Response Time: To Sonny April, I'm glad to know I'm doing good so far! To TheIndividualist, and I'm working hard to make sure that everything is fanonical to the first story, so be sure to tell me if I make an error. To JohnHammond, I'm glad you asked this. It gives me the opportunity to tell you about something on my profile. You see, ever since "A Second Chance" was written, people have been writing these "Second Generation stories." I really love reading them, and I wanted to write one entirely on my own. "New Faces" is the name of that story, and I'll be writing it after this story. There won't be any songs in this one, but there will be in the "New Faces" story. In A Second Chance, Sonny wrote the songs for Jake and Max, while I wrote the songs for Claudia and Rouge (and let me tell you, writing Rouge's song was really fun), so those will give you a perspective on the songs I have planned for "New Faces". I hope I answered everything to your satisfaction. To Linkwonka88, well here you are! To mattTheWriter072, You will see him in this chapter, so you'll know. That being said, on with the story!
Chapter 2: Not Just a Rumor
"A spy?" asked Augustus with fear. "Are you sure? It could just be a rumor."
"I'm sorry to tell you guys this on short notice, and I wish this was a social visit. However, this is not a joke. There is a spy, and I have no idea where he is anymore. I lost track of him, and he could be anywhere in the factory. All we know is that this guy takes his time with these things. He learns how to navigate his way around." An Oompa-Loompa entered the room and approached Charlie, whispering in his ear. "I see. Thank you. Before I tell you what I just heard, I must know that I can count on you all to help me out from this mess."
Violet nodded and said, "You can always count on me. I'll use every karate move in my arsenal to help you."
Augustus replied, "I may not know what I can do, but I'll try my hardest to help."
Mike said to him, "You have my assistance, bro."
Charlie smiled. "Thank you. I knew I could count on you. Now, the Oompa-Loompa just informed me that Violet's husband and son have arrived. I'll gather the children and meet you there."
They walked all the way to the entrance. Max and his friends joined in as well. "Tim! It's good to see you again!" Charlie went to Violet's husband and shook his hand.
Tim replied, "Well, it's good to see you again, Mr. Bucket."
"Call me Charlie. Now, who is this strapping young lad?"
"Jerome!" Rouge ran up and hugged her brother. "Everyone, this is my brother Jerome Mattingly. He's 4 years older than me, and much smarter. He skipped a couple grades and was in college around the time of the tour. Jerome, these are my friends."
Jerome shook their hands, and said to them, "Greetings, everyone. It's nice to be here. I never saw the factory before from the inside, so I must have a look around."
Charlie got an idea and said, "Brilliant idea! Augustus, would you mind taking Jerome and Tim on a tour of the factory, while I discuss a few matters with Violet, Veruca, and Mike?" He winked at him, so Augustus took that as a signal to get them moving. "Okay, you kids do whatever you were doing before. I'm sorry that I have to just leave on such short notice."
He walked away, leaving Max, Rouge, Claudia and Jake behind to think. "I wonder what they're so focused on," Jake thought.
"It might be something I'm a little worried about," Max said with fear in his voice.
"But why?" Claudia asked.
Max explained, "Well, there's been attacks on other candy companies. Hacking, sabotage, espionage, and I'm worried it's coming here. Obviously, Mr. Bucket must think that, too."
They heard a voice through the buzzer. "I'd say that's scarily correct." It was a voice very familiar to them, but they couldn't quite figure it out.
"Who's there?"
"It's an old friend from the past. I have news for you that isn't good. Now if you wouldn't mind buzzing me in, I'd really appreciate it enough to tell you all about it."
Max went to the button to unlock the door. Claudia stopped him and asked, "How do you know to trust this person?"
"He sounds familiar to me."
"That could be a bad thing."
Max tried to open it, but Claudia kept blocking him. "Claudia, you really don't want me to open the door...You know who it is, don't you?"
"I don't, but I have an idea and I don't want to know if I'm right."
Max turned the intercom on. "Do you have sufficient proof? How do I know if you're not a spy?"
The voice outside chuckled in an eerie way, almost familiar. "Would I have come here if I didn't? Max, don't you recognize a voice when you hear one?"
Max hit the button and the door unlocked. When it opened, a twinge of fear overcame them. A young man stood at the entrance, wearing a trench coat, black suit and tie, and a hat. He also had his eyes closed. He took off his hat to reveal his spiky blue hair, and opened his piercing yellow eyes. It was Damon Woods, the possessor of the fifth ticket, and their former enemy. "I'm the guy who came in from the cold," he said before laughing creepily.
That's the chapter! Now that Damon's back, what will happen as a result? Stay tuned to find out, and be sure to have a great day!