Ever since I had seen Sherlock Gnomes, I instantly wanted to do a story about Gnomeo and Juliet's daughter and a romance between Sherlock and an OC. I am still working on The Great Mouse Detective, but at the request of my friend I. M. Rally I decided to work on the first chapter. I will do one story at a time, and one chapter at a time. I don't like being rushed into things even though I want to do them, so please be patient. This story goes back and forth between my OCs' pov or the narrator's pov.
I don't own MGM's Sherlock Gnomes, nor Disney's Gnomeo and Juliet. OCs belong to me. Romeo and Juliet belong to William Shakespeare. Sherlock Holmes belongs to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Violette's POV
Hello, and welcome to London! My name is Violette and I'm a garden gnome. A little girl garden gnome mind you. I may be little gnome, but I can do a lot of big things like...wait, I'm getting out of line here. I should explain my family history since you're familiar with them and to let you know what's been going on.
I am the daughter of Gnomeo Bluebury and Juliet Redbrick. It's hard to believe that not long ago their families had once been bitter enemies. Nobody remembers how it started. Their two owners, Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet, had been loathing each other for years. Even the gnomes took part in the feud. My grandmother, Lady Bluebury, took command of Ms. Montague's garden of blue gnomes. My grandfather, Lord Redbrick, took command of Mr. Capulet's garden of red gnomes. When my parents first met, they were trying to steal the Cupid's Arrow Orchid, and it was love at first sight. But for a blue gnome and a red gnome to be together, it was hard to keep it a secret from everyone, although the only ones who accepted their love was Auntie Nanette and Mr. Featherstone. However, a terrible incident between my Daddy and Uncle Benny and Uncle Tybalt lead to an all out war between the two gardens. And that war brought destruction to both gardens and it nearly cost my parents their lives. Realizing that their anger had almost destroyed Mommy and Daddy, my grandparents felt extremely guilty and had made peace. Too bad it didn't save their gardens, but it did save my parents. You can imagine the horror of both Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet when they found their gardens destroyed, but surprisingly, they too made peace and finally ended their feud for the our sake.
So Mommy and Daddy got married and lived happily ever after. Then Daddy talked about wanting a child, so he and Mommy drew up a sketch for their owners of what their child should look like after discussing it; my eyes colored green and facial features like my Mommy and my blonde hair like my Daddy, though my hair was longer and designed in two ponytails with two purple bows, and I wore a purple and white dress with a white short-sleeved shirt with a black vest, black shoes and a purple cap just like my parents.
I'll never forget that moment. As soon as Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet had completed in constructing me, I was left alone on a pedestal with my parents so I could meet them. When the owners had left, I blinked my eyes and shielded them from the sun cause it was too bright. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I whirled around and was met face-to-face with my parents. Love and kindness was in their eyes as they looked down upon me. Both of them seemed to be glowing in the sun's light as if they were angels sent to welcome me to my new home and my new family.
I shrieked my first words the second I realized whom they were. "MOMMY! DADDY!" And I threw myself into their embrace. My parents smothered me with hugs and kisses, and shedding tears of joy and happiness. I heard ear-piercing cheers and thunderous applause as I glanced down the pedestal to see a crowd of garden gnomes, all smiling and looking up at me. My happiness turned to fear. I didn't know these gnomes at first and I was scared. But my parents assured me the gnomes would never hurt me because they are my family. I scurried down the pedestal, almost tripping over, until Grandma Bluebury helped me to my feet. She and Grandpa Redbrick introduced themselves and they took turns hugging me for the first time.
Then I was introduced to the rest of the family. Auntie Nanette wanted to be called 'auntie' cause she and Mommy are best friends, and I immediately took a liking to her. Uncle Benny, he was shorter than me but that didn't stop him from trying to be more adult when he has this adorable childish character that I like about him. The red gnome goons make me laugh every time they do something funny or start a silly argument over something ridiculous. I may not understand what the four white rabbits say, despite their way of communication is called sign language by clanking their ears is confusing, but I found them adorable. Mr. Featherstone gave me a ride on his back and I would have stayed longer to enjoy the feel of the wind in my face until his wife, Mrs. Featherstone, put an end to it cause she feared I might fall off and crash. Uncle Tybalt, well I know he used to be a bully toward the blue gnomes and he got smashed during a brawl with Daddy, but now he's been glued back together and he's still getting used to the idea of befriending the blue gnomes. He and Fawn offered to teach me how to race on a lawnmower someday. Paris, his bookworm appearance says it all, he has a good knowledge of plants in the garden that I don't know of and I think I would like to learn how to plant my own variety of flowers one day.
After a long day of greeting and meeting my new family as well as a long day of celebrating my birth, we all resumed back to our positions in the garden just as Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet returned to cover us in bubble wrap to keep us safe from cracking and carefully placed us inside large cardboard boxes. Tomorrow was the day that we moved to our new garden and our new home. As much as I liked seeing the gardens my parents lived in, I couldn't wait to see my new garden, not to mention I couldn't wait to see what London will be like. I fell asleep afterward, more likely froze in gnome position.
Now on the day I was born, we didn't know that there was case of suspense and intrigue and mystery going on in London which continued onward until it lasted into the night. Long story short, a famous gnome detective named Sherlock Gnomes and his partner Gnome Watson had solved the final clue of locating and rescuing a group of abducted gnomes at the Natural History Museum from an evil pie mascot named Moriarty. There was a battle upon a diplodocus skeleton between the two adversaries, until it ended by Moriarty crushed by the collapsing skeleton and Sherlock had a narrow escape. He said with Moriarty gone, London is once again safe for all garden gnomes.
Boy, was he wrong. That's because...well, I don't want to spoil anything else. Especially about hearing a strange story how a fire had started in what was to be our new home and new garden. But don't worry, that fire had been put out and the house had been repaired and fixed. I sure hope the new garden will look just as lovely as our new home.
On the day of our move, it was on a bright and glorious morning on the busy streets of London. The car that had our cardboard boxes strapped to the roof zoomed past modern white or gray buildings or regular old little shops. A Sherringford mover's truck lurched behind the car, carefully driving through tight spaces and crowded streets. From inside the box, I heard the distant sound of music coming from the open window of the car beneath us. I could scarcely make out Elton John's Don't Go Breaking My Heart. My parents love Elton John's songs, and so do I.
Inside one of the cardboard boxes, I peered out through the open handle hole to gaze at the world passing by. My eyes widened in fascination at the many sights before me. "Wow!" I gasped in awe. The river glistened in the sun like diamonds. A giant double decker bus drove past our car, and I thought it was the biggest vehicle I had ever seen. The bridge, my grandparents call Tower Bridge, stood majestically above me, and I think it's bigger than the giant red bus.
Glancing over my shoulder to check on my parents, I saw Mommy and Daddy gazing happily at each other before they closed their eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Suddenly, Uncle Benny popped up in-between them to try to talk to Daddy. Daddy's eyes shot open to find the tiny gnome grinning at him and his lips pressing against Uncle Benny's once sheared off but repaired blue hat.
"That was unexpected," said Uncle Benny.
I stifled a giggle, and Daddy wiped his mouth in embarrassment. But then, the car hit a speed bump and I fell back - right into Auntie Nanette's arms.
"Oh! You should be careful, sweetheart," Auntie Nanette warned me. "It's not a smooth boat ride when your on the road."
"I am, Auntie," I replied, nodding my head.
The car took another sharp turn around the corner and all of the gnomes were rattling over a cobblestone street. I enjoyed bouncing and feeling my teeth chatter, but it doesn't seem like everyone was having fun.
"Everyone, we're going through some unexpected road conditions, so hold on to your bubble wrap and keep a close eye on your partner!" called Grandpa Redbrick.
At once, every single garden gnome or lawn ornament did as he or she was told to do. I stayed with Auntie Nanette for support. My parents gazed at us in concern, but Auntie waved off their worries that I'm safe with her.
"Listen to Lord Redbrick!" advised Grandma Bluebury. "Whatever you do, however tempting it may be, do not pop your bubble wrap."
In response, there came a pop, pop, popping sound. Everyone shot a frowning face at Uncle Benny, who was holding a part of his wrap between his fingers and popped it.
"Benny!" scolded Grandma Bluebury.
"What? I can't help it," shrugged Uncle Benny.
As the jittering car jostled the gnomes about, I was having the time of my life. "Wheeee!" I cried.
"It's nothing to enjoy, Violette," chided Grandpa Redbrick, who had heard me. "You could fall over and chip yourself!"
"But I'm covered in bubble wrap, Grandpa! How could I chip myself if I'm trussed up like a scarecrow?" I protested, this was true I had been covered in extra bubble wrap since before we left my grandfather had me wrapped tightly in extra bubble wrap, concerned I could easily be damaged on the road trip and to tell you the truth I don't like it at all.
Before Grandpa Redbrick could argue any further with me, Grandma Bluebury interrupted by patting me on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Violette," she assured me. "It's only temporary. You'll be fine."
I smiled gratefully at my grandmother. It was at that moment the jittering and jostling came to an end and it was smooth sailing from here on.
"How about we do something to pass the time?" Paris suggested. "Why don't we imagine how our perfect dream garden will be like?"
"You know what I want?" Auntie Nanette asked dreamily. "I want a massive pond for swimming."
"I want a huge alley for lawnmower racing!" declared Tybalt.
"And an even bigger box than this!" growled Fawn, struggling to make some room since the box kept him cramped throughout the ride.
As he finished his words, the car and the mover's van slowed to a stop.
"We're here!" Grandma Bluebury announced.
"Thank goodness," Fawn sighed in relief.
I grew rapturous. We had made it at last. I had the energy to squeal and cheer, but my parents had to cover my mouth and restrain me from making any sudden loud noises so not to alarm the humans.
"You ready, girls?" Daddy asked, taking my hand and mother's hand into his own.
"I'm ready!" I exclaimed.
"I can't wait," Mommy said, affectionately squeezing our hands.
"Poses, everyone!" shouted Grandpa Redbrick.
As if by magic, all of the gnomes and ornaments froze in place by our signature poses. I faintly heard Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet talking about their new house though muffled words due to being inside the box. Through the hold handle, I could make out a spectacular bright purple brick building. It was even better than I imagined. Perhaps when the humans go out, I should try exploring the new house later, if I get the chance.
The lids flipped open and a pair of hands (Ms. Montague and Mr. Capulet) picked the gnomes and ornaments out of the boxes, carefully unwrapped the bubble wrap from their small bodies, and arranged them to be in their spots in the new garden, before my turn came for the hands to pick me up. I held my breath, waiting to see what my new garden home had in store for me.
"London, a brand new adventure for us. And for our star-crossed lovers, Gnomeo and Juliet, and their beautiful daughter, Violette." Ms. Montague sighed happily, as she removed the bubble wrap from me and my parents and set us down on a pedestal in them center of the garden.
"Right! Let's go out and buy an expensive coffee. That's what people do around here." I heard Mr. Capulet say to Ms. Montague as they walked out of the garden gate.
The second they were gone, the rooster and pig weather vanes perched on the house wall swung toward us and signaled all of us that it was safe to come to life again. As we all came to life, an awful chatter filled the air. Our new garden, our new home, looked far from perfect or beautiful. What I saw stretched out in front of me and my family was an overgrown wasteland. Dead plants and neglected weeds choked out of every inch of the dull grass. The garden shed was half destroyed, half burnt. Everything was in this garden looked very grim and sort of dead.
"Aye-yie-yie! What happened to our new garden?" Mr. Featherstone gasped, while his wife remained shocked by the state of our new home.
"Huh? You call this a garden?! It looks like a dump!" Uncle Tybalt complained.
"Where's the new garden?" Fawn asked baffled.
"This is the new garden, Fawn," the three goons told the stricken deer.
"No, no. I'm going back in the box," Fawn groaned.
The small white bunnies started twitching or clanking their ears back and forth angrily. Nobody knew what they were saying, but Grandpa Bluebury did, and she was appalled by the poor choice of words used by the rabbits.
"Girls! Language!" she scolded, lightly hitting one of the bunnies on the head with her shovel.
"I'm not so sure about this," Grandpa Redbrick mumbled darkly, shaking his head.
I kept gazing sadly over the scene. I believed the new garden would've had neat rows of colorful flowers, a nicely trimmed lawn, a fish pond of sparkling water, a perfectly carved bird bath as a centerpiece. It would have been made as if to welcome us to our new home, just like the house out front. Instead, I was looking at a graveyard of a garden.
"Oh, dear." I heard Paris whisper in disappointment.
A gnome named Mankini, who wears nothing but a red mankini and green glasses, tottered over to a mud puddle. "Hey look, Paris! I found a pool!" he shouted. He jumped into the puddle, but got pulled under a little. The sounds of flatulence and bubbles popping was heard. Paris slowly looked away awkwardly. I felt a smile creep up on my face. This bikini gnome sure knows how to make me laugh, even in the most depressing moments. "Ooh, I made a Jacuzzi!" Mankini shouted from under muddy water.
Mommy looked over the run-down garden, uncertain. "I guess it's a...fixer upper?"
Even though it was not what he expected of the garden, Daddy was determined to see the bright side of things and cheer us up. "Well, I think that it's the most beautiful garden in the world. Because my wife and my little girl are standing in it," he said affectionately.
"You really think so, Daddy?" I asked hopefully.
"Of course it is, sweetheart," he said, playfully poking at my side and I giggled while climbing down the pedestal to look around.
"That was super cheesy," Mommy whispered teasingly.
"Seriously?" Daddy replied in pretend disbelief. "I practiced that line in the car for about ten minutes."
"It was like awful!" Mommy pronounced, as she gave him a sly grin. Then she pointed up the ladder, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, I bet there's a pretty good view up there."
"I'll let you know when I get there first!" challenged Daddy, as he flung his hands onto the ladder's first step.
I stopped to watch my parents mischievously bolted up the ladder, laughing and teasing each other along the way. Mommy reached the top because she swung herself upward. Nevertheless, she leaned down and pulled Daddy up, then swung him around and around and around, until Daddy had quite enough. Laughing it off, the two of them stared off in awe at whatever it was over the wall. My curiosity piqued. I wish I could see what they were looking at. It must be wonderful. I didn't hear what Daddy said to Mommy, but I wanted to climb up the ladder and see for myself. No sooner I got to ladder...
"Juliet, come down this instant, before you fall!" cried Grandpa Redbrick. He noticed me at the ladder and frowned. "And don't even think about climbing up there, Violette!"
I scowled at him. My mother always told me that even though she was by far the bravest and strongest gnome in the garden, and she proved it many times, Grandpa still fretted over her constantly. And Mommy wasn't the only one my grandfather constantly frets with worry. I was in the same boat as my mother. I wish I could be just as brave and strong as my mother is.
"When is he going to realize you're the toughest gnome in the garden?" I heard Daddy say to my mother, hoping it will cheer her up.
Mommy grinned, that did make her feel better. "Now that was a good line," she whispered.
I just hope my father would support me as the toughest gnome in the garden someday, instead of fretting over my safety like grandfather. I decided to explore this overgrown mess of a garden for a while. I glanced at Uncle Benny popping the bubbles on the bubble wrap, muttering 'she loves me' or 'she loves me not', I wonder why he does that and who is she? Auntie Nanette came over and she said something about a crush. What is a crush? I wanted to ask them when...
"Gather round everyone!" I heard Grandma Bluebury calling to everyone in the garden. "We have an announcement."
All of the gnomes and ornaments in the garden made their way to the center of the garden. I was about to join them, when something caught my attention at the corner of my eye. I noticed some movement inside an open hole in the garden shed wall. It looked like one of the gnomes but it moved so fast it was blurry that I couldn't see who it is. My curiosity piqued again, so I decided to investigate.
It wasn't until I reached the garden shed when I heard Grandma address to the crowd, "Lord Redbrick and I are officially retiring. We both think a new garden is the perfect opportunity to name new leaders. Gnomeo and Juliet."
"Us?!" My parents gasp in union.
I whirled my head around in surprise. Then the garden burst into cheers and applause of congratulations or approval. I applauded as loud as I could and cheered, "Hooray for Mommy and Daddy!" I'm so proud of them. They could be like a king and queen of the garden, and I could be their princess.
"Gnomeo and Juliet will lead us in preparing the garden for winter," Grandma Bluebury continued as my parents joined her and grandfather in the center. "As soon as the garden blooms in spring, we'll have a Seedling Ceremony to celebrate." She lead Grandpa Redbrick, whom I noticed was the only one not congratulating them. As a matter of fact, he didn't look ready to retire and hand over the leadership to my parents.
A crash brought me back to why I was at the garden shed. It came from inside the shed. I crawled in through the hole and to my shock, the inside of the shed looked just as dismal as the garden outside. Everything was broken with glass or pots, and old paint or oil stains left forever on the walls and on the floor. But it wasn't the state of the shed that utterly confounded me.
It was the person I found inside the shed, trying to hide from me but to no avail. This person was not a gnome nor an ornament. Uncle Benny told me about his old flame, a doll with curly blonde hair and blue dress whom he used to date, and how different dolls are from garden gnomes and ornaments. So I must be face-to-face with a doll.
But she was nothing like the doll Uncle Benny once introduced me to long before he broke up with her. This doll was just as beautiful as my mother, despite her devastating appearance. Her ginger red hair was long that reached her waist, but it was all tangled and dirty. Her gown, once a lovely regal gown of lilac and a split skirt with an inset of gold jacquard and lavishly embellished with gold trim, had been burnt off to dark ashes and some of it torn forcibly to expose her dirty arms and legs and bare feet, its lively colors had changed to a dull grayish color. The doll's pale face, very pretty one too, was covered in gray or black marks. And her turquoise eyes had the eyes of a frightened animal in danger, but I wasn't a danger to her so I wanted to let her know this, without scaring her away.
"Hello, my name's Violette," I introduced myself to her. "I just moved here with my family to live in the new garden."
The doll studied me carefully, as if examining me.
"What's your name?" I asked her.
The doll didn't respond.
"Can't you talk?" I pressed.
Again, no answer. Sighing, I gave up and turned to leave, thinking I might never befriend her, until I heard the doll speak to me in a calm angelic whisper.
"My name is Elizabeth."
