Oh sorry heh I,"
"It's ok Eric I know you need constant feeding when your nervous. Just asked me next time and I'll give you something special ok?" Maps forgives Eric
"But still someone needs to pay for it. We don't condoned stowaways regardless of your intentions!" Mr Hathaway stated makes Annie sighed at Eric.
"I'm sorry Annie I'll I p pay for it if you want."He skittishly say.
"It's ok Eric just don't do that again. We don't have time for goofy off now when we're being targeted." Annie respond pays her money to the Hathaways and returns buys enough Cinnamon Rolls to make for it.
Suddenly Ace barks at the window as the Mystery hunter starts with no one on the driver seat. As the rats fallen and crawl on the van causing the van to rock.
"Wait a minute. Oh God it's the Rat army again!" Anna yelled.
"Finally we got some action Sister!" Cassandra try to go outside but Annie had a broom block Cassandra.
"Cassandra no remember their small animals here how to deal with them. Hang on gang shoo shoo!"
Annie runs out of the cafe swings her broom to try to frighten the rats out of the van only to have the rats band together and eating up the head of the broom.
Annie let go of the boom as the rats leave their focus away from the van and try to destroy the broom as they make up a swarm to try and get her.
"Annie!!!" the gang called for her help.
"Yikes time to bring out the big guns!" Annie used a recorder of a Cat's angered meows with Ace barking and growl that cause the rats to think an army of cats are around ruin back to the swears leaving the gang alone as Cassandra with Maps and Eric can't help but looking at both Annie and Ace like two knights in shining armor.
"So cool Sister Annie you always know how to get us out of any situations." Cassandra gradually idolize her twin one more almost in a daydream like state.
"Whew! To be honest I didn't know that can work, is everyone ok?" Annie stated open the van sees the shaken gang unharmed as the rat leaves to van to recover.
"By ok you mean having rodents knock off my glasses I can barely see without them!"Carrie on the van floor looking for her glasses only her Olive to find it under the seat give it to her unknowingly had a rat on her head.
"Thanks Silverlock." Carrie has her glasses back.
"Olive there is a rat on your head!" Maps alerts
Unaware of her surroundings Olive has a net swing at her head with a rat on the top of her head as she yelps.
"Gotcha little dude!" Heathcliff said as the rat teething on the net.
"Please tell me I'm still in my happy place and not in a net or so help me Tim." Olive face turn red in anger.
"Ummm yeah alongside Olive now we can see if this little critter got some hypnotic device or drug that made them act too smart for their own good because they trying to demolish our ride." Tim responded as he gets a small cage for the rat to be locked in after Heathcliff get the net off Olive's head.
"You did it Timmy! You stop one of the rats but why we're putting it in bars if he is not mutating?" Annie asked in a confession as Ace growls at the rat and Cassandra checks on it with her Language of violence abilities to see if something off about the rat.
"Its ok Ace there's nothing off about this creature. I already sense it's high IQ and body is then most ordinary rat." Cassandra informs succinctly
"That's right Cass for you see Annie, this is can be our support clue for this mystery. The rats who attacked rat catchers are not mind controlled or doing this in there own will, well kinda heh. But someone trained this little critter and his big family to commit harmful stunts like this on anyone their owner feels is in there way for their own plan." Tim explained to the gang.
"But why would anyone train these rats to hurt people? I don't remember seeing that much rats in Gotham Zoo or the circus for animals." Maps replied as Annie realizes what the voice say that warned her.
"Hey Sister Annie you remember the unknown caller from earlier right?" Cassandra mentioned as the whole gang is curious about what she just said.
"I was getting to that point my twin sister, anyway there's that voice that warned on to stop solving this mystery and not interfere with his revenge or else we'll face a harmful consequences. It must be the mutant rat that threatened the Ratcatchers all this time I'm not looking forward to what he has planned for us so we should watch our backs." Annie explained.
"Like golly I told you all not to go any further with this mystery now we're really on that things future pray list and I rather eat cheese then be one!" Eric reacted in fright.
"Oh don't be a scaredy cat Eric, we don't even know if the mutant rat really a real monster yet! We just have to inform Manager Jones and asked any employees or her if there's any former workers who could've been kicked out of their business that have anything against them before anyone gets hurt. But with what evidence?" Olive said
"And I got a recording of the male voice that Sister Annie answered in the phone everyone! It's sounds like he's underground due to the how the sounds of his voice echoes like a thick cave." Cassandra announced showing her recorder a sudden high pitched screaming is coming from the swears made Ace's ears instantly goes up looking at the directions where it's from in the alley of the sewer entrance as Eric gulp.
"Man I I hope that was just them having a rodent party in there." Eric comment as the Rat in the cage try bite the steel cage again.
"No! You're going to stay grounded for associating assault." Annie tells the rat point her fingers at it.
"Well gang it looks like we got a few priorities to check on first we need investigate in sewers I got a hunch seeing how these Rats retreated into the sewers with what Cassandra said, this guy is our clue to point out that the rest of them haven't been affected by mind control or drugs. So I need volunteers to watch out for him with Heathcliff as he take the van to a few locations left where the attacks take place while Annie and her twin come with their pairs investigate the noise in the sewers any questions before we draw straws?" Tim explained to the Detective club with their next task.
"Wait draw straws!? But that's not fair I'm always bad at those they make my heart jumper like my English quizzes! How about game to see who gets to do what Timothy Drake?" Maps pouts her frustration as Tim keeps a cool demeanor.
"Because then there's no point in doing this if we make this too easy for all of us Maps,after all where's the fun in that?" Olive responds pats her friend head.
"Fine." Maps accept the idea idea as Ace came first and pulls out a small straw with his teeth.
"Small straws get to come to the swears meaning Ace you're joining the twins in investigating the noises." Tim explained as Ace tried to respond while nods yes to him.
"Reah." but Ace only let out a playful bark and drop the straw by accident.
"Did he just spoke a little?" Heathcliff asked Tim
"Um no anyway it's your turn Heathcliff." Tim quickly dodge the question as Heathcliff draw a long straw.
"Cool sorry for anyone underneath but I'll be in the rat station asking for employees who might have a beef with their business along with my peeps." Heathcliff respond
Eric hesitated
"Err I hope there's ever a chance my draw can send me to nearly safer places during this mystery." Eric whimper only to draw a small draw straw.
"Oh boy just my luck with the scream not going to be the only thing that will be down there." Eric pouts as Maps hugs him from behind.
"Awwww Eric it's like we're destined to work together I'm so happy you'll protect me!" Maps said making Eric blushes and Olive stick her tongue out in disgust.
Carrie draws long straws as her heartthrob.
"Cool I get to split up with Heathcliff in the rat station to be honest I actually looked forward to it."
Olive draw long straw
"Blasted! I was looking forward to seeing some wicked stuff down there. Oh well guess we have to go against Owens and boredom until the monster comes for us."Olive shugs up
"Then it's official guys Olive, you Heathcliff and Carrie check on the rat station to see Mrs Jones to find out if there's anything to find out who could've cause this mischief. Wayne Twins, you two with Ace Eric and Maps come with me to Gotham swears to investigating the sound where the screams coming from." Tim explained the task at hand to the gang as Annie and Eric show their reluctance from going to the swears.
"You mean going down there? I I d don't think I am not brave enough to going to dark places that screaming at me." Annie skittishly stated as Eric already had shaken down to his shoes.
"Like nooooo way. I'll rather agree with Annie plan when she put it that way I'll be staying right here if you guys need me." Eric agreed with Annie.
"So you guys can just wait all alone where the rats just attacked us? They probably getting their master to finish you two off in particular." Olive respond teases their coward like behavior.
"Oh I got an idea. Hey Annie and Eric would you investigate in the city's sewers and be heroes for 3 Annie's snacks for each of you chocolate covered edition." Maps suggestion makes Annie and Eric eyes widen like a child getting that special surprise birthday gift as Maps and Tim show them bunny shaped snacks in her hand.
"Chocolate covered?! Golly Maps you sure it will be enough to help me through this?" Eric ponders.
"It's enough for me to help out despite how creepy it seems inside I mean they even have my name on it so if "my" snacks encourage me as well then I must accept the offer. Oh My snacks here I come oh boy!" Annie reach for the snacks from Tim's hand despite him holding it away from her.
"hehehehe you'll get them down girl down." Tim playfully said to Annie.
"Well if they can do more than that then maybe Eric I'll give you more incentive than just Annie's snacks." Maps get to Eric and kiss his cheek while handling him the chocolate Annie Snacks as Eric whole face turn red and stuttering.
"What a bunch of hams. All of them!" Olive react to them as Cassandra giggles at the situation.
"Silly Friends huh Ace." Ace then responds silently.
"Reah" as Cassandra seem to be the only one who Ace is more than just a crime sleuth dog but one who only speak broken English.
With the gang split up and the Annie snacks consumed, The Wards of Bruce Wayne with Ace, Eric and Maps climb down the sewers geared up with Flashlights and shots in case of actual Rat bites in their pestistal. Ace take the lead as the Screech and screams and chantings sounds it's coming from all kinds of direction ahead making the kids started and Eric shaken.
"Ummm guys I don't know I I think the noises are coming from right in front of us." Maps getting uneasy hearings it close but Ace ears is channeling the sounds and goes towards it
"Let's get in the action gang and see what the fuss is about it could someone in danger." Tim said as the kids followed Ace to investigate the sounds only to stumble upon different tunnels going more than one direction.
"Great I hate these types of maze levels brought to life this sucks!" Maps pouts as Ace try use his ears hearing the chanting and barks as he take the right direction and the gang follows him.
The noise lead them into a deep hole surrounded by chanting the name long live Rat God from actual people in rodent makeup and amateur get ups who are the rat activists protesters Manger Jones talked about.
"Sounds like the Mutant Rat having a kingdom worshipping session, maybe this can be our chance to get some answers on who's their boss really is. Anyone got a way to get us down?" Annie suggested but as Tim and anyone else trying to find the best answer they can without freaking Annie out. Cassandra and Ace feel like they're being watched again and it's getting closer only see two yellow glowing eyes stare behind their backs.
"The Mutant Rat!" Cassandra alerted the gang seeing it in person as it's 7 ft tail and unearthly appearance made Eric scream for help as Maps hold on them him, the mutated creature screeches in a almost unsettling bloodcurdling humanoid way surrounded the kids and Ace who's barking and ready to charge at him.
"I WARNED YOU NOW YOU MUCH BE DESTROYED LIKE THE OTHERS!!!!" The Mutant rats screeches out as waves and rats causing a huge wave to come towards half of the Detective Club and hit them off the surface only for Annie to grab on the now slippery edge and use her clay strength to make a grip she can hold on to while Tim holds her ankle along Eric hold onto legs shaking the whole gang as Cassandra hold onto Ace body while he hold onto Eric and Maps at the lower end of the pole of our now in danger sleuths. The Mutant rat runs away as the swarm of rats gets closer as Maps looks down and sees eyes and a hand of other mutant rat grab her ankle cause her to kicking the hand off her.
"NOOOO!! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!" Maps scream as Eric screams for help as well.
Annie increased anxiety made her whimper a little until she noticed the gang are being pulled down by another the mutant rat with red eyes and due to the sewers water weekends the edges Annie has to pull everyone up.
"Uh oh everyone hold on!" She said as she quickly used both bare hands to climb back up with the Detective club pulled back up the same level floor where they were before their attacker escaped now half wet from the water.
"Whew for a second there I thought I have to get help before we're find out where the missing workers are the hard way." Tim relief as Annie hugs him happy everyone's still around.
"Ummm guys I think we have another visitor." Maps point at the red eyed mutant strand behind them as it growl at them.
"Finally some action! Prepare to face the wrath of the Cain!" Cassandra announced as Ace bites the creature's legs cause the thing do screech and try to get Ace off of him but Cassandra Cain finally get to kicks the monster off his feet caused him to fall back to where he came from.
"Alright! did you see I get to hit me a rat monster Sister Annie? It was a good thing!" Cassandra give herself credit as Ace looks like he's been left out.
"Rey!" Ace whimpered
"Oh sorry Ace how about we both did good today this time. You're a hero yes you are." Cassandra respond to Ace seeing she's the only one who can understand what he is really saying but the rest of the gang can't actually hear him speak as Annie just only relief that her twin and pet German Shepherd are alive and well. Cassandra also see a piece of fur on Ace's teeth and get it off his mouth.
"That's your sister Annie but I'm so be happy we're alive that means you're calm down ok?" Maps cheers the embarrassed Annie by moving her lips to make her smile.
"I would be if she chooses a more careful approach but fine despite her being reckless she still need to learn how to appropriately strike her foes without giving them a counterpoint that thing could've bite her if Ace haven't step in." Annie proceeded with her protective sister part by when Cassandra and Ace looks at her she switch it up to being at least an impressed smile to them. But victory was interrupted as Tim use a flashlight to check on the mutant rat that Cassandra knock off and sees nobody down there as the chanting stops.
"I'm not a little girl with a white belt Sister. I thought we have this discussion." Cassandra getting irritated by Annie protective nature
"We should probably get out of this side before the calvary get in the way." Tim and the others quickly leave the tunnel only to see two set of lights coming out the other tunnels turned out to be the Rat activists leaving their camp to search on for the creature.
"Golly it's them and they're dirty as well!" Eric comments on the dwellars.
"What if they're crazy or I don't know too expressive with their passion? They could be working with the monster." Maps asked the gang.
"Tim what would be a better way to approach them?
"Wait they could know about where the screams coming from and if they seen any other things off in their neck of caves. I'll talk to them you guys just stay hidden until I give you the signal." Tim steps out of hiding.
"Tim wait! *sighs* I'll step in if he gets things out of hand" Annie said in her defeated protest as she facepalm herself.
"Let's interrogate them!" Maps said with her fist up as Eric grabs her fist and puts them down.
"Easy at least so far I'm not live bait this time around." Eric relief as they watches Tim in their side of the tunnels.
"Hey excuse me umm fellow dwellers. You happened to know where any strange looking things moving around or anything out of the ordinary?" Tim asked confidently as the dwellers some glared at him.
"Not in particular except all the junk and wasteful goodies you surface dwellers have thrown in here hehehe. The names Decan but you can call me King Blackfire young boy and this is my domain!" the white bearded man stated dramatically as Tim looks concerned about what he just got himself into.
"Right? Anyway "your highness" have you heard weird echoes like screaming and roaring like-"
"Our cries for help have been heard by our very own Rat God as he punishes those blasphemers who have spent years torture and harming our domains pets over them perceiving them to be pest and vermin just like how they been treated us and those who just want to survive and find homes like the rest of us. They're finally get to have their justice when they're be treated like vermin like us in our domain before the feast of a thousand elders as we watch them beg!" Deccan explained in his own deranged way as his fellow dwellers chanting and praising the Mutant rat as Tim gets a little creep but kinda feel bad for these people living under Gotham.
"Did someone says feast! Well why don't you say so!" Eric got excited but Annie step on his foot with a little of her metahuman strength made him shout in pain and Cassandra and Maps close his mouth and hold him down. The Dwellers looked at the tunnel where they heard them curiously.
"Yeah I'm actually in it for the Rat God's work! hehe so is there any chance i can see where they taken the blasphemers. You know so I can rough em up a little before the feast?" Tim tries to get their attention away from the gang as Decan gets curious and look suspiciously at Tim.
"Hmmmm very well my child. Allow me to show you the light to our cause and witness the results of the evil tyranny in our domain!" Decan's followers know what they're doing as they let their leader lead Timothy to hopefully the remaining ratcatchers alive as they follow them while some travel the other tunnels except where Annie and her group are.
"I don't like this plan my love got himself into and I'm going to follow him whether he like it or not." Annie stated as she make a move get out of hiding to follow Tim and the sewer dwellers.
"Annie wait don't leave us in this place what about the monster from earlier!" Maps try to protest Annie but she continue heading to the same tunnel Tim went.
"I won't be long if you all wish to stay safe then remind here where the monster was last encounter then do follow me instead of worrying about my safety. Timmy's safety is now my priority no ifs ands or buts." Annie respond not looking back at the gang as Cassandra and Ace sighs.
"Rnd there she goes" Ace told Cassandra as they look back at each other.
"Like is she crazy we just got attacked by the monster and her idea is the go alone without us?" Eric comment to the whole thing.
"It's ok guys because me and Ace will guide you to their trail." Cassandra ensured as she moved forward dramatically with her finger up front of Maps and Eric.
"Wow you're sure Cassandra I mean me and Eric do mystery solving before you and you only do it recently." Maps points out causes Cassandra to frown and flash a Flashlight at her eyes.
"Come on guys Sister Annie's stories with you guys given me enough evidence that it will be a good time for me to take on the position just like her." Cassandra respond as she shut the flashlight off and Maps wipes her eyes and blinks.
"Well with my eyes still active from that assault from you. We're just go after them as a group remember not your little impressions of Annie thing going on. You remind me a lot about me when I started off knowing about her since I want to be her so bad." Maps sweetly told Cassandra as Cass looks away.
"Whatever my twin a fascinating individual but we have a common tropes. Eric give me an opinion about this." Cassandra points at him
"I'm just wanted to check out their feast underground hospitality and get out of here Cass. At least you and the others will be dealing with some spooks." Eric give out his options looking forward to feast the dwellers meant earilar as Cassandra tilt her head sideways.
"Sister Annie sure been dealing with a lot of odd people in her life and they say I'm a odd one in school." Cassandra thoughts to herself as she looks at Ace again almost like their talking to one another.
"You have no idea about how this world works don't you silent one." Ace respond as the two lead Eric and Maps following the Mystery Couple and the dwellers.
Meanwhile as the mystery hunter come at the scene of the crime back in the Rat em catch em department, follows two officers Owen and GCPD's Jason Bard who's a less strict then and is known for his good looks and charm then his partner as Owen when it comes to questioning a protester who witnessed another ratcatcher who as attacked by the mutant rat accept there's one thing there's no mark's from any rats or person but was poisoned by cyanide during in the middle of the job. Olive's team seen the aftermath of the incident outside of the building as the two officers with a group of medics to treat the affected employee. And what's worse for the elderly couple who owns the station are in the middle with the interview now with no other than Summer Gleason herself.