Title: Into this Furnace, I Ask You Now
Author: Felicia Angel
Rating: M/R
Characters: Watson
Summary: Part One of my retelling for "The Awakened", this part being a retelling of "The Empty House". When Watson and Lestrade find and capture Moran, they did not expect such a violent backlash. Now on the continent at Black Edelweiss, Watson thinks on what he must do to expose the staff, as well as figure out his role in this affair.
Note: Guess the song and artist the title comes from!
I have been called many things. I was quite fine with knowing I could never be a convincing liar, even more so with the idea that I was stubborn. I often didn't get worst, though a few have called me some and once, Holmes overheard it and I was high-pressed to keep him from hurting the man.
But I have never been called mad before, and despite many attempts to defend myself, I've never been found guilty of it either. Yet somehow, I was claimed to be mad, that the whole of the situation which I used to capture Moran, a wanted killer and the last of Moriarty's men, was all insanity and, with little ceremony or chance to finish up my affairs, I was bundled up and sent away.
I woke groggy, from the chloroform as well as what I had to guess was something else, and with the vague knowledge that I had somehow been had, that I was far away from any help that I might get to, and, after a few screams, I also realized I was in a mental institute.
I sat up slowly, looking at the new uniform with rings and patches that would hold my arms if I got violent, pondering where I was and why I was here. I vaguely recalled a trip on a train, and familiar ground, but beyond that I could not quite recall. On top of that, I was shaky and had to guess that it was a residual effect from the drug. That I could be thinking this was a testament to how long I had been out, for I had to guess that the drug was quite powerful.
I looked up as I sensed more then saw someone near my door, facing a man with blond hair and dark blue eyes, his suit showing him to be the head physician of this establishment and probably in charge of my well-being…or what could be considered that in such a place.
"I see you're finally awake," his voice rolled over like that of a spider to a fly, "How were your dreams?"
"I had none," I stated, annoyed at my unsteady and crackling voice, as well as my shaking hands and body.
"A pity," the doctor outside the door said, "Do you know why you're here?"
I looked up at him with a small glare in my eyes. "Someone said I was mad. A grouping of people agreed, and I was taken away."
"I see you have a general understanding, at least. This is the Black Edelweiss, in Switzerland. You, being from England and with the great care of the dear Colonel Sebastian Moran, who was sympathetic to our cause, have been brought here to deal with your true purpose."
I frowned, confused as the man said, "I have learned from…a colleague, that dreams are quite important, and he dreamed that you would be instrumental in our downfall. Thus, you are here, away from prying eyes. With your friend gone, and you here, there is little to remain but to continue with our plans."
"I don't even know of your plans, save that you are with Moran and he felt I should be taken away, even if he's now in jail."
"So I've heard," the man said, "a pity, that, he could've helped us a little more, but no matter. He was foolish enough to get caught, but that I have you…it shall help. Now then, Watson, it is important you realize that you are here and will be treated as any of my guests. I've been asked not to…well…ensure you do not fight us when the time is right, but I have also been asked to find out when you begin to dream. As you've had none, you are not of use to me today."
I frowned, pushing myself up to stand as he left, saying as he did, "I am Doctor Gygax, and trust me…if I run out of time and you are not what was needed, then I shall see what can be gained from your own knowledge."
I was left alone, Gygax muttering to the man in the cell next to me before heading off, leaving me to wonder at his words. Dreams?