SSBBA: Fresh Jam

Stolen Goods

Raspberry was stolen.

This never would have happened if I just told her from the start.

If I had just been honest with Raspberry, about my feelings for her, I might not have to be looking for her.

And even though Miss Gelato says it isn't my fault, there's no one else to blame. But besides my guilt, I have knowledge.

That goon in the glitter suit said something about him having a boss. And he said I knew said boss.

I think Miss Gelato knows, as well as I, who may be behind this. And, by the princess, I know I'm not holding back.

Me: I know you said not to talk, but... you should know how grateful I am.

Watermelon: Mm. I know. You got a good heart. But, boy, this city hurts more than it heals.

Me: H-how? I mean, it's called Berry Big City.

Watermelon: And it's got "Berry Big" problems.

I think back to Cherry.

Me: Cherry Jam said something about how... unfair this place was to her.

Watermelon: So, you know Cherry?

Me: Yeah. The real Cherry.

Watermelon nods.

Watermelon: So do I. She may seem as though she's got crowds for days. But it ain't so.

Me: She doesn't have to worry about that anymore. Thanks to my friends back home, she's found real friends. And, hopefully, some that'll be more than friends.

Watermelon smirks.

Watermelon: Heh. What are you talkin' about?

Me: I've got a mission, Miss Gelato. I think it's clear Cherry deserves some love. I have a friend back home who would definitely fit the bill.

Watermelon: So, you're a matchmaker?

I shrug.

Me: Yeah. I am. But it won't mean anything until we get Raspberry back.

(DING)

We hear the tiny bell of a convenience store go off as Black Licorice exits the store, right ahead of us, chewing on a stick of licorice, holding a pack of it as he mutters to himself.

Black Licorice: It's not an addiction if it's good for me...

I ball my fists but Miss Gelato stops me.

Watermelon: Hold on.

She storms up to Black Licorice as he, with his back turned not aware of her presence, digs in his pocket, taking out his phone.

I watch in awe as Watermelon snatches the phone out of his hands. He staggers back, shocked, but turns frustrated in an instant.

Black Licorice: What do you think you're doing?!

Watermelon: You'll find out.

Then, he sees me.

Black Licorice: Oh, I see.

He storms up to me.

Black Licorice: Insulting me wasn't enough for you, huh? So you decide to drop this on me!

I ignore his wails.

Me: Where... IS she?!

Black Licorice is baffled.

Black Licorice: Wha- She?

Watermelon yanks him back, pinning him against the wall.

Watermelon: Don't play stupid!