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GMD 2: Chapter 5, Part 2

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THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE 2: A NEW BEGINNING
A "Great Mouse Detective" Fanfiction By The Mouse Avenger

Chapter 5:
A Trip To The Mall

Part 2

At one point, while they were strolling through the shopping center, the Baker Street Family stopped when their ears perked up to the sound of singing.  The group all turned around to see the source of the music, & it didn't take long for them to notice that there was a huge crowd of rodents gathered in the center of the mall.  "Hey, what's that?" Olivia wondered aloud, as she & her loved ones took a look at the activity taking place not too far away from them.  A huge stage had been set up in the mall's center, with a brightly-colored sign announcing the current event: "Big Karaoke ContestWinning Prize Up To 1,000 Pounds!" On the stage, a teenage shrew with a large nose was singing a nasal version of a song called "Midnight, The Stars, & You". [3]

Ratigan quickly figured out what everyone was doing on & around the stage.  "That, my dear Olivia," Ratigan explained, "happens to be a contest for karaoke-singing."

"Boy, that sure looks like fun!" Olivia said enthusiastically, bouncing up & down in her eagerness to partake in the pop-culture powwow.

"Can we go join it, Uncle Hiram?" Cousin Timmy asked excitedly, to which Hiram replied with a warm smile, "Sure, why not?"

Meanwhile, on the karaoke stage, the shrew continued to sing his song in his stuffed-up, nasal tone.  Unfortunately for the young fellow, the audience was starting to dislike his performance, for he was not only singing nasally, but also off-key.  Totally oblivious to his failure at musical mastery, the shrew kept belting out his song for the crowd, while the Baker Street Family took their seats at a group of chairs in the makeshift karaoke arena...

Midnight...what a sweet romance...
I know...all my whole life through...
I'll be remembering you...whatever else I do...
Midnight...with the stars & you...


At this point, the audience members started booing, hissing, & jeering as they tossed popcorn & other snacks in the karaoke singer's direction.  The singer attempted to say a few last words to his not-so-adoring public, but the audience's aggravated reaction sent him dashing off the stage in a hurry!  When they saw the karaoke singer flee the area, the audience members immediately calmed down, & sat back down in their seats.  Olivia, Cousin Timmy, Ratigan, & Fidget, however, didn't pay any attention to all the ruckus—they were too busy thinking about participating in the karaoke contest.

"So...which one of you guys wants to go first?" Cousin Timmy asked, munching on some cookies he had purchased at the snack bar.

"Perhaps, I should, Timmy," Ratigan replied with a coy smile. "I'll get them all warmed up for you kids, eh?"

"That's a good idea, Ratigan!" Olivia remarked.

"All right, then!" Ratigan said, getting up out of his seat. "Wish me luck!"

(CUE SONG: "The World's Greatest Brother Around")

As he was bathed in the glow of a bright spotlight, Ratigan strolled confidently onto the karaoke stage, before taking the microphone, & turning to face the audience.  Just as he was about to begin his big performance, Ratigan took one look at the sea of spectators...& immediately gulped when he saw who else was in the auditorium.  Poor Ratigan broke out into a cold sweat, & his eyes widened with fear, as he became increasingly nervous.  He never would have guessed that they'd show up here, of all places, but there they were!  His former thugs & assistants were sitting right in front of him, with the rest of the audience!

Agent 001, Walker, Snotty Sam, Gunsmoke Gary (slurping on a blue lollipop), Eunice, Shellington Batly, Peewee Pete, Terry & Thomas Farrell, "Manchester" Maurice Favell, & Jaywalk James stared back at Ratigan with confused & puzzled expressions.  What on Earth is the boss doing here, they wondered, & why is he dressed in his royal garb from the night of the Diamond Jubilee? Bill The Lizard, Bartholomew Favell (clutching a bottle of sugary grape soda), Red Robertson (chewing on some bubble gum), Snakes Henshaw, Olga, Miriam, & Old Blind Joe glared angrily at Ratigan, not looking very pleased to see him.  Unless something's been going on with Ratigan that we don't know about, the do-gooders thought, we can assume he's still up to his old tricks!

Still cracking a nervous grin, Ratigan tried to wipe the sweat off his brow with his handkerchief, hoping that he hadn't lost face in front of everybody.  Trying to overcome his anxiety, Ratigan stuttered, "My...My friends...Wh...Wh..." It was then that Ratigan realized that he had never really told his former minions why he had fired them in the first place—not to mention that there were still plenty of rodents in Mouse London who had yet to learn of his reformation.  Well, this is a perfectly good time to remedy that egregious little oversight! Ratigan decided.  His bravado returned to him, & he proudly announced to the fursons in the audience, "W-We are about to embark on the most delightful, the most wonderful, the most glorious scheme of my infamous career!  A scheme to top all schemes, a scheme that will live in eternal fame!"

When Ratigan received no reaction from the audience, he continued on with his speech, undaunted: "On this oh-too-lovely day, your reviled enemy celebrates his official reformation." (He struck his chest with his fist, smiling in a friendly manner.) "And, with the enthusiastic help of our good friends...That's all you wonderful rodents out there..." (Some of the audience members began muttering.) "It promises to be a day you will never forget." (The clamoring from the audience became more excited.) "My first day in Mouse London as the new-&-improved Ratigan!" Ratigan struck a dramatic pose, bringing his arms up in the air with a grand flourish, & forming his paws into peace signs.

At this point, the rodents in the audience, as well as Old Blind Joe & the members of the Goodie Gang, began standing up & cheering joyfully.  Manchester Maurice & the other thugs, on the other hand, were completely & utterly confused by just what Ratigan was saying.  Nevertheless, Ratigan went on: "And now, for my entry in the karaoke contest, I would like to reprise a familiar song that some of you may remember from the days of yore..." And, so, Ratigan took the microphone, & began to stroll down off the stage into the seating area, making his way through the red carpet that was laid out between the two groups of chairs were the audience was seated, as the spotlight followed him.  As he did a little dance, Ratigan began to sing...

There was once an era of great transgression
And I'm not afraid to make such a confession,
But there was a time when all good & just
Was replaced in my heart by ill will & bloodlust


The audience members were stunned to hear the words coming out of Ratigan's mouth.  Sure, there had been recent rumors that Ratigan had reformed, but they had no way to believe it...until now.  If what Ratigan was saying was true, & he really had turned over a new leaf, then they were bearing witness to a miracle in the making!  As the audience members began reacting pleasantly to his news, Ratigan continued singing...

But now, as you see, things have changed!
I'm no longer vile & deranged!


In one part of the arena, two mice stood up next to the chairs they had been sitting in.  The first furson (a lady ambassador by the name of Mrs. Wellington) glanced up fearfully with a wide-eyed, terrified expression as she protectively clutched her young son (a little tike named Joey). [4] Ratigan approached Mrs. Wellington & Joey, gave a sweeping bow to both mice, & then crouched down to kneel at Joey's level, singing all the while...

I'm pleased to announce that I have denounced
The horrible lifestyle I had...


Ratigan smiled amiably at Joey as he took off his beanie cup, & tousled his fur-hair playfully.  Then, Ratigan reached into the pockets of his royal robes, & presented Joey with a big candy bar, a comic book, a few toys, & a box of crayons.  As he performed all these actions, Ratigan wrapped up the first verse of his song...

And you'll be delighted, amazed, & excited
To know that I'm no longer bad!


After handing Joey the last of his presents, Ratigan smiled once more at the boy, then gracefully left their presence.  A happy Joey turned to face his pleased & delighted mother as he showed her the candy bar, comic book, toys, & crayons that Ratigan had so kindly given him.  Meanwhile, the other audience members had witnessed Ratigan's interactions with the Wellingtons, & they were indeed delighted, amazed, & excited to see how much Ratigan had changed in the course of only a few months!  After a still-smiling Ratigan strolled towards them, the audience members immediately crowded around the former criminal, as they burst into joyous song...

What a change that has happened!
We can start living without any fear!


Unnoticed by anyone, Bartholomew popped up among the audience members, holding onto the bottle of sugary grape soda that he had just finished.  Shaking his empty bottle, Bartholomew sported a sad frown on his face as he sang, "Though, to be honest, I miss me beer..." Then, the audience members picked Ratigan up, & started carrying him over their heads & shoulders in an imitation of crowd-surfing.  Unbeknownst to everyone else, Bartholomew was accidentally carried up with Ratigan, & as Ratigan "surfed the crowd", poor Bart did, too!  All the while, the audience members sang...

To Ratigan,
To Ratigan...
The best guy in town!
Oh, Ratigan,
Oh, Ratigan...
The truth of his words is abound!


Ratigan was subsequently lowered down onto the floor by the audience members, while Bartholomew landed on his bum with a rough thud.  With the spotlight still shining on him, Ratigan then returned to the karaoke stage, continuing to speak through his microphone as he switched to a spoken interlude.  "Thank you, thank you all very much," Ratigan said, smiling & bowing to the audience.  Then, staring at the audience with a solemn, grave look on his face, he continued, "But you must realize that I wasn't always the monster I used to be.  I once had kindness & love in my heart, a long time ago..."—his mood immediately became angry—"...but the candle of caring that burned was quickly stamped out by the feet of that miserable scoundrel, Mouses Fiennes!"

Ratigan reached into the pockets of his royal robes once more, & whipped out a photograph of a smirking, roguishly-handsome mouse with gray fur, yellow eyes with green irises, a fang-filled smile, a pink nose, & a wild shock of fur-hair on his head.  The audience members reacted in horror to the picture, as horrible memories of past crimes & transgression-induced tragedies came rushing back to them.  The thugs said nothing in response.  The Goodie Gang & Old Blind Joe, however, started booing, jeering, & otherwise reacting angrily to the photo of Mouses that Ratigan had presented to them.  "BOO!" the heroic "hoodlums" all cried.

"I hate you, Mouses Fiennes!" Bill The Lizard shouted, making an angry face at the picture as he shook a green fist at it.

"Go to heck!" Red snarled, making a reversed peace-sign in front of Mouses' likeness.  The other thugs glared in distaste & spite at Old Blind Joe & the members of the Goodie Gang for their public display of their hatred for Mouses Fiennes.  We know very well that you could care less about our old boss, the rogues thought to themselves in irritation. Why don't you tell the whole mouse world about it, eh?

Meanwhile, Ratigan carried on with his mournful monologue.  The ex-criminal sank to his knees upon the karaoke stage, on the verge of tears.  Getting more & more choked-up with every word he said, Ratigan continued, "For many long & terrible years, that callous, incorrigible monster manipulated me into becoming an agent of the devil!  He made me who I used to be!" (Ratigan began to sob & cry.) "And only now, have I realized what innocence is left of the little boy Mouses transformed into a heartless villain—the very rodent standing before you!"

The audience members were immediately overcome with sympathy for Ratigan.  How unfortunate it was that he had been turned over to the dark side at such a tender young age! [5] It never should have been allowed to happen—not to Ratigan, or to anyone else!  Sporting empathetic expressions, the audience members moaned, "Aaaawwww..." Bartholomew, sitting up on the floor, began to cry noisily.  Ratigan dried his teary eyes with his handkerchief, then looked back up at the audience with a broad smile, as he finished his speech: "But fear not, my fellow Londoners.  I assure you that no one, not even Mouses, will return my soul to its troubled state!  Now you can live in safety without any reason to be afraid—for the Napoleon Of Crime has abdicated his evil throne!" With this comforting vow in mind, the audience members went back up to Ratigan, & resumed singing...

Oh, Ratigan,
Oh, Ratigan...
He's great, & that's that!


Ratigan couldn't help but smile as he basked in the audience's praise, glad to be admired & revered by his peers at long last.  Meanwhile, Bartholomew (still on the floor of the karaoke arena) was reaching for a full bottle of sugary grape soda that rested not too far away from where he was sitting.  The little mouse was simply parched, & he felt a great need to satisfy his thirst!  Bartholomew grabbed the bottle, then opened it, & began guzzling its contents greedily, while the other audience members continued singing...

To Ratigan,
To Ratigan...


Bartholomew quickly finished his drink, then wiped his mouth with his shirt-sleeve, & finished the chorus of the ongoing song: "To Ratigan, the world's greatest mouse!" (He then let out a noisy belch, & covered his mouth with his paws in embarrassment.) Upon registering the word "mouse", Ratigan suddenly opened his eyes again, & glared angrily at Bartholomew.  How dare he?! he thought to himself furiously. Doesn't he realize that I no longer need to masquerade behind a false facade of self-denial? I have come to embrace my true species!  I now take pride in my rat heritage, & am no longer ashamed of it!  With these thoughts still raging inside his head, Ratigan made his way down from the karaoke stage to the arena floor, & began walking over to Bartholomew, looking quite irritated.  "What was THAT?!" he inquired irately. "What did you call me?"

Still sitting down on the floor, Bartholomew—not realizing why Ratigan was upset—just stared at his ex-boss cluelessly, holding his empty bottle of grape soda in his paws (& blinking his eyes a couple of times).  Oh, no! Red thought to himself. Bartholomew's done it again!  We better do something to help him, before Ratigan goes off the deep end!  Bill, Red, & Snakes went up to Ratigan, hoping to intervene before anything drastic happened.  All three of the Goodie Gang members sported big, sycophantic, toothy grins as they tried to reason with Ratigan.  "Oh, oh, he didn't mean it, Professor..." Red said soothingly.

"I-I-It was just a slip of the tongue!" Bill begged.

Ratigan dodged past Bill, Red, & Snakes, however, & continued storming off until he approached Bartholomew.  Ratigan then bent down to grab Bartholomew by his shirt collar, hoisting him up into the air; the poor thug shrunk back in fear, & looked frightened out of his wits, as Ratigan yelled angrily at him, "I AM NOT A MOUSE!" Then, Ratigan turned back to face Bill, Red, & Snakes, before snapping, "And may I add that I'm NOT a professor, either!" [6]

The members of the Goodie Gang kept trying to appease Ratigan, hoping they could soothe his troubled soul.  "'Course you're not," Snakes said reassuringly, quickly realizing what Ratigan was getting at. "You're a rat!"

"Yeah, that's right," Red agreed. "Right!  A rat!"

"Yeah," Bill exclaimed with a stutter. "A CUDDLY rat!"

But Ratigan would have none of it.  "SILENCE, YOU FOOLS!" he shouted irritatedly at the three thugs, before coolly releasing his grip on Bartholomew's shirt-collar.  Bartholomew fell down, & landed bum-first on the floor, before looking up timidly as Ratigan turned around with a sigh, & calmly started walking away from him.  "Oh, my dear Bartholomew," Ratigan lamented, "I'm afraid that you've gone & upset me." The former criminal stopped in his tracks...then slowly turned back to face Bartholomew, glowering angrily at him.  "And do you know what happens...when someone upsets me?" Ratigan asked icily.  With that, Ratigan began walking towards Bartholomew again, the furious look not leaving his face.

Now, Bartholomew was worried about what might happen to him.  Felicia might not be around, he thought timidly, but Ratigan can still deal me a lot of damage!  Bartholomew gulped, then cracked a nervous smile that became more & more of a terrified expression as Ratigan got closer & closer to him.  Gradually sounding more scared, Bartholomew tried singing the chorus of Ratigan's song again (but with appropriately-altered lyrics)...

Oh, Ratigan,
Oh, Ratigan,
You're the guy, & that's that...
(Oh, cheese-sticks!)

To Ratigan,
To Ratigan,
To Ratigan, the world's greatest...


When Ratigan got the closest to him that he could get, Bartholomew was unable to hide his fear.  Expecting something terrible to befall upon him, the portly minion flinched & shielded himself with his arms for a few seconds...but nothing happened.  Just when Bartholomew thought it was safe for him to drop his guard, Ratigan suddenly popped his head in, sneering angrily at Bartholomew as he made a fearsome growl through gritted teeth.  In response, Bartholomew squealed like a little girl, then crouched down to the floor, covering himself with his arms as he shivered & quivered all over.  Holy smokes, that was scary! Bartholomew thought to himself. Oh, well, at least I'm all right...

Ratigan, now having calmed down considerably, turned away from Bartholomew...but when he saw the shocked looks on the audience members' faces, he cracked a sheepish, toothy grin, & chuckled nervously.  In a pleasant tone-of-voice, Ratigan said, "I trust there will be no further interruptions from Mr. Favell..." Ratigan cleared his throat into his fist, then smiled at the audience once again, as he added, "And now, as you were singing?"

The audience members couldn't believe what they had just seen!  They had expected Ratigan to do something bad to Bartholomew, but instead of acting out on his anger with physical attacks, he had chosen to walk away peacefully!  Now more than ever, Ratigan's reformation looked like it was truly the real deal!  With that lovely thought occupying their minds, the audience members broke into the last stanza of the song, smiling broadly from ear to ear...

He's not violent or vicious!
He curbs his wrath with a growl & then leaves!
He said he's reformed, & now we believe!
Oh, Ratigan,
Oh, Ratigan,
His change is profound!
To Ratigan,
To Ratigan,
The world's greatest brother around!


With a stirring finale, the song came to a triumphant end.  Ratigan smiled & bowed before the audience, who was now applauding & cheering wildly.  A few moments later, though, the contest announcer piped up, "Uh, excuse me...Ratigan..." Ratigan suddenly stopped basking in his applause, & turned to face the contest announcer, who continued, "As glad as I am to hear about your reformation..."—he put on a toothy grin, trying to gain favor with Ratigan—"...& I mean that with the utmost sincerity..."—he cleared his throat—"...I'm afraid that the stage is no place to strut your personal stuff...You're disqualified."

Ratigan didn't take the news badly at all.  "Well, that's perfectly fine, sir," the reformed rat said nonchalantly, handing the microphone back to the contest announcer. "I'm certain that Miss Flaversham, however, would like to come up & join the contest."

The spotlight that was once on Ratigan moved over to focus on Olivia (still seated with the rest of the Baker Street Family).  "Me?" the surprised mouseling asked, gesturing to herself.  The audience began encouraging & egging Olivia on, & Olivia found it harder & harder to resist Ratigan's proposal.  "Well, if you really want me to...OK!" she said.  Finally, Olivia got out of her seat, & walked down the red carpet, going up to the karaoke stage.  After Olivia had gotten onto the platform, Ratigan bowed to her, & then exited, allowing his younger "sister" to take her spot in the limelight.  The stage was all hers now!

"Here you go, miss," the contest announcer said, handing Olivia the microphone.

"Thank you," Olivia replied sweetly, smiling up at the contest announcer as she took the microphone into her paws.  After the contest announcer had left to give her some space, Olivia turned to look at the audience, & with a clear of her throat, she said, "For my karaoke number, I'm going to sing the latest single by the Little Women, 'The Most Wonderful Dad In The World'.  OK...ready, everyone?" [7] The instrumental music for the song started playing, & Olivia began to sing...

(CUE SONG: "The Most Wonderful Dad In The World") [8]

Could you be
The most wonderful dad in the world?
It's plain to see
You're the reason that I am alive

When the day
Turns into the last day of all time,
I can say
I hope you'll still be here in my life

And when night
Falls on me, & I cry tears of fright,
I know you'll wipe them away,
And tell me that it will be all right

Could you be
The most wonderful dad in the world?
It's plain to see
You're the reason that I am alive

Oh, yes, you are...

How can I
Get through days, when I can't get through hours? (Oh, no...)
I can try,
But when I do, I sometimes feel devoured

So devoured
Almost feel like a frail little flower...
But when you come
To pull me through,
I can rest eased at each passing hour

Could you be
The most wonderful dad in the world?
It's plain to see
You're the reason that I am alive

Oh, yes, you are!


It was at this point that Olivia started to freeze.  For a moment, she had forgotten the lyrics to the bridge of the song!  Luckily, Ratigan had listened to the tune, as well, & he was quick to come to her aid, delivering the lines in a "rap" style...

And if the stars ever fell one by one from the sky,
I know for sure that you won't be too far behind
Your only child, she's got no reason to ever be shy
This only child, she looks to you for peace of mind


Olivia then finished the song, with Ratigan providing additional backup...

Could you be (Could you be)
The most wonderful dad in the world?
It's plain to see (Plain to see)
You're the reason that I am alive

Could you be
The most wonderful dad in the world?
It's plain to see
You're the reason that I am alive


As the audience applauded & cheered for her, Olivia took several bows & curtsies.  The contest announcer walked over to join the mouseling at her side, smiling from ear to ear.  "Well, that was a very spirited performance!" the announcer complimented Olivia, as he shook her hand. "A performance deserving of the winning prize...1,000 pounds!" With that, the contest announcer presented Olivia with a great, big bag of the prize money, & placed it into her receiving arms.  The audience applauded even more wildly now!  Leaning down to Olivia as he held her microphone up to her mouth, the contest announcer asked, "So, what are you gonna do with your prize money?"

Olivia grunted a little as she struggled to lift up the very, very heavy bag of pounds.  Exhausted as she was from the energy she'd spent trying to hold up the money sack, Olivia managed to crack a broad smile at the contest announcer, as she made her reply: "Finish my shopping spree with my family!" Finally, Olivia's arms gave way, & she let the money bag fall to the stage floor, panting & heaving for much-needed breath.  Oh, what fun she had taking part in the karaoke contest!  And now that she had won the big cash prize, the day was about to get even more awesome!

*    *    *

(CUE MUSIC: "Sinfonia In D Major" from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Cantata No. 29", as performed by Wendy Carlos)

Upon exiting the karaoke auditorium, the Baker Street Family went to the mall's food court to have lunch.  They decided to have their midday meal at the Limburger King restaurant there, & they greatly enjoyed eating at that place!  For many of the members of the Baker Street Family, it was their first time trying fast food, & the burgers, French fries, drinks, & desserts certainly did not disappoint!  The food tasted so good, they couldn't get enough of it, & their taste buds tingled in sheer delight!

After finishing lunch, the Baker Street Family went to the mall's theater to see one of the latest films being shown.  Even though they had just eaten, they couldn't resist leisurely dining on candy, popcorn, & soda as they sat in the comfortable plush chairs in the auditorium, watching the movie playing on the big screen.  To their astonishment, not only was the movie in full color, but they could also hear the characters talking, as background music & sound effects accompanied their actions!  The Baker Street Family had never seen anything like it before, & they were simply blown away by it all!  The progression of technology over the last few months was, to say the very least, truly remarkable!

After the movie was over, the Baker Street Family went over to one of the mall's many "family entertainment" areas, where there were a lot of fun & exciting things for them to do.  First, Olivia, Cousin Timmy, Ratigan, & Fidget went on the merry-go-round, riding a group of prettily-colored ponies as the adults watched on lovingly from nearby seats (they would have also gone on the ride...but, alas, there weren't enough horses for them!).  Then, Olivia, Cousin Timmy, Ratigan, & Fidget played in the mall's playground...&, oh, what fun they had swinging on the swings, going down the slides, playing on the seesaws & hobby horses, frolicking in the ball pit, exploring the big playplace, & checking out all the other entertaining & exciting equipment in the area!  Once the kids were all done, the Baker Street Family took their seats in front of a small stage, watching a puppet show with some of the other families who had come to the mall.  The puppet show was delightful in every way, & all of the spectators were greatly amused by the antics of the lovable rascals Punch & Judy.

Once the puppet show was over, the Baker Street Family left for a nearby bookstore.  As they browsed through the shelves, Basil & his friends found a lot of interesting books on display—"The Travels Of Fitzwilliam Pound" (by Charles Delbert), "A Clockwork Rodent" (by Amergin Burgess), "The Trouble With Trolls" (by Sally McBride), "Gargoyle Mansion" (by Simon King), "Creepy Culinary Delights" (a cookbook by none other than Vincent Price I), "The Silver Bullet" (a Nancy Shrew mystery), "Our Feline Foes" (by Edvard Hagerup), & "In The Mind Of The Lost" (by Rudyard Kingsley) were just a few examples of them! [9] The Baker Street Family couldn't resist taking several of these books, & bringing them to the check-out counter for purchase.  Oh, how they would enjoy reading every word & seeing every illustration of these marvelous, treasured tomes!

After leaving the bookstore, the Baker Street Family went to shop at a music-box store, followed by a store for custom-made gifts—both of which had plenty of wonderful wares to sell to Basil & his companions.  Then, the rodents did a little shopping at the Cheesney Store, where they found a lot of fascinating toys, games, books, & other goodies pertaining to the works of up-&-coming animation mogul Walt Cheesney.  After that, the Baker Street Family went to a huge candy store, filled to the ceiling with all kinds of delicious desserts, tasty treats, & choice confections (Fidget really enjoyed it here, along with Olivia, Cousin Timmy, & Dr. Dawson!).  Then, the Baker Street Family went to a games & sports store, where they found a lot of great stuff for athletic activities.  Afterwards, Basil & his friends shopped at a record store, where they not only bought a few old-fashioned vinyl albums, but also several of the latest hit CDs.  Finally, the Baker Street Family finished their shopping spree at a store for house decorations, where Olivia, Cousin Timmy, Ratigan, & Fidget found plenty of good stuff to put in their rooms at home.

*    *    *

By the time the Baker Street Family left the London Mouse Mini-Mall, it was already sunset, & the Great Mouse Detective & his colleagues were eager to get home.  As fun as their outing was, they were quite fashed & fatigued from their energy expenditures. [10] After a while of driving back across the West End, the Baker Street Family finally made it to their house, their van full of the purchases they had made during their earlier adventures at the mall.  Once the van had parked in the carport, Basil turned off the automobile, & the sliding doors opened to let Basil, Olivia, Hiram, Cousin Timmy, Ratigan, Fidget, Dr. Dawson, & Mrs. Judson out.  As he walked over to the front door with his kinsrodents, Basil said, "Don't worry, everyone, I'll have our stuff all out of the van by tomorrow morning!"

"OK, Basil," Olivia replied, merrily skipping along with the others.

"So, what's for dinner?" Fidget asked.

"I'll see what I can make for all of you," Mrs. Judson answered, as she went to unlock the door, & opened it for everyone.  After everyone had entered the house, Basil—the last to leave the carport—shut the door behind him, & joined the others in the dining room for supper.  Tonight's meal would be the perfect ending to a lovely, leisurely day!  And for the rest of their lives, the Baker Street Family would never forget their first trip to the mall.




[3] Yet again, another Stanley Kubrick reference winds its way into my work! (giggles)

[4] Mrs. Wellington & Joey will make additional appearances in future chapters of the story.

[5] Funny I should mention the "dark side"—I've been on a real "Star Wars" kick lately.  And, incidentally, the more I think about it, the more I feel like Mouses Fiennes is the Emperor Palpatine to Ratigan's Darth Vader.  In fact, that's one of the very reasons why I just recently made Palpatine one of Mouses' character models!

[6] My explanation for how Ratigan got the title of "professor" will be revealed in future chapters of the story.

[7] That's right, I'm talking about none other than future Baker Street Family members Eliza, Gadget, Jane, & Julie McBride! ^_^

[8] This one's for you, Prince! :-) (big hugs)

[9] Edvard Hagerup & his book were originally mentioned in one of Eve Titus' "Basil Of Baker Street" stories.

[10] Well, what do you know? A surprise "Clockwork Orange" reference!
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AUTHOR’S NOTES: Ladies & gentlemice...what you are looking at is the (hopefully) final edition of my unofficial “Great Mouse Detective” sequel “A New Beginning”, which, as of 2011, is slowly (but surely!) reaching completion after over 8 years of extensive revising & editing. I want to thank everyone who has read & reviewed this story (with the exception of a few flamers) for their praise, their constructive criticism, & their words of encouragement & support (if not love) for “A New Beginning”, which otherwise wouldn’t have become what it is today. Kudos to all of you!

Now, keep in mind that you are reading the fanfiction version of “A New Beginning”. Yes, my friends, there is another version of the sequel—that which I intend to sell to Disney. (You didn’t think I was gonna give up, did you?) I regret to inform the fans of this story that some changes were made to “A New Beginning” in the “Disney draft”, & one in particular is that there’s no Month Of Change or new technology (&, subsequently, no Anya). Admittedly, it was hard for me to make that decision, but, hopefully, it might “up the ante” & increase my chances of getting “A New Beginning” made by the Walt Disney Company when I (hopefully) join their studios, & pitch the idea to them. But even so, I’d greatly appreciate it if you wished me luck on my potential mission, or at least commended me for pursuing this visionary idea which I so desperately yearn to make a paint-&-ink reality one day. That’s all an aspiring animator can do.

As it stands, though, when you leave a review on “A New Beginning”, try to remember that you’re leaving feedback on a fanfiction that’s more of a springboard for my cinematic idea, rather than the idea itself. (wink) Nonetheless, I do hope you enjoy the (fanfiction version of the) story, & as long as you do not flame or leave nasty comments, you can otherwise review it however you wish, be it through simple comments, constructive criticism, words of absolute adoration, gushing praise, or whatever floats your proverbial boat. And I also hope, if only for the sake of the fanfiction, that after you’re done reading, you might become a fan of “A New Beginning”, & even add this to your list of favorite “Great Mouse Detective” fan-stories (literally &/or figuratively). This is not necessarily a requirement of all my readers, but it would be nice.

And, now, for a (not-so-brief) copyright & disclaimer...

All “Great Mouse Detective” characters, elements, & properties © Disney. And although I’m hoping that the following characters might also become property of Disney one day (hint-hint), they are currently © The Mouse Avenger (that’s me):

Madame Elizabella Ratburn
Pias Nestor
Flip Le Bouffon
Anya DeWalters
Old Mouse Porter
Constable Scott McBrusque (who is slightly modeled after Chief McBrusque from the third “American Tail” movie)
Miriam Richards
“Jaywalk” James Clarke
Olga Mousekewitz
Sergei Alexei Andrei Korsmakoff, alias Agent 001
Eunice Karlin
Shellington Batly
Mouses Fiennes
Miss Leesha, Mr. Gordon, & their four mouselings (Doug, Fran, Russell, & Wendy)
Grandma Kayley & Grandpa Malcolm Flaversham
Cousin Timmy Flaversham
Mother Mary Caulfield
P.R. Altoid
Josie & Jenny Richardson
All the members of the Merchiorre family
Amergin Burgess
Nate Gregson
Professor Phineas Doppler
Professor Carl Gibson
Bessie Colemouse
Cecelia & Martino Green
Chutzpah The Squirrel
Coucou Cacheau
Monsieur Victor Claudius
Sophocles Braveheart
Evian Anderson
Takumi Mitsubishi
Cecil B. DeMont
Madame Angelina Flaherty
Captain Amelia Gripling
Sergeant Howard Bloomsbury
General Cato Woodsey
Lieutenant John Ranier
George & Chester Cheeseman
“Slick” Willie Ford
Jellybean Jameson
Larry Grossmouse
Victoria Holmesington
Melissa Mousechester
Henry & Blanca Mousini
Baby Fuschia Holmesington

The following characters are based on minor or bit characters who appear in the original GMD, & thus technically belong to Disney, but I claim ownership to the names & personalities I created for them:

:bulletred: Jemediah Fieldson (the old mouse with the broken leg who tells Ratigan off during the Diamond Jubilee scene)
:bulletred: Walker DeBeaumont (one of Ratigan’s thugs who appear during the “World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” song-scene—he’s the one standing closest to Ratigan’s right when the thugs sing “You mean it?”)
:bulletred: “Snotty” Sam Fitzgerald (one of Ratigan’s thugs who appear during the “World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” song-scene—he’s the one standing farthest from Ratigan’s right when the thugs sing “You mean it?”)
:bulletred: Bill The Lizard, Red Robertson, & Ernest “Snakes” Henshaw (the three thugs who are often seen hanging out together)
:bulletred: “Gunsmoke” Gary Mousedale (one of Ratigan’s thugs who appear during the “World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” song-scene—he’s the one standing on Ratigan’s right, between Walker & Snotty Sam, when the thugs sing “You mean it?”; he also appears in the part where the thugs are seen cheering after Ratigan ends the song’s opening monologue, & whenever the thugs are shown reacting to Ratigan’s ‘sob story’)
:bulletred: Terry & Thomas Farrell (two of Ratigan’s thugs who appear during the “World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” song-scene—they appear with Bill in his first shot, while Ratigan starts talking to the thugs about his plan [Terry’s the muscular mouse whacking a club in his paw, & Thomas is the stout mouse holding a beer mug])
:bulletred: “Peewee” Pete Colemouse (one of Ratigan’s thugs who appear in the scene where the bad guys are all laughing at Basil—he’s the shrimpy thug in blue, seen standing next to Red & Bill, after we cut away from Fidget)
:bulletred: “Manchester” Maurice Favell (doesn’t appear in the movie, but does appear in the GMD storybook in place of his brother Bartholomew)
:bulletred: “Old Blind Joe” McDowell (one of Ratigan’s thugs who is seen on Felicia’s back in the scene where Ratigan reveals his plan—he’s the thug sitting up front, with the eye patch)
:bulletred: Cathy Sheridan (the poker-playing lady who blows smoke in Dr. Dawson’s face at the Rat Trap)
:bulletred: Mrs. Deborah Wellington & her son Joey (two of the mice in the crowd of Jubilee attendees at Buckingham Palace—they’re the mother mouse in blue & the little boy with the beanie on his head, respectively)
:bulletred: Sophie Winterley (one of the mice in the crowd of Jubilee attendees at Buckingham Palace—she’s the plump, blonde-haired mouse in blue with the purple umbrella)
:bulletred: Ben Flaherty (one of the mice in the crowd of Jubilee attendees at Buckingham Palace—he’s the red-haired mouseling in the mustard-colored jacket, seen in the first shot of Jemediah Fieldson)
:bulletred: Evelyn Rosedale (the barmaid at the Rat Trap)
:bulletred: Auburn Patterson (the bartender of the Rat Trap)
:bulletred: Don The Pianist (one of the members of the Rat Trap Band)
:bulletred: Arnie The Drummer (same as above)
:bulletred: Morey The Trumpet-Player (same as above)
:bulletred: Tom The Trombonist (same as above)
:bulletred: Jerry The Guitar Player (same as above)
:bulletred: Jiggy The Juggling Octopus (one of the entertainers at the Rat Trap)
:bulletred: Rosie The Ribbiter (the fat frog with the bowler & cane who serves as one of the Rat Trap entertainers—&, yes, before anyone asks, I changed the character’s gender)
:bulletred: Ned The Newt (the skinny little fellow at the Rat Trap who’s seen riding on the unicycle [& struggling to carry Rosie at the same time!])

Please be sure to ask for my permission before using the characters listed above, & if you do so, I will be more than happy to let you use them in your stories &/or roleplayings.

And, now, ladies & gentlemice, without further ado, I present to you...the final (fanfiction) version of “The Great Mouse Detective 2: A New Beginning”! Happy reading!

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Part 1
Part 2

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13

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Disneyfangirl774's avatar
I love the karaoke scene. :D