Echoes in My Mind
Chapter 11: Change of Plans
I had only vague memories of what had happened after I fainted. Glancing up at Ratigan through half lidded eyes as he carried me to my room and gently placed me on my bed; Miss Kitty helping me out of the expensive ball gown and into a nightgown after he had left the room; her leaning over me and dabbing a wet cloth to my forehead as Ratigan looked on a bit concernedly before returning to the ball. And was that Fane I saw lurking in the shadows? It was hard to tell what was dream and what was reality. But I must have drifted off to sleep again, and once I awoke, I found myself alone. Touching my neck gingerly, I winced in pain at the sensitive area. I felt so weak, so tired… all I really wanted to do was go back to sleep, hoping that someday I would wake up and find that this was all just a bad dream…
Yet how could I rest knowing that Basil was once again a prisoner of his worst enemy? I had to help him… somehow…
I threw back the covers and slowly stood to my feet, gripping the headboard for support as the room spun around me. Ratigan had drunk so much of my blood the past few days; no wonder it was so easy for him to control me. I trembled slightly, a bit afraid. If he kept feeding on me at this rate, I would die of blood loss. Or perhaps worse… die with his blood in my system and turn into a vampire like him.
No.
I shook my head and squared my shoulders determinedly. So far I had given in to that rat's wishes; but no more. I would not stay here and let Ratigan have his way. I would find Basil and fight to my dying breath to get him to safety.
Taking a few stumbling steps forward, I made my way to the wardrobe and pulled a white robe over my soft gray nightgown, tying the belt around my waist as I crossed the room. I put my eye to the keyhole to see if anyone might be standing guard outside, then cautiously opened the door and peeked out. Much to my surprise, there was no one there. So I didn't hesitate to step out and sneak down the hallway as fast as I could.
…
I let out a quiet moan as I came to, flattening my ears against my head as I was awoken by shrill screaming. Opening my eyes slowly, I was surprised to find myself lying face down on the cold stone floor. My hands were still tied behind my back, so I struggled to sit in an upright position. As I strained my head to look behind me, my heart leapt as I saw a mouse approaching me, his mouth and clothes stained with blood. I was shocked and admittedly a bit relieved to find that my rescuer was none other than Damien.
"Well that was tedious," he remarked sardonically as he removed the restraints from my hands. "Sad to say that it was the most action I've seen all night."
"I'm sure they'll be plenty more to come before the night is over," I replied, standing to my feet. "And thank you," I added, trying not to look at the grisly seen where the now dead guards lay.
"You owe me a new suit," he replied, straightening his disheveled and bloody attire before casting an impish grin my direction.
"Done," I chuckled. "How did you find me, anyway? I didn't see you in the ballroom when I was caught."
"I was tracking another vampire when I saw the guards pass by dragging you behind them. Can't leave you alone for five minutes without you getting into trouble."
"Who were you tracking?" I asked, ignoring his jibe.
"A very interesting mouse I met through your Amber, actually. I was dancing and having a lovely chat with her when this character interrupted us. However, I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of his beautiful entourage and learn a bit about him. He's a Count, apparently; Count Fane cel Rau. What's most interesting is that he exactly fits the description of the mouse who took Janssen's fiancé, Maria. I was standing directly behind him when you were caught so you couldn't see me. I didn't want to rouse any suspicion if we had made eye contact, so remained hidden from you. But it's imperative that I relay this information to Janssen right away. This might be his only chance at getting Maria back."
I nodded in understanding. "Then you find him and Dawson; make sure they're both alright. I'll keep searching for Amber."
"Try not to get caught this time," Damien smirked. "I don't want to make having to save you a regular occurance."
"Right," I replied with a grin. An instant later he was gone. With a renewed sense of urgency quickening my steps, I resumed the quest to find my dear friend.
…
As I wandered through a long dark hallway, I shuddered from the cold, pulling my robe closer around me. I began to regret leaving the comfort of my room as I realized that I was lost. But after a time I could make out the sounds of what sounded like an argument somewhere up ahead of me. I continued cautiously, tiptoeing across the stone floor making as little noise as possible. The sounds grew louder as I advanced, and I was surprised to recognize one of the voices as belonging to Ratigan. However I couldn't find a door or anything leading to a room, though the voices sounded as if they were right beside me. But at length I came to a small grate in the wall, and as I peeped through I found that I was looking down into a large room lit only by a fireplace.
In the dim light I could make out Ratigan, fists clenched by his side and chest heaving. He was clearly upset about something. He crossed the room in a flash as vampires do and glared down at the other figure that I recognized as Fane, standing still with his hands clasped behind his back and looking on calmly as the Professor fumed.
"This was not part of the plan!" Ratigan growled through clenched teeth.
"Plans change, Professor," the Count replied without flinching at the intimidating rat towering over him. "I gave you the opportunity to prove yourself, and it's clear from your little outburst at the ball that you still have much to learn about self-control."
"There was a problem, and I handled it," Ratigan muttered, his eyes flashing like daggers.
"Not as well as I would have hoped, I'm afraid," Fane replied, shaking his head. "You don't seem to realize the gravity of the situation. Your job tonight was to gain trust in the vampire community, to make them see you as one of them, and in fact, have them look to you as a leader."
"But she wasn't part of our deal."
Shivers went up my spine as Fane grinned, fangs flashing in the scarlet glow of the fire.
"She is now."
My blood ran cold as to who the "she" might be to which they were referring. My fears were only confirmed as they continued.
"My power over her mind grows stronger each day," Ratigan continued. "What use could she possibly be to you when she is already under my control?"
"There is more to Amber than meets the eye, my dear Ratigan," Fane remarked, walking towards the fire, casting a long shadow across the room. "You seek companionship; a Queen to rule alongside you. But I have a greater purpose in store for her. I share your sentiments that she is a beautiful, remarkable woman. But soon it will become clear to you that she is capable of so much more."
I trembled in fear, not understanding a thing he said. What in the world was he talking about? I was just a simple country girl. I wasn't capable of ruling anything, much less an entire country. Here I thought Ratigan was the one I had to worry about, when Fane himself was plotting something as well. What could he possibly have in store for me? However, I didn't want to stick around to find out as Fane continued.
"As I'm sure you're aware, that detective seems to have a habit of thwarting your plans at the worst possible moment. Since your feelings for Amber has clearly clouded your judgment to the point where you didn't have the sense to kill him on the spot, I am taking charge of the plan. So before anything else happens, fetch the girl and bring her here."
I put my hands over my mouth to stifle my gasp so that I wouldn't be discovered. Ratigan only glared with hatred at the mouse. If looks could kill, Fane would have disintegrated on the spot. "How dare you order me around like a common thug, and in my own castle-!"
"Perhaps I'm not making myself clear." Fane whirled around, fixing Ratigan with a piercing gaze. Ratigan stood wide-eyed for a moment, a look of horror passing his face. Then, to my complete and utter shock, he knelt down and bowed to Fane, much as Ratigan had made me do himself. "Bring her to me," Fane repeated, his voice a low hiss. "NOW."
With his ears flattened against his bowed head, Ratigan nodded solemnly. "Yes, Count."
My mouth hung open in astonishment. To think that the Napoleon of Crime was taking orders from someone else! I knew what it was like to be compelled first hand, and had been in Ratigan's position; but I was a mortal being controlled by a vampire. If Fane was able to control a vampire as powerful as Ratigan… ?
I didn't have time to ponder it any longer. I backed away from the little window in fright, afraid to make any noise lest I alert Fane to my presence. But as soon as I was some distance away, I sprinted as fast as I could as if Ratigan were already right on my heels. If I was caught now, I might never get away. I had to find Basil before—
…
Author's Note: Told you Fane and Ratigan would have a difference of opinions at some point xD Sorry the chapter is so short. I wanted to leave you hanging as always cuz I'm evil like that ^^
So it seems Fane has been plotting some devious schemes of his own. Wonder what diabolical plans he has in store for Amber?
Music for scene where Fane and Ratigan argue: watch?v=D4YwNY_7w4c&list=PL926B303D8ED769E7
Great Mouse Detective and characters (c) Eve Titus and Disney
Amber, Fane, Janssen, Maria, and Damien (c) me
Do not use without permission