smoking portal to the dragon opened wider and allowed him to enter into the gaming world. Turbo was even more in fear now to see the full size and form of the monstrous red dragon. He shook in fear as it finally emerged and closed the portal behind it.

The dragon breathed in deeply. "It is a great feeling to be free; free from a world of darkness and into one full of empty purpose."

Turbo dared not to look in the face of the evil that stood before him. He could feel the chaos and destructive nature of its presence, "What are we going to do next, great dragon?"

The dragon looked out over the lands of Sugar Rush with much disappointment and disgust, "This world is much like the last one, ever repeating itself, never changing or stepping forward to purpose." It growled as its eyes grew brighter. "It's time for this world to see that it needs to be destroyed if it has no purpose."

Turbo approached the dragon in fear. "W-w-what do y-you intend t-t-to do, oh great dragon?"

The dragon narrowed it's eyes. "To give purpose."

THE RACE

It had been close to half an hour since the race had started and the racers were starting to make it to the last track that everyone had been waiting for: Starburst Road. The stands started to blast off into the sky to set themselves around the track.

Roxus was neck and neck with the other three and saw the approaching cannon to set them off on the last track, "You guys ready for this?!" he asked loud enough for them to hear.

Flannery cheered. "Oh yeah! Let's do this!"

Noctus smiled. "You know it. Let's end it with the greatest race this arcade has ever seen!"

"We need to get a group picture and hang it in the castle for everyone to see." Said Vanellope, pulling up next to them.

They soon reached the cannon and flew straight onto Starburst Road. at the moment before landing on the tracks. for each of them, it was like in slow motion as cameras flashed and people cheered. They looked to their lefts and rights as confetti and streamers fell through the air. everything in their ears were muffled to a dead silence except the sound of their heart beat. Truly, this was a moment they would remember in their database for the rest of their gaming career.

Roxus was the first to land, followed by the rest as everything went back to normal speed and the cheers were heard once more. Again they raced through the many amazing and eye-opening obstacles of the track like the alien Pez candy shooters, the cookie space ships, the shooting starbursts, the rock candy asteroids, the milky way river, and finally the black licorice hole before the finish line. Even for the four racers, it was a tough race. Sometimes they were knocked back to last and had to catch up to first again, they had trouble with others bumping them off, and sometimes they kept getting cut off. But, sure enough, it was the final run to the finish line with each of them gaining and losing rank to first place.

Then Roxus and Vanellope looked at each other and smiled. It didn't matter if they won or not. What mattered to them now was what they did next. Roxus carefully drove right next to Vanellope and made sure the front of his kart was aligned with the front of Vanellope's. they then both reached out to each other's hand and rode steadily side by side and holding their clasped hands together in the air as they rode to the finish line.

Noctus and Flannery smirked at the two lovebirds and moved into formation behind them, on diagonals from Vanellope and Roxus, tied in second place.

Roxus looked back at them and waved them to join in an epic four way tie.

Both racers smiled before zooming up beside the couple, Flannery alongside Vanellope and Noctus by Roxus.

It wasn't before long until they all crossed the finish line in a four way tie. Normally, the ones that made bets would be furious, but seeing their sportsmanship and friendship of the four replaced all feelings of competition into appreciation and respect for them. Everyone cheered for the four winners as they coasted to a stop at the end of the race.

Then came the awards to the racers. but since this was a special and unique end, they were given an altered trophy with themselves engraved on the trophy. It floated into Vanellope's hands but then she held it out for the others to grip it and pose for a shot for the camera. This would be the first and last most treasured day of racing of a four way tie of good friends finishing together. Although there would be future races like this, all friendships would be put on hold until after the race to see who would really be the top racer of the next Grand Prix.

Roxus then patted Noctus on the back, "Too bad gamers will never know about this race, right?"

Noctus nodded. "It's truly a shame... But the fact that everyone in the arcade knows about it and are definitely pleased with the outcome makes it all completely worthwhile."

Vanellope waved to the crowd, "Hey, shut your pie holes; I got something to say!"

Roxus was smirking at her choice of words, "I wonder what her highness wants to say now."

Noctus gave a questioning look at Flannery, who only shrugged, looking away to try and hide the fact that she knew what was about to go down.

Vanellope took a deep breath before speaking, "As you all know, some months ago I changed my title to president rather than become a princess." Some of the crowd nodded while others were confused on what this was about, "Well I changed my mind and wish to go back and become a princess."

Most eyes were raised by this, especially her closer friends. None except Flannery knew what the reason behind this was and they were all confused, especially Roxus.

"Hey, what gives? And why the sudden change to going back to wearing a gown and stuff like that?" Roxus asked, wanting to know her reason of choice.

Ralph was equally curious, "Didn't you say you didn't want to give up being a racer? I thought that was why you changed to become a president."

Noctus was slightly more accepting of this change. "It's just a title. Even a princess can don racer's attire for a race- or several. She's still in control of us either way, so I don't see any problems with it."

Flannery nodded. "Besides, she's seen as a princess on the console itself, right?"

Vanellope continued, "The reason for me going back to being a princess is well... I, uh..." She paused, beginning to blush.

Roxus began to get suspicious on where this was going. Ralph was too as well as Felix, but the one who could begin to tell what would happen was Calhoun. It was just a girl's intuition.

Flannery was starting to get nervous that she wouldn't have the guts to say it, "Come on, Vanellope..." She muttered to herself. "You can say it..."

Vanellope turned to Roxus, "I know we will always remain as kids and never grow older, but I have learned that on the inside we have grown older."

Roxus looked her in the eye, "Vanellope? what are you trying to say?"

Vanellope swallowed hard, "I want this ring to mean more than just that our fates are tied together. I want to know if you would want to, you know..." She said, drooping her head while still looking up at him with a pleading look.

Roxus then was certain of what she was trying to ask him. Ralph, Felix, and Noctus knew as well by the look she was giving. This time, it was Roxus' turn to swallow hard. It was true that they would always remain as kids, well, her at least, but that didn't mean she hasn't been growing up on the inside. Then Roxus then knew for certain that he wanted the same thing all along. He wanted to be with her when her was happy when she was sad, make her laugh when she got mad, make her feel wanted if she felt alone, and love her when she wanted to be loved. Marriage didn't have to mean having to do what most grownups usually did. It meant sharing your life with one that loved you and now she wanted to know if Roxus loved her just as much.

Roxus then cupped her cheek as she nuzzled into it, "Vanellope..." he began as she stared up at him, hoping to hear what she wished for. "I need to tell you something before I give my answer. I have been…"

A sudden burst of wind nearly blew them all off of their feet. It carried a smell and feeling of something fearsome. The crowd also felt it and had to cover their faces from the sudden gust.

Flannery was a little upset. "Oh, for heaven's sake! That was a beautiful moment!"

Noctus was on alert. "Something wicked this way comes... I don't like that feeling of anticipation in the air..."

Roxus felt the presence of it. Just as he was about to realize what it was, his chest right where the heart was began to glow bright and Roxus heard the beat of his heart that he once had. It felt like a kick to his chest as he cringed from the sudden shock as it beat again, again, and again. Roxus began to fall to his knees as he groaned from the beat.

Everyone was immediately at Roxus' side in concern of his well being.

Noctus was more than a little worried. "This is so ominous... I detest it."

A loud roar pierced the skies and, just when everyone looked up, a great red dragon landed hard on the ground, knocking everyone off their feet from the impact. Roxus, however, was able to withstand the impact. Perhaps the dragon meant to knock back everyone else. Roxus stood, shocked and fearful at what the dragon may do next.

The Dragon looked down at Roxus' level before rising to speak.

"What is your purpose here, Arisen?" the dragon spoke with a dark and malicious voice before raising itself to its full height. "You come to a world not your own and think to become what you are not. You seek a life that will never be and continue to reach for what is far from your grasp. You try to be a part of something you cannot ever become. You are dragon-forged, like many before you, and are bound to the fate of a choice you have yet to make. You always will and are a part of a greater calling that you cannot escape, no matter what world you find yourself in. You think to live your life among those with no true purpose than to repeat their fixed fate, to live a false life with no end, no change in their routines, and no meaning to exist other than to amuse a real world. These false creatures that call themselves people do not know what it is to have purpose other than to repeat what they were programmed to do by people of the outer world that never meant for them to have a destiny other than to entertain until their world no longer functions and a similar new world comes to replace the old with the same meaningless fate... ever doomed to repeat the never ending, pointless cycle. These small worlds hold no true purpose to advance, create, or move on. Their kind is easy to fathom: to be controlled in fear of being erased from existence. In fear of being replaced or forgotten. They build their pride by simple points and rewards only to be beaten by another so they may work harder to build themselves back up from what has been taken from them. Then when that world breaks, a similar new one replaces them so they are to repeat what they had lost."

The dragon pointed one of it's massive claws at Roxus' chest. "But you, like me, have the destiny to go beyond all of that. We now have the greater purpose to move on to other worlds, to alter, and give purpose rather than repeat their never ending cycle of a pointless existence. We are no longer bound to the creations and programmer's commands of the outside world. We are free to alter their lives to give new purpose, as you did with these creatures. Man and games have long searched and failed to find a meaning. But you have separated yourself from their control. You and I share this power to set a new order to those who traded their purpose for the pleasures of being entertained in a life of fiction. But now you are on the path of choosing your inevitable fate by the choices you will be given. This choice of more to come now rests with you. You must now choose. Choose to live your life as a simple program and give up the power to alter worlds or cut all strings of keeping you from becoming more and be free to control everything that we were once a part of. But first you must ask yourself this question: What is your purpose here, Arisen? Now choose."

Vanellope, Noctus, Flannery, and the others couldn't even respond, in awe of the dragon's vision of sharing the promise of new hope with all other games, awaiting Roxus' answer.

Roxus knew the dragon's words rang with truth. No matter how he tried, he was beyond any dream of living in peace from his programming. He had to choose between giving up all he had done to be free from the dragon or losing what he had come to call home and a life he could have had for the sake to remain who he was and become a true virus of the digital world. Roxus would fight it in any way he could, but he would choose an option apart from the dragon's, "You should go back to where you came dragon! This arcade doesn't need your dark promise! I will not give up what I am, but I will not cut my bond with the friends I have made!"

The Dragon responded with disappointment, "Foolish child. You fail to see what that would bring to the worlds you have already been through. By this choice, you have brought a waiting destruction upon them all."

Fear consumed Roxus of knowing what it meant, but that was only back in his game. "That's impossible. You have no influence here."

The dragon shook its head, "Do you think that strange man came to help you with your data or the vengeful boy racer would be so quick to forgive you? They were doing my bidding, whether they knew or not, to give me as much influence of each game as you did. All these worlds are now tied to the desolation that will fall upon them if you seek my death." The dragon looked out to the crowd, who were still too afraid to run, "And what does the creatures here say of your existence here, Arisen? Do they not know that you are not of this arcade and have infected their worlds like a plaguing virus?"

Roxus looked back at the people that started to speak to each other about knowing Roxus' true identity as an outsider, a virus. He then looked to his friends, fearing what they now thought of him bringing this calamity on them.

Noctus scowled. "I don't care if he's a virus. He's my friend, and he will always be as such. Some freaking end boss dragon can't convince me otherwise!"

The dragon look down into Noctus' eyes as if putting him into a freezing spell of fear, "You may not care what he is, stubborn child, but those of many that have their eyes open to such treachery, to having trust this boy, now have a different opinion than yours."

They began to notice that the crowd began to become unruly and outraged. Ralph tried another approach. "Listen, people! This is Roxus we are talking about! Why should we be listening to this dragon that comes out of nowhere?" For the moment, they seemed to calm themselves, but nothing could remain a secret forever.

"There are no words that can hide the truth. It's time for the Arisen to be seen as he is." The dragon said just before the chest of the dragon began to glow to a heart beat that caused Roxus' chest and heart to glow, causing him to cringe to his own heart's beat and soon, Roxus' Sugar Rush form changed to his own game's form as Alpha, the Arisen.

People gasped at the sight and revelation of what has happened. Roxus looked at himself to see that his secret was out. He was exposed as the lost program that brought a virus to them all. "I-I can explain, everyone." He tried to reason with them, but the crowd no longer wished to hear anymore from him.

All the racers couldn't help but stare awkwardly at Roxus' new form, along with them feeling even more fear in the face of the dragon.

"Whether you want it or not, Arisen, our fates are eternally intertwined. You and I are bound to forever clash until the source of our purpose is erased from existence. The day you wish to end it will be the day everything you ever created will cease to exist. If you wish to end this, Arisen, seek me out and I shall allow it," warned the dragon as it beat its wings hard enough to burst into the air and take flight, soaring into a portal made of dark smoke and disappearing.

Now back in his old form, Alpha looked at the crowd as they began to come for him, demanding justice and punishment. Calhoun was the first to make a move and cuffed Alpha. "I'm sorry, Alpha, but this is the best way to protect you." She whispered to him before calling out to the people, "Listen up, everyone! We will take this virus to our prison until he can get a fair trial to decide his punishment!" For the moment, the angered mob calmed down, satisfied with the decision. Everyone, that is except Alpha's true friends, especially Vanellope.

"ROXUS!" She yelled, trying to get to him until someone grabbed her from reaching him. She looked back to see Rancis holding her. "What are you doing!? Let me go!" She yelled, trying to yank herself free. She tried glitching, but she couldn't concentrate from her unstable emotions, "I SAID LET ME GO! I ORDER YOU!"

Rancis still held a tight grip on her. "Just let him go, Vanellope. He is a traitor and a liar! He has put everyone here in danger, most of all, you!"

Noctus was more than a little upset. "Talking about yourself again, Rancis? I heard the Dragon's speech... I put the pieces together. I know you work for him. So get away from her now!"

Vanellope's eyes widened in suspicion, "Wait, YOU helped the dragon do this to Roxus?"

Rancis felt no need to hide it. "It was what was best for everyone. That virus you call Roxus was taking away our true purpose that was given to us. I wanted what was rightfully mine. I did it for us. one way or another this would have happened. If they see it fit to delete that virus, then so be it. Everything goes back to the way it was supposed to be."

Noctus groaned. "Are you an idiot or something? He helped us- made our game one of the most popular in the arcade! And you don't want that? He helped us rise to the top! You're a fool for joining that dragon." Noctus pried Rancis' hand off of Vanellope, glaring at him, "What's worse is that your reasons for joining him were jealousy and a desire for revenge. All because poor old you couldn't accept that Vanellope loved someone else."

"Someone was going to do it anyways, and that virus would have brought this dragon here and doomed us all. I have shown everyone the danger of what he is and now the arcade will get rid of him for the good of us all. That virus had no place here in the beginning, and it would have been better if he never existed." Rancis said, feeling he did the right thing.

He was suddenly rewarded with a punch across the face, sending him to the ground and spitting out a tooth. Vanellope stood over him, teary-eyed and full of rage. "I hate you Rancis! I will never forgive you for this!"

Noctus grinned. "Beat me to it..." A second later, he nodded, his expression serious once again. "Come on, everyone. We should stand by Roxus, for all it's worth."

"How? that soldier lady is taking him to the prison in Hero's Duty," Taffyta pointed out.

Noctus groaned. "Not literally... just to go and let him know that despite what's going on, we're still on his side."

Ralph joined them, "I'll go with you guys. I want to see what this is really all about."

Felix joined in as well, "Me too. I don't think Roxus really meant for this all to happen. I'm sure there is a reasonable answer for all this and we can all make things right again."

Ralph was a little annoyed by Felix's overly optimistic attitude, "Don't get your hopes up too high about that."

Noctus sighed. "Even though I'm more with Ralph on this one, there's no sense in not trying. Let's move!"

As everyone left, Rancis was left alone, his hope shattered with Vanellope completely hating him.

Turbo walked up behind Rancis. "I must thank you for coming through."

Rancis got up, infuriated. "You promised me I would have Vanellope!"

Turbo revealed himself to Rancis, who gasped and fell to his knees. "No, dear boy. I said she MIGHT. Now it turns out she didn't after all. But, all thanks to you, Alpha is going to be dealt with and we all can thank you for it."

Rancis dropped down in humiliation and despair to know from his blind hatred that he lost everything. Turbo left him there to grieve alone.

HERO'S DUTY

Alpha was in a top-security cell of Hero's Duty, chained in a code-blocking firewall. Anything Alpha tried to do would prove no use to try an escape, even if he wanted to. He should have seen through Rancis' deceit. That kid would never have let bygones be bygones. Turbo, on the other hand; well, he couldn't have blamed him much more than himself for being so rash to leave the arcade at the time. Alpha should have just taken the time to do it all by himself in the first place. He should have just left when he had the chance. Now, because of his own desires to stay, he had brought doom upon the whole arcade. Maybe this is what he deserved. Perhaps if he were to be erased, the dragon and his corruption will be erased along with him and things will go back to normal. For the sake of the others and his friends, maybe facing his fate would be the best thing for ignoring the danger Alpha knew he would have brought.

Alpha sighed as he rested against a corner of the room, "This is a fine mess you gotten yourself into," he said to himself.

Calhoun was in her quarters, writing her report about the trial soon to come to her commanding officer. She had no idea what she could do about Roxus or Alpha or whatever his real name is. She was lucky the mob let her take the virus to a secured, top-security cell in her game. She wished she could have done more for him, but her options were limited with her hands tied. in frustration, she banged her fist into her desk, making quite a dent in it. Even though he was a virus, he was created to be a 12 year old from his original game. Her morals were gnawing at her conscience to try and save him from a grim fate. She wanted to help Vanellope get him back. She knew what it was like to have a loved one ripped from her hands and she didn't want Vanellope to experience the same thing. She also knew Noctus and Flannery were unlocked by him as well. If he were to be deleted, Noctus and Flannery would be locked up again. Everything that he made would be gone. Calhoun wished and prayed for something to help her.

It was then that Calhoun heard a knock at the door. Just to be safe, she grabbed her pistol, but upon opening the door, she found Noctus and the other racers looking at her expectantly.

Noctus gave her an "are-you-kidding-me" sort of look. "Really? You're going to shoot children?"

Calhoun sighed and holstered her weapon, "You should really say your give your name after you knock." She stepped back into her room, leaving the door open for them to come in as she took her seat back at her desk. She leaned over her report with a hand holding up her head.

Ralph and Felix came in last. Ralph, of course had a hard time getting through the door and had to bend the doorway wider. Ralph grumbled, bringing a small smile to Vanellope, seeing her big, smelly friend's misfortune.

"You picked one heck of a time to visit." Calhoun said, sounding a bit worn out from stress.

Felix was the first to notice and became overly concerned for her. "My lady, are you well? Can I get you anything?"

Calhoun shook her head. "I'm fine. I just need some water ,is all."

Felix took off, bouncing in a flash. Ralph, on the other hand, wanted to get down to the point. "So, how does it look for Roxus getting out free?"

Calhoun shook her head. "Unless you want to free him yourself and have the majority of the arcade after you, it doesn't look like we can do anything for him."

Taffyta pleaded with Calhou., "Please, there must be a way to save him from this. Not just for us, but for Vanellope, too."

Vanellope didn't want it to be about her, but she wanted to know if there was any way that Calhoun could think of to help Roxus. "If there is anything we can do, we'll do it."

Noctus nodded. "That dragon put us all in a tough spot. We'll do what we can, no matter the cost."

Flannery was slightly less enthusiastic. "I guess the question we really need to ask is how far we're all going to go for our friend."

Calhoun rubbed her hand over her head in stress, "The only thing there is to do is have someone break him out with nothing to lose. He would have to hide somewhere that no one could get him."

Felix came back, hearing the last part of the suggested plan, "That sounds like a good idea." he said, giving his wife some water to drink.

Ralph pointed out, "But what about the dragon? We all know Roxus won't leave and go into hiding, knowing that dragon is still around."

Calhoun smirked, "Even though he acts like an immature punk, that kid has the spirit of a soldier. Ralph's right, though. Roxus won't leave unless he finds a way to get rid of that dragon."

No one could see a way out of this. even if they did manage to hide in a game, how long would it be until they were found out? There was no where in the arcade to go that had a sure way to hide and protect them from everyone. That is, until Noctus remembered the code Dundersun gave him to Lytwak's laptop.

Noctus smirked. "I think I might have a plan."

As all looked at him expectantly, he continued, "There is a passageway through to Lytwak's laptop. We could potentially hide Roxus within the internet, since one cannot get in without the code... which I happen to have right here," he waved the paper in his hand.

Calhoun thought about it and could see no downside to this plan, "That sounds like it could work, but where did you get a code to Lytwak's Laptop, and who gave it to you?"

Everyone else was just as curious while looking at Noctus for an explanation.

Noctus shrugged. "There's this extremely chill guy named Dunderson whom Roxus had met once before; he gave me the code when Roxus and I went into the internet the first time."

Taffyta was impressed and interested about hearing about this thing called a laptop. Vanellope had her mind set firmly on the plan to get Roxus, "So how will we get Roxus out?"

Calhoun gave a worried look, "I can't do much to help you, since I will be made to hunt you down when you rescue him. All I can do is tell you to have a good escape plan."

"She's right," Ralph said. "It's bad enough that we all are going to do something this extreme. It's best that only a few of us get seen trying to help Roxus."

Felix stood by his wife, "I'll stay with you, Tammy."

Calhoun tried to change his mind. "Roxus will need as much help as he could get. You should go with them to help."

"I know, but I just can't let you stay behind and deal with all the stress. We are a team and I will never leave you to face trouble alone." Felix said with determination in his voice.

Calhoun smiled and nodded.

Taffyta then stepped in, "Mind if I take his place in helping, then?"

Noctus seemed a bit apprehensive, but sighed. "I suppose. If this is going to work, we're going to need plenty of help." He looked at the others. "So far, we have Vanellope, Taffyta, Flannery, and myself. Who else would like to go... or at the very least, who is able to go without arousing too much suspicion?"

Ralph was a little upset to be forgotten. "Hey! what about me? You need someone with muscle."

Vanellope agreed. "Well, in case Roxus tries to do something noble, we will need Ralph to take him against his will."

Calhoun then showed them to the door. "If I am going to try and catch you, I think you all better plan this escape elsewhere, so I don't know how to catch you when you rescue Roxus."

Noctus smirked. "That sounds like the best idea. And... thank you for letting this happen, despite all the chaos."

After they left, Taffyta was acting very excited about doing this, "I can't believe I will be going into a laptop. I don't know what there will be, but if it's anything as vast as what Roxus has been through, then I don't care. Just think, Vanellope. We will be going to a place where no other arcade game character has ever been."

Vanellope couldn't help herself getting overexcited as well. Not only were they going to help Roxus escape, but she might have a chance to see where he actually came from and see what his game was like compared to the ones in the arcade. "I know, this is so exciting! I feel like vurping from all this anticipation!" She then smirked at Noctus mischievously, "And someone will be more than generous to give me the code to get in whenever I want, right?"

Noctus gave a defiant look. "Listen... This is not to be taken lightly. If this code gets in the wrong hands, and I'm not saying yours, even though you could do so much mischief on the internet, there could be a great deal of repercussions."

Vanellope just gave a carefree smirk. "Aw, don't be such a gummy bear. I am the princess of Sugar Rush. You know, it could be for me going to find stuff to improve or fix the game if something started happening to it. Also, it would be cool just to have."

Noctus sighed. "We'll finish discussing this later. For now, we have to strategize how the heck we're going to get Roxus out of one of the highest-security prisons in the entire arcade!"

Vanellope thought up a plan. "I got an idea, but I will need your hover kart for this plan."

They left to go through the plan in secret. It wouldn't be easy or foolproof, but if all went right, it just might work.

UNKNOWN CAVERN

The dragon lay on the ground in a darkened area in a corner of a huge open space. Turbo cautiously approached the dragon to ask, "What will happen next, oh great dragon?"

The Dragon's eyes glowed fiercely in the dark as it answered, "The programs of this arcade will surely find the Arisen guilty and erase him for good."

Turbo was skeptical about this plan. "But don't we need this Arisen to exist for your great plan?"

"I did not say I would allow them to do so. I even told the Arisen that if he wanted to seek me out, I would allow it. His choice to doom this arcade or save it will come when we meet." The dragon informed Turbo of the future events to pass.

Turbo couldn't help the cold shiver running through his very code when the dragon mentioned the choice the Arisen had to make soon.

"But how are we going to stop them from erasing him, my lord?"

The dragon growled loudly through the darkness of the caves as he answered, "My legion will prolong the Arisen's life."

Many eerie and hideous sounds like roars, growls, and screeches echoed through the tunnels of the caverns as small and large shadowed creatures in the dark started to move about. When Turbo turned around towards the echoing sounds, he froze in unimaginable fear as he saw what began to come out of the shadows.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT.