Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Joanna and any alterations to the storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Between Love And Blood Chapter 16
Of course Joanna would be given the short end of the stick.
The following day Joanna arranges her arrival at the front gate to meet up with Justin as planned.
Only one problem.
He's not even there. In fact Justin completely fails to show up altogether.
Brutus explains the delay. Turns out Justin had given as assignment by Nicodemous so he has to obey.
So Joanna is left to go and travel across the way to Mr. Ages home all on her own.
The only consolation to Joanna in this situation is that it's daylight and that she can see a hell of a lot easier than at night.
With Justin indisposed Joanna can't back out so she has to make the arduous journey across the Mr. Ages alone.
Truthfully it's a miracle that Joanna survived the treacherous walk without incident unlike last time. Dragon must be scouring the fields for some other kind of prey today or stuck inside the house with the Farmer and his family.
All in all it's good news for her.
As Joanna arrives at Ages home she receives a surprise.
No sooner has Joanna come within a distance where she can actually see the entrance that a female mouse steps out from the interior causing her to hide in the shadows. Every Rat in the Rosebush knows the law. Any interaction with outsiders is technically off limits. They are seen as the lower creatures after the enhancements received at Nimh.
The female mouse is quite pretty with light brown fur and big round eyes. She's wearing a cape around the shoulders and down her back.
Joanna has no idea who this is so she allows the female mouse to pass. She's definitely not one of the Colony so she doesn't concern her.
Joanna finds Mr. Ages in his lab the usual grumpy self, working on the powder used to drug Dragon on regular occasions.
"Ah, there you are. Took you long enough," scowled Mr. Ages, condescendingly.
"My apologies. I was waiting for Justin, but turns out he had a prior engagement. So you're stuck with me," countered Joanna, arms crossed.
Scoffing, Mr. Ages said "It doesn't really matter as long as the powder is delivered. We need to have Dragon drugged over the next few days or else the Plan cannot proceed."
"Speaking of that I have a message for you. You're the only one who can fit through the hole in the kitchen floor so you're going to have to do the job. There's no one else," said Joanna.
Sighing tiredly, Mr. Ages said "Fine. Not like I haven't done it before."
As Mr. Ages begins to load some powder into an envelope in preparation for the transfer, Joanna inquires "So who was that mouse I saw leave just now?"
"Oh that what Mrs. Brisby," said Mr. Ages.
Excuse me?
"Did you jus say Brisby," said Joanna, not sure she heard him correctly.
"Yes, she is Mrs. Jonathan Brisby. Wife to our late comrade and friend. Now his widow," said Mr. Ages. "The news about her family even after Jonathans death is not very good. Her youngest son has contracted pneumonia. I've given her some medicine to help him come out of it and strict instructions to now permit him outside for anything," said Mr. Ages.
Aware of the seasonal change, Joanna said "Mr. Ages, you are aware that moving day for the field dwellers is any day now?"
Nodding, melancholy, Mr. Ages said "Yes…the boy will probably die anyway, but that doesn't mean an effort shouldn't be made."
"True. Very true. Still it's a shame for that family. Jonathan did so much for us and now his family is left in turmoil. It always happens to the good ones," said Joanna, somberly.
"All we can do is bear it and keep on going," said Mr. Ages, wisely. "Here pass along that Justin has to bring the drug with him later tonight at the house. I'll be there on time."
"I'll do that," said Joanna, accepting the package and leaving.
On the way out Joanna's mind travels to the Brisby family. They must be struggling with Jonathan to both take care and guide them.
Jonathan is a hero to the Rats of Nimh. Without him none of them would probably be alive this day.
Similar the captain of the guard Jonathan was not well liked by her brother. Jonathan was for the Plan, but there was so begrudging gratitude and respect added into the mix.
Personally Joanna liked him. They were good acquaintances. Joanna can't resist feeling somewhat sympathetic towards the family. Hopefully they can recover from this hurtle.
Authors Note:
September 11th has come and gone once again. I was very young when it happened. Don't know about all of you, but I certainly was really scared. One minute I was at elementary school in class and the next my parents are pulling me out, taking my little sister and I home. That's when we learned the truth. The Twin Towers we'd see all the time whenever we traveled outside the city limits on road trips would no longer be there. We were stunned when we'd seen them destroyed on TV. Those trips were never the same again just like the lives of millions. In honor for the people that fell that day and to those still struggling to survive from the aftermath I suggest a moment of respective silence. I think we all can use that.
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I've been meaning to get back to this one for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. I'm very satisfied and happy about it.
Big time heads up! Article 13 is on the move again. Our freedom of speech is seriously on the line. Find a legitimate petition that is fighting this decision and sign onto it. Every signature counts to keep what we love alive.
I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, A Revolutionary Romance, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8th Loser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D
By the way Rorschach's Legend and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender are the newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of Watchmen and the new series on HBO coming up soon then I recommend that you check it out. Since it was just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.
I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D
For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance.
