//------------------------------// // Third Ticket // Story: Cinematic Adventures: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory // by extremeenigma02 //------------------------------// Another glorious day was in progress for our heroes, especially a poor little boy who desperately desires to seek a golden ticket. Soon as Charlie finished school for the day, his seven equine friends, and their little dragon pal, met him just outside the school as always. Seeing the boy emerge through the entry way, every pony ran up to greet him, aside from Rainbow, who always prefers flying. At the sight of his faithful companions, Charlie smiled hugely. “What’s up, Charlie?” Rainbow asked, casually. “You know, you guys don’t have to come and walk me home from school every day,” Charlie assured. “I feel bad for having you come all this way just for me.” “Oh pish-posh, darling,” Rarity brushed it off. “We’re more than happy to accompany you home or just about anywhere.” “I’m assuming you’ve got a paper route to do, am I right?” Twilight asked. “You bet, Twilight,” Charlie nodded. They began to walk down the road towards the newspaper stand, where Charlie collected his papers from Mr. Jopeck as they proceed to deliver them. Surprisingly enough, it took less time to deliver them all today than in recent days. “Wow, this actually went by much quicker than usual,” Fluttershy noted. Confused, Charlie looked through his paper bag only to find it completely empty. “Hmm… Must be a slow day for the paper,” Charlie shrugged, scratching his head. “Well, we got plenty ah time left fur we gotta get your ma from the laundry house,” Applejack confirmed. “What ya’ll wanna do?” Every pony shrugged, when an answer wouldn’t come. Usually, the paper route took longer than this. But with today taking less time, it left the group with little more time to actually do something casual. Suddenly, they all hear Pinkie Pie gasp and turn around to see her smiling widely. Her huge eyes widening, her tail pointing toward a park not far from them. “Ooh! Ooh! Can we go to the park?” Pinkie begged, bouncing excitedly. “Can we go to the park? Please? Please? Pretty please with chocolate frosting on top?” Every pony and Charlie smiled, shaking their heads at their friend’s antics, hopping about like an excited school filly. They all looked past her and all the same couldn’t help but stare at the park. Even they could admit that since arriving onto this world, they rarely had any time to spend together. What with Charlie always busy with either school or his paper route, usually both, the only times they ever get to see him were whenever they walk him home or having any time to talk before bed. The entire group looked at each other, smiling as a decision was made. “Why not?” Twilight said, gleefully. “Come on, girls! Let’s have some fun!” They all ran excitedly towards the park, finally having themselves some fun. Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Spike especially enjoyed a wonderful game of tag. But rather than simply running across the grass, they took flight in the air. Pinkie laughed as Cheese pushed her along the sing, as he himself smiled brightly. Charlie, Rarity, and Twilight picked flowers along the field just alongside the park, admiring the tranquility and beauty. Before too long, they all decided it be relaxing to sit down for a lovely picnic, which Twilight was happy to conjure up. As they sat along the field, enjoying some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which Twilight made herself, they decided to share a casual conversation. “So, you’ll never believe what happened today, Charlie,” Twilight spoke up. “What’s that, Twilight?” Charlie asked. “Well you see, it goes like this,” Rainbow began, trying to stifle a laugh. “We were with your grandparents earlier, heh-heh… And we saw one of the funniest things ever on television…” <> Earlier that day, Twilight Sparkle approached the large bed where Charlie’s grandparents were resting, carrying four bowls of soup in her magical grip. She offered a bowl to each of them, which they graciously accept. “I hope you all enjoy some mixed vegetable soup,” She smiled. “Sure beats cabbage any day,” Grandpa Joe smirked. Suffice to say, the grandparents enjoyed their soup immensely and were sure to thank Twilight for it. Afterwards, they decide to watch a little T.V. and the moment they turn it on, they were greeted with a hilarious sight. Apparently, the latest news report centered on the Wonka contest went on to discuss a man who supposedly found a way to cheat the system. “Guys, take a look at this!” Twilight called. It wasn’t long before the rest of her friends ran into the room, looking at the television as well. “Breaking news concerning the fabulous Wonka Golden Ticket contest: With only three remaining golden tickets hidden in the world, everyone has been wondering how long it will take before someone uncovered a way to find the others. Ladies and gentlemen, today we believe that answer has been found. We now take you to a live video broadcast where a local technician believes he has constructed a machine which he believes will uncover the three final tickets.” The scene quickly transitions to a large computer lab, where a technician stood in front of a large computer. “Gentlemen, I know how anxious you’ve all been during these last few days, but now I think I can safely say that your time and money have been well spent. We’re about to witness the greatest miracle of the machine age. Based on the revolutionary Computonian Law of Probability, this machine will tell us the precise location of the three remaining Golden Tickets.” The technician smiled smugly, as he pushed a few buttons on the computer as it sprang to life. It made several beeping sounds, until eventually a small card is ejected from a slot. The technician grabs it and held the card before his eyes. “It says, ‘I won’t tell. That would be cheating.’” His smug smile falters a little, as he crumpled the card up. He begins punching more commands on the computer panel. “I am now telling the computer that if it will tell me the correct answer, I will gladly share with it the grand prize.” The computer sprang to life again, making additional beeping noises, and pops out another card, which the technician grabbed. “He says, ‘What would a computer do with a lifetime supply of chocolate?’” The technician said, through clenched teeth. He merely chuckled with embarrassment, while everyone watching on the screen found this scenario amusing. Rainbow didn’t even try to hold back, as she watched the technician crumbled the card frowning. He then turns and begins punching the commands violently into the computer. “I am now telling the computer exactly what he can do with a lifetime supply of chocolate!” The technician growled. <> Having heard such an amusing and funny story, every pony and Charlie burst out laughing and rolled all over the ground. “That was priceless!” Rainbow laughed. “You should’ve seen the look on his face!” “Ah ain’t ever laughed so hard in mah life!” Applejack wheezed. After a while, every pony eventually calmed down and regained their composure. They all stood back up, gathering all the supplies and put them away. “Well, that was fun,” Charlie replied. “But maybe we should go and see if my mom is done working. That way we can all walk home together.” “You’re such a sweet boy, Charlie,” Fluttershy grinned. Charlie blushed slightly, as every pony smiled at him while they began walking. It wasn’t long before they reached the center of town, where once again they noticed a large gathering just outside the television shop. Every pony sighed, shaking their heads knowing full well this could only mean one thing. “Let me guess,” Spike sighed. “Someone found another ticket.” “Indeed Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity nodded. “That certainly explains all the commotion.” “Come along, every pony,” Twilight motioned. “Let’s see who it is this time.” The group once more approach the large gathering, having to push their way to the front. By the time they arrived, they were able to see another television broadcast. This time, it showcased a little brunette girl chewing a piece of gum, standing alongside her parents in what appears to be a car sale lot. <> “And it can happen right here too, unbelievable as it sounds, right here in America. Where even in the smallest town, the happiest of dreams can come true. Because folks, here she is, Miss Violet Beauregarde, finder of Wonka’s Golden Ticket Number Three, from Miles City, Montana. And with her, the proud parents: Mr. Beauregarde, a prominent local politician, a great civic leader, a philosopher—” Mr. Beauregarde quickly pulls the microphone away from the news reporter, starting to rant about his so-called ‘great sales’. “Hi folks, Sam Beauregarde here, ‘Square Deal Sam’ to you, with all of today’s great giveaway bargains. The finest values you’ll get anywhere in the entire country. Now this little number right here’s a four-door sedan…” “Come on, Dad, they don’t want you!” Violet yelled, yanking the microphone away. “Thank you, sir,” The reporter said, turning to Violet. “Violet, would you care to say a few words to the nation?” “Sure I will,” Violet bragged, waving the ticket. “Here it is, Golden Ticket Number Three, and it’s all mine!” “This is just one of the 263 trophies and medals our Violet has won,” The mother added. “So, tell us what happened Violet,” The report beckoned. “Well I’m a gum-chewer, normally, but when I heard about these ticket things of Wonka’s I laid off the gum and switched to candy bars instead. Now, of course, I’m right back on gum. I chew it all day except at meal-times when I stick it behind my ear…” “Violet…” Mrs. Beauregarde began. “Cool it mother!” Violet snipped. She then pulled a chewed-up piece of gum from her mouth, showing it to the whole world. “I’m the Junior World Champion Gum Chewer. This piece of gum here is one that I’ve been chewing on for three months solid, and that’s a world record! It’s beaten the record held by my best friend, Miss Cornelia Prinzmetal, and was she mad!” Violet sticks the gum back in her mouth, before waving to her so-called ‘best friend’. “Hi, Cornelia, how are you sweetie?” “Of course, I did have my share of trophies,” Her mother added. “Mostly baton.” “So, word is Mr. Wonka is offering this grand prize better than all the rest,” Violet continued. “I don’t care who those other four kids are. That kid, that’s gonna be me.” “Tell them why, sweetie,” Mr. Beauregarde said. “Because I’m a Beauregarde, which means I’m a winner!” It was at this moment, as Mr. Beauregarde once again tried to get the attention of the cameras back to him and is cars, when one camera caught sight of a certain man, with octagon spectacles and a scar, whispering into Violet’s ear. <> As the broadcast came to an end, the whole crowd, except for Charlie and his pony friends, disperse. They all stood there looking on, some in shock and others in disgust, but mostly Rarity. "What a beastly girl!" Spike retorts. “My word she is despicable,” Rarity cringed, in disgust. “And chewing gum for that long, just to actually show it to the world? That is just horrid.” “You know, I once set a record myself,” Cheese spoke up. “Oh? And what record did you ever set, Cheese?” Spike asked. Cheese pulls out a picture of himself, showing the pony holding a trophy in the shape of an exploding gag toy. “Why for causing the most laugher in Equestria!” Cheese smiled, proudly. Spike raised an eyebrow, scratching his head curiously. “But there’s no such record in Equestria.” “There is now.” Rather than trying to figure the yellow party pony out, Spike simply shrugs and turns back toward the rest of the group. He could see the dejection and sadness on Charlie’s face, as did the rest of the group. Fluttershy floats up, wrapping her hooves around the boy’s neck. “I’m really sorry, Charlie,” She whispered. Charlie nods sadly, placing a hand on Fluttershy’s hoof. Eventually, she releases her hug and they continue walking down the street. Darkness began to descend upon the town before they finally arrived at the laundry house where Mrs. Bucket was just working another load of laundry. She looks over and noticed the group approaching. “Well, what are you all doing here?” She asked. “I thought if you were ready, we’d walk you home,” Charlie told her. “Wow Mrs. B,” Rainbow observed. “You’ve really got your hands full here, don’t you?” Mrs. Bucket sighed, as she grabbed a large stirring rod and stirred away at the hot water inside the tub of laundry. “You don’t even know the half of it,” Mrs. Bucket informed. “Looks like I’m going to be working late tonight.” “We’d be glad to help you out, Mrs. Bucket,” Twilight offered. “Oh yes darling,” Rarity agreed. “You seem so overworked and would more than willing to offer a helping hoof.” “Or ‘claw’, in my case,” Spike added. “Oh no, don’t worry about it, girls,” Mrs. Bucket shook her head. “This is just part of the job; I really don’t want to burden you.” “Please let us help, Mrs. Bucket,” Twilight implored. “When we first arrived, we made it perfectly clear we’re not going to live with you for free. If there’s any way we can help, we’re willing to do it. Mrs. Bucket paused for a moment, as she looked over the ponies. “Well all right,” She smiled. “But only because you insist.” “Oh, I love washing clothes!” Pinkie exclaimed, giggling. “Although sometimes I do make a mistake. Like this one time, I was helping the cakes, and this red sock ended up with all the white aprons. When they came out, they were all as pink as me!” “Pinkie!” Twilight snipped. “Oh come on, it was a great story!” Pinkie said, defensively. “I mean we had to buy new aprons, but we all got a good laugh out of it!” Every pony, minus Charlie, proceeds to work whether it was washing, drying, or simply folding the clothes as neatly as possible. “Oh well, I guess I’ll be going now,” Charlie spoke up. “Well, why don’t you stay a minute?” Mrs. Bucket asked. “Here, pull up a pile of clothes and sit down. Everything all right at school?” “Yep.” “Good. Go on your paper route?” “Yep. Even finished a little early.” “Good.” Charlie pulled a smile pile of cloths to sit on and used the big stirring rod to stir the tub for a moment or two. As every pony else helped Mrs. Bucket with her work, they couldn’t help but notice the sad look on Charlie’s face. “I thought you should know; they found the third ticket today.” “Did they?” “Yeah, some pride gum-chewer named Violet Beauregarde,” Rainbow said. “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity gasped. “Oh come on, Rarity. The way she was chewing that gum was disgusting; you said so yourself.” “Well, at least I am not trying to be such a brute about it!” “Come on girls, we’re here to work, not argue!” Twilight stepped in. “Sorry, Twilight,” Rarity and Rainbow Dash said, in unison. After a few moments of work, Charlie stood up and made his way to leave. “Well… Guess I’ll be going then.” “Is that all?” Mrs. Bucket asked. Charlie whipped around, his face looking sadder than before. “Well, I thought you’d like to know. Most people are pretty interested. I know I’m interested. There are only two tickets left you know. Just two. Pretty soon just one.” “I wonder who the lucky ones will be.” “Well, in case you’re wondering if it’ll be me, it won’t be!” Charlie proclaimed, loudly. “Just in case you’re wondering, you can count me out.” Hearing his little outburst, every pony stopped working and turned toward Charlie. They could see the boy was on the verge of tears. “Please don’t be upset, Charlie,” Twilight assured. “I’m sure you’ve still got a good chance as everyone else.” “What chance do I have, Twilight?” Charlie asked, sadly. “The people who find the tickets are the ones who can afford Wonka Bars anytime they want. I can’t even afford ‘one’… It’s impossible!” Mrs. Bucket immediately stopped what she was doing, placing her hands along her son’s shoulders. “Charlie… There are a hundred billion people in this world, and only five of them will find Golden Tickets. Even if you had a sackful of money you probably wouldn’t find one. And after this contest is over, you’ll be no different from the billions of others who didn’t find one.” “But I am different. I want it more than any of them.” “Charlie, you’ll get your chance. One day, things will change.” “When? When will they change?” The Mane Six approach Charlie, patting his back comfortingly. “You know Charlie, if there’s one thing I’ve ever learned in life,” Fluttershy began. “Sometimes, the best things come to those who least expect them.” “Fluttershy’s right, darling,” Rarity agreed. “It’s when we never see what’s coming to us that when they finally do it’s all the more satisfying.” Mrs. Bucket nodded, smiling down at her son before kissing his forehead. “Everything will be alright in the end, Charlie. I’ll see you later.” Charlie nodded, walking outside the laundry house. Cheese and Spike walked out behind him. “We’ll go with you buddy,” Spike smiled. “No sense walking along the streets this late, especially by yourself.” Cheese suddenly appears, adoring a musketeer outfit complete with a fake sword to wave around. “Yeah, we’ll be the Three Musketeers! Always together, never apart! All for one, one for all, every ‘pony’ for himself… Wait, that wasn’t right.” Even though he was still upset over the whole contest, that last bit still managed to get a chuckle out of Charlie. As Cheese Sandwich went over a ‘book’, likely a copy of ‘The Three Musketeers’, a certain pony approached him. “Hey, Cheesy?” Cheese quickly turned to see Pinkie Pie trot up to him. “What’s up, Pinkie?” Without another word to say, Pinkie leaned forward and planted a kiss along Cheese’s cheek before pulling back with a bright smile. “I’ll see you soon.” Blushing bright red as Big MacIntosh, Cheese Sandwich slowly followed Spike and Charlie down the road. The rest of the Mane Six came by, standing beside Pinkie as they looked at her with knowing smiles. All, except for Fluttershy, who looked sadly after Charlie. “Poor Charlie. All he ever wanted is a chance to finally have something amazing.” Mrs. Bucket sat down along the brick steps outside the laundry house, looking after her son. “Yes… Ever since his father passed away, things have been really hard on him.” The Mane Six sat alongside Mrs. Bucket, interested in the story. “What do yah mean?” Applejack asked. “Charlie and his father were always really close. I remember my husband would always call Charlie his ‘little good luck charm’. He would come home from work at the toothpaste factory, bringing broken caps for Charlie to use as a model of the Wonka Factory. Even after losing his job, to pave way for modern machinery, he still retained a chipper outlook on life. Unfortunately, after he passed, luck hasn’t seemed to come for Charlie. I hope it does some day; I really miss the smile he used to have.” As they all stare down the street, they couldn’t help but get the urge to sing. <> As Cheese, Spike, and Charlie continue their trudge down the road to the Bucket house, none really said much along the way. Especially Cheese, but only because he was still reeling from Pinkie’s kiss on his cheek. He wanted to initially say something, but the butterflies in his stomach, every time Pinkie was around, kept him from doing so. And yet, that feeling he had now could be described as fireworks ready to ignite at any time. He soon stopped in his tracks for a moment, as Spike and Charlie turn back and noticed him standing still. “You coming, Cheese?” Spike asked. It took Cheese a moment to compose himself, turning his head to the side acknowledging the fountain, where he and Pinkie sat together only a few days ago. He turns back toward Charlie and Spike. “Actually, I’m gonna stay for a moment. You guys go on ahead, I need to think.” “Are you okay?” Charlie asked. “Don’t worry about me, kiddo,” Cheese waved it off. “I’ll be alright. Just go on ahead, I’ll catch up in a minute.” Charlie and Spike nod, as they continue their way home. In the meantime, Cheese slowly trots up toward the fountain and stares toward the falling water. His thoughts drift to only one thing that never seemed to leave his mind. “Pinkie Pie,” Cheese thought. “Lately, you’re all I could ever think about, the only thing that was always at the forefront of my attention. Every time you’re near, I feel weak in the knees and I’m always yearning for you to come back every time you leave. I never felt this way about any pony before; perhaps I already know why I’m feeling this way now. And yet… And yet you can’t even tell her… I can’t…” So passionate about this feeling pounding in his head, he could only express it the only other way he knew how: Singing. As Cheese sang, he reached through his yellow polo shirt and pulls out a scrapbook. He opens it, revealing many pictures mostly of him and Pinkie. But his favorite, however, was the day the two hugged it out at the laugh factory, after helping him find his true calling. “HEY!!!!” A voice interrupts Cheese Sandwich during that last verse, drawing him to a grumpy old man peering from a nearby window. “Keep it down, will ya!?” The man shouts. “Some of us are trying to sleep!” “Sorry!” Cheese Sandwich whispered, harshly. As the townsperson slammed the wooden shutters, Cheese Sandwich silently stood by the fountain and suddenly felt an epiphany. There was no doubt in his mind anymore; he knew now what he had to do. He wasn’t quite sure ‘when’ to do it, ‘where’ to do it, or even ‘how’. Yet he did know that at long last, after all this time, he finally had to tell Pinkie Pie something that’s been on his mind for the longest time. “Sweet Celestia,” Cheese Sandwich spoke. “I’ve fallen in love with my best friend; I’m in love with Pinkie Pie!”