Sneak and Snare
Just like with the night crew, the daytime scouts had no luck in spotting the Heroes of Millennia. Right now, they were sitting at a pub, drinking and grumbling. Maybe they were just in the wrong places at the wrong time. You'd have to be lucky to meet the person you're looking for. They still had a few hours left before it would get dark. They would continue their rounds after another drink.
There was another matter to consider. Surely these heroes would have to be taking refuge somewhere, but where? If you were a legendary hero, where would you stay? Where would they get their leads? Then they figured, since the heroes weren't exactly residents of this city, it must be likely that they're staying at an inn or a church. The scouts said that they had a few contacts who visited those places and so they planned to see them and inform them of their boss's scheme.
Ratigan, meanwhile, was down in his lair getting his captives loaded into a prison cart. Once the cart was full, he fastened it to his pet cat Felicia and ordered her to follow him to the castle of the Dark Masters. The rat was certainly looking forward to getting a pleasant reward from his employers. Felicia followed her master through the secret passage and they arrived in the throne room.
Ratigan paid no attention to the fearful cries of his captives. "It's a good lot," he said, pleased with himself. Felicia meowed in response. He cleared his throat and said to his employers, "I brought back more volunteers for your experiments."
Hades inspected the cage. "Such poor, miserable creatures," he said in mock sadness. "But they're perfect." He took a small sack of coins and gave it to Ratigan. "Here you go. Good work, as usual."
The rat smiled gleefully at his reward. "Much appreciated, Dark Masters."
"Any news regarding those children?" Frollo asked. "Have you seen them since your failed attempt to capture them?"
Ratigan stopped smiling. "Well, my men are scouring the entire city for them," he said. "I also have a theory that since those children are in London, it's more than likely that the Heroes of Millennia are there too."
"Most likely," Jafar said, stroking his staff. "But do you know where, exactly?"
Ratigan had a few ideas. "Well, those children could be taking refuge with Basil. He was the one who saved them."
"Which means that their friends are seeing the detective too," Hades assumed.
Maleficent nodded. "Have your minions keep an eye on Basil," she ordered Ratigan. "If your suspicions are true, then it's likely that you'll find them at Baker Street."
The rat bowed in respect. "Yes, Excellency," he said obediently. "And I have a plan in mind." And he snickered, revealing a wicked grin.
Maleficent figured she had an idea. "If I know you, Professor, you'll send Fidget to spy on them and have him inform you of where they will go and then you will ambush them."
Ratigan forced a pleasant smile. "You know me too well, my dear Maleficent. It's a plan that can't go wrong, I can promise you."
"We'll be looking forward to hearing how it turns out," said Jafar. The Dark Masters dismissed Ratigan and the rat took his leave with Felicia.
There was still a few hours left until nightfall, but the sun was starting to set. Ratigan figured that Basil would still be out on a case and wouldn't return home until suppertime. But he didn't want to take his chances. He and Fidget disguised themselves in hooded robes and made their way to Baker Street.
The peg-legged bat listened, but couldn't hear any voices coming from inside the residence. This meant that Basil was definitely out on a case. But maybe the heroes or those children were inside. Fidget picked the lock with a small pin, opening the door. Ratigan was the first to step inside. "Leon? Rebecca? Mokuba?" he called in a playful tone. But there was no answer.
Fidget laughed. "Oh, well. Guess it's not going to work after all."
Ratigan picked him up by his scarf and carried him back outside. "They have to come back sometime," he said. "And when they do, we'll be ready for them. Fidget…" and he tossed him in the shrubs. "…don't move from that spot until those children or the Heroes of Millennia come back to see Basil." And he jumped on a cab as it began to take off.
"But-but-but I…" he tried to protest. "Aw, nuts!" And he punched the wall and a pile of soot fell on top him from the roof. Ratigan laughed to himself at the peg-legged bat's misfortune.
