**Prologue** Dressed in a brown suite with a bowtie and a single rose brioche . Shiny polished shoes. The count was standing before the door. He had an appointment. "Mister Moriarty may you please come in" That line was heard as a stern yet soft voice commanded him. He opened the door with his gloved hand. The room was that one of a nobleman, red walls and expensive furniture a Persian carpeted lying on the floor and, in the centre of that room stood a men dressed in a black suit with a bowtie and neat hairstyle. He was Mycroft Holmes. M.H "Take a seat" He said as he took place to a chair mirror the one appointed. A.J.M "I was told not to sit to close" M.H nodded his gaze as cold as ice but, it wasn't the first time. The count had been talking to someone of his status. The game was on. A.J.M "Speaking with someone in that position one might ought to wait to speak first" M.H "Then you can wait for a very long time" A.J.M "Do you know any jokes?" M.H "Timing isn't my strongest suit" The count grinned M.H "Cup of tea?" A.J.M "I would like to pass on that. Mister Holmes" M.H "I prefer to use names. Call me Mycroft. In here we are but, equal" His eyes looking straight into his emerald green ones A.J.M "Albert" M.H "I see. Do you care for a game. " A.J.M "And what game would that be " M.H "One where either of us would get what we want. I know you came because, of your brother and I know you want a security on that position. I can get you what you want all you have to do is is win the game. Simple right and, we won't be wasting any time" A.J.M "And what if I I losse?" M.H "Then you will take distance from your title and everything you own. Ofcourse your brother won't be affected in the slightest way and, you will have to work under me" A.J.M "And what would that game be" M.H "Interested aren't we?" A.J.M "I too am a man who doesn't want to waste time" M.H "Excellent"
Mycroft grinned as he walked towards his desk grabbing what looked like a black box. With several wires attached. He also got out a vital with a clear fluid and two needles. He then proceeded to fill the needle one up and injected himself with its contents. He then walked over to Albert. "Care to put these one" Mycroft said as he was holding out the electrodes. Albert instantly knew what they where for. His side business had lead them to all the sides. He obeyed as instructed. Mycroft preparing the second needle. Albert knew that this wasn't just a game. This was an interrogation and, Mycroft/Albert was not afraid to play even if it cost him. For his brother('s) he would do anything. He wanted to find out more. M.H "Thinking of backing out are we?" A.J.M "I too am a man of my word" He said as he hold out his arm. Mycroft smiled as his reaction when he did inject the contents in his arm. Notching Albert questing gaze he replied to them. "Truth serum " A.J.M "Care to explain the rest" M.H "As I said it is but, a simple one. We both in turn ask each one a question. If the device will notice our heart rates going up. It will proceed to give out a shock each time the level of voltage will increase. The one passing out will be the one to lose the game" A.J.M Without hesitation "What are we waiting for then" The rules where clear The stage was set Both men wanted all Both men are willing to risk it all Neither of them where afraid Both wanted to see the other suffer Both wanted to... The game was on
The clicking sound of the machine was heard signalling that the game was a foot. Both men where sitting in there chair no sound. No nothing. . .. ... Silence It was so quiet that one cold hear a pin drop. Not even the sound of the wind was heard. After a good five minutes our so the Count could feel the drug taking it affect. His head started to feel a bit dizzy and he could feel could sweat on his forehead. His skin started to become, pale and he could feel his stomach acting up. His breathing was starting to become difficult. Mycroft then stood up moving as close that the the Count could feel his warmth breath. He waslooking the Count straight in his emerald green eyes. Mycroft shouting loud In a very deep tone. "LONDON HAS FALLEN AND A WAR IS COMING!" A.J.M "My brother is still missing. While you are hiding yourself safely behind the government" Mycroft said nothing as his eyes felt like they where piecing Albert very soul. The Count averted his gaze. He could feel a painful amount of voltage going through his body but, he knew he could not give up. M.H "After today you will be send and serve in the military. " A.J.M "Did you ever lose this game before?" M.H "Do you think I would be in my position if I did?" Albert knew that Mycroft power does not come from telling other people you have it. It comes from showing them. Another shock got straight to his body it hurted him. A.J.M "If I leave to the front lines then no one be left to help over rule M16" M.H "I can and I do. This is war not some merely game" A.J.M "If I am on the front lines. Then my brother William would never be safe anywhere he goes. He would never got such an assurance"
M.H "Which he got from me. Do you disapprove?" A.J.M "Then explain to me why you allowed it" M.H "To bring peace and protect the citizen of London. If I did not allow the Moriarty plan to be carried out nothing would have changed" A.J.M "So that's why you did it " M.H "To defend my blood" A.J.M "You're family's allegiance to the Queen" Another shock was felt this time it was almost starting to feel unbearable but, he knew Mycroft too was starting to weaken. While he was in a more comfortable sitting position Mycroft has been standing the entire time. He too must have felt the effects of the serum and by now multiply shocks had gone through both their bodies. The game was starting to go towards the ending. Albert then realized Mycroft aim. What he was planning. No always had been. A.J.M "But then the world will fear the Holmes family. Just like back then" M.H "Good then let them remember what happens when a Holmes enters the stage"
How long. For excatly how long had he been enduring this. All those years. Screw it. Screw all of it just like the nobles his family has broken his life. So had his family. He had set himself free thanks to his brother. He had however never had that choice. Just like this game he was suffering and, if the plan continued his brother might be set free but, Mycroft would continue to stay in the shadows. Albert with what little strength he had left. Tackled Mycroft. Ripping of the electrodes. Landing them both on the floor Albert on too on Mycroft. Mycroft being complete taken back by suprise could only mutter a simple sentence "Why would you lose the game?" A.J.M "Tie. Now we both lost everything. We are.." Free