Title: Pure of Heart
Author: Hellsfire.scythe
Summary: When Charlie turns eleven years old, 'What more does a boy want than a pet?' thinks Willy Wonka. Their trip to a local pet shop brings more surprises than 'just a pet' as competition begins to rear its ugly head. CatCF/PSoH
Time Setting: This is set a little more than one year after Charlie gets into the factory and a bit after volume ten of Pet Shop of Horrors.
Wow! It's amazing to see how many people actually looked at my story. that certainly brightens up my day. I just hope you all aren't too freaked out by it. Chapter Six is already done, so, no need to worry about a lack of chapters so far. Thank you everyone who has stayed with this story so far, things are about to get interesting.
Chapter Four: Wake-up Calls and Homecoming
January 21, 11:30 pm
Note to oneself- End of Day Two of Charlie's trip. One more day to go. NEVER EVER let Charlie wheedle oneself into looking after. . .
A plaintive wail interrupted his hasty scrawling and Wonka swerved to the direction from which it came. His hair was a little frazzled, his pajamas a little rumpled, and his eyes slightly blood-shot. This was the second night, the second sleepless and torturous night.
It wasn't as if Willy Wonka hadn't ever had any sleepless nights. Usually, however, those were due to all of the inventions and new ideas whizzing around in his head, or because of the experiments he was doing in the 'Inventing Room'. But never, oh never had this happened because of a fussy child.
The first night, he had at dismissed the wailing as hunger, and tried to feed the little bugger. Soon enough though, Wonka realized that more food was getting on her blankets and the table than into her mouth.
Some of the Oompa-loompas tried to placate her. Wonka scratched his head as he wondered why in the world they were whistling like birds. It was a new Oompa-loompa lullaby perhaps? But after some time, even the Oompa-loompas shrugged their small shoulders and shook their heads. They had given up.
Here he was now, staring at the rather upset and blotchy baby. 'I do prefer you in the mornings.'
Wonka glanced around again, a familiar idea pushed its way into his mind and he glanced at his pocket watch. A feeble smile emerged on his face and he gradually made his way towards the source of all of his present problems.
Break.
The ornate Chinese doors loomed over him like some sort of giant. Wonka almost changed his mind about going in, but that would mean trying to get Feng Huang to sleep while she cried the night away. That is, until the baby had gotten so tired that she just dropped off to sleep, leaving a confused and tired Wonka having to begin a new day. At least she was relatively quiet at the moment; her burbling and drooling was the only thing that broke the silence of the winter night.
"You're really weird, you know that?" Wonka held her up to his face (but not too closely). "Why can't you be this good and quiet at night?" The baby wasn't able to answer. "Next time Charlie goes out, I'm making him take you along." Wonka wrinkled his nose at her in annoyance. Feng Huang just laughed. "Or maybe I'll just leave you in the 'Lickable Wallpaper for Nurseries' Room. I'm sure you'd do fine in there."
"Mr. Wonka, might I ask why you're standing in front of my shop at this hour?"
With a jump of shock, Wonka looked to see Count D's figure blocking the light streaming out of the now-open doorway. The Count's features were obscured in the darkness, but Wonka could clearly hear the amusement in his voice.
"She won't go to sleep." He thrust Feng Huang forward toward the Count.
Wonka flinched as the Count's hand alighted on his shoulder. His long manicured nails barely touched the skin on Wonka's neck and sent cold shivers down the chocolatier's spine. "Come in, I'll see what can be done." The said hand gently guided Wonka into the shop and the doors closed softly behind them.
Two rather exotic looking men swept off the couch as the Count gently pushed Wonka into it. The girl, Pon-chan seemed to prick up eagerly and she stared at him from her small seat. Apprehension crept through Wonka's mind as he felt many eyes all around scrutinizing him with the finest precision.
The Count reentered the sitting room with an ornate pot of some sort filled with…incense. Soon the smell of mountain air, chrysanthemums, and some other foreign scent filled the shop. "This should help in calming her," the Count lounged comfortably across from Wonka. "How did you try putting her to sleep all these other times?"
"Uh, I just left her alone." Wonka squirmed as the Count cast a look full of non-approval towards him. "It always seemed to work for Charlie."
An exasperated look entered the Count's face. There was a rustle of silk and the he rose to his feet. Wonka froze when the Count plucked Feng Huang from the sling. "You are quite inexperienced in many things, aren't you?" The Count held Feng Huang tenderly in his arms. "One does not just leave an infant alone, expecting it to fall asleep. Especially not one so young!"
"Then what was I supposed to do? Hold her?" Wonka pouted. "Heh, no way!" There was a second of silence. "…I don't know how."
"That can be easily taught," The Count stated briskly. "Lean back a little." Wonka did just that. Feng Huang was suddenly plopped down on his chest. The rest of the Count's directions were followed awkwardly. "Support her from underneath. Keep her secure with your hand on her back." In the end, Feng Huang was nestled in Wonka's tense embrace; a purple hanky was placed underneath her head to catch the drool that came out of her mouth.
For a moment or two, Wonka watched as she squirmed in her blankets. Finally, she fell still, and her breathing grew steadier. His body relaxed and he giggled nervously. "Wow! Just…wow! That was pretty easy!" The Count gave him an entrusting smile.
A yawn fought its way out of Wonka's mouth and he snuggled deeper into the plush cushions of the couch. "Mmph, I'm pretty tired myself. Maybe…maybe," His eyelids grew heavier. "I'll just…do the same." His hat tipped to the side and the rest of the tension left his body. The sound of steady breathing filled the room. A sound of protest flew off of the Count's lips but was quickly taken back. Instead a look of approval glimmered softly in his mismatched eyes.
The Count stirred heaps of sugar into a cup of tea and sipped on it quietly as the lights dimmed around them.
Break.
He was floating on a cloud covered in a warm heavy blanket. A perfumed wind blew by and he shifted into a more comfortable position.
'Mmm…what a great idea, I could make edible mattresses from the wool of my fluffy pink sheep. It would be just like this,' Wonka mused as he floated along in the sky.
Suddenly, something dripped on him. A rain drop? Drip…drip…drip…
Violet eyes snapped open and Wonka found himself staring into large obsidian ones. Spit dribbled down from an open mouth and onto his neck. "Ew…" Disgust roiled in his stomach but he was unable to move. Feng Huang returned his exclamation with a small cry of her own.
"Good morning, Mr. Wonka."
"Huh? What?" Realization dawned on him when he caught site of silken draperies and a fine tea set. The spit dripping onto his neck was nearly forgotten, just nearly. "This isn't my room."
"You fell asleep in my shop." The Count entered his vision and carefully picked Feng Huang up. "The washroom is down the hall."
Wonka jumped to his feet and ran into the said room. Quickly, he shed his coat and assessed the damage. A patch of the dark plum velvet was darkened with spit. His favorite coat…utterly ruined! Wonka took a towel off of a rack and wiped off as much of the dampness as he could. 'I hope Fred won't mind making another coat for me.' Gnawing on his lip, he thought of the Oompa-loompa that did his tailoring. The said being had already just finished fixing up another one of his clothes, and now he had something else to mend.
He noticed, and then felt again, the spit that glistened on his neck. Wonka loosened his collar and turned on the faucet. Warm water was quickly splashed over his face and neck. He would have to change gloves as well today.
As Wonka toweled himself off, he didn't notice as the washroom door opened silently behind him. But he his eyes widened as someone materialized over his shoulder. It was that man-with-goat-horns! Sharp teeth glistened and dove down towards his arm.
A terrified shriek sounded throughout the shop. Wonka tore out of the hallway and hid behind the Count's slim form.
"Is something wrong?"
The goat-man staggered out of the hallway, holding a rapidly growing lump on his head.
Wonka pointed a shaking finger in his direction. "C-c-cannibal. He t-tried to eat me."
"That man hit me!"
"Tsk, tsk, T-chan. You know better than to go around biting my guests!" admonished the Count. He left Feng Huang in Wonka's arms and went to the being's side. "I apologize for my Totetsu. He has a habit of biting strangers."
Wonka held the baby closer and whimpered softly as he nodded. 'What that fudge?'
"Before you leave, I'll give you this incense," said the Count, holding up the pot. A pleased look entered his eyes as he added, "Just send me some more of those Whipple Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delights. I absolutely adore them."
"They'll be delivered here by noon," Wonka replied weakly, eyes still glued on the Totetsu.
Break.
"I don't know what possessed you to bite him," sighed Count D as he watched Wonka finally fly away in a glass elevator. The man was truly clumsy at times, but then again, it was made of glass. At least the phoenix wasn't hurt. "Now he's going to think there's a cannibal here."
T-chan sulked on the couch where Wonka had been sitting not but a few minutes ago. He tenderly rubbed his head. "How was I supposed to know he could see us?"
"Well, he did come in that one day…" began D. T-chan waved a hand and snorted.
"He's just really stupid."
D sighed and closed the doors behind him. "It'll be your fault, you know," he pouted. T-chan made a noise of astonishment.
"What will be my fault?"
"If my chocolate supply is scared away."
Break.
Charlie stared at the birds that sat clucking and cooing outside the kitchens of the lodge. He had got up and cleaned up early, so no one else was about outside… which might be a good thing.
There were the same birds from the first day and after dinner yesterday. He had begun a little ritual after dinner the other night. He'd bring a loaf of bread and carefully feed it to his new 'friends'. They were curious creatures, curious indeed. Charlie laughed as one began pecking at his pant legs.
But now that they were out in the sunlight, Charlie could see them much better. Their black and brown feathers were bordered with white and contrasted greatly with the white snow. Beady black eyes gazed at him and then at the loaf of bread that was in his hands. They were rather more like pheasants, actually.
Carefully, Charlie broke off small pieces from the bread and tossed it out towards the birds. At first, they all scattered, squawking and fluttering in the air. But then, one of the less timid ones landed close to the crumbs and started pecking at it. Before long, the whole flock had joined in and began a feeding frenzy.
The loaf was almost finished when the birds cocked their head up and stopped their feeding. Immediately, they took to the air and disappeared. A few moments later, the sound of the kitchen door opening made Charlie turn.
Ms. Barnes glanced at him curiously. "What are you doing out here, Mr. Bucket?"
"I-I was looking at the scenery, madam," Charlie lied. She had already flatly said that she didn't believe that there were any birds around at all. There was no use in telling her the truth.
"Well, don't wander around, all right? I don't want anyone else to get lost."
The other day, the same group of boys had run away from the class, unnoticed until they hadn't shown up for lunch. After hours of searching, the boys had come dashing towards the lodge, screaming about ice monsters, and barely escaping. Ms. Barnes bought none of it and ordered the boys to kitchen duty. It meant they had to mop up the mess hall's floors, scrub the tables, and wash the dishes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the rest of the trip.
"Yes, madam," promised Charlie, holding the remainder of the bread loaf behind him.
"You're a nice child, Charlie Bucket. Now let's get inside so everyone can eat their breakfast." Ms. Barnes ushered Charlie back into the lodge.
Break.
The bus stopped in front of the school, and Charlie came out with the rest of the stream of children. His bags were unloaded and then strapped to his back, his goodbyes were said and done, and he had told Ms. Barnes he was walking back to the factory.
As he trudged through the snow-covered sidewalks, a gaunt looking man stepped out of an alleyway in front of him.
"You're Charlie Bucket, am I correct?"
"Yes, sir," Charlie nodded. A flock of birds cast strange shadows over the man's face.
"It's quite the pleasure and honor to meet the future heir of the Wonka Chocolate Factory." The man grinned, showing off a mouthful of rotten teeth. Charlie hid his distaste. "I'm Sean Slugworth, of Slugworth Candy Industries, and I was wondering if I could make a proposition."
"I'm sorry, sir. But I'm not in any position to accept any sort of proposition. I think you should go to Mr. Wonka and talk to him," Charlie replied. 'Not that Mr. Wonka would even talk to you.'
Slugworth grinned and placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "But I think you might be able to work with this one, Mr. Bucket." Charlie shuddered and held his breath, for the man's was utterly revolting. "I think we can work out a very nice deal." Charlie made to interrupt, but was stopped. "I wish for you to tell me all of Wonka's new inventions, in return, I can give you anything you want, little boy. How would you like a video game? A large house? A dog? Anything boy, all you have to do is to tell me."
Charlie pushed Slugworth's hand off of his shoulder. The man frowned. "I'm sorry, sir, but I won't do anything like that. I already have all the fun I need. My home is the best in the world, and I have a pet that is better than any dog."
"There are other things…"
"No!" exclaimed Charlie. He backed up a few paces, turned around and began running towards the factory as fast as his legs could carry him.
Wonka was waiting for him behind the gates. Once inside, Charlie flung himself around the chocolatier's waist and breathed in the scent of cinnamon, mint, and melted chocolate.
"Whoa there, little Charlie! I missed you too!" gasped Wonka. "Squeezing a bit too hard there, Charlie."
Embarrassment went up like a flame in Charlie's cheeks, and he quickly let go. Wonka bent over so that they saw eye-to-eye. "Now tell me all about your trip!" Childish glee sparkled in his purple eyes.
"Well, Mr. Wonka. I saw these…" There was a clucking noise and then a fluttering sound. Dozens of large pheasant-like birds landed in front of the chocolate factory.
"Chruffles!" squealed Wonka in delight. The man was dancing around on his toes and clapping excitedly.
"You know what they are?" Charlie asked, turning towards his mentor.
"Of course I know what they are, you silly goose!" Wonka walked carefully around the flock, grinning in glee. "They're Chruffles. You're such a lucky duck, you Charlie! To find a whole flock and bring them back."
"But―"
"You know, usually, in the spring, you never see them at all. You have to go panning for their eggs, because their nests are usually near mountain streams." Wonka explained, interrupting all of Charlie's comments. "I remember finding my first Chruffle."
A dreamy look entered Wonka's eyes, and Charlie stayed silent. It seemed that the man had entered on of his Flashbacks again. A minute later those violet eyes blinked again and a sad smile entered his face. "I lost my first Chruffle. One of those sly sneaky spies stole it from my factory. I never saw it again. But, none of their eggs ever entered the market, so I guess it died. Of course none of those other candy-makers would understand how to take care of a Chruffle!"
"Mr. Wonka," Charlie called out. The man snapped out of his reverie and glanced towards him curiously. "What are their eggs used for? Don't they hatch out chicks?"
Wonka giggled and pointed to the flock. "See Charlie? Most of these Chruffles are female, and there's only one male in this group. The only time their eggs are white and hatch out chicks are in the summer. During any other time, their eggs are a pretty gold-colored candy shell, and on the inside are whipped chocolate, or toffee, or cream, or caramel!" He whipped around and looked at Charlie. "You're brilliant! How did you do it?"
The man's enthusiasm was contagious and Charlie found himself smiling back. "I found them on the first day, and fed them bread after breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
"So they must have taken a shining on you, little Charlie!" Wonka rubbed his gloved hands together quickly, the sound of squeaking latex filling the air.
"By the way, Mr. Wonka, where's Feng Huang?" asked Charlie.
"Huh?" Wonka pointed at a sling that Charlie just noticed around the chocolatier's body. "She's right here."
Charlie carefully reached inside the sling and picked up the little bird. Well, actually, she had grown a bit while he was gone. "Look at her feathers, Mr. Wonka! There are a lot more now!"
Wonka gave him a strange look and then looked at Feng Huang. "Heh, yeah! Wow!"
"So how was she while I was gone?"
"Hey, Charlie! Guess what new idea I've thought up!"
"But Mr.―"
"You know that candy plant that we've got going? Well, why not candy trees? You know we can make Fir Trees! The needles can be mint candy, the branches can be candy cane, and the pine cones…" Wonka tittered. "The pine cones are Hair Toffee! Get it? Fur Trees?"
"Yes, that's a great idea, Mr. Wonka. But what about―"
"And Sugar Maples? Their branches and the trunk can be marzipan, the leaves can be spun sugar, and the sap can be liquid candy!"
To be continued. . .
So Charlie is back, but what about Slugworth's offer? What is Wonka going to do about that problem?
Chapter Five Preview: Strange things are starting to happen around the small town that is home to Wonka's Chocolate Factory, and those strange things capture unwanted attention from surprising sources. But Willy Wonka has more pressing issues on his mind: Charlie's dentist appointment.
I've been seeing a lot of questions about Count D and the 'Pet Shop of Horrors'. To remedy for some of that, I've posted a little synopsis of the manga series on chapter one. For more detailed information, one should go read Pet Shop of Horrors for themselves. It's a little complicated to explain. But I hope all of you are living alright with this so far.
Ta!
-Hellsfire.scythe