Ellie Goulding- Your Biggest Mistake
When I woke the next morning I leapt out of bed. I then rummaged through my old desk for a piece of chalk. I cheer when I found a sliver of discolored chalk. I took my chalk and went over to a wall. I stretched my arm up as I drew a line down the wall. When I was finished I had created a drawing of a door. Pocketing the chalk I then chanted a few words. The white outlines of the door glowed and there was an explosion of chalk dust. When I waved the dust away I saw the familiar mahogany door. I grip the silver handle and opened it. The doorway was dark as usual, and I stepped through feeling the magic fly by me like wind and heard the door slam shut behind me. I kept walking through the darkness with my eyes shut, and when I opened them I was in Nim's cottage. I walk into the kitchen and the seashell chimes above the table rang out—letting Nim know I was there. It was Nim's magic alarm system. I sit at the table and wait for Nim impatiently; wondering where she could be. I was about to touch the chimes to make them ring again, but someone shouts. "Oy!"
I jolt in surprise and saw Nim was walking into the kitchen with a wry grin. She sits down at the table and summons the teapot off the stove, some cups, and her jars of tea leaves. The objects float onto the table with ease and began with the tea preparation by itself. Nim's violet eyes sparkled merrily. "Good morning Belladonna! I know something is troubling you—but I think you want to tell me yourself, yes?"
I nod and accepted my tea gratefully. "I have been seeing things lately…"
"What kind of things?" Nim was twirling her finger in the air and her spoon was stirring her own tea by itself.
"A shadow…whenever I see him—I feel weak and terrified."
Nim sits up straight when she heard this and her spoon stopped stirring the tea. "Has it been following you?"
"Only in Basil's world."
Nim leans back in her chair, and snapped her fingers. A pipe appeared in her hand and she snapped her other hand to create a blue flame on the tip of her thumb and lit the pipe. She puffed the pipe and red smoke flowed from it, then orange plumes, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink and the cycle started again with red smoke. I wrinkle my nose in astonishment—the smoke smelt like cotton candy and berries. Nim finally says. "Sounds like dark magic…someone in Basil's world isn't just dabbling in dark magic—they're an expert at it—seeing that they are having such an effect on you." She paused to take another puff. "How powerful does he feel?"
"Very." I tell her, while trying to rub away the goose bumps that formed on my arms. "Just talking about him makes me shiver…"
Nim hummed. "Sounds like you have another adventure on your hands…but be warned fighting against Ratigan and his hench-vermin was a stroll in the park compared with what you're going up against. You gotten yourself into quite a pickle."
My eyes widen in shock. "What did I do?"
"Traveling between worlds makes you much more noticeable to other magical beings. I'm not blaming, but when you decide to embrace magic—you also embrace all things magical to notice you. It's like you're walking through the dark with a candle—who wouldn't see you?" Nim gives me a sweet smile. "You're in trouble!"
"That doesn't help me!" I shriek fearfully and then calmed myself. "What should I do?"
"Stop visiting Basil's—or stay there longer to confront this dark warlock. I suggest you don't go out at night or alone if you want to keep away from him." Nim's violet eyes become serious. "You must be prepared to face him. He is hunting you—so he will not go away so easily." She then become cheerful. "Alright let's get off this dreary subject!"
I nod weakly and tried to feel too sick and horrified that I made an enemy without even realizing it.
Nim makes the pipe disappear and drinks some tea. "So, I hear that you're going to try to bring Basil to your world!"
"Yes…do you know any memory-deleting charms I can use on my dad?"
Nim laughed. "You can't just give up! I think you should try this. I'll even tag along."
"You just want a good laugh don't you?" I ask while crossing my arms.
"But of course!" Nim grinned. "I can give you some transformation spells and another spell to keep Basil from going into shock when he sees the 21st century. Deal?" She holds out her hand eagerly like a child.
I roll my eyes and take her hand. "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this."
"Maybe—but maybe you should ask your detective if he can go?" Nim raised a brow.
I gasp. "Crap! I need to go—" I was about to run out, but stop. "Ugh, I have to have breakfast with my parents today or I'll never hear the end of it—uh, what time is it in his world right now?"
"Sunset." Nim tells her while sipping her tea. "Finish your tea."
I rush over and gulp down the tea. "Thanks Nim!"
I was about to run out again, but Nim calls. "Give me a hug!"
"Ugh." I scoff going back over to her and embraced her. She then gives me a paper crane. I raise my eyebrows at her questionably.
Nim explains. "The spells you need are in there. Keep it safe—it took me forever to fold it."
"Thanks." I tell her, I then rush out the door with my eyes shut—and slammed my face into the door frame.
"Close your eyes after you go through the doorway!" She tells me.
Holding my sore nose I do as she says, when I open my eyes I was back in my room. I place the paper crane carefully onto my nightstand. Sage suddenly ran in barking. I pet the puppy and said. "Did you teleport here from my apartment all by yourself?" Wow. My life is officially strange after saying this to my puppy/familiar.
After breakfast, I rush back up to my guest room and transform my attire into a Victorian dress. Sage sits on the bed patiently, and I give her the paper crane. "Guard this—and watch out for the kids—make sure they don't get into too much trouble."
Sage carefully takes the crane with her teeth and placed it between her paws. She snorts at me to go. I pat her head and with a wave of my hand and a puff of green smoke—I was gone.
I reappear on the street…uh-oh. I look at the dark sky and saw clouds floating over the moon. I turn and see Big Ben… 11 o'clock at night…I was in trouble. This place was familiar. I feel the blood leave my face when I saw where I was…this was where I was brought when I first appeared in London…I start walking. The post lights towered above me like towers as the soft light lit the streets. I shivered and hurried along to pass a rodent's café ahead of me. I instantly stop when I felt the dark presence. I opened my mouth to shout…nothing…my throat had instantly closed that the only thing that escaped was a choked whisper. I knew he was behind me. I slowly turn and see he was down the street. He stood there, then he started walking toward me slowly—taking his time. I try to move my fingers, but it was like my body suddenly froze. He was coming up faster. I saw mouse ears…he was a mouse…
Someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder and turned me around. I finally was able to move and raised my hand to cast a defensive spell. I stop when I saw who it was. "Irene Relda?" I never thought I would be so happy to see her. I lean against her in relief as well as weakness.
Irene was watching me closely as she steadied me. "Hey there, how are you Miss Garrio?"
I whip around to see if he was there. He wasn't.
Irene looks around also. "What is it?"
I mutter. "You didn't see anyone?"
"No," Irene looks around. "Let's get you off the street honey, little thing like you shouldn't be alone." I let her put an arm around me(seeing that I needed her to help me walk) and she lead me into the café—ready to cast a spell on her if I needed to. We sit down at a table on the patio. I peer at Irene darkly, while trying to sit up straight without shaking. "And how are you Miss Relda?"
She folds her paws together and rested her chin on them playfully. "I've been busy…you?"
"Same." I answer coldly. I felt nervous. Why does that shadow disappear when someone approached me? Why would Irene approach me—what does she want?
A hedgehog, a waiter, stops by and asks. "May I take your order?"
"Oh we aren't eating—" I began, but Irene interrupts:
"Two chardonnays if you please."
The waiter nods and goes into the café to get their drinks. I took the time to examine Irene while using Basil's methods. She had been out for a while now, and she ment to travel due to the worn, comfortable boots she wore. She didn't want to be noticed, since she wore a dark-brown, plain dress which was different from her brightly colored fashions. I instantly felt self-conscious—Irene was naturally gorgeous.
Irene inquired. "Do you drink?"
"Yeah—yes." I answer—I felt so tired I was forgetting how to speak properly.
She grins. "Good—you'll enjoy chardonnay—it's a dry white wine." She then gazed at me with a small smile. "I was hoping to use this time to get to know you…and give you an apology for what happened…"
"Oh." Was all I could say. I leaned against my chair; trying to keep my eyes open.
Irene raised a brow. "I see you're still wary of me. That's smart."
I nod stupidly, while trying to figure out why Irene was out here at this time of night…alone.
She chuckled at me. "Girl of few words?" The waiter comes back with our drinks.
"Thank you." I tell the waiter as I examined the wine. My paw shaking as I held it.
Irene sipped hers and tells me. "Go ahead, it isn't poisoned."
That reassuring. I thought wryly. I finally drink it. It was pretty good—and I felt like it was refilling me with some strength. I finished it off quickly to feel better—making Irene laugh. "You like it?"
I nod sheepishly as my strength returned. Irene laughed some more. "You're adorable."
I flush in embarrassment—I felt like a little kid around Irene. The fact that she was a figment from my childhood didn't help.
She analyzed me. "I wonder what he sees in you?"
I blink and clenched my teeth together. "Excuse me?"
Irene grinned. "Don't take it the wrong way—it's not you."
"Then what is it?"
Irene explains. "Basil isn't great at relationships—but you already know that?"
I become defensive. "Well, our relationship is going smoothly."
"Did he propose?" Irene inquired coyly.
I bristled. "No, but I'm warning you—"
"Don't worry honey. I'm not taking him from you." Irene giggled.
I give her a glare and wondered if she was telling the truth.
"Right. Well, I'm surprised how taken he is with you. I'm happy for you two." She sounded earnest.
I blink several times. "…Thank you?" This was…awkward—talking to my boyfriend's ex, who was a co-operative in kidnapping my sister and friend, was giving me her blessing after saving me from a shadowy warlock…
She leaned back in her chair as she looked around tranquilly. "I am sorry for what happened. I hoped Basil would have figured out my little hint, and saved them…" She looks directly into my eyes. "I wish I could atone for it, but I can't."
I was even more surprised—especially when I told her. "You helped Ratigan tear out my heart that night. You allowed Ratigan to put Cassie and Olivia into so much danger and terror." I sigh. "But I forgive you."
Irene raised her eyebrows in astonishment. "Really?"
I explain. "You tried to help. That's a difference, but if you want to apologize to someone—it should be to the Flavershems and Cassie."
Irene tilts her head at me. "Interesting, now I see it."
I was about to ask her what, when something green zipped over to us. I see it was Vicki and greeted her. "Vicki! Where have you been?"
"Workin'." She peers at Irene, who smirked back. "How are ya' Miss Belladonna?"
"I've been alright. How is Basil?"
Vicki runs a wing over her beak tiredly. "Working on another case. He wouldn't like you to be out here like this."
Irene sniffed. "Maybe we should take her home to him?"
Vicki tilts her head at her. "You haven't been causing trouble have you?"
Irene stands up and pulls me with her. "Me, trouble? Why of course not."
Basil was reading over the notes from his most recent case. It was bad enough that he was researching about Colonel Sebastian Doran's latest killings, now he had another victim from one of his most mysterious and disturbing cases yet.
The eighth victim: Jane Dodgson. She was around Olivia's age, kidnapped a week ago and found feral. The girl was taken to Parkinson's Asylum…much to his regret. She was just like the other victims—abducted and missing, but they show up a week later. They would be feral, mad, and devoid of all reason. They couldn't even talk. He looked over the notes Clarkie gave him on the other victims:
Catherine Withers-blue jay-elderly adult- middleclass—found completely feral and could only communicate through constant and erratic whistling.
Sir Sebastian Hyde-mouse- elderly adult- upper class-found attacking a officer with his teeth and claws. Can only squeak in response.
John Arnold-toad-middle aged adult-lower class- Found hopping through the mud without any clothes and did not even respond to the police.
Rachel Hirsh -hamster-adult- middleclass- Outran authorities and hid in the garbage until she was captured.
Claude Radford- rat- adult-lower class- Found feral and attacking a rat family in the sewers and was restrained, and two officers were severely injured during the arrest.
Anna Kelly McGhee-newt- young adult-lower class- Was found swimming near the Thames and was almost captured by humans if she was not rescued. She cannot communicate except for rare whistles.
Albert Godson-hummingbird-adolescent-upper class- Flew onto private property and had to be roped in and his wings restrained.
Jane Dodgeson- mouse- child- middleclass- Was running through the allies from anyone who approached and tried fighting against capture.
Basil sighed as he rubbed his temples. How was this happening? What type of torture and/or drugs was this abductor using on his victims—there was no special choice of victims—no similarities except for time. The victims appeared to be younger though…was the abductor experimenting?
Basil was interrupted from his thoughts when someone knocked on his door. Mrs. Judson got it for him. "Miss Belladonna!" she exclaimed.
Basil's ears perked up as he raced over. He stopped when he saw Vicki and…Irene were beside her. He focused on Belladonna who looked exhausted. He brings her in; letting the other ladies follow.
Vicki explained. "Irene found her alone on Oxford Street."
Basil peered at me as if to say: Seriously—the only thing I ask you not to do?
"Oh really?" he then scrutinized Irene. "Give her back her locket. Now."
My eyes widen when I saw Irene was wearing the locket Basil gave me. She smirked, but took it off and handed it to us. "Just wanted to see if you would notice."
Basil snatches it back. "Thank you. Now I believe it's time for you to go."
Irene grinned maliciously. "How mature, 'love'." Basil grimaced at this, and Irene rolled her eyes. "What I can't call you that? Is it because that's her pet name? You're so predictable."
Basil argued heatedly. "Miss Relda, if you wish to discuss predictability, perhaps we should examine you." He lifts her sleeve to show a knife was hidden there. "A small knife used to slice handbags to obtain money." He snatches a small pouch from her side. "A cab attendant's profits." He sniffs it. "A robin from the Peppermint district to be exact." He then picks a speck of dirt from her collar. "And you have been traveling through downtown."
Irene snorts. "Well I see you've been up reading police files—as always this place is a mess."
Basil was about to retort, but I intervene. "Basil, treat your guests with respect if you please." I turn to Irene. "Irene—"
She lifts up a paw. "Say no more, I will be courteous to my host."
Vicki coughs a laugh in disbelief.
Basil sighs and asked Vicki. "Do you have any information for me?"
"On Doran?" Vicki inquired.
"No, the case." Basil looked irritated as he rubbed his eyes.
I turn to Mrs. Judson. "Maybe we should make some tea?"
Mrs. Judson nods. "Yes, this way dearie." We go into the kitchen. I fill up the tea pot and set it on the stove. I could still hear what they were saying:
"There's a new victim." Vicki told him.
Basil raised his eyebrows and noticed Irene was glaring at Vicki. Basil pieced it together. "Which sister and how long?"
Irene fumed at Vicki. "Dammit, I told you not to tell him!"
"That doesn't mean I agreed." Vicki smirked at her.
Irene shook her head. "He'll arrest Ida as soon as he finds her."
"He is still standing here." Basil tells her as he steps up to Irene. "How long?"
Irene glared up at him and answers. "About a week ago."
Basil stiffened nervously. "How long?"
"Five days." Irene looked frightened. "Why?"
Basil groaned in frustration as he pulled at his hair. "The victims always show up a week later Irene."
Irene's eyes widen fearfully. "What…"
Basil paced around and began muttering to himself about where Ida would be dropped off.
Irene snaps at him as she grabs his pipe and shoves it into his paws. "Stop trying to figure out where they're going to leave her and find out where she is!"
Basil narrowed his eyes at her for interrupting his thoughts. "Where was Ida last seen?"
"At the docks near her and Janet's flat." She told him.
Basil paced around some more and lit his pipe. He smoked and smoked. "The abductor always leaves his victims where relatives say they heard from them last…so we cannot discern where the kidnapper is hiding. Except that he has taken up residence in London."
I came in with a tray of tea. I offer it to Vicki and Irene, who take it eagerly. Basil however waved me away because he was deep in thought. I set the tray down on the table and see the files. I read through them and felt sick in the pit of my stomach. This madness…it's as if the animals were turned into the type of animals from my world—voiceless, feral creatures without civilized thought. I peer at the map Basil drew of the abductions…I saw it created a circle of sorts. I focus on it because it felt strange…like it held magic. I wondered who the abductor was and if he…
I gasp as I saw the shadowed figure flash in my mind's eye with so much force it was like he materialized before me and disappeared. I stumble back as I covered my eyes. Someone caught me and I see it was Basil. He gazed down at me in worried confusion. "What is it?"
I point to the files. "I-I think I know who's behind this."
"Who!" Irene pleaded; needing to know.
"It's—It is the shadow that I keep seeing Basil. I think he's involved." I look up at him and see that he had a worried and doubting look to him.
"Basil please," I stepped away from him and begged. "I had a vision!"
"Vision?" Vicki raised a brow at me. "You're kidding."
"I know it sounds crazy—but—" I stop when I see Basil shake his head at me:
"Belladonna, perhaps you should retire?"
I froze. "Excuse me?"
He ran a paw through his hair. "You look exhausted—"
I glare up at him. "I can't believe you! You think this is a hallucination! After all we've been through!" I felt my fur bristle—it was just like the first time we met.
Basil holds my shoulders. "Belladonna. I think this shadow you've been seeing…Dawson also thinks…" He had a hard time finishing. "It may been hallucinations of Ratigan…think about it. The shadow—like the first time he met you. You've been through a traumatic ordeal with him, it would be understandable—"
I swat his paw away angrily. "I saw it when I came here." I turn to Irene. "Didn't you see a shadowed figure at the end of the street?"
Irene tilts her head in confusion and shook her head. "I only saw you, honey."
I felt sick, embarrassed, upset, and angry all at once as Basil gazed at me tiredly. I then march upstairs without a word and go into the familiar guestroom I once roomed in. I storm about in a fit of anger and hurt—he still questioned my judgment after all this time! I already had my dad wondering what I'm doing 24/7, my siblings trying to protect me from my idiotic clumsy ways, a mother who questions my decisions, and I constantly overanalyze and doubt my own decisions and indecisions—ugh—I just don't need him to do the same! I sit down on the edge of the bed and waved my hand. A violin magically appeared. I smile as I started playing it loudly as I pleased—letting all my anger out.
Mrs. Judson sighed as she heard the forte of an aggressive violin. "Sounds like she's upset." She then scolds Basil. "Why must you upset her so Mr. Basil!"
Basil scoffed in exasperation. "Oh please—"
Vicki puts up a wing and says. "Look I need to leave and skip this lovers' spat, what do you need me to do?"
Basil was back into his detective's role, making Mrs. Judson roll her eyes and go upstairs. "Fine, I shall go check on her."
Basil ignores her and orders Vicki. "I want you to scout out the docks where Ida was last seen…fly around and try to find out about any other abductions or missing animals in London…I'll handle the Doran case for now…he hasn't assassinated any rivals as of late." He nods with a grin. "I should be able to handle this case along with Moriratty—I always leap at a challenge."
Vicki smirked as she puts on her aviator goggles. "Ya' sure do—I'll be off then." She nods to Irene. "You best go and get some rest—I can't drag you around with me if you're half-asleep."
Irene clenched her fists in annoyance as Vicki gave her away, but the exotic bird didn't give it a second thought as she rocketed out the door. Irene peers at Basil who didn't seemed surprised. "Don't tell me—you already guessed I was working with Vicki on this case?"
Basil sniffed. "I never guess, I deduce." He sits down in his favorite chair.
She sits in the green chair, much to Basil's annoyance. "So Basil, you're not going stop me?"
He rolled his eyes. "No one can stop you from achieving your own ends Irene."
Irene smiled as she moved a pawn; she was always able to beat Basil at chess.
Basil takes the challenge and moves a pawn.
She tells him. "I don't know why we are sitting here instead of looking for Ida."
"You are sitting here, I'm thinking." He tells her while making another move.
She inquires as she moves another pawn. "Don't you usually pace?"
Basil snorts a plume of smoke. "I can also sit and smoke, play the violin, or try a game of chess."
Irene continues to play the game as Belladonna's violin strummed above them. "Are you going check on her?"
Basil shook his head. "I need to solve this case…she understands." His green eyes looked faraway.
Irene continues to play—each move calming her nerves. "You know Basil, you're a lucky devil."
"How so?" He asks, distracted by his thoughts as he moved another pawn.
"That you have her." Irene tells him. "You better treasure that while you can. You always had trouble with relationships."
Basil throws her a glare like he was a boy being chastised by a teacher. "I do not need any advice Irene—"
"Look, she is far from perfect—weak, overemotional, naïve, clumsy—" She chuckled at the stormy look he threw her as he puffed away on his pipe. "But she's a good kid who would fight for you, and loves you."
He takes out her bishop with a knight. "I do not care for you insulting Belladonna."
"Would you like me to insult you instead?" Irene takes out a pawn. "How you're egotistical, mad, impatient, and don't know when you got a good thing until it's gone."
Basil gazed at her and took out a pawn also. "You are still angry about how our relationship failed."
She shrugged. "I'm over it, believe it or not." She moves her queen forward. "You were my biggest mistake, and I was yours. Just make sure you don't make the same mistake with her or you'll be miserable and alone."
He looks at the ceiling—listening to the music and tell her. "I won't. Believe or not Irene, I care about her more than you know."
Irene grinned as she took out his king with her queen. "I thought so, but make sure you don't let her go…or be taken." She shut her blue eyes sadly. "Or you'll never forgive yourself."
Basil looked away from her and listened to the music end as he thought madly about the daunting questions surrounding his case.
I stop playing and see Mrs. Judson in the doorway clapping. I chuckle at her. "Thank you." I set the violin on the chair.
Mrs. Judson walks in and turns down the bed. "Will you be sleeping in here tonight instead?"
I bit my lip…she probably knew where I've been sleeping.
She chuckles at me, like she read my thoughts. "I knew you've been sharing a room with Mr. Basil—it's hard to keep secrets from me dearie."
I grimace. "Uh—"
She puts up a paw. "Now, now, I do not think less of you."
I sit on the bed and sighed. "Who doesn't know? It's not like anything happens…" I hesitate—why was I talking about this?
Mrs. Judson listens to me though, without interruption.
"It's just—when everything happened like with Ratigan and James…I had nightmares and trouble sleeping alone here. Basil noticed of course and let me room with him. But he never tried anything…he's gentlemouse through and through." I smile sadly. "In a way, I think he also wanted me close to make sure I was alright and safe…" I snort and stood. "I'm pathetic—I can't even sleep in a bed by myself without being afraid. It makes everything so much more complicated—but what isn't in my life?"
Mrs. Judson smiled at me in amusement. "If it was a bother to Mr. Basil, he wouldn't allow it, trust me. He's quite stubborn." She fluffs a pillow. "He cares for you so much. It makes glad to see that." She explains to me. "You need to understand that Basil is a complicated mouse, just like you. There will plenty of fights, but how you handle them will make a difference." She pats my shoulder. "Don't be so cross with him—he just worries about you. But believe me, he does trust you. Goodnight Miss Belladonna."
I grasp her hand. "Thank you Mrs. Judson. This flatt would fall apart without you here."
She chortles at this. "Well, someone needs to chaperone Basil's chemistry experiments." She walks out and I sit on the bed. I creep out of the room and see Basil was alone—smoking his pipe with his eyes shut tightly as his brilliant mind was at work. I smile at him and creep back into the guest bedroom to keep from disturbing him. I get into bed as I stared at the candle. I didn't blow it out though…and I hoped it would stay lit till morning.
Author's note:
"So tired." Lays head on table and explains. "I liked writing this...And I hope you all enjoyed it. I've been happy writing Irene back into this and make her a more complex character. Haha, Donna is always getting into trouble. Nim is always fun to write...she's a lot like me. The shadow is a magician and we'll see what he has to do with the kidnappings...and Doran has been killing animals as of late..." Author falls asleep.
Brother walks in with a dry grin. He creeps over and pokes author in her side. This makes the author wake up and scream in surprise, as the brother laughs evilly in amusement. The author then gets up and grabs a pillow and beats her brother with it mercilessly. Brother finally runs away while randomly yelling: "Taliym5 does not own Disney! Please R&R."
Thanks readers. :)
