Title: Silver Lightning
Author: Izzy Blackwell
Genre: Romance, Adventure, Family
Rating: T
Pairing: Sherlock/ John Greg/Mycroft
Warning: Slash, violence, implied sexual content.
Summary: Zeus's daughter has gone missing near Scotland so Hera commands John, son of Apollo and Greg, son of Athena to go and rescue her. But they have to hide all this from Sherlock and he's not happy, nope, he's jealous actually, as is Mycroft.
Chapter Two: Soldier Boy
He looked at the three demigods and settled his eyes on John, "We need to discuss some things."
"About what Lord Hades?" John asked.
Hades looked at Annabeth and Greg and said, "Let us talk in privet. You should really be getting back to camp daughter of Athena. As for you son of Athena...Hermes will be here within minutes. I'll make sure John gets back home safely."
"With all do respect Lord Hades, I'd rather wait to go back with John. I don't mind waiting," Greg said, holding a steady gaze at the lord of the dead.
Hades frowned and waved his hand. John felt weightless for a moment before stumbling a bit on his feet. Looking around he realized that he wasn't in the throne room anymore. He was still in Olympus but in a different part...he was where they kept the chariots.
"No respect. Just because he got to adulthood he thinks he's all that!" Hades ranted.
John cleared his throat and Hades' stare once again landed on the sun demigod.
"Now, I have come to offer you my...services, for this mission," Hades said.
John's eyes narrowed, "I don't mean to offend Lord Hades but I didn't make it this long without being skeptical about the gifts I receive."
Hades smirked and replied, "Clever of you to pick up on that. Let me rephrase. You're going to need help on this quest and I'd like to be said help. And trust me kid, it'll be smart of you to accept."
"And why is that smart?" John asked.
"Because it'll be smart to have one of the Big Three on your side considering how everyone will turn on you." Hades answered.
"I don't understand," John said honestly confused.
"Like always there are things you demigods haven't been told. As amusing as it usually is to see it all unfold on the field, there is too much at risk to so at the moment. So listen and listen good.
"My brothers daughter that has gone missing. Not your typical demigod. Not sure if she can be considered one. He mother wasn't just a mortal. She was and came from a powerful line of witches. So besides having traits of my brother she also has a powerful connection with the earth and magical abilities that others will envy. I still can't tell you what she was after but that's not really important here. She is. She's the key to the whole scheme of things and will be very important in the future. A future no one has considered really.
"Once you find her and she comes back she will go on trial and the Gods will decide whether she should live or not. There will be many gods against her, and even some that will try to kill her before she can make it back safely to New York," Hades explained. Previous arrogance gone and replaced with complete seriousness.
John swallowed, "Like?"
"Come on kid, it doesn't take a genius to know that Hera despises her for just being alive. She is the indisputable, living, breathing proof of yet another act of betrayal and adultery my brother has committed against not only his wife, but the Queen of the Gods, and also the Queen of marriage.
"Due to some previous adventures that she bested him in, Ares isn't too fond of her either. And with all that power Athena might think it wise to get rid of her now rather than she become a possible problem in the future. That's already three gods against her. Zeus isn't really allowed to vote but even if he wishes to spare his daughters life, if there are enough votes against her, plus Hera's threats, plus he has to take into consideration her actions and whether she is a threat or not...he may be forced to vote against her.
"Artemis will most likely vote in her favor since she's a girl and her head hunter's sister. The rest I'm not sure, it could go either way but here's a little advice.
"The gods know how stupid it is to make a point, let alone stand by one, if you're standing alone. Unless you're powerful and have more power to back you up. I'm sure Hera will lead the bandwagon against her and have others join her. She will need all the help she can. Lucky for this sky demigod though she'll be bound to have Poseidon's vote. She'll have mine as well but that's getting ahead of our selves. All of that implies that she doesn't die on this mission."
"What is it that you want of me?" John asked, trying to absorb all of this information.
Hades crossed his arms, "I have no doubt you'll be 'helped' from different Gods. Be wise as to what you accept and who it's from. There is a lot at stake here. And everyone will be looking out for themselves. You're responsible and sensible from what I've gathered. Keep her out of trouble. Make sure she doesn't cross any unneeded lines and if you can make her out to be the bigger hero, do so. The more impressive she is the less likely they'll vote to kill her. It's not smart to get rid of a hero that can come in handy down the road."
"What...what do you get out of it?" John asked, and cursed himself for stuttering.
Hades shrugs, "Like I said, we all have our own interest. It's in my best interest if she's alive. And I wish to help. But don't worry about it now. You have a week to mull things over. And hey, you might not even need my help right away. When you do...you'll know. And then you can decide if you want to accept my help or not...but really think about it John. You never know who your decisions can affect."
Hades snapped his fingers and suddenly John was covered in shadows. He felt as he was dunked into a freezing lake in the middle of winter. He felt weightless again and this time when he stumbled again he realized he was in the alley across from Baker Street.
In a daze, still trying to absorb all of the information he was just given John began walking back to this apartment, not paying attention.
"JOHN!"
That shout caused him to snap back into reality. Said reality was standing in the threshold of his flat and standing in front of him was a haggard Sherlock.
"Um...hello?" John greeted awkwardly.
So Sherlock didn't go to New York after all. And John took no time at all to try to think about an excuse.
What surprised John, well really shocked him, was that suddenly Sherlock was hugging the life out of him.
"Um...what are you doing?" John asked.
"I thought you left! You suddenly disappeared and there was a bunch of your stuff missing, all that fit well in your suitcase which wasn't in your closet anymore. Then Mycroft tells me your boarded a flight to Hung Kong, which didn't make any sense and I told him he was going daft! And I was right. The so called plane you boarded didn't have you on board when it landed. In fact in no airport in Hung Kong did you appear in.
"But then that lead to the question: where did you go?" Sherlock stopped rambling and John realized that Sherlock was asking him.
"Um...Sherlock...we...we need to talk," John started.
Sherlock gulped and nodded. Then he murmured more to himself but John still heard, "Crappy telly says that means he's leaving me..."
"No Sherlock I'm not leaving...not permanently anyway," John stated, which caught Sherlock's attention. Of course it would. This was Sherlock Holmes. World's only and greatest consulting detective. Nothing gets passed him...which was why John had to make a move.
"Does that mean that you are leaving...for a while? John please. I have apologized over two thousand times. If you simply tell me what I need to do to get your forgiveness I will! Shall I get rid of my chemistry set? I'll go shopping for the groceries and I promise not to forget the milk! I'll stop using the refrigerator as a storage place for body parts...just please...don't go..."
"No no, stop! Sherlock I can't ask you to do any of those things because they're what make you...you. And I like you," John said as he walked towards his chair and slumped into it. It's been a very long day. He's completely exhausted and runs a hand over his face.
"You do?" Sherlock asked innocently.
"Yes," John replied.
"...What happened? Where have you been?" Sherlock asked.
John took a minute to gather his thought before he sighed and straightened in his chair. He looked Sherlock right in the eyes and said, "Listen to me Sherlock and don't interrupt. Okay?"
Sherlock nodded eagerly from his place in the sofa.
"I have some...business, to take care of in the up coming weeks. I might or might not be around. That does not mean I am leaving you...and no you can't come. And you mustn't follow me either. I'm serious about this Sherlock. I've always trusted you and followed and obeyed you blindly. As your best and only friend I am asking you do the same...just this once," John asked the detective.
Sherlock frowned, "I don't like this John...I don't like you being all secretive. You're usually an open book in plain English. Whatever you're doing is dangerous...I don't like that you're doing dangerous things without me. I want to be there to make sure you're safe."
John sighed, "I know, but I don't have a choice in the matter. I need to do this."
Sherlock narrowed his eyes, "John...are you being threatened? Blackmailed? I can help. I'll get Mycroft and Lestrade to do something useful for once but-"
"Sherlock! I...it's family business okay? I need to do this on my own..."
Thinking about what he'll be facing, all of the possibilities and outcomes that can happen John knew he couldn't let Sherlock anywhere near his world. He only had one card left to play but lucky for him it was his ace in the hole.
"Sherlock...If you swear to me that you will turn the other cheek these coming weeks...maybe even months," Sherlock's eyes widened at the time John mentioned and John wasn't too crazy about it either, "Swear you won't follow me, insist on information because I can't give you any, and just trust in me when I do or say something...if you do this one thing I am asking of you...I will forgive you completely."
Sherlock's eyes widened once more and his breath caught. The detective looked for words to say but he was a bit speechless for a moment, in which John continued with his plan.
"But! If I find out that you betrayed my trust again and didn't let me handle this on my own and that you meddled in anyway whatsoever...I will never be able to trust you again. I won't forgive you, and even if it'll pain me...I'll leave," John whispered the last part.
"You're not...in an arranged marriage or anything of the sort are you?" Sherlock asked, his brow furrowed in complete dislike of the idea.
"No," John answered.
"And...you'll come back?" Sherlock ask, a bit timid of what John's answer will be.
"Of course. I'll check in with you regularly. I have to make sure you're eating after all," John replied with a small smile. It amused him some at how childish Sherlock was sometimes.
"You'll be careful won't you? Come back in one piece...you won't get deliberately hurt, right?" Sherlock whispered.
This time a bigger smile appeared on his face as John replied, "I don't know what it is exactly that will happen but I promise you I will do everything to come back in one piece."
"As soon as possible?" Sherlock insisted.
John chuckled, "Yes...as soon as possible."
"When...when will you leave?" Sherlock forced the words out.
"In a week I've been told," John said.
Sherlock fidgeted in his place before taking a deep breath and blurting out, "Who exactly are you dealing with?"
John sighed, "Sherlock...it's complicated. And the less you know the better."
Sherlock frowned. "Sounds exactly what I did to keep you safe from Moriaty. Can't I help? I know I must be useful for something! Whoever you're dealing with or whatever it is that you have to do...you don't have to do this alone John."
John couldn't help the anger that rose inside of him as he snapped back, "That's rich coming from you Sherlock!"
Silence engulfed the room as neither dared look at the other. Shame filled Sherlock as he looked down at his feet while John closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, "I'm sorry. It's still a sensitive subject..."
"I know I have no right, but you must understand that what I did was to keep you safe, and it would be for nothing if you go off and get killed. And it'll be even worse if I just sat here and allowed it," Sherlock replied.
There was silence again as neither knew what to say. Then their cell phones went off.
"Lestrade has a case..." Sherlock said looking at John silently asking to come with him.
"Come on then," John replied as they headed down the stairs after Sherlock grabbed his coat and scarf. They hailed a cab and were off to the crime scene.
When they got there a sense of normality overcame things. Sherlock and John didn't speak the whole way to the crime scene, but it wasn't an awkward silence. More like the silence that comes when two friends mutually agree to jump over a metaphorical stone and proceed with the next step of their dilemma. Donovan insulted Sherlock with her usual "freak" comment. Sherlock and Anderson bickered at one another like children. John gave Sherlock a preliminary assessment of the victims bodies and then Sherlock got set to work.
Lestrade stepped further back than usual to get out of ear shot and John followed him.
"You okay?" Greg asked.
"Yes. You got home okay?" John asked in turn.
"Yeah. Hermes arrived shortly after Hades took you. He said you were still in Olympus but were covered in shadows so he couldn't see or hear you. What happened?" Greg asked.
John's faced turned darker a bit as he remembered his conversation with Hades.
"I don't like that look mate," Greg said looking around to make sure there was no one near by.
"There were some things discussed that made me...uncomfortable. But it's too long a story to cover completely here. Plus...I think there's more to it. Underlined tones and suggestive things. You busy later?" John asked.
"No. The wife has the girls for the rest of the week. You can come to my place after all of this and we can start on a game plan," Greg said.
"Sounds good. What happened to Annabeth?" John asked.
"She's alright. We dropped her off at Camp. Being winter there were less then usual but that was still a lot of campers. Not surprised after the whole 'not just the twelve main gods get cabins anymore'. That camp in turning into a city," Greg said in wonder.
"Before it'd be somewhat worry-some having all those demigods but with all the monster activity it works for us I suppose...sides, they'd exist anyway. Now they have a home with answers and have a better chance of surviving," John said dryly. Even if their chances increased...the odds aren't really in their favor. Well who knows. Things just keep changing. And hell, he made it this long, so why couldn't anyone else?
"No but that's not what's troubling you is it?" Greg asked.
"There being demigods? No. All of Greek mythology is sex and violence. It's great that the gods are taking responsibility for the children they bring into this cursed existence. What has me troubled is that there are so many children of the Big Three. You know the track records that just one has of getting into trouble. There are six," John said.
"I know, but they have as much right to be alive as the rest of us," Greg replied.
"I know...I didn't mean it like that. It's just...okay, one child of the Big Three every couple of decades is alright...if even, but there are six very powerful children on this earth that not only the gods, but probably every monster in both Hell and Earth know about and want to use or challenge and...what if it causes WWIII? It was a child of the Big Thee that caused WWII, remember?" John hissed.
"Yes I remember John but this isn't about that. And you know it. Look...we'll talk about what's really bothering you later. Sherlock's nearly done inspecting the body and the grounds," Greg said as he motioned towards the consulting detective with his head.
John nodded and straightened his shoulders and waited.
"JOHN! Come along John, we're done here!" Sherlock proclaimed and they were off down the street where they caught a cabbie.
"What did you and Lestrade talk about?" Sherlock asked after a few minutes, looking out the window.
"Asked him to keep an eye on you," John replied instantly.
"I don't need a babysitter...I need my blogger," Sherlock huffed.
"You're not going to leave this be are you?" John asked.
"...I want your forgiveness, John. More than I'm willing to admit. It confuses me really," Sherlock admitted. "Whether you believe it or not, I suffered a lot too being away from London and 221B...and you. I'd hate to have done all of that...gone through all those emotions...all in vain if you're just going to disappear and die on me."
John looked out the window for a distraction. He thought about what his best friend was saying and thought about the up and coming quest he'll have to be going on. From what Hades said he should be fine. He wasn't the one in danger(outside of being killed by a monster or disaster), Zeus's daughter was. His job was to make sure she gets found safe and sound and then that'll be that. His quest would be complete and he'll be free to come home to Sherlock.
"I told you, I'm coming back." John said. "So...who did it?"
"Isn't it obvious? The nanny," Sherlock said looking out his respected window.
John looked at his flatmate, "How on earth did you get the nanny from the crime scene?...how did you know he had a nanny?"
Sherlock looked at the blonde and replied, "You need to improve you observation skills John...or develop some and not spend your time being idle with Lestrade. By the tanning line on his left ring finger he's married when it's convenient for him. His wallet was left on the side and had one of those picture pockets and his youngest son is in this twenties now."
"Then why would they still have a nanny?" John asked confused.
"Sexual convenience probably. She probably just got tired of him always making promises he didn't keep. They never leave their wives John, never. She had her own picture though. Probably passed her off as his wife or girlfriend at work or at parties. So dull really. Something I never understood about relationships. If it starts off with interest shouldn't the interest last? It's very inconvenient how people get bored of each other in relationships..." Sherlock said.
"Relationships are complicated Sherlock," John said.
"No John, they're boring. Once they're official, people stop trying. That's how things get boring. Or people are just boring in the first place but sexual urges disillusion people. Otherwise you'd have been married long ago," Sherlock said idly.
John glared at Sherlock and feeling his gaze Sherlock looked up and asked, "Not good?"
"Yeah, not good."
"Sorry...is it false though?" Sherlock asked, actually curious.
"What?" John asked.
"You met a lot of acceptable women while I've known you. Probably even more before...yet here you are. Running around London at odd times of the night, chasing bad guys, and being friends with a sociopath," Sherlock said.
John didn't reply and Sherlock took it as a hint that he should just shut up. It wasn't until they arrived at 221B and were in the apartment that John replied.
"It's the soldier in me."
"Pardon?"
"The soldier in me. After becoming a doctor I worked in the emergency room for a while...it was a rush at first but...it wasn't enough. It wasn't what I was expecting...not always as fast paste as I wanted and far more paperwork than actual knife work. So I joined the army. Best choice I ever made. I finally got the rush I wanted and everything else. Being shot and discharged...it did kill me a bit inside knowing I couldn't go back there. Never to feel that rush again.
"While I was flying back home some of the thoughts I had were about buckling down...working at a hospital, or hell, maybe even getting my own firm. Find a nice girl and start a family. The works...big house, white fence, even a dog...
"Then I actually got back. And I realized I was alone. I didn't really want to reconnect with my family and going back to work didn't look appealing in the least. Nothing did...
"Then I remembered something a friend once told me: A soldier in times of chaos is a hero. In times of peace, he is nothing.
"I had no idea how true that was until I returned. The best thing about me was gone. My whole identity basically...I was a nobody.
"Then I found you. Maybe I couldn't make you a hero, and maybe heroes don't really exist...but you revived the soldier in me. You keep me alive with all this chaos that surrounds that mind of yours...I haven't gotten it out of my system yet, I am adrenaline junky, and I don't think I will any time soon. So if it'll help you while I'm gone, remember...I'm nothing without you."
Sherlock nodded and went off to play his lost at how to reply to that. Sometimes during his session he stopped playing and John realized that Sherlock had gone to his Mind Palace. Taking advantage of this moment John grabs his coat and heads off towards Greg's place. He eventually grabs a cab a few blocks down and makes it in another twenty minutes.
Out of habit he stops a block away from his destination. He pays the cabbie and walks off. As me makes his way towards Greg's apartment he sees a black sedan driving away. Knocking on the door he's greeted and allowed in by Greg, but John doesn't miss the uneasy look that crosses the inspectors face as he looks towards the direction the black car went in.
"Mycroft?" John asked as he shed his coat.
"Yes. Curious as to my miraculous return without his knowledge and what association I have with you," Greg explained.
"So one of them put two and two together huh?" John asked.
"Sherlock hasn't?" Greg asked surprised.
"Well...I can't know exactly. I've asked him to not follow me or to meddle in," John said.
"Pft. You don't believe that do you?" Greg said more than asked.
"Of course not. It's Sherlock...but I have to at least try to keep him away. This can be dangerous," John said seriously.
"Right...so what did Hades want?" Greg asked.
"To offer his help," John said and dived into an explanation about his time with the lord of the dead. Once he was done they sat there and let it all sink in.
"So...this whole thing centers around this girl," Greg said.
"Yes. A girl who's half god and half magic...I don't know what to think. Are we being sent to rescue her or to capture her? Is she good or is she a threat? And what in the bloody name of Olympus is going on? Something more powerful and deadly has to be involved, doesn't it?" John asked.
"Don't know but it has to be something. Nothing in our bloodlines ever happens by pure chance. This girl disappeared has to be linked with something. But what is the question. What do you think?" Greg asked.
John sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "For now...we do our job. We gather evidence and we search for clues. When things start to happen that's when we'll make our choices. But lets keep our objectives in focus and be very careful with who we're approached from and be cautious of what they offer."
"Right. Tomorrow we'll drive off to Scotland as see if we can find anything. Where can we meet?" Greg asked.
"Wait by the bakery near the parks entrance. We'll get a cabbie and then find a rental car or something. Make sure you take a blind spot and make the Mist as dense as possible around you to avoid Mycroft's cameras." John said as he stood to leave.
"Have you got your weapons?" Greg asked as he escorted John to the door.
John bit his lip, "No...I'll get them tomorrow morning before I head to work. Once there I'll take the blind spot near the garage and meet you at the park."
"Alright. See you there. Careful getting home," Greg said.
"Night."
What business does John have with Lestrade? -SH
How would I know what your doctor does in his free time? -MH
Because it's no secret to me that you fancy Lestrade(gross by the way) and I know you keep tabs on him. What business does he have with John? -SH
I don't know. -MH
You have tabs on him don't you? -SH
Yes but lately they've been failing. He keeps disappearing for hours at a time. I don't know how he does it. John's done it himself a few times as well. Perhaps you should ask YOUR doctor, hm? -MH
You're on better terms with YOUR inspector! -SH
You're being childish! -MH
I merely want answers. For gods sake, be useful for once! -SH
What do you want from me Sherlock? -MH
To find out what the hell John's gotten himself into. He's tense and I'm worried. And whatever is going on involves Lestrade and that makes me less happy! -SH
Only dead body's make you happy brother. -MH
That's besides the point! Lestrade and John are in this together and I know you know so TELL ME! -SH
Sherlock...I honestly don't know. I've tried spying, asking,and among other things. I don't know what they're doing! -MH
You...really don't know? -SH
If I did, and your assumptions about me were right, don't you think I would have asked you to snoop more for me? -MH
...Keep me posted. If they so much as leave the boundaries of Lestrade's jurisdiction I want to know. Understood? -SH.
Whatever you wish Sherlock. As long as you find answers. -MH
Oh, I'll find them. For John's sake. -SH.
I'm sorry if Sherlock is a bit out of Character. Normally I can write a character spot on as to how they're on the fandom but these guys are tricky.
They're both serious characters but hilarious at the same time. But given the situation I think it fits...well I hope you like this, anyone, if anyone is reading this.
If convenient please review, if inconvenient please review anyway.
-IB