Hi guys, it's been a while since I've published anything on here, and I'm glad to be back. This story is set in the Sherlock Holmes universe established in the movies, but I copied the narrative style used in the stories by Conan Doyle. I may change perspectives in later chapters if it makes more sense to do it that way. I hope you enjoy, and please leave a review if you can =]

Watson-

I feel that, as intrusive as this entry may be on my colleague, Sherlock Holmes, it is crucial for me to pen these recent events in order for outsiders to make sense of his actions as of late. With the disappearance of Miss Irene Adler, my partner seems to have been seized with a reserved sense of grief. The Woman, after a partnership with professor Moriarty, was abruptly and unknowingly terminated. As a medical professional, the poison Moriarty implied to have imbued her with must have surely lead to her death. However, the woman was a remarkable individual, and has thus done remarkable things. The question of whether or not she survived the attack upon her health is something that has haunted my colleague. It has led to an investigation of the most profound kind.

It began with a letter. A letter with only one line of writing, and a single photograph attached. The letter simply read "Warm with thoughts of you" and a signature that appeared illegible. The picture attached to the note was of Holmes and Miss Adler standing in a hotel lobby with mild looks of amusement upon their faces. The arrival of these items seemed to alight my partner, even though he quickly made to stifle his excitement.

"Never mind this, Watson. Who delivered the letter?"

"Why, the postman, of course" I responded. Had anything been out of the ordinary with the method of delivery, I would have already informed him.

"I see. Well, this is most curious. A letter from a deceased person...or someone who knew her well." He remarked with a subtle grimace.

"It seems you're not the only person capable of notifying others of your survival by post." I said somewhat sarcastically. His method of reappearance was still an annoyance to me. I understood why he had waited to come forward, but that didn't mean I held no resentment towards him for it.

"Jumping to the conclusion that she survived is unwise. Still, it is a strange matter that she should feel the need to contact me. Or, that someone would contact me in her stead."

I made no comment. It was obvious to me and those who knew Holmes well that The Woman and Holmes had soft spots for each other, but I never acknowledged it openly.

Luckily, Mrs. Hudson came through the door at that moment with a tray of tea and crumpets.

"Hello, doctor. Care for a spot of tea?"

"Yes he would, nanny" Holmes interjected for me, before I had time to respond. He turned to me, and said very gravely, "Watson, I need you to come with me on a small errand."

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Mary is expecting me for dinner tonight, Holmes. I wish you would consider my prior obligations before deciding my schedule for me."

"It won't take long, and I'll compensate you for your time. I need your assistance with this, Watson. It could be dangerous."

"When is anything you do not dangerous?" I asked, shaking my head.

He leveled a blank look at me, offering no response.

"Alright, I'll go with you if we can finish this quickly, I suppose. What do you need my help with, anyway?"

"I've recently located the spot where Irene holed herself up before meeting her untimely fate. I want to scope the place out, see if anyone's been there lately." Holmes said, standing up from his armchair and searching for his overcoat. He had a slightly feverish look about him, an excitement I only saw on rare occasions.

"I see. And why do you think this will be dangerous...?"

"Irene made herself a lot of enemies by aligning herself with Moriarty. Those who don't think she's gone may still attempt to raid her apartment in the hopes of finding her."

"Oh, right. Well, let me grab a pistol, then." I said, heading towards my old quarters to retrieve the weapon. I hurried to gather all of my supplies together, then went back to the cramped living room where Holmes was waiting for me.

"Thank you, Watson. Your companionship is never unappreciated."

"Right. Let's get on with it, then."

Holmes gave me a small smile, before turning on his heel towards the door.

"Have something ready for us when we get back, " He called over his shoulder as we exited the flat.

This is just a small introductory chapter, the next one will be much lengthier (and hopefully more exciting). Let me know if you have any suggestions for me, and I'll try to update as soon as I can =]