The air was thick, dark, and gloomy as Loki fled through the labyrinth that was London's streets, darting round every twist and turn. His hat was tall and dark and he wore a dark grey waistcoat that matched his necktie perfectly. As he meandered round the back of the tightly packed terrace houses, his tail coat flailed dramatically and made the overall effect thrilling and almost sinister.

At the next turn, Loki paused in a doorway; the above oil lamp casting an eerie glow on his pale skin and shadows that made his face appear hollow and skull-like. He slipped through the rough wooden door and into the public house a sign identified as 'The eight-legged Horse'. Once inside, Loki was met with a wall of noise and the strong smell of ale. He broke through and made for an old staircase the other end of the bar, skillfully slipping his hand into the pocket of a drunken man as he went, removing a wallet and a silver cigarette case with ease. Loki's movements were smooth, swift and fluid, going unnoticed by the man and any onlookers. Climbing the steps, he took a cigarette from the case and lit it; smoke adding to the air above his head as he started his assent.

Opening the door revealed a figure sitting in the shadow of the corner of Loki's room. From the shadow can the unmistakable smell of tobacco. And just like them man sitting in Loki's favorite armchair, Loki knew exactly what type. In fact, it was a mixture between two or was it three types commonly found in the east of Africa?

"You've been experimenting again Mr Holmes."

Loki could almost feel the smile spread across the face obscured by the shadows. "I have. And may I observe that that is not your usual cigarette case in your trouser pocket. You can see the faint line of where your last one has stretched the fabric. The one you have in there currently is curved at the edges and is wider than the last."

Loki removed the offending object from his pocket and tossed it towards the intruder, who promptly flipped it open as sniffed it.

"Cheap tobacco, mixed with tea leaves to bulk it out. The case is nice enough, hallmark, real silver. I'd say it was a gift; no one with money would buy that kind of cigarette. Hmmm" He tossed it back, "You shouldn't steal so close to home Loki; an incredibly brilliant detective," He gestured to himself "could come along and get you arrested for something like that."

Loki caught the case and moved across the room to place it in the top draw of his dresser. "I'm afraid I only know one incredibly brilliant detective Mr Holmes and he would never do that."

"And why wouldn't I?"

Loki turned back around. "Because what would be the fun in that?" Sherlock grinned. "So… What brings you here Mr Holmes."

"You." He answered shortly and quickly.

"And what makes me so interesting?"

"Everything."

Loki finished lighting the candles; giving what light he could to the room. The candlelight was kind and did it's best at hiding the large bruise that covered the dark bruise that covered the area below Sherlock's eye. Loki dropped himself onto a nearby chair, flipping his tails out of the way and sitting as a king might on a throne, regality seeping off of him. "I am flattered Mr Holmes."

"But of course that is not my only reason for this visit."

"I presumed as much." He masked the smile in his voice with disinterest, choosing to stare at the way the candlelight played on the wall instead of the way Sherlock was looking at him.

"But of course you know why I'm here."

Loki's eyes snapped back to his. "I'm sorry?"

"Please, give me enough credit to know when you know something Loki."

A soft chuckle came from lightly pink lips. "Well then yes, I do know."

"So?"

"No."

"No?"

"No. I will not guarantee the preservation of any lives. There will always be collateral damage Mr Holmes."

"Even me?"

"If you are unable to stop me from killing you, then you do not truly deserve the gift of life Mr Holmes."

"Or the gift of you?"

"Definitely not the gift of me."

"But of course there will be certain rules to follow?"

"As always Mr Holmes."

"And they are?"

"We will discuss it tonight. Dinner at the Savoy? Eight O'clock."

"I am unsure if I will be able to attend. There is a show I am eager to see."

"Well that settles it, dinner then a show. Shall I meet you there, or do you want to pick me up in that contraption of yours?"

"I'll meet you there. Our usual table?"

"Naturally Mr Holmes."

Loki watched as the man stood, collecting his coat and hat before pausing in the doorway. "Goodbye Loki."

"Until tonight Mr Holmes."

"Until tonight." Were his final words before he vanished down the stairs and into the crowd of the pub.