#asis ref

-- judiciousWarray [JW] began pestering sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] at 21:57 --

JW: Sherlock...

SH: What is it?

JW: I think I just... saw your brother snogging Anderson...

SH: ........

SH: Say that again.

JW: You can read!

SH: Yes, but...

SH: My brother. And Anderson.

JW: Yyyyeah.

SH: Snogging.

JW: Yep.

SH: You saw that?

SH: Seriously?

JW: I think they were biting a lot, their mouths were all bloody and stuff too.

SH: Because I'm pretty sure the human memory on visual matters is only sixty percent accurate.

SH: Really.

JW: It was pretty traumatic, I think I'd remember.

SH: Well, if it's true...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] rubs his hands gleefully --

CSH RIGHT NOW opened memo on board DRUGSBUST.

CSH: Bored.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] goes to the alchemiter and retrieves his 7% SOLUTION from his deck --

CSH: Hmm.

  -- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] combines 7% SOLUTION && NICOTINE PATCHES --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] creates CRACK PATCHES --

CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] enters the room, carrying a small kitten --

CJW: Hey, Sherlock, I fou-

CJW: What are those?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] quickly hides what he just made --

CSH: Nothing.

CJW: .... Tell me.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] schools his face into a mask --

CSH: An experiment.

CJW: What kind of experiment?

CSH: Um.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] looks extremely agitated --

CSH: A... uh... chemistry experiment.

CJW: You know, usually when I ask about an experiment, you go into full depth and almost to a point where it actually gets kind of annoying.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] bites his lip --

CJW: What did you make?

CSH: I'm merely ummm... measuring the reaction of crystalline tropane alkaloids with... other alkaloids. In the nightshade family. Yeah.

CSH: Seeing if they work together. Uh huh.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] sets the kitten aside, crosses his arms, and raises and eyebrow --

CSH: I was bored.

CJW: You're not giving me the true answer.

CSH: It's... half true?

CJW: What does that even mean?

CSH: Oh John, do use your brain once in a while.

CJW: Ok, what AREN'T you telling me?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] shifts away and holds out his empty hands --

CSH: What ever gave you that idea? That is a very nice kitten you have there.

CSH: Shall we name it Basil? Or Jeremy? Or Robert?

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] sighs --

CJW: Alright. Fine. Don't tell me.

CJW: I'm just your friend.

CSH: I don't have friends.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] stealthily sneaks out his CRACK PATCHES and goes to his room, shutting the door --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] stands there for a few minutes, thinking --

CJW: Wait a second....

CJW: Crystal... Dammit, Sherlock!

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] contacts Greg --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] is as high as a paper kite --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] stomps over to Sherlock's room and bangs on the door --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] clutches his head and grimaces --

CJW: SHERLOCK!

CSH: WHAT?

CJW: I CALLED GREG AND HE'S ON HIS WAY NOW.

CJW: YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND AND COME CLEAN BEFORE HE GETS HERE.

CSH: WHAT'S GOING ON!

CSH: WHA - OH.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] fidgets and shakes, leaning heavily against the door --

CSH: HEY JOHN, I CAN SEE EVERY PATTERN IN THE CEILING!

CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] kicks in the door for dramatic effect --

CGL: im here!

CSH: WOAH, NO NEED TO KICK THE DOOR I HEARD YOU COMING A MILE AWAY.

CSH: WHAT'S WITH YOUR HAIR?

CSH: IT'S WHITE!

CGL: what?

CGL: what are you talking about?

CSH: YOU'VE SUDDENLY GROWN OLD HAVEN'T YOU LESTRADE?

CGL: youre on drugs.

CSH: WHATEVER GAVE YOU THAT IDEA

CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] follows behind Greg. --

CSH: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE DONOVAN

CSD: god sherlock u r so high

CSH: I THOUGHT YOU WERE SCRUBBING ANDERSON'S FLOORS!

CSD: ...

CGL: she volunteered.

CSH: OH.

CSH: BUT THE STATE OF HER KNEES -

CSD: no

CGL: shut it holmes.

CGL: where are the drugs?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] giggles --

CSH: SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW?

CSD: dude he just giggled...................

CGL: ....

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] tries to yank the door open --

CGL: thats the creepiest thing i have ever heard.

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] tries not to laugh. --

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] laughs anyway. --

CSD: omfg this was so worth it

CSH: STOP LAUGHING YOU'RE MAKING MY EARS HURT

CJW: Could one of you - Anderson, come here and help me!

CSH: NO NOT ANDERSON

CSH: WHAT IS HE DOING HERE

CSH: I CAN SMELL THE STUPIDITY FROM SKAIA

CGL: where are the drugs sherlock?

CSH: I DUNNO.

CSD: where did u put them

CSD: jon do u kno

CSH: SOMEWHERE.

CJW: I don't. I think they're in his room though.

CSH: NO SHIT, ME

CGL: well if you wont tell then im gonna have to tear the place apart.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] giggles some more --

CJW: Greg, can you help me bust open his door?

CGL: this can turn into a real drugs bust.

CGL: sure.

CJW: On the count of 3...

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] leans heavily against the door --

CJW: 1...

CJW: 2...

CJW: 3...

CJW: Go!

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] kicks the door --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] topples onto bed as the door is kicked open --

CSH: OH WOW, IT'S SO BRIGHT

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] rushes to Sherlock's side --

CGL: oh my god sherlock. youre a wreck.

CSH: TURN OFF THE WORLD IT'S TOO BRIGHT

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] looks through the kitchen. --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] rolls him onto his back --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] cringes into a ball --

CSD: y r there eyes in the microwave????????

CSH: IT WAS AN EXPERIMENT

CGL: ...

CSH: LEAVE BINKY ALONE

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] tries to resist slapping him --

CGL: what the hell.

CGL: thats it.

CSD: binky wat

CJW: Sherlock, you STUPID GIT.

CSH: WHAT.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] starts going through Sherlock's drawers --

CSH: NO GREG STOP

CSH: YOU'RE RUINING THE SOCK INDEX

CJW: Now is HARDLY the time to get high. But you don't care do you, not a bit! You just...

CJW: UGH.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] tosses out a bunch of socks --

CSH: GOD TIER IS BORING

CJW: BORING??

CSH: NO STOP

CGL: no!

CSH: MY SOCK INDEX!

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] grabs Sherlock's wrist, just now noticing the patches on his arm --

CGL: nothing in here...

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] opens more of the dresser --

CJW: Greg. Come here.

CSH: JOHN STOP IT YOU'RE HURTING ME

CGL: huh? sure.

CSH: I'LL BE BRUISING

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] looks at the patches --

CGL: the hell?

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] ignores Sherlock and rips off one of them --

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] continues looking through kitchen. --

CSD: anderson

CSH: AAAUGH

CSH: NO!

CURRENT analAsshole [CAA] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

-- CURRENT analAsshole [CAA] runs through the front door, realising he's verY late. --

CSH: NO NOT THE STUPID ONE

CSD: he has fingers n the fridge......

CGL: these look like the nicotine patches my dad used.

CGL: but different.

CJW: Anderson! Come in here, I need your help!

CAA: wiTh whAT?????

CSH: THEY'VE GOT A SEVEN PERCENT ON THEM SILLY YOU JUST SEE BUT YOU DON'T OBSERVE

CGL: seven percent what?

CJW: I need you to check these out.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] hands the patch to him --

CSH: NO HE'LL CONTAMINATE THEM

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] covers Sherlock's mouth --

-- CURRENT analAsshole [CAA] takes the patch and looks at it. --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] tries to bite John's hand --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] flicks his nose --

CAA: wEll thEYrE DEFInitELy dRUgS

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] bares his teeth --

CSH: WELL OBSERVED ANDERSON

CSH: REALLY WELL DONE!

CSH: YOU'LL PUT ME OUT OF A JOB SOON!

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] punches Sherlock in the jaw --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] flails wildly and clips John around the head with his hands --

CSH: I THINK YOU BROKE SOMETHING -

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] gets disgusted with the kitchen and joins the others. --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] punches Sherlock again, intending to knock him out --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] is knocked out. Spectacularly. --

CJW: Sally, could you make sure he's okay? I...

CJW: I need to step out for a moment.

-- CURRENT stupidDumbface [CSD] shrugs and checks to see if he's breathing. --

CSD: hes ok just sleeping

CSD: k o'd

CJW: Alright, good.

CJW: Excuse me...

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] leaves the room and checks the cards in the alchemiter --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] finds Sherlock's 7% SOLUTION --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] destroys it --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] stirs slightly but doesn't totally wake --

CGL: anderson go search for more

CAA: aLriGHt

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] heads to the bathroom --

-- CURRENT analAsshole [CAA] walks around the house, searching. --

CGL: john when did he first start using these?

CJW: I... I have no idea.

CGL: he hasnt acted weird or anything? no experiences before this that you know of?

CJW: No, no, I can't remember anything... If he did it before, he hid it well.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] rubs his face --

CGL: well it ends here anyways.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] rummages through the medicine cabinet --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] sighs and heads back into Sherlock's room --

CGL: knowing sherlock theyll probably be someone really hard to find.

CGL: *somewhere

CGL: and somewhere almost impossible to get to.

CGL: i wouldnt be surprise if he stashed some in the walls.

CGL: ....

CGL: nah.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] checks under the skull --

CGL: thought so.

-- CURRENT genialLaw [CGL] takes out 7% PATCHES (6) and CIGARETTES (5) --

CGL: holy shit.

CGL: john come here.

CJW: Okay.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] heads over to Greg --

CGL: look at these.

CJW: Christ...

CGL: they were under his skull.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] stirs and wakes up completely --

CSH: Wh...

CSH: What's going ooooon?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] flails and nearly falls off bed --

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] rushes over to Sherlock's room --

CJW: Sherlock!

CSH: Mmff.

CSH: Too bright to live.

CSH: Turn it off.

CJW: No.

CJW: You deserve that hangover!

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] wraps self in sheets --

CJW: I can't BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!

CSH: I was bored.

CJW: THAT'S NO EXCUSE!

CSH: Really, it isn't?

CSH: Boredom's an excuse for anything.

CJW: NO IT'S NOT!

CSH: Oh.

CJW: I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!

CSH: Mm.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] rubs his face and turns from Sherlock to keep himself from doing anything he'd regret --

CJW: I give up.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] stifles self in sheets --

CSH: What.

CJW: Just do whatever you want! I don't care!

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] leaves the room --

CSH: John?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] frowns --

CSH: John!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] shakes Greg's body after uncovering it from the debris --

MH: Greg...Greg please wake up.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] stops and thinks for a moment then gently nudges his friend --

MH: ...

MH: Greg...I'm so sorry...

MH: I should have known something was wrong from the start.

MH: I was too confident that no one would find the bunker.

MH: It's all my fault.

MH: Please forgive me...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] leans in and gently presses a kiss onto Greg's lips --

MH: ...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] sighs --

GL: ...guhh

MH: Greg?

MH: Greg!

GL: mmm... mycroft?

GL: wh... what happened.

GL: everything hurts.

MH: You...got blown up by the bomb.

GL: ...

GL: ... shit.

MH: But you survived.

MH: Are you...can you move at all?

GL: no...

GL: why... cant i feel my leg?

MH: ...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] knows his leg is gone but stays quiet --

GL: mycroft?

MH: Maybe it is numb.

GL: oh.

MH: Shh. Save your energy. I'll carry you to your quest bed.

MH: You're hurt quite a lot. I think it's the best option we have.

-- genialLaw [GL] nods weakly --

GL: im gonna die huh.

MH: Not until we get to the bed. Please hold on.

GL: ok mycroft.

GL: i trust you.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] picks Greg up gently --

-- genialLaw [GL] winces --

MH: Are you okay?

GL: it hurts. dying anyways.

MH: Shhh. Try to not think about the pain.

GL: im gonna die. just like dad.

GL: i miss him you know.

MH: I'm sorry.

GL: i never got to tell him how much he changed my life.

GL: how much he meant to me.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] starts moving up out of the bunker --

GL: i guess ill get to tell him soon enough huh.

MH: No. Greg, don't say that.

MH: I will bring you back to life.

MH: I promise.

MH: Just keep holding on.

GL: i miss him...

MH: Look at me. Don't close your eyes. Don't go to sleep yet.

GL: mycroft.

MH: Yes?

GL: tell me what happened to my leg.

GL: please.

MH: ...

MH: ...

MH: Are you sure you want to know?

GL: im gonna die anyways. why not?

MH: ...

MH: It's gone.

GL: ...

GL: the whole thing?

GL: just...

GL: ...

MH: I'm so sorry.

GL: well shit.

MH: It's my fault.

GL: i guess i cant take dancing lessons then.

GL: i was looking forward to that.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smiles weakly --

MH: No, I'll get you back together again.

GL: ok...

GL: i... trust you mycroft.

MH: I owe you a dance lesson once you're alive again.

MH: Greg, listen to my voice. Keep awake, please.

GL: ill... call you on that favour later... then.

GL: ...

MH: Don't sleep.

MH: Please.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] panics and starts flying up the stairs --

GL: ..... tired...

MH: No, don't sleep.

MH: Greg?

MH: Can you hear me?

-- genialLaw [GL] has gone idle --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] stops at the exit --

MH: Oh God no.

MH: Greg.

MH: No, please, no.

MH: Not yet...

MH: Please wake up.

MH: No....

MH: No......

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] bites his lip and moves out of the building --

MH: I promise....I promise to bring you back.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] carries Greg and flies as fast as he could through the gates to LOCAC and locates the quest bed using his seer powers --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] descends and gently lays the body upon the stone slate --

MH: Greg...Come back to me, please?

-- genialLaw [GL] 's body starts to glow --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] stares at the corpse and leans in closer --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] pauses a moment at the glowing, then moves in to gently kiss Greg on the lips again --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] lingers a bit then steps away --

-- genialLaw [GL] is surrounded by glowing mosquitoes --

-- genialLaw [GL] ASCENDS --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] watches the body rise --

-- genialLaw [GL] gasps and wake up --

MH: Good morning.

GL: im... alive.

GL: wow.

GL: being dead really really sucked.

GL: lets not do that again.

MH: Yes, do try and not to die as god tier.

GL: ill try.

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles --

MH: Welcome back, Greg.

GL: i missed you.

MH: I missed you, too.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smiles --

-- genialLaw [GL] looks himself over --

GL: i have a cape.

GL: awesome.

MH: Your outfit is rather nice on you.

GL: thanks.

MH: Mage of Life.

GL: looks like it.

MH: Do you suppose you can use your powers to heal others?

GL: probably. thats what my title implies right?

GL: did someone get hurt while i was out?

MH: No, not that I know of, but it may come in handy.

GL: you never know.

MH: And here I thought John was the doctor in training.

GL: seems like i took his job haha.

GL: hes going to be furious.

MH: I don't think he'd be furious. Perhaps annoyed, but not angry.

GL: heh.

GL: im glad you saved me.

MH: We should head back to the others.

MH: Well, you should.

GL: sure.

GL: where is everyone?

MH: Sherlock and John are on LOCAN. They'll be glad to see you alive.

MH: I still have unfinished business to take care of, so I cannot join you.

GL: maybe i can help you. we can finish what youre working on and meet up with the others.

MH: No, this is something I have to do as the seer. You would probably get bored sitting there while I meditate.

GL: of course i wouldnt.

MH: ...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] shakes head --

GL: im fine as long as i get to spend time with you mycroft.

MH: Oh. Well.

MH: As much as I would love that, I must insist that you go on without me.

MH: I'll be fine.

MH: They will need you more than me.

GL: are you sure?

MH: Yes I am sure.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] offers a reassuring smile --

GL: alright mycroft i trust you.

MH: Thank you, Greg.

GL: see you later then. if they need me i better get going.

MH: I'll see you soon enough.

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles --

GL: ok lets see if i can get used to flying...

-- genialLaw [GL] nervously jumps up and floats --

GL: ha!

GL: it worked. no more rocket boot incidents for me.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] chuckles lightly --

MH: Indeed.

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles wider at Mycroft's laugh --

GL: good luck!

MH: And to you as well.

-- genialLaw [GL] flies towards the nearest gate --

-- genialLaw [GL] ceased pestering methodicalHagiocracy [MH] at 00:04 --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] began pestering methodicalHagiocracy [MH] at 20:22 --

SH: Mycroft, is it true?

MH: Yes.

SH: I'm sorry.

SH: Hopefully things will work out and he'll be able to get to God Tier.

MH: Yes, I plan on carrying him to the bed as soon as I take care of some business.

SH: Good.

SH: All the luck to you, then.

MH: Thank you.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] smiles rather strainedly --

SH: Don't think on it.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] began pestering analAsshole [AA] at 20:09 --

SH: What's this about a missing Lestrade.

AA: hEs fuCKiNG DEaD

SH: ...

SH: Oh.

SH: Mycroft told you?

AA: yES

SH: Did he say anything about the manner and location?

AA: nO he jUSt sAID GrEG WAs deAd anD THeN IGnORed evEry mESSaGE AftEr it

SH: Upset.

SH: Oh my.

SH: Probably blames himself, the poor sod. I'll have to confront him about it.

AA: yEah gOod fuCkING LuCK WIth thAt

The last thing he had felt was the searing heat and pain of the bomb and the resulting shrapnel as part of the chamber caved in from the explosion. Luckily, it wasn’t the part that contained him and John. The Denizen, he was sure, had been blown up into a heap of grist. That ought to be enough for a jamgun, at any rate. John should be happy about that.

He knew no more after that, the searing heat giving way to deathly cold and then nothing more.

John woke up to darkness, stifling darkness. He was being crushed by something. John reached out and groped blindly. There was no mistaking the wool of the coat, the silk of the purple shirt, the cashmere of the scarf. Sherlock Holmes was lying on top of him, pinning him to the ground.

Now had they not been in the Denizen’s lair after Sherlock had set off a bloody bomb by shooting it (John made mental note to ask Irene just what the hell she was thinking giving him a bomb like that), John would have found that thought rather unsettling if not wholly unpleasant. But there was something wrong about it. Something…

“Sherlock?” he asked. “Sherlock!”

That was it. Sherlock wasn’t reacting. He could be unconscious – John didn’t want to consider the other possibilities.

“Sherlock, wake up.”

John struggled out from under his friend and got up, groping for the exit and dragging Sherlock into the hallway. The glow of the grist windfall called to him, so he returned and gathered as much grist as he could carry. Then he headed back to where Sherlock lay and tried to wake him again.

“Sherlock? Sherlock! Wake up!” He grabbed his friend ‘round the shoulders and shook. “Sherlock!”

Medical training kicked in. John fumbled for Sherlock’s neck, checking for a pulse. There was none.

“SHERLOCK!” It couldn’t be. No. It simply couldn’t. Shock settled onto John like one of those ridiculous orange blankets. Sherlock wasn’t dead. Couldn’t be. Not so soon after Mycroft –

John closed his eyes and found the tears squeezing out, hot and wet against his cheeks. His body trembled with sobs. His best friend… his best friend shouldn’t be dead. No. This was all wrong. Curse this game.

He remembered Sherlock’s last request. Take me to the Quest Bed, John. Mycroft had died on his Quest Bed and came back to life. Perhaps if Sherlock –

Hope bubbled tentatively in John’s stomach. There was only one way to find out. He hoisted Sherlock’s body over his shoulder (wishing that he could captchalogue him to make it easier to get past the trap-infested corridor) and tiptoed his way out of the lair. Strangely enough, no imps assailed them.

John strapped on his Rocketpack as soon as he was clear and blasted off over the film noir landscape of Sherlock’s planet. Already the bee and cat consorts were converging on them, buzzing and mewling as they migrated towards the Quest Bed. The bees were glowing, as if firefly genes had been transplanted into them. Up ahead, the Quest Bed loomed.

It was the most uncomfortable-looking bed John had ever seen. Purple rock, four spires. He landed, shifting Sherlock’s body from his back to his arms and stepped towards the bed, blocking out the mental voice that sounded suspiciously like Donovan yelling “GAAAAAAY”. This was not the time.

John deposited his friend onto the cold stone bed and knelt at the side, head bowed.

 A Dersite Prince stood in his Prospitian room, looking out at the stars. He was bleeding from shrapnel and rather badly burnt, but still he waited. Waited. Waited for his life to end, or for a new life to begin.

He didn’t have to wait for long. As the Prince closed his eyes, he felt himself being pulled forward, rushing towards some dimly-known destination. He was glowing; he was warm; he was breathing.

He was alive.

Sherlock’s eyes flew open. He was lying on a hard stone surface, listening to the mewling of the cats and the buzzing of the bees. He was dressed in green – a green short-sleeved shirt, a dark green cape, and the most ridiculous set of dark green bloomers.

The first thought that ran through his mind was that he was going to destroy the costuming department.

The second thought was John.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] began pestering judiciousWarray [JW] at 20:34 --

SH: ...

JW: Sherlock?

SH: John.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] smiles hesitantly. --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] rubs his eyes of stray tears --

JW: Thank god, I was so scared you were dead.

SH: Well, I technically was.

JW: Dead permanently.

SH: Well, as long as my dreamself stayed intact there was no need to worry.

SH: You are all right, right?

JW: Yeah, I'm fine...

SH: Good.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] actually takes a second to take in Sherlock's outfit --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] stretches and gets up, cocking an eyebrow at John --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] starts snickering --

SH: Oh, what is it now.

SH: I know, it's ridiculous.

JW: You look like a huge prick in that, hahahaha!

SH: Very funny.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] stop laughing, but still keeps his grin --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] rolls his eyes --

SH: In any case, I have to thank you for complying with my last wishes.

SH: That was... good. What you did.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] looks awkward and dorky --

JW: It's okay, I mean, I'm glad you told me to.

JW: I probably wouldn't have known what to do and... you could've been dead forever.

SH: Mm, that won't do. I think my dream self would attempt to go down to the bed in the core of Derse, but...

SH: It's better this way.

SH: And I'm glad you didn't broadcast news of my death, unlike Lestrade with my brother's.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] smiles again --

JW: I didn't exactly have the time to!

JW: I was panicking!

SH: Which is good.

SH: Well, not the panicking.

SH: The not-broadcasting.

JW: Why did you not want them to know?

SH: Oh, please. I don't want to hear those half-hearted attempts at pity and "oh, he died a great man".

SH: It's nauseating.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] laughs --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] cracks his third smile. Damn this game. --

SH: Look at this game. It's so... sentimental.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] cocks his head --

JW: How do you mean?

SH: I've never felt this much emotion before I started this game. All that loss and danger. I'd think that sentiment was a chemical defect found in the losing side, but it's evident that this game is trying to make me change that worldview. Make me feel.

SH: Miss Adler kept on telling me I needed to understand people better.

JW: I agree with her.

JW: It could do you some good, you know.

JW: Maybe even help you with your deductions.

SH: I do understand people. At least, what motivates them to do crime.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] rolls his eyes --

JW: I guess that's what I'm here for.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] frowns slightly, quizzically --

JW: So.

JW: God tier.

JW: What's it feel like?

SH: Not very different. But I hear it enables flight, so...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] leaps lightly into the air and hovers there, grinning at John --

JW: I have this weird feeling of deja vu.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] grabs John's arms and pulls him up with him --

JW: WHAT, NO!

JW: NOT AGAIN!

SH: Oh please. At the very least we could get away from the Quest Bed. Where to?

JW: HOW ABOUT BACK ON THE GROUND.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] pouts --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] glares at Sherlock --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] regretfully lands back on the ground a couple metres away from the Quest Bed and lets John go --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] brushes himself off --

JW: Thank you.

SH: What did you mean, "that's what I'm here for"?

JW: Hm?

-- judiciousWarray [JW] looks around innocently --

JW: I don't know what you're talking about.

SH: John.

SH: Look at me.

SH: And explain. Please.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] laughs a little --

JW: I just meant I'm here to understand people for you.

JW: In return, you can be smart for me.

SH: Mm. Two parts of a whole, you might say?

SH: Completing each other, all that romantic-novel bullshit.

JW: Platonic soulmates, you could say!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] looks slightly hurt at the word platonic, but quickly hides it --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] pauses for a second before bursting into laughter --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] frowns --

SH: What's so funny?

JW: Your pants!

JW: Hahahahaha!

SH: Oh.

SH: I thought we were having a semi-serious conversation about sentiment and now you're laughing at my pants.

SH: Perhaps I ought to get rid of them? Make your job easier?

-- judiciousWarray [JW] snickers --

JW: Don't get me wrong, they're VERY stylish.

SH: Oh please. Stylish in the Renaissance, perhaps.

SH: Say, you did collect the grist from the Denizen, right?

JW: Yeah, I did.

SH: I think we could make you your jamgun.

SH: Shall we?

JW: I almost forgot! Of course!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] grins and re-equips his rocketpack --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] leaps into the air next to him --

SH: Last one to the house is a sissy.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] zooms past him towards the nearest gate --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] laughs and follows --

There was nothing else to it, really. Sherlock knew at some point he would have to confront his Denizen. Metis, the Denizen of the Hero of Mind, was waiting. Most likely already awake. He had to return.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] began pestering judiciousWarray [JW] at 19:15 -- SH: John?

JW: Yes?

SH: I think it's time I confronted the Denizen.

JW: The Denizen? You mean that big bad in the middle of your planet?

SH: Mm, yes.

SH: Metis.

JW: Don't you think it's a little early?

SH: I'm nearly at the top of the eccheladder.

SH: Or, in my case, bottom.

JW: Wait, why is it the bottom?

SH: Glitch in the game.

SH: I descend the ladder instead of ascending it.

JW: Oh.

SH: Reichentier. Interesting tier name.

JW: That sounds silly.

SH: In any case, we should... go.

JW: We? You want me to come?

SH: I'd be lost without my Knight.

JW: Hahaha, kind of funny how that turned out, huh? With you as Prince and me as Knight.

SH: Yes. It's fitting, I think. Especially since you have the heart aspect.

JW: Sally was making fun of me for that.

JW: It was an absolutely horrible conversation that I regret every day.

SH: Oh.

SH: I don't see what's so... laughable about the Heart aspect.

JW: It's Sally.

JW: I'm gay because I make tea for you sometimes.

JW: Or because I recommend a book.

JW: Or because my aspect is Heart.

SH: She assumes the worst of everything.

SH: Now... shall we?

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] prepares to go to the Denizen's lair --

JW: This isn't a good idea Sherlock.

JW: We should wait.

JW: Get a little stronger first!

SH: We're going to confront it before long.

JW: But....

SH: Come on, John.

JW: I... fine.

JW: But if it gets too dangerous, we're leaving.

SH: Excellent.

JW: Nope, you have to promise!

SH: Fine, I promise that we will leave once it gets too dangerous.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] is already finding the loopholes as they go to the lair --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] follows him, staying cautious --

Of course John would object; he was constantly worrying about Sherlock. He had worried about them when they did their ectobiology shenanigans. Of course he’d worry about Sherlock trying to confront a giant monster that was likely to kill them first and ask questions later. But there was no other way about it; he had to face her.

SH: Hm. I'm sure there are traps in this lair. -- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] scalpelcrops a passing imp --

JW: How many traps?

SH: Mm, who knows?

-- judiciousWarray [JW] sticks behind, picking off the enemies that attempt to flank Sherlock --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] moves ahead and almost gets shot by an arrow from nowhere --

JW: Woah!

JW: Are you okay??\

-- judiciousWarray [JW] moves over to Sherlock and checks for injuries --

SH: I'm fine.

SH: Come on, let's go.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] continues to head down the corridor --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] follows him --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] frowns and pushes John away just in time to avoid another arrow. --

SH: Careful, John.

SH: The tile patterns repeat themselves.

SH: Do avoid stepping on the tiles with diagonals.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] stares at Sherlock, worried --

JW: Maybe we should just leave...

SH: No, no use.

SH: And besides, it's easy trying to find where the traps are.

SH: Stick to the tiles that don't have markings on them!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] sighs --

JW: Fine, alright.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] grins --

SH: Well, then.

SH: Take my hand.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] slides his hand into Sherlock's tentatively --

SH: See the pattern of the unmarked tiles?

SH: They form the pattern of a dance. The basic box-step.

SH: Therefore, the easiest way to get through this corridor to the Denizen's chamber is to dance.

SH: So dance with me, John.

JW: What??

JW: I can't dance!

SH: Follow the tiles.

JW: I... alright, fine.

JW: Sorry if I step on your feet.

SH: You won't. If you do, you might trigger a trap.

SH: How's that for incentive?

-- judiciousWarray [JW] rolls his eyes --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] begins to move across the corridor --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] follows, very obviously an amatuer --

SH: Mm, you're doing fine.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] mumbles his thanks --

JW: I...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] smirks and continues to dance down the hall --

SH: Yes?

JW: Irene gave me a gift, a weapon of some kind.

SH: Really.

JW: It could probably help, with the Denizen.

JW: If worst comes to worst, we could use it.

SH: That could help, yes.

SH: Aha.

SH: We've arrived.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] blinks and looks towards where they'd started --

JW: Oh.

SH: See? Not so terrible, is it?

JW: That was shorter than I expected...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] scalpelcrops imps guarding the door into the Denizen's chamber --

SH: That's because we avoided the traps.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] smiles --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] smiles back --

SH: Shall we?

JW: Yes.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] enters the Denizen's chamber --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] stays behind for a moment to pick off a few imps following behind them --

SH: Oh dear. -- judiciousWarray [JW] turns and bristles at the Denizen -- 

Metis had purple wings, dark purple wings that seemed to take up the entire chamber. Sherlock couldn’t help but feel a frission of fear. The Denizen was certainly imposing, even if she looked like a giant browser icon.

She was also decidedly awake, prematurely. Sherlock frowned. He strode closer, looking back at John in an “it’ll be all right” sort of way. The Denizen was awake, but Sherlock could deal with her. He hoped.

Ah, the Prince has come early.

“You woke up early,” Sherlock pointed out bluntly.

Yes. I can see that. You are a bit premature, but I suppose we work with what we have. I am obliged to kill you, but that would be such a waste.

Sherlock said nothing, only waiting.

You have a choice, Mr. Holmes. As the Prince of Mind, you have the power to destroy. What I offer you is the choice between truth and victory. There is only one chance.

Sherlock closed his eyes.

“Oh dear, this is quite the choice,” he muttered. “Truth or victory. Is there truth in victory? Victory in truth?” He hears nothing in response and opens his eyes, analysing Metis carefully.

“I can see that you, as a Denizen, are named after the Titan Metis, the first wife and older sister of Zeus. Goddess of wisdom and deep thought, as well as magical cunning. Trickster, yet occasionally prudent and wise. Mother of Athena, and would-be mother of a son who would eventually overthrow Zeus. How intriguing. Is it sad, then, that you are attributed as the mother of a daughter who clearly outshines you? Only a fly on the wall –”

You speak as rashly as ever, Prince. Metis did not sound very amused, and with a sinking feeling Sherlock realised that bluntly deducing his Denizen wasn’t the best way to convince her not to eat him.

A fight seemed imminent.

JW: Christ! -- judiciousWarray [JW] rubs his head, then his eyes --

SH: Not good?

JW: Do we have to fight it?

SH: No choice now, I think.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] takes out scalpelcrop and doomfiddle --

JW: She looks dangerous, Sherlock.

SH: Yes, she does.

SH: That's the point of a Denizen

JW: Maybe we should leave...

-- judiciousWarray [JW] pulls out his pistol regardless --

SH: No point now.

SH: She's already awake.

SH: If we leave now she'll wreak havoc.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] laughs under his breath, finding himself not very nervous at all --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] chuckles, but the smile quickly slips as Metis attacks --

SH: Vatican cameos! -- judiciousWarray [JW] ducks, taking a few shots at the Denizen -- 

It seemed futile, the battle. There goes another item on the regret list: not going through all of the gates before confronting the Denizen. Oh well, couldn’t be helped.

Metis lunged at Sherlock, her wings poised to strike. He retaliated as best he could on the Doomfiddle and the scalpelcrop, but he was only able to achieve minimal damage. Curse himself and his big mouth.

Sherlock had to quell the instinct to panic every time the Denizen got near John, but John was holding out well on his own. He was shooting with calm and accuracy, darting away from the wings whenever possible. But Metis managed to get in her blows. Sherlock was by now nursing several bruises and had nearly broken his arm while playing the Doomfiddle during one of her attacks. John was no better, almost limping after she had hit his legs.

JW: Shit... JW: Sherlock!

SH: John?

SH: John!

SH: Are you all right?

JW: I'm fine.

JW: I'm going to use Irene's gift.

SH: All right.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] digs in his pocket sylladex for the brown, nondescript box --

SH: Hurry, John!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] opens it and yanks out a bomb --

JW: What...

SH: ...

A bomb. Sherlock winces as he sees the timer. It was counting down extremely fast, and Sherlock quickly realised he only had two minutes and twenty-one seconds before it would explode and presumably take them all down. Sherlock, Denizen, John –

No. Not John. John didn’t have to be here. He didn’t have to die. Sherlock wasn’t going to let him die.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] takes the bomb from John -- SH: Get back against the wall. As far away as possible.

JW: Wait, what about you?

SH: Don't worry about me.

JW: I'm not leaving without you.

SH: John, get away!

JW: Not unless you're coming with!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] hurls the bomb at the Denizen and grabs John's pistol --

SH: Please, John. I'll be fine.

SH: We don't have much time.

SH: I want you to do this for me after the explosion.

SH: Take me to the Quest Bed.

JW: Wha...

JW: But....

-- judiciousWarray [JW] hesitates --

SH: John. Please.

SH: I'm not repeating it again.

JW: What if I take too long?

SH: You have a rocketpack.

JW: Can't you come with me?

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] aims the pistol at the bomb --

SH: I don't think I'll be able to. You'll have to take me there.

SH: Goodbye, John.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] shoots the bomb --

JW: SHERLOCK!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] shields John from the bomb --

-- genialLaw [GL] holds his head in his hands and sighs --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] floats down behind Greg quietly and stands there in silence for a moment --

-- genialLaw [GL] mumbles to himself --

GL: god.

GL: why did i play this stupid game mycroft?

GL: if this game hadnt existed then everything would be normal.

GL: i could become a police officer.

GL: you would be alive.

-- genialLaw [GL] rubs eyes --

GL: i hate this place.

GL: mycroft why did you have to go and die goddammit?

GL: ....

GL: ... goddammit....

MH: Whoever said that I died?

-- genialLaw [GL] jolts from his trance and jumps up --

GL: wh-

-- genialLaw [GL] stares at Mycroft --

GL: ....

MH: Hello Greg. Nice you see you again.

GL: mycroft?

GL: ....

GL: ....

GL: youre... i...

GL: .....

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] tilts his head --

-- genialLaw [GL] collapses --

MH: Oh dear.

MH: It appears that startling you was not a good idea after all.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] sighs --

MH: Well, no worries. I've just the thing.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] pulls out a bottle of whiskey and pours a bit into Greg's mouth --

-- genialLaw [GL] coughs and wakes up --

MH: Good morning, sunshine.

GL: ...

GL: am i dead?

MH: Of course not.

GL: but... you are.

MH: Not quite. I am alive and well, thank you very much.

GL: ...

GL: but i shot you!

MH: I always had something up my sleeve. You should have known.

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL] punches Mycroft in the face --

GL: asshole.

MH: ...

GL: you scared me shitless!

MH: I hardly think that punching me square in the face was necessary.

GL: do you know how worried i was?

GL: how terrified?

GL: ...

MH: ...

MH: I'm so sorry, Greg.

MH: I really am.

GL: you could have told me!

MH: I couldn't.

GL: ...

MH: I wanted to, but I couldn't risk it.

GL: i was so sad mycroft.

MH: I'm sorry.

GL: i mean i lost two people i cared for so much in one day.

MH: ...

GL: you made a police officers son cry.

GL: haha... should i arrest you?

-- genialLaw [GL] rubs his eyes and smiles weakly --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smiles and puts his hands out in front of him --

MH: I'm guilty. I guess you have to.

GL: youre lucky i dont actually have any cuffs with me.

GL: i left them at the office.

MH: Too bad. I guess I'll escape then.

GL: fine with me.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] floats up and disappears --

GL: im still mad at you.

-- genialLaw [GL] crosses arms --

-- genialLaw [GL] sits down on cement --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] comes back around behind Greg and lifts him up into the air --

GL: what are you- HADKJHSDKDF

MH: Flying, basically.

GL: OH MY GOD PUT ME DOWN.

-- genialLaw [GL] struggles --

MH: Mmm, sorry but I must decline your offer, Greg.

MH: I would like to show you my new abilities as God Tier first hand.

GL: no! put me down you jerk!

MH: Oh I’m sorry, Greg, I cannot seem to hear you over the sound of me flying higher.

GL: ...................

MH: Did you say, "put me down"?

MH: I would love to oblige.

GL: no no nope nope.

GL: hold on to me.

GL: dont let go.

MH: I am glad you have come to the right conclusion.

GL: ....

GL: cheater.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smirks --

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles --

MH: Don't you think it's a lovely sight from up here?

GL: well even though im being dangled up here against my will a million feet above the ground.

GL: its pretty nice.

MH: It is, isn't it?

GL: yeah.

GL: you can smell the coffee.

MH: Not to be off topic now, but you are quite unexpectedly light.

GL: huh? oh thanks i guess.

MH: Have you...considered dancing by any chance?

GL: dancing? of course not.

GL: why would i? im a police officers son.

MH: A shame though. You have the right build and a good weight.

GL: haha thanks.

GL: i have tried dancing once.

MH: Oh?

GL: back at my grade seven graduation i tried.

GL: it ended pretty badly.

GL: i have two left feet.

MH: Come now, that's nothing that can't be cured with a little practice.

GL: you offering to teach me or something?

MH: If you would like.

GL: its flattering really mycroft but dancing isnt my thing.

MH: Oh really?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] loosens his grip slightly --

GL: yea-

GL: .............

GL: ok ok ill dance ill dance jeez.

MH: Excellent.

GL: ...

GL: jerk.

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] chuckles and looks straight ahead --

MH: You know, I was a bit disappointed when I awoke, and I did not see you there.

GL: hey mycroft?

MH: Yes, Greg?

GL: dont do that again ok?

MH: Pick you up?

GL: no i mean dont go scaring me by dying all the time.

GL: if you die again ill kill you.

MH: But of course.

MH: I promise.

GL: good.