Written for me by MissRoseLee

The Great Mouse Detective and all canon belongs to Disney

Act III

Ratigan meets his children…Again

Ratigan waited in the room for two more days and was being tortured by the maid, Jaqueline's continuous chatting. Never in all his years had he met a fellow rodent capable of speaking so long with so few breaths. He hated to admit it, as incessant as he found her stories she was the only decent company he had as of late. Since their first encounter, Ratigan no longer saw the lovely, but stern Adele. When she was mentioned, Jaqueline simply said she was busy, which obviously meant she wanted nothing to do with him. When Dr. Harper finally strolled in a new wooden wheelchair Ratigan's heart leapt in his chest as he saw the chair's design enlarged to suit his frame. The small grey mouse smiled as he wheeled in the new chair. "Hello Professor! You are looking well… The medication has been working, yes? No nasty side effects?"

He nodded "I do feel better, and I thank you for your service. Though I'm not certain I agree with this no consumption of spir-"

The good doctor smiled "Oh pish posh! Think nothing of it. Just a favor for an old family friend!" Dr. Harper grabbed his good arm, pulling the large rat out of bed and onto the chair, the chair retaliated by moving a little bit away from the bed. Ratigan released a strained sigh of air, bringing pain to his side as he expected. Ratigan noticed his clothes, which were blue and white striped pajamas.. which he hadn't seen since his last visit at the old mansion.

"Now, let's get you to the dining hall, your lovely children are waiting to have breakfast with you."

Ratigan's ears and eyes widened in disbelief "Children?" he choked on the word. He hasn't seen them for weeks… he lied to himself when in all honesty it was months. He didn't know exactly what to say, what to do… He couldn't even recall what their names are. These thoughts ran through him as he heard the wheels slide across the clean marble floors into the great hall. Dr. Harper stopped in front of the door and adjusted the professor's collar "Of course you are in your pajamas, but you still must look presentable. Ready? Here we go!"

"No! Please, I beg of-"

Dr. Harper pushed through the door and was surprised to see an empty dining room. He rubbed his chin "Hm. Maybe we're early." He pushed the chair to the front of the long table with, from his observation appeared to be fifteen table settings. Ratigan counted all the plates again and again "How many guests are coming to breakfast?"

"Guests?" just as that word was uttered, the chandelier above the table began to shake. The door burst open to a group of children sitting down to breakfast. As Ratigan sat down, the children continued to talk and giggle with one another. It was as if he wasn't even in the room. The children sat down and started to feast upon the scones and different items laid out. Soon as they started eating, Adele entered with Jaqueline by her side.

"I want you to send those finished prints to Sir Loomis. He is in Paris right now doing another shoot, The address is in my desk drawer."

"Yes madame." Jaqueline quickly wrote everything down as both girls continued to walk down the long table. Adele handed her several folders and large envelopes filled with photographs she had shot and edited over the past few months. "And I need the children's play clothes cleaned again." She added as the thought popped into her head. I found stains on one of Rayner fine trousers and I would like to see them spotless. It is quite embarrassing."

"Indeed."

She sat at her usual spot on the other side of the table, facing the children "And do have Calson fix the upstairs door, it creaks much too loudly... also I need my good town dress shirt pressed, I am meeting mum and Gweneth tomorrow afternoon." She picked up the morning paper and faced the children. "Good morning, children."

All of them said in unison, rather robotically, "Morning Mother."

Ratigan sat up rigidly straight in shock as she gestured to him "And your father?"

They stayed quiet as Adele stood up in her seat, slapping her napkin on her lap in annoyance. "I thought I had taught my children respect; not to keep their mouths wide open like fishes-"

As soon as the doors opened again, Vernandos and Rodrick, the eldest boys of his and Adele's first litter walked through the door. Vernandos; a striking image of his father at seventeen, with rich sliver fur and a strong build stopped in his tracks as his dark black eyes stared down his father, "What is he doing here?" he stood completely still as the children quickly silenced themselves.

"Vernandos, Rodrick." Ratigan nodded, pleased with himself he remembered the oldest boys at least. "You both look well."

Vernandos rolled his eyes "Mother, might I have a word…?" His disapproving black eyes made his siblings shudder.

"Vernandos why don't we wait until after breakfast?" Adele begged. "I would like to make pleasant conversation and catch up with the family."

"What better time than now?" He helped her out of the chair, taking her into the study in the other room. Ratigan looked awkwardly around at the children and met eyes with Rodrick, a lean, masculine teenaged version of his mother.

Rodrick, the next eldest grinned as he made contact with his father. Being the second eldest didn't feel like he needed to take on any responsibility at all. He grinned mischievously, making the white snip mark over his nose crinkle just slightly as he patted Ratigan on the back "Hey pop! Good to see ya... I suppose you still remember me don't ya?" he snorted, pulling a hand through his dark amber hair "Oy, I read about your little accident... You're uglier than last I remember. How many window ledges did you hit on the way down?" he chuckled "I'm just pulling your leg pop." He pulled a chair close to him, leaning in to it "So, how long has it been? Ten months?"

The elder rat paused briefly to recall correctly "One year…" he cleared his throat and added "And three months..."

Rodrik's ruby eyes lit up with excitement. "Well, you haven't heard about my new hobby then."

BACK IN THE STUDY

"This does not feel right." Vernandos insisted.

Adele rubbed her temples "Vernandos, I really don't have time for this... I have to finalize the prints going to New York; I have a shoot in Moscow to go to in a month and I have to-"

"You're obviously making excuses to avoid the issue. Enough." Vernandos crossed his arms "He has no right. He leaves for well over a year and expects to come back to us… to be welcomed and treated with respect?" she watched him pace back and forth in frustration.

"He doesn't expect your respect, I do." She explained. "This is a very stressful time for us. I need you to be civil for me to keep the peace. Everything considered, your father has been well behaved so far." She admitted.

The young rat snorted. "So far. What about the enemies he's made over the years? You would risk your neck just to let him recover? Why bother? He will only swindle, cheat and lie-"

"He cannot do much damage here- not when his 'death' is celebrated over the front cover of every bloody paper." She sighed "No one else would take him in. I'm his wife. I was the last resort."

"You should have left him for death."

"Vernandos Lester Ratigan!" she stood up "Despite what he has done to you or even me..." she broke off a moment. "He is still your father, bonded by blood weather you like it or not." She brought a piece of blonde hair out of her face "He is going to be here until he heals, and then guessing his behavior he'll disappear into London's dark corners again. Besides, you will be working in the city so you will rarely see him... it won't bother you if you don't let it." She went to him and held him on the shoulders "If I raised you right you will let this go."

Vernandos nodded "Yes, mother." He blew a puff of air out of his lungs "He just…" he growled as Adele fixed his tie. She brushed her hand gently over the pale, mask-shaped patch over his left cheek. "I know my love... I know…"

Vernandos and Adele walked back into the room and stared as Rodrick was showing Ratigan his extensive photo gallery. "See this one?" Rodrick laughed "The body on this one... she was pretty nervous but as soon as she took off her robe it was a piece of cake to capture the pose she's giving."

Ratigan blushed darkly as Rodrick kept going "The red head, she was pretty snooty, but you know how French women are, you sly dog.. woof." He laughed as Adele quickly grabbed the pictures and pulled the libidinous boy up "Rodrick, go upstairs and take your… collection up to your room.. NOW." She quickly said as Vernandos glared at Ratigan and sat at the head of the table. As Adele moved to the side of the table, she thought what could else go wrong…?

Like magic, Jaqueline came in with the three youngest "Ritter, Tina and little Padraic all needed to change out of their breakfast clothes. We want them to look their best for their first breakfast with their father!" she giggled and set them in their highchairs as Ratigan's eyes went wide with dread. Babies? When?!"There is more?!"

Adele finally sat down as Ratigan spoke up "Adele might I have a word…?"

"Oy…" Adele sighed and rose up, following him to the new crisis room…

Act IV

Ratigan meets his children… once again… Round II

Adele could feel the heat from Ratigan's accusing glair burning holes through her. She closed the door behind her and turned around. Ratigan stood with his arms crossed, frowning intensely. You cold-hearted bitch-"

She gasped. "Excuse me?!"

"Did you only take me in to recover so you could rub your affair in my face? Where did those three little parasites come from? Harper? The cook? One of those strapping young models you're constantly snapping pictures of? I demand to know!" Adele crossed her arms as well, rolling her eyes. "If it's the babes you're referring to, the fifth litter is most definitely yours." She assured him. "I've never once betrayed my wedding vows." Ratigan eyed her a moment. "Never?" She gave an assuring nod. "Never."

Ratigan dug in his pockets for his cigarettes and pole. "Never with the doctor?" Adele snatched the pole from his hand and took a quick puff herself. "We've been over this too many times. Harper and I are old friends and we're BOTH hapi…er…married." She reminded him. Ratigan blew a smoke ring in her face. "What about the gardener or the pool boy?" Adele laughed. "Who? No! He quit years ago!" Ratigan managed to crack a lewd smile. "I would have with the pool boy; he was delectable." Adele slapped his chest.

The couple shared a quick laugh, but Adele's smile faded first into a resentful scowl. "I won't entertain this nonsense a moment longer especially with a "man" who time and time again has betrayed his own vows!" She lifted her skirt slightly and headed for the door. "I'm sitting down to breakfast with my children. Ratigan placed his hand over Adele's as she gripped the door handle. "Just tell me when it happened." He begged.

Adele exhaled a sigh as she released the door handle and re-entered the study. "You honestly don't remember that night?" Ratigan shook his head no. "Love, I can't remember the last time you so much as smiled at me, much less embraced me." His wife shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting. "But I trust you. So when did I sire "our" fifth litter?" He asked once again.

Adele closed her eyes a moment to help clearly remember.

A little over a year ago…

Adele locked the door to her personal developing room. She held in her arms a stack of newly dry prints. She climbed up the stairs and slipped through the kitchen to head for the study. She noticed Jaqueline rounding up her younger children up the stairs. "I'll be up in a minute to say goodnight!" She assured them as she opened the door to the study.

Adele struggled to find a light. As she flipped the switch and the study became lit she turned around and headed for Ratigan's desk. Still flipping through the photos, she hadn't noticed the red scented candles placed elegantly throughout the room nor had she noticed the rose pedals scattered on the furniture and floor. Finally Adele looked up from her prints and noticed her husband waiting at his desk with an excited look on his face. She cried out, shocked, dropping her photos. "James! What on earth are you doing here?!" She knelt down to pick up her work. Ratigan popped open a bottle of champagne and filled two crystal glasses. "I came to gather a few things-" He lit the candles in the silver candelabra on his desk. "-and to celebrate my genius with the most amazing she-rat in all London." He offered her a glass. "I've been inspired, Adele."

"You certainly have." She waved away the smell of Absinthe and opium on his breath. She took the glass and sat, but did not join Ratigan as he took a sip. "You could have sent a letter and warned me you were coming."

"The less paper trail the better at this point, my dear. Basil is still being quite the pest." He expression soured. He took another sip of champagne. "You know my best work I reveal to you first. This is going to be the crime to top all crimes.." He paused. "I almost forgot how lovely you look by candlelight." He leaned forward, yellow eyes widening to take in the sight of her.

Adele blew a frizzy piece of bang out of her face as she pulled the lacey material to her night robe tighter around her. It was hard to take him seriously while wearing a pair of slippers and no corset. "Padraic James Ratigan, I haven't seen your face in six years- since the Tonbridge heist. We've barely kept in touch through letters and you expect me to be excited about this NEXT plan?"

Ratigan leaned back, daydreaming. "How would you like to be a queen?" Adele paused a moment, trying to figure out at what he was staring. She noticed the stolen painting of Mousetoria on the wall. "Her Diamond Jubilee is coming up this year."

Adele's blood ran cold. "James, you're insane." He laughed. "That isn't the first time I've heard that. I'm starting to think hearing you say it is good luck." Adele did not smile in return. "I have a name and face to maintain too. The children need me here. I want no part of this."

"My men and I will take care of every detail this time. I never intended for your hands to get dirty." He reached across the desk and held her hand tenderly. "All I ever wanted since I first met you was to give you the world. You deserve it. Our children deserve it. You have every right to be upset over my absence, but security and safety come first you know this."

Adele nodded wearily. "You're right." Ratigan gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. "I will make things up to you this time, I promise. You and the children will never want for anything. Before this year is through I intend to give our family all of Mousedom… and I couldn't ask for a lovelier queen to rule by my side."

Adele blushed as he stood to kneel beside her chair and kiss her. "You've always been the hopeless romantic. Ashamedly, I love that about you." She felt him unravel the curlers from her hair. "What are you doing?"

"I already told you, celebrating." He placed the needle on a record. A lovely piano composition started to play. Adele gasped as Ratigan pulled her from her seat and led her in a waltz. "It's too late for this. I have editing to do in the morning and—Ooh!" Ratigan dipped her and pulled her back upright. She sighed in defeat, resting her had on his broad chest as they danced. "I missed you, James." She confessed. "I missed you too." The professor, driven by spirits and the vision of success, embraced Adele in a passionate kiss. She quivered as he gently pulled her robe off her shoulders and started to kiss her neck and collar bones…

The present.

Ratigan dragged his fingers down his face. "Goodness-" Adele tapped her foot in annoyance. "It's coming back to you, is it?" He exhaled a sigh. "Yes, yes. It's coming back to me. " The silver rat plopped down at his desk, burring his face in his palm. "I apologize dear. The fall knocked more out of me than I realized."

Adele huffed, starting to pace. "The very nerve; accusing me of cheating!" Ratigan frowned. "I did apologize love. It's just… I have a shattered reputation to repair now. I wasn't expecting yet another litter this many years into our marriage. I'm not getting any younger-"

"I'm pushing forty myself!" Adele cried, motioning to herself. "I wasn't thrilled with the news, but I endured and here little Padriac, Ritter and Tina are!" She managed to laugh as she shook her head. The smile quickly faded as she flashed Ratigan a serious look. "Why are you concerning yourself? Worry about you, your career and your reputation and let ME worry about our family. That seems to have worked best for us the past eighteen years." With that she stormed off. Ratigan winced, kicking himself mentally as she slammed the door shut behind her.

Act V

Ratigan Meets his children…Again…Round III…

Back in the dining room.

Ratigan stood frozen as his wife cleared her throat "Children…um… your father would like to meet-SEE you all.." she finished with an embarrassed cough and placed a hand over his shoulder, pushing him up like a toddler, afraid to approach the oncoming danger. Adele and he were at the start of the table facing the right side. "This here is Vala, Vedis and Richelle." The girls; one stunning pale silver rat with icy blonde hair, one gold rat a mischievous glint in her eyes and another silver rat with soft black hair respectively all looked up at him. Vedis, the young golden furred kit who sat on the right of her sisters, quickly whispered. The only thing audible was "Pass it down..."

Adele moved down the table as Ratigan quickly scanned the girls, memorizing their names. "Our boys Rayner and Varick..." the dark black rat looked up and nudged his white brother, Varick; who looked up from his homework. Varick nodded softly "Good to see you sir." And Rayner smiled eagerly up at him "Hey pop! I like your suit! Can I get a cape like yours?"

Vedis looked across the table "Hands off Varick, I'm the one who is going to take over the family business."

Varick scoffed, his eyes glinting bright with eagerness "No way. This business is for men only!"

"I'd be able to handle it! Unlike you! You bed wetter!"

"That was one time-"

Adele's eyes widened "Children." She cleared her throat and took a heavy sigh "We will discuss your very large futures some other time."

"Indeed…" Ratigan nudged Adele and whispered "Too be honest, my bets are on the girl-"

"Enough." Adele moved him down the table. Ratigan uneasily faced Rodrick and Vernandos. Vernandos didn't even look up from his breakfast, as Rodrick leaned back in his chair, his feet placed on the edge of the table. Adele quickly knocked them off "Rodrick, please mind your manners… Jaqueline needs to clean that table and I don't think she would appreciate your footmarks on the surface."

Jaqueline spurted out, rather dreamily. She kept her eyes on Rodrick "Oh Madame… I don't mind." Rodrick winked at her gently, as a smile appeared on his lips. Jaqueline sighed heavily, only noticed by Ratigan himself. He kept the note for later. Adele gestured to the two oldest girls, a dark rat and a light blonde rat sitting in a rather uncomfortable seat, right between Vernandos and Rodrick. The brunette had short boy-cut hair, and a dark piece hanging over one of her eyes. The rat next to her, sat with beautiful long blonde hair. She was elegant as her mother, but with matching eyes as her brother Rodrick; a deep red. She gently turned to Adele and smiled gently up at her father. Her small frame made her almost like a porcelain figure, making Ratigan simply stare at her gentle figures. The dark rat on the other hand crossed her arms and leaned back, while Adele forced her shoulders back. Adele smiled "You recall Mina and Relinda."

"Lin." Relinda insisted. "Relinda is an awful name." She looked to Ratigan, smile returning almost instantly. "Hello poppa." She greeted him, her voice in a soft register. Mina glanced up, blowing her black hair out of her face "Hey pop."

"Relinda is head of her finishing school's fashion and design club for elegant young ladies... taking over MY family line I presume." Adele noted proudly. She was about to announce Mina's accomplishments but drew a blank. She looked to her brunette and sighed "Mina, anything else to say?"

She slumped back in her seat and mumbled "No."

The tall golden rat shook her head moved him to her seat, where the kits of the fourth litter sat with her. She moved her hand to two identical boys, with the exception of their fur color, one dark silver and the other a golden amber color. Adele smiled and placed a hand on both of their shoulders "These two were the baby boys, well, until recently… Price and Stern."

Price smiled "Hello pa-pa!" he jumped out of his seat and hugged him quickly around the waist. Ratigan smiled a bit uncomfortably "Quite affectionate lad, wouldn't you say?…" he used his cane to pry the boy off "That's enough, lad…" the boy pouted and headed back to his seat as the other mouse, the champagne colored one simply looked up at him, with large yellow eyes big as the moon. Ratigan still kept the uneasy smile on his face "Well? What is the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

Vedis snickered "Meow..." the rest of the children snickered along with her as Adele looked to them with a bit of disdain, making them stop abruptly. She sat at the head of the table, at the intricate wooden chair. She smiled and looked to the two babies at her side and one at the other. Two, the female and the larger male were blessed with champagne colored fur like their mother. The odd one, the runt, a silver. They were adorable and innocent, the boys in little blue onesies and the girl in pink and lace with a little pink bow on her head. The girl giggled and held her spoon tightly, pounding it on her highchair. Jaqueline moved to the little ones and picked up the champagne boy "Would you like to hold little Ritter?"

"OH… I don't think I-"

Jaqueline smiled "Oh I insist! he hardly cries, he is a very gentle baby!" she quickly handed him to him, and Ratigan laid the baby out, holding him out like it was something poisonous and dangerous to his very being. The baby started to wail in a shrill sound within those seconds. Ratigan panicked quickly as the babe started to cry louder and louder, while still holding the baby away from him. He turned to Jaqueline and cowered "Please take him! He's not gentle! He's not gentle!" Jaqueline grabbed the baby, starting to pat his back and calm him down. Jaqueline laughed a little uneasy "Well, I'll need to take him out." She walked out with Adele following her behind "I'll have to feed him, he's fidgeting…I will return shortly... children behave yourselves." She moved to the double doors and closed them, getting one last look at Ratigan and the children. She couldn't help but crack a smile and chuckle, seeing him lost and alone with all eleven children... like leaving a lamb with a pack of wolves. It made her laugh again as she climbed up the stairs behind Jaqueline. The maid looked over at the smiling rat "Oh Madame.. you're bad." And with that note, Adele laughed even harder.

Ratigan looked at all the children. Their bright and curious eyes... all with the exception of Vernandos, who never looked up from his breakfast at all. Ratigan leaned on his cane, and eagerly looked at them, expecting for one of them to ask him something. He went to his seat and sat down quickly. He looked into the reflection of the empty plate, and felt his stomach growl. He quickly looked up at Vedis "Vedis, can you pass me the biscuits please."

Vala smiled "Certainly Papa." She passed the container to him as Ratigan turned to her and shook his head "I'm sorry; I could have sworn you were- nevermind. I need something to wake me up." He took a sip of coffee. He grimaced. "Relinda, dear, could you pass me the sugar."

Richelle then sipped from her cup "No problem Papa." She passed him the bowl, spoon handle facing him. Ratigan turned his head again, this time a little quickly. He looked at all three girls and pointed with his hand "Okay… Vedis, Vala, and Richelle... um… or is it Vixen Relinda and Vedis?" he rubbed his temples quickly and turned to the other side of the table "I need some water "Thank you Rayner."

"I'm Varick." The dark mouse squeaked. The large rat groaned "But you're Rayner."

"No I'm right here!" Varick, playing along with the joke as Rayner said, peering by his side.

"Oh dear… um..." he took a breath to himself "Why did your mother give you such complicated names?!"

Vedis spoke up "Mum put a good deal of thought into my name. Vedis is a Teutonic baby name meaning Holy Spirit of the Forest." Ratigan quirked a brow "Wait. You're Vedis? I thought you were Vala."

Vedis hesitated as Vala spoke up, defending her "No, I'm Vedis."

He huffed "Well, which one of you is Vala?" he quickly looked to Price "Stern."

"Price." The little silver kit "corrected" him with an impish smile.

His yellow eyes widened in delight, finally besting them at their own immature game."Right!" he rubbed his hands together "Okay, I think I've got the hang of this-" at that moment, Jaqueline came through the large door and clapped her hands "Children! Time to go! Please grab your things! Relinda, don't forget your books! Mina! Remember you're scheduled to meet with your tutor at four!" she pushed the little ones out the door as quickly as she could, closing the door. The last to leave was Mina, who walked up to her father's chair and left a note right beside him. Mina blew her hair out of her eyes, and hesitated by his seat. She quickly stepped out, not saying a word. It was actually a napkin, written on it were all the children's names, ages, and even their own spot at the table. At the end of the note, it was written in broad black ink, slowly bleeding through the napkin:

Vedis is the one you have to worry about. She's a little troublemaker.

He looked up from the note and thought for a second, chuckling as he carefully blew the ink dry and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket.