Chapter Twenty: Sacrifice
"Look, you idiot! You've got no arms left!"
"Yes, I have!"
"LOOK!"
"It's just a flesh wound."
Everyone laughed at us as we acted out a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Hayley was playing as the Black Knight while I played as King Arthur. We both spoke in our fake, yet cocky British accent. Basil was quite surprised when I told him that this was made by people who were of England. However, since Olivia was here, we couldn't use the language in this scene. But, she did laugh. The reason why we were up here is because Jasmine wanted us to show off our talents. Ratigan bragged about my singing voice to her. She wanted to hear, so I told her I would after AL's done her part. I pretended to cut off one of Hayley's leg with a wooden sword.
"Right, I'll do you for that." She said.
"You'll what?" I exclaimed.
"Come here!" Hayley began to hop on one foot.
"What are you gonna do, bleed on me?"
"I'M INVINCABLE!"
"…You're a loony." I could hear Ratigan's cackle as I cut off the last leg. Hayley knelt on the floor with her arms behind her back, pretending to have none.
"Okay, we'll call it a draw." She said. As I jumped off the stage, Hayley finished the scene with her part.
"Oh! Had enough, eh? Come back and take what's coming to you, you yellow Yankees! Come back here and take what's coming to you! I'll bite your legs off!"
Everyone laughed their heads off as they clapped and we bowed.
"Another one!" Olivia shouted.
"Olivia, please. Let them rest." Hiram said to his daughter.
"Don't worry, Olivia. When you're older, I'll let you see it." I said to her. She smiled.
"All right, AL. It's your turn." Hayley turned to AL. She gave her a funny look.
"Oh, no! I ain't doing it alone." She said. AL was a little rebellious
"I'll do it with you." I said. She sighed.
"Fine, but if any of you laugh, I'll pound you!"
"But, you haven't done anything." Basil teased her. She grew red as she told him to shut up. We got up on stage once more.
"This is so stupid." AL muttered under her breath.
I winked at her. "Stop worrying."
We began to dance. This particular dance was something AL and I found on the Internet. It was called "Love & Joy", and it had a dance to it. We were going to use it for a dance contest at the anime convention, but I guess performing in front of a bunch of mice is a lot more fun.
Everyone clapped as we finished our dance. "Okay, I'm never doing that again!" AL proclaimed as everyone laughed. We got off the stage once more, but this time, Ratigan stopped me.
"What?" I asked him.
"Now, it's your turn." He replied. I knew what it was.
"Can't it wait? I mean, you've already heard my voice."
"Come, come, Kiara." Basil came in. "You have such a beautiful voice."
"Jeez, must you exaggerate?"
"Oh, please?" Basil and Ratigan both pleaded with a puppy look. I laughed at their faces.
"Okay, okay. Just stop with the faces. It's freaking me out." They both laughed as they led me to the piano. I turned to Ratigan.
"Wait a minute. You know I can't play on the piano."
"Just one song, you can." I looked at him questionably. He scratched his chin. "Now, what was that song I would watch you play back home? Oh, right. 'Candle on the Water'?"
I remember that song! That was from Pete's Dragon. Good grief, I almost forgot about that. Apparently, that was the only song I knew how to play on the piano.
"All right. I'll do that one."
"And then, 'Feed the Birds'." He concluded.
"Ratigan, which is it gonna be?" He pondered a bit.
"Ratigan!"
"Hey, it's a hard choice!"
"I think I would to hear 'Candle on the Water' the most." Basil said.
"Okay, 'Candle on the Water' it is. I'll do 'Feed the Birds' some other time." I said. Ratigan pouted, but was glad to hear this song. Everyone scooted in closely as I began playing. I opened my mouth and began to sing.
I'll be your candle on the water My love for you will always burn I know you're lost and drifting But the clouds are lifting Don't give up; you have somewhere to turn
I looked around as I sang. Gus, Fidget, and Bill all sighed with dreamy eyes. Basil leaned in on his chair, and Ratigan kept staring at me, begging me to go on. Hiram hugged his daughter and cousins closer as I kept going. AL, Hayley, Dawson would keep staring and listening. Kitty, Mary Ann, Johnson, Ryan, and Jasmine had their eyes closed, only to listen to me sing. Other workers and showgirls would come and sit down to listen. I smiled. This song has always been one of my favorites to play. I looked at Basil and Ratigan. They smiled at me. I smiled back. Basil, Ratigan, this song is for you.
I'll never let you go…
I played the last chord as I held the last note. Wow. I never thought I would play it this well. Everyone applauded, followed by cheers and cat calls. I laughed. What a relief. I'm glad Ratigan suggested this. I feel so much better. After everything has settled down, it was time to leave. We said good night to everyone at the Rat Trap.
"Where will you be staying?" Dawson asked Jasmine.
"At a hotel. I have to get back on the road soon." She replied.
"Already? But why?" Ratigan asked.
"Hey, I'm an actress, Jimmy. I make a living." Ratigan cringed.
"Will you stop calling that? You make it sound like I'm a child." Jasmine gave him a look.
"You rather have me call you the other name you parents gave you?"
Ratigan turned red. "Don't you dare!"
Jasmine had a devilish smile as she came up to me. "Hey, Kiara. You know Ratigan's first name, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah, it's Padraic. Why?" Her smile grew to a Cheshire cat grin. Ratigan became redder and redder.
"Well, he told me this a long time ago about a nickname his parents use to give him."
"Jasmine, no!" Ratigan protested.
"It was…"
"Jasmine!"
"SIR PADDY CAKE!" Jasmine blurted out for everyone to hear. Ratigan's face was the color of a cooked lobster as he stood there dumbstruck. Sir…Paddy Cake? I covered my mouth to hold back the laughter. OH, MY GOSH! When the fans of the Great Mouse Detective hear this, they'll torture Ratigan for life! Hayley was the first to burst out laughing. Katy followed then Olivia and her father, and then everyone else. I was the last to laugh. I couldn't help it. It was too funny. Jasmine stood there proud.
"What? Now, you don't have to hide anything." She patted on the embarrassed Ratigan's shoulder. Then, his redness became bolder. Obviously, he was becoming very angry. Jasmine's smile turned off.
"Uh-oh."
"JASMINE!" Jasmine sprinted off like a roadrunner as the angry Ratigan chased her around. Laughing hysterically, Jasmine managed to escape and ran as fast as she can.
"See ya, everyone. All hail fluffy and cuteness!" She called out, and disappeared into the darkness. The moon was only a half of what it was. But, nothing could hide the redness on Ratigan's face. Then, I said something really stupid.
"Well, it's better than AL calling you 'Chunky Legs'." Maybe, that wasn't the right thing to say. Ratigan gave me the same look he gave to Jasmine. Yep, that was stupid.
"Um, this is the part where you chase me while I scream hysterically, right?" He nodded, and it began.
I was all tuckered out from all the running when we got home. In the end, Ratigan ended up catching me, and he tickled me to death. It was hard to tell if I was screaming or laughing. We said goodnight as Basil, Dawson, Hayley, AL, and I headed back to Baker Street. This is the last night I get to stay, until I come back and visit. Olivia didn't want to say goodbye, but I hugged her and told her that I'll come and visit her, too. This was also Katy's, Christina's, and Elaine's last night until they visit again, too. So, it wasn't a goodbye. It was more of a see you later. I'm happy to be here. I can't believe how unlikely it came to this. I woke up in an alleyway, not knowing how I became small, in my pajamas. I remember seeing Ratigan for the first time; I was so scared. I remember performing on stage as the Human Mouse, and actually meeting new friends and new faces. There are some memories that I wish to forget, like the night when Ratigan beat me from his anger. But, if none of that ever occurred, this wouldn't turn out to be a good story to put on the Internet for everyone to read. Moonlight cuddled in my lap as I sat up in my bed. I looked out the window, only to see the light of the moon shining down on the cobblestone street. It's just, wow; I don't know how to describe it. I guess "amazing" will have to do. I couldn't wait to get home, and type this on I probably have an unfinished story on there, but I wanted to do this first and come to the other one later. A knock came across my door. Hayley and AL were sound asleep.
"Come in." I whispered. Basil came in with his dark red robe tied around him.
"Just wanted to say goodnight." He said. I smiled.
"No need to act like this is goodbye, Basil." He chuckled softly. He closed the door behind him and sat on my bed, wrapping his arms around me.
"Thank you." He said.
"For what?" I asked.
"For reviving what was locked inside of me." He replied. Still confused, I asked,
"What would that be?" He kissed my forehead and whispered softly in my ear.
"The heart of a father." I blushed, but smiled as Basil hugged me. He kissed me on the cheek. "Goodnight, Kiara."
"Good night, Basil." I watched as my god father closed the door. I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
I woke up from a sound of a glass breaking. A couple of hours must've passed. I heard screaming. The door was open. Alarmed, I jumped out of bed, knocking Moonlight out of my lap. Hayley and AL weren't in their beds. I went out of the bedroom. There was light in just a minute ago, but now it was pitch black. I heard shuffling nearby. I followed the sound, trying not to bump into anything. I felt something pressed on my foot. I knelt down to feel it. It was a body of some sort tied up in rope. I felt hot liquid on something furry. It was blood, but I didn't know from which mouse. The body shuffled frantically as I tried to find the gag. I found it. I pulled it off.
"KIARA, RUN!" I heard Basil's voice. But, before I could, something whacked me from behind. I fell to the ground, where darkness crept in.
I woke up again. This time, a bitter pain pinned my face. Obviously, it was a punch.
"OW!" I cried out. I tried to hold the bleeding, but my arms were bound. I looked up to see where I was. Instead, I met the eyes of something worse. "Theodore."
"Miss Phoenix, a pleasure to see you, too." The disgusting rodent let out a cackle as he sarcastically bowed. His left eye that used to have a monocle on it was covered by a black patch. I remember him being shot in the eye by Ratigan, but the glass of his monocle actually saved him. Apparently, I wanted him dead. He noticed me staring at his black patch.
"Oh, you remember this? Well, it did hurt, but I was able to get the glass out. It was really bloody. Almost stained my clothes." He was using his sarcastic tone.
"Pfft. So, you think kidnapping and torturing me is gonna solve for your thirst for blood. Well, let me remind you; I'm not the one who went crazy in the head, and tried to kill people for pleasure." I spat out the words with all the hatred I had in me. He laughed in his usual cackle.
"You're such an annoying little brat. You never learn when to SHUT UP!" At that moment, he punched me again. It knocked to the floor. I noticed that I bound by my arms and legs. "Tell me, Miss Phoenix, do you know where you are?" I looked around. Barrels and barrels surrounded us. It was a wine cellar.
"You familiar with it?" He asked. I never saw this place in this film, so I shook my head, ignoring the pain on my bleeding cheek. "That's funny. I thought you would. Well, I'll explain to you. This is where you're going to suffer until you breathe your very…last…breath." He curled his lips into a wicked, despiteful smile, showing his white teeth. I glared at him.
"Well, where are your men?" I asked.
"Men? I don't need men to do this job. I do this kind alone." He replied. He walked up to a small barrel that had bars on the door's window.
"And what kind would that be?" I asked him with an unimpressed voice in my throat. He threw his horrible smile at me.
"This." He opened the door. My eyes widen. No way! Impossible!
"Mom? Dad?"
My parents were holding each in fear. Mom was crying her eyes out. Dad held on to her. When they saw me, I could tell they were happy to see me.
"Kiara!" They both cried. But, as they both tried to get up, Theodore pulled out his gun.
"SIT DOWN!" He voice boomed. My parents remained where they were. They were scared out of their wits. Dad was wearing his dark green Harley-Davidson shirt with denim jeans and tennis shoes. Mom wore a black suit and skirt with matching heels to go with it. Mascara was running down her face, for she was crying.
"Why did you bring them here?" I asked Theodore after he scared my parents. He turned to face me.
"Don't you remember me telling you? When the machine started to work again, I'm bringing them all out and I'm shooting them one by one. You're the guest of honor tonight, Miss Phoenix. You're going to watch." No. No! HE IS NOT!
"DON'T YOU DARE, THEODORE! YOU TRIED TO TAKE AWAY MY SISTER'S LIFE! I'M NOT LETTING YOU DO THE SAME TO MY PARENTS!" His ears perked up.
"Tried? You mean that little bitch is still alive?" My dad got up to his feet.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL MY DAUGHTER?!" His voice angered Theodore.
"SHUT UP! THIS IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"
"It is now. You should already know, Theodore, that if you insult my family, you are going to pay." I spoke up. Mom stood up. Her eyes showed no more fear.
"Now, what was that again? Calling my daughter a what?" Theodore gritted his teeth so hard; he actually chewed off his cigar.
"ENOUGH!" He cocked his pistol and aimed at my mom. Dad ran in front of him and covered her.
"NO!" I cried. Theodore still held his pistol. A smirk came across his face.
"Mr. and Mrs. Phoenix, have you been wondering what you daughter has been up to ever since she went missing?" He said. My parents turned to look at him. What is he doing? What does he mean by that? His smile grew bigger. "Your daughter is in love…with a rat." My parents' eyes widen, as well as mine. He didn't! No, he didn't!
"LIAR! YOU ARE A LIAR, CHIPPENDALE! DON'T BELIEVE HIM!" I screamed. I was so mad! I can't believe he was trying to poison my parents' minds with such vulgar thoughts.
"But, it wasn't just any plain old rat." Theodore began circling around them. "It was with Ratigan. You know, her so-called favorite villain?"
"THAT IS NOT TRUE!" I screamed out more.
"She behaved like a good puppy when he caressed her."
"YOU VERMIN! STOP IT!"
"And she seemed to enjoy it more and more as they slept together. In fact, they did it every day."
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP, YOU MONSTER!" My parents couldn't stand it. He was feeding them with disgusting lies. Please, don't believe him. He's lying through his teeth! They looked at me.
"You think I'm that kind of a person? You think that your own daughter that you raised right from the day she was born, WOULD SLEEP WITH AN ANIMAL?!!!" I screamed in rage. I was so ticked off. Theodore smiled.
"You weren't here when she was. You didn't know what she was up to. I'm just giving out information from what I saw." No, please don't believe him. I wouldn't do that. I WOULD NEVER!
"I don't believe you." My dad said. Huh? Was he meaning me? He looked at Theodore. "Why should I believe in a stranger like you?"
"Why should I believe in such despicable lies?" My mom said. Theodore looked at them in shock. They believe me! Oh, thank you, God!
Theodore's shock look changed to annoyed. "Tch. Fine. It doesn't matter anyway. You're going to die." He lifted up his pistol. Dad held on to Mom tighter.
"WAIT!" I screamed. Theodore looked at me in the eye. "TAKE MY LIFE! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT!" My parents looked at me.
"What?" Theodore had a confused look.
"DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH ME! JUST DON'T KILL THEM, PLEASE!" I begged and bowed like a slave. I don't care if it was stupid or pathetic of me. I don't want my parents dead. A maniacal laugh went through my ears. It started to build up until it reached its point.
"Oh, this is just dandy! The brave Miss Phoenix is begging for her parents' lives. I should've brought the camera." He laughed on and on. When he was done, he said, "Okay then. I'll spare your parents' lives for yours. But, you're not going to die that easily." I looked up. He pushed my parents back into the barrel. "No, I'm going to make you suffer. And as an added bonus, I'll give you a present." What is he talking about? "But first, a little rescuing will have to occur. And the only way to do that is to shed blood." Without warning, he began kicking and punching me while he laughed at me. He grabbed my hair and pulled countless times when I tried to escape. He threw me around like a plastic doll. I couldn't remember how long he kept punching, kicking, and spitting in my face. I was once again in my own pool of blood. Tears ran down from my eyes as I cried out in pain. At the final moment, he pulled me by the leg and put me in another barrel and locked it. While I was dragged, I saw my parents looking out of the barred window. Oh, their faces. Their faces of remorse, anger, horror; it was all there. They both cried out to me. But, that was all I saw.
I laid there on the cold floor, motionless. My voice was dried out. I couldn't speak. Tears, blood, and saliva were everywhere on my body. But, I tried to ignore the awful pain. I wondered what he meant by a surprise. I couldn't think of what he wanted to do, but I only hope he doesn't plan to hurt Ratigan, Basil, or anyone else. That's when I began to think about Hayley and AL. I was awfully worried about them. They weren't in their beds. Could they have escaped and went to find Ratigan? I also began to wonder about Basil. Oh, Basil. Please, let him be all right. I remember feeling his blood on my hand. I don't want him to die either! He's my family, even Ratigan. Oh, please God, send a miracle and spare my family's life.
There door swung hours later. I was still lying on the ground, motionless. One of Theodore's thugs actually came to help him. Well, isn't that just swell? He jerked me up to my feet and dragged me out of the prison. My glasses were broken, so I couldn't see what was in front of me. But, I could tell from the blurs that Basil, Dawson, Hiram, Ratigan, Fidget, Bill, Gus, and even Jasmine were there. They were outnumbered by Theodore's thugs.
"Drop your weapons. All of ya!" A thug shouted. And they did. Obviously, I could tell that the thugs were armed. However, I couldn't see their expressions. I can't tell if they're angry, horrified, or even surprised to see me.
"Well, well, well." Theodore's voice came form the crowd. "If it isn't little Miss Jasmine Hathward. I'm happy to see you all well and alive."
"I ain't happy to see you, Chippy!" Jasmine replied. From her voice, I could tell she was angry.
"Let her go." Basil spoke up.
"Not a chance. She made a deal with me. I spare her parents' lives for hers." Theodore laughed.
"HEY! HE SAID LET HER GO, YOU BASTARD!!!!" AL screamed.
"Mommy? Daddy?" I heard Hayley's voice from afar. I guess she was hiding. I'm so glad she was safe, as well as AL's. And Basil. Oh, how am I so glad he's all right. I could white blurs on his arm, which of course were bandages. Dawson got him patched up. Dawson must've alerted Hiram about my disappearance, and I guess he was worried, too. Theodore noticed the cry.
"So, the two human brats are alive, eh? I guess you weren't lying, Miss Phoenix." I could see him staring and smiling at me. I looked down. "Well, you can have your parents, Miss Hayley. No need to worry about them."
"And Kiara." Dawson added.
"Didn't you just hear me, you oversized quack?" Theodore insulted Dawson, and I knew he would blow a fuse. "The girl's life is mine. We made a deal."
"Deal or not, she is going home with her family." Hiram said.
"Ah, stuff it, you annoying weasel!" I heard the gun cocked. "But, since you all are here, you get to see the finale before the curtains fall." He laughed. I kept looking down. I guess this is it. I'm only happy that my parents are going to live. I'm happy that my friend and my sister are safe. I'm only happy that Basil and Ratigan have put their rivalry aside and called it a truce. So, that's it.
I'm…going to die.
"Tell me, Theodore. What did she ever do to you?" Ratigan's voice finally spoke up.
Silence fell. I could hear my heart beating slow. I looked up. The pistol was pointed at my face. Theodore was looking at the direction where Ratigan stood.
"Have you lost your mind? Since when do you have to have a reason for crime?" Theodore asked stupidly.
"For your second question, there has always been a reason to do crime. Attention, fame, glory, even power, just to name a few. Murdering people for pleasure is not on the list. And as for your first question, it's the other way around. You're the one who has lost your mind!" Ratigan growled at him. Theodore clenched his gun, still aiming at my head. He was mad.
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!" Then, he raised his hand. "KILL THEM!" The thugs pulled guns, knives, and whatnots and charged at them.
"I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!!" Suddenly, AL immediately dove for her gun and shot a mouse with in the leg. Basil kicked a few as Dawson and Hiram punched the living crap out of some. Jasmine back kicked the thug who was holding her. I was quite surprised they had the capability to do that.
Then, I heard someone yell, "CHARGE!" It was Mary Ann's voice. There was Kitty, Johnson, and Ryan, even some of Ratigan's thugs. I saw them coming out and started fighting with the thugs. No way! All of them came to rescue us? Talk about helpful people. Theodore suddenly grabbed me and ran to another barrel that was quite far. I screamed and squirmed, ignoring the pain as usual. Then, I heard Ratigan growl ferociously. It was the same roar he let out when he turned into a monster on the night of the Big Ben showdown. A huge black figure lunged for Theodore, knocking me out of his arms. I was able to sit up and see what was going on. Theodore was knocked down to the floor. Ratigan stood up out of breath. He looked at me and I could his sharp teeth curl up into a gentle smile. But as he came towards me, something came up from behind him. Theodore growled as he grasped Ratigan's neck. He broke free, but only to get a scratch from him.
"Don't forget, James. I have claws, too." Black sharp nails flung out of Theodore's fingertips. "Well? Aren't you going to do the same?"
Ratigan gritted his teeth as he pulled his white gloves off. His hands were of light tan with black sharp nails coming from his fingers. Theodore roared as he charged towards Ratigan. He took the first swing, but Ratigan dodged and ended up scratching Theodore's torso. He winced and almost lost his balance. He charged again, only this time, he made a small cut on Ratigan's cheek. Ratigan punched him, which made him fall. But, being a quick fellow, he brought himself back to his feet. "It seems to me that you've trained me too well, James." Theodore smirked. I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Basil.
I cried out his name as he hugged me.
"Come on, we got to get you out of here." He said.
"But, we can't leave Ratigan." I protested.
"Don't worry. I've known this man long enough. He can survive anything." He began carrying me, but was stopped. Theodore broke away from the fight, and punched Basil in the face. I fell off of him. Theodore grasped my neck. I tried to break free, but he was too strong.
"Looks like you're going to have to die the slow way." He cackled. Ratigan got up to his feet, and grabbed Theodore. With all of his strength, Ratigan lifted Theodore in the air, and finally, threw him to the ground. I heard a bone crack. Theodore lay there, unmoving. Is he…dead?
"That ought to keep him out." Ratigan panted. I finally got my strength to stand up. I was a little wobbly, but Ratigan supported me. Basil sat up slowly.
"Ouch! Jeez, he sure knows how to take a crack." Basil winced as he rubbed his cheek. Ratigan helped him as he kept me by his waist.
"Thanks, but I can stand now." I told him. He let go.
"Good lord, what has he done to you?" Basil finally got a good look at my face. It was bruised badly with blood coming out of my nose and mouth. Ratigan used his gloves to wipe the blood off.
"Oh, don't do that! Your gloves will be ruined!" I argued, but he hushed me.
"You're more important to me than these old things." I finally smiled. Basil and Ratigan smiled at me back.
"Come on, let's go home." Basil said. Home. I love that word. Basil, Ratigan, your world is also my home. I took both of their hands as we walked towards everyone who was waiting for us. I saw their faces smiling, even if it was blurry. Suddenly, a horrifying sound came from behind. A sound of a pistol cocked. I looked behind me. Theodore had his gun in his hand, aiming at our direction. He had a terrifying wicked smile on his face. He was aiming at…
"LOOK OUT!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I pushed both Basil and Ratigan aside. A bang filled the air. A sharp entered at my chest. Darkness began to consume my world. My body fell down, down, down to the cold floor. My final sight was of Ratigan and Basil, seeing me fall with such horror in their eyes.
"KIARA!" Was the last word I heard from both of them.
Am I………….dead?
"Kiara! Kiara!" Hayley's voice filled my ears. Is this an illusion? Or a dream? No, it can't be. I was shot.
"Look, she's waking up!" Mom's voice said. No, this isn't an illusion, or a dream. My eyes slowly opened. I was greeted with smiles of my family's and AL's faces.
"Oh, Kiara. We thought we would lose you forever." Dad cried.
"Wh-where are we?" I spoke.
"At a hospital." AL said. A hospital? I looked around. An IV and heart monitor was on my left side. Wait a minute! They don't have a heart monitor in the 1800s!...Wait. Is this….my world? I'm home? I'm home!
"You guys, we're home!" I was so surprised; I quickly sat up, not noticing the pain in my chest.
"Easy, sweetheart. You went through a lot." Mom chuckled.
"This is unbelievable! We're actually home!" I looked around more. There are some faces that are missing.
"Where are Basil and Ratigan?" I asked them. They looked at me funny.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Hayley asked.
"Basil and Ratigan. They rescued us from Theodore Chippendale. You were there, remember?" They all looked at each other and back at me.
"Are you…feeling okay, K.P.?" AL asked me.
"Of course, I'm fine! What's wrong with you? Cat got your tongue?" I cried out. What's with this reaction? Why are looking at me like I'm nuts?
"Honey," Dad said. "You were in a coma for about a week."
…………………………
What?