//------------------------------// // Lament and Fourth Ticket // Story: Cinematic Adventures: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory // by extremeenigma02 //------------------------------// Little did they know, while the Mane Six, Spike, and Cheese Sandwich were dealing with Charlie’s situation, they weren’t the only ones facing a dilemma. Back in Equestria, a real dilemma was taking shape, one that could very well mean great disaster if things continue the way that they were. Whoa… Got a little deep for a second. Back in Twilight’s castle, preferably the library, Discord, along with the foals and several Ponyville inhabitants have sat around watching scenes of the movie unfold with deep concern. They knew only two tickets remained, meaning the chances of Charlie finding one were getting slimmer with each passing day. “Boy, I tell you what,” Discord replied, shaking his head. “This whole situation is turning more chaotic than even I could muster and that says a lot!” “Eeyup!” Big Mac nodded, in agreement. “Ah just feel so bad fur poor Charlie,” Apple Bloom frowned. “He’s been through so much in his life; he ain’t never really had much hope.” “Don’t worry A.B.,” Scootaloo assured, patting her friend’s back. “If there’s one thing I know it’s that things always look the worst just before they get better.” “Yeah, look at all the times we tried to get our cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle added. “Sure, we’d come up empty-hoofed, but it’s only when things seem bleak and hopeless, we finally rose to the occasion and discovered our talents.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled fondly, as they remembered that fateful day when they received their cutie marks. Who would have thought helping little Pipsqueak win the election against Diamond Tiara and finally befriending their former nemesis would have them realizing their true talent was helping ponies find their own hidden talent? It was perhaps the best day of their lives. At the same time, though, those smiles turned to frowns remembering another matter at hoof. “Do you guys really think the Cakes will leave Ponyville?” Scootaloo asked. Discord gave the poor filly a pat on the back, as everypony turned to him. “I truly hope not,” Discord answered. “But if business don’t pick up soon, I’m afraid it might be the case.” “Oh, the poor Cakes and those sweet little twins,” Sugar Belle whimpered. “I can’t imagine Ponyville without them.” Big Mac placed his arm comfortingly around his wife, pulling her close. “Don’t you worry now, dear. Ah’m sure somethin’ will turn business around fur them.” “There’s one thing I don’t quite understand,” Starlight Glimmer pondered, curiously. “How did business go south so quickly for them?” “I’ll tell you what happened,” Wind Sprint grumbled. “It’s Diamond Tiara’s fault!” “After everything that’s happened, of course she would go back to her old ways,” Toola Roola frowned. “Now she’s bashing the Cakes out of their business!” “Now calm down, every pony,” Apple Bloom spoke up. “Ah’m pretty sure there’s some kinda explanation fur this. I know Diamond Tiara can be tough to handle, but she’s really been tryin’ to change. We can’t just believe she’d gone back to bein’ mean that fast.” “Oh please,” Coconut Cream scoffed. “After all the damage and bullying she’s done over the years, how could you not assume the worst from her? Once a bully ‘always’ a bully.” Unbeknownst to any pony in this little watch party, a certain little dark-pink pony with a tiara cutie mark was peering through the window watching the whole scene unfold. Diamond Tiara had secretly watched the entire movie, along with the group outside the library’s window, and everything she overheard them say of her was saddening for the little filly. Trying to keep a few tears from falling down her face, Diamond Tiara slowly trot her way back home with her head hung low. The more she let those words seep in, the more she considered that perhaps they were right. She insisted she was working hard to change, so why would she be doing this to the Cakes? No pony knew, however, of a deeper motive behind her actions. It was not because she considered reverting to her old nasty habits but hearing these ponies automatically assuming the worst was more hurtful than anything she’s ever done. Eventually she reached the front door to her home, as Diamond Tiara sluggishly pushed it open and sauntered inside. As the door closed behind her, she was instantly greeted by her parents, Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich, the richest ponies in Ponyville. As she looked toward them, she could see the huge smug smiles along their faces. “Ah, there you are my dear,” Filthy Rich smirked. “I truly must say, job well done. The way you handled things at Sugarcube Corner just swimmingly, I never doubted you for a moment. You’ve made me proud.” Diamond Tiara didn’t reward it with a response, except for a sad nod, while staring down at the floor. “Come now, don’t mope about,” Spoiled Rich scolded. “You should be happy; you played your part very well.” After a moment or two trying to keep the tears in, Diamond could take it anymore as she let them flow down her cheeks. “Why would you make me do that?” Diamond Tiara muttered. “Speak up child, you know how I feel about muttering,” Spoiled Rich spoke. “I said why would you make me do that?!” Diamond Tiara cried. “I like the Cakes; I love their shop! They have done no harm to any pony. After everything I’ve done trying to redeem myself, why would you have me do that?” Filthy Rich and his wife looked at each other, chuckling. “Dash it all, it’s nothing personal my dear,” Filthy Rich explained, smugly. “It’s actually quite simple: The Cakes and their little bakery currently sit atop some very valuable property I require to expand my business. I offered them a generous offer, employment with my company for twice their usual wage and benefits. They refuse to sell the land peacefully, so they left me no alternative but to drive them out by force if need be.” “If you ask me dear, it’ll be quite pleasing to be rid of such distasteful ponies,” Spoiled Rich grinned, menacingly. “Those Cakes and their little shop are far too sickly sweet for my tastes. Not to mention it’ll do this town some good once we’re rid of that Pinkie Pie!” “But mother, Pinkie Pie has saved Equestria hundreds of times,” Diamond Tiara points out. “Every pony in town loves her, she makes every pony’s day happier.” “Hmph… I beg to differ. The less noise we get from that pony the better. You just stick to what you’ve been doing Diamond Tiara and soon that land will be ours for the taking.” Tears continued to flow down Diamond Tiara’s face, listening to both her mother and father ridicule and berate the sweetest ponies in town as if this was nothing more than another business deal. It was more for this filly to bear. “No…” “What did you just say?” Spoiled Rich asked, an eyebrow raised. “I can’t! I won’t go through with this anymore!” Diamond shouted. “You do whatever you want, but I’m telling the Cakes the truth!” Diamond Tiara turned around, trying to walk away only to find her movement constricted. She turned to see her mother hold her tail with one hoof, giving her a vicious stare. “You listen to me, you ungrateful little…!” “Now, now, let’s not do anything rash, honey,” Filthy Rich interrupts, assuring. “I will handle this.” The mother heavily sighs before lifting her hoof off Diamond Tiara’s tail, while Filthy Rich walked over after planting a light kiss on his wife’s cheeks. The frightened filly finds herself backing herself into a corner as her father looms down at her. “Now why would you want to make things difficult for us, darling?” Filthy Rich asked. “I don’t think you seem to grasp the severity of our situation. Do you know how much money I’ve already spent paying ponies to convince others not to eat at Sugarcube Corner? The ponies I hired would never even set a hoof in a mom-and-pop shop if we couldn’t settle with an arrangement. And then there’s you; you remind me of myself when I was your age. You have a commanding presence; ponies will believe anything you say because it’s your gift. We are on the verge of establishing our rightful place amongst the Canterlot Elite, should this deal succeed we’ll have more money than we could ever imagine with just enough space for you. “But I’m not willing to go this far to have our plans turn sour like Spoiled Milk… No offense, dear.” Filthy Rich turned toward his wife with a toothy smile, the wife merely returned a smirk which seemed ‘forced’. “None whatsoever.” Filthy Rich turned back toward his daughter, just missing his wife’s expression reverting to a frown behind his back. “Now speaking as your father and a business-pony, I’m only going to say this just… Once…,” Filthy Rich threatened. “If you try to ruin this opportunity for us, you’ll leave me no choice but to set some repercussions for your actions. And all that implies, somepony will have to take the cut.” Diamond Tiara’s mouth dropped to the ground with shock, as more tears spilled down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe the words being said, even worse… She knew what those words meant. “You can’t do that!” Diamond Tiara shouted. “Your father ‘can’… And he will,” Spoiled Rich spoke, smirking. “We practically giftwrapped the world you were brought up in and we can take it away just as easily. Is that what you want? Is it??” The little filly stood silent, hearing her parents threaten to disown her. A fate of being shunned by her own family, if she dared disobeyed their word. She slowly lowered her head, feeling defeated. “I’ll do whatever you say,” Diamond Tiara sighed. “Ask what you want of me; it shall be done.” “That’s my princess,” Filthy Rich nodded, approvingly. “You’ll thank me for this someday; after all, it’s all strictly business. It’s what my father did, and his father, and his father’s father. Learn the ropes, smile and look pretty, and everything goes accordingly.” “Now run up stairs and go to bed,” Spoiled Rich demanded. “You’ll be receiving instructions for tomorrow and I’ll be expecting you to commit.” The little filly silently nods as she makes her way up the stairs to her room. “Oh, and Diamond Tiara!” The filly stops and turns around, noting her father’s call toward her. “Never forget: You are a ‘Diamond’,” Filthy Rich concludes. Turning around, bawling her little eyes out, she sprints toward the top of the stairs toward her room. Slamming the door shut and locking it tight, Diamond Tiara plops onto her bed crying harder. As she laid there, she felt a painful feeling in her heart regretting playing a part in this scheme in the first place. She never imagined this going this far, but now it was clear her parents are forcing her down a path preventing her from being who she wants to be and no shot at turning back. Heartbroken and scorned, Diamond Tiara began to sing a familiar tune. By the final verse, Diamond Tiara cried herself to sleep on her bed. If Pinkie Pie was that determined to save Sugarcube Corner, going on some mission with Twilight and her friends, deep down Diamond Tiara hopes they could succeed where she has failed. *Soft crying could be heard in the background* Now what’s gotten into you? I’m sorry… *Sniffs* I always get so emotional when this song comes up… *Grabs some tissues* Come on, stop blubbering… *Cries* <> *Clears throat* Anyways, Twilight and the rest of the group sat with Charlie’s grandparents along the bed. It was late in the evening and they decided to watch the news with the family before going to bed. News had broken earlier that same day that another golden ticket had been found and they were finally getting another live report: <> "While the rest of the world goes on searching, here in the Southwest it has actually happened. That’s what I said, friends. There’s only one Golden Ticket left in the entire world because right here in our own community of Marble Falls, Arizona, is lucky winner number four. Now, the name soon to be around the universe is Mr. Mike Teevee. Hey Mike, do you think we might shut that thing off?" The little boy in question, dressed like a cowboy, sneered at the reporter while watching a western on T.V. “No, are you crazy?” “He won’t answer until the station breaks,” Mrs. Teevee replied. “Mike, the country wants to hear from you; the world is waiting—” “Can’t you shut up? I’m busy,” Mike responded. “Boy, what a great show!” “I serve all his TV dinners right here,” Mrs. Teevee replied. “He’s never even been to the table.” “You love to watch T.V., Mike?” One reporter asked. “You bet!” “What about that Golden Ticket, Mike? That’s what we all came to hear—” “Hold it! I wanna catch this.” “You like the killings, huh?” “What do you think life’s all about?” “Mike, would you tell us—” Mike pulls out a little cap gun from his toy holster, firing at the television like he was mimicking the cowboys on television. “Wait ‘til I get a real one. Colt. 45. Pop won’t let me have one yet, will you, Pop?” Not ‘til you’re twelve, son,” Mr. Teevee responded. It wasn’t long when a commercial break finally arrived, putting the show to a halt. This way the reporters hoped they’d finally get some answers from Mike. “Now Mike, how exactly were you able to find the golden ticket?” A reporter asked. “It’s simple really,” Mike responded. “All I had to do was check the manufacturing date, offset by weather, and the derivative of the serial number.” “Sounds like a difficult task for a little boy.” “Oh please! A blind, deaf, comatose patient could have figured it out.” “You know most of the time, I don’t know what he’s talking about,” Mr. Teevee sighed. “You know kids these days, it seems like they don’t stay kids very long.” “Mike, how many Wonka bars did you have to open to find the ticket?” “In the end, I only had to buy ‘one’ candy bar.” “And how did it taste?” “I don’t know; I hate chocolate. Now buzz off, will yah? My show’s back on.” Just before the screen changed, the camera once again caught sight of the man, with the octagon spectacles and scarred face, whispering in Mike’s ear. <> As the group watched, the ponies and Spike couldn’t help but feel shocked and disgusted especially toward the little boy’s attitude. Not to mention out of all the kids they’ve seen, he’s the one kid who doesn’t even like chocolate. Yet, somehow, he made sure to win a contest just for a tour of the factory. “He won a ticket and doesn’t even like chocolate?” Pinkie asked, bewildered. “Who doesn’t like chocolate?!” “Once again we have a rotten child who won the contest,” Rarity hugged. “He doesn’t even appreciate it!” “I tell yah, this whole contest has been one big sham straight from the start!” Applejack shook her head. As they talked, the television shifts from the live report in Marble Falls back to the newsroom. The head anchorman placed the number four on the map where Marble Falls rests. "Four down, and one to go. And somewhere out there, another lucky person is moving closer and closer to finding the last of the most sought-after prizes in history. Though we cannot help but envy him, whoever he is, and we might be tempted to be bitter in our losing, we must remember there are many more important things—many more important things. Offhand I can’t think of what they are, but I’m sure there must be something. And now for tomorrow’s weather and—" Mrs. Bucket turned off the television, smiling toward the rest of the group. “Alrighty everyone, I think it’s time to hit the hay,” She spoke, to the ponies. “No pun intended.” The all giggled, as they brush off the joke. “No worries Mrs. Bucket,” Twilight assured. Charlie and the ponies, along with Spike, hug everyone one last time before making their way into Charlie’s room to settle in for the night. Charlie nestled into bed, while the ponies made themselves comfortable on the floor. As they drift off into slumber, sleeping until the wee hours of the morning, Twilight was once again rustled from her sleep by the sound of movement. She opens her eyes slowly, spying Charlie leaving the room. “Charlie?” She asked, tiredly. “What’s going on?” “I’m not sure, Twilight,” Charlie responded. “I heard Grandpa calling for me, figured I go see what he needs.” Twilight nods her head, slowly standing on her hooves. She stretched a bit, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, before rustling the rest of her friends from their sleep. Many of them, mostly Rainbow Dash, groaned in annoyance. “Man, hasn’t any pony heard of beauty sleep?” She groaned. “No amount of sleep is beauty sleep for you, Rainbow,” Spike joked, sleepily. “You’re lucky I’m too tired; otherwise, I’d turn you into a hoof bag!” “Simmer down there, Rainbow,” Applejack interrupts. “Let’s go see what Joe wants.” Soon enough, the group slugged their way toward the living room behind Charlie greeting Grandpa Joe. “Good morning, Grandpa Joe,” Twilight greets, tiredly. “Good morning, every pony,” Grandpa Joe responds. “Why did you wake me up, Grandpa?” Charlie asked. “Is something wrong?” Grandpa Joe looked around, making sure the rest of his family was asleep. Smiling, he reached under his pillow and pulls out a Wonka bar, which made the group’s eyes widen as they stand up. “You’ve got a Wonka bar?” Twilight asked. “How is that even possible, darling?” Rarity added. “I thought you couldn’t get out of bed,” Fluttershy said, curiously. “Earlier today, I asked Charlie’s mother to stop by the candy store,” Grandpa Joe explained. “I gave her the money for my tobacco so she can pick up this Wonka bar for Charlie.” “Grandpa, that money was for tobacco,” Charlie said. “I told you Charlie; I’ve given it up. Go on, open it. One ticket left. Now let’s see some of that gold!” “Yeah, come on, Charlie,” Pinkie said, excitedly. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one!” “This is your big moment, old buddy, old pal!” Cheese smiled. “No, you do it,” Charlie told Grandpa Joe. “I can’t!” “Something tells me we’re gonna be lucky this time,” Grandpa Joe assured. “I’ve got a funny feeling inside. Which end shall I open first?” Charlie points to the corner closest to him. “That end. Just a tiny bit.” “Alright, here it goes!” Grandpa Joe pulled the wrapping paper, as the rest of the group looked on hopefully with wide eyes. The wrapping paper comes off… Only to find just the Wonka bar, no ticket. Charlie, Grandpa Joe, and the rest of the group all looked at each other. “I’m sorry, Charlie,” Twilight sighed. “It was a good try, Grandpa Joe,” Rainbow nodded. “It’s alright,” Charlie said, sadly. “I bet those golden tickets make the chocolate taste terrible, anyway.” The rest of the group felt sorry for Charlie. They knew he wanted this so badly and each time he gets even a smidge of hope, it gets snuffed out like a light. Grandpa Joe and Charlie embrace in a big hug, while the rest of the group eventually joins in.