Willy Wonka and his Heir

Chewing Gum

The group of 8 went down a long tunnel, and Atlas could practically taste the chocolate in the air. Soon, the Oompa-Loompask picked up the tempo, and they started going faster. Atlas shivered, and saw why they gave him a blanket in such a warm place. He picked the blanket back up, and reluctantly spread it across himself to keep himself warm. He put a small piece in Willy's lap, in case he was a little cold as well. "That's very kind of you, but I'm fine." Willy told Atlas quietly. Atlas didn't respond, instead curling in on himself. Willy held him still as the boat rocked down the swirling tunnel.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the boat settled, and Atlas peeked out again. He looked just in time to see a cow being whipped, and muttered "Whipped Cream." "It is indeed starshine!" Willy chirped cheerfully. Mike scoffed. "That isn't how whipped cream is made." "Do stop mumbling because I can't understand a word you're saying." Willy said with a forced smile. "Hey look, we've arrived at our destination!" The group got out of the boat into what looked like a giant lab. Atlas left the blanket he'd been given in the boat, and wondered at the lab with everybody else. He looked curiously into what appeared to be a tank with an Oompa-Loompa swimming in it, doing something.

As Willy was explaining something to the group, Atlas felt a slight tug, and he looked to see that an Oompa-Loompa was presenting him with a piece of hard candy. Cautiously, Atlas took the piece of candy, muttering a quiet 'thank you'. He put the piece of candy in his mouth, and it felt like his mouth exploded with flavor. He tasted beef, with gravy, and then it switched to stuffing. The more he tasted, the less hungry he felt, and the pain that had been slowly gnawing at him was abated. "Well would you look at that!" Willy's voice said behind him. Atlas whirled around, and nearly toppled over into the tank. "The Oompa-Loompas gave you a hard candy, correct?" Willy asked him. Atlas nodded, terrified. "Do you feel abnormal at all?" Atlas gave a confused look, and tucked the hard candy to one side of his mouth. "How so?" He asked.

"So you DO talk!" Veruca said loudly. Atlas gave a startled expression, and Willy straightened with a forced expression. "Little girl, why do you think he wouldn't be able to talk?" He asked. "Because he didn't talk at all earlier, that's why." Veruca said firmly. "Ooo, gum!" Violet said behind them.

After Violet turned, well, violet, the group followed Willy into the next room.