In this AU, Joey Drew Studios belongs to Ratigan, who has been mistreating his employees for decades. Basil used to be his associate but disappeared a few years after the studio's foundation.
Around twenty years after the studio's debut, Emerald got a job, and seeing the work conditions of everyone, she blew the whistle.

As a form of revenge for putting the studio in a bad situation, and to get rid of her before the trial on himself, Ratigan sent Emerald into the Ink Machine where she has to survive until she can find a way to get out.

(I was inspired to make this drawing thanks to @Stitchtastic2020 on DeviantArt, since we talked about alternate universes and stuff)