Response Time: To The Illuminaughty Pine Tree, theoretically, she would have to actually find him if he gets fully paralyzed, and he's got plenty of time. To Linkwonka88, you'll have to wait to find out if the outcome is their favor. To mattTheWriter072, to hint to you as to what will happen, just remember how Violet described the connection between her and the juice. To JOHNHAMMOND1993, don't worry about him carrying it. Only Violet can inflict it on others. And Augustus is loyal to her, but he still wants to help her, even if it means betraying her. I thought I would make it like that to make Augustus more complex to the story.

Chapter 13: Machiavellian Daydream

"It's all right, Charlie," Mike told him. "Just make it quick." They were in the Inventing Room,and Charlie was trying to take a sample in Mike's arm with a syringe. Unfortunately, Charlie was squeamish of needles. "Charlie, I'm not going to feel it, so just put it in my arm and- OWWWW! Don't just sit it there, take the damn sample!"

Charlie pulled out the syringe while saying, "I thought you said you wouldn't feel it!"

Veruca chuckled, "He wouldn't have if you didn't stick it in like a harpoon. You need to be gentle."

Mike stood up, got the syringe, and walked over to a set of test tubes. "Okay, It's a big problem when Veruca is the compassionate one." Saying that earned a slap right on the injection site. "OWWW! Well, that did an instant 180!" He put the sample into a flask and started to mix several of the chemicals. As he did this, he made some interesting small talk. "Do you guys think about how different you are now then you were before? About how a struggle can test our bonds? How we can show our true selves with just one event?"

Charlie answered, "I didn't really think about it."

Mike told him, "Well, think about it. I was a cynic with no friends who just didn't care about anything but what was in front of me. Yet here I am, helping everyone out of a jam. I'm even trying to save Wonka, not to mention. Something I would never do. And Charlie? You are a kid who was lonely with good intentions, and now you've branched out. You've made friends that may just last a lifetime."

Veruca said while folding her arms, "Well, don't even get me started."

Mike looked up. "I got to wait for it to cool down and then it will be done. I keep thinking that there is more to it. What if this tour was a scheme formulated and played out by a mad genius with good intentions; The only problem is that its not going the way it was supposed to. The moment Augustus fell into the river was when everything went to hell. And now we are trying to save a girl who's mental capacity is degenerating as she grows stronger. I think Wonka was trying to bring five people together and teach them to bond with other people. Only his vision is turning into a nightmare. I mean, Wonka does seem pretty cunning for a nutcase."

Veruca asked him, "You're saying this whole tour is just some sort of Machiavellian daydream that's gone awry?"

Mike told them, "That's exactly what I'm thinking." They all took turns filling up syringes and hiding them in a small case. "One shot, and it should stop her. I'm going to write down the formula so that we can replicate it to save the Oompa-Loompas. First, we need to stop Violet. Who's up for tracking her down?"

Charlie answered, "Well, I had an idea that we should track down the adults. The duo are off our tail for now, so we should go find the adults first. After all, Wonka is Violet's primary target, so she'll be eager to track them down, too."

Veruca added, "If we find them first, we can lure Violet into a trap and catch her off guard. Then we can cure her and then everyone else she's infected. But we'd have to get to them first. We might be able to find them if we use cameras."

Mike smirked. "That's a really good plan. I'm impressed, guys. You're thinking just like good leaders. We'll go with that plan." Before they were about to depart, Mike stopped them. "Listen, you two. This paralysis has covered half of my arm already. I can resist it with my willpower to make it go slower, but it will happen eventually. Maybe even before we make it to our goal. If that happens, I want you two to go on with the plan without me. I believe you two can do it. I don't normally put trust in others, but I can in this case." Charlie and Veruca nodded and they moved toward their next goal.

That's the chapter! Next will be the adult's viewpoint. There will be a turning point happening soon, and all three paths will cross for a short time, not to mention a potential sacrifice (No, there will not be death). Be sure to stay tuned for what's next!