Chapter LIII: In the case of Baker Street part V
In a darkened shop alley lit by only one street lamp a closed toy store had some rather unusual guests behind it's locked doors and tightly closed windows.
Fidget groaned as he kicked a couple of garments that him and his accomplices had been sent to find, Pete himself groaned as well as he walked over carrying a whole stack of the red royal guard uniforms in his hands that made a huge leaning tower over his head.
"Oh! This stuff sure looks easier bein' picked up then holdin!" Pete complained as he was struggling slightly with the weight of it all.
Looking at Pete Fidget then replied, as he was alarmed at the size of the staggering tower of clothing, "hey stupid what do ya think yer doin'! That's stuff's gonna come crumbling down any-"
Then he was interrupted as Pete got immediately annoyed at those rude words as he started to rush forwards forgetting the heftiness, "stupid! I'll give ya stupid! I ain't gonna be walkin around and bein' whoa!!!-"
However as he had started to run carrying the garments he suddenly tripped sending the whole batch into a chaotic rain, this was bad news for it would take them all ages to gather it all together again.
Suddenly running forwards using her speed and wings Hari quickly snatched the bag from Fidget's hand and then jumped quickly into the air darting here, there and everywhere until she caught them all in the sack with seemingly no effort at all.
Fidget was gob smacked as he looked on with amazed eyes as Hari floated down onto the floor gently the sack bulging, and as suddenly as she did Pete fell onto the floor of the table with a huge thump, this made Fidget fall and trip on his feet while Hari remained as still as a statue even though she was lifted ever so slightly.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Of all the rotten luck to happen to-" suddenly he was cut off as Hari had walked over to his side and was now reaching her right hand down to him. He blinked as he saw this gesture but then before he could question Hari answered seemingly reading his mind, "a hand up."
Hearing this Pete was quiet for a moment but then seeing the gesture he decided to take the offer up as he was then lifted onto his feet once more, after he'd managed to get back up Pete then started to dust himself off.
Watching him for a moment as he did this Hari satisfied that she had gained the appropriate results lifted the bag over her shoulder as she did Pete talked once more, "now that was the last thing I've been needin' right now, I don't need to be doin' two errand jobs at once, I don't wanna be no gofer!"
Letting Pete continue on with his complaints Hari walked over to Fidget who had now got up too as he flapped his wings slightly getting a little ache out here and there, watching her approach he then saw her throw the sack beside him as she then said, "I trust that this is the adequate amount?"
Hearing her he blinked for a moment unsure and a little wary of her cold nature as he replied, "I uh… I think so, hang on a sec." With that he rummaged into his right wing pocket as he took out the list and a pencil.
Seeing him do this Hari walked over behind him herself to also observe the list, Pete then finally finished with his complaining walked on over himself as he asked, "is this all then we're needin to be gettin'?" He asked.
Hearing his question Fidget looked ay him for a second then back at the list, "uh, well uh let's see here, get the following, Tools check, we got tools haven't we?" He asked.
Hearing him answer Hari replied in her dry cold tone, "yes."
Getting this reply Fidget then went back, "uh okay then gears double check! We got the gears, girl we ain't got girl yet, uniforms? Oh we got plenty of them," Fidget ended with amusement in his voice as they now had ¾ of what was needed.
Hearing Fidget's amused tone Pete himself wasn't pleased as he replied, "yeah we got them only cause of me and my achin back!"
Ignoring another complaint Hari considered their situation as she spoke, "now all that is left to acquire is that young girl… now what would be the best method to proceed-"
However suddenly outside interrupting her came a howling from a bloodhound outside and upon it stood six small figures. Seeing them Pete and Fidget were startled though Hari was undeterred.
"Huh? Oh no! We've got found out!" Pete cried panicked as he didn't want a repeat of what had happened to him in the last world.
Fidget too was alarmed as he cried, "oh no! Oh no! We gotta hide! We gotta hide!" With that he had grabbed the sack and ran on ahead.
Seeing him flee Pete immediately started his pursuit as he cried, "hey whatya doin! Don't leave us behind here!"
Not listening Fidget jumped up onto a de-geared clown toy and into the heights of the shelves above but unfortunately for Pete he wasn't tall enough or light enough to make the toy work as it had done him.
He grew anxious as he cried, "ya good fer nothin' ding bat don't strand me here! I can't-"
However he was cut off as suddenly he felt a pull on from his back as he was suddenly lifted up off the ground, looking startled as he was taken into the dark heights he saw once again that he was being assisted by Hari who looked as though she was struggling as she flew with her wings saying, "you are still extremely heavy."
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After the exhilarating ride the group all had on Toby's back they were now all disembarking. Basil truly satisfied cried out, "splendid job Toby!" As he landed upon the window ledge enthusiastically. As he made it over Olivia was then herself on the edge of Toby's nose as she smiled reaching out to Basil to assist her.
Looking at this gesture Basil sighed as he rolled his eyes not really taken by the sweetness as he then reached his arms out as well ready to assist, then with a jump Olivia was then quickly caught by Basil's arms as he held her for a brief moment but then set her down as he ushered her forwards.
"Awww that was so cute!" Nozomi spoke as she watched the sweet scene between the two, she was then herself on Toby's nose at the edge. Looking back for a moment into Toby's eyes she said, "thanks for the ride Toby, that was a great job."
Toby then nodded slightly happily making her shake slightly as did everyone else who were getting ready to disembark, getting her act together after the slight nod she looked back to Riku who was standing beside Dawson, king Mickey walked over to proceed with her.
"Well then let's get goin Nozomi," he spoke as he looked up at her.
Looking at the mouse king she replied, "Okay your majesty."
Seeing the edge that divided them from the windowpane Nozomi watched as the king made it over to the other side without any hassle, Nozomi though was a little hesitant as she was gearing herself up.
"Will you hurry up and move!" Riku complained as he was getting impatient with her loitering.
Hearing the rude words Nozomi looked back as she looked mad herself as she replied, "oh get lost!" With that she hopped on over without any trouble as she walked on over to join king Mickey and Basil.
Finally it was then time for Riku and Dawson to head after the group, suddenly as they made it just in front of Toby's eyes there was a slight growl from Toby's throat, this made Dawson nervous as he tried to make a step to leave saluting with his hat as he went while Riku however just looked puzzled as he asked him as he walked too, "what's your problem?"
Then suddenly breathing in making Riku and Dawson Toby unbalanced they were suddenly launched forwards fast as Toby had snorted a puff from his nose.
This turned Dawson into a rolling ball as he smacked into the back of Basil's legs with a thump and then Riku rolled as well as he then unfortunately collided into Nozomi making her fall head forwards.
"Owwww!" She cried from the impact, she then started to get up as she was lying down further complaining, "what the heck was that for! Why did you-"
Suddenly she stopped abruptly as she saw that Riku was on top of her as he looked just as surprised as she was at their sudden closeness.
Wide eyed for a moment, Nozomi then suddenly turned red with embarrassment as she then said annoyed trying to push him off, "get off you're heavy!"
Disgruntled at this comment Riku was snapped out of the moment as he replied turning his own head away red with annoyance, "well excuse me then!"
With that he got up as he walked forwards to catch up to Basil and Dawson who were waiting for the argumentative couple, seeing Riku move the king walked over as he offered Nozomi a hand up, "here you are Nozomi."
Looking at the hand up Nozomi was grateful for the politeness as she replied, "thanks." With that she was lifted back up.
Seeing that the little scene was over Basil proceeded over to Toby as he commanded, "Toby, sit!"
However the dog only looked up obliviously happy wagging his tail his tongue sticking out, seeing this Basil tried again getting nearer as he pointed to him saying, "Toby, sit!"
Olivia though beside him lowered her right arm and hand down saying, "sit Toby!"
With that he plonked his behind down obliging the command with the same look upon his features, seeing this result was gained, though not completely in the way he would have liked it he spoke, "good boy, if you'll excuse me." With that he walked forwards again.
As he started to walk forwards though Nozomi said to him sarcastically, "oh well look who can't control his dog well huh?"
At these mocking words Basil looked at her annoyed as he said coldly, "I do not wish to hear more mockery, especially from you… now as I said moving along."
Watching him as he walked past Nozomi then raised one of her eyebrows as she said, "well I'm glad at least he said something to me, he hasn't really talked to any of us properly since this whole thing began."
Hearing her say this the king looked up at her as he replied, "yeah well that's true, but I don't think you should be mean to him on this investigation you know Nozomi, I'm sure the fella's got a lot on his mind."
Listening to the king saying this Nozomi responded apologetically slightly, "uh yeah… sorry your majesty, I didn't mean to be too rude, I'll mind it next time."
The king nodded as he then walked forwards Nozomi beside him as Olivia then quickly caught up to them to see what the great mouse detective was deciphering.
Dawson and Riku were quietly watching Basil as he scouted around the area as he looked along the edge on his hands and knees, on the floor making odd humming noises as he did so, when he suddenly settled his gaze upon the window in front of him.
Suddenly he cried in triumph, "aha! This is our peg legged friends entrance!" With that he pointed to a single small round window from in the row, and the one thing that made this one different to the rest of the row was that there was a small hole in it's centre.
Everybody gazed at this supposed entrance perplexed as Riku asked," he got in through there?"
Looking at it Nozomi added, " Yeah how did he? Does he have an ability to make himself shrink?"
Listening to these question Dawson walked over closer as he also replied, "yes I am quite inclined to agree Basil, how could he fit into such a tiny-"
Suddenly though interrupting him Basil took Dawson's right hand as he smiled saying, "observe, Doctor." With that he then plugged Dawson's right finger into the window's hole.
This puzzled everyone still but then it was suddenly made crystal clear as he suddenly pulled back upon the glass gently, revealing it to be a door that opened easily out.
Astonished the king spoke, "whoa, now that's a genius way of getting in without no one realising!"
Feeling the same emotion Dawson spoke to Basil through the glass frame removing his right finger making his face look all weird and distorted, which caused Nozomi to hide a small fit of giggles, "Basil you astound me-"
However Basil interrupted as he ushered him to be silent, and with that he quickly proceeded through the doorway making everyone else follow after him as they all entered the darkened halls of the toy store, with Dawson closing the door quietly behind them all.
Looking around inside the room everyone was watching out for that bat in case he did a sneak attack upon them, or something else vile however they were all so caught up in their thoughts that suddenly Dawson bumped into something as he took a step back and started to apologise, "oh I beg your pardon I-"
However as he stopped and looked up as everyone else did they saw that he'd walked into an enormous leg of a green frilly dressed doll that looked down at them almost with a pig like nose. It's face Nozomi slightly creeped out as she subconsciously took a step back.
But as she did though it was then they all looked at the scenery as they all saw the richly decorated and coloured toys surrounding them in all directions almost like a jungle upon the many shelves and tables.
"Wow… these ones are way different to any ones I've ever seen," Nozomi uttered as she looked around the place incredibly impressed.
"Gotta agree with you there," Mickey spoke as he looked around.
Riku though didn't say anything as he stood behind Olivia as he just continued to look around while Dawson talked as well, "I've never seen so many toys myself either."
Suddenly though popping out from the leg behind them all making them jump Basil appeared, as he looked around on high alert, "behind any of which, lurk our bloody thirsty assassin! So please all of you be very careful!"
Watching Basil they watched as he snuck away on the very air of caution as he slid up and stood next to the doll's right leg as he then jumped over and proceeded forwards.
Taking these words to heart everyone looked around themselves as they too were now on high alert, the king then spoke, "okay you all heard him let's get movin!"
Everyone then nodded quietly as they then all proceeded forwards looking up at the many toys that surrounded them, all darkened by shadows that made them all extremely ominous and creepy with their painted happy smiles.
Arriving at a ladder everyone climbed up in single file all feeling differently about the escapade, Basil was smiling obviously quietly excited about the whole thing. Dawson behind him as he looked on warily, while the king looked on with quiet serious determination as he gazed around, Olivia herself seemed a little anxious about things. Riku behind her was also watching out for the bat Fidget, as he was on high alert, Nozomi though on the other hand though was wary as she couldn't help but gaze at the toys as they all looked down upon them all, still creeping her out.
Finally arriving at the top dusting herself slightly, Nozomi looked up and then saw a huge Jack in the box that looking down over the group as they walked underneath it with it's leering wide eyed smile.
Creeped out even more Nozomi ran forwards as she caught up behind Riku and Olivia not wanting to be alone she whispered, "is it me, or are the toys becoming more creepy as we go through?"
Hearing her question Riku looked back at her as he replied, "that's because we're getting deeper into the darkness… things are always more scary looking the further you proceed."
Listening to this little number Nozomi was surprised once again by Riku's little ounce of wisdom as she said, "well it sounds you have a lot of experience with it."
Hearing this Riku turned around and looked at her, as he did Nozomi caught a strange expression on his face one of sadness and humour which she didn't quite get as he spoke, "I have more then-"
Suddenly from out of nowhere there was a huge sound of crashing and banging that made everyone jump up on their toes in fright and surprise, as Basil caught a scared Dawson in his arms, everybody then looked around startled as they quickly went to see where the noise was coming from.
But then looking around quickly they then suddenly saw that the culprit was Olivia who had turned on a clockwork fire engine band as it made their little concert piece with trumpets, a drum and tambourines.
Looking at this with a sigh of panicked relief Nozomi and Riku relaxed while Basil though was bitterly frustrated and mad as he dropped Dawson from his arms as he suddenly jumped and turned the device off.
It then collapsed on itself as it's band members became limp and lifeless as it's music drone fully was turned off, looking at Olivia as though he was going to blow his top Basil said angrily, "please!! Quiet."
Olivia looked up not understanding what she had done wrong as Basil then turned to the rest of group as he said harshly and bitterly, "all of you! Do not let this girl out of your sight!"
At once from habit Dawson put his right hand to his head in salute becoming all serious and straight. Olivia mimicked him, as did Nozomi who couldn't help but find it funny as she said, "aye, aye sir!"
Looking at her childishness again Riku spoke to her, "this is not the time for that trash!"
Turning and staring at him with annoyed eyes Nozomi replied, "well excuse me if I like to have fun."
But then Dawson too breaking out of his serious state turned to them all as he said, "gentleman, ladies this isn't the time for an angry debate… now come on stay close."
Hearing him Olivia replied, "all right doctor."
Looking at the young mouse girl as she walked away Nozomi decided to have a word with her herself as she said, "Olivia why did you turn on that thing?"
Hearing her question Olivia looked up carefree with a smile as she replied, "cause I thought it was interesting and I was curious."
Listening to the honest reply Nozomi replied, "Oh of course… but I think you better be more cautious… after all it's that old saying right, curiosity killed the cat."
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Meanwhile from the darkness of the shelves above, the group of villains surveyed the clueless heroes as they made they way across the chessboard in the darkness.
Looking at them Pete complained whispering quietly, "Oh it's those guys again! I wanna throttle 'em all right here and now!"
Listening to him say this Fidget also added, "yeah and look! Basil's there with 'em!"
Gazing down at the group as they continued on, Hari was quiet despite the odd pair's little disagreements as Pete then said; "all right I say we use the heartless on 'em right now!"
However hearing this idea of Pete's Hari was quick to the point as she said, "that would be ill advised."
Hearing her Pete was cross again at her disagreeing as he spoke to her, "why not?! We've got the perfect set up right! Those guys are in the dark! And we could completely take 'em unawares!"
Looking at Pete as he gave her his basic evaluation, Hari gave him her train of thought, "incorrect, they are not unawares they know full well that there are assailants here and have placed themselves highly with caution… and there is also the matter of the young girl that Rattigan requires… we have to do it in a way that doesn't let us reveal ourselves."
Hearing this Pete hadn't taken this into account but he was still dismissive as he spoke on, "who cares if they see us! We'll just run 'em into the ground and-"
Cut off once more Hari spoke, "I must remind you that my lady does not wish for them to know that I am associating myself with you… their weapons could easily smite you if I am not there to assist and if I appear here again with you, they will suspect too much and realise the truth… which is not advisable."
Pete was truly now beaten word for word and there was no way for him to answer back to this sound logic as he sighed and shook his head as he asked, "all right, all right then! But what are we supposed to do then?"
Listening to all this Fidget tuned as well as he added, "yeah what can we do now…"
Looking down again and upon the darkness Hari then quickly came up with a solution, "we will use stealth…"
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Walking along a blue and black coloured chessboard Basil came across one of the chess pieces in his path as he then with a smile moved it back into the group saying, "checkmate!"
Looking at the piece annoyed with Basil's arrogant nature as he had placed it in her way Nozomi pushed it back saying, "Oh check yourself!"
Seeing her annoyed face Riku shook his head as he asked with a slight smile, "what's wrong, don't you like chess?"
Hearing this question wondering where the sudden wish for conversation had come from Nozomi looked at Riku puzzled for a minute as she replied, "no I don't… I can't play the game to save my life."
Discovering this Riku continued on, "oh can't you?"
Replying not looking back as she walked onwards Nozomi replied, "No, why can you play it?" She asked as she looked at him.
Hearing her ask Riku replied, "yeah I can, though I haven't played in a long time… none of the others could play it with me."
Raising her eyebrows discovering something new about him Nozomi then smiled as she replied walking again, "well I'd think you and Wairu would get along well then, he can play chess though not with me… I could never remember all the rules and pieces and stuff… I'd bet you guys would have a great time."
Listening to the description that Nozomi made of her old friend, Riku liked the sound of it and so replied, "well I'll look forward to it then."
Seeing him smile Nozomi smiled herself but before she could say anything Basil was quick to point out something saying, "aha! Evidence of our peg legged adversary!"
Looking at the ground then everyone spied dirty footmarks on the wooden floor, as they did Mickey then spoke saying, "well this fella seems to get dirty feet real easy doesn't he?"
Hearing him say this Riku replied, "you can say that again."
But not heeding their words Basil continued looking downward with his magnifying glass as he walked forwards overly excited at the idea of catching their target at last! However as he walked forwards suddenly he was halted as he came in front of metallic feet. Gazing upwards he then saw that he had made it in front of a metallic black moustached doll that he noticed was lacking something, as he wondered to himself, "how very odd?"
The others catching up to him then too all saw the huge row of metallic dolls as Basil was deep in thought as he pondered something, seeing him like this Dawson inquired, "what is it Basil?"
Hearing the question being asked he replied, "isn't it painfully obvious, doctor? These dolls have been stripped of their uniforms."
Listening to this explanation Nozomi was confused for a moment but then looking up and beside them she then noticed the box that the dolls had all come from revealing them to be royal guard dolls, realising this she then said, "I kind of feel sorry for all of them, if it's like this."
Hearing this thought Basil replied, "indeed and this wasn't done by any child either." He spoke as he looked up at Olivia who looked at him puzzled.
Riku hearing this replied, "well that's rather obvious… not even an idiot could do all of this alone."
Looking at Riku Basil didn't reply a word, as he had looked behind him and had made a new discovery as he spied with his magnifying glass, "hello?"
Everyone then watched him as he made his analysis of the scene, "someone has taken the liberty of removing the clockwork mechanisms from these toys." True enough to his words the others all noticed the hollow bodies of two wind up toys, a clown with a grinning face and one that was once a drumming monkey.
Seeing this Mickey then was now really awfully curious as he asked, "now what's really going on here? What is this all leading to?"
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Still watching from above Hari gazed at their progress and was impressed by the mouse detective's observations, suddenly from behind her came huffing and puffing from both Pete and Fidget.
Seeing their return she asked, "is it all prepared now?"
Breathing hard Pete replied, "Yeah it is! But ya have no idea how hard it was to do without 'em noticin!"
Fidget just breathed in and out as he agreed, "yeah, so… uh when do we start?"
Hearing this question Hari gave her answer instantly, "now."
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Meanwhile below the others were all trying to identify what all these anomalies meant, and as Dawson was busy with his own thoughts suddenly he noticed something on the ground, a single piece of paper.
Thinking this odd he picked it up as he asked with Olivia looking puzzled too, "hey fellows?"
Hearing him ask Mickey replied, "yeah? What is it Dawson?"
He then waved the paper to him which then they noticed as they all walked over to take a look as well, they then all saw it must be something important so Nozomi called him over, "hey Basil!"
Irritated with her voice he replied, "Please I'm trying to concentrate!" As he had his hand to chin in thought.
Annoyed Nozomi replied, "Will you just look at this thing we've got here! It's-"
Suddenly everyone was distracted as all around the toys started to stir into life as twisting and turning of keys was heard as the toys all each made their own unique songs and sounds.
It was all eerie yet enchanting to see this occur as it made a childish playful atmosphere, as everyone gazed around Nozomi asked confused, "wait… do these toys come to life in front of mice?"
Looking around though Riku was in doubt, "I don't think so… I'm sure this world doesn't work with the same rules as the last…. This all feels too set up."
Everyone was all overly cautious and distracted gazing up at the many wonders in the room to notice a bubble toy had started up, the delightful little things blew in Olivia's way as she looked gleeful as she chased after the source.
However noticing the bubbles then too Mickey turned and saw Olivia following the bubbles around the corner and quickly followed after her, turning the corner he saw that she had made it past a Dumbo bubble toy and was now gazing fondly upon a blue and pink ribboned baby cot that rocked back and forth with sweet music.
Seeing her like this the king ran forward as she started to pull the sheets back off the sleeping occupant however as she did he pulled on her arm saying, "You mustn't runaway from us like that otherwise you-"
"BBBBWWWWWWWAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!" Came a shout from a horrible black fanged grinning face with a pink bonnet on its head that scared the king and Olivia witless.
Off guard suddenly a sack came over the top of the two of them with a huge loud familiar chuckle, "ha! Got ya!" Came the familiar cry.
The king was trapped in the sack before he could shout out along with Olivia who then screamed loudly in distress.
This then alerted the others who all looked wide-eyed with shock! "Olivia!" Nozomi cried.
"Oh no!!" Dawson cried out realising the fatal mistake they'd committed.
"Quick we must pursue!" Cried Basil as he ran forwards.
They all ran around the corner and there suddenly catching them all unguarded were suddenly rows of heartless all moving hauntingly back and forth with their glowing yellow eyes and black antenna.
Seeing them all there Riku looked up behind them and saw him! "Pete! You're here again!"
Smiling as he stood behind his rows of heartless with Fidget at his side smirking with his huge fangs in his pink baby bonnet as he held onto a sack bulging as it rocked back and forth with live movement, "right ya are small fry, with a nice couple of little gifts for old Rattigan!"
Hearing him say this the others then noticed that there were two within the bag as Mickey was now no longer with them!
"The king! You-"
Interrupting her Pete smiled on " that's right sweet cheeks! And now it's time we gotta be sayin toodles, and all of you guys are gotta be sayin hello to our heartless!"
With that he snapped his fingers as they leaped into battle against the mouse heroes.