The story of Anastasia through Bartok's eyes.

My name is Bartok the Bat. I used to work for the evil Rasputin. That made people think I was a troublemaker. But, hey, I was just doing my job. It all started when Rasputin got mad at the roal family of Russia. "I must get rid of them," he said.

So Rasputin got a magical little canister - a reliquary. He could make smoke creatures called "minions" come out of it, and they would do anything he wanted.

"Sir, let's not do anything rash," I said. I didn't want any trouble. But would he listen? No! Off he marched to the royal ball. I had to go, too. After all, Rasputin was my boss!

At the palace, Rasputing really stopped the show.

I knew that Rasputin didn't want anyone to get away. When I saw little Anastasia escaping through a secret door, I flew off to find my boss. (I know - I was a bad bat.)

Rasputin chased Anastasia across an icy river. "Master!" I cried, trying to stop him. But he wouldn't listen. He kept running and - Crra-a-ack! - fell right into the freezing water.

Good thing I was there, because I was able to save his reliquary.

Well, things were quiet after that. I wasn't sure I would ever see Rasputin again. Then one day, I was hanging around the palace when I overheard a voice say, "May I present her Royal Highness, the grand duchess Anastasia." I looked down and saw a pretty girl and her friends.

Suddenly Rasputin's reliquary started glowing. It shot off like a rocket - and I knew that meant the pretty girl really was Anastasia! Whoa! Wild ride! The thing crashed through the floor . . . down . . . down . . . down . . . to . . .

. . . Rasputin's lair! "Master?" I cried. I couldn't believe it! Rasputin had been underground for years, and he was really falling apart. What a mess!

Rasputin perked up when I gave him back his reliquary. "Aha!" he said. "Now I can carry out the curse against that brat Anastasia."

The thought of getting rid of Anastasia made Rasputin so happy that I almost wished I could do the job for him. I even practiced my karate chops. Hi-ya!

Finally Rasputin decided to follow Anastasia to Paris to finish the job. I had never been to Paris. Still, I had a feeling the sewers were not the nicest part.

Rasputin said we'd find Anastasia at a party. So I practiced the latest dance steps. Wooh! But Rasputin didn't want to dance.

He just wanted to get rid of Anastasia! "Sir, pleeeeaze," I begged him. "Forget the girl, and GET A LIFE!"

But Rasputin wouldn't listen! We went to the party and followed Anastasia into the palace garden. Rasputin got the minions to attack her! "You're on your own, sir," I told him. It felt good to quit!

Suddenly Anastasia's friends rushed in to help her. Her dog, Pooka, snatched Rasputin's reliquary, and Anastasia stomped it to bits! The loss of his little toy made Rasputin really fall apart - he crumbled into dust, to be exact.

Well, Anastasia got a life with her friend Dimitri. And I finally got one of my own. As for Rasputin, I never saw him again. I guess he should have listened to me when I told him to get a life - 'cause you can't live happily ever after without one!

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