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Ch. 12: A plan of Action

Khristen didn't come out of her room for the rest of the night and declined dinner. She heard the occasional conversation of the two men between her drifts of sleep. It was late into the night and was glad to see Holmes was finally in bed, asleep was a different matter. She knew this would be an idiot's idea but she didn't care. Darius was moving too fast for even Holmes to anticipate. Hoping he wouldn't hear, Khristen quietly went downstairs and out into the street. She wore her normal clothes and hid her hair in a bun covered by her hat. She quickly went sown a familiar alley and waited in the dark. About an hour later a familiar figure went past her and stopped just barely out of sight.

"Are you reconsidering my offer?" Darius said through the fog. Khristen went out into the alley and got within ten feet of him.

"No, I'm taking my own action. You've been moving too fast for him." She replied stiffly.

"A fact I'm very proud of." She tensed as he walked closer to her. Taking off his top hat he began to circle her. "This is a duel between you and me, Miss Leger. You hope to place me in the dock. You hope to beat me. If you are clever enough to bring destruction on me rest assured I shall do as much for you." He said menacingly * He stopped in front of her again. She heard something move to her right and she made the mistake of looking.

Darius swung his cane left and right and Khristen got hit on both sides of her face. She grabbed the cane and tried to yank it out of his grip. She grumbled when she saw she had unsheathed a sword. She blocked the blade with the cane as best as she could. He hit her several times in the arms since he had a stronger swing and at times he was too fast for her. He swung his leg out and kicked her down. She rolled out of the way as the blade slammed into the street. Khristen kicked the blade and it skidded into the brick wall. Darius responded by kicking her in the ribs. She grabbed his leg and yanked it out from under him. He grunted as he fell hard on his back.

She tangled his arms into his chest and her knee into his stomach. They both breathed hard for a moment and glared at each other. Then just as quickly he pushed his arms into her face, knocking Khristen onto her back. He made sure he wasn't completely on top of her to avoid a kick. She furiously moved her arms and his grip loosed. One hand went on her throat and her free hand punched his face in the chin. He stumbled backwards spitting blood from biting his lip hard. She went for him again but short of the blade pointed at her.

"You've gotten better since our last match." Darius said through swollen lips.

"You have no idea." She sneered. "How do you intend to gain control in the time aspect?" She asked cautiously.

"All I can say is that your investigation set me back for a while. I can say I was in positive danger of losing my liberty." He replied mockingly. Her scowl deepened at that remark.

"Now where have I heard that before?" She said sarcastically. Finally he started swinging and she dodged all she could. She took his punches which were light considering how hard he was swinging. With a kick she got the blade out of his grasp again. This time she got it first and pointed it at him. She made him back into a wall to prevent his escape. The blade quickly got to close to him and he swiped it out of the way. Once Khristen recovered she found a gun pointed at her.

"Drop it." The blade echoed in the dark alley as it hit the street. Just as he went to cock the gun a walking stick slammed into his wrist, slamming the gun out of his hand.

"So, this is supposed great Professor Moriarty." Sherlock Holmes said casually.

"Sherlock Holmes…and his loyal dog." Darius said to Watson as he took Khristen out of the way. "You need her Holmes, because you have no idea who you are up against." He said calmly. Keeping his stick pointed at Darius, Holmes faced him. "You need to keep on eye her Holmes or she might not watch your back."

"Stupid bastard." Khristen growled back. Holmes calmed her down with a wave of his hand.

"What do you want with us?" Holmes asked.

"I knew the girl was a good match for you. I was hoping she would be able to seduce you somewhat and get you to join me. Now I see it's a waste of time as you make a much better opponent." Darius smiled. Holmes bowed his head at the compliment only to stumble back from a punch. Darius grabbed his gun and Khristen yanked Watson down just as the gun went off. The villain quickly ran and disappeared into the fog.

"What the hell did you think you were doing girl!" Holmes shouted as he dragged Khristen to her feet. She let out a small cry as he slammed her into the brick wall.

"Holmes!" Watson shouted.

"It's alright Doctor. Khristen said calmly but her voice was small. "I was trying to take him down like I did before." She replied at Holmes. His grip on her loosened by a fraction.

"You took him down in a fist fight?" Holmes asked.

"That's how I got the scar. She grumbled and finally Holmes released her.

"You shouldn't have gone without a weapon, let alone by yourself." Holmes pointed out.

"What do you care?" She snapped as she saw Watson become tense.

"Now…" Holmes growled. "You're not in your city anymore. If you wish to survive mine you must work with me and not against me." He pressed. She slumped against the wall in bitter defeat.

"We need your help as much as you need ours." Watson gently insisted. She let Holmes help her up.

"I'm sorry." She whispered. Working with Holmes was one thing, forgiving him was something else entirely.

I know that dialogue is from "The Final Problem" and I know Moriarty says it to Holmes. However, since Darius is pretending to be Moriarty I thought it would be cool for him to say it to Khristen since she is his number one enemy. Hope that doesn't make readers too angry if they aren't mad enough with me screwing around with Khristen and Holmes relationship. Hehehehe. Reviews are welcome enjoy.