Chapter 12: The Way Home

Arden looked at the land suspiciously. Ratigan, Fidget, and the thugs were no where to be found. At first Arden had thought Ratigan was on the ground dying. However, now that everything was done, she did not care anymore. That was when she, her parents, and Olivia got on the boards. But before they did, Olivia had to give Arden something. Arden was given a little gem that said "Thank you for being my Friend". Arden looked at Olivia, feeling emotions like happiness, surprise, confusion, and relief.
"A gem? Why?" asked Arden, gazing at Olivia.
"Because you're one amazing person, and I want us to stay friends for a very, very long time! I just want you to know that after all that's happened, I'm really glad I met you," replied Olivia sincerely.

Arden smiled at her. The happy feelings suddenly faded when everyone started hearing footsteps in a distance. Julian looked closely at what was coming toward them. He kept his eyes on the dark road around them.

"What the hell is that?" asked Arden. Emily looked at her.
"ARDEN DIANE MORGAN TAKAMASHI PATTISON!" exclaimed Emily. "We don't say that 'what the hell'."

Olivia looked at Arden.
"Is that your full name?" asked Olivia.

"Yes. My full name is a mixture of my parents." replied Arden. Olivia nodded in understanding.
"That's interesting...just like you. in a good way of course," she said. Arden nodded.
"Really?" she said. Olivia nodded.
"Yes, like I said, you and I are good friends. I've never had a friend like you." replied Olivia. Arden smiled and hugged her tightly. Julian looked closely and saw Basil's dog Toby. Basil and Dawson met up with them. Emily asked what was going on. Basil explained everything. Toby let Julian and Emily on. When Olivia and Arden were about to get on, Arden looked at Olivia.
"Let's get out of here." said Arden smiling.

Arden held her gift tightly. She put it around her locket. She did it while she and everyone were going back to Baker Street. Olivia looked at Arden strangely.
"What are you doing?" asked Olivia. Arden looked at her.

"I'm just adding it to by locket. Nothing serious." replied Arden. Olivia smiled. Julian turned around and faced Arden holding the locket that was hanging around her neck. Julian smiled. He knew she did well keeping it from Ratigan. He was also happy that he and his family and friends were finally leaving.

Back at Baker Street, Mrs. Judson and Hiram Flaversham were waiting for them at Basil's house. Arden told Julian and Emily everything that happened. Emily and Julian's favorite part was how Arden battled Ratigan the first time when she was sent back to The Rat Trap. However they did have their concerns, being the parents they were.

Hiram and Mrs. Judson's favorite part was getting away from that dreadful place and coming home safe and sound. As for Basil and Dawson, they were very relieved that the fiasco was done, but being who they were, they had decided to keep a look out for Ratigan. They used to think that he was dead, but now that they knew that he was alive for sure, they both, especially Basil, would have to keep their eyes open for anything suspicious.

Arden loved the way everything turned out. After all the hell her life suffered, was it now finally time to move on with it and start anew with her parents finally with her after several years? Oh how Arden longed for that. She longed to live in a nice little house in a peaceful looking place, like near the sea. She would live there happily, find new friends, possibly meet the love of her life, oh how Arden wanted all of it. She wanted family, good friends, a good home, and, at the right time, the perfect boy that she hoped would come for her. She hoped to find it.