Chapter Twenty-Two: The End of One, the Beginning of Another

A couple weeks ago, where we left off, I was sleeping with Basil on my right and Ratigan on my left. We cuddled close to keep ourselves warm as we dreamt of what awaits for us. I was greeted the next day by a tackle hug from Olivia and Logan. Basil nearly fell out of bed while Ratigan became startled. When I was fully awake, the Flavershams, the Bishops, Mary Ann and her husband, Kitty and the Rat Trap crew, and, of course, Jasmine, cried tears of joy as they joined the embrace. I was also thrilled to see them as well. Olivia cuddled closer as she sobbed.

"I missed you a lot, Kiara!" She cried. I smiled and wiped her tears.

"I missed you, too." Jasmine whacked me on my back.

"Don't ever scare us like that again!" She shouted. I looked at her and smiled. She was crying too, but she tried to hide it. As Olivia and jumped off my lap, Mary Ann and Kitty gave me a group hug.

"Yer alive! I'm so happy!" Mary Ann said.

"I'm so glad you're okay now." Kitty cried. I gave everyone all the hugs I could until Fidget came inside the room.

"Her Majesty got the word! She wants you to go see her immediately!" He shouted.

"Already?" Basil got up.

"But, it's the crack of dawn." Ratigan looked at his pocket watch he pulled from his vest.

"I know, but she needs to see her now!" Fidget argued.

"Well then, let's go." I agreed. But, Katy pulled me.

"Um, not in that, I hope."

I looked at her funny, and then at my clothes. Oh, crap! I'm still in my pajamas! Okay, I'm a little embarrassed now.

"Um, is there something I could borrow?" I asked to all. The cousins giggled.

"Glad you asked." Christina replied. She pulled out a box from behind and gave it to me. I opened it and inside was my green dress.

"We patched it up just in case you actually do come back." Elaine winked. My face lit up.

"Thanks, you guys!" I gave them a hug.

"Okay, men, out of the room! There's a lady that wishes to be dressed!" Jasmine waved her arms up in the air. AL and Hayley took the liberty of scooting Basil and Ratigan out. I laughed as they were pushed.

"All right, all right, we're going!" Ratigan shouted out as Hayley pushed him. When it was all cleared, I quickly changed into the dress. It had a couple of patches and stitches everywhere, ever since that incident with Theodore, but it looked presentable. Oh! Speaking of which…

"Hey, Jasmine, what ever happened to Theodore?" I asked her. The room became silent. Uh-oh. That doesn't sound good.

"Well, uh, he- he escaped." Jasmine scratched her head.

"Are you serious? You mean that chipmunk?" Hayley blurted out. Jasmine nodded.

"Why, that stupid son of a…! How?" AL questioned.

"When he shot Kiara, he disappeared. We were all focused on her fall; we didn't see him get up." Kitty said. Half had their heads down while the others looked away. So, he's still alive, huh? Well, he won't think victorious, now that I'm back.

"Don't get your hopes up yet." I said to them. "Chippendale thought he killed me, but he's gonna be scared when the word reaches him." I clenched my fist. "And if he shows his sorry little face in London again, I'll be ready. Oh, he will get it!" They all looked at me and finally smiled.

"You're right. Chippy thinks he's won, but not for long." Jasmine said. I smiled back. A sudden knock came on the door.

"Are you done yet?" I heard Logan's voice, annoyed. I giggled.

"Yes, I'm done." We exited out and went outside. Loretta was anxious to see me as well. She purred and purred as she rubbed her cheek against me. A few laughed at her excitement.

"It's good to see you too, Loretta." Then, I heard a small mew. I turned around and I saw Moonlight Cylla sprinting towards me.

"Moonlight!" I completely forgot about her! How could I! She jumped into my arms. "Oh, Moonlight. I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to forget you!" She rubbed her cheek against mine. I could tell that she forgave me. I hugged her tightly.

"I hope you do remember Loretta." I lifted her up to face Loretta. Obviously, they recognized each other right away. Moonlight jumped onto Loretta's head and cuddled with her. Some went "Aww…" at the cuteness.

"Looks like your cat loves mine." Ratigan chuckled. I did the same. After a little reunion, we sprinted off on Toby and Loretta's back towards the palace. And just as I expected, Queen Mousetoria was happy to see me. Very, I may add. I was prepared to curtsy, but she paced quickly while lifting her robe, and she hugged me.

The royal guards were a bit surprised at Her Majesty, but it didn't bother me. So, I hugged her back.

"Miss Kiara, it's so wonderful to see you alive and well. When I heard that you were dead, I was mortified. Everyone in mousedom wept for you."

"You mean the whole city?" I asked. I only thought my friends missed me, but not the whole kingdom. She nodded her head.

"But, we must inform all of them. The Parliament will be overjoyed to hear from you. We must do it tonight!"

"B-but Your Majesty…" One of her guards added in, but the queen interrupted.

"Yes, tonight, Captain Gerald! Every eligible rodent must attend!" She turned to me. "I hope you don't mind."

I laughed. "No, not at all." She did a double take on my parents.

"Are these…?" She asked. I nodded. She went to them, and they bowed.

"Please, rise." She said to them. They did so. "You must be Mr. Phoenix." She gestured at my dad.

"John Phoenix, Your Majesty. And this is my wife, Martha." He said.

"Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty." Mom said. The queen nodded.

"It's an honor to meet you as well." They had a surprised look in their eyes. "Your brave daughter saved my life. I'm really thankful for that. And, I want to thank you for raising such a respectful and righteous young woman." I blushed at the comment. Gee, I didn't know I was that special.

"Oh, you're welcome, Your Majesty." My parents bowed again. Hayley followed as well.

"Oh, are you Kiara's sister?" The queen asked. I stood by Hayley.

"Yes, Your Majesty. My name is Hayley." She curtsied again.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well." She smiled. "Now then, on with the invitations. And, everyone here that is a friend to Miss Kiara is invited!" I heard the Rat Trap crew get all excited, especially Kitty.

"We get to go see the palace?"

"What will I wear?"

"Is my hair okay?" I giggled at the silly questions.

"Your family will be the guest of honor." The queen said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You don't know how honored I am." I replied.

"And, you don't know how excited I am for tonight!" Hayley cheered.

"You still have our dresses, Ms. Judson?" AL asked.

"I sure do." Ms. Judson said with a smile.

"Miss Kiara?" The queen asked for me.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"There's something I've wanting for you to wear for quite awhile…"

Evening came. And what a glorious night it was. Fireworks lit up the sky. Jeez, Louise! The queen didn't have to go overboard! My family was struck in awe as countless lights bloomed in the night. AL wore the red gown she wore at our ball. Hayley was given the slender black dress Ratigan me on our first encounter. Hayley and I are about the same height, so we can fit into the same size. I wore my blue gown, but only for a little while. The queen wanted me to wear something different. I guess she bought a new dress for me, and wanted to present me in it. Aw, she's so sweet. I only stayed for a little bit in the lobby, only to greet famous people. Then, I was escorted by Captain Gerald to the queen's courts. I was actually astounded how Ratigan was talking to people. Even a butler offered to take his coat! Amazing! I guess when I was gone, people began to respect him. I was happy for him. A little while back, when I was getting dressed, I overheard an argument between Basil and him. Rather curious, I peeked through the crack of the door.

"Why me? You haven't seen her in long time. You should do it." Ratigan protested.

"I already have. Besides, you haven't done it yet. This is your chance." Basil argued.

"But, Basil, are you sure?"

"Ratigan, my dear friend, I've done my part. Now, it's your turn to take the lead."

I was fully dressed at that moment, so I stepped out of my room.

"What's all the hullabaloo?" I asked. They both looked at me.

"Well, um…" Ratigan scratched his head. Basil finished for him.

"He's going to give you the first dance."

I was nervous and excited to dance with Ratigan. This is so cool! I cannot wait! The queen was just walking her way out of her room when she spotted me.

"Oh! You're here! Please come in!" I stepped inside her room, but what caught my eye was this gorgeous ballroom gown sitting neatly on the chair. It was light pink with a soft light purple corset, small white gloves, lace sleeves, and a bold pink train with bows at the end. I gasped at it. It was so beautiful!

"You like it?" The queen asked.

"I do. I love it." I replied.

"I wore that when I was your age on my 16th birthday." She smiled. "It's for you to wear." I looked at her wide-eyed.

"Oh no, Your Majesty! I couldn't…" I protested, but soon interrupted.

"Please do, Miss Phoenix. If you are to present yourself for the first dance, you will wear this to prove that you are indeed a heroine of London." I was shocked. Me? A heroine? Whoa, this is crazy! No, insane! NO, unbelievable! Man, there are so many words to describe it; I don't know which one to use! I looked at the dress and back to the queen.

"A-are you sure about this?" I asked. She smiled and clapped her hands. Three maidens came in.

"Get Miss Phoenix dressed. Make it quick, but presentable. We mustn't have the guests waiting." The maidens curtsied and led me behind a dressing wall. Man, talk about agility! They are fast! They propped up my hair and tied into a bun, only to a couple of hair strands hang down. They put on the make up and earrings, but left my necklace alone. I wanted to look in the mirror, but the queen wouldn't let me.

"We'll let our guests decide how you look." She winked at me.

I smiled. I walked with her, accompanied by the captain who was awestruck at me. Well, there's a hint. We stopped a tall door.

"I'll go in first." She said and I nodded. The butlers opened the door and off she went. I couldn't what she was saying to the people, but there was a lot a clapping. I stared at my feet. Okay, I'm a bit nervous. Well, being in a dress that's worth millions of dollars and it belongs to a queen would scare you, too. Finally, I heard my name.

"Presenting Lady Kiara Lee Phoenix, the daughter of John Leonardo and Martha Amelia Phoenix." The butlers opened and I stepped in. I stood tall and closed my eyes. The room was silent. I opened my eyes. Everyone stared at me. Do I look bad?

"She's…she's…" I heard Hiram spoke.

"Beautiful." Ratigan finished. I blushed. I stood there for a few minutes until Basil elbowed Ratigan.

He came to and said, "Oh, right!" He cleared his throat and walked up to greet me. We smiled at each other. He bowed. I curtsied. He took me by the arm and led me down the stairs. Hayley and AL smiled at me. My parents had the our-little-baby's-growing-up look. I smiled at them all. Just to make it short, we did dance. And we dance wonderfully. But, among through the music playing, I could've sworn I heard my mom humming "Beauty and the Beast".

Well, now it's the present time. I had just come back from visiting Annabelle and Beatrice's grave. I got the information from Ms. Judson on where the Little Brook Cemetery was. I even got the chance to see a picture on what Annabelle looked like. She was beautiful. She had light tan fur with golden hair tied into a ponytail with curls at the end. In the photo, she was with Basil in a blue dress and hat to match. They both were smiling. I got the directions and quietly snuck out of the house and caught a horse cart on my way there. I'm now used to go explore around alone, as long as I had the bell with me. I finally made it. I looked and looked for the tombstone until I found it.

In loving memory of

Annabelle Christine Sherlockson

Beloved wife and mother

1865-1894

And

Beatrice Lee Sherlockson, our beloved daughter

Who we haven't seen

I couldn't help, but cry at the last sentence. I knelt down by the tombstone and cried softly. I finally wiped my tears and took a deep breath.

"Hi, Annabelle." I spoke to the stone. "You may not know me, but I'm your goddaughter. My name is Kiara. I'm grieving for not getting to meet you, but a lot has happened since you left this earth. I brought Basil back up on his feet again. I changed the man that murdered you, and I turned him away from his evil deeds." I tried to hold back the tears.

"Miss Annabelle, I don't want you to think that I'm replacing you. I love Basil with all my heart, but only the love of a father. But, I want you to know that you're in my mind as well. And Beatrice, too. I'm so sorry for what happened. I know I'll never take your place, but I will continue to love Basil no matter what. And, I want you to know…" Tears streamed down on my face. "I…love you, too…Aunt Annabelle." I cried softly. I heard footsteps approach me.

"Kiara?" It was Basil. Oh, no! He can't see me here! I got up to leave, but Basil grabbed my arm. I turned to look at him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here." I spoke, trying to hide the tears.

"No, it's all right. I'm sure she's happy to meet you." I stood close to him. "She would've loved you to death." Basil spoke. I looked up at him. He had a sad look on his face.

"Basil," I said and he looked at me. "I know for a fact that she was a wonderful woman. But, don't be sad. Be happy. I believe she is overjoyed that we saved an evil man's heart." He smiled.

"You're right. She had hoped that Ratigan would change. But, on that night, I couldn't forgive him."

I placed my hands on his face. "But, you did. And she's happy that you helped." He took my hand.

"As well as you. You're the one who did the most of the work."

I hugged him and we walked out of the cemetery. Suddenly, and I know this couldn't have been my imagination, I felt hands and a soft kiss on my head. I heard a voice as if the wind was carrying it. I love you, too, Kiara.

Whether it was superstition or not, I knew who it was. I looked up in the sky and smiled. I got your message, Annabelle. I'll see you in heaven. I caught up with Basil and we walked out. A dirigible was waiting for us with Ratigan in his top hat and cane, smiling at us. Jasmine, his recently new fiancé and Gus smiled as well. I took Ratigan's hand and Basil's of course, and we walked inside the small dirigible.

"I never thought you would build this up again, Ratigan." I spoke.

"Well, it'll be easier for us to travel." He chuckled. I did so in reply.

"So, where to, miss?" Gus asked me.

"Wanna go home?" Jasmine said. I smiled.

"This is my home."

And indeed it is. We flew back to the place where everything I thought was of a movie. Under the bushes of the house of the famous Sherlock Holmes. 222 ½ Lower House Baker Street.

And so, this is where the story comes to an end. This is for my family, my friends, and to all those who have read my story and reviewed it. And I know you're probably sad of this to end. Well, my readers, this is the end of one story, but a beginning of another. Now, you're probably wondering, "What does that mean? How is this story going to end?" My dear readers, and reviewers, the answer is…you decide what I see…

Through my eyes.

Meanwhile in another time and another world

A young girl no more than eighteen was sitting in a chair, staring at the computer screen. She had short blond hair and blue eyes. A shadowy figure came up from behind.

"You're still reading that thing?" The voice said. She turned around and faced a rodent that was twice her size and wore a tuxedo with a red opera cape.

"Yes, and this is the last chapter, Ratigan. So, bug off! I'm still reading it." The girl gave him an annoyed look.

Ratigan sighed. "Whatever."

He sat down on the couch and turned on the T.V. He yawned as skimmed through the channels.

"Jeez, there's nothing on!" He shouted out as he turned it off. The room was silent.

"Are you done yet?" Ratigan asked the girl annoyingly. No response. He got off the couch and saw the girl still staring at the screen. He groaned when he walked up to her.

"I said are you done yet?" Still no response. He looked at her. Her eyes were surprised. He waved his hand in her face.

"Hello?" He said.

"Ratigan," The girl finally spoke. "Look." She pointed at the screen that had Kiara L. Phoenix's story, Through My Eyes on it. Ratigan took out his half-mooned glasses out of his pocket vest and read from what the girl was pointing at. His eyes were surprised as well.

"No way." He said. On the screen, at the end of the final chapter, was a name. The girl's name.

Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

For Grace Schenck

The End…for now.