After making an important phone call, Basil sat on the couch with Olivia. ''William, he knew, didn't he?'' Olivia asked abruptly, staring at the window. It was now raining.
''Oh, he knew all right. How could he not have? It explains everything. But all these years and I have only just deduced it now, like a fool, so how could he have known long beforehand?'' he added, his voice a mixture of dismay and frustration.
''It wasn't because he's cleverer than you, so get that idea right out of your head,'' Oliva said in an authority-like tone. ''Either he knew from the very beginning, or he knew something you didn't, something that enabled him to realise the truth.''
Basil smiled weakly at his love. ''I'm not as arrogant as I once was but I still retain some pride over my intellect, which can blind me to the bigger picture. And you're right, both are entirely plausible.''
Olivia nodded and smiled back.
''How are you two doing?'' Mrs Judson appeared with a tray of tea and cheese crumpets. ''Any leads on the Viper?''
''Mrs Judson,'' Basil said proudly, standing up and placing his hands on his housekeeper's shoulders, ''Olivia and I –''
The detective was interrupted when he felt a sudden prick on his fur, the prick that indicated he was being watched. He looked in the direction of the window and saw the face of a hooded figure staring back at him before disappearing in fright. ''The spy!'' Basil shouted, running to the door and opening it. ''Livy, Mrs Judson, stay here!''
Olivia ignored her boyfriend and followed him outside. The rain had now ceased but it was still muddy. The couple ran out into the street but there was no sign of the figure anywhere. ''He's gone!''
Basil looked down and crouched on all fours, grinning. ''Not entirely, Olivia. He left some rather unusual footprints.''
The young woman looked down and saw he was right. One was a foot and the other was a hole, as though someone had jabbed the ground with a long sharp object.
''One of the Viper's lackeys has indeed been spying on us – perhaps the very same one who was spying the night you and Hiram first asked for our help, Livy. From the looks of these footprints, specifically the holes, I can deduce that they have a –''
''Peg-leg,'' Olivia finished, looking as though she had seen a ghost. ''William, given everything we know about the Viper, you don't suppose ...?''
''Fidget!'' the couple said together.
A few blocks away, Fidget had his back pressed against the wall, breathing heavily as though he had been given a fright (which he had). Calming down, the bat struggled to process what had just happened. It was not good in the slightest; Basil had finally noticed him, and he and Olivia will have seen his footprints so they now knew he was alive and well. But worst of all, while Fidget couldn't hear what Basil and Olivia said, but from the concentrated look Basil displayed when staring at the Viper's doll, Fidget had a feeling the detective was starting to piece together the Viper's true identity.
With the combination of these three things, the Viper would very angry and displeased if Fidget revealed this to them. While it had been orders in the past to do so, Fidget made up his mind that he would keep schtum from his boss. Why? For one thing, Fidget would once again be on the receiving end of the Viper's rage, and he had already endured this many times with both Ratigan and the Viper, thank you very much. Secondly, the Viper would most likely do him in. And thirdly, and most importantly, Fidget found he just didn't want to.
''I don't want to,'' the bat said out loud to himself. ''I don't … I …''
Sighing deeply, Fidget decided he needed to go somewhere quiet to contemplate everything he was feeling. After all, he had plenty of time as the Viper wouldn't be expecting him back for a while. As to where he would go, the bat knew exactly where – the place he hadn't been to in years. He didn't even know if his family still lived there, but Fidget figured it was the best place to reflect regardless.
It took some time to get there, but eventually Fidget had found it – his former childhood home. The human bakery had shut down, for the windows and doors were all boarded up; it was completely dilapidated, which indicated that the bat quarters was also deserted. True, there was another bakery just down the road, but a part of Fidget felt sad the bakery that had been his home was no more. His parents must've moved since he was kicked out, Fidget realised with a heavy heart. Placing a wing on the door, it swung open and the bat found himself in the hall. It was empty, all the pictures, carpets and furniture were gone, and even the wallpaper was flaky and peeling away. It was a ghost town. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Fidget explored his old home until he found his room, the room he had shared with the twins. It seemed smaller than Fidget remembered it. His bed in one corner, the twins' on the other side. Now that he was here, all the memories were now flooding back to him, as if he was watching them like Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Past.
1882
Five-year-old Fidget Russell was sitting on the floor of the living room, pulling silly faces at his one-year-old baby twin siblings, Freckles and Fluffy, who laughed. He adored the twins and would do anything to hear their cute chuckles. The laughing would make Freckles appear to have less of them, and it would make Fluffy's fur look even softer.
''What are you doing?'' demanded an angry voice, and Fidget turned to see his eldest sister, twelve-year-old Felicia, flying towards them, looking very cross. ''Get away from them now, Fidget!''
''But Felicia –''
''No buts, you pipsqueak!''
''Don't be so mean, Felicia!'' said another voice, and Francine, who was one year younger than Felicia, placed herself in front of her three younger siblings. ''Fidget is just playing with them, as we all do. Why do you always have to be so horrible to our brother? You're not like this with this me, Fredrick or Felix.''
''That's because you three have good vibes,'' Felicia said in her bossy voice, and placed her wings on either of in her head and closed her eyes concentration. ''Fidget has bad vibes, and my psychic powers tell me he will become a bad apple in the future.''
Felicia felt a wing on her shoulder and turned to see Fredrick and Felix, the first and fourth of the seven siblings. Fourteen-year-old Frederick had muscular wings, while Felix looked timid. ''Give that nonsense a rest, Felicia,'' Frederick said in an authority-like tone. ''You don't have psychic powers! There is no such thing as magic! Right, Felix?''
Everyone looked at the fourth child, who stammered. He looked between his siblings, not knowing who to side with, and hid behind his older brother. ''I don't like confrontations!'' the eight-year-old whined.
''Don't be such a wimp, Felix,'' Felicia snapped. ''But it's better than being a runt like Fidget. I mean, look at him! Compared to us he's the runt of the litter. You are marginally taller than him, Felix.''
''He can hear what you're saying, Felicia,'' Francine said defensively, looking at Fidget in pity. ''You shouldn't be saying things like that to a 5-year-old. And he can't help being small!''
''No, it's fine, Francine,'' Fidget piped up, looking nervously at his bully sister. ''I … I …''
''Kids! It's time for lunch!'' called their mother Milly, and Fredrick scooped up the twins while Francine took hold of Fidget's wing and the seven children made their way to the kitchen to have dinner.
''Ignore her, Fidget,'' Francine whispered to her brother. ''She's just a bully.''
Fidget giggled uncertainly.
The family of nine gathered around the large table and began to eat the delicious banana bread pie that their mother made. The Russell family lived in a baker quarters. Robert ran the counter and served the customers while Milly made bread all day long. Baking bread was her specialty, and she often made meals out of bread, including everyone's favourite, banana bread pie. It was a big as a house (well, with a lot of mouths to feed it had to be).
Robert and Molly Russell were both grey bats. Robert was muscular like Frederick and had stern yet understanding bluish-grey eyes and Milly had chocolate-brown eyes that were full of love for her children. Of all of their seven children, Fidget was the only one to inherit Molly's eyes, though Felicia claimed they lacked their mother's warmth.
''This pie is delicious as always, Mamma!'' Fidget said happy, wolfing it down. ''It's my most favourite meal ever!''
''Glad to hear that, Fidget, sweetheart,'' beamed Milly, who was feeding Freckles a bottle, and Robert fed Fluffy.
Felicia snorted.
''Felicia, don't be so mean to your brother just because of what your 'psychic powers' say,'' Robert warned his eldest daughter.
Felicia began protesting the usual excuse that her 'powers' told her Fidget would grow up to be wrong-un, but no-one really listened. Fidget was too busy eating his meal to care. ''How is school, Fidget?'' Milly asked abruptly. ''Have you made any friends?''
''Yeah,'' Fidget said, trying to sound upbeat. ''A bunch.''
The twins gigged at their brother and made him smile. It didn't last for the bat then stared down at his empty plate glumly. He didn't have the heart to tell his parents he was being bullied at school for his small size. They were a large family and besides the twins Fidget the smallest, unusually small for his age, in fact. Was he going to endure this kind of bullying his whole life for his small status?
He saw Francine look at him as though he was drowning in the sea, worried about him. He excused himself and told his parents he was feeling tired. Francine followed him and hugged him when she saw him curled up on the floor. ''You didn't tell them, Fidget,'' she said gravely.
''I couldn't, Francine. I don't want to cause them any trouble. They've got the twins to look after.''
''You would not be causing them trouble at all. You're one of their children and they love all of us the same. If you told them they would sort it out.''
''Yeah, but still ...''
''Are you also afraid of Felicia also bullying you because of it?''
''Yes,'' Fidget said hesitantly.
''Don't worry about her. If you can't talk to Mother and Father, you can always talk to me or Fredrick. You know you have us, even Felix.''
Fidget said he knew that. Francine kissed her brother's forehead and wrapped him in a blanket and they settled down together.
Fidget sat down in the exact spot where Francine had comforted him, smiling. Now that he was remembering properly, pieces of facts and information that had previously been forgot were return to him, such as that apart from the twins, Francine was the sibling he had felt closest to, at least at that time. As the children grew older, however, that started to change; while she still cared for her brother, Francie started becoming more attentive to other boy bats and planning her path for a housewife, Frederick had left home and moved into another house with his girlfriend, starting a career as a medical professional, and Felix grew out his timid demeanour and developed a pompous personality. While Fidget grew taller slightly, he was still relatively small compared to the rest of his older siblings and overtime they are all started teasing him about, not just Felicia, and although they didn't mean to be nasty, Fidget couldn't help but take it that way, becoming distant from all of his siblings apart from the twins, who looked up to Fidget and always cheered him up. To make matters worse, the bullying never ceased at school, with no-one going to his defence, except for one person …
1889
Fidget Russell, now 12-years-old, was in the library at the Bat Night School, reading a book on sports. Despite his small size, Fidget was hoping to become an athlete one day. After all, he could fly really fast and was very agile. If I become famous, perhaps Felicia will finally treat me with respect, he thought.
''Hello, Fidget!''
He looked up and his felt himself go hot, as if he had a temperature, but he was not feeling ill at all. Standing by his side with a big smile was a very pretty bat girl with white fur and a cute pink button nose. Her eyes were a bright purple, sparkling like a gem, a perfect to compliment to her name: Lavender.
''Oh! He-hello, L-Lavender,'' he stuttered.
Lavender giggled and her eyes slid over to the book he was reading '' 'Bat Sports'?''
''I've always been interested in sports so I was thinking about making a career of it someday,'' Fidget mumbled in embarrassment, sure Lavender would think it was dumb.
''That's an amazing goal, Fidget. I think you could make it; I've seen how fast you are at dodgeball.''
Fidget laughed nervously. ''Yeah, since I am the ball …''
''Not always, and I've seen how athletic you are, I thought you were the best in the class!''
Fidget blushed. Lavender giggled again and they stared at each other…
''What are you two lovebirds up to?''
They looked up to see a gang of male bats surrounding them. Fidget knew these guys well, they always picked on him at every opportunity. ''What are you doing hanging around this loser, girly?'' the biggest and bossiest bat, Kevin, said to Lavender. ''He's so scrawny and small! So small he would get stepped on!''
They all screeched with unkind laughter.
''He's not a loser! He may be small, but it's not his fault! You are just a big bully, Kevin!''
Kevin turned red advanced toward the bat girl. ''No-one talks to me like that!''
''Hey! Leave her alone!'' Fidget shouted, placing himself in front of her. Bulling him was bad enough, but starting on Lavender crossed the line. ''It's me you want, not her!''
''Awe, how sweet, a king in shining armour! As if!'' Kevin eyed the sport book and snatched it up. ''Check this out, guys,'' he sneered, ''little Fidget here wants to be some big sports star! Well, guess what? You won't! They don't like taking on the small and weak!''
Without warning, Kevin shoved Fidget to the ground hard. ''Fidget!'' Lavender cried, rushing to his side.
Kevin and his gang left them in peace, laughing at them as they walked away.
''Are you alright, Fidget?''
''Yeah,'' Fidget asked, holding his head. ''I'm used to it, don't worry.'' He let out a sad sigh. ''Everyone always picks on me, just because of my size. It's not my fault, I can't change that about me. No-one likes me.''
''Well, I like you, Fidget,'' Lander said in her sweet voice. ''I think you're cute.'' She kissed his cheek, making Fidget blush. ''I will always be your friend.''
For the rest of the day, Fidget could not get the silly smile off his face.
Fidget giggled as though he was being tickled. Lavender had been the one kind soul at school, like his light at the end of a dark tunnel. Fidget had always liked her ever since he first saw her, and when she had defended him that day, he had never been happier. He thought about Basil and Olivia. He had not been at all surprised when he learned they were a couple now. Nine years ago, as soon as he had told him about the toy store incident, Ratigan had suspected his nephew had a special spot for Olivia despite her young age and his aloofness towards her, hence why Ratigan had Fidget dress up as her for his trap. Now that Olivia was older, it was abundantly clear that she and Basil were a perfect match, and their love was as clear as crystal. Fidget was happy for them, but at the same time, whenever he peeked at them together, it made him sad as it reminded him of what could've been with Lavender if things had been different.
But alas, Lavender's kindness had not been enough to avert Fidget's eventual path. She had his back at school, but he was still very much a reclusive and, after reading about the Big Ben Caper, the bat begun spending most of his time reading up newspaper articles talking about the crimes of the genius Professor Ratigan and new criminal mastermind the Viper. Even though they were crooks, Fidget could not help but admire their genius intellect; he'd wished he was smart like that. Unfortunately, it was because of that admiration the wheels had been set in motion that led to Fidget's career as Ratigan's right-hand bat, starting with the day he had received his peg-leg when he was thirteen …
1890
It was a cloudy day, but the Russell family didn't mind. Fidget was with the twins in their room playing a game of ghost chase (Fidget was the ghost). He ran around the room with a sheet over his head, cackling, with the twins pretending to be scared and failing.
''Will you keep it down, Fidget!'' shouted Felix's voice. ''I need to study!''
''Sorry,'' Fidget said meekly. Not sorry at all, you pompous, selfish brat.
''Maybe you could turn the volume down slightly, honey,'' his mother said gently, sticking her head around the door. ''It's very important to Felix he passes his exams. After all, becoming a lawyer has always been his dream.''
The teenager sighed in frustration. ''I know, I know.''
''Oh, my children are growing up so fast,'' Milly said, a little teary-eyed. ''Francine is engaged to be married; Fredrick is expecting his first child! Oh, the thought of being a grandmother makes my heart flutter! Isn't it exciting that you're going to be an uncle, soon, Fidget?''
''Yeah, I guess so,'' Fidget said.
''We can't wait to be Auntie Fluffy, Mum,'' said the girl bat.
''And Uncle Freckles,'' added her twin brother, puffing out his chest as though he was a strong man.
Milly chuckled and left her children be so she could bake more bread for Robert to sell.
Fidget and the twins resumed their game. As he continued to chase the twins, his enthusiasm overtook him and as the sheet came flying off him, it was as though something had awoken inside of Fidget, who began to cackle so forcefully he looked like a scary monster. The twins saw this and screamed for real.
''What is the matter?'' Milly called and she, Robert and Felicia entered the room.
The twins were crying their eyes out and Fidget was trying to calm them down. ''It's okay, twins, it's just me.''
''Fidget! Did you scare the twins?'' Robert demanded, looking from his son to the twins.
''No! I mean, yes, but I didn't mean to,'' Fidget pleaded. ''I just got carried away, that's all.''
''What did I tell you?'' Felicia said triumphantly, placing her wings on either side of her head. ''I told you my psychic powers said Fidget was a bad apple!''
''I wouldn't go that far, Felicia,'' Milly protested.
''Mamma's right,'' Fidget said to his sister indignantly. ''It was just part of the game. Freckles and Fluffy know that … don't you?'' Fidget added to the twins, who nodded and hugged him.
''Don't worry, Fidget,'' Fluffy said, giggling. ''We don't mind.''
''As you said, it was only part of the ghost game,'' Freckles agreed.
Fidget looked at his parents. ''See? No harm done.''
Felicia let out a disbelieving snort.
''I suppose not,'' Robert said. ''But, Fidget, please don't get carried away like that in future.''
''Yes, Papa.''
Later on, Fidget was curled up in a corner by himself, reading both a sports book and the newspaper at the same time. He heard footsteps hopping and saw the twins approaching him. ''Hello, Fidget!'' they said, hugging their big brother.
''Hi twins, do you really forgive me for earlier?''
''Of course,'' said Freckles. ''It wasn't your fault; you were the ghost.''
Fidget smiled, before a wonderful smell caught his attention. ''Mamma's making her banana bread pie!''
''It is wonderful, but I wish we could have a fish pie, we haven't had one for ages,'' Fluffy said, ''but maybe next time.''
Fidget stopped listening after his little sister had said, ''I wish we could have a fish pie'' and an idea occurred to him. ''Stay here,'' he said to his siblings and went to fetch his hat. He told his parents he was going out for some fresh air and exited through the bakery's back door. Fidget remembered there was a fish merchant not far from his house, so he flew there as fast he could, determined to spoil his beloved siblings. If it's fish they what, it's fish they will get.
Arriving at his destination, Fidget's feet touched the ground and he peered into the window, rich tasty fish stacked on the shelves like the bread at his family's bakery. Freckles and Fluffy would love some. He reached in his wing pocket for some money ... only to find it was empty.
''Uh-oh,'' he said to himself. ''I forgot the money.''
The teenager stared hard at the fish. He didn't have any money but there was still a way to get fish. Yes, it meant stealing but if it would make the twins happy then so be it. After all, stealing fish was nothing compared to the atrocities that Ratigan and the Viper committed, and besides, Fidget had read many stories about homeless rodents and bats who would steal just to get by, so there would be no harm done, right?
Fidget snuck his way around the back and hid behind some crates, shivering, as if he was in an igloo. He watched a rodent appear with some more boxes of fish and disappear inside. The bat grinned. It was perfect! All he had to do was grab some fish and fly away before anyone noticed him! Fidget walked over to the nearest crate and reached his wing for the biggest, juiciest-looking fish … and then he stumbled over, knocking the crate over – and landed on a wet patch that sent Fidget sliding inside the building, screaming. A rodent, his axe raised, was about to chop up some more fish when he saw Fidget sliding toward him, and it happened so fast that before either of them knew it –
''Ow,'' Fidget moaned, before looking at his legs, letting out a blood-curling scream, and passing out.
Later
''It's a good thing I'm trained in the medical field, Fidget,'' Frederick sighed as he stuck a peg-leg to where his brother's right leg used to be. ''For this to happen when the baby is nearly due! Are you sure you don't want to press charges?'' he asked his parents.
''No, it was an accident,'' Milly said.
After Fidget was cleaned up, the twins were allowed to see their brother and gave him a great big hug. ''Just what were you doing there anyway, Fidget?'' Robert shrieked. ''Getting yourself hurt like that!''
''I was getting some fish for the twins. They said they wanted fish pie and –''
''That's sweet of you, Fidget,'' Freckles said, ''but we would've been just fine.''
''But why were you at the back?'' Milly asked her son.
''I didn't have any money on me so –''
''You were going to steal fish?'' Robert asked incredulously.
''Yes.''
''I knew it!'' Felicia shouted, pointing a wing at her brother. ''What have I been telling you guys all along? Bad apple! Bad apple!''
But everyone ignored her.
''I don't believe this,'' Milly sighed, putting a wing over her face. ''What have we told you? Stealing is wrong! Surely you know our family have always showed disdain for anything criminal!''
Fidget folded his wings and looked at his parents indignantly. ''I know, but I'm not sorry. I did it for the twins and I would do it again.''
Everyone stared at him in shock. ''Fidget!''
''What is wrong with me wanting to give my siblings a little treat? Besides, in case you have forgot, I LOST MY LEG! I could've died! Is my stealing really more important than that?''
''Of course not, honey,'' Milly said despairingly, ''and I am grateful you are still here, but you were a bad boy. You are grounded, young man.''
''What? You can't do that!''
''Your mother said you are grounded and that is final,'' Robert said, very sternly, his bluish-grey eyes looking cold.
Felicia smirked at her brother. The twins tried to protest but their parents wouldn't budge. Everyone left Fidget alone, who let out a scream. What was wrong with everyone? Being punished for wanting to treat his little brother and sister to fish? Why was that such a crime? Fidget was never going to live this down!
Fidget stared out of the window, watching the moonlight night. After that, it all went downhill. Fidget began stealing for the twins more often, unrepentant. While he still loved his parents, he had become very distant from them and felt they didn't understand him, or his pure intentions. Only the twins and Lavender remained the only people for whom he retained any affection. In fact, he even stopped stealing when Lavender found out and expressed her anger and sadness, which had been like a punch in the stomach for Fidget. Determined to keep on the straight and narrow path for her sake, when he was 16, he started a part-time job as a newspaper delivery boy, which also somewhat improved his relationship with his parents. Only, the final straw occurred the day he endangered the twins …
March 1893
Fidget wrapped his wings around himself, trying to keep himself warm, for it was an unusually cold day in mid-March. He was wearing a sleeveless green top, a green scarf, black trousers and his black hat. He was now used to walking on the peg-leg he had received three years ago, and Fidget liked it. He felt like pirate looking for buried treasure, like Long John Silver in Treasure Island. Actually, it became the twins' new favourite game.
The teenager had just finished his last newspaper delivery and was now ready to head back home. He looked down at his peg-leg and thought about the Viper, whose left arm had been burnt by the famous mouse detective Basil of Baker Street only a few weeks ago while attempting to harm some orphans. He sympathised with the Viper. Had his arm managed to heal?
''Hello, Fidget!'' said familiar sweet voice.
''Lavender!'' Fidget said in surprise, turning pink. ''I've just finished my round now.''
''That's good. I'm just on my way to the store to get coffee, we've run out, but I had to fly past that creepy warehouse near that Rat Trap pub.''
''Rat Trap?'' Fidget repeated, a little nervously. Ever since had had turned 16 in the New Year, Fidget had secretly visited the Rat Trap regularly after work for some Rodent's Delight. Yes, he was not of age just yet but the bartender Ralph didn't mind and even called Fidget his favourite customer. ''Did you say 'haunted warehouse'?'' he added, changing the subject.
Lavender told him that wailing could be heard from inside, but no-one knew what it it was everyone was afraid to go near it. With this information in mind, an idea occurred to Fidget. ''I see ...''
''Well, I must be off. See you later, Fidget.''
Lavender kissed Fidget's cheek and flew off, giggling. Fidget touched his cheek, still feeling her warm lips, and a goofy grin spread across his face, which remained as he flew all the way home.
''You alright, son?'' Robert said as Fidget entered the bakery.
''Yeah,'' he said dreamily.
''I'm guessing it's Lavender,'' said Milly, sharing a smirk with her husband. ''She's such sweet girl, she's really having a positive effect on you, you've really turned a corner, honey.''
''I second that,'' Robert agreed proudly. ''If something happens with her, the twins will soon be the only children still living with their dear parents. Frederick and Francine have families of their own, Felicia has moved in with her boyfriend – though they only live just around the corner – and Felix is at Batbridge University.''
They continued talking as Fidget went upstairs. He was greeted by Freckles and Fluffy, who were now only a few inches shorter than him. They pounced on him and he staggered over, struggling with the weight, but he didn't complain. ''Hey twins,'' he said, getting right to the point of his idea, ''are you up for a little adventure?''
''Yeah!'' they cheered. ''Where are we going?''
''It's a secret,'' Fidget teased. ''Let's go right now, while Mamma and Papa are working.''
The twins nodded and the three bats snuck downstairs and out of the backdoor while their parents were both out at the front. They flew all the way to the warehouse, Fidget leading the way.
''What is this place, Fidget?'' Fluffy asked when they touched the ground.
Fidget grinned and informed his siblings about the mystery of the warehouse's wailing.
''Is it a ghost?'' Freckles asked excitedly.
''Maybe.''
Fluffy wailed.
''Don't worry, Fluffy,'' said Fidget, patting her head. ''It's an adventure. I'll look after you, don't worry.''
Trusting their big brother, the twins followed him inside. It was dark and eerie, like a haunted house. Fluffy whimpered and Freckles held his sister's wing, holding onto Fidget's with the other. Every now and then, Fidget would trip over, his peg-leg still unsteady, but he made out to the twins it was a game. Suddenly a loud wailing noise sound and three bats froze. ''Fidget, what was that?'' Fluffy asked, tugging on his wing.
''It's the ghost!'' Freckles said, bouncing excitedly.
''I don't know,'' Fidget added, doing his best to sound brave. He was scared and nervous, but he had to stay strong for his beloved siblings.
''It's getting closer!'' Fluffy wailed. ''I want to go home!''
Fidget agreed, much to Freckles' protest. Fidget tried to remember where the way out was when suddenly, a large shadow loomed over three siblings, who looked up and froze. There, hovering over them with hungry smile, was an enormous orange cat.
''A cat?'' said Freckles, sounding calm despite trembling. ''That's what the wailing was?''
''RUN! OR FLY!'' Fidget shouted, and the three bats split up just as the cat lunged toward them. All three flew up in the air, but the cat did its best to swipe at them with its giant paws. Unfortunately, the twins were not fast enough and were sent crashing to the floor with a swat.
''Fluffy! Are you alright?''
''Yeah, are you?''
The twins looked up to see the cat advancing towards them and huddled together. ''FIDGET! FIGDET!''
Fidget stared down at his siblings in mid-air and, without any hesitation, charged down at the cat like lightning and grabbed onto its tail, distracting the cat. Fidget yelled and hung on tight despite being bounced around while the cat chased its tail, giving the twins the chance to escape. He continued to be jiggled about, until the cat finally managed to shake him off by flinging its tail, sending Fidget flying through the air – and crashing through the ceiling's rotating propeller. Fidget yelled louder than ever as he spun around the propeller, before falling out and landing the floor with a thud, his clothes filled with holes as though they had been chewed.
''Ow!'' he complained, but didn't have time to process what had just happened before the cat appeared before him, displaying a huge Cheshire cat grin. This was it, Fidget was going to die, for he couldn't felt his right wing. He screamed as the cat lunged at him but something grabbed him just in time and flew out of the warehouse. When they arrived back at the bakery Fidget looked up to see his saviour but wished he hadn't.
''Papa!'' he exclaimed, nervous at his father's intimidating look, and Fidget knew he was in trouble.
Later
Fidget was lying in bed, having had his clothes changed. He was wearing a purple top and scarf, new black trousers and a green sock his left leg. A lot of his fur was gone so he looked like a naked mole rat. He still couldn't feel his right wing.
''He'll live,'' Fredrick informed their family after checking his brother over, ''but he'll never fly again, his right wing is crippled beyond repair.''
Milly, Robert, Francine and the twins started to cry, while Felicia was not moved in the slightest. The twins tried to walk over to him but their parents held them back and everyone left Fidget to rest.
After a few hours sleep, Fidget woke up and rubbed his head. He looked at his right wing, which now felt like rubber, as the devastating truth hit him: he would never fly again, never feel the wind in his face as he soared through the air. He had lost a part of who he was forever. He looked up when the door opened and saw Francine, the look on her face too sad to describe.
''Mother and Father want to speak to you,'' she said, and she hung tight her brother as they entered the living room. Their parents, Frederick and Felicia were present, but the twins were absent, as Molly had asked one her friends to have them for the night.
''Fidget,'' Robert said in a deadly whisper, ''I consider myself a reasonable bat. As the patriarch of this family, I set certain rules and I expect those rules to be obeyed.'' He drew in a deep breath and Fidget jumped as his father suddenly yelled: ''WHAT YOU DID WAS IRRESPONSIBLE, FIDGET! WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?!''
''I heard rumours the warehouse was haunted so I wanted to investigate and –''
''Why did you take the twins with you?'' Milly demanded.
''I didn't see the harm in it. They like adventure and all the games we play –''
''This isn't a game, Fidget!'' Robert bellowed. ''You put the twins in danger!''
''I'm sorry about that, and if anything had happened to them I would never have forgiven myself, but it wasn't really my fault! I didn't know there would be a cat there, did I? If I had, I never would've taken them there!''
''Really?'' Felica snorted sceptically. ''Are you sure about that? Everyone, I have been saying for years that this runt would grow up to be a wrong-un, and I was right! From the moment he was born, my psychic powers foresaw it!''
''As crazy as it sounds,'' Robert said slowly, ''I'm beginning to think Felicia was right all along. Fidget, these last few years you've been a bit of problem child, always so reckless, and a thief! After you stopped stealing and became a paper boy, your mother and I really believed you had turned a corner, we were so proud of you, but this … I am ashamed to have you as my son! Now, get out of this house and never return!''
''Father, don't you think that's a bit too harsh?'' Francine protested. ''Fidget said he was sorry about the twins and didn't mean to endanger them. Where will he go?''
''My decision is final, Francine.''
''You can't do that! Mamma?''
''You put my babies in danger, Fidget,'' Milly said, chocking, her chocolate-brown brimming with tears, ''so with a heavy heart, I agree with your father. Leave this house and never come back. You are no son of mine.''
''But what about my broken wing?!'' Fidget protested, holding up said wing. ''I got seriously hurt! Doesn't that bother you at all?''
''Not when you put your siblings' lives at risk!'' Robert said, and with that he picked up his son by the back of the neck, went downstairs, threw him out like a piece of furniture and closed the door.
Fidget stood there, in the rain, but it didn't bother him. He stared at the bakery door, struggling to take in what had just happened. ''Fine!'' he shouted at the door. ''I won't come back! I don't need any of you!''
He blew a raspberry at the bakery door and marched off in a huff. The teenager pulled his hat down tight over his head to keep the rain off. He had just walked down the block before the reality of his situation sunk in: he was homeless. Panic overtook him. Where was he going to go? He didn't have any friends to turn to. Yes, I do! Lavender! She won't turn her back on me! She'll help me!
With the thought of the bat girl he loved helping him, and perhaps starting a new life with him, Fidget hobbled as fast as he could to her house – only to find it was a waste of time.
''She doesn't want to see you, you disgust her,'' her mother told him, and slammed the door in his face.
Panic was replaced with depression. The girl of his dreams didn't want anything to do with him. It was as though Fidget was falling down a dark hole as he slumped away from Lavender's house.
After a long walk, Fidget stopped. The rain was not ceasing and he needed shelter. Scanning the area he was in, the bat caught sight of an old human-sized shoe on the ground and hobbled over to it. It was deserted and the only thing Fidget could see was an empty human-sized sweet wrapper. Without any hesitation, he wrapped it around himself and curled up. It wasn't as good as a blanket but it would have to do.
As he stared out of the shoe's mouth, rain howling like wind, the bat felt his heart pound. Where was he going to go? Lavender had washed her wings off him. He could go back to his family and beg them for forgiveness. No, he thought, shaking his head. Why should I? They were so ungrateful for everything I did, and didn't even care about MY injuries. So what if I had to steal? And I would NEVER hurt the twins! They have other siblings so they will be fine without me. I'm not going back.
Having made up his mind, the bat closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Fidget walked into the living room. At the time he never understood why his parents had been so furious with him they had to turf him out, he had never really understood the concept of empathy, but now that he was older and a little wiser, he was beginning to. He felt his peg-leg step on something. Fidget scooped it up and felt tears sliding down the cheeks. It was a crumpled-up picture the twins had drawn of him, with the words: ''Please come back, big brother. We still love and miss you.''
''Freckles, Fluffy,'' the bat whispered, holding the drawing close to his chest. The twins had never forgot him, they missed him, and all the while what was Fidget doing? Working for Ratigan, the Napoleon of Crime. As he realised his with shame, he recalled the day he first met the professor …
March 1993, the very next day
In the early hours of the morning, Fidget woke up with a groan, having not slept well. ''Ow, my head,'' he complained, reaching up to rub it, before remembering he was still wearing his hat. ''Oh, that's why. Hats don't make good pillows,'' he chuckled at himself for being so silly. ''Right,'' the bat said, standing up with confidence. ''Time to start a new day, a new life. But how?''
The bat scratched the top of his hat. He reached into his wing pocket and felt some money jiggling. ''I forgot I had some! I know what I'll do! I'll go to the Rat Trap and have a drink and see if the staff will take me on as an employee, and perhaps offer me a room. I know I'm under eighteen but Ralph and Babs have never cared. I've known them for a few good months, I know they will help me, I'm local so I know everything about the pub, and best of all,'' Fidget snickered, ''I get to see those hot babes dancing every night. Too bad Lavender isn't one of them.''
With all this burst of confidence, it was as though Fidget was wearing a suit of armour, like a brave knight, not afraid of anything. He stood up and exited the shoe. It was another cloudy day. By the time he had made his way to the Rat Trap the cloudy weather had made the area dark, but Fidget entered the tavern with a spring in his step. As always, the place was filled with many aggressive, loud-mouthed ruffians who drank and played dirty at cards. Fidget looked at the stage and saw the octopus nobody liked.
No babes yet then, he thought in disappointment, before remembering they didn't dance until the evening. He hobbled across the tavern, falling flat on his face as his peg-leg got stuck in the hole, as usual. Why does this always happen? Fidget thought as he pulled his leg out with difficulty, resulting in him stumbling backwards and hitting against the bar, as usual.
''Ah, Fidget,'' said the barman as the bat sat down and removed his hat. He had beige fur with strawberry-blonde hair that was nearly combed and holding a cigar in his mouth. ''The usual? Rodent's Delight?''
''Yes please, Ralph!''
Ralph served up the drink and Fidget began to drink it. ''Man, that's so good, as always.''
''What happened to your fur, Fidget?'' Ralph asked, hands on his hips.
''Accident.''
''How are things going for you? How's your family?''
Fidget looked down. ''My folks kicked me out last night. Spent the night in an old shoe.''
''Awe, I'm sorry to hear that,'' said a female voice, and the two looked up to see the waitress. She had a mop of curly dark blonde hair and a mole on her cheek. ''Any idea of what you're going to do, Fidget?'' she asked the bat.
''Ac-actually, Babs,'' he said hesitantly, ''I was thinking about asking you, is there any chance I could have a job? I know I'm under eighteen but I can't wait another two years, I need a job now. You guys have always been good to me, I've been here so many times I know this place like the back of my hand – uh, wing. I'll do anything, sweep floors, clean the toilets – don't worry, I can stand the smell – anything!''
Babs and Ralph looked at each other with sly smiles. ''Anything, you say, huh?'' Ralph said slowly, glancing at the floor. ''Anything?''
''Yes, and as well as a job, do you think you might be able to offer me a room as well?''
Babs' and Ralph's smiles widened.
''I think we might be able to help you on both accounts, Fidget,'' said Ralph.
''Certainly,'' Babs agreed, and ruffled Fidget's head as if he was a little boy. ''We can't let such a valued customer go under, can we?''
''Oh, thank you so much, guys! I knew I could count on you!''
''Yes,'' Ralph and Babs said together, smirking at each other, but Fidget was too busy gulping down his drink to notice.
''Come round to the bar, Fidget,'' Ralph said, gesturing with his hand. ''I'll show you what you can do.''
Fidget put his hat back on and giggled. He followed Babs and was led to behind the bar counter where Ralph worked. ''I'll leave you boys to it,'' Babs said, and she flounced off to take orders from other customers.
''Now, Fidget, stand here and listen,'' Ralph commanded and Fidget obeyed without question. ''The job I have for you is … Oh, dear, I must go to the bathroom. Don't go away, I'll be right back.''
''Yes, sir!'' Fidget said, giving him a salute and laughed. What kind of job was Ralph going to give him? As he stood waiting, he looked down at the floor and saw what looked like some kind of trapdoor. Curiosity getting the better of him, Fidget lifted the trapdoor and slipped through it. I'm just having a look; Ralph won't even notice I'm gone.
When the bat closed the trapdoor behind him, Ralph watched with a smirk, as did Babs. It had worked. Yes, it meant deception – which they both felt slightly bad about as Fidget was a good and loyal customer – but it's a win-win for everyone: Fidget gets a job and roof over his head and the boss gets a new right-hand man – or bat, as the case may be.
Fidget found himself outside at the bottom of the pub, where a pipe stood. He pinched his nose; it was musty and smelt like rotten eggs. The bat hobbled his way to the pipe's mouth and stared at it. It felt cold and damp, as though it was a cavern. Fidget's curiosity could not help it, he just had to see where this went. He glanced back at the trapdoor. Ralph will wait for me to get back. He knows how curious I am about these things.
Fidget pulled himself up and cautiously started crawling his way through the pipe. It was dark, but Fidget was confident he could find his own way, though he accidently bumped his head once or twice. Why did he have to be so accident-prone? As he continued to crawl through, Fidget felt a rush of excitement. It was as if he was starting out on an adventure. Would he find his own fortune at the end of the tunnel? Riches beyond his wildest dreams?
When he reached the end of the line, the bat lifted the man hole cover and all that excitement left him. Fidget took in his surroundings. He was in what appeared the wine cellar of a human pub, though it was deserted. There were various barrels and the largest barrel got his attention: there some steps leading to its mouth, which had its door permanently wide open, and there was a large ''R'' engraved on the top. This place wasn't exactly what Fidget had in mind of finding, and it was somewhat filthy, but he supposed it made sense seeing as it was a wine cellar. The bat wandered further and found more large barrels, and saw a human-sized fireplace with coal.
''Should I stay or go back to Ralph and Babs?'' Fidget asked himself out loud, folding his wings.
Suddenly, he felt someone grab him and his wings being pinned behind his back. ''Ow! My wings!'' he whined.
The bat looked and saw a lizard was holding him and two mice standing in front of him, arms folded and looking like guards. ''Stop your winging, bat,'' commanded one of the mice, who had a cigar in his mouth like Ralph. ''We've caught you snooping around!''
''Are you an undercover cop trying to oust the boss?'' the other mouse asked suspiciously. ''Most of your fur is gone.''
''No, of course not,'' Fidget said, looking nervous. ''I just came here by mistake and –''
The mouse with the cigar in his mouth held up his hand for silence. ''Bill, Jason, I think we should see what the boss thinks of our intruder.''
Bill and Jason grinned. ''Maybe we'll get a reward for his capture,'' Bill the lizard said gleefully.
''I doubt it,'' Jason said glumly. ''The professor never gives us anything apart from wine.''
Bill and the other mouse murmured in agreement. The trio dragged Fidget back the big barrel. The mouse with the cigar motioned for Bill and Jason to wait while he went up the steps to speak to their boss.
''Professor, sorry to disturb you, but we have found an unwanted guest sneaking around the lair.''
''An intruder, you say?'' said a scary, evil voice that Fidget recognised, and his heart raced. He looked at the engraved ''R'' and wondered: was it possible that this was the lair of …?
''Bring him in, Nathaniel.''
''Yes, sir.''
Bill and Jason pulled Fidget up the steps and flung him into the barrel, the bat giving a big yelp as he landed on the red carpet. The bat saw a pair of tiny black shoes standing in front of him and when he looked up it was as though time had frozen. Towering over him was an enormous rat (though Fidget heard he hated being called that) wearing a black tuxedo suit, a cravat, white gloves with gold cufflinks and a black cape with a red underside, as if he was some sort of high-class aristocrat or something. His black hair was neatly combed just like Ralph's, and he had a few wrinkles on his face. He was smoking a gold cigarette-holder, which Fidget had seen posh rodents smoke. It was the infamous Professor Ratigan!
''A bat, huh?'' Ratigan said, staring down at Fidget with an unimpressed look and drawing on his cigarette. ''Not what I had in mind.''
''He-hello, professor,'' Fidget said in an awed, nervous voice, standing up. ''My name is Fidget and I honestly had no idea this was your lair. I didn't mean to intrude.''
''Oh, really?'' Ratigan said in a tone to indicate he didn't believe Fidget. ''Tell me, Fidget, how did you come by my lair? No-one in Mousedom has any idea where it is, not even my scrawny, runt nephew.''
''It was an accident,'' Fidget said in pleading voice, trembling. From what he heard, as much as he admired the professor's intelligence, he was really scary and intimidating. ''You see it, was, uh, it was like this – I was at the Rat Trap talking to Ralph and Babs and I saw this trapdoor behind the bar and –''
Ratigan held up a gloved hand for silence. ''The Rat Trap … Ralph and Babs, you say?'' he asked, sounding interested and putting out his cigarette. ''Hmmm. Bill, Nathaniel, Jason, I would like you leave me and our … guest be.''
''Yes, professor!'' the trio said simultaneously, and they left the barrel.
Ratigan chuckled and looked down at Fidget with his signature smile, making the bat flinch. The professor leaned down and scooped Fidget up into his arms, rocking him like a baby. ''My dear Fidget, tell me more about your situation,'' he said in a cheerful, friendly tone, and Fidget obeyed while the criminal mastermind walked around the barrel with him.
As he told Ratigan his story, Fidget was in awe of the glamorous room. There were red and pink curtains hung elegantly behind a gold throne where Ratigan would often sit. There was a fountain with a human-sized wine bottle hung over, and a gold harp in one corner surrounded by mirrors. There was a shelf with a hand-made voodoo doll covered in needles wearing a detective outfit, which was undoubtedly Ratigan's nephew, the famous Basil of Baker Street, with a magnifying glass and deerstalker cap on either side, symbolising Ratigan's utter hatred for his nephew. On another shelf nearby, there were rows of what appeared to be journals. Lastly, in the other corner of the room, there was a black cloak with a hood hung up, which Ratigan probably used to disguise himself when venturing outside. It was like a room fit for royalty.
After finishing his tale, Ratigan placed Fidget on the carpet, looking like a hurt puppy. ''How awful,'' he said, feigning a sad tone, ''your family kicked you out just for having some fun! Oh, you poor thing.'' He pinched Fidget's cheek. ''I know what it's like to be bullied just for being what you are – a big mouse in my case. Luckily, I had support from my beloved sister Violet – until that insufferable pipsqueak nephew of mine killed her!'' he growled, before resuming his smile. ''It appears Ralph and Babs have found someone.''
''You know them?'' Fidget asked in surprise.
Ratigan chuckled. ''Of course. They are good acquaintances of mine who operate the Rat Trap as a normal tavern so as to hide my lair. Do you not have a brain, Fidget? The trapdoor you found did lead you here.''
Now that Ratigan mentioned it, that was true. Fidget froze as he realised something. Did Ralph and Babs deceive him into coming here? That was rather mean of them! Although, to be fair, he did tell them that he admired Ratigan for his smarts so perhaps this was their way of trying to help him?
''You said you admire my intelligence, did you not, Fidget?''
''Oh, yes, professor, very much so.''
''So why don't you stay here and work for me? After all, you need a job and place to stay, and I need a right-hand man.'' Ratigan sniffed and pretended to pout. ''I had to eliminate my last right-hand man recently because he upset me,'' he explained with a crafty grin, reaching his pocket and pulling out a gold-yellow bell. ''Ralph and Babs clearly thought you had potential otherwise they would never have sent you here. It would be such a huge honour for you to work for the most brilliant mind in all of London. Plus,'' he added with a huge sigh, ''where else can you go? Your parents turfed you out like a piece of rubbish with nothing but the clothes on your back. It's true you put the twins in danger, but you also risked your life to save them, and because of that one of your wings is damaged beyond repair, and worst if all – they didn't even care. All they cared about was the bad side of your situation. You deserve so much better than that, Fidget.''
Fidget pondered. It was true he did admire Ratigan for his genius and it would be an honour to work him, but from what he heard he actually got rid of some of his henchmen for some reason and that made Fidget really nervous, especially given that Ratigan had just said he had exterminated his last right-hand man for upsetting him. At the same time, as much he had hated thinking badly of his parents, everything Ratigan had just said about them was absolutely true. ''Okay. I will be your right-hand bat, professor.''
Ratigan let out a huge laugh and picked Fidget up by the cheeks. ''Fidget you delightful little manic! I knew you would see things my way. And I promise you won't regret it.''
Fidget giggled nervously. ''I'm sure I won't.''
The rat replaced Fidget on ground, walked over to the far corner and put on his top hat and cloak. He led Fidget outside back to the main area of the lair, where Bill, Nathaniel and Jason stood with the rest of Ratigan's crew. ''My friends,'' Ratigan said in a big, grand voice, ''we have new addition to our family – Fidget!'' He gestured to the bat as everyone cheered. ''He will make a fine member once we train him up a bit, and we shall celebrate his welcome with a big party … tomorrow evening.''
Fidget's face fell. Why couldn't it be right now? Still, the bat figured it was best not to complain.
''Are you off to see to your 'important business' now, professor?'' Nathaniel asked.
''Indeed, I am,'' Ratigan replied in his deep voice, sounding giddy. ''This time it will be an all-nighter, so don't expect me back until tomorrow morning.''
The gang said they understood. ''Bill, Nathaniel, Jason, I will leave Fidget in your hands, and I trust you will make sure he learns all of the rules around here, I would hate to dispose of him after only half an hour – and introduce him to Felicia, you know she likes greeting new arrivals.''
The trio stood by their new friend and said yes, but gulped at the mention of the cat.
''Felica?'' Fidget repeated, cringing.
''The boss's pet cat,'' Bill whispered.
''Do you have problem with Felicia?'' Ratigan snarled at Fidget, getting right in his face and jabbing a finger at him.
''N-n-no, boss, I like the name, it's just my eldest sister was called Felicia and she, uh, was never nice to me.''
''I see. I'm glad that's all. Otherwise,'' he added, pulling out his bell, ''I would have to …''
Fidget was confused when the boys all gasped, looking at the bell as though as though was some sort scary monster, which puzzled him. Why did the sight of a bell freak them out so much?
''Nice bell,'' he said, figuring it was best to compliment Ratigan.
''Thank you, Fidget. It's one of my most prized possessions. It was given to me three years ago as a gift.''
Fidget wanted to ask by who, but a look from Bill indicated asking personal questions was a big no-no.
Ratigan cleared his throat and pulled his hood up. ''Now if you will all excuse me, boys, my 'important business' awaits …''
''Bye, professor!'' said the gang, and with that Ratigan disappeared.
''The professor does this a lot,'' Nathaniel explained to Fidget. ''Every so often, he leaves the lair to attend to some 'important business' but we don't know what it is. We are forbidden from asking about it, unless we want to be cat food.''
''Cat food?''
''Let's have drink first, Fidget,'' said Jason, leading Fidget to the barrel, ''then we will tell you everything you need to know about being a part of Ratigan's gang. Don't worry, since he's gone for the night we will celebrate your arrival.''
Fidget smiled sadly and looked around the lair. This was it – the start of his new life. It wasn't what he had envisioned only a few short hours ago, but at least he was no longer homeless. And who knows? Perhaps working for the world's greatest criminal mind – besides the Viper – could be fun? It would mean he would be a full-time criminal, something his parents would definitely not approve of, even the twins and Lavender would be horrified. With a deep sad sigh, Fidget said, ''Mamma, Papa, Fredrick, Francine, Freckles, Fluffy, Lavender, I'm sorry. Please forgive me, this is my life now.''
Taking a huge sniff, Fidget re-entered the barrel and joined his new co-workers for a drink of fine pink wine, as he started his first day of the path he had chosen.
And the rest was history. His fur grew back and for the next four years until that night, Fidget had assumed the role of Ratigan's right-hand bat, undertaking whatever task the professor asked him to accomplish. At first he enjoyed it, the fun and excitement of the job running away with him, and he had come to value Bill, Jason, Nathaniel and the rest of the gang like a new family – but overtime he would often find himself on the receiving end of Ratigan's rage when met with a failure, making Fidget start to question if he had made the right choice. Every time he would, however, Ratigan would use his charisma to persuade him into another exciting mission and remind him of why he had been homeless, as if he could read the bat's mind, and Fidget would forget all about any reservations, as he had told Butch.
He was young and impetuous at the time, but looking back now Fidget realised that Ratigan was merely manipulating him, using his insecurities over his homelessness against him. The belittling, the verbal abuse, the threats to make him bat chow for Felicia, throwing him overboard just because he wanted to ''lighten the load'' – Ratigan had never cared for him or any of the other boys, even though he claimed they were like family. He only took Fidget on so he could have someone to do his dirty work and boss about. Why hadn't he seen that sooner?
Now onto his second boss: the Viper. Just like Ratigan, the Viper had offered him employment when he had lost everything, using his fear of going to jail against him. He was grateful the Viper had sent Spike and Cliff to save him after Ratigan threw him overboard, but he hadn't faired any better in their employment – the Viper was no different than Ratigan, treating him like dirt, having him do most of the work along with Butch.
''I think I knew deep down they were both mistreating me, but I was too scared of them to admit it,'' Fidget said out loud to himself, before narrowing his eyes, a determined look in them. ''But I'm not scared anymore.''
Taking a deep breath and sigh, Fidget held his held up and marched over to the front door. He took one last look around his childhood home and closed the door behind him.
There! Now we know Fidget met Ratigan. Fidget doesn't seem to get much love or attention, so I wanted to detail his thoughts as much as possible since his character is going through a redemption arc. I struggled for a while with how to write his backstory, until I got the idea of presenting it as a sort of ''A Day in the Life of Fidget'' montage, like a diary or journal.
So Ratigan would occasionally leave the lair to attend to some ''important business''. Intriguing. What could it have been? Seems the professor was keeping secrets. On the plus side, we now know the origin of his prized bell.
We also get a cameo by the waitress and bartender from the film, who I call Ralph and Babs. They tricked Fidget into their boss's employment. It's one the many elements of my story I owe thanks entirely to my fellow writer duchessofbooks for inspiration. Until I read her story it never occurred to me that the waitress and bartender might have been working for Ratigan, but if you watch the Rat Trap scene and think about their behaviour and body language, its plausible. Fidget and the twins being chased by a cat was also inspired by a scene from her story. It might also be another reason why Fidget feared Ratigan's cat so much.
I struggled with how Fidget got his crippled wing, until I remembered what happened to Nigel in the Rio films, so I took inspiration from that.
There were a few Disney references, see if you can spot them, detectives.
By the way, keep in mind of the important phone call Basil made at the start of the chapter, it will come into play later.
It's not much, but I would like to dedicate, not this chapter but rather this entire story with its themes of love and family, as tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose very shocking and sudden passing sadly occurred only days ago. My deep thoughts and condolences are with her family through this most difficult time as they unite over their loss. May Her Majesty be at peace as she is reunited with her husband, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. It'll be a very big and irreplaceable void to fill, but let's wish the new King Charles III the best of luck in carrying on in his mother's stead as she would've wanted.
Time to answer some reviews:
duchessofbooks: Hello, old friend, long time no see. Glad to see you back and that you are alright. Don't worry about the long absence, your health is more important. You're right about BTTF Part III being set in the 1800s, but you can understand where I'm coming from. As for Matilda over Basil and Ratigan's uncle-nephew relation, I was simply inspired by Miss Honey's line from the film, ''Yes, Aunt Trunchbull.'' Basil said the same line when he showed Olivia the photo album. Indeed, now that Fidget has realised how Ratigan and the Viper both mistreated him, he wants to redeem himself. How will our heroes react to this? By the way, I sure hope you've been having fun trying to piece together the Viper's true identity and their overall plan, looking for clues in chapters, much like Basil.
MillenniumPrincess: Yes, as both Olivia and myself said, you think you know how you will react to something but when it actually occurs it's different, such as when you take an exam, you feel confident after revision but when you actually sit down to take the exam you get brain freeze. Indeed, now that Basil has cracked the Viper's identity, it'll be exciting as our heroes gather evidence for it, and the unmasking will certainly be one to look forward to.
Next time, while Fidget was reflecting on his past, we will see how Basil and Olivia were processing the shock that their peg-legged adversary has been alive all this time.
See you soon!
