Chapter 8:
Rosalie kept running and running through endless pipes, not knowing which direction to turn. The smell of rust and sewage filled her nostrils making her cringe. She muttered "Oh great.." she debated going back from where she came, but the boys would be hot on her trail. It was do or die for her.. Her hair became lose out of the dark ribbon holding back her dark auburn locks, tossing in her face as she struggled to find the way out. She continued through the darkness, until she reached a cold hard gate in her way. In front was the world right outside. She slipped through the bars.. and she finally reached the surface. The cold air was all around her making her shiver. The poor girl wished that she had brought some kind of sweater or blanket with her. Her nose wrinkled at the smell of cheap alchohol and the sewage water flowing from beneath her feet. She was in an unknown area that reaked of smell and dangers galore. In her pale blue dress and white shirt she stuck out as everyone took a disgusted glance at the girl.
Distressed, she wanted to ask for directions, She walked past many mice in the broken and dark alley "Excuse me, do you know-" the mouse walked right past her.
She took another breath and grabbed onto a man's arm "Excuse me sir, do you know where Lady Plunket's home is, I'm lost and-" the man grabbed her arm and tore her away "Get off me!" he pulled her off and threw her to the cold ground into a puddle of sludge. She stood to a roar of laughs at her expense that kept her running quickly.
She continued to run down alley after alley, becoming more panicked with every unkown step. Out of breath, she leaned her hand against a wall, and suddenly felt something grab her hand roughly from behind.
"Oy boys! Look what I found!" it was so dark out she couldn't see his face, only his bright eyes, full of evil… and his smile, the kind of smile that would be ingrained in her memory for all time. The rest of his gang, tall and short gruff mice and rats appeared out of the shadows whistling and laughing.
"What is a pretty gal like you doing out on the streets?" He said sweetly "Do you know what is lurking out here?" the man kept a firm grip on her arm as she tried breaking away, He stroked her cheek and she flinched "No need to struggle toots.. don't you know we're the least of your troubles.."
She scowled at him "I'm pretty sure I know what is.."
One rat chortled "Oy, we got a fighter here.." the one that held her pushed her to another thug, who snapped a knife out of his pocket. The blade glimmered in the moonlight making her gasp "How would you like to spend an evening out with me miss?" he asked as if she had a choice. His breath smelled of cheap wine, making her gag.
She scoffed "Over my dead body.." the boys laughed harder, it made the gruff mouse upset. In an impulse he tossed her to another man, "Be careful what you wish for miss.." one of them leaned in for a kiss.
She quickly spit in his face making him pin her to a wall by her throat "I wonder how many scars it would take to ruin that pretty face of yours.." he held a large knife to her tan fur, breathing with what last air she had.. this is it.
Suddenly a large bang shot through the air.. every thug, including Rosalie looked up in shock. The thug loosened his grip on her throat as she saw; standing there was Ratigan with a firm look on his face and the steaming pistol in his left gloved paw. The underworld of thugs glared at the large rat, for he was known all over the waterfront and beyond. He firmly said "Let her go.."
"Professor, we're a little busy." The thug that held her said "We're having a little party here, that's all.."
"I'll tell you once more.. let. Her. Go."
"You don't own us.. we ain't one of your lemmings."
He chuckled "Of course.. they are more qualified." The thug dropped her roughly to the floor "Get out of here rat."
"Soon as I get the girl."
The thug stepped over her, not seeing Rosalie gasp for air and started gently massaging her throat.
She gasped when she saw all ten thugs gain up on Ratigan. All at once they attacked him over and over again and threw his pistol far from him, ripping apart his black coat. One almost strangled him, reaching behind his large stature, but was smart enough to clash the thug into the wall.
Rosalie silently cheered him on as he stood in front of her, protecting her and himself from any threat. She saw one thug creeping on the top of a trash heap, that had metal retractable claws. Rosalie shouted "Look out!" but it was too late. It was the deep claws that dug into the Professors arm making him yell out a painful howl. Rosalie stood there numb at the sight.. not knowing what to do.
He threw the last thug to the floor causing all of them to run off in fear of his rage. It gave Rosalie a chance to notice his state of being. His hair was a mess, the once elegant cape with red satin ripped apart, his eyes were a bright red, but slowly closing. He started back at her one last time, before his eyes closed fully. Ratigan fell to the floor with a thud, and she noticed the large scratch marks on his arm, covered with dirt and grime.
She was about run away.. she saw it as her chance. Then she dared to look back..
If he stays out here he could die. Those children would be without a guardian.. if he dies, its my fault.. she thought to herself. She sighed and turned towards him and tried her best to pick him up. She used all her strength and finally got his large arm over her shoulder and carried him back.. all the way to the sewers. Both of them trudged the way back. Rosalie heard his voice "…Don't…. leave."
"No…" she huffed "I'm not leaving you." She fell in the cold sewer water, but took a breath and trudged on with him on her shoulder. She continued along the endless amount of pipes.
At last, the had finally made it back to the gate and Rosalie started to shout "Help! Help please! He needs help! He's hurt!" she shouted again "Open the gate please!" Bill and Fidget opened the gate and helped her lift Ratigan. "He needs help.." she gently said, watching his form under their hands in worry. She swiftly turned to Fidget
Fidget get me some hot water and a towel.."
"Yes mam!" he stumbled and ran to the kitchen, not noticing the children watching the entire ordeal with worry.
Rosalie and Bill carried him to the study and laid him on his chair the children following close behind, Bill lit the fireplace quickly warming up Ratigan's unconscious cold body. Suddenly his eyes started to open slowly "He's coming to!" Bill shouted, Rosalie hushed him and he went to the children's side. He grumbled to himself while Fidget came through with the hot kettle and a bowl as she asked.
she poured the broiling hot water and dipped it into an old towel.
Ratigan was messing with his wound, expecting it to heal on its own.. that was not the case. "Oh.." she said "Don't do that.." he growled at her and looked away.
The children and the thugs backed away from his probable rage. She sighed and moved a piece of loose hair out of her face. She looked at him like a stubborn child and picked up the warm towel aiming for his arm, he started to panicky pull away from her "Now… Just hold still.." she finally placed the towel on the wound and he yelled in pain pulling away and holding his arm.
"THAT HURTS!" he screamed loudly scaring the children, including her, he yelled so loud that her hair blew over her shoulders.
She had enough and yelled back, fire and passion in her voice "If you hold still it wouldn't hurt as much!"
He smirked smugly at her "If you hadn't run away…" He pointed to his scratch "This wouldn't have happened."
She yelled in his face surprising him "If you hadn't yelled at me I wouldn't have run away!" she turned stubbornly and crossed her arms.
He growled under his breath "Well you should have watched the children.."
"Well you should learn to control your temper!" I said. He was about to say something.. but couldn't, he quickly retracted and sat silently. It's like he couldn't think of another snappy comeback.
The children came forward from their scared positions and sat around them. Even Bill and Fidget. They all remained silent for about several moments when he brought up the towel again, once again moving a piece of hair. "Now hold still.. this may sting a little.." he winced at the pain as he held his arm carefully.
She pat the wound gently and spoke again "By the way.." Rosalie looked into his eyes "Thank you.. for saving my life.." she said sincerely and sweetly, with a hint of admiration in her voice.
He was taken aback. His yellow eyes brightend and he looked at her with suprise "Your welcome." He remained calm looking at Rosalie with a slight awkwardness as she continued to mend his wound. While she fixed his wound dressing it with a bandage, she didn't even notice the two oldest Green children leave the room.
"Did you see that?" Alex grinned wide holding his sister by the shoulders.
Her blue eyes shined bright "Yes! Do you think what I'm thinking?-"
"Our prayers have been answered!"
Victoria's eyes glistened with hope "She is just what we've been asking for!" She chirped "And Uncle James would be happy too!"
"I don't think Victoria, I know.." he gasped and saw Bill and Fidget come out of the study "Did you guys see it too?" Both of them nodded softly. Bill crossed his arms "Hardheaded and passionate!"
"They're a perfect match!" Fidget said with a cackle. Small grins shined on their faces.
Alex slicked his hair back "We have to keep this a secret okay? We can't tell anyone about this.." he said happily "The only way things are gonna get easier and a little funner is getting them together." He held up his right hand along with the others. Even Padriac James snuck behind his sister and held up his little white paw. "Cross your hearts!" Victoria added.
Alex smiled the same smile his Uncle has when he had a plan "Now, this is what were gonna do.. we got to find a good time.. to get them both together.. and remember they can't fight! So.. here's what is gonna happen.." the continued to congregate in the hall as the night went on.
REVIEW AND FOLLOW?
I JUST HAD TO ADD THAT ARGUMENT FROM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.. IT WAS TOO APPROPRIATE..
