Chapter Three: Mice and Poems

Last night was truly amazing! The music, the dancing, and the look on the professor's face. When the curtains closed that evening, I squealed with joy and hugged Miss Kitty. Not only was I happy about the performance, but I was relieved that I never have to see Ratigan and do his duties again. And finally, I'll be able to see Basil. Mary Ann's taking me to him once our chores were done. I was so excited. Kitty noticed I had nothing to wear, so she gave me some of her old clothes. Surprisingly, they fit me. I wore a dark green dress with a light green corset to tie around. I also wore black heels that were very comfortable to wear. I knew they wouldn't have jeans and T-shirts, because that's what I'll always wear. My sister would nag at me about my clothes.

"If you want a boyfriend, you go out in style." That's what she always says to me. Oh, my little sister. Annoying, but I love her. I wonder what she's up to now. I worked hard in the morning, but in the middle of my sweeping, I started to sing "Chim Chim Cheree" from Mary Poppins, and played around with the broom. Johnson yelled at me and told me to get back to work, but he knew how happy I was. Kitty would giggle when I get carried away. I didn't care. Throughout all the yells of Johnson and the girl's giggling, I was just happy. That's all I could say. Well, I did think of that, being happy and all. But, I never knew that my happiness would soon be taken away from me.

When I came back from taking out the trash, I saw Mary Ann and Kitty and their faces were shocked and scared.

"What's wrong?" I asked. They turned to me and Kitty burst into tears.

"Oh, Kiara!" Kitty ran to me and hugged me. What's going on? Did something bad happen? Mary Ann buried her face in her hands.

"Why, of all people, why did he decide that?" I heard her say. He? What are they talking about?

"I don't get it." I finally said.

Kitty's voice was shaking. "He's taking you away. You won't be able to go back home."

"What? What do you mean? Who's taking me away?" This can't be happening. I was going to see Basil. I'm going home! Kitty didn't answer my question, but Mary Ann did.

"The Big Man." I froze. I felt nothing. Not even the embrace of Kitty's. "One of his thugs just delivered a letter while you were out. He wants to keep you. He even bought you with money!"

Kitty was still hugging me. "We tried to turn down his offer, but he refused us to argue. He even told us that…that…" Kitty's voice was breaking. She was sobbing in tears.

Mary Ann spoke, "He told us that if we tell authorities or Basil, he'll keel you wit his bare hands." Tears ran down my face. Not just tears of sorrow, but tears of anger.

"No. No!" I started to speak. Mary Ann came over to comfort me, but I started to scream in rage. "HE CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! I'M GOING HOME! HE CAN'T DO THIS! I'M NOT HIS! I'M NOT HIS!"

I kept screaming and crying so loud, everyone came out of their rooms and work places to the commotion. They heard the news and some started to cry. Others hung their head low in sorrow. My plan backfired. It only made it worse. He now wants me to live with him. To live down in the dark cold sewers where no light is shown. I hate darkness. I hate it! I had no where to go. I won't be able to see Mary Ann, Kitty, or any of the workers again. I won't be able to see daylight again. I won't be able to find a way home. I won't be able to see….Basil.

The day came. I had no smile upon my face when I left. The thugs packed up a few clothes. They said I was getting new clothes, but I didn't care. I didn't care what that rat offers me. I was done. I was finished. No more light. No more friends. No more…home. Mommy, Daddy, Hayley I thought. Hayley was my sister's name. Where ever you are, I'll never forget you. I love you all. I quickly said a prayer as the thugs took me to their boat and sailed through the sewer waters. God, please protect my family. Tell them I love them. And protect my mice friends. Tell them thank you…for everything. The boat trip was long. I closed my eyes for a moment and dozed off. I didn't sleep last night. I cried until the sunrise. Someone shook me, and I woke up.

"We're here." The thugs reeked with liquor. It was disgusting. I tried to avoid it, but the smell was strong. When we got out of the boat, I found myself standing in front of a huge barrel with a big letter R printed on it. I couldn't see what was inside though, but a bright pink color was shining through the doorway. They led me to a smaller barrel with bars on the door.

"Boss had to do business for tonight." One of the thugs said. "He'll be coming home late, so you'll probably see him in the morning." I said nothing. They took me inside and they locked the door. I sat on the bed. I already cried all my tears out, so there was no point to do it again. Great. Just great. I'm trapped and I have no where to go. A few hours must've pass by when I heard the door open.

"Dinner." A lizard said as he entered. I remember him. He was in the movie, too. He handed the tray of rice and corn. What is this? He bought me and now I'm like his pet or something, feeding this junk. Oh, well. It's better than starving to death. I ate it quickly and drank all the water. The lizard watched in amazement. I guess he never seen someone eat that fast. I am a fast eater. My parents lecture me on slowing down, but I can't help it. I'm like Scooby-Doo. I eat in a flash and it's gone.

I handed the tray back to him and I wiped the food off of my mouth. I didn't care it was unladylike.

"Wow, you're fast." The lizard spoke up. I didn't answer and ignored him. He looked at me in sympathy. Tsk. What's that look for? He's already feeling sorry for me? Pathetic. He should've felt sorry in the beginning!

"Hey, I know you're upset, but I think you shouldn't judge too quickly. Boss is a nice guy once you know him." Nice? He took me away! My one and only chance to be free from this place, and he took it! How is that nice? I glared at him, but he ignored the look. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright. You'll see." He said.

"Oh, shut up." I finally spoke. I had enough of his sympathy. I didn't want to hear anymore. "Just take the tray and get the hell out of my sight." I have never cursed in my life, but I was angry. The lizard gave me a look of concern and left. I then prayed for forgiveness for cursing and I looked out the bar window. The pink color inside the barrel was still shining brighter than ever. I'm bored I thought out of the blue. I had nothing to bring. I was etching to draw. I love to draw. I would think of many ideas in my head, and draw them. But, I had no paper or pencil. I could sing, but I didn't have the heart to. I unlocked my suitcase and started to look through all my clothes, when I spotted something. It was a book. It was titled War Poems 1898. That's sounds… enjoyable I thought sarcastically. But anyway, I was able to keep myself out of my boredom. When I opened the book, there was note written inside.

To Miss Kiara

Your performance was splendid. Especially on your plan of distracting me and slipping the letter into my pocket vest. Very smart. If you get this today, I'll be out and coming back home late. I do hope on seeing you tomorrow since you're staying with me. I would really need the company

Yours truly,

Prof. Ratigan

So, he figured out the plan I had. Company? I'll show him company! Right where it hurts! I was becoming angry. I wanted to throw the book out the door, but then I'll still be bored. So, I made up my mind and started to read. The first poem was Cuba Libre. I liked this poem the most. The story was a bit sad, but has a happy ending. Part of the poem, it read:

She shall last, by all that's holy!

She shall live and she shall last;

Rise as we, when crushed and lowly

From the blackness of the past

Gee, I wish I could be that confident. I continued reading on the poems, getting interested minute by minute. I really liked this. If I ever get out of this prison and go home, I'd bring it to school to read. Plus, I would show off Ratigan's autograph. They probably won't believe though. I chuckled at the thought of it. It later became night. I could tell by the crickets crying in the distance. It was rather quiet. Suddenly, I heard laughter. I looked out and some of the thugs were walking stupidly. Yep. They're drunk alright. I decided to ignore them and went away from the door to change into a blue nightgown. I guess I have to sleep, then. The bed was squeaky, but comfy. I pulled the covers on me and I was about to sleep, when suddenly; the door bolted opened. I sat up and found a drunken mouse with a key and a few others behind him. He stumbled, but got back up, laughing hysterically. I sat perfectly still. When he got back up, he leaned against the door and stared at me.

"Hey, baby. How's about you come out and spend the night with me?" Oh, no! Heck no! He's become really drunk and stupid. I was scared to death when he smiled at me cunningly.

"S-S-Stay away from me! I mean it!" I stuttered. But, he kept coming towards me.

"Don't worry, baby." He slurred his words. "I won't bite…hard." He started to jump on me, but I quickly grabbed the book and whacked it in his face. I ran to the door, but it was surrounded by thugs everywhere. Before I could think, a few grabbed my nightgown and hurled me out of the barrel.

I started to scream while the thugs laughed at me. I kicked and screamed, trying to break free.

"A little feisty, are we?" A thug from the crowd laughed. That's it. I broke free and I punched the guy behind me right in the face. I hit him so hard; it made him skid on the ground. They looked at him, and back at me.

"Alright, then," One said. "If it's feisty you want, it's feisty you'll get." They came at me. I punched and kicked and even hurled some to the ground. I'm a tough girl when it comes to this. Those self-defense classes weren't for nothing. I kept fighting until some one grabbed my arms and another held a knife at my throat.

"Careful dear, we wouldn't want to have a cut on your beautiful skin." The thug with the knife said. Few snickered, and then he spoke again.

"Did you actually think you could've fooled the great mastermind with your so-called title? Human Mouse, wasn't it? He knew you were lying. He knows you're a human, so admit it! Admit it that you're a human!" Thugs began to chant. What could I do? I can't escape!

"Alright already!" I shouted out. "I'm human! Human! You happy now? Then, let me go!"

"Let you go? Why? We're having so much fun!" The thugs shoved me down to the ground and started to rip my nightgown apart.

"Stop it! Stop it!" I screamed.

"We're gonna play with you a little, just to see how human you are!" Their laughter was drowning my screaming. Tears started to ran down my face. A mouse got on top of me and ripped more of my nightgown with his knife. I couldn't fight. The weight was pushed upon me. I can't stand up. Please, anyone. Anyone. I don't care who! Please. Please.

"SAVE ME!"

A loud bang filled the air. It came from a gun. Everything became silent. They were looking at one direction, with eyes of fear.

"B-Boss!" A thug stuttered. There he is. I can see him.

"Ratigan." I whispered. His yellow eyes were filled with rage. Beside him were the lizard that brought me dinner and Fidget.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" Ratigan's voice thundered. It shook the earth. It even made the mouse that was on top of me getting off. I lie still. I couldn't get up. My body was numb.

"B-Boss, I-I can explain." The thug with the knife said. Ratigan pulled something from his vest pocket. It was a golden dinner bell.

"NO, BOSS! WAIT!" The thug shouted. Too late. The bell rung. I closed my eyes. I didn't want to see him eaten. I heard screaming and meowing. The ground shook when the cat made its way. Then, silence. I opened my eyes when I heard Ratigan spoke.

"Now, get out of my sight. All of you!" The thugs went away. I was left there. Although I fear Ratigan, I was so thankful he stopped this. I saw his feet approach me. I closed my eyes quickly. I did not want him to see I was awake.

"Is she alive?" Fidget's voice said.

"Of course she is!" Ratigan boomed. I felt gloved hands pick me up. Is Ratigan…carrying me?

"Why are her things in that cell? She's my guest, not a prisoner! I told you to make her feel welcomed!" Ratigan ordered.

"But sir…" the lizard began, but Ratigan interrupted.

"I don't want any excuses. Just bring them to my room." His room? I'm sleeping in his room? Oh, No! Not me! Uh-uh! I tried to move, but body refused to. It was still numb.

"Try not to move, my dear. You'll be sore in the morning." Ratigan spoke. Whoa! How did he know? I kept my eyes shut. "Don't be afraid to look at me, Miss Kiara."

Boy, he's good. I opened my eyes. I dared not to disobey him since that incident. His eyes met mine. They were bright and dangerous at the same time. I could see his cravat which was now blue and red stripes. He was wearing his black tuxedo and cape as well. He still had his shadow around his face. But, as I looked at him, I had fear in my eyes. He smiled at me gently.

"Don't worry. No one's going to hurt you now." I knew at that moment why he was kind to me. He wants something from me, so he's trying to act all nice until he reaches his goal. But, I had nothing. What would he want from me? A few minutes later, Ratigan laid me on his bed. It was so big and it had a canopy above. His place looked like royalty. A huge wardrobe, a fancy working desk, and a painting of himself on a wall. I wasn't able to see much of the room, but that's all I could see. When he laid me down, he spoke quietly,

"Did you eat?" I was able to move to head, so I nodded. "What did you eat? Tell me the truth."

"Rice and corn."

He frowned. "I see." He then glared at the lizard.

"But, that's all we had."

"Then, you should've gone shopping!" Ratigan hissed, and then turned back to me. "Are you still hungry?"

"No. I'm just really…tired right now." I answered as I took a breath.

"I understand. Don't worry about them. They're all idiots." He chuckled. He held my hand from the beginning he laid me down. Wow, he's such a good actor. He almost fooled me. Yep, he definitely wants something from me. I hid my suspicions and played along.

"Well, get some rest. You had a long day." He let go of my hand and went out the door.

"Bill! Fidget!" He called out. Bill was the name of the lizard, I presume. Bill and Fidget scampered to the professor. "Guard this door until I come back. Make sure no one gets in."

"Yes, Boss." They replied. Ratigan looked at me from the doorway. "I still have unfinished business, so I'll see you in the morning." I only nodded.

"Good night, Miss Kiara."

"Good night, sir." I said. It would horribly rude not to say good night to some one who has you as a hostage. If he's says good night, you say good night. Not saying it will cause a bigger problem. Bill waved good night to me and Fidget just grunted. They shut off the lights and closed the door. Who ever knew they could fit a big room like this in a small barrel I thought as I dozed off. I was really tired. So, I slept, dreaming on what will happen in the morning. I even remembered the end of my favorite poem.

Rise a ringing song and story,

Valor, Love, personified.

Stars and Stripes espouse her glory,

Love and Liberty allied.