It was cutting things closer than they would have liked, but the Dalmatians finally found someone to help get back the locket, just as their owner was taking a shower before the reception. The locket was sitting in plain sight on the dresser. Now if only the help would arrive before she returned…

Pongo looked up and growled slightly as the grate on the air vent creaked.

"I think it's them dear," his wife whispered.

Sure enough, a second later the grating was propped open by Fivel and his father. When it was high enough, the very disgruntled Hector squeezed out.

"You didn't tell me I'd have to go through a drinking straw to get here," he complained. "I'm claustrophobic, give me a break!"

"Stop your squawking," hissed Pongo sternly. "The locket's on the dresser. Get it and get out before Molly comes in."

"I hear 'ya, sheesh," muttered the bird irately. It was the work of the moment for him to flutter to the desk and snatch up the necklace in his beak. "Ohh, shiny…" he mumbled, taking notice of the other earrings, bracelets, and perfume bottles on display.

"Hey! We got what we came for. You can't have anything else. Time to go!" called Fivel.

"Fine, fine," Hector grumbled, preparing to fly back up to the grate.

Everyone froze as the door to the bathroom opened and Molly came out, a towel wrapped around her middle as she dried her hair. "No, no other man in my heart," she sang softly.

Pongo and Perdita ran towards their mistress, ears back and tails wagging.

"Hello there," she laughed, leaning down to scratch their heads. "Don't you guys look happy today!"

The Dalmatians carefully walked in a circle around her, keeping her attention away from the air vent.

"Go!" whispered Pongo.

"Pleasure doin' business wit'cha," replied Hector, squeezing back into the vent.


"I'm still not sure why you want me to follow you down here," grumbled Tiger as he followed Azreal down some steps into the smelly bottom of the ship.

"I just need your help with something," said the cat smoothly.

"Ha, the last thing I need's more trouble. I was just chased all the way to first-class by some stupid chef who thought I was begging for food. Me? Beg? What a laugh."

"Oh relax. I just need you for a moment," Azreal reassured the Chihuahua. "I just want to stop in for a little snacky-wacky and there are so many delicious choices here. You just need to take care of distracting any of the flea-bitten mutts that also reside down here."

"I can't see why you'd want to eat something that's been staying down here," grumbled Tiger, wrinkling his nose at the stench.

"Fritz! They're here!" whispered Mrs. Mouskewitz in alarm.

"So soon?" asked Fritz, looking rather unconcerned. He turned to Macintosh. "You know what to do."

"Right," said the mouse, scurrying off to his position.

"Ah, what luck!" cried the cat, spotting him. "Just the snack I was hoping for!"

Macintosh stood boldly in front of the cat, not a foot away. He rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue.

"Come here you tasty thing!" The cat ran at a speed surprising for his size, followed close behind by a ridiculous bat-like dog.

Macintosh was quicker though and slipped backwards out of sight in the darkness. A few seconds later, the two predators realized what exactly was going on. Fritz had anticipated unwelcome visitors and had found a cage which was large enough to suit his purposes. The cage had been positioned with the door open and Macintosh had run inside. While the mouse was small enough to squeeze back out through the bars though, the cat and dog had no such luck and, unable to stop in time, found themselves trapped in the cage with a crash as they hit the far cage wall. As they stood up, there was a click; Fritz had calmly closed and locked the door.


Mr. McFlannel knocked genteelly on Winnie Brown's door. "Hello Winifred," he called. "Care for a stroll on the deck before the reception?

Winnie opened her door looking worried. "I'd love too sweetie, but I just can't understand it. I had a pearl chocker in my bag when we were at lunch today and now it's gone!"

"What?" cried Jeremy in alarm. "How? Was it insured?"

"Oh no, I never bother with that," she said. "All my jewelry's fake. I'm no Rhoda Vander plank - I wish. It just vexes me, that's all." She looked at the very confused banker. "You knew that, didn't you honeybunch? And we'll be together forever!"

"Oh…I say…" stammered Mr. McFlannel, at a loss for words.

"Come on now darling, that walk sounds divine," said Winnie, hooking her arm around his and leading the banker numbly up on the deck.


"This is it," said Fivel from the air vent leading to Anastasia's room. "Just drop it down to her."

"I won't," said Hector stubbornly.

"But it's hers!"

"Not anymore! It's mine now. Finder's keepers."

Fivel stamped his foot. "How will she prove she's her mother's daughter if she doesn't have the locket?"

"That's not my problem," Hector insisted. "I'm keeping it."

"I'll tell Fritz! You know he told you to only steal to help people!"

"I won't," said Hector. "You'll have to force me to give it up."


At the exact same time, Anastasia was in her room with Victoria and the grandchildren.

"I met him again today," she said. "The young man. He told me his name this time. William."

"How wonderful my dear!" said Victoria.

"He seems so nice," continued Anastasia. "But I suppose I could be wrong…"

"He certainly sounds sincere," commented the grandmother. "And who could deceive a girl like you?"

Anastasia smiled. "Well in any case, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint him tonight. He's invited me to meet him at the reception, but I won't be going."

"My dear, you mustn't be nervous!"

"I'm not nervous. In fact, I'd very much like to go." It was true. Before that day, she really had no desire to attend, but somehow the thought of Will waiting for her…she very much wanted to see him there. There would be music…and dancing…she shook her head. "I have no dress," she explained. "My foster family would never lend me anything suitable."

"What about Mama's dress?" asked Catherine.

"Hmm, it just might fit," agreed Victoria. "My daughter-in-law had me bring several of her things to America with us, things she couldn't bring when she first went over," she explained to Anastasia. "Among them was a lovely dress which I believe would look stunning on you."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly!" protested Anastasia.

"You must," said Victoria. "Wear it and go see young William tonight. There's still time for you to get ready."

"Grandma, there's a bird in the air vent!" cried Ernest.

"Shh dear, not now," said his grandmother patiently.

"There is really," said Catherine. "It's up there with that mouse from before!"


Hector was quick but Fivel was quicker and was able to pull the locket from the bird's beak."Give it back!" Hector shouted.

Fivel responded by tossing it through the grating, into the room. The magpie, determined to take it back, smashed through the open grate and followed it to the floor. Fivel was right behind, climbing to the ground using a spool of thread as a rope.

"No more of this nonsense!" he insisted. "It's hers, now put it around her neck!"

Hector glanced guiltily around the room. Now that he was found out, he didn't dare try to keep the jewelry anymore. "Fine," he grumbled. "I never thought I'd see the day when I'd return something that was mine."Chain in beak, he flew up just above the girl's head. He expertly let go, letting the locket fall down around her neck. She was puzzled at first, then saw what it was he was returning.

"This is it, my locket!" she cried joyously. She quickly opened it and showed the picture inside to the other occupants. "I know that's my mother, and I will find her one day!"

"Don't you feel better?" asked Fivel.

"Hmph." said Hector.

The girl turned to the animals. "You found this for me, didn't you? You're so wonderful!" She carefully picked up Fivel and gently kissed him on the head. Then she leaned down and kissed Hector as well.

"You sure you don't feel better?" Fivel giggled.

"Hrm," said Hector, looking a bit dazed but cheerful. "Let's go back now."


Gaston swaggered into the dining hall, eager for the reception. He noticed the lovely Molly by the musicians. As soon as she caught sight of him, she came straight over. He grinned. Giving her that locket was a stroke of genius. Just the perfect use! He was originally going to sell it once he'd reached America, but this worked out so much better.

"Ah, mademoiselle, you look exquisite this evening," he purred.

"Thank you," she said. "I'm afraid I have some bad news though. The locket you gave me has gone missing! I can't find it anywhere."

"Excuse me ma'am," a strange orange-haired man with a pipe cut in. "I couldn't help overhearing you say some jewelry of yours has gone missing. Would you mind having a few words with -"

"Could it wait until after the reception?" she asked irritably.

"Oh yes, of course," said the man and he slunk off in what he seemed to think was an inconspicuous manner.

"I will see you after the singing, no?" asked Gaston hopefully.

"Maybe," said Molly with a sigh. She headed back to the musicians.

Gaston looked for a seat, preferably one with a good view of the performers. He paused at one table. "Ah, Master William!" he cried, recognizing his employer. "You look very sad. Iz something ze matter?"

"Nothing Gaston," said William. "I'm waiting for someone, but I'm just not sure if she'll show up."

"'She'? Then eet ees a charming young lady my master wishes to see?"

"There she is!" cried William. With surprising vigor, he stood up.


She could tell he was staring at her. He was hardly the only one. It seemed like most of the passengers in the dining hall found her very interesting. Do I really look that nice? Anastasia wondered.

With Victoria's help, Anastasia's hair had been carefully piled up on her head. The dress was a deep blue. Blue as the ocean they sailed on, blue as the jewels on the locket. And it fit perfectly. The locket hung around her neck once more, the gold standing out against the blue of the dress.

She knew where William was the instant she stepped through the door. He was standing up, coming towards her. Like a dream, she moved towards him.

The music drifted to them. Words came out of the singer's mouth beautifully: "You're in my blood, you're in my blood, you're in my blood!"

They reached each other on the dance floor.

"So let's start this right along!"

Her hand was once more in his. His arm was once more around her waist. Once more, they were dancing.

"You're in my blood, you're in my blood, you're in my blood…so let's start this right along…"

The dress clung to her softly, weighed down by the locket at her chest. For the first time, she felt beautiful. She felt like a princess.

"No, no other man in my heart. No, no other man…And so only happy with me…And so only happy with me!"

They twirled slowly around the floor, never missing a step. She felt safe, as long as he held her. His hand firmly on her back, the other holding her right hand tightly, as long as he had her, she feared nothing. Not her foster family and not of being alone forever.

"By the dark that's rising! Ahhahhh!" sang the woman.

The song was coming to an end. William gave a smile and glanced towards the door leading to the deck. Anastasia knew exactly what he was asking. She smiled back and the two ran, hand in hand, outside.


The dining hall was abuzz at the sight of the lovely couple.

"Now isn't that a sight?" sighed Winnie from her table with Jeremy. "It makes me wish I were ten years younger again."

"Ah, I remember my youth," sighed Mr. McFlannel. "The days of romance, when bliss never seemed to end.

The two looked at each other. "C'mon sugar," said Winnie, standing up. "Dance with me."

"Madam," said Jeremy, taking her arm and leading her to the dance floor, "I would be honored."


"Mummy look!" cried Hortense. "It's Anastasia!"

"Yes, Anastasia!" screamed Bernice. "With that man!"

"He did want her after all!"

"Of course he wants her!"

"Girls please," said Lady Tremaine calmly. "It is in poor taste to cry in public like that. Calm yourselves, I shall take care of it."


Gaston was in shock. He saw the young lady his master was dancing with. And he saw what was around her neck. The locket! And judging by the looks Molly had thrown the girl, she had noticed as well...


As the musicians prepared for the next number, Molly ran to Gaston. "Now I know who stole my locket!" she cried furiously. "It was that girl!"

"Well my dear," said Gaston, looking flustered, "We ought to be sure before we make any claims…"

"What do you think?" asked Molly, rounding on the approaching First Officer Murdoch.

Murdoch smiled cryptically. "Perhaps the locket is back with its rightful owner," he suggested.

"What does he mean by that?" Molly asked Gaston.

"Oh nothing!" cried Gaston, sweating very much now. "Nothing at - ah!"

Molly had finally given in to her first impulse: She slapped Gaston as hard as she could across the face before returning to the musicians to sing her next piece. Murdoch smiled turned much more smug as Gaston slunk away like a whipped dog.


"You know, I was afraid you weren't going to come," confessed William. The two stood side by side once more, leaning on the railings along the third-class deck. Where they had their first dance. The sun was setting and it was beautiful.

"I've been waiting my whole life for a moment as happy as this," said Anastasia. "I would never miss it. But now…no, you know nothing about me."

William gently put his hand over hers. "Nothing could ever prevent me from loving you."

The two turned and looked at each other. And then they leaned close…

The kiss lasted for a few seconds or perhaps a lifetime. Neither knew and neither cared at all. All they knew was that they never wished for it to end.

"Anastasia! Come here at once!"

But of course it would have to eventually.

"Anastasia," said Lady Tremaine. "Don't make me repeat myself!" She stood in the doorway, her face pinched and severe. Behind her, Hortense and Bernice stood with their arms folded, faces sour.

Anastasia looked at the floor and started towards them out of habit. Then she remembered that her hand was still under Williams. She stopped. "No," she whispered.

"What?" asked Lady Tremaine furiously.

"I said no, I won't," said Anastasia, stronger this time.

"Anastasia you ungrateful girl!" cried her foster mother.

Anastasia stood her ground. She felt William put his arms protectively around her and she felt brave.

"Madame," said William. "Might I suggest you return to the dining hall? You and your daughters are making a scene and I would hate for you to be embarrassed if you were asked to leave."

Gertrude threw William and Anastasia both disgusted looks. "You didn't deserve my daughters anyway," she snapped as she retreated with them at tow.

"Does anyone?" muttered William as Anastasia laughed.


As the humans danced and enjoyed themselves up top, the animals had a party of their own. The Mexican mice played an upbeat siesta tune and it was not long before they all danced and sang along. Fivel could not help laughing at the sight of his mother and father swinging each other wildly across the dance floor. The geese honked along and Pongo and Perdita enjoyed a sausage link together.

In their cage, Azreal and Tiger seethed at the sounds of laughter and music around them.

"Join the party!" came a tiny cry from by the cage door. "There's plenty for all!"

It was the little mouse child and he was offering them a plate of food. Azreal leaned forwards to accept - he hadn't eaten for hours - but Tiger cut in. "We don't food from commoners," said the Chihuahua obnoxiously.

The mouse scurried off, much to Azreal's fury. "Stupid dog!" he spat. "No what am I saying? You look more like a bat!" Then he noticed that the little mouse was good enough to leave the food within reach. Azreal helped himself and Tiger - just as hungry - soon humbled himself enough to accept some of the food as well.


"Look out there!" called one of the watchmen in the crow's nest.

His partner glanced at the water as well as he could in the dark. Nothing there but floating ice chunks. "What, you've never seen bits of ice before?""That's not just ice!" The watchman grabbed the phone connecting him to the wheel. "Hello? Hello?" he called. "Change course, there's an iceberg right in our path!"


"Full speed astern!" called the sailor in the bridge. The wheel was spun as hard as it could. The ship moved forward. It was slowly shifting to the left. Everyone cringed. Would they clear it?

As they drifted past, it appeared to be a narrow miss. Then there was a crash and violent shaking. The sailors cried out and grabbed a hold of whatever they could to keep upright.

A few minutes later, the Captain ran into the room, followed by the First and Second Officers. "What happened?" he asked. "What did we hit?"

"Iceberg sir," said one of the sailors. "Starboard side, we couldn't move in time.

"What's the damage?" asked the Captain. The sailor shook his head and the Captain felt cold. He turned to the First and Second Officers. "Alert the passengers," he said. "Order an evacuation immediately. The Titanic is going to sink."