A Work in Progress

by MissRoseLee

Rosalie, a girl who recently lost her father, witnesses a murder by one of Ratigan's henchman and is kidnapped by the great criminal mind..The great professor, however, is now the legal guardian of three children and he cannot handle the pressure... until he gets an idea, a wicked idea..(Chapter 11 Edited, Will edit more chapters)

24. Chapter 24

"Of course Elijah would seek out more money, and where else than a naïve girl from America!"

"She isn't naïve!" Victoria stood up, stomping her foot down. Basil waved the notion away "Professor, I must admit, he did demand results that we found her quickly. I should have watched his motives more closely."

The professor stood next to him, still holding the folder "I attempted to reason with her about her decision to marry Elijah... I have to admit she hardly even mentioned her engagement.. It was always about Madame Plunket."

Basil rubbed his chin again "He couldn't seek money through the twins... not enough clout to benefit his publicity or public permission to garner such money.. But with Miss Hampstead-"

"He could have an endless pool of money coming in. And with her unknowing blessing." Ratigan rolled his eyes "I've had too many encounters with that twerp.. He's not good business at all... he owes so many other gangs money for his gambling and failed looting attempts. Now he's gone after rich heiresses."

Nora sat, sipping her cup of tea "I should have caught the signs, or said SOMETHING... I feel so stupid to not have stopped her." Ratigan patted her hand "It's alright.. I'm just as much to blame.. I let her go.. If I kept her longer she would have been safe... with me."

"I say, Dawson are you alright?" Basil asked.

Dawson was shaking. Holding his tea cup and smiling widley. He was not accostomed to sitting next to the Napoleon of Crime, in Basil's abode no less, the towering rat scared him, and he had no read on his motives for finding the girl. He nodded "Y-Yes.. It's just something I need to be accustomed too."

Nora folded her hands in front of her "How do we get in without being caught, I'm sure he's placed her in some obscure place in the house-"

Bill and Fidget burst through the door "Boss!" Bill started "We have word about the manor.." The two both out of breath "He's hired more help.. The whole bottom floor and the outer yard are surrounded.. The balcony on the right side of the house is boarded up."

Nora stood "That's Rosalie's room." she gasped "They have to be trapped in there... Oh I hope the others are alright!"

Fidget opened the door "We also met these guys on the way!" coming through the door was Charlie, Penelope and Girdy. Charlie exasperated opened his eyes wide, screaming "AH!" the sight of the professor in the room terrified him and the girls. Charlie guarded the twins "Stay back you monster!"

Basil rolled his eyes, slowly approaching them "Now, Now, Mr. Charles, Oh the lovely Plunket Twins.. How lovley to see you!"

Penelope's blue eyes were filled to the brim with fear "What is he doing here!"

Nora stepped between them "Charlie! Girdy! Penelope! You're alright!"

Charlie gasped "Oh Miss Nora! You're safe! But what are you doing with this evil man!?" he gasped again "Did he kidnap you too?!"

Nora shook her head "Everyone please calm down... Nellie led me to him! He's helping us to save her and Rosalie!"

"That menace to society!" Girdy cursed him and scoffed "HA! Who stole away our poor innocent cousin! He's brainwashed you!" she cried.

Basil shook his head "No, No, ladies and gent he's here to help! He's been informed about Elijah's true advances and he's here to help! For the millionth time.." he said with a kindish smile, the best of the detective's ability.

Penelope gasped "And now he has YOU under his mind control! I've read about it in the paper." Bill and Fidget snickered, the boss giving them a punishing glare. He turned to the ladies and Charlie "Please, I mean Rosalie and her family no harm-"

"That's exactly what a sadistic killer would say!" Charlie gasped "Mr. Basil you must make sense of this!"

"I'M TRYING TO!" Basil rubbed his temples. Victoria stepped up to the three "Hello. My name is Victoria.. The Professor is my Uncle." Alex stepped to her side "He's watched over us for only a short time.. And we haven't been the easiest children to deal with."

"We know about our Uncle's past." Victoria added "But since we've met Rosalie, and since our Uncle met her, he has no other motive but to save her."

"He likes her a lot." Victoria said, smiling hopefully "I mean how could you not!? We like her too.. And we're sorry from taking her from you. She's changed our lives, so now it's important to return the favor, right?" Nora touched the girls shoulder "It's time for all of us to work together, no matter the differences. If Rosalie means that much to you all as I think she does, you'd help without judgment." she leaned in to the cousins "And between you and me, I think he's a good one... Rosalie really likes him, and if she does then, so do I.." she turned and winked, as if a sign of approval. He nodded kindly, accepting the kindness.

Penelope and Girdy looked at eachother "Well... if Rosalie means all that much to all of us... then I guess we should work together and save our cousin.."

Charlie giggled to himself "Well, what are we waiting for! Girls! You have a great aunt AND cousin to save!"

Basil sighed "Now, are we done with this binding agreement? We need to formulate a plan.." he rubbed his temples "If I send for the yard for help they'll ruin everything.. And arrest you, Padraic, very quickly."

Fidget tugged on his bosses cape "When we watched the house, we also saw a small slit between the wood on Rosalie's balcony!"

Bill stuttered "B-But armed guards on every side..."

Ratigan looked to Basil and Dawson. Dawson pondered "I say, how big is the gap of boards?"

Fidget measured with his paws.. Ratigan did the same measurements with his own, as did Basil and Dawson.. They walked around, taking the exact measurements around the room, and finally, they all turned; right in Bills direction. Bill began to shake "N-No! I couldn't!"

Ratigan slowly started to pace towards him "Now, Bill, now is not the time to act sheepish."

Bill shook with fear "Now boss, this is crazy! I'll be caught for sure!" he began to squirm, and made a shot for the door. Ratigan quickly took a hold of his tail, holding it swiftly in his hands. Pulling the tail close to him. Bill was slowly turned, using his hat to pull it over his face. "William, listen to me.. You are going to help us infiltrate the Plunket house, or I promise you a fate worse than squeezing through a foot width of wood. Do you understand?"

His hat slowly pulled up, Bill's eyes wide with fear of the unknown "Y-Yes sir

Alex folded his arms "Not if we had a distraction!" Victoria followed her brothers arm movement. Basil and Ratigan both looked at eachother. Basil rubbed his chin "What kind?"

Victoria grinned "Who can resist some cute adorable children?" her eyes went wide and bright, just like her uncles. Ratigan stifled a laugh "What can I say? They get it from my side.."

Basil began to pace, thinking to himself "Alright.. Here is the plan-"

Nellie sighed "How positively romantic.." she sighed again "He let you go out of your own need before his own.. Unbelievable."

"I know.." Rosalie softly smiled "After that night.. I forgot about everything.. Where I was.. What I was doing.. Just him and I..' she looked down "But who am I kidding, Elijah is probably right... I don't even know if he's coming after me."

"Elijah is full of nonsense; he'll get what's coming to him." Nellie chuckled "My dear you must have faith! What would you have been without it?" the older woman smiled "Your story is not over yet, only if you allow it. If you let Elijah win child, you've lost your chance for life."

Rosalie thought for a moment. Nellie was right.. She needed to pull her bravery out once more.

"Richard always wanted you to be happy, and I think this man can bring you that."

Rosalie grinned "Yes." she squeezed her aunts hand behind her "I wish I knew you far before this whole mess happened."

The door was unlocked. Andrew walked in, holding the keys in his hand and quickly shoving them in his coat pocket. The brightness of the house made both women squint from lack of light "Rosalie, Elijah would like to see you."

"Do I have a choice?" she quipped. Andrew sighed and pulled her up, ropes still attached to bind her hands and arms. Liftin her up, she looked back at Nellie. Andrew pulled her "Don't worry, she'll be fine in here... there's no way to escape, so no funny business." the door shut, and the sound of keys locking the door, left Nellie in darkness.

Outside the mansion, the moon began to rise just above the tall trees surrounding the mansion and the human sized mansion above it. Basil and Ratigan stood in the outer alleyway, the chill in the air creating smoke from their lips "Bill, you know what to do?"

"Yes sir." Bill shook, Fidget slapped him hard on the back, making him jump. Bill looked to the gate, the whole ground floor of the garden was covered with guards. Alex grinned "Don't worry Bill, we'll make sure nothing happens to you.." Victoria jumped with excitement "This is all so exciting!" She adjusted her bow on top of her head, her blue eyes lighting with fire. Ratigan placed two hands on her shoulders "Now remember, all we need you to do is keep the guards at the door distracted until Bill makes it through the balcony. Then I want you and P.J in a safe space until Rosalie is saved."

Victoria nodded "Get her back Uncle James." she ran off to her place, PJ in her arms. Basil looked to Ratigan "Are you ready?"

"Thank you for helping me."

"All in a days work.. Dawson you ready?" Looking at Dawson, he took a breath "Yes Basil."

Bill took a long sigh and began his decent into the yard. Looking both ways and using his animal instinct, he slithered across the grass right into the first two guards. He instantly froze, the grass and darkness of night hiding his small form. He suddenly felt a sharp pain. A guard walking by just stomped on his tail. The guard shouted "Jeremy! Your shift is up!"

Walking forward, the guard left to their post. Bill muttered his scream by slowly grabbing his tail, and wiping a quick tear. Hurrying to the vines above the balcony, he rose off the grass and cooed, giving the signal. Ratigan watched and sent a thumbs up down the street, where Victoria was placed.

Victoria looked at P.J "Time for our time to shine." taking a breath, she ran down the street, crying rather loudly. She started up the steps to the mansion "Mommy? Daddy?" she cried. The two hulking guards at the front began to soften "Did the boss say anything about children?" one thug grabbed his pistol. Another nudged him "Hey! What are you doing?! That's a kid!"

Victoria wiped her 'tears' and grabbed the biggest thug by the jacket pocket. "Oh no!" she held P.J close, "I'm lost and can't find my Uncle anywhere!"

"Aw relax kid." the thug awkwardly tapped her back "I'm sure you'll find them."

At that moment, Bill stumbled on one of the rungs for the vine wall, snapping it and nearly falling. The thugs turned their heads quickly at the sound. Victoria jumped in front of them "If only I had some help with finding my Uncle!"

"Maye later kid."

"But me and my brother are lost! Maybe you can help me go down this street and-"

"Beat it kid, go to scotland yard!"

Victoria was insulted, she didn't know what to do. Hopefully Bill had enough time to make it up to the forbidden balcony. She raised a brow and scoffed "Fine. Good day gentlemen." Walking out with P.J, she pulled out a small key that she grabbed from the guards pocket. She rolled her eyes "What a joke."

She turned the corner and handed the key to her Uncle. Alex patted her back, "Good, job Victoria. Ready Uncle?"

Ratigan nodded "Yes." they walked to other side of the house, where the dining rooms windows linked to the very center of the house, through there, they could breech anything.

Bill finally made it up the balcony, taking a breath, he carefully slipped inside within the gap perfectly. Slithering through, he stumbled and fell on the floor. His hat fell over his eyes, slipping it back into it's place he saw Nellie tied to the floor, a gag around her mouth. Slipping it off, she stammered "Who-Who are you?!"

"My name is William ma'am.. We're here to bust you and Rosalie out!"

"Oh thank goodness!" her hands were free "But I can't see any way you could be of any help all by yourself."

"Don't worry mum! Ratigan and Mr Basil are here!" he helped her up "Where is Rosalie?"

"She's downstairs with that monster Elijah!"

Bill heard laughing and cackling downstairs "What was that?"

"All of Elijah's thugs... Those monsters! Sitting and drinking with the king!"

BIll bit his fingers "Oh no... Ratgian expected Rosalie to be up here!"

Alex whispered "So why exactly are we going into the bottom floor? Isn't Rosalie supposed to be upstairs?"

"If Elijah is smart, and I doubt it.. He'd have every single important document that has to deal with the estate and Rosalie's fortune.. If we have any chance of saving the family's expenses... we'll have to be a bit sneaky getting them back." he prepared the key, sneaking right below the window and starting to jingle the small key around.

Alex, hanging on the sill, his feet just dangling off the floor. He suddenly dropped. Ratigan looking at the boy "What's wrong?"

"How do you know Rosalie's gonnna be okay?"

"She's upstairs, Bill is retrieving her." Ratigan said, continuing on the lock. Alex shook his head "No, She's downstairs with Elijah!"

Finally taking a glance at the window, his eyes widened at the sight. Rosalie being man handled by two hulking thugs in the now ruined house. Bottles and trash thrown about the floor, paintings covered with splotches of food and darts. It was a sty. Rosalie struggled at the grip of the two guards. Ratigan's blood boiled seeing her struggle at the hands of that monster. "Well this changes the plan ten fold.. I think I know how to do it."

Alex sighed "I trust you, Uncle."

Rosalie rolled her eyes "What?" being held tightly by the guards annoyed her. Elijah sat quaintly on Nellie's chair, his legs hanging over the arms of the fine chair. Rosalie shook her head, disappointed at the horrid mess around her "You single handedly ruined this house."

"Tut, Tut my love, you'll be able to pay for it." he sat up and straightened the papers in his lap "I was just going over your finances... soon to be ours, and these documents are the key to your beautiful fortune.. All I need is a signature of course!" he laughed and slapped them down on the side table, the thugs smiling wildly at the thought of their cut. Rosalie's eyes saddened, ignoring all of the pomp over her inheritance. Elijah noticed this and pouted, walking towards her "I hope you know how much you mean to me."

"Me or my signature.." She quipped. Elijah laughed "My sweet fiance, please understand I'm doing this for your own benefit! Who would have treated you better? That monster or me?"

"He's not a monster, Elijah.. You are!" she snapped.

The entire group muttered to themselves, feeling her confidence shine in her words "He warned me not to marry you, and now I'm the fool..."

"That dangerous monster!?"

"I know he seems mean and vicious.." she sighed, her brows relaxing for a moment. Even Ratigan's face softened "But he's actually kind and gentle.. He's my friend."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you'd fallen for that sewer rat."

Ratigan finally got the key in the window, listening to the following conversation. Slipping the key back, he begun to hoist Alex up to the window slowly and quietly. His blood boiling at the words he heard.

Rosalie's eyes turned to the floor. Elijah cackled "Oh don't tell me you've fallen for that fool!" he grinned "How naïve you are... Let's be practical.. No matter how kind he is..He's never coming back for you! You have no other choice but to stay with me.. Why would he even bother?"

She took a long sigh "You're wrong..." Elijah stepped off his makeshift throne "Confidence will get you no where." he snapped his fingers, Andrew handing him a list "First the minister will be here to officially wed us.. Now, we'll have to decide on where to head to for our hiding, somewhere recluse, perhaps in the country.. And have to stay there until this entire thing blows over.. Then we're off to Germany to claim those bonds your father left you, of course we'll be married by then! Then off too Paris, Then the Americas-"

Alex and Ratigan snuck behind the fine magenta curtains, their shoes slightly showing underneath the fabric. The curtains rings making a slight chime. As Elijah labeled the locations they'd go, Rosalie glanced to her right, seeing a quick glimpse of the familiar shoes. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be? She thought. Ratigan peered from behind the large curtains. Her eyes shined, nearly tearing up. Her smile grew and her heart felt full again. Smiling back at her, he brought a finger to his lips. In return she nodded and turned back to Elijah.

"Umm.. Elijah?" she spoke up. Elijah turned, looking up from his plans. "Yes, Rosalie?" curious to what she had to say. Rosalie had to be careful, the wrong move and her chance of freedom would be gone. "Do you think it's wise to travel?" she started. Elijah quirked a brow. She continued "I-I mean, you're so smart.. And intelligent." she cringed.

Alex whispered "What is she doing?"

"Giving us a change to grab those documents.." He said. Alex raised a brow, then looked over at the side table, Lo and behold, there sat a thick leather folder with all kinds of documents spurting out. Alex shook his head in amazement "Wow. You're good."

"You really think that?" Elijah gazed at his nails, wiping them off with pride.

"Of course!" Rosalie exclaimed "How else could you have gotten me back? Why, from your wonderful way of.. Um... planning things!"

Elijah snapped his fingers, the thugs letting her go. Rosalie stammered over her words "I mean.. You single handedly got me back home and away from that criminal!"

Elijah basked in the compliment. Andrew scoffed "hm.."

Ratigan started to creep against the wall, separating part of the dining room from the main sitting room, Taking careful watch, Alex followed. They leaned their backs against the wall. She grinned "You know what Elijah, I was wrong about this entire ordeal."

Elijah grinned in relief "Boys, go ahead and take a break in the other room!"

They began to walk towards the dining room, grumbling. Rosalie shouted "NO!" she cleared her throat "i mean, you should all go to the back of the kitchen, that way! There is plenty of wine and cheese that Nellie keeps in the storage!" the boys grinned and stepped quickly to the back of the kitchen. All of them grinning and laughing to themselves. Andrew delayed for a while, until Elijah dismissed him "I'd like a minute with my future wife please?"

She nervously grinned "I'm truly the luckiest woman in the world!" Walking towards him. Ratigan watched the back of her hands, creating a motion to move further. Ratigan smiled, "Oh she's brilliant."

Rosalie wrapped her arm around Elijah's, leading him to the other side of the room, towards the gallery of portraits and art. "We shouldn't travel so soon... If Ratigan wanted me for my money, can you imagine what other sad criminals would want me?"

"Thats true!" Elijah rubbed his chin.

Rosalie took a small glance behind her, twitching her head for them to move further. She moved Elijah closer to the paintings. Elijah rose a brow "I thought you wanted nothing to do with me?"

"Well, I've been thinking it over.. And you were right.. He's never coming for me.. You're the only man for me Elijah and I want to marry you. You're so handsome.. And brilliant?" she questioned. Elijah was so full of himself, she was sure this would work. Elijah smiled "What about that rat?"

Ratigan growled, a little too loud for comfort. As Elijah's body was about to turn. Rosalie impulsivley grabbed and kissed him on the lips. Both Alex and Ratigan took a glance at eachother, disgusted at the sight. Even Rosalie grimaced at the kiss, breaking away as soon as Ratigan and Alex hid as far back as they could. Wiping her lips down, he was smiling wide. Rosalie faked a grin "He doesn't matter anymore. Can you imagine what success we'll both have?" she turned him fully again "Your portrait, painted at least eight feet tall!"

"Keep talking.." he was on an egotistical high, and wanted only the best kind of compliments. Ratigan moved just a couple feet closer, aiming for the stack of documents.

"All my money! Used on whatever you want!" Rosalie smiled, her nerves running at the thought of Ratigan being caught. Just a little closer... Once those documents were in hand, he could grab Rosalie and leave..

Elijah smiled as she continued to flatter "Oh how I pale in comparison to you.. Why I am truly lucky to be at your side!" Alex bumped into one of the small busts in the main hall, just grabbing it in time to not be a distraction. Ratigan looked behind at the boy and hushed him.

At that moment, Andrew walked out of the back kitchen and gasped "Oy!", seeing Andrew and Ratigan, right about to snatch the document he grabbed the stack quickly. Elijah and Rosalie turned quickly, Elijah taking Rosalie from behind and forcing a knife under her throat. "Well, Well, Well, look who's come to rescue his princess!" he said with a laugh. The rest of the thugs emerged from the back kitchen. Prowling and snickering.

Ratigan's eyes narrowed "You have a lot of nerve Andrew."

"I've found other enployment options." he reached for his pistol. Elijah stopped him "You're just in time for the wedding of the century."

Rosalie squirmed in his grasp, he smiled evilly "Think your clever don't you? Trying to hide this little rescue crew from me?" Rosalie winced, feeling his grip hardening, she gasped "No! Ratigan get out of here!"

"I'm not leaving without you and those documents." he said. Elijah whispered loudly in her ear "See? He doesn't care... just about your money."

"It's not true!" she cried. Elijah laughed "No... he's only here to kidnap you again for a ransom!" he cackled, and the rest of the thugs followed suit.

"Let her go Elijah.." Ratigan noticed the situation. Seeing no way of escape. He was hoping that his group were on high alert. No way out... he had to be clever.

"And what makes you think i'm going to be doing that? She's precious to me. I'm sure she doesn't to you." Rosalie struggled "No! The letter didn't work Elijah. I don't believe it!"

"What letter?" the professor quirked a brow at his accusation. Rosalie shook her head "I knew the letter was a fraud!"

"Didn't know you went soft on the ladies old boy.." he said with a grin.. This was his chance to distract him. The thugs started making kissing sounds and laughing amonst themselves "This will make it easy to end you once and for all.. Looks like I'll get more money, getting a ransom for your head too."

Ratigan brought out his bell "I wouldn't be so ambitious." he said with a confident grin.

Elijah chortled "Oh i'm so scared, how is your fat cat going to get into "rolled his eyes, forcing her grip on Rosalie's arms "Enough of this." he looked to his boys "Boys, it looks like we'll have a little fun before our wedding."

Ratigan rang the bell, all of his thugs crashed through the windows, the glass scattering everywhere along the floor. The curtains even falling with a crash. Nora, the kids, the twins, Dawson and Fidget! All of the brigade there for the fight! Bursting through the upstairs door was Bill and Nellie. Nellie yelled "ATTACK!"

The entire group rose to a mighty battle, both groups clashing. Elijah pulled Rosalie back "Now my wife, after we're wed I'll be sure to lock you away somewhere, you'll never see the light of day again! Heres to us!" he laughed, pulling her towards the stairs

Rosalie's face grimaced, she was angry, "I'm not marrying you!" she harshly elbowed Elijah right in the gut, he released her and she ran towards Ratigan. Elijah stayed on the stairs right as Bill and Nellie came down, Nellie kicked him in the gut that experienced such burning pain "And that's for tying me up!"

Ratigan pushed his way past all the thugs fighting, working his resources. A thug was about to jump on him from behind, until Rosalie grabbed a pole off the broken curtains and smacked the thug hard. He looked behind him "Rosalie!"

She smiled "They set us up! I can't believe how foolish I was!"

"No!" he said. He quickly added "Duck!" doing as she was told, she didn't notice the thug ready to pounce behind her. Ratigan took the thug down with a mighty swoop, nearly jumping over Rosalie's small hudled form. Rosalie rose off the ground, taking her makeshift baton with her around the room, helping Ratigan fight "I thought you never wanted to see me again!"

"Why would you think that?!"

"I did at the beginning, That letter nearly destroyed any hope you'd find me!" she smacked a thug down again. Ratigan turned to her "I would never.. Rosalie I... I-" looking up, she noticed Elijah quickly running up the stairs.. Making a quick escape perhaps... he wandered to the rope holding a large chandelier up, slowly cutting it with a knife. Watching the trajectory of the falling chandelier, it was headed right towards Nellie, taking no hesitation, he ran past the crowd, grabbing Nellie by her waist and pushing her away as the chandelier crashed. Nellie was shaking, Penelope and Girdy holding her close. Rosalie gasped as Elijah continued to run up the stairs.

The chandelier started to spark, and a small fire erupted.

Ratigan quickly grabbed Bill and shouted "Get the family and the children out of here!" he grabbed Rosalie's hand "Follow them, you'll be safe!" not giving her a chance to argue, he followed Elijah up the stairs quickly. The top of the stairs falling into darkness. Rosalie attemped to stop him, guarded by Bill "Please! Let me go!"

Bill grabbed her in return "Come Miss!" he led the family out confidently. Even the rest of the thugs and Andrew snuck out of the property. The flames started to slowly consume the sitting room. As they waited outside, everyone watched as the rain began to pour outside the manor. Nellie shook her head in horror "My home!"

"Our clothes!" the twins yelled.

Andrew slowly krept off on the following street, thinking he's found an escape. Turning the corner quickly and swiftly, he bumped right into Basil's chest and the rest of Scotland yard. Andrew nervously laughed, as the guards started to approach him "Hee hee... I can explain.."

On the top floor, Ratigan crept down the dark halls. The photos of family flickered against the rolling thunder and lightening. he slowly approached a tall ivory door. Entering, he saw a office space witha desk, clean carpeting and large bookshelves, with an open balcony, the windows were open... strange... the curtains flowing in the harsh winds. The floor getting wet with the falling rain. Raising a brow at the suspicious space.. His ears rose. Elijah jumped behind, stabbing his knife hard into the rats shoulder. Shaking him off did not work, he backed up and screeched, feeling the pain of the knife. Backing up further, he slammed him into the bookshelf. Elijah let go, feeling the heavy anthologies fall on him.

Ratigan fell to his knees, the pain hard on him. Elijah laughed "Is that all you've got!?" he ran to the rat, kicking him in the back, the rat falling and rolling on the floor. Elijah cackled again "What's the matter you rat? Felling dejected?!" kicking him again, he slammed the rat with enough force to hit the balcony and shatter the stone. Ratigan quickly grabbed the edge with his hands, Elijah stepping on his right, forcing it loose. He only had one hand left, that was loosing grip due to the slippery rain. The mouse laughed "What's wrong?" he pouted "Did Rosalie soften you up? Can you not fight me like the monster you are?!" beginning to step again, Ratigan forced his elbow on the balcony, attempting to keep his grip.

Back outside, Rosalie in disbelief watched the horror of Ratigan hanging by his last fingers, watching Elijah try to end it all. She shouted "No! Elijah, please don't!" hearing her plea, Ratigan's attitude changed, he had to fight for her... this woman who changed his life in so many ways. If he lost, it would be all for nothing. Feeling the fire back in his heart, he jumped up to the balcony, tackling and rolling with Elijah on the floor.

Rosalie stepped forward "I have to go help him!"

Nellie grabbed her arm "NO! I lost you once before, I shant lose you again!" Rosalie broke away and ran ahead, not taking notice. Nellie shouted "Rosalie!". Running into the house, she jumped over the fallen door, and hurdled over different pieces of dismantled furniture. She hoped she had enough time.. Running up the stairs as quickly as she could.

Ratigan took a hard punch to his chin, and as they rolled over one another. Ratigan punched back, hitting Elijah right in the middle of his gruntled face. Jumping over him while distracted, Ratigan hid in the shadows.

Elijah wiped his brow and looked around; no sign of the rat...

Running to the balcony, he grabbed one of the banisters as a 'bat' and held it up defensivley. Seeing a large shadow, he took a strike, but seeing the pile of books gave him false hope. He was determined to break him.. Starting with emotionally "Did you love her, Ratigan?" Ratigan opened his eyes, the yellowness shining in the dark.

"Did you honestly think she could love you too? When she had someone like me?" with his back turned, Ratigan made his strike, slowly approaching his prey. Elijah laughed "It's over for you.. She never loved you... and she never will.. She belongs with me!" turning quickly, Ratigan grabbed the banister, being held overhead by the mouse. Elijah did not loosen his grip, as Ratigan swung him around the room. He was slammed into a wall and fell hard. Ratigan grabbed him by the throat, marching him to the balcony's edge.. A poetic justice.

"Let me go! Let me live please! Have mercy! I promise I wont try anything! I give up!" Elijah cried helplessly. Ratigan's face softened, feeling empathy for another in ages. He slowly furrowed his brows.. And let the poor excuse go.. But before releasing him back on the ground "Leave.." he said "Leave... and never return." pushing him to the ground again towards the door, Rosalie entered.

"James!" She said.

"Rosalie..." the rat happily started towards her. Rosalie stepped over Elijah's body... which angered him more... the fairytale ending he deserved...did not go as planned. Rosalie met Ratigan in the middle of the room. She turned him slowly, his back faced away from Elijah so she could examine him in the little light the room provided. "Oh James... you came back.."

He ran a hand through her hair, feeling the softness of the rich brown color. He smiled with her "I couldn't let you go..."

"I know.." she started to embrace him, feeling the warmth between them. Elijah grew more and more angry... not only did he loose his riches, but the girl as well.. Everything was ruined, and bashed because of this rat! How dare he! Feeling in his coat, a small pistol in his pocket.. Smiling wildly; at least he'd have one last win. Aiming for Ratigans back, Rosalie heard the small click and her eyes opened wide. Using all her force, she pushed Ratigan out of the way and blocked the bullets path, hitting her right in the chest.

Ratigan froze, crying out in anger and pain, catching her as she fell to the ground hard "NO! ROSALIE!"

Elijah found his chance at a quick getaway... that was shortlived. At the bottom of the stairs stood the brigade, Basil, Dawson and the entirety of scotland yard in his face. Andrew being held forcefully by two guards.

"Rosalie... Rosalie no..." he held her close "Please..."

"You came back..." she whispered.. Her voice failing "I knew it."

"Of course I did.." he started to tear up "Now, we'll get you to a hospital and-"

Rosalie coughed "I don't think I'll-"

"Don't speak like that..." he spoke confidently "We are going to get you help.."

Rosalie touched his face gently "The best part of coming here... was finding what I didn't know I'd need."

"We are home.. We are where we shall be forever...

Trust in me... for you know I won't run away.." her voice growing weaker by the second. The wound taking it's toll on her.

"From today... this is all that I need, and all that I need to say...

"Oh how finding you has changed me... I'm certain as I can be..."

"We are home.. I am home.." she slowly closed her eyes, her breathing growing deeeper and weaker.

Ratigan held her close.. She was gone.. "Stay with me.." her body was frail and loose. He simply held her as the rain continued. Basil and Dawson hurried up the stairs, looking through every room. Basil stopped in the office and shouted behind him "They're in here Dawson!"

Running to Ratigan, he stopped, seeing Rosalie in his arms and an unfamiliar sight... tears on his adversary's face "Ratigan?" Dawson, out of breath approached the couple "Oh dear... Miss- oh no.." leaning down, he noticed something "May I?" Ratigan stay motionless, Rosalie's hand falling out of her comforting hammock of his strong arms. Taking her hand, he felt something and gasped "I say.."

"What is it?"

"She's not dead!" he exclaimed "I feel a small pulse!" Dawson said. Taking Basil's hand, he got another opnion "Yes! I feel it as well doctor!"

Dawson's eyes furrowed "We don't have much time to get her to a hospital.. We need to head to Baker street IMMEDIETLY!"

Ratigan standing up, took Rosalie in his arms and ran out. Basil shouted and followed "Wait old chap! We need to go together!" Dawson following as quickly as his short legs could take him. Ringing his bell, Felicia arrived just outside the manor. The family watching as the large rat carried Rosalie out of the house and onto the large feline. Nellie and Nora holding eachother close out of fear of the future. Boarding her quickly, he motioned for the men "Get on."

REVIEW AND FOLLOW! were almost at the FINAL chapters!