#pesterchap

-- 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

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 --

CSH RIGHT NOW opened memo on board STATUS UPDATE FOR STRAND.

CSH: What is the purpose of this memo?

CIA: Lets *really* not talk about that

CGL: just a... status update.

CSH: Status update?

CGL: is everyone here?

CSH: What's going on, Greg?

CIA: Its a *staus update* about sTrand?

CJW: Everyone but Mycroft.

CJW: Where is he?

CSD: wheres mycroft

CIA: You can *tell* because it *says* so ;)

CSH: ...Strange.

CGL: ...

CJW: And Moriarty.

CSH: Lestrade, you've something to say.

CGL: yeah.

CGL: its about mycroft.

CJW: Did something happen to him?

CSH: It's about Mycroft.

CSD: ???

CAA: ?????

CSH: Isn't it?

CGL: im sorry.

CGL: im so sorry.

CSH: He posted that long message...

CIA: Dearie :?

CIA: What happened to him >:?

CGL: mycrofts dead.

CSD: wat....???

CJW: WHAT??

CSH: What.

CSD: what

CAA: wHAt

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] has gone into shock --

CIA: Where did he die.

CGL: im sorry.

CJW: ....

CGL: he was poisoned.

CSD: what happened?????

CSH: I... you were there, weren't you, Lestrade?

CSD: oh my god

CSH: Tell us what happened.

CGL: and he... asked me to put him out of his misery.

CIA: WHERE IS HIS BODY YOU COCK-SUCKING SONS OF BITCHES.

CAA: shIt mAN

CIA: Sorry

CIA: Where is *his* body >:?

CGL: on some rock.

CSH: Is it in his land, Lestrade?

CSD: oh my god

CGL: yes.

CSH: Mm.

CGL: im so sorry sherlock.

CGL: i couldnt do anything.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] is visibly affected --

CGL: he kept on begging me to..

CJW: It's... not your fault, Greg.

CGL: im sorry.

CJW: That he died.

CSH: He... that message.

CSH: That was his note.

-- CURRENT impertinentAstucity [CIA] tries to calm down and not flip her shit --

CGL: irene please calm down...

CSH: Miss Adler.

-- CURRENT impertinentAstucity [CIA] flips her shit anyway --

CIA: Yes.

CIA: That is my *name*

CIA: Now *where* is *JIM*

CSH: If there's anyone who has any right to be not-calm, it should be me.

CSH: This is my brother who's dead.

CGL: ...

CSH: And I suspect your /friend/ Moriarty is behind it.

CSD: what

CJW: I wouldn't be surprised.

CSH: Lestrade, couldn't you have saved him?

CSH: There must have been an antidote.

CGL: i couldnt. i tried.

CSH: You let my brother die.

CGL: i...

CGL: im sorry sherlock.

CSH: You...

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] struggles to keep down the rest of his sentence --

CGL: ...

CJW: Sherlock, calm down!

CJW: It's not his fault!

CSD: sherlock greg said mycroft begged him to

CSH: There should've been an antidote.

CSD: you cant blame greg

CAA: itS NoT Like grEg wANTeD TO KiLl him shERLOcK YOu doNt nEED TO GeT On at hIm

CSH: What was the poison in?

CGL: i dont know.

CSH: What did he last ingest before his death?

CSH: The poison must have been in that.

CGL: he just pestered me and asked me to come.

CGL: i dont know!

CSH: Couldn't you have seen? Observed?

CGL: ...

CGL: i panicked ok.

CSH: It was right there, under your nose, and you didn't even see it!

CSH: You could have saved him!

CSD: sherlock stop

CGL: ...

CSH: I could have saved him!

CJW: SHERLOCK!

CAA: shErLOcK STop it

CSH: If only someone told me!

CSD: not everyone is as observant as you

CIA: Oh will you *shut up* sherlock your brother was...is smarter than you

CIA: If there *was* an antidote hed know

CSH: And he ate a poisoned... something!

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] takes deep breaths --

CGL: ...

CGL: youre right.

CGL: i could have done something.

CGL: but im just too STUPID.

CSH: ...

CIA: No you couldnt honey~~!

CGL: i could have looked around huh?

CSH: It must have been planned.

CGL: yeah.

CIA: If you could dearie would have *told* you

CSH: The death.

CSD: greg it wasnt your fault ok?

CSH: It was a plan.

CGL: i could have done something other than shoot my best friend.

CGL: well im sorry sherlock.

CIA: Do you *really* think mycroft would have *died* on an *accident* >:?

CSH: That was why he didn't disclose a thing.

CGL: sorry for being so freaking stupid.

CJW: Greg...

CIA: You *all* underestimate him

CSD: greg you arent stupid

CIA: Hes got a plan

CSH: What exactly did the rock look like, Lestrade?

CAA: gReg coME On sToP IT

CIA: I promise you

CGL: im going to.. think for a bit.

CGL ceased responding to memo.

CSH: ...

CIA: Lestrade answer the question before i rip your guts out and string them across prospit

CIA: *fuck*.

CIA: I *really* hope its a rock i think it is

CJW: What?

CSH: I hope the rock is what I think it is, too.

CSH: Then the pieces would fit together.

CSH: I shouldn't have yelled at Greg.

CIA: Its not like dearie to just up and die on us

CIA: Hes got a *plan*

CIA: People like us never *really* die

CIA: Were too good at *faking* our own deaths

CJW: So he's not actually dead?

CSH: If that rock is what we think it is, it probably wouldn't be the last.

CSH: The last we see of Mycroft.

CIA: Exactly

CSD: so is he ok....?

CSD: or???

CIA: I dont *know*

CSD: oh

CSH: Lestrade didn't give us the description of the rock, for one.

CAA: sALly oR I CouLd asK HIM To deScriBe it???

CIA: Ask him

CAA: alRighT

CIA: Right now

CAA: i aM I Am jeEz

CAA: GL: it was black and rectangle. GL: mycroft called it a bed. GL: there were four spires around it...

CAA: ??????

CSH: Oh.

CSH: Well!

CSH: That changes things.

CSH: That rock is precisely what I think it is.

CJW: Did he get god tier like Moriarty?

CSH: Depends on the state of his dream self.

CIA: Hey

CIA: Im god tier too

CJW: Oh yeah.

CIA: I *hope* he did

CAA: shErloCK YOU SHoULd go apOloGIse to gREg

CJW: I agree with Anderson.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] shuffles uncomfortably --

CSD: go apologise

CIA: Go say *sorry* darling

CSH: Fine.

CJW: Thank you.

CIA: <3

CSH: Done.

CAA: goOd

CIA: <3 <3 <3

CIA: Good job

CSH: Mm.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] shifts awkwardly from foot to foot --

-- CURRENT impertinentAstucity [CIA] grins and waves a riding crop near CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH]'s general direction --

CSH: Miss Adler, do you mind?

CIA: Now cum and *get* your *reward ;)

CSH: This isn't the time.

CSH: I'm still grieving here.

CIA: Sorry

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] stares at Irene, eyes narrowed --

CSH: It's hard to deal with all of these emotions. I'm frankly shocked that I can experience them at all.

CSH: This game.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] shakes his head --

CJW: Say, Sally.

CJW: How have you been carrying on? In the game, I mean.

CSD: yeah?

CSH: I hear that you and Anderson...

CSH: Not surprised.

CSH: Congratulations.

CJW: Oh yeah. Cheers, you two.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] smiles --

CSD: ive been doin alright just looking 4 the 2nd gate is all

CSD: ya haha.....

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] smirks --

CSD: wat

CSH: Mm, nothing.

CSD: ...

CSH: What? I'm just reminded of childhood days.

CSH: There was a girl at my old school who had a crush on Mycroft, and...

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] trails off as he says Mycroft's name --

CSH: I shouldn't be missing him as much as I miss him now.

CSH: It's... it feels foreign.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] places a comforting hand on his shoulder --

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] closes his eyes to John's touch and smiles --

CSD: im sorry:(

CSH: Yeah. And then I think back...

CSH: back to the times when we argued and fought and now that he's dead I wonder...

CSH: I wonder if there was anything that I could have done differently.

CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

CMH: Well now, what a lovely gathering we have here! Why the glum faces?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic's [CSH'S] eyes open in shock --

CAA: wh

CSH: What are you doing here?

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] herks his head at Mycroft's appearance --

CSD: what

CMH: Was that sentiment I heard in your voice, Sherlock?

CSH: Shut up!

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] smirks and leans against his umbrella --

CIA: So it *was* a quest bed

CIA: Can i *see* your* outfit ~~~!!

CIA: Does it look good :?

CIA: Whats the *trim* :?

CSH: Space player has a hood covering the face.

CSH: Nice.

CMH: It's black and grey, just as I like it. Quite proper.

CSH: But of course.

CAA: nOw we doNT HAvE TO LoOK AT His uGly mUG AlL THe tiMe

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] shoots a deadly glare at Anderson --

CSH: Mm, I may have to agree with Anderson on that.

CIA: Im *sure* you look *svelte* ;)

CAA: hEheh

CSH: You do look better with the hood on.

CMH: Oh shut up you two.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] grins broadly --

CMH: I didn't come here to prattle with children.

CSH: No, you came here to sweep Lestrade off his feet.

CMH: ...

CAA: gay

CMH: Where is Greg, by the way?

CIA: Shut *up* anderson

CSD: gay

CIA: Greg left :P

CMH: I see.

CAA: NoPE Aint goNna shUt up

CMH: Any notion of where I could find him?

CSH: Last time I pestered him he said he wanted time alone.

CSH: You know him better than I do, brother.

CSH: I'm sure you know where to find him.

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] closes his eyes --

CMH: I've already located him.

CSH: Those space powers are dangerous on you, Brother.

CSH: You're now a walking CCTV set.

CSH: I should fear for my life.

CIA: I dont see what the *difference* is

CIA: Maybe now you can actually *beat* douchenozzle

CMH: Hm, it's not so much dangerous to me as it is to everyone around me.

CMH: Is that what you are now calling Moriarty?

CSH: Douchenozzle, Miss Adler? Sudden change of heart regarding Moriarty, hm.

CIA: I dont like it when he cheats

CIA: The last time he did *that* i went god tier

CMH: The premise of my secretive death was to throw Moriarty off, while achieving god tier to even the playing field.

CMH: I suppose apologies are in orer.

CSH: Yes. You're responsible for causing undue stress unto me and Lestrade.

CMH: Yes, I am sorry for that.

CMH: I am also sorry for lying about the cake, my dear.

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] nods to Irene --

CIA: Its *fine*

CIA: Ive been told *worse* lies

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] resists urge to crack a Cake is a Lie joke --

CJW: Cake?

CMH: A poisoned caked, compliments of Moriarty himself.

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] gives Sherlock a cold glare --

CJW: Why did you eat it if it was poisoned?

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] stares back coolly --

CSH: It was part of the plan.

CIA: I warned you about the *cake*

CSD: the cake was a lie

CSH: He used it as a weapon.

CSH: To kill himself to ascend to God Tier.

CAA: sAllY OH MY GoD

CSD: wat

CIA: An excellent manuver ;)

CSH: Mm, yes.

CMH: I told Moriarty I would eat the cake. And he sent his minion after my dreamself. I escaped, but he doesn't know that yet. He believes me to be dead.

CSH: As I suspected.

CMH: Jack Noir. You have met him, I presume?

CSH: Yes.

CSH: Archagent of Derse.

CSH: Responsible for the murders of Prospitians and Dersites alike.

CSH: Also responsible for sending a Sharpshooting Minion after you and Lestrade.

CSH: The problem is, he may be guilty of perpetrating the crime, but he has no motives.

CSH: He was following orders.

CMH: Moriarty.

CSH: Evidence accumulates.

CSH: I can see why you would blame Moriarty.

CSH: Is there anything else that would further incriminate him?

CMH: Yes, as a matter of fact, in the conversation I had prior to my death, he mentioned a plan he called "Operation Richard Brooke."

CSH: Hm.

CMH: There was encrypted code all over the walls of his dream room.

CSH: Brooke. Name rings a bell.

CMH: Jim Brooke.

CSH: Aha.

CSH: Yes.

CMH: Moriarty was planning everything from the start.

CSH: So this Operation of his is a plan.

CSH: But of course.

CMH: His plan is to doom us all and render our session impossible to win.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] listens intently, looking between the two Holmes brothers --

CSH: Aah.

CSH: Starting the Reckoning early.

CSH: Gaining all of the protyped powers.

CSH: Killing rampage.

CSH: Destroying Prospit and Derse and any remaining dream selves.

CSH: Elegant.

CMH: If I may use his metaphor, I am a king in this game. I cannot be taken out by another king.

CSH: The game of chess.

CMH: Indeed.

CIA: And douchenozzle cheated

CIA: >:P

CIA: He tried to knock over the king

CIA: And *of course* it didnt work

CMH: I willingly let myself fall into his trap. It was all a part of the plan.

CSH: It's quite obvious isn't it, Miss Adler? The king was made of rubber.

-- CURRENT sanctimoniousHermetic [CSH] rolls his eyes at his own joke --

CMH: Dear brother, one more wise crack from you and I will have your head served on a platter.

CIA: That was a *really* bad joke

CIA: ~~~~~~~~<3

CMH: Anyway, I will be taking my leave now.

CMH: It was good to see you all once more, and it was lovely meeting you finally, Irene.

CMH: I must be off to find Greg. I fear for what will happen to him if I do not show up.

CIA: Oh *yes*

CSH: Do send him my regards.

CIA: U O me a *game* of *chess*

CIA: Please consider it ;)

CJW: It's good you're still alive, Mycroft.

-- CURRENT judiciousWarray [CJW] smiles --

CMH: Thank you, John. I shall, Sherlock. And Irene, I owe you dinner.

CIA: Dinner and chess

CIA: With *no* innuendo

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] smiles and opens his umbrella, even though it wasn't necessary anymore --

CMH: Yes, to both.

-- CURRENT methodicalHagiocracy [CMH] bows and floats off to Greg's planet --

CMH ceased responding to memo.

CGL ceased responding to memo.

CIA ceased responding to memo.

CSD ceased responding to memo.

-- genialLaw [GL] began pestering methodicalHagiocracy [MH] at 00:53 --

GL: phew ok.

GL: how many frogs do we have now?

-- genialLaw [GL] wipes forehead of sweat --

MH: 999. That is all of the frogs present on LOFAI.

GL: wow exactly 999?

MH: Odd. There are supposed to be 1000 precisely.

GL: theres one more?

GL: how are we going to fine ONE on this whole planet?

-- genialLaw [GL] groans --

MH: That is where things get confusing.

MH: The final frog is not on this planet.

GL: ...

GL: seriously?

GL: whos planet is it on?

MH: ....

MH: It's back on Earth.

MH: In the past.

GL: ...

GL: are you serious?

  MH: Do I look as if I would be lying about the most important piece to this metaphorical puzzle?

GL: no... but thats impossible isnt it?

GL: earth is gone!

MH: Nothing is impossible within the realm of this game.

GL: how do we even get it?

MH: I know of a way to extract the frog from the past. We must first carry all of the frogs to the Frog Temple.

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL] looks at frogs --

GL: all of them?

MH: What is the point, if not all of them?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] goes over and scoops up an armful of frogs --

-- genialLaw [GL] rolls eyes and does the same --

MH: Well, this isn't so bad. Not all too much.

GL: mycroft dont say something like that youll jinx yourself!

MH: Really? I-

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] gets cut off mid sentence as he shudders and feels something crawl under his suit --

GL: ...?

MH: Hey! Little bugger, quit that this instant!

-- genialLaw [GL] stifles a laugh --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] drops the other frogs back into the tank and proceeds to do a silly dance trying to pull the slippery frog away from inside his sleeve --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] feels the frog move around lower --

GL: is there a frog in your suit...?

MH: Shut up, Greg.

-- genialLaw [GL] tries to stop himself from laughing --

-- genialLaw [GL] fails miserably --

GL: pfffff.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] turns around embarrassingly and pulls the frog out from under his shirt before tucking the pulled bit back in neatly into his trousers --

MH: Not another word from you.

-- genialLaw [GL] has to drop the frogs in his arms and laughs --

GL: that was priceless!

-- genialLaw [GL] holds his stomach, laughing --

MH: S-shut up.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] frowns and pouts before grabbing the frogs again and marching away towards the temple --

-- genialLaw [GL] wipes his eyes and gathers the frogs --

GL: haha... hey wait up!

-- genialLaw [GL] walks as fast as he can after him --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] keeps a firm distance between greg and himself and enters the temple --

GL: hey!

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL] enters after Mycroft --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] was already staring at the various machinery, with the frogs sitting about croaking nervously --

MH: Marvelous! Just as I was expecting, except so much more!

-- genialLaw [GL] puts down the frogs carefully and joins him --

GL: woah.

MH: Yes, this is it. The appearifier. I wonder....ah! It is on and functioning quite well. Excellent.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] fiddles with the options --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] gets the monitor to show the large tank of frogs and tries to send them over to the temple --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] makes all the frogs appear in the far side of the room --

MH: Ah, my bad. I transported the frogs, but not the tank.

GL: this room is going to get crowded fast.

MH: I am afraid so. But no worries! I have this under control.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] goes to the larger machine and sets it up as if he had used it before --

GL: ...

GL: thats what they all say before things get out of control.

MH: Believe me, Greg. I know what I am doing.

GL: thats what they say too.

-- genialLaw [GL] sighs --

GL: ill just believe you.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] punches in a program that autoruns the process of breeding frogs via paradox slime --

GL: woah.

MH: Since we have already hunted the frogs down, the program should help us cut corners while we look for the final frog. In any other circumstance, this would be considered...cheating.

MH: But time is of the essence.

GL: ...

GL: i dont like cheating.

MH: ...

GL: but i will... ignore my urge to stop for now.

GL: we are running out of time as you said.

-- genialLaw [GL] sighs --

MH: This is better than having to manually sort through all the frogs.

GL: yeah yeah.

MH: I doubt you would want to do that. Come on, back to the appearifier.

GL: alright.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] resets the settings and messes around with the coordinates and time slider --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] zooms in on various research centres that utilize frogs --

MH: No, these frogs are...ordinary.

GL: how do we even know what it looks like?

MH: Do the frogs here look much at all like the ones back on earth? I am willing to bet that we will know what the frog we are seeking for looks like when we see it.

GL: good point.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] scrubs through the timeline briskly before changing locations to zoos --

MH: Sherlock never did like this zoo. He got in trouble far too many times.

GL: what did he do?

MH: What do you think he did? He kept getting into the exhibits trying to ride them or tame them or whatever was going through that childish brain of his.

GL: oh my god.

GL: sherlock?

GL: of all kids.

-- genialLaw [GL] laughs --

MH: He was a rambunctious sort.

GL: i would have to see it to believe it.

MH: It really is hard to believe. But I can show you.

GL: ... seriously?

GL: yes please.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smirks and scrolls through the time line to 15 years prior, and pans the screen to show a young Sherlock and himself --

GL: oh my god.

MH: Watch, he is going to slip through the zookeepers here and try to get on the ostrich.

-- genialLaw [GL] covers his mouth to keep from bursting out in laughter --

GL: this is priceless.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] shows the young Sherlock trying to pounce the unsuspecting bird only to run away as the bird chased him down --

GL: i could never have imagined sherlock being a kid.

GL: oh my god!

MH: I could never have imagined him the way he is now back then.

-- genialLaw [GL] laughs out loud --

GL: its like his personality got switched.

GL: hahaha this is great!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] sighs almost in sync with the young Mycroft on screen --

-- genialLaw [GL] notices smiles wider --

GL: youre the same as always.

MH: ...

MH: Is that so?

GL: yeah.

GL: even the same haircut.

GL: heheh.

MH: I rather liked the style. I hated it at first, but it grew on me.

GL: you look adorable as a kid.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] looks over at Greg and coughs nervously, not really sure how to respond --

GL: so lets keep looking for that frog!

MH: Yes. Yes, indeed. Back to the final frog.

GL: does the walkthrough say where it is?

MH: If it did, I would have pinpointed it immediately.

GL: maybe its somewhere we least expect it.

MH: Perhaps. That would make the most sense.

GL: why dont you try tracking yourself?

GL: we would never guess that you had met it all along.

MH: I do not recall ever coming across one in my youth.

GL: are you sure?

GL: maybe you dont remember.

MH: It is there, somewhere far back within my memories. There really is no other option, is there?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] fixes the settings to focus on himself and scrubs the timeline again --

GL: doesnt look like it.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] stops at a particular point of interest --

MH: Oh goodness.

GL: ?

MH: If I remember correctly, which I do, this was during Sherlock's...pirate phase.

GL: ...

GL: oh lord.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] looks on the screen where Sherlock in a pirate hat and coat is sneaking inside the manor, trying to make his way to the kitchen --

-- genialLaw [GL] grins and watches the screen --

MH: Hm. I wonder what he's doing? I am right over there on the piano, and I do notice his presence, but I am paying no heed to him.

MH: Oh, hold on, I remember now.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] points and to where young Mycroft lifts his head as if he had heard a noise --

GL: whats sherlock holding?

MH: I think we have what we are looking for.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] sees his younger self confront his brother, who tried with all his might to deny having anything. in the end, the two tussle and mycroft is victorious --

MH: Ah. There. The frog.

GL: wow that is a weird looking frog alright.

MH: I never thought much about it, about how strange it looked.

GL: ...

MH: Perhaps I thought Sherlock had disguised it somehow.

MH: Rather foolish of me.

GL: yeah.

MH: Oh dammit. Sherlock snatched the frog back and knocked me over. He's fleeing into the kitchen.

GL: cant you appearify it now?

MH: No, I cannot.

MH: First of all, I physically cannot.

MH: The frog is in the past and appearifying it here in the present would mess up the temporal plane. To counteract, we merely get paradox slime, similar to what the other machine is doing.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] nods over to the other side of the room where more frogs have systematically appeared --

GL: ...

MH: Second, it would be rather odd trying to appearify something while someone is still looking.

GL: yeah ok.

GL: i get the point.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] follows sherlock on the screen and sees him lay out a false trail before putting the frog in the freezer --

MH: Oh, so that's where he put it. Why did I not see that?

GL: who puts a live frog in a freezer?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] zooms the camera to the freezer --

MH: Perhaps he meant to recover it quickly as soon as I had left?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] focuses the crosshairs and waits for the right moment before the door closes to appearify the frog --

GL: the things that go through that nutjobs head.

MH: Ah, I think we got it.

MH: From the sound of the machine over there, I'd call this a success.

GL: awesome!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] keeps a watch on the screen still, seeing Sherlock go back to the freezer a few moments later. When he opens it, there is nothing but a frog corpse. --

MH: So it did die.

MH: Perhaps it was my fault.

GL: bluh.

MH: No matter. We have its genetic material.

MH: For now, we simply wait until the machine processes all the frogs

GL: alright.

GL: hopefully the thing works.

MH: It should not take too much longer. A lot of the frogs have been rejected due to poor genetic make up.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] points to the frogs escaping the temple --

GL: huh.

GL: they sure have multiplied.

-- genialLaw [GL] almost steps on a stray frog --

MH: Careful now!

MH: Do watch your step. One mistake, and our whole mission could be jeopardized.

GL: i am being careful!

GL: i would never step on these poor things.

MH: You have grown quite attached to them, I see.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smiles at the other --

GL: pff shut up.

-- genialLaw [GL] grins --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] watches the machine work until after a while, he hears it slow down --

MH: It is almost done.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] watches as the machine regurgitates one last frog --

MH: Heavens. Is that it?

GL: what do you mean by that? theres a ton of frogs.

MH: No, Greg. The last one. That one. The one that looks far different from the rest.

MH: The Genesis Frog. We did it. We have essentially created a new universe.

GL: seriously?

-- methodicalHagiocracy's [MH'S] face is brimming with joy and curiosity --

-- genialLaw [GL] raises his eyebrow --

GL: its a frog.

GL: nothing special.

MH: It is very special.

MH: Look at it! You can practically see the stars within its belly.

-- genialLaw [GL] crouches down and looks at it. --

GL: oh wow.

GL: i didnt see that before.

MH: It may not be much now, but at the end of the game, it will be of great importance.

GL: hm.

MH: I am unsure of the exact process by which the frog we see here becomes our universe.

MH: But the fate of our future rests quite literally in our hands.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] picks up the frog gently and pets it, which hums gently but otherwise makes no noise --

GL: thats bloody amazing.

MH: Isn't it? Absolutely fascinating, all of this!

-- genialLaw [GL] joins Mycroft with the frog and pets it as well --

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles widely --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] tilts his head as the frog kept quite --

GL: i never thought i liked frogs.

GL: they seem to have grown on me.

MH: You could say the same for me. Ever since that day I was never partial to slimy amphibians.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] pauses for a moment --

MH: Thank you, Greg.

GL: for what?

MH: For everything. Without you, I doubt I would have succeeded today.

GL: yeah cause i caught all the frogs.

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles --

GL: youre welcome.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] smiles warmly in return --

GL: well if youre thanking me then i should thank you.

MH: Oh?

GL: thanks for everything.

GL: for giving me a cop of the game and comforting me when i needed it.

GL: i mean without you i would be dead.

MH: There is no need to thank me, Greg. I did everything because we are friends.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] twitched ever so slightly saying that last word. --

-- genialLaw [GL] smiles and embraces Mycroft --

GL: good job to us.

GL: for creating a whole new bloody universe.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] blushes ever so slightly at the embrace and returns the gesture --

MH: Indeed. We should celebrate. Shall we return to the manor?

GL: yeah im tired of this place.

GL: lets go.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] takes out his umbrella again --

{warning: gaaaaaaaaaay}

-- genialLaw [GL] began pestering methodicalHagiocracy [MH] at 23:41 --

GL: augh its raining again!

MH: Yes, it does that often here. Quite periodically, seemingly erratically, but there is a definite pattern.

GL: crap im cold now.

GL: can we go inside?

GL: i need to make more clothes.

MH: We can head back through the first gate to the manor.

MH: We can alchemize more clothes. I do not wish to have you get sick from the rain.

GL: itll be a first alright.

GL: can someone get sick from ink rain?

MH: The ink is cold, so yes. I would imagine it works the same as regular rain. Just with the added bonus of getting stained.

GL: bluh.

GL: lets go then.

MH: Indeed.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  floats up on his umbrella and offers a hand --

MH: Would you like a ride?

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL]  looks at his boots untrustfully --

GL: yes thanks.

GL: can it carry two people?

MH: Perhaps.

GL: lets hope so.

-- genialLaw [GL]  grabs onto Mycroft's hand --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  grips it firmly --

MH: I won't know unless I try. Now hold onto the umbrella with the other hand.

GL: alright...

-- genialLaw [GL]  follows his instructions --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  smiles then lets the umbrella float up just as easily as it always does, although there was a slight decrease in speed. --

MH: Hang on. This umbrella can go surprisingly fast.

-- genialLaw [GL]  's grip tightens as they float upwards --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  flies quickly through the cool air and enters the gate, landing at the front steps of the manor. --

MH: Here we are. That wasn't so bad, was it?

GL: haha course not.....

MH: Your voice betrays you.

GL: well time to go inside boy it sure is raining a lot.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  rolls his eyes and leads the way inside --

-- genialLaw [GL]  enters and tries not to gape --

GL: it looks even more expensive up close.

MH: Spares.

GL: ....

-- genialLaw [GL]  sighs loudly --

GL: well time to go alchemize some new clothes.

MH: Cannot let you do that, Greg.

GL: what?

MH: You are in no condition to be alchemizing anything.

GL: ...?

-- genialLaw [GL]  looks himself over --

GL: im not injured or anything.

GL: im fine.

MH: Nope hush. You are incapable. Allow me.

GL: how-?

MH: I say, do be quiet. Now, to the alchemiter. While I am at it, do feel free to utilize the watercloset and wash up.

GL: ...

GL: are you saying i have no fashion sense?

MH: Why do you think that?

GL: its bloody obvious.

GL: fine.

MH: You are mistaken.

GL: go make whatever you feel is best for me.

GL: oh really?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  shrugs and briskly walks away to find things to alchemize --

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL]  rolls eyes and goes upstairs --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  finds spare suits in his room, then grabs artefacts and paintings before going to the alchemiter --

-- genialLaw [GL]  finds the shower --

GL: wow mycroft you are rich.

GL: this is bigger than my bedroom.

-- genialLaw [GL]  says to no one in particular --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  goes up to check on Greg --

-- genialLaw [GL]  takes off his clothes and steps into the shower --

-- genialLaw [GL]  turns on the hot water --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  hears the shower on and walks towards one of the smaller bathrooms in the manor --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  peers in ever so curiously and notices the dirty clothes strewn over the floor --

MH: ...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  instinctively picks them up and puts out a fresh towel before daring to see if he could see Greg in the shower --

-- genialLaw [GL]  gets soap in eyes --

GL: BLOODY HELL!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  freezes and takes a sharp breath before holding it --

GL: son of a gun!

GL: come on.

GL: why would yo do that?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH] opens his mouth and, crestfallen, starts to say something  --

GL: freaking soap.

-- genialLaw [GL]  tries to get soap out of eyes --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  breathes a sigh of relief and quickly makes his way out, but not before getting a brief glimpse at the figure in the shower --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  flees to the alchemiter and makes new *proper* clothes for Greg --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  combines Spare Suit || Greek Painting and creates Zeus' Good Suit --

MH: Curious. A toga suit. I wonder how this works exactly.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  combines Laptop || Bust of Julius Caesar and creates the Laureltop --

-- genialLaw [GL]  finishes his shower and turns the tap off --

GL: stupid soap...

-- genialLaw [GL]  grabs a towel and surveys the bathroom --

GL: ...

GL: what happened to my clothes?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  messes with other items and wonders if he was taking the Greek theme too far --

-- genialLaw [GL]  dries himself off, frowning --

-- genialLaw [GL]  wraps self in a towel and heads downstairs --

GL: hey mycroft! have you seen my clothes?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  creates FANCY LAURELS, OLYMPIAN RAIMENTS, BUST OF LESTRADE, and HERMES' ROCKET WINGS --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  quickly captchalogues the bust before turning to Greg --

GL: wow you made a lot.

MH: Ah, I see you are done with your ablutions. Yes, I have had quite a bit of fun.

GL: looks like it.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  raises an eyebrow at the sight of the man in a towel and feels a slight blush on his face --

GL: if you dont mind im going to change into that nice looking suit.

MH: N-no, go ahead. Be my guest.

-- genialLaw [GL]  walks past Mycroft to the alchemiter --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  coughs to clear his throat and steps back to keep distance --

-- genialLaw [GL]  turns his head after he picks up the suit --

GL: are you sick now?

GL: you look pretty hot.

GL: and you just coughed.

GL: are you coming down with something?

MH: No, not at all. I am fine. Nothing to be of concern.

GL: you sure?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  returns his expression to a stoic one --

MH: Yes, I am sure.

-- genialLaw [GL]  goes up to Mycroft --

-- genialLaw [GL]  feels his forehead --

GL: hmm.

MH: ......

GL: you feel fine alright.

MH: See. I told you...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  tries hard not to react --

-- genialLaw [GL]  pushes Mycroft lower and presses his own forehead against his --

GL: ...

MH: .............

GL: yup.

GL: fine.

GL: must have been my imagination.

GL: thats good!

-- genialLaw [GL]  steps back --

GL: im going to go change.

MH: Y-yes. Now, please, do put some clothes on.

-- genialLaw [GL]  grins and goes upstairs to the guest bedroom --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  sighs heavily and goes to slump in a chair --

MH: .....Bloody hell, Mycroft. What was that.

-- genialLaw [GL] began pestering methodicalHagiocracy [MH] at 21:53 --

GL: ...

GL: mycroft.

MH: How is the frog collection coming along?

GL: swell.

GL: mycroft.

GL: look at me.

GL: tell me what is wrong with this picture.

MH: I see nothing wrong.

MH: You have been working hard, that I see.

GL: i am covered in ink mycroft.

MH: Perfectly normal.

GL: my new clothes i made are ruined.

GL: they were cool mycroft.

MH: Oh don't worry. Just subtract the ink code from your clothes.

GL: well i dont have time to do that when im catching all of YOUR frogs.

GL: also i get them dirtier than before in less time than i can say billious slick'.

GL: or whatever the name was.

MH: Please, Gregory. You know I cannot let this walkthrough leave my hands and get soiled. 

MH: I'll promise you cake if you finish.

GL: i would say it sounds like a lie but knowing you it isnt.

MH: It isn't. Trust me.

GL: knew it.

GL: i dont want cake.

GL: i want you to at least help me.

GL: ive caught over one hundred by now.

MH: Halfway there in the total collection. Splendid work, my friend!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  claps his hands and smiles enthusiastically, but with a heavy hint of sarcasm --

GL: .....

-- genialLaw [GL]  glares at him --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  chuckles and gets up --

MH: Would you like me to accompany you?

GL: and watch as i catch frogs and get soiled?

GL: sure why not!

-- genialLaw [GL]  is sarcastic --

MH: Come now, you won't be alone. Having a companion keeps the time flowing. We'll be done in no time.

GL: 'well' he says.

GL: 'we'. ha.

-- genialLaw [GL]  grumbles and head towards another ink pool --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  chuckles more and floats on over, leaving the walkthrough on the rock he was sitting upon --

-- genialLaw [GL]  steps into the pool, still grumbling --

GL: lets see if there are any left here...

MH: There are four to the left of you.

GL: shhh.

GL: i see them.

-- genialLaw [GL]  narrows eyes at frogs and approaches them carefully --

-- genialLaw [GL]  lunges for one --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  looks around the pond and has a staring contest of sorts with a frog nearby --

GL: HA!

GL: caught you!

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL]  grins --

GL: hey mycroft since youre here you can help me hold the frogs.

GL: catch.

-- genialLaw [GL]  tosses frog at Mycroft --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  continues to stare at the frog and makes the frog feel uncomfortable --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  gets hit and falls into the pool --

MH: AUGH!

GL: snrk.

GL: heheh.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  gets up glares at Greg, with a frog upon his head --

MH: Smooth move, Greg. Smooth move.

-- genialLaw [GL]  clamps his hand over his mouth --

GL: PFF-

GL: that colour of frog suits you mycroft.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  picks up his umbrella and huffs. The frog on his head croaks with confusion. --

MH: What...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  picks the frog up and smirks before tossing it at Greg --

-- genialLaw [GL]  catches it --

GL: ready.

GL: heh.

MH: Hmph.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  twirls his umbrella and splatters ink on the other --

GL: augh!

GL: dammit.

GL: there goes the one spot on my shirt that wasnt dirty.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  chuckles --

-- genialLaw [GL]  rolls eyes --

MH: Done already? I was just starting to have fun.

GL: course not.

MH: Oh?

GL: im just getting started.

MH: Is that so?

GL: yeah.

GL: ugh my shirt is just weighing me down now that its soaked.

GL: and i dont have any spares.

GL: ...

GL: screw it.

-- genialLaw [GL]  takes off shirt and throws it accross the pool --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  stops chuckling and stares at Greg's bare chest, feeling a twinge in his chest --

MH: ...

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  covers his mouth and turns his face --

GL: yeah yeah i know im chubby shut up.

-- genialLaw [GL]  is actually not at all --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  coughs then turns around again --

MH: No. You are not chubby at all.

MH: Certainly more fit than me.

GL: thats not what everyone else says.

MH: They are all liars then.

GL: 'you eating as many donuts as your dad greg?'

GL: ugh.

GL: i even went to summer training at comox but still.

MH: Your training definitely shows.

GL: ...

MH: It's quite nice.

GL: youre just saying that to get me to catch more frogs.

GL: ha ill show you.

GL: cmere you little bastards...

-- genialLaw [GL]  spots and them lunges for another frog --

MH: I am not. I am telling the truth.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  sighs and wades through the ink, plucking a frog from below the surface effortlessly --

GL: ...

GL: show off.

GL: the frogs run away from me...

MH: You look like you want to murder them.

MH: Of course they would run away.

GL: ...

GL: well someone forced me to do this.

MH: But you don't have any right to be angry with the frogs. They did nothing to you.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  pets the frog in his hand --

GL: ...

-- genialLaw [GL]  looks at frogs, almost sorry for them --

GL: i guess they arent all that bad.

GL: ...

GL: and some of them are even cute now that i look at them.

GL: haha...

-- genialLaw [GL]  crouches down in the ink --

GL: here froggy-

-- genialLaw [GL]  is jumped on by frog --

GL: the hell-?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  stifles a chuckle and smiles --

MH: See? They like you.

-- genialLaw [GL]  falls back into the ink pool --

GL: asdkjhhsf

GL: bluh!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  actually laughs now --

GL: i got ink in my mouth.

GL: pppttthhhhh.

MH: Oh, quite nasty. Do try and not to do that more in the future.

GL: i have no intention to try again.

MH: Well now, I believe collecting frogs will be easy. Look.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  points to the gathering of frogs around them --

GL: ...

MH: Curious. They must like us.

GL: great.

MH: Come now! The frog tank awaits!

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  opens his umbrella and starts walking towards the tank, with the frogs following behind --

GL: ...

GL: wow.

GL: the casonova of frogs.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  waves to Greg --

MH: Do hurry up, will you?

-- genialLaw [GL]  rolls his eyes and smiles --

GL: alright fine.

GL: let me just get my shirt.

GL: i can clean it later.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  continues walking away with a smile --

GL: ...

GL: .....

GL: hey i cant find it.

GL: where did i throw that thing?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  yells from the distance --

MH: Forget about it and hurry up! A new pool is right over there! I see more frogs!

-- genialLaw [GL]  looks around for a few moments, then starts jogging --

GL: fine!

GL: i can make new clothes later.

GL: wait up.

-- genialLaw [GL]  gets a boost from his rocket boots --

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  stops and turns around in time to see Greg zooming towards him before stepping aside --

GL: shit!

-- genialLaw [GL]  barely turns them off before hitting a tree --

GL: ....

GL: ......

GL: phew.

GL: never again.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  walks over and pats the other's shoulders --

MH: Glad you're not dead.

GL: i am too.

MH: It'd be an awful shame to be able to collect the frogs alone.

GL: .....

GL: selfish bastard.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  smiles innocently --

-- genialLaw [GL]  groans and picks up a frog --

GL: at least you little guys arent using me for your own selfish needs.

-- genialLaw [GL]  is obviously talking about Mycroft --

MH: I feel hurt. You choose a frog over me. Oh sigh.

GL: theyre cuter mycroft how can you blame me?

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  frowns and turns around --

MH: I see how it is. Very well then.

-- methodicalHagiocracy [MH]  marches off --

GL: oh come on dont take it so seriously mycroft.

GL: ...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] began pestering judiciousWarray [JW] at 19:00 --

SH: Look, John!

JW: What?

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] points to transportaliser --

JW: What's that?

SH: Not quite sure.

SH: It could be many things, couldn't it? But the only way to know is to examine it.

SH: Come on.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] cautiously follows after Sherlock --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] puts a foot on the transportaliser --

JW: Careful!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] steps onto transportaliser and disappears --

JW: Sherlock!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] jumps on it after him, transportalizing to some sort of lab --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] is already examining lab. --

JW: Where are we?

SH: Hmm. Some sort... of... laboratory.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] finds two bright green ectobiologist lab suits --

JW: ....What.

SH: Suits.

SH: Hm.

SH: Horrendous colour.

JW: Agreed.

SH: Not putting them on?

JW: Absolutely not.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] examines nearby station. --

SH: Eight panels.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] presses button --

SH: Recently calibrated.

SH: It's fixed on...

JW: WAIT, SHERLOCK.

JW: DON'T TOUCH THOSE!

SH: What?

JW: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DO!

SH: This is most interesting. The screen is date-stamped with your birthday. It's a neighbourhood in Surrey. Do you recognise this, John?

JW: Yeah, I guess, BUT STOP TOUCHING THINGS.

SH: Why, it's your neighbourhood, John! I'm surprised. Hm.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] zooms in to see NEWBORN JOHN WATSON --

SH: Oh my.

SH: John, is this you as a baby?

JW: ....YES.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] stifles a giggle. --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] presses blue button --

JW: HEY.

JW: STOP PRESSING THINGS!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] swats at Sherlock's hands --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] creates PARADOX GHOST IMPRINT of baby John --

SH: Careful, John!

SH: This is all very intriguing!

SH: Look at that. This must be the result of me attempting to appearify something from the past.

SH: Obviously if I had taken you as a human, I would have created a time paradox.

SH: Therefore this must be the safety mechanism. A paradox ghost imprint.

JW: A what?

SH: A paradox ghost imprint! See that sludge? It must contain your genetic information. It merely substitutes as you, because I cannot snatch you from your timeline.

JW: Oh.

JW: How did you figure that out?

SH: Well, I tried to appearify you just now with this button, but I did not get you, did I?

JW: True...

SH: So what I created must be a substitute.

JW: Aleight...

JW: Now this has been all well and good, Sherlock,

JW: BUT WE'RE STOPPING NOW.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] switches to another monitor, one of Holmes manor on Mycroft's birthday. --

JW: SHERLOCK.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] presses blue button again and appearifies BABY MYCROFT. --

JW: Okay fine, I give up.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] spins on his heel and starts wandering the lab --

SH: Hmm..

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] switches to yet another monitor of Holmes Manor, but on his own birthday. --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] appearifies BABY SHERLOCK. --

SH: Did I really look like that as a child?

JW: How cute!

SH: Ugh.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] finds a large plush jumper behind a few storage boxes --

SH: What'd you find?

JW: Oh, it's just a jumper I guess. Wonder how it got here....

SH: Looks like one of yours.

JW: Really?

SH: Yes.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] walks back over to Sherlock --

JW: Still messing with things you shouldn't be messing with?

SH: What is it, John?

SH: Ah.

SH: Yes.

SH: Five more.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] switches to screen showing BABY LESTRADE and appearifies him. --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] rolls his eyes and continues roaming the lab --

SH: Now let me see...

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] switches to another screen to appearify paradox slime of BABY ANDERSON. --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] switches and appearifies paradox slime of BABY DONOVAN. --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] eventually comes back some time later with an armful of various items --

SH: Interesting.

SH: That looks like Mycroft's umbrella.

SH: Is it same to assume that it is?

JW: Maybe.

JW: I wouldn't know.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] appearifies paradox slime of BABY MORIARTY. --

SH: That's interesting.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] dumps all the items on the floor nearby --

SH: Look, John. Look at what I just made.

JW: A bunch of slime?

JW: I'm so excited for you Sherlock.

JW: [rolls his eyes]

SH: Look!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] appearifies slime of BABY IRENE --

SH: Look at her.

SH: Look!

JW: I'm looking!

SH: Fine! Observe!

JW: Okay, what am I supposed to observe, exactly?

SH: Do you see the features of the - ugh.

SH: It's gone.

SH: Those last two were paradox ghost imprints of Moriarty and Irene, John.

JW: Yes, and?

SH: They supposedly 'hacked' into our session, but the game anticipated them, didn't they?

SH: This is important. This shows why the game anticipated them.

SH: They were meant to do this all along.

JW: Oh.

SH: Mm.

SH: Do you see it now?

JW: Yeah, I get it.

SH: Oh look. The machine.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] watches the machine read the sequence. --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] watches eight baby PARADOX CLONES pop into existence. --

JW: ....What.

SH: There's one more button -

JW: NO.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] reaches for the green DNA button --

JW: SHERLOCK, STOP.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] smacks Sherlock's hands --

SH: But... what's going to happen?

JW: You shouldn't be messing with this stuff!

JW: It doesn't matter what it does!

SH: I'm curious. Would it mix our DNA together and form paradox clones of what our children would look like?

SH: Because I'm really curious, John.

SH: I think Mycroft and Anderson would make smashing babies.

JW: ....

JW: .......

JW: No Sherlock.

SH: All right, fine.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] rolls his eyes, then looks down when one of the babies tugs on his pant leg --

JW: Aww, baby Mycroft is actually kind of cute.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] picks him up and tosses him in the air --

SH: Careful, John!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] catches him --

JW: Oh don't worry, Sherlock.

SH: Strange that I'm the one worrying.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] gives a long suffering sigh. --

SH: We'll never know what our babies look like.

JW: And it's not really something that ever needs to be known! Isn't dat right, Mycwoft... [coos at baby Mycroft]

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] thinks that John looks ridiculously cute cooing at baby Mycroft but doesn't say anything --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] sets him down and grabs the umbrella, dropping it in Mycroft's lap --

SH: Oh, is that why Mycroft has a fixation with umbrellas.

SH: Is that why.

JW: Haha, maybe!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] leans down to ruffle his babyself's hair --

SH: Therefore you only have yourself to blame.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] reaches over and grabs the jumper, pulling it over baby John's hair. --

SH: Scratch that, blame me.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] jumps when baby Sherlock starts climbing up his person --

JW: Woah there!

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] stifles a chuckle --

SH: What do they usually say? Right. He likes you.

JW: Oh, I'm so glad you've liked me since you were an infant--ow!

-- judiciousWarray [JW] pulls baby Sherlock away from his hair --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] laughs --

SH: You should get him something to play with.

SH: How about the skull?

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] hands skull to baby Sherlock and turns to see baby John admiring the paradox slime. --

JW: Alright, as soon as he decides he wants to stop being a little brat!

SH: According to Mycroft, that will never happen.

SH: -to baby John- No, Jawn, that is not jam.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] laughs to himself and sets baby Sherlock back down on the floor --

SH: -to baby John- Would you like some jam? Here.

SH: There's bound to be jam somewhere in this laboratory.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] finds a jar of jam and hands it to baby John --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] watches in amusement as baby Irene crawls up to him and tries to take the skull, unsuccessfully so --

SH: Why is there a picture of me in this pile?

SH: I hope Munchkin Moriarty doesn't find it.

SH: But then that would explain everything.

JW: [snorts]

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] watches as Baby Irene finds the picture of him. --

SH: Oh.

JW: No wonder.

SH: And that explains why Donovan likes... what she calls 'yaoi'... and why Anderson likes Dinosaurs.

SH: John, did you really have to find the toy dinosaur?

SH: We only have ourselves to blame for this.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] laughs and picks up baby Greg --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] hands him the police helmet --

-- judiciousWarray [JW] places it on his head and laughs when it falls to his shoulders --

SH: Now we've done it, John.

SH: The two of us.

JW: Aww Gweg, you're gonna be such a good guy when you gwow up, awen't you... [coos, ignoring Sherlock]

SH: Responsible for every quirk the others suffer.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] watches baby John try to unscrew the jar of jam with a whisper of a smile on his face. --

SH: John, what are you doing?

SH: Keep the cake away from baby Mycroft.

JW: Oh jeez!

SH: Too late, John.

-- judiciousWarray [JW] picks up baby Mycroft and occupies his hands with his own fingers --

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] pouts --

SH: How did - oh never mind, he's Mycroft.

SH: Of course he'd be able to pick up cake with his feet.

JW: Can he actually do that?

-- judiciousWarray [JW] stares at Mycroft in amazement --

SH: The things he did before he got lazy.

SH: Hm.

SH: Everyone else has their objects, so I suppose it's only natural for the last one to go to Moriarty.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] watches Baby Moriarty pick up the chess set. --

SH: I think we should leave them now, John.

SH: The Reckoning will take them to their places.

JW: Leave? But they're babies!

JW: The what?

SH: The Reckoning, John.

SH: The thing we're trying to save Skaia from. Point of the game.

SH: And besides, this is a baby me, a baby Mycroft, a baby Moriarty, a baby Irene.

SH: I'm sure they can fend for themselves for a few hours.

-- sanctimoniousHermetic [SH] ceased pestering judiciousWarray [JW] at 22:04 --