In the Rat's Nest
Emily finally began to arouse and come back to her senses. Well, partially, anyway. She was still feeling a little dazed from the effects of the chloroform she breathed in and she could also still taste a little bit of it in her mouth. She also realized that a blindfold was over her eyes and her hands were tied behind her. That didn't stop her from using her other senses. She sniffed around and listened for any voices. She could smell dust and dirt and figured she was in some sort of abandoned or run-down dwelling. She could also hear metal clanging. It sounded like the metal of bars for carriers and cages for animals.
She felt the blindfold being removed from her eyes, but she also felt herself being pushed forward before she had a chance to survey her surroundings. She landed hard on a metallic floor and winced in pain. Finally, she was able to get a good look at her surroundings. She was inside a cage and just outside the cage were many other empty cages with empty bowls for food and water. It appeared to be some sort of abandoned pet store.
"Well, you woke up sooner than I thought," said a deep voice.
Emily shivered, knowing who the voice belonged to. She was right as she saw a large rat standing just outside the cage dressed in a black hat and tuxedo. "Padraic Ratigan," she whispered.
He heard her and replied, "Professor Ratigan, if you please." He removed his hat with a sweeping bow. "And you must be the fair Princess Emily. I've heard so much about you and it is an honor to be in your presence." He then chuckled and forced a pleasant smile. "Oh, I know it's not fit for a princess," he said, feigning concern. "I was hoping to make your welcoming visit a little more accommodating, but you know how it is with us. We have schedules we need to keep and we need to make do with what we have."
Emily knew she had to be on guard with this rat. He had a talent for acting and the only time when he was serious appeared to be when he was angry. She made a mental note to herself not to get on this rat's bad side. "What do you want with me?" she asked, though she knew the answer.
Ratigan continued his façade. "It's not really so much as what I want with you, but what I want to gain from you."
"I don't have-"
"You misunderstand," he interrupted, lighting his cigarette. "I don't want anything from you, personally." It was true. Ratigan knew that Emily was not wealthy enough to demand anything from, despite the fact that she was a princess. She had no large sums of money, no priceless artifacts, no fine jewelry, nothing of interest. "What I mean is, Princess, I will be paid handsomely for turning you over to my employers."
"You must mean the Dark Masters," she said. She did not want to look forward to seeing those villains. "I doubt they'd want to see me like this."
Ratigan blew a puff of smoke from his mouth. "My bosses are not unskilled in magic. It wouldn't be difficult for them to turn you back into your true form." He showed that same wicked grin. "Until then, you will be in my care. I'm sure my bosses won't mind if I spend a little quality time with you."
Emily shuddered, fearing the worst. Would Ratigan step into the cage and do something insidious to her? Would he force her to do something that would rob her of her innocence and dignity? "Whatever you're up to, I can assure you, it won't work," Emily told him. "My friends will stop you."
The rat chuckled and said, "And I am definitely looking forward to meeting them." He then picked his pocket watch from his vest. "But there's no rush. I have all night."
Emily wasn't fooled. "Don't give me that. I know you're not a patient rodent." She didn't want to call him a rat, knowing it would cause his anger to reach its breaking point. That, in turn, would likely cause him to do something absolutely deplorable.
Ratigan had to admit, this girl had guts. She was really testing him while being careful not to do so. Perhaps she was smarter than he took her for. Maybe she had a fighting spirit. He looked back at her and said, "You know, Princess, I can see why my boss is so interested in you. You really are a beauty and you've got spirit. I like that."
She didn't need to ask who he was referring to. It disgusted her knowing the minister still had lustful desires for her.
Ratigan cleared his throat. "I'm afraid our time together will have to be cut short, Princess. Your friends will be here soon and I can't wait to have fun with them too." He stepped back from the cage and blew a kiss and took his leave. Emily reviled in disgust.
She had no intention of staying here playing prisoner and waiting to be Ratigan's toy. She had to concentrate on freeing herself. It was a good thing she could still use her magic in this world even in the form of a mouse. She burned the ropes off from around her wrists.
Now for the cage. Unfortunately, the door was secured with a lock. No doubt Ratigan had the key. Well, she could always just burn the bars of the cage. She was about to until she heard the sound of a dog howling. Looking through the window, she saw a group of mice on the dog. Had her friends come to rescue her?
