Written for me by MissRoseLee

The Great Mouse Detective and all canon belongs to Disney

Act VI

Ryoshu Makes himself Welcome

Ratigan snuck into his office, humming to himself as he placed his coat down on the chair. He walked with a limp still and his arm still hung loosely, broken in a sling. Technically he was in no condition to leave his bed, much less the manor, but Ratigan was never one to take orders from a doctor. He had snuck out to his old lair that evening to assess the damage done while he was away. His lackeys made no effort to keep the place in order as he expected. He had much work ahead of him concerning clawing his way back to the top of the crime world. Ah well, at least he managed to sneak past Dr. Harper and Adele for a few hours….

He decided to take a quick drink to himself, looking at the door waiting for his wife to come in. He rolled his eyes and imagined her storming in right as the crystal decanter hit the glass. She would be able to smell the substance from a mile away, luckily he closed the doors to his office... so he had time to spare. As he poured the drink, his nose instantly shot up in the air as he smelled around him. An all too familiar smell…

"Joys to see you Padriac San…" A voice behind him bellowed "Falling is your strong suit. Read in paper. Recovery going well?"

"Rattono Ryoshu..." he turned softly, trying not to appear startled. "You are looking so…. I was just stepping out."

The large rodent standing taller than Ratigan blocked his path. He was a hairless rat as wide as he was tall. Etched in blue ink over his leathery pale skin was a menacing tattoo of demonic horns and tendrils that made his narrowing black eyes pop. He sported a long black silk robe. Underneath was a red satin kimono like shirt, and intricate black pants that stretched along his wide bottom half. His cold black eyes glimmered as he proudly stood, leaning on a long black cane. He noticed Ratigan only half dressed, a rare sight to behold. "Strange that you are stepping out with a drink in your hand."

He took a sigh, noticing he was caught in his own lie. Ratigan turned again "Shall I pour you a drink?"

"None for me. Too much to discuss." He simply smiled, the bare skin crinkling along his face. Ratigan placed his own glass down and stood in front of Ryoshu "We're pretty far from Tokyo, aren't we? How did you make yourself so welcome in my own home?" he asked slyly. The other rat chuckled "Your simple minded cleaning lady was more than happy to let me in.. either that or she was scared witless." His soft chuckle filled the air. Ratigan failed to crack a smile.

"I make joke Padraic San... A sense of humor is worth much more than gold in these harsh times." He sat on the velvet red seat that sat in the corner of the room. He avoided the sunlight "I had hoped this would be a hospitable and friendly visit to an old friend... but it seems to be filled with such tension."

He watched Ryoshu wedge himself into the fine leather office chair, legs buckling under his weight. "There is no tension. I am simly curious as to how after a year of no communication you have found my location so hurriedly."

"Word travels east," Ryoshu informed him. "I heard about your little accident. Print says you die in fall, but my informants told me otherwise. Good to see you finally making comeback." He said simply in his broken English. Ryoshu sat happily, keeping his shark-like eyes on his "friend".

"You seemed to be recovering poorly, You're out of shape. I hope your homely wife has not fattened you on purpose." He chuckled "Is there no fight left from your hay day."

He rolled his eyes "I could ask the same thing about you Ryoshu... a champion fighter in your 'hay day'. Almost ten gold medals." Ratigan flashed a spiteful grin at his guest. He knew full well he cost Ryoshu his tenth. "It appears during your retirement your wife has led you down the same trail as me." He looked himself in a wide mirror on the adjacent wall and looked at his stomach

Ryoshu clenched his fists tightly, making his bare knuckles white. "LaLa is nowhere from holding me down."

Ratigan's ear twitched; he didn't recognize the name. "Oh a new wife?" he said sarcastically "Is this one aware of your agendas or do you have an extra one to take care of that?" he sat down across from him "Didn't think you'd settle down again, after the first disaster of a wife."

"Didn't think you would stoop so low as to go crawling back to your overbearing wife after you fell from Big Ben. What was her name again? Angela?" Ryoshu said, a sickening smile crawling on his face.

"Adele."

Ryoshu shrugged his shoulders "You will meet my Lala soon enough. I hope to see you at the engagement party-"

"Engagement party?"

Ryoshu stood up, finally taking the chance to grab a brandy and pour it himself "You DO recall our arrangement? Two years ago you vowed to me that my son Oji will marry your eldest daughter... This will finally bring together the leaders of crime world... from one part of the globe to another. It will be a wonderful union. For both of them and us."

"That is why you traveled all the way to bloody Europe?"

"It's ONE thing on my agenda, yes."

"When I made set promise I had intended to be king of all Mousedom before any union took place-"

"Your embarrassing failure at Buckingham palace has not escaped me." Ryoshu's expression hardened. "Do not worry. I will not hold your short comings entirely against your daughter."

"Wait." Ratigan stopped him, confused in his tracks. He rubbed his chin "I haven't yet discussed the matter with my wife or daughter."

"And why would you? You are the man of this house are you not?"

"I certainly am! I- It..." Ratigan struggled to think of a reasonable response. "It seems...underhanded to keep this from them. These children don't even know each other, how do you expect them to just fall in love and adjust to the fact that they are doing this for purposes upon our behalf. To have two strangers meet and hope that they like each other?"

Ryoshu looked to him "This was not a concern for you when we spoke last in Florence. Love is an inconsequential thing. It is what honeymoon is for. When I married first time and my wife never met, nor did we like each other until years passed to her untimely death. For whatever reason my son is infatuated with the idea of accepting your Mina's hand. I am sure from the end of my bargain she will be taken care of." He continued to smile at his friend until he noticed a struggle in Rattigan's face "You hit bottom, Padraic-San. Extending this offer one last time is my way of helping you on your feet again. Consider it that way."

"I need assistance from your Yakuza as badly as I need another concussion. Are you done, Ryoshu?"

The hairless rat frowned. "Yo have our families joined is an honor, not an obligation."

"To my daughter it will be... If I break the news fast to her she will probably run. Mina is not the one to stay." He warned.

Ryoshu eyed Ratigan a moment. "Your children seem to have a tight rein on you. This is why I keep mine in line. I hold them to the same standards I would any of my underlings." he insinuated something that made Ratigan feel uneasy. Never in his life would he think such a thing.

"You need time to sort your personal business. That is fair. I will return in… let's say three weeks time? I'm sure your attitude on the subject will improve as you recover." Ryoshu patted him on the back hard enough to send a wave of pain through his broken ribs. "You tell your wife and you daughter how it is. Either way, Oji and she will be together." He decided to fasten the buttons of his large coat "I will take leave now. Remember. Three weeks. I expect a formal written invitation." He decided to rise up and leave out the door. Before he grabbed a hold on the golden knob, he quickly turned again His expression softened to one that almost resembled concern. "You are not behaving how I expected. Never did I think you would be concerned about love. I hope this moment is fleeting and we never mention such softness again." He grabbed the knob and opened the door "Keep them under your power Padraic- San. Do not be weak link."

The door slammed shut behind him. Ratigan listened as Ryoshu's heavy footsteps fade as he made his way down the stairs and out the front door. He stared blankly for a while, stunned in his tracks by bad Karma. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair, struggling to determine the best way to handle the current situation. "…Shit…"

Act VII

Vernandos Is Watching

A few days later…

Evening time…

A young silver rat of 17 with messy fur and wearing a fire brigade uniform covered in scorch marks tried to sneak through the front door of his family home. He winced as the heavy door squeaked no matter how gently he tried to close it. It wasn't late. He really wouldn't be disturbing or waking any of his family or servants if he did, but the young rat knew his father was still home and was desperately trying to avoid contact (and conflict).

He sighed with relief as he shut and locked the door. He then proceeded to take off his helmet and dirty boots/ clothes. He hung his coat and knickers, but left his boots on the side for the servants to take care of in the morning.

He closed the curtains. His stomach growled. Instinctively he headed for the kitchen in search of a snack to tide him over until dinner. "You have your father's healthy appetite" He could hear his mother, Adele comment inwardly over the growling of his stomach.

He made it to the kitchen without disturbing the household. He started to snoop around in the pantry for a cookie, biscuit or even some cheese, but everything seemed either pilfered through… or possibly hidden. Confused he turned to search the rest of the kitchen, but nearly stumbled over something, someone actually, as he turned.

Jaqueline, his mother's favorite maid and the young rat let out a startled squeak as he accidentally walked into her while she scrubbed up a mess on the floor.

"Miss Jaqueline, my apologies-" He struggled to regain his balance and composure.

"Oh, no harm, young master Vernadnos." She assured him as she stood upright on her knees, straightening her uniform and bun. "The wee ones rampaged through here." She explained.

He smiled at her, shaking his head a little. "You'll never quit with the "young master" business, will you?"

She smiled playfully back at him, but her smile quickly faded to a concerned frown. "You've been scarce these past few days. You look like you've been dragged through the streets. Hectic day at the firehouse? I hope no one was hurt."

"I just helped the brigade put out a wave of hellfire on Baker street." He informed her frowning.

"My word, what-?"

"Is Rodrik home?" He asked about his younger brother before she could inquire any further.

"I haven't seen or spoken to him since I saw you all out the door to school this morning." She admitted. "Never came home. Big shock."

"What about the professor?"

Jaqueline stood, hesitant. "Yes, your father," she emphasized, "is in his study. Your brothers are keeping him occupied; it's the cutest thing. He sneaks the little ones money to take sweets back for him when I'm not looking. Madam has your father on a diet. She doesn't want to have to let out his expensive hand tailored suits after he's recovered." She giggled. "The boys are getting crafty so I hid all the cookie jars, candy dishes and bread baskets if you're looking for a snack, love."

"He's watching the boys?" Vernandos asked alarmed.

"I'll draw you a hot bath if-"

Vernados rushed past her, eager to track down his father and baby brothers. Under any other circumstances he would never bother to start a conversation with his old mouse, but his protective instincts were kicking in hard.

Meanwhile upstairs….

On a luxuriant antique love seat Ratigan sat, sipping on champagne. At his feet were his seven-year-old sons, Stern and Price rolling two shiny new coins the old rat had tipped them with for their cookie heist. Beside him sat his twelve-year-olds, Varick, jotting down numbers in a thick book and on the other side Rayner, pouring Ratigan more spirits whenever his glass started to get low (counting his earnings in between of course). On the end table next to him was a silver tray of Jaqueline's (well, her mother's recipe) oatmeal/ raison cookies and most importantly a new box of cigarettes.

Ratigan reached into his vest and pulled out his cigarette pole. Rayner placed a cigarette it. Ratigan held the cigarette under Varick's nose; he was so engrossed in his book keeping he almost forgot. "Here, poppa." Varick pulled out a match and lit his cigarette.

Ratigan smiled. "Good lads; thank you." He leaned back and took a long, relaxing puff.

Vernandos burst through the study doors. He frowned, displeased at the scene before him.

"'Ello, Vernandos!" His brothers looked over and greeted him cheerfully."

"Look what Felicia finally dragged in-" Ratigan teased, but frowned when his eyes met his son's.

Vernados forced his expression to soften as he approached the love seat. He leaned on the back casually. "Hi, boy-o's." He greeted them affectionately. "Professor….You're really trying to buy your children's affection? Hasn't that backfired on you on one litter already?"

Ratigan's was about to snap back with a retort, but Vernandos turned his attention back on his siblings. "So what have you been up to?"

"We went shopping for poppa! He gave us each- yowch!" Price glared up at Ratigan after he nudged him in the bum with his shoe to keep him from talking further.

" STOP going shopping for him." Vernandos scolded his siblings with his pointer finger. "Price, Stern, stop sneaking into the kitchen and stealing cookies for him. He doesn't need them. Varick, STOP helping him with his book keeping; it's probably illegal as all Hell, whatever it is he has you doing and Rayner STOP sneaking out to town to buy him spirits and cigarettes. They don't mix well with medication he's supposed to be taking."

"I'm a grown mouse-"

"Rat." Vernandos corrected him.

"Mouse." Ratigan insisted, gritting his sharp teeth as he shot the teen a death glare. "I'm a grown mouse; I don't need your mother or an obnoxious louse of a boy like you telling me how to care for myself. I'M the father; they'll do as I say." Ratigan took another drag off his cigarette and exhaled at Vernandos. He eyed his son curiously. "You look awful. Where have you been all afternoon?"

"You really have the nerve to interrogate me about where I disappear to?"

"You're my flesh and blood. I like to know you're safe when you leave my home." Ratigan insisted innocently. "I'll ask only once more. Where were you?"

"Putting out a series of fires on Baker street."

Ratigan choked on his champagne a little. "Excuse me?"

Vernandos smirked a little. "You don't know anything about what could have started those fires?"

Ratigan's eyes went dark as they locked with his son. "How could I? I'm dead." He cracked a morbid joke, glancing down at the stack of newspapers on the table that had been kept on the Big Ben incident. "You joined the fire brigade?" Vernandos nodded. "When?"

"A few months ago. I volunteer after class lets out or when there's a huge emergency-"

"Firefighting is dangerous. AND it charity doesn't pay. Why waste your time?"

"It's for the rodent community."

Ratigan rolled his eyes. "Fat lot of good the rodent community has ever done for me."

Vernandos frowned. "Have you seen Rodrik around at all this afternoon?"

"Can't say that I have." Ratigan confessed before taking another sip of champagne.

"You can fool some second rate private eye, but not your family! You listen-"

"No YOU listen!" Ratigan snapped back venomously, making the younger boys jump, startled. "In case you haven't noticed, I've been on a long, grueling hiatus! Your mum has nagged me senseless to bond with you little parasites for weeks! If I must "bond", I'm going to do it my way! If you have a problem with it, move out and start your own bloody family!" He sat sunk in his chair a bit, forcing his tone to soften only so slightly, realizing the look of hurt on the young ones' faces that the word "parasites" caused. "Can't a man recover in his own home in peace? The disrespect wounds me deeper than anything. If I wasn't half battered still I would thrash you the way my father would me had I ever been STUPID or insolent enough to barge through the door and jump down his throat!"

" Resent me all you want, I won't stand by and let you treat your children like a bunch of your hired thugs!"

Ratigan pouted. "The other day you accused me of treating all of you like trophies-"

"We're better off your trophies than your next crew!" Vernandos looked down at his father, sticking out his chest in defiance. "You've done NOTHING as mum's husband or our father to earn our re-"

"Excuse me-" Jaqueline snuck through the door and started to pull the younger rat towards the exit. "Your bath is ready, Vernandos. Better hop in before it goes cold." She urged him to walk away.

Vernandos sighed. "Professor, we're not through here." He vowed.

Ratigan kept a calm composure; though he didn't appreciate the threat and made a mental note of it. He shook his head solemnly before putting his cigarette poll to his frowning lips and taking another soothing pull. The younger boys shifted uncomfortably. Their father sighed, motioning for them to huddle in closer. "That was unpleasant. I dread the day the rest of you hit puberty." He looked at his young ones and smiled, rather paternally. "Goodness, I'm bored. Have any of you boys played poker before?"

Their eyes lit up. "No, poppa…"