Author's Note.

When I made the last final touches to On The Other Side and sent them to Diane Tran for her website, I knew this was far from over. Not only did I leave many holes and openings to fill in my story, but also I loved doing it so much! I know to many these are just silly little fan-fiction stories, and to some they may seem like sick fantasies of mine about being in a Basilian world, but I say let them think what they want! I know there's people out there who appreciate it! I think I have so many ideas on this story that there are too many to write down, but I am going to keep it up. Writing's my outlet for stress, and sharing it makes me feel all the better.

I had my worries that when people would read On The Other Side, eyes would start rolling. I have used many characters, which are indeed not of my own creation. But I am lucky that Diane is gracious enough to give me the thumb's up. So if these stories are frowned upon, that's okay by me! The point is I had a ball doing these! And as Kingsley Adams once said, "If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing."

The Great Mouse Detective and its characters are works of Walt Disney Pictures and Eve Titus. Additional characters or references and/or continuations of them in my story are works of Diane Tran, Karen, Ethel Grimes, and other Basilian writers used with permission. Only a few are my own creation, as I find the works of others too brilliant not to incorporate in my stories. Terrible isn't it, but true!

Thanks again to Eve Titus, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Walt Disney Pictures, Karen, Diane Tran, Ethel Grimes, and the many Basilian writers who have helped me with information and characters, as well as the many nameless faces who helped me with inspiration!

Cheers!
--Grace Schenck

The Battle Continues.

To any outsider, I was a normal sixteen-year old girl. To them, I looked and acted how any girl should act, and much more. But what does any outsider know? Who could guess that I was the key to a world beyond their imagination? Who knew that I was the friend of people they had only seen in their dreams? To the teacher walking out of the bathroom, I was just another student powdering her nose and applying fresh lipstick. To my mother, when I went up into my room, I was just doing what any normal teenage girl would do in her room, reading, listening to music, or homework. But again, what does any outsider know? They didn't know that behind those closed doors I could shut my eyes, concentrate on it, and open my eyes, revealing my hallway to any realm I wanted. And no one knew that behind that door at the end of the hallway lay a world created by an inspiring children's story. A world that lay untouched and unknown until I stumbled upon it. A world inhabited by mice, particularly Basil of Baker Street, the Great Mouse Detective, and his friends.

I had come to know them a year ago, when my portal had opened for me the first time. I had already sustained many adventures, from befriending a dangerous criminal and seeing his remarkable transformation, to being held captive by a madman, to dancing with a world-renowned poet. And my journey with these mice was just beginning.

It was a chilly day in January when I walked down the steps from The Rat Trap to Professor James Ratigan's home. The ex-sworn enemy of Basil of Baker Street, he had changed his malicious criminal plans in for friendly conversations and a new outlook on life. I walked into his living room to find him, Pete, and Irene huddled under blankets, the fireplace blazing orange. Pete was an old criminal associate of Ratigan's, and was one of a few of the man's associates who had changed for the better. Mlle. Irene Relda was a famous opera singer and performer, and also an old associate of Ratigan. She had become like an older sister to me, and was quite frankly the only woman Basil respected.

"Hey Dahling."

She smiled at me, and opened her blanket up, closing it around the two of us, as she rubbed my sides. My teeth chattered, and Pete chuckled.

"Want some hot tea, Rosy Cheeks?"

I giggled, and my cheeks got redder from embarrassment. He laughed, then handed me a cup filled with the delicious drink. I warmed my achy bones and settled down, sighing.

"So, what's new back home?"

Pete talked in a cockney accent he did not have, and I laughed.

"Nothing" He got a devilish grin on his face, and looked Ratigan's way.

"Boyfriend yet?"

Pete had timed the question so that as he said it Ratigan was taking a drink of tea. And as expected, the professor spit it out, coughing profusely.

"Nice one James."

Pete laughed, knowing those years before, he'd have been killed for using only Ratigan's first name. Now he just got a little chuckle from the man between coughs.

"No."

I smiled, answering Pete's question, when Ratigan sighed.

"Oh, thank God!"

He put his hand to his chest, still trying not to cough.

"You should have been an actor."

He grinned, and laughed.

"See, you've got the cynicism and malicious cackle."

He chuckled, as did Irene.

"Poor Gracie. Not only does she have the normal protective father, but also one very screwed up mentor." She laughed and kissed my forehead.

"GRACE? IS SHE HERE?"

Basil came storming into the sewer. I shot up.

"What?"

"It's Toby, you've got to come!"

He was in a panic. I took his shaking arms.

"Slow down. What happened?"

"He was shot. We were riding here and he took a bullet. I don't know from who."

"Is Dawson with you?"

"Yes, he fixed him up, but we can't calm him. You're better with animals than anyone I know, you've got to help him."

I ran up with him, wrapping my wool cloak tightly around me. Pete, Ratigan, and Irene followed suit. We found him not far from the shipyard, on his side. Dawson was sewing him up, but the basset hound was in major pain. He whimpered uncontrollably. I bent down on my knees and stroked the bridge of his nose. He settled down a little when he saw me.

"It's okay buddy, it's okay."

Basil was beside himself. Pete was steadying him, as the detective shook with fear at losing his companion. Irene knelt down with me.

"Who could do such a thing?"

I shook my head at her question, then looked at her.

"No! You can't mean?"

"Yes, I do."

Ratigan stepped forward at my response.

"What? Who?" I gave him a sad look.

"Doran."

Ratigan let out a shaky sigh. Irene and I got Toby to stand up, and then we all helped walk him down to the sewer. We laid him on an old bed of Ratigan's pet cat, Felicia. The poor dog didn't take too well to the smell, but he was in so much pain that he flopped down. We all sat there with him as Dawson finished applying salve and bandages to the wounds. Basil stroked him, holding back tears.

"Grace, it couldn't be."

Irene was trying to deny the inevitable.

"It makes perfect sense. God, Irene, the man's psychotic. He was going to whip a nine-year old without hesitation, almost killed Ratigan, threatened to rape me, murdered entire families, not to mention all the gruesome things you witnessed with him. In his mind this game isn't over, and he'll do anything to win. He's not after just Ratigan anymore. It's all of us."

I looked down at Toby, whose eyes were glazed over in pain. Basil sucked in a breath.

"He fired more than one shot, but Toby was smart enough to zigzag it, even with the bullet. I still don't know how we got out alive. If it was Doran, I know he's an excellent sharpshooter."

Irene nodded.

"My advice is we take extreme caution." She hugged me.

"I'm not burying any bodies because of that bastard."

Basil insisted on staying the night, although Dawson caught a carriage home. Irene stayed with me, but we never went to bed. We stayed in the living room, watching Basil guard his canine friend.

"It's funny," I sighed.

"What?" Irene asked.

" From an outsider's point of view, if you didn't know him you'd think Basil was a brute. That he was cold, proud, and too determined for his own good. But you see things like that," I waved my hand at the entrance, "And you know even he has his soft spots." Irene smiled.

"All men do sweetie. Look at Ratigan."

"Oh, Felicia."

I laughed at the image of the cream colored Persian with her blue bow tied to some hair on her head. She was sleeping in her newer bed on the other side of the sewer, scowling at the thought of Toby being there. Irene smiled.

"And you."

I frowned at her.

We'd had this debate before, and I knew I couldn't win. Finally she went to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was too worried. Doran was still out there, and only time would tell when he'd next strike. I went back to Ratigan's kitchen where I heated up my tea on the hot coals. Then I curled up in an overstuffed chair with a blanket and fingered the mug, trying to dose off. I couldn't understand the incident. If it was Doran, why didn't he just shoot Basil and Dawson while he had the chance? Did he mean to give them warning, knowing they'd tell us and make us aware? Was this another sinister game, where he got us all hyped up and then struck when we let our guard down? I finally fell asleep, and woke up in a sweat, despite the cold atmosphere.

The Drunken Offender.

The next day we were all in no better spirits. Toby perked up well enough to go home, but the shooting had left us all with a cold sense of dread. We never left anyone alone. Irene insisted on going with me to visit Olivia, so as not for me to be ambushed. The men too, seemed very jumpy and nervous. For most of Ratigan's old associates who still hung around, the thought of Doran coming back paralyzed them with fear, since any man who challenged Ratigan's authority was considered insane. They huddled in The Rat Trap, silently drinking beer and playing poker, hoping it would take their minds off of it. By the end of the day, Irene and I were sick of all the gloom. I went into the hallway of my realm, and concentrated on the thought of my CDs and boom box. They appeared before my eyes, and I brought them back into the bar. Irene and I turned up the volume, and served the drinks dancing and giggling. We played everything from punk rock, to 60's rock and roll, to soundtracks of my favorite plays. By 9:00 we were all laughing it up and happy again. Even Basil goofed off a little. I decided to go back home through the portal, and had Irene promise to alert me if trouble came about. As always, it did.

I was lazing in my room the next day when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I stretched to see Irene's face above me. The fact that my mice friends could go through the portal and visit me in my world was not unusual to me, but I was still always surprised to see them come through it.

"You're needed in surgery," She joked, but her eyes told me she was still worried.

I bolted out of bed. She stopped me.

"It's okay, just something minor. They'd rather have you do it than bother Dawson."

She smiled. We went through the hallway and I concentrated on the thought of a first aid kit. One appeared and I followed Irene into the sewer. We went into Ratigan's bedroom. Pete was walking to a chair, and Ratigan was in his bed.

I whispered to Irene "I thought you said it was minor."

She chuckled.

"It is, they're just playing it up."

Pete smiled when he saw us, and then clumsily tripped over his tail.

"Watch it Pete!" Irene yelled, and helped him into the chair. It was then that I saw the wound, and I knew it had to do with Doran. I opened up the kit and got right down to business.

"Irene, I need a bowl of water and some rags."

"Righto Doctor!"

She laughed, and returned with them. When I got close to the wound, Pete howled like a baby. Ratigan was not amused.

"Put a sock in it, will ya Pete?"

I threw the trembling mouse a rag, which he bit down on in agony.

"It's really not that bad," I said as I washed the wound. "What happened?"

Irene sat on the edge of Ratigan's bed and watched me work.

"Frank came into The Rat Trap. Was drunk, fired some bullets. One grazed their tails. He also had a knife."

She pointed at Ratigan, and then I noticed the scar on his cheek.

"Good God."

I went over to look, but Pete screamed again. I rolled my eyes.

"Let me finish with the cry baby first."

Ratigan chuckled a little. I finished washing the wound. Then I dried it, treated it with salve, and wrapped it in a bandage. When he saw the bloody rag, Pete had had it. He fainted.

"Oh give me a break."

I laughed, and slapped him to attention.

"Good as new."

He threw the rag that had been in his mouth at me, and I whipped his butt with it. He held his bandaged tail and limped out to the living room. I turned to Ratigan.

"Scootch!" I said to Irene, and she smiled, moving the chair Pete had sat in closer to the bed so she could see.

I touched the scar on Ratigan's cheek. He winced.

"Sorry."

I washed it carefully, and applied salve and a bandage. I did the same to his tail wound, which was a little worse off than Pete's. I joked to him.

"Never can stay away from the fights, can you?"

He chuckled a little. Irene playfully swatted his shoulder, which was a mistake. He shut his eyes in agony.

"Don't tell me."

I pulled back the covers, and unbuttoned his torn and bloody shirt a little. Irene smirked.

"One joke about taking his clothes off, and you're dead."

Ratigan smiled at me. I folded his shirt over to the spot on his left shoulder. His fur was torn back where Frank had cut into him. I could see a little flesh peeling, and there was a little blood seeping through, but not much.

"You rodents are lucky."

"Why's that?" Irene peered at me.

"Your fur soaks up the blood, so not much is getting out."

She grimaced. I cleaned it, carefully.

"I don't know about this."

Irene peered at it, then turned her face away. I applied salve, and then bandaged it.

"I think Dawson needs to check that out. The wounds need to be changed every few hours anyway."

Ratigan rolled his eyes.

"Great, we get to hear more tortured screams from Pete."

I patted his hand.

"Well thank God for that."

He stared at me curiously.

"What?"

"You've still got your cynicism."

He laughed, and I left him to lie down. He came out later with a clean shirt on, and his usual tailcoat and pants. By then Dawson and Basil had come. Basil was in good spirits after he heard I'd helped out.

"I think an applause is in order," He smiled, clapping his hands.

I stared at him.

"For what? Basic knowledge of first aid?"

He laughed.

"You keep this up, and Dawson will have an assistant nurse."

The Doctor blushed, and I smiled at him.

"He's still way ahead of me."

Ratigan sat down.

"Well, what are we going to do? We can't just sit in our holes and hide from it." Irene shivered and huddled in a blanket.

"I can't stand this suspense. I think that's what he wants."

"He does Irene. He wants us to worry ourselves silly until we let our guards down."

Ratigan was worried indeed, as were all of us. I jumped in.

"Well, we've really got two options. We can just continue on and keep an eye out for him, be ready when he comes. Or we can beat him at his own game. But I don't think that's rational."

Irene raised her eyebrows.

"What do you mean, beat him at his own game?"

Basil wiped his forehead.

"She means get him before he gets us. But she's right, it isn't rational."

Irene made a noise, and then smiled at me.

"What?"

"I think I'm gonna show you your way around a gun. You need the knowledge in case you run into trouble" Ratigan made a disapproving grunt, but Irene raised a hand.

"I didn't see you protest when you let me shoot alongside you, Professor."

"You were twenty, and I was out of my mind."

Basil jumped in.

"Let it go, Ratigan. You can't win with women. They're too stubborn."

Irene gave him a cool smile.

"That philosophy Basil, is the reason you're still single."

His face turned a deep scarlet, and with that she smoothed her hair, and took my hand, leading me out of the room. I turned my head at Basil, mouthing "ooo..." Ratigan laughed, slapping Basil on the knee. While they were still in earshot I laughed.

"You go girl!"

She chuckled, and gave me a high five. We giggled as we made our way to The Rat Trap, where most of the guns were hidden. She brought out a pistol and handed it to me. I fingered the weapon, shaking my head.

"My mother would die."

She got out bullets, loaded it, and closed the barrel smiling.

"So would mine."

She turned around, pointing at a spot on the wall. She raised the gun and hit her target perfectly, even after closing her eyes. I whistled.

"That will be you soon, my dear. Now let's get to work."

And with that, I started my first lesson in sharp shooting.

A Carefree Ride.

As the month turned to February, my shooting skills increased. My first few lessons I was so nervous my hands shook. Irene was an excellent teacher, patient and informative. I was able to hit a mounted target perfectly, and wasn't too shabby with moving ones. Even Ratigan had to laugh when he saw the holes in The Rat Trap's walls.

"Another femme-fatale in our mists."

I rolled my eyes at him, and aced another target. To be quite honest, I hated handling a gun, but it gave me a sense of self-assurance, knowing I could protect myself when there was trouble. And indeed, there was more trouble. Basil had to replace his front windows twice, because of the real bricks thrown during the night. Doran was building up the drama, thinking we'd crack under pressure. Pete and the boys had to army crawl from the plank to the bar's entrance, dodging bullets fired from the river Themes. It was insane, but to be sure there was no boredom. Actually, everyone was more humorous during the saga, trying to keep calm. Irene and I would often go out into the portal's hallway, and would open another door. I'd concentrate on our wish, and we'd ride horses in a quite stable, laughing it up about something. Irene would enter the portal in human proportions like she did when she'd visit me in my world, so in the stable she could ride the horse properly. This amused her greatly.

"Hell, I'm used to riding kitties!"

She'd howl with laughter, and her horse would whinny from the excitement. We were yakking it up about something one day when we heard some noise in the stables. As we rounded the turn in the corral, our mouths dropped open. Basil, Ratigan, and Pete were all on horseback. Pete of course had gone for the full affect, in a cowboy hat with boots and all. Where he'd gotten it all was beyond me. Basil and Ratigan had chose dress-down slacks and shirts, and were grinning from ear to ear. They rode up to us, still smiling. Pete spat like he had tobacco in his mouth, and talked in a southern accent.

"What'd ya say we let these babies really run?"

Irene was too shocked to answer. I stared at him for the longest time with one eyebrow raised, so that everyone except Pete chuckled. I finally answered.

"You're such an idiot," laughing, then kicked my horse's side so it trotted towards the door to the corral.

I hadn't ridden a horse in years, and yet I seemed to know exactly what to do, so that I rode with great ease. We all ran towards the field that had appeared beyond the barn, and then chose a steady pace so we could ride alongside each other and talk. Irene stared at Basil.

"Where's your assistant?"

He blushed. He still wasn't over her comment about him and women, and it amused us girls thoroughly. Pete laughed.

"Ah, he chickened out. Thought he'd look like a fool. He doesn't realize all men look like fools on horseback."

I chuckled. My horse whinnied, and I patted its side. The field was beautiful, wild flowers all in bloom. Irene smiled with me.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes. It's a shame we don't see any of this at home. You can't go a mile out of town without running into corn or soy beans, but that's about it!"

She chuckled. We all fell silent, savoring the silence while we could. Whether we wanted it to or not, the thought of Doran wouldn't leave our minds. Basil always brought us back to attention. He turned towards me.

"How are the lessons going?"

Irene answered for me, smiling.

"She's a protégé to be sure, whether she likes it or not."

I blushed at the comment. Pete gave me a devilish grin.

"Yes Pete, that means I could whoop ass, but I'm not going to become a murderess. I've got too big of a conscience"

Ratigan smiled.

"That explains your shaky hands when you pointed one at me a year ago."

I grinned.

"But you were fair. You pretended like you didn't notice."

Irene laughed.

"Either that, or you really scared the hell out of him."

A hint of pink showed in Ratigan's cheeks.

"Maybe a little of both."

We all laughed, and headed back to the barn to brush down the horses.

Dance With The Devil.

March crept up on us, rainy and still cold. We all huddled in the sewer, since Basil's flat suffered too many drafts. So we spent the time drinking steaming tea and trying to keep our minds off the cold. We laughed about it.

"We would go to your house Grace, but your mom keeps it colder than outside" Pete laughed as he sipped his drink. "Besides, this is kinda fun." He shivered in his blanket.

"How so?"

"I don't know, I just didn't know what else to say."

I laughed and got up. Basil was hunkered over. I shook my head at him.

"Where's your coat?"

"Up in the bar."

"Figures, I'll be right back."

I laughed as I went up the stairs to the bar. I found it on a table, and turned towards the door, when I heard a cackle behind me. My hair stood up on my neck, and I knew it wasn't from the cold.

"Hey Cutie."

I shivered; he knew it was a way to get to me. I turned to see Captain Sebastian Doran standing casually in the shadows.

"How dare you!" I hissed at him. I felt nothing but pure anger.

"Pity, most women love when I call them that."

"I find that impossible."

I glared at him, and he laughed.

"You really hate me, don't you?"

"Well, let's see. You've brought agony on this country for years, you threatened me with rape, you made Irene miserable, you almost killed Ratigan and Toby, not to mention the many attacks you've made on Basil and everyone else. No, I love you."

I spoke with raw sarcasm. He took a step, and wiped his hand over one of the tables.

"I must say, this place has become a lot cleaner since you came here, as its inhabitants. What is it? Are you having a love affair with him?"

My face flushed, and I clenched my fists.

"I don't know who you insult more, Doran."

He cackled.

"Really, how did you do it? If it wasn't sexual exchanges."

Now I was gritting my teeth.

"Maybe I didn't do anything. Maybe he just realized that he was better off acting like a gentleman, instead of a bastard like you."

He laughed.

"You'd do well to watch your temper, girl. Surely you know what I'm capable of?"

"That doesn't stop my utter loathing towards you. Your actions and words merit it."

He smiled.

"Maybe it's time I get to the point of why I came here."

"As if I already didn't know."

I knew I should have kept my mouth shut that time. But he played it cool, as always.

"If I may continue." He raised his eyebrows at me. When I didn't move he kept talking.

"I've grown tired of this new lifestyle of mine. It hurt me that Ratigan didn't send for me when he survived. I took a bullet to my pride, as has often happened with him. It also hurt me to see that he would lose his passion for his work over a woman, may I correct myself, a child."

I surprised him by keeping a vacant expression.

"And that he would also befriend the very person his life's work stood to defy. Not to mention the whole incident with Irene. What a poor waste of character, but I guess so it goes with all women. Men have always been the superior race. So I found myself at a crossroad, so to speak. Should I continue on in misery, or create a little challenge? Being the daring man I am, I opted for the challenge. To see what really can break a person. In Ratigan's case, it was a worthless girl, but for the rest of you...what could it be? Or could I break Ratigan down even further? And so for several months, I have given you all little tastes of fear, and now I find myself here ready to finish my work. Do you follow?"

I folded my arms.

"Not at all."

He narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"You see Doran, your plan makes no sense what so ever. The question you should be asking is not what breaks a person, but rather what makes a person. And in Ratigan's case, it would be his self-motivation. You see, he realized that he was nothing more than a bully, a criminal who after he died, would be remembered only for his sinister and cowardly ways. He decided to change that. That's what makes his person. In Basil's case, his keen sense of direction. He can deduce things about any person, thing, or situation you put him in, and use it to his advantage. That's what makes his person. With Irene, her pride in being a woman. She will take every situation and succeed in it so people know to never underestimate her gender. That's what makes her person. People are not defined by what can break them down, but what can build them up. With you, I don't see any evidence of that. You are too engulfed by negativity and hatred. So in your case I can't decide what makes your person. Do you understand my point?"

I had moved step by step during my lecture, so that I was only a good foot away from him. His eyes widened at my boldness. I expected him to either torture or shoot me right then, but frankly I didn't care, and surprisingly he just stood there. After a while he sucked in a breath.

"My, my. Now I see why everyone respects you so much. Loves you, even."

I moved even closer, so that we were nose to nose.

"You couldn't feel love if it hit you in the face."

"I think it just did, my dear."

He moved his eyebrows up and down in a devilish manner, his teasing making me angrier. I stepped back.

"You disgust me."

He shrugged his shoulders, holding his hands out at his sides, palms up.

"Hey, it has to start somewhere."

I turned around and glared at him.

"Enough mind games, Doran. I'm not a toy to be played with."

"Oh but you are. I'm having so much fun. Let us continue this discussion."

I was by the island at the edge of the bar, where the liquor was stored. I saw a hint of metal, and decided I'd take my chance. I walked further away, so as to open the door. He surprised me by doing exactly as I wanted him to by coming towards me. Irene had gone over this sort of thing a few shooting lessons ago, how to read footsteps to see how far your opponent was away. It was basic knowledge, but she'd shown me more. Suddenly, all the rage I had against everything, from him to things that went wrong at home, came through me, and I put all of it into my survival. Right as he touched my shoulder, I took my left hand over my right fist, forcing my right elbow into his gut. I then quickly reached for the gun, and threw him to the ground. The barrel was open a little. I closed it smiling inside; it was loaded.

I knew he wouldn't show the faintest sign of weakness, but that was fine by me. I planted my boot firmly on his chest, forcing weight on him. He clumsily tried to reach for his leg with a free hand, and I saw the knife in a strap around his calf. I quickly grabbed it after squishing his hand with my free boot, and held it at him as well. He smiled, though I knew he was in pain.

"Not one move, or I'll shoot. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, my darling. But how long are you willing to play this out?"

"As long as it takes, Doran. As long as it takes."

I repeated the phrase with assurance, knowing my adrenaline would keep up. I held the gun with ease and startling confidence. Irene's lessons had paid off. Otherwise, I knew I'd be dead long by now. After a few more minutes the door opened, and Ratigan walked in.

"Gracie, you up here..." He trailed off when he saw Doran, and his eyes hardened.

"Ah Professor. Your precious girl and I are having a moment."

I put more weight on his chest, and he shut up, wincing. Ratigan yelled for Basil. I didn't take my eyes off Doran, I knew better than to let my guard down. Everyone came up, and all eyes widened at the sight of the two of us.

"I'll get help," Basil said a little dazed, and ran back down the stairs to start up the dirigible.

Pete handed Irene, Dawson, and Ratigan guns, and they stood around us, guarding the criminal. We held him off for a good ten minutes before Basil burst in with the authorities. Inspector Vole looked shocked to see me. We had never been introduced formally; although I'm sure he knew who I was. I didn't lower my weapons until the guards took him and handcuffed him.

"You sure you wouldn't finish me off now?" He questioned me.

"No Doran, I'd rather have you rot behind bars."

He smiled.

"Good girl."

I glared, arms folded across my chest as he stared at me, until they shoved him through the doorway. I breathed an inner sigh of relief knowing that was the last we'd hear from him.

Vole shook everyone's hand, and thanked me profusely, though I could see the annoyance in his eyes.

"It seems we have another helping hand in our mists. I don't think we can thank you enough for holding him off."

He bowed, and tipped his hat to Basil. I felt Basil's hands on my shoulders. I turned to him with tears in my eyes.

"That my dear, was an act of raw courage."

I fell into his hug, trying to steady my flow of tears.

By the time all was said and done, it was only six o'clock at night, which surprised me. It didn't seem like Doran to attack in broad daylight. Basil and Dawson stayed around a little longer, but finally decided to go home before the weather permitted otherwise. Basil hugged me, as did Dawson.

"I'm so proud of you," Basil whispered, then he smoothed his hair back smiling. In the months before, Pete had acquired a flat of his own like Ratigan's other ex lackeys, and he left after hugging me. Fidget still slept here, but he never came in till late at night. It was just us two ladies and Ratigan. Ratigan and I each occupied one side of a couch, and Irene was on the other. After a while she came over and sat on the other side of me, leaning against me.

"I'm so damn proud of you Grace. I couldn't believe that was you in there."

I smiled, still with tears in my eyes.

"I owe it to you Irene. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead."

She looked at me with admiration.

"You've given me all the thanks I need."

I stared at her curiously. She continued.

"You've broken another barrier in the fight for feminism, proving that women can be strong, no matter their size, age, or..." she chuckled. "Species."

Ratigan and I both joined in her laughter. After a while we all got cold again, and Irene went to fix hot tea. I scooted over by Ratigan, and he put an arm around me in a half hug as I rested my head on his chest.

"If only your parents knew what you did today..."

I smiled a little.

"They'd kill me."

He laughed, and I chuckled.

He had that malicious cackle that could mean danger, but instead just made me amused. It had taken me a year, but I finally came to a realization. No matter how different it was from my world back home, my utopia would never be perfect. But as I lay there cuddled in a blanket, I didn't much care. Life was better when it was unexpected. Irene came in and smiled.

"Aww...how cute!"

I stuck my tongue out at her, and she came over to the couch. We laughed, drinking our tea as we talked. At some point we all fell asleep, Irene and I cuddled at one end, and Ratigan leaning on the arm of the couch at the other end. We woke up the next morning to see Basil, Dawson, and Pete laughing at us. We shrugged it off, laughing as well. I couldn't help but notice how everyone kept staring at me that day. It embarrassed me, but I could tell that their respect and admiration for me had grown even more that night. I put it out of my head, and continued laughing it up as usual.

Flirting In The Park.

After my helping with Doran's arrest, my identity was known to everyone in society. I was in the papers, and it seemed to be an international affair. The funny thing is, no one questioned me about my real home. Basil had the theory that they knew what was going on by just looking at me.

"I swear when I met you, I knew it was something of that nature. Everyone here can vouch for it. It was like by just looking in your eyes, we knew what had happened."

I laughed, knowing inside he was probably right. The fact that people knew who I was gave me more freedom. I didn't have to watch where I went and who saw me because it was already known. I would take Olivia to the park more often then before, almost every day to be exact. I began to make friends my own age with the girls in the park, who sat around gossiping. The boys never paid much attention. But that like everything else in my life, changed.

It was a warm day in April, and Irene, and I had strayed from Basil, Dawson, and Ratigan that day in the park with Olivia. We were gossiping about something when Olivia turned around and her eyes widened.

"DUCK!" she screamed.

Her and Irene hit the floor as the leather ball came flying towards us. As usual, my reaction surprised me. I had realized in my world I could do anything I wanted to do with great ease. The thought that I wanted to do it was all that mattered, so the skill came with my passion for it. So naturally, I wasn't too surprised when my reflex improved greatly at that moment, and I caught the ball in my naked hand just before it was about to graze my shoulder. The boys had come running over to us when they realized it was headed their way, and they stopped dead in their tracks when they saw me.

"Whoa," one of them said. "That was genius."

"Thank you."

I said with a smile as I tossed the ball to him. He caught it, and then realized who I was.

"You're...you're...that human girl?"

"How'd you guess?" I said with playful sarcasm.

I could tell he was nervous, but I found it funny. Just then I saw a paw push him and the boy next to him aside, and I saw his face.

"Grace? What are you doing here?"

Christian, the young mouse who I'd met at my first ball one year ago, stared at me in amazement.

"Christian? It's good to see you."

He smiled at me, and peered at Olivia and Irene. His family was big in many social circles, so he knew just by looking who they were.

"Olivia, Mlle. Relda, a pleasure to see you."

I smiled as he bowed at them. He was dressed in tweed pants, a cream button shirt, and a little cap, and he always seemed to remember to behave like a gentleman. Irene smiled, and then took Olivia's hand.

"Let's go see what old Basil's up to."

She winked at me as she led the girl along, and went over to where our three companions were standing. The other boys said goodbye and went back to their game, but Christian stayed. We laughed as one of the boys tripped on a tree root, and walked over to a bench to talk. He smiled at me.

"I've read all about you in the papers. I'm proud to say I know you."

I blushed, laughing.

"I couldn't have done it without help."

He smiled at my party, then returned his gaze at me.

"It sure will help the cause for feminism."

I stared at him in amazement. He laughed.

"My mother believes deeply in it, as much as Mlle. Relda I'm afraid. I share her beliefs, though not with the same enthusiasm."

We laughed.

We talked for a while. I was surprised at how at ease I felt with him. Anybody my age, mouse or not, was classified as room for awkward situations in my book, and my calmness came as quite a shock. At some point, I looked over at the group. They were talking, and then Ratigan looked over at me. He smiled, but I could tell he was freaking out. I saw that Christian caught the glance, and laughed when Ratigan turned his head.

"He's very protective over you, isn't he?"

I laughed, and he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"I guess he looks at me as a daughter figure. So naturally, yes he gets protective."

Christian may have been a gentleman, but he was still mischievous. He got a twinkle in his eye.

"What?" I asked him laughing.

"Will he kill me if I give him something to worry about?"

I laughed.

"Depends on what it is."

He smiled as he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. I blushed, having a feeling Ratigan had seen.

"Like that."

We laughed, and he took my hand. We walked a little ways around the park, and then he bowed when we said goodbye.

"Until we meet again, Grace."

He kissed my hand, and I blushed as he bowed.

"Until then, Christian."

I curtsied as we laughed, smiling. I went back over to the group. Irene looked like she was going to burst out laughing, but she did her best to hold it in. Ratigan looked peeved. He looked at me with his arms crossed.

"The little twit knew I was looking, didn't he?"

I couldn't hold in my laughter. Irene broke down as well.

"Is there anything you can't do Gracie? Now you're a heart-breaker."

I blushed.

"I am not! He knows perfectly it wouldn't work. We're just friends."

Irene smiled.

"Yes you are. Friends with benefits."

Ratigan raised his hands up in a pleading manner, and walked away. Basil and Dawson followed him, laughing. Irene slapped me on the shoulder.

"Oh, he's mad now."

I blushed.

"Hey, he's the one who looked!"

Irene laughed.

I knew it bugged him a little, but I figured he'd take it with good humor. I was right. When we got back to the sewer after dropping Olivia off, Basil was still laughing. I was surprised because he himself was shy about relationships. He leaned over to Ratigan and whispered something in his ear. Ratigan cackled.

"Do it! I dare you!"

They were acting like children. Ratigan walked in the barrel, and came back out of the entrance. Irene and I were still a good ten feet away from coming into his living room, and I gasped when I saw what he was carrying.

"Don't you dare!" I called out.

He had a pistol in his hand, and was smiling as he opened the barrel.

"Boys, we've got some business to take care of."

He shut the barrel, looking at me with a huge grin on his face.

Irene howled with laughter, as did Basil and Dawson. I ran over to Ratigan and tried to get the gun out of his hands. I knew it wasn't loaded, but I was annoyed anyway. He held it above his head, and I jumped up and down even though I knew there was no way of getting at it. He laughed, and then threw it down on the floor. Irene picked it up and took it inside, laughing. I crossed my arms and glared at him, trying not to laugh. He pulled me into a hug, still laughing. I smiled into his jacket. He kissed my head, and then I playfully punched him.

"You jerks!"

He cackled even more, and I ran over to Basil, taking off my shoe and slapping him with it.

"Stop! That hurts! " He yelled through laughter.

"Good."

I smiled laughing. He grabbed it from me finally, and tickled me in the sides from behind. I flailed my legs, trying to get out of his hold. I'd never known him to act this way, but I was enjoying it. Ratigan came towards us. I flailed my leg at him.

"Help me!"

He crossed his arms, staring at us laughing.

"No."

"Why not?"

I managed to get out through giggles.

"Because I'm a jerk."

"Ratigan!"

He laughed as I protested at his comment, and he finally pulled me from Basil's grip. I got my shoe and slapped both of them, and they continued to giggle until we sat down resting. We all sat down drinking tea, talking. I finally had to go back through the portal, but just before I summoned the door to the hallway with my mind, Irene brought her head back over the edge of the couch, staring at me.

"Heart-breaker."

"Shut up!"

I yelled, as everyone doubled-over with laughter. Ratigan winked at me before I shut the door behind me, and I smiled. I rolled my eyes as I walked back to the door that would take me home. Men, I thought to myself as I laughed before going through the door to home, where I endured two hours of homework. Yuck!

Pete's Dilemma.

A few more days of teasing, and everyone calmed down about the whole thing with Christian. But we found something new to worry about. Pete had gone to Paris for the weekend and hadn't come back. Abe, Bill, George, and Edgar were worried sick, as well as the other old friends who showed up at The Rat Trap often. After a week I started to fear the worst. But one day after school, I came into the sewer as Ratigan was sitting on the couch. Irene was standing, and was covering her mouth from laughing.

"Any news?" I asked.

Ratigan smiled.

"Read this."

His grin widened as I took the telegram.

I put my hand over my forehead covering my face.

"That shithead."

Ratigan cackled.

"Well, I suppose now that our third party's here we should go?"

Irene asked Ratigan though giggles. Ratigan nodded, and I went into my portal's hallway where my luggage was kept. Ratigan and Irene came out with their bags, and we walked the dock to the ferry that would take us to France. We then boarded a train to Paris, where we made our way to the club. It was a nice place to be sure, but that didn't mean it didn't attract the seedier side. Ratigan talked to an employee, and he led us to the back where the offices were kept, as Irene and I ignored catcalls made in our direction. We went through a long hallway. Showgirls and performers walked in and out of their dressing rooms, and bouncers were all over. The employee knocked on a door. He led us in when the occupant answered, and shut the door behind us.

Paul Laroche was a fairly large rat, who was seedier looking than I'd ever guessed. He smirked when he saw me.

"Ah, Professor, ladies. Welcome to Clair De Lune Caberet. Moonlight Cabaret. (He winked in my direction) I suppose you're here to bust out the cheat?"

Ratigan narrowed his eyebrows in confusion, and Laroche smiled. He motioned for us to sit down.

"Your lackey was in here this past weekend and played a game of poker. He happened to be betting against a man who was supposed to be delivering the money to me. It turns out Pete had an ace up his sleeve, which fell out right before he would have pocketed his "winnings". Luckily, one of my best bouncers recognized the situation. He brought Pete to me, but when he couldn't pay off the fine, well...we decided to keep him here."

Irene was not thrilled.

"Monsieur Laroche, why would you care if Pete cheated at the game? You got your money back, why hold him prisoner? Besides, who says there are fines for cheating at poker? The players take care of that themselves."

Lemur laughed.

"My dear lady, the situation was that Pete knew the man was delivering money to me. He egged him on. And because I'm not fond of the brute to begin with, I found no sympathy for him when I suggested a fine and he couldn't pay."

I laughed to myself of the absurdity of it. Ratigan sighed.

"I'm not in the mood for arguing, Laroche. All that's behind me now."

Laroche smirked.

"Yes, I read about your situation. Quite lucky aren't you?"

Ratigan took the sarcastic insult with ease.

"Very. Now moving on, how much to spring him out?"

Laroche laughed.

"Well, usually I would love money. But Pete brought up a splendid idea while he was begging me to set him free. It involves these lovely women."

Irene and I rolled our eyes at each other while he wasn't looking. Ratigan held back a chuckle at our expressions.

"Now, my club is all about excitement and the best of talent. Unfortunately, our current performers are...how should I put this? Detestable. I'm cutting most of them next week. I have new performers coming in, but I'd like to give the audience a special treat tonight. Pete has told me these two women are very talented in both song and dance. I'll let him go only if they'll perform tomorrow night's show. Oh," He added with a chuckle. "I'll also be keeping all profits and any tips they make."

I knew Ratigan would start in, but Irene stopped him with a raised hand.

"Any other conditions?"

"You will come up with your own routine, costumes, and music. I want a little dance involved, but mostly singing. Most of these bums in here are just in here for the background music while they play poker."

Irene nodded.

"Fine, here's ours. You set Pete free tonight, or no go. Also, no special favors for customers." Laroche sniggered. "Whatever do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean."

"I doubt anyone will ask that of her Mlle. Relda." Irene glared at him.

"I wasn't talking about just her, you slime. I'm not game for it either."

He scratched his chin.

"I know that won't go to well, as everyone wants a piece of the famous Irene Relda, but I guess it's the price I have to pay for dealing with a pathetic Prima Donna."

My face flushed at his comment about Irene. I spoke up before her.

"Keep that attitude up and there will be no show tomorrow night."

He smiled at Ratigan.

"You really have taken her under your wing haven't you old boy? She's just as stubborn as you are."

He laughed as I glared at him and Ratigan squeezed my hand. Laroche smiled.

"Alright girls. Shall we shake on it?"

We both reluctantly shook his sweaty paw. He called a bouncer in and whispered to him. The man led us to another hallway, and unlocked it with a key from his pocket. He led us in as he took the key out and left. Pete was seated in a chair with his arms crossed.

"You made it!"

He said with a smile. Irene shocked us all by punching him in the face before he could hug any of us.

"You bastard! Setting us up with him. You knew I worked for him before! And you have no idea what he could put Grace through! He's a manipulative asshole and I can't believe you would put her or I in his way."

Pete looked like a stricken child.

"I was desperate, okay. They had a bouncer holding a gun to my head for three days. The man's psychotic, yes. But if there's money to be earned, he'll be fine. And you agreed to it, didn't you? Besides, you both know your way around pistols. "

Irene was steaming mad.

"That's no excuse! I admit we agreed to it, but what choice did we have Pete? We can't leave you here, much as I'd like to right now."

Ratigan smirked. I walked over to Irene and lay a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you done with your hissy fit? We'll be fine, Irene. I know of some things we can do. Let's just work our butts off so Lemur doesn't under-estimate us again, okay?"

She smiled.

"You got it, Dahling."

We laughed, and headed back to the hotel. Irene and I were up all night in the portal. I chose a room with wooden floors and a piano. We chose songs from my time, and choreographed the ones we wanted to dance to. The next day we slept long and hard while Pete and Ratigan mingled in the city and delivered the sheet music to the orchestra at the club. That night they took us to the club, as our hearts pounded.

The Show Must Go On.

I was shocked to find Irene was more nervous than I was. She was shaking so hard, and started to cry as she put on her flapper costume for our first number. I sat down with her as she leaned into me.

"He's just such an asshole Gracie. I worked for him a few years, and he treated me like dirt. He thinks women are just toys for his audience, he's disgusting. I'm just scared to do it."

She lifted her head as I smiled.

"But that's why you need to do this Irene. We need to show him up. We're doing so many slow songs that we won't be noticed by half those sleazes in there. We busting out talent, not skin."

She laughed. I got her a handkerchief and she composed herself as I put on my makeup. She followed suit, and we walked to the stage. We took our position as we heard the corny MC recite his lines. She squeezed my hand as he cued the orchestra to start the overture for "All That Jazz" from Chicago. As the curtain parted, we smiled at each other, and then started our number.

In addition to "All That Jazz", we performed "Omm-Pah-Pah" from Oliver. We asked four members from the audience to dress in skirts for the female parts in the song. They got a kick out of it, and gave us a standing ovation before our intermission. We began to sing slow solos, four songs each. I made Irene go first to get it out of the way. She panicked in the wings. She was shaking as I held her hands. I squeezed them as I talked her up. And if that wasn't bad enough, Laroche came back.

"You better pull it together Relda, or I'll give you a piece of my mind!"

He shoved his fist in her face. We glared at him as I kicked him with my shoe.

"Get outta here you bastard!"

I kicked him again, and he grumbled going back out to the bar.

"Come on Irene, you can do this. Show him up. Show him what he's missing."

Irene was clearly embarrassed.

"I never thought you'd have to comfort me. I can't believe I'd stoop so low to let a man intimidate me like this."

I smiled.

"It's okay. Just do your thing. Go on."

I squeezed her hand and pushed her out on the stage before the curtains parted. She started up "I Need You" by Leann Rimes with no problem. Her other songs were "At Last", "I Will Always Love You", and "Beautiful" which was her favorite, because she felt it was feministic. I screamed at her as she came through the wings with a hug for me.

"YOU DID IT!"

She kissed me on the cheek.

"Now it's your turn, sweetie."

She patted my rear and pushed me on stage. I was nervous, but I held it in. I could make out the faint faces of Ratigan and Pete in the audience, and I smiled. The guys whistled at me, as I was in a formal sparkly dress. I sang my heart out, and really had fun with it. Laroche stood in the back with his face smug. I hated him for how he made Irene feel, but I put it all into the performance. If we got him some extra money, maybe he'd shut up. I went through my first three songs perfectly. "A Moment Like This", "I'm Gonna Love You" and "The Voice Within" were all older songs many in my time now felt where corny, as were Irene's. But with our voices and the live orchestra, they sounded great. After "When You Say Nothing At All" flowers were thrown on the stage at me. I bent over, laughing, as I was flattered.

"Thank you guys. Okay, this is our last slow song of the night. Mlle. Relda and I chose this song together for two guys who are in the audience tonight. You know who you are!"

I winked, and I could hear Irene cracking up as the audience made catcalls. I pulled myself together, and concentrated on the seriousness of the song. I sang "How I Do I Live" by LeAnn Rimes. I put my heart and soul into it, and at the end was thrilled with the response. The crowd went wild. Even the sleazes who were playing cards had dropped their game to listen and were now screaming wildly. I bowed, and the curtains went down for a few minutes so Irene and I could change. As we got into our costumes backstage, Irene smiled at me.

"Amazing Grace."

I laughed.

"Shut up."

We could hear the MC trying to calm the crowd down. Irene was beaming at me.

"I wish they were for you, believe me."

I rolled my eyes, and she cracked up at the comment about the catcalls. We had put on 80's style clothing from my portal for our next song, a number from the musical Footloose. Irene had watched the film with me and had fallen in love with one particular song, which was also my favorite. Irene was laughing when she peeked out of the wings. She gasped.

"What?" I asked as I came over to look over her shoulder.

"Damn girl, you amaze me. Look at them? The lights hitting their faces. Look!"

She laughed as she pointed to Ratigan and Pete. They were laughing at something, and I blushed when I saw the glints by their eyes. They were wiping their eyes from crying. I laughed, talking with a funny accent.

"Ah damn it!"

Irene pushed me, laughing.

"What a bunch of ball-babies! I'll never let them live that one down."

She laughed as we took our places. Irene took her cue when the curtain went up. The crowd went nuts. She giggled.

"Okay guys. Here's our last song. As you know, Miss Grace has some differences from us."

I saw Laroche smirk, and I stood as tall as I could.

"She had me listen to this song which I fell in love with from her home. It's based on a play in which a boy moves into a town where a certain type of music isn't allowed. But you don't care do you?" She laughed as she let me take over.

"Okay, this is called "Let's Hear It For The Boy" and it would really help us out if we had a boy to sing to."

Sniggers from the audience sounded through the club. I smiled.

"I need a volunteer."

That's when it really hit the fan. Guys were climbing onto the stage. Irene and I giggled. Finally Irene grabbed a gentleman up on the stage. I went over to him, laughing.

"And our darling's name is?"

He sniggered as I questioned him.

"Daniel."

The crowd went nuts.

"Well alright then Sweetie," I cooed. "Sit on this stool as we serenade you."

He blushed and sat down on the seat and I kissed him on the cheek. I was disgusted personally, but I had to play it up. Otherwise, Lemur would have it in for us. I kept my cool as the crowd took in our outfits. We were dressed in petal-pushers, cut off tees, and tennis shoes. We bumped butts as the music started up. The audience loved the music, and were into it. We traded off every verse or so, and made a big deal out of Daniel, singing right by his face, messing with his hair, and making idiots of ourselves. When it was all over there was a five-minute standing ovation. We bowed together as Daniel got off the stage after we both kissed him on the cheek at the same time. Roses were thrown onto the stage, and the men raised their beer mugs at us in a toast. I knew Irene was enjoying it at last, and I squeezed her hand. She smiled as we made our way to the dressing room.

"I told you it'd work!" I laughed as I pushed her.

She smiled.

"It did feel good to be on the stage again, I must admit."

We took our make-up off, laughing. There was a knock on the door, and I answered it in my robe. A bouncer was standing at the door with a dozen roses and a note.

"You have an admirer."

Irene glared at him.

"No personal favors. And if Laroche has a problem with it, he can kiss my ass."

The bouncer was taken aback, but regained composer.

"Lady, the audience knows about your deal with Laroche. It was just a bunch of brats swooning over your friend here. One of them just wanted her to read the card."

He handed me the bouquet and the card, then shut the door behind him. I laughed at Irene's expression. She was amused thoroughly at the fact I'd received a gift, and made me read the card aloud to her. I sat down blushing as she giggled, taking the card from my hand.

"I knew he liked you! It doesn't matter if you're human. He's smitten! Gracie has a boyfriend!"

I laughed, blushing.

"I do not!"

Irene read the card aloud in a swoony voice.

She acted like she fainted, and I slapped her arm playfully while I dressed. My heart was pounding. I was kicking myself. I put my head in my hand. Irene came over.

"Grace, I was just teasing."

"No you don't understand. I like him Irene. He's everything all the boys at home aren't. But it kills me because I know we can't be together."

Irene smiled.

"I know sweetie. Just talk to him. Your best bet is the friends with benefits thing. He'll understand you."

She kissed me on the cheek as we grabbed our bags and made our way to the bar. As she opened the door, I took a deep breath, and followed her out into the club.

The Surprise.

As we made our way through the crowd, Laroche stopped us by putting his cane in front of our way.

"A word, ladies."

Irene made a noise and pulled my arm as she tried to get away. But he broke our hands.

"Fine, just Grace then. That performance was amazing darling. I'd be willing to pay you more than your while if you stay."

I glared at him.

"I did my part, Laroche. No more than that."

He wouldn't let me go until his eyes caught Ratigan standing up to greet Irene. He glared at me, then let me go. I made my way over to their table. Pete caught me in a hug.

"I owe you big time, Gracie."

I smiled.

"Yeah you do."

He laughed as he let me go and Ratigan hugged me.

"Once again, a triumph sweetie."

I giggled as he beamed at me. Irene couldn't resist it.

"Yeah, I saw you wiping tears when she sang her last slow song."

Both Pete and Ratigan blushed as us girls laughed. It was then that I saw Christian. I patted Irene's arm.

"Excuse me for a minute, guys."

I could feel their eyes on me as I went and caught Christian in a hug.

"Thank you for the flowers." I whispered.

He smiled. I noticed he was alone.

"You're welcome."

"Where are your friends?"

"They left a few minutes ago. I wanted to see you before I went back."

He took my hand.

"I have a question for you. Ratigan and Pete know. My family and friends are going somewhere in France tomorrow and we'd love it if you all came with us. Would you go?"

I smiled.

"Of course."

He got that twinkle in his eyes.

"Wonderful. I can't tell you where it is, but I know you'll love it."

I laughed.

"You brat."

He smirked.

"I know."

We did the same goodbye as in the park, as we laughed. I watched him go, and felt a little ache in my heart. Irene came over to me smiling.

"I hear we're taking a trip tomorrow." I blushed.

"I guess so."

We met Pete and Ratigan and went to our hotel. Irene and I were on such a high from the performance that we couldn't sleep. We spent most of the night talking about the club, Christian, and where we thought we were going. We finally drifted off at some point, waking up to Pete laughing at us as he came to get us.

The Train Ride.

We met Christian and company at the train station with our bags. He introduced me to his Parents, Mary and David Porter, and his four friends and their families. Joseph, Sam, Matthew, and Thomas were actually quite nice, and all blushed at seeing me. I guess they gave Christian a hard time the night before about me. He took it with good humor though. We had a separate car all to ourselves, so everyone mingled with each other. Christian's father had brought poker sets, and the five boys and I played. After I won a few times, they gave up. Joseph stood up, throwing his cards down.

"Where did you learn to play that good girl?"

I laughed, pointing to Pete and Ratigan.

"Them."

He shook his head, and walked off with the other guys. Christian stayed, laughing. We talked a long time. I finally had to ask.

"How'd you get Ratigan to agree to this? Last time I checked he called you a twit."

Christian raised his eyebrows up and down mischievously.

"Well, he's actually acquainted with my parents. They supported him through all that publicity." My eyes widened. He smiled.

"I know, weird huh? But I guess they had seen you guys together a few times, and how he acted with Basil. They felt if he could turn out to be a friend to an old enemy, that he must have changed."

Our eyes followed the conversation to Ratigan's way. He was laughing it up with Christian's father and the other men, holding his top hat behind his back. He took us off guard by turning his head towards us and smiling. We averted our eyes quickly, laughing.

"How does he do that?" Christian asked.

"I have no idea."

We cracked up, as the train slowed down. Christian covered my eyes quickly.

"What are you doing?"

"Sorry, you can see where we're going from the tracks, and you'll recognize it and spoil the surprise." I laughed.

"What is this surprise?"

He giggled.

"Just one of my parent's friends. One of their famous friends."

I laughed as he put his hands down as the train came to a stop. As we got off I caught up with Ratigan.

"Do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?"

He chuckled.

"You'll never know will you?"

He winked, and I made a noise out of frustration. He laughed, as did Christian's parents. I guess they'd heard the conversation. Irene was excited. She took my hand.

"You're gonna love this Gracie. You've talked about it so many times, I know you will."

I laughed as we all caught carriages.

"Oh, so even you know now?"

She smiled. When we pulled up, Christian turned his head towards me as I gasped.

"You don't mean to tell me?" I started to say.

He nodded.

"Welcome to Giverny, home of Charles and Claude Monet."

Embrace On The Bridge.

I was dumb-founded. Even with my hallway of realms, I'd never thought to visit one of my favorite artists home. And now I was seeing it, as it was when he was alive. I couldn't believe it. I squeezed Christian's hand as we came to the pink house. Irene, Pete, and Ratigan watched my reaction smiling. We left our luggage in the car, as the four of us would return to London that same night. Christian's family and friends had theirs brought along the path, and we met a gracious maid at the mouse door in the crack of the pale pink brick.

"Monsieur Monet is expecting you. He's in the living room."

She directed us into the Monet's house. When we entered, I could hear the faint sounds of children. Monet's kids! I thought to myself excitedly. Charles Monet was seated on a small mouse-sized couch in a corner of the human's gracious living space. He was smoking a pipe and stood up to greet us all. He gave us a tour of the house, as I forced myself to keep my mouth from hanging open in awe. As we made our way to the garden, he walked beside me.

"I'm delighted to meet you my dear. I've heard wonderful things about you."

I blushed.

"Thank you sir."

He smiled, a sad look in his eyes.

"Even though I find it hard to grasp, I hear you're from another time. The future of the human world they say."

I nodded.

"Tell me my dear, Christian's mother tells me you have a fondness for my master's work. I don't mean to press you, but can you tell me of his future? He's been worrying me as of late."

I stammered.

"I can't say that I'm an expert on the subject Monsieur Monet, but I do know some facts."

He patted my arm as Christian's mother called to him.

"Excuse me dear, we'll talk in the greenhouse. I'm sure you are anxious to look around the gardens!"

He winked, then left me to wander towards the others. We toured the garden and the pigeon house and turkey pen. I caught my breath when we crossed the garden and through the tunnel under the road to the pond where the water lilies bloomed. Irene found me again, smiling.

"Everything you expected Dahling?"

I laughed.

"Much more Irene, much more."

She giggled, and then we both stopped dead in our tracks when we caught our first glimpse of the lily pond. The water lilies were just starting to bloom, beautiful shades of pink, white, and red, and the willow trees hanging above. The little white boat that was in many of the Master's paintings was to one side of the shore, and I smiled, whispering to Irene.

"Monet's daughters use this quite frequently."

She smiled. I walked around, getting different views of the garden. I was so busy looking at the pond I didn't notice where I was going and bumped into something hard. I scratched my head, and my eyes widened as I noticed it was a human foot. I was standing in front of the bench where Monet would sit under an arch of climbing roses, and it was the artist's very foot that I'd struck! I flipped. He was dressed in a tweed coat and pant set, and a straw hat and glasses. He was still middle-aged, and was moaning about something. He had a sketchbook in his hands.

"I can't get the angle right!" he kept muttering.

I stepped back further to get a look at him. He wouldn't have noticed me if he wanted to, he was so engulfed in his drawing. I got as brave to walk back up and touch his pant leg, to where I could feel his ankle. He twitched a little, but didn't move. I smiled, and stood there in awe, until I finally snapped back to reality. I had saved standing on the Japanese bridge for last, so that I could really reflect on the place. When no one was up there, I slowly walked on its green wooden boards, savoring every moment of it like you would with a dessert. I put my hands over one of the small support planks, so that I could look over at the entire pond. I could see Claude Monet on his bench, and I smiled. The water lilies were beautiful, and it felt so surreal to me, being there at last. At some point I heard footsteps, and felt hands come around my waist. I turned my head to see Christian lean his chin on my shoulder.

I smiled.

"It's beautiful Christian. Thank you."

He smiled.

"I knew you'd love it."

We stood that way for a long time, watching Charles Monet's master sketch his beloved lily pond. We laughed when he'd get so angry that he'd rave about "this blasted pencil!" or "terrible excuse for paper!" Christian giggled.

"Quite a violent temper he's got, eh?"

I smiled.

"Enough to burn entire paintings in bonfires."

We chuckled as Claude stormed out of the garden and back up to the pink house. When we heard Irene calling for us, we parted. As we walked back over the bridge, Christian stopped and took my hand.

"Grace?"

I smiled.

"Hmm?"

"I know this may seem ignorant, seeing as how different we are, and I know that it could never work. But under different circumstances, well, I was just wondering..."

I smiled taking his other hand.

"If I were a mouse, or if you were a human, and we were from the same time, yes, I'd date you. But that doesn't change the fact that I still like you now."

He blushed as I kissed him on the mouth, doing the most daring thing I'd ever done around a boy. I knew it might seem perverted to some, so years later when I told people my first kiss was my junior year, in my mind I smiled and thought of Christian. We stayed embraced for a minute kissing, and then walked hand in hand down towards the others who were leaving to the house. We both knew we'd always love each other, if adolescents even know what love is, but that we could never be together. Silently, we both agreed we'd deal with it as best we could, and be there for each other no matter what.

I smiled the whole day, in a kind of euphoria. I was amazed at the place, and at the idea of it all. I smiled at the fact at how much the mouse world reflected human nature. Charles Monet himself was also a painter, and was into the same impressionistic style as his master. He took us into the greenhouse, where we admired some of his work he kept hidden behind a panel. There he caught up with me and I told him all I knew, about how Monet would grow shortsighted in his old age and almost go blind. How he'd purchase a studio to do a master painting of the gardens and how he'd die in 1926, when the studio paintings were finally finished. Charles got a troubled look in his eyes.

"He does become popular though? You know how the art critics these days. Even with Julius Augustus Silverson's help, I'm not doing the best myself."

I smiled.

"I can assure you, Monsieur Monet, he will become internationally famous. He may not live to see all the glory, but he does become a world wide treasure."

He smiled and patted me on the back, and then walked over to Christian's family and friends.

That night we all piled up blankets and dinner to the River Seine where we watched the sun sight. Charles brought his canvas and painted, as we all looked on in wonder at the beauty of Mother Nature. Once again I felt I wasn't alone, but looked up to find Ratigan resting his head on my head. I smiled. We watched the sun set in silence as everyone else chatted. Then he chuckled.

"What?"

"You're growing up too fast for my liking, sweetie. Already breaking hearts, just like Irene said."

I blushed.

"Once again, I don't break hearts! We came to an understanding that's all."

He chuckled.

"You still gonna kill him?" I jested. He was silent for a minute, building up that ounce of suspense.

"Maybe."

I slapped his arm. He laughed, kissing the top of my head.

"Gracie Girl..."

I shook my head, smiling. Finally Irene, Pete, and us had to say goodbye. Christian and company were staying with Charles in the house, but London was calling to the four of us. I gave Christian a hug, as everyone averted their eyes to give us privacy. He whispered in my ear.

"No matter why we have to be apart, I love you Grace."

I smiled.

"I love you too."

He squeezed my hand, and I knew we'd meet again often. I wiped a tear away as we boarded the train, hoping no one saw. Although I told my human friends different, Christian was probably the first boy who I'd ever loved, and had the fortune of him loving me back.

Irene and I chatted about the garden, and I told her about my strange encounter with Claude Monet.

Pete giggled.

"You're parents shouldn't have named you Grace."

Ratigan chuckled.

"She may be bit clumsy at times, but she projects her elegance in more ways than one."

I rolled my eyes at him as he hugged me. I dozed off, waking up leaned against Ratigan's shoulder as the train stopped. He patted my leg smiling, and we departed to a carriage. I hardly remember making my way to the guest room in the barrel. I drifted off faster than I think I have in my life, and woke up in the morning smiling from the previous day's festivities.

The Unexpected Visitor.

As April turned to May, and May into June, we all laughed that for once there was nothing seriously wrong. Although Basil had his usual cases we helped solve, nothing was out of the ordinary. I would visit everyone even more as my sophomore year came to an end. One day as I came down the sewer, I could hear crying and the raised voice of a woman. I got pretty close to the barrel when I could see her. Something was familiar about her profile as I watched her cry, even though she was much older. I decided to leave, but as I turned around I found I'd been spotted.

"Who may I ask is that?"

The woman asked hatefully through tears. I turned around as I saw Ratigan's head peer through the doorway. He was frowning, but his eyes told that he was thankful I was there. The woman wouldn't give up.

"It's that human girl from the picture isn't it? I've read about her in the papers. Grace, isn't it?"

She glared at Ratigan, and then softened her face when she stood up to greet me. I looked at her concerned. She shook my hand, introducing herself.

"I'm sorry, we both know he has no manners. I'm Martha Dalton, Ratigan's sister."

She shuddered for a moment, and I could see her bitterness seeping through her person. I sat down next to her as Ratigan took his seat in his favorite chair again.

"Well, my dear. You're probably wondering who I am. He's probably concealed everything from everyone."

I lowered my eyes at her hateful tone towards my friend.

"Actually I've seen you in old portraits. You were one of three sisters am I right?"

She smiled, crossing herself.

"Yes, God rest their souls. That's another thing I forgot to mention James. After William passed, Emily and Sarah died a few years ago. But you didn't bother to come to the funerals I see."

Ratigan sighed.

"Would you have wanted me there, Martha?"

She frowned, seeing his point. She continued, egging him on.

"You're right. You could have been arrested on the spot with your troubles and all. That would have went over well" She started sniffling.

"Thank God I married William. I couldn't bare to keep the family name after you ruined all credibility in it."

Her open hostility startled me. If she was so angry and scared of her brother, why had she bothered to come at all? She continued on.

"I mean it James. If you come near me or my children I will not go to my grave until they are avenged."

Ratigan grunted, that thick hateful voice rising from him, dripping with sarcasm.

"Better hurry, then dear sister. You haven't much time."

I stared at him disapprovingly, as I caught that flaming look in his eyes. It was the same look he'd given Basil the night of the fight, and with Doran as well. I was taken aback, thinking he might hit her, but he seemed too angry to move.

"I may be an old widow James, but I have enough strength to fight you until the Devil himself comes and takes you into the depths of Hell."

She was steaming mad, and then it seemed she lost herself in her fury. She burst out into tears as Ratigan put his head in his hands. She fell onto my lap and sobbed like a baby. He rolled his eyes at me as he massaged his temples. I mouthed "faint" at him. He stared puzzled at me, his eyes still glazed with rage, but I had a plan. I made a motion for him to get tea from the kitchen, and pretend to faint there. He shook his head at the woman.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes Martha. I'll get tea for your hysterics."

He left the room as I stroked the woman's hair. He had gotten the message well enough to break a piece of china in the kitchen. I wondered if it was part of the plan or just an outcry of anger. I moved Martha aside as I went in there. She followed suit, almost smirking. I slapped Ratigan's face to attention.

"Come on, let's get you to bed."

He pretended to shake it off.

"No, really. I'm fine."

"No you're not. You're going to bed. You could have a concussion."

Martha sniggered.

"Let us hope so, my dear."

Ratigan shook it off, but that look was still in his eyes, and it scared me.

"Goodbye Martha. I'm sure Grace will show you the way out."

She glared.

"You're not getting rid of me that easily James. I want to speak to the girl first, then I will leave this dump with pleasure."

She made a face as if the room wasn't lavishly decorated, and I led Ratigan to his room. I motioned to his shelf where he kept a container of liquor. I was so taken aback by his temper I could barely get the words out.

"Just pour yourself some brandy and calm down. I'll deal with her."

I shut the door behind him and brought the tea out to Martha. We sat down on opposite couches after I poured tea. And as expected, Mrs. Dalton started in.


CONTINUE ON TO PART TWO