Chapter 2

The next day, Scott received a call that Roderich was on his way and would arrive shortly. During that time, Arthur was once again collecting the mail from Alfred and told him about what had taken place as they kneeled in the doorway with the kittens scampering around them, "I'm really sorry, dude," Alfred said solemnly as he held Sealand in his hand and rubbed his belly.

"It's alright," Arthur said, stroking Wy's pink ribbon, "It's still a little hard to accept but, I think as long as Britain and the kittens are still with me…I can make it through,"

Alfred nodded as he placed Sealand on the ground and picked up Seborga, "You know…I'm here too, if you ever want to talk," he said.

Arthur gave a sad smile, "Thank you Alfred, I appreciate it," he said.

Alfred smiled mischievously, "I'll be glad to be you're hero Artie; no need for a reward either." He said with a wink.

Arthur blushed and hit Alfred's shoulder, "You git! Don't call me Artie!" he yelled.

"There's the Arthur I know!" Alfred said with a wide smile before becoming serious again, "But take care of yourself okay?" Arthur sighed and nodded; it was impossible to stay mad at this boy! Arthur bade farewell to the American and headed upstairs to wait for Roderich's arrival.

Meanwhile, the kittens headed to the living room at top speed, "Me first!" Wy yelled as she knocked her brother's out of the way,

"Why should you be first?" Sealand asked, annoyed as he got off the ground.

Wy stopped momentarily and turned her nose up in very snooty manner, "Because I'm a lady; ladies always go first," she said proudly and began to run off again, but Seborga grabbed her tail, "You're not a lady, you're only a sorella!" he said before pulling her back causing her to slide slightly across the floor while Sealand and Seborga ran ahead of her into the living room.

"I'll show you if I'm a lady or not!" Wy muttered, and bolted after her brothers. The three kittens chased each other under the chairs and tables, laughing and squealing in delight all the while, until an abrupt knock on the door put an end to their playing. Scott opened the door to reveal Roderich Edelstein along with his personal assistant Elizabeta Héderváry. The kittens gleefully ran up to the two newcomers meowing happily. Elizabeta smiled warmly and knelt down to stroke them, "What cute little kittens!" she exclaimed.

"Come along you three; we don't' want to disrupt their business here!" Britain called from his place next to Arthur at the top of the staircase.

"Hello Roderich, Elizabeta," Arthur greeted as he descended the stairs while the kittens ran up to their father. "Hello Arthur, I trust you and Scott have been well?" Roderich responded.

"Yes, thank you," Scott answered nodding. The cats watched as everyone climbed the staircase to Scott's office where he worked. Britain and the kittens jumped onto the couch just as the humans entered. Roderich sat down at the desk and Elizabeta pulled a few papers out of the briefcase she was carrying.

"Now, this shouldn't take long," Roderich began as he examined the papers, "As you know, Walter Kirkland has many possessions and wealth; the beneficiaries of course, are members of his family and his fellow researchers. The only family members he has left that are alive are the two of you. All his funds and research tools and notes will go to his research facility so they can continue his research where he left off. Some of the priceless objects he came to own will be donated to a museum or charity.

"Everything else will be left to Arthur and his cats, and once Arthur turns eighteen he will be able to return to his own house in England." Roderich explained, gesturing to them (Sealand thought he noticed Scott visibly stiffen) and Arthur quickly reminded himself to tell Alfred that he wasn't going to be here much longer…just so he could properly say good-bye when the time came,

"However, once Arthur and his cats pass away, everything will be left to Scott." Roderich finished.

"Why are the cats included as the beneficiaries?" Scott asked taking a step forward with a slightly strained smile.

"I asked him the same thing; Walter told me how important the cats were to Arthur," Roderich said facing the boy, "He included them as his final gift to Arthur to ensure he was happy."

Arthur smiled and petted Britain and the kittens lovingly, "If it's not too late…" Arthur said quietly, "If you see him before he…passes…could you tell him thank you for me?"

Elizabeta smiled, "I will make sure he gets the message," she promised. Arthur nodded in appreciation as the kittens climbed onto his lap, purring.

Scott excused himself from the room and walked out the door to his bedchamber. He ran a hand through his red hair and shakily lit his pipe to refrain him from breaking something. The cats; Arthur was first and he came after the cats? He was glad that Arthur would only have to live with him for one more dreaded year, but how long would it take until he got the inheritance (or what was left of it)?

He wasn't sure how long cats live, but even though Britain was an adult, the three kittens were practically newborns! It would be years before they all croaked! Scott didn't want to wait and see how long it would be before he got the inheritance, because unless something happened to the cats then…a smile slowly came to Scott's face.

What if…the cats just suddenly…disappeared? Found dead on the riverside maybe? Scott nodded slowly as the idea slowly formed in his mind; yes…those mangy cats would be gone tonight. As for Arthur? Scott shrugged; he could easily take care of him later. Scott smiled as he made his way back to the office; Walter's fortune would soon be his.


Yep! Scottland is Edgar! Like I said this is different from the actual movies in many ways so expect new twists!

Yeah, this chappie was kinda 'bleh' but next we get to sing my FAVORITE song in the whole movie! Scales and Arpeggios! That song is sooo addicting and really helps you memorize scales and arpeggios on instruments...if you play an instrument, try playing this song; it's fun.

Review!