I AM SO SORRY FOR THE WAIT D: I'll upload Part Two ASAP.

WARNING - Description of wounds and such. Quite mild but hey, it's good to have a warning.

James is still on the couch, laughing at the fight that had somehow resumed between John and Sebastian. Started over a disagreement on the plan, and then came back to Sherlock.

It was hilarious.

"Are you two ever going to be able to go five minutes without fighting?" Mrs Hudson scowled, plonking a tea tray down on the edge of the chair since the coffee table was in pieces.

"Don't discourage them," James says, sounding almost offended at the notion as he takes a biscuit and cuppa, dodging a thrown shard of coffee table.

The section of glass embeds itself in James' chair and he pulls a face. Mrs Hudson huffs and trots up the stairs to check on Greg, picking up the tray again.

James munches on his biscuit happily as the fight escalates, ducking a bit to avoid a poorly aimed fist.

Upstairs, Greg is struggling to sit up in bed until he sees Mrs Hudson.

"What is going on down there?"

Mrs Hudson rolls her eyes.

"Sebastian and John are at it again." She groans, pouring the inspector a cup of tea.

Greg sighs.

"I want to go down there and meet this James character," he says, smiling at Mrs Hudson as he sips his tea.

"He's not too bad. A bit cocky but-" She pauses. "He's almost amusing." She smiles. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit better. Still up on morphine, I think," he says, setting down the tea and gesturing to the crutches. "Would you mind helping me downstairs?"

Mrs Hudson picks up the crutches and hands them to him. She pulls back the covers and he swings his legs out with a grimace. With Mrs Hudson's help, he limped out into the hall and began down the stairs.

Greg smiles at the help, limping down the stairs and forced to dodge another flung piece of coffee table. He takes a deep breath when he reaches the bottom before bellowing out.

"MEN!"

All three men turn to him immediately, military habit forcing them into temporary compliance.

Mrs Hudson gives a little giggle as the three freeze and fix their eyes on Greg. John straightens up and brushes dust from his jacket.

Greg resists the urge to laugh as well. He might not be military, but he's law enforcement, and he knows orders.

"Now, you two," he says, snapping at Sebastian and John, "Need to get a grip."

Sebastian looks like he's going to say something before he closes his mouth. He looks at John then turns his head away, sticking his nose in the air proudly. James has to giggle a touch before Greg snaps his head to him.

Greg turns a sharp gaze on the man he immediately figures is James.

"And you need to stop fanning the flames like an immature grade schooler. Do you understand?"

James only grins and swings himself upright in the chair.

"You must be Inspector Lestrade. Colonel James Moriarty."

James held out his hand and Greg shook it quickly, still wary. He was about to address James again when Sebastian curses.

"Problem?" Greg asks.

The sniper says nothing for a little while; he had his phone in his hand.

"They've killed another one. A policewoman this time."

"Sally," Greg breathes, hands clenching around the handle of the crutch. "How?" he rasps, jaw clenched almost tight enough to shatter his teeth.

Sally was a good woman, even if she had a tendency to be just as rude to Sherlock as he was to everyone else.

Sebastian speaks slowly.

"Slashed to death; She bled out before the ambulance her colleagues called got to her. She was found in an alleyway near her station with over fourteen deep wounds and numerous other non-fatal incursions then was finished off with a stab to the stomach. Nothing at the scene."

Greg shakes his head and even John looked a touch upset. Yeah, he didn't exactly like Sally but no-one deserved to die like that.

Lestrade collapses onto the couch, head in his hands.

"Christ... You know Anderson is next, John," he says, glancing up. "What the hell are we going to do?" He straightens, glaring between the other three men. "Get your heads out of your asses and let's come up with a bloody plan."

"What can we do? He crept right under the nose of the best sniper in the country! We don't stand a chance."

But Sebastian was shaking his head.

"It'll take time for the Empire to get back to its former strength after losing Jim. They're going to be fighting for a new leader."

James then spoke up.

"Assuming a new leader hasn't been elected?"

Sebastian glared.

"Cared to elaborate?"

"Remember Richie? He could already be there for all we know?"

"They'll kill him easily."

James just shook his head.

"Richard is... special," James explains. "He's very sweet and innocent, usually. But when Jim is in danger or hurt, and every so often just randomly, Richie's mind snaps into an entirely different personality. A combination of bipolar and multiple personality disorders. He's worse than Jim when he's like that, and if he knows you killed Jim..."

John's head snaps up and James nods.

"He's going to bring the entire Empire down on you at full force and he will stop at nothing."

John rubs his face and looks around at everyone.

"Holy shit, this is all my fault."

Greg shakes his head.

"No it isn't. Sherlock and Victor would have done the same thing if they'd taken over the Empire. It isn't your fault, John."

"It's because of me that Sherlock took the job in the first place."

"How?" Greg demands, eyes narrowed. "He made his own decisions, John. Influenced, yes, but he still made them."

"In a bid to escape with my life, I said that I didn't care about him." John heard Sebastian snort quietly and look away. He shakes his head. "He has it driven into his head that I don't want anything to do with him. And it's going to be made ten times harder to rescue him now with Victor there."

"So what?" Greg snaps. "Stop being sorry for yourself and thinking the entire thing is your fault. Moriarty is the one who kidnapped and tortured him, John, not you. And if Sherlock was too out of it to recognize a desperate lie that probably wasn't all that convincing in the first place, that isn't your fault either."

"Although," James looks up. "The point you made about Trevor is an extremely valid one. It obvious that he can get Holmes to do whatever he wants. We cut out the middle man, we might be able to get a clear shot on Sherlock."

Sebastian nods.

"Yes, but we still have to find them. And we have to break in to wherever they are- which is most certainly in a property of the Empire. Which makes breaking in near impossible."

"Near impossible, Sebby, but not totally. Anyway-" James flashed the sniper a charming grin. "We have you."

Sebastian crosses his arms.

"My security status will have been changed. Without my card, I have just as much chance of actually getting in as you lot do. I secured the perimeter myself."

"Well, where's the card?" John knows that Sebastian was their only chance of getting into anywhere and so decided to be civil.

Sebastian shoots him a withering look.

"I have it, but when I swipe it, it will set off an alarm."

"So that's our only option down the drain." John collapses heavily onto the arm of a chair.

Greg very nearly slaps him, just then.

"John. Go upstairs."

John eyes the man.

"What for?"

"Because if you're going to sit here being a pessimistic dick, you don't need to be here," he snaps. "Now either get over yourself and help us think of a fucking solution, if you really do give a damn, or go upstairs and feel bad for yourself and mope around like a bloody schoolboy. Because if you're acting like this, we're certainly not going to get anywhere." The room goes quiet. "Now make a fucking decision. Sit here like a man and help us get Sherlock back, or abandon him like he already thinks you did and go upstairs waiting to die," he says bluntly.

John stays where he is. The nervous silence that follows was broken by Sebastian.

"You ever thought of join the army, Inspector?" He laughs. "If not then, by Christ, you need to."

Greg raises a brow at him.

"We have to get through this first," he says, sitting back and looking around. "Anyone else want to leave before we get started?"

No one left. Greg nods at Sebastian.

"Is there any way of getting into any of the buildings?"

Sebastian considers this.

"Windows in the buildings are all bulletproof glass. Double layered. Doors will be locked, and if I try to unlock them, the alarms will go off."

James hums.

"The windows? Think Royal Jewels."

"You have a spare diamond lying around?" Sebastian sighed. "They're double layered. Even if we break through the first the second will stop us."

Mrs Hudson holds up a hand, pointing at the ring on her finger. A diamond sparkles.

"I have one."

James smiles a bit.

"Apply enough force to the diamond, the weaker substance will give. Basic physics. Hit it hard enough, it could get through both layers."

Greg turned to Sebastian.

"Where's the nearest facility?"

Sebastian thinks.

"Most likely they'll be at the one in Knightsbridge, knowing Victor. That's the main one, anyways. Closest one is in Battersea, but I doubt they'll be there," he shrugs.

John looks at Greg.

"Do we have any way of getting there?"

James cuts in, already pulling out his phone.

"I can get a car. Gimme a minute."

He's prepared. John thought to himself. Now he thought about it was the deal they were striking worth it? He rescues Sherlock only to lose him again? James hadn't even specified what he wanted Sherlock for.

James pauses, sensing John's sudden animosity, and raises a brow.

"Is there a problem, doctor?"

John looks up.

"Your sudden interest in Sherlock is just bugging me. And it seems like you have the knowledge to bust him out yourself. Why do you need us to help you? I mean, when this is all over we're handing him over."

A smirk curls across his lips.

"Did Jim ever tell you why he did what he did?" he asks, raising a brow.

John is tempted to tell them what happened at the flat but decided against it. He just shakes his head, eyeing James.

"Boredom," he says simply, winking at John as he stands and walks into the kitchen, putting through a call.

Sebastian watches him go.

"I swear to god, he's trickier than Jim to get a straight answer from."

John raises a brow.

"Was he always like that?" he asks, irritated. He wants a bloody damned answer as to James' motives.

Sebastian nods.

"Half the time I have to guess and act upon my own judgment."

John nods, glancing at James' back in the kitchen.

"And do you think we can trust him?"

Sebastian sighed heavily.

"If he's anything like his brother then I'd say no but...he wants to help us. Whether or not those motives are more sinister-" He shrugs. "I just don't know."

Greg nods.

"He doesn't seem like someone who does things like this out of the goodness of his heart. And I don't like that he asked for Sherlock and refused to tell us why."

"And the fact that he dodges the subject every time we bring it up and not giving us a straight answer anyway." John looks at James as he enters.

He looks at Sebastian then at Greg. He wasn't letting him go anywhere near Sherlock until he knew exactly what James wanted.

James puts a hand to his chest.

"Talking about me? I'm flattered," he smirks, vaulting over the back of the couch and sitting down. "Got a car, by the way. You're welcome."

John opened his mouth to say something but Sebastian beat him to it.

"Look you slimy bastard; tell us what you want with Sherlock. And don't you dare try and dodge this one."

James leans back, crossing his legs.

"I honestly don't see why it matters. You," he says, pointing at Sebastian, "Are using him for therapy and as an excuse in your head that maybe you aren't the pathetic piece of shit Jim always said you were. And you," he says, pointing at John, "Used him for an adrenaline hit. Easy excitement, with far more risk for him than you," he shrugs, folding his arms behind his head. "I'd say out of the three of us, I probably have the best intentions, seeing as how I don't even know the bloke." He smirks, knowing he's just set off a shitstorm. Pushed some very sore buttons.

Sebastian's fists curl at his sides.

"And what exactly are those intentions." He growls through gritted teeth.

"Not raping him like you," he singsongs, flashing a brilliant smile.

Before more punches are thrown, Greg steps between the two of the quickly, putting one hand on Sebastian's chest and pushes him back.

He smirks, not having moved at all even when Sebastian had raised a fist.

"Don't be angry at me, Moran, you're the one who did it. You knew he was in no position or state of mind to say 'no.'"

This is remarkably fun.

Greg lowers his voice so only Sebastian could hear him.

"He's messing with you Moran. Just back it up."

"I didn't...not to Sherlock. Not ever. Don't listen to him."

Sebastian looks the Greg, the last person he expected to be on his side.

John stands incredulously.

"Greg? You're on his side?" he demands angrily, earning a glare from the officer.

James simply crosses his legs and grabs another apple.

Greg ignores him, knowing that if he answered no doubt a fistfight would follow.

"Go upstairs and stay there. We can't have you lot constantly fighting."

Sebastian looks like he was going to protest but nevertheless turns and goes upstairs , shutting a door behind him.

James rolls his eyes at Greg.

"Oh, you're no fun," he sighs. "It was just getting exciting."

He snaps his head to him. "

You need to stop fanning the fucking flames."

He shrugs.

"Gotta have fun somehow, Inspector," he drawls. "And I think Johnny's a bit mad at you, by the way."

Indeed, John looks furious.

"You're begging for a brawl aren't you? And I don't understand why you're so mad."

Greg looks straight at John.

John glares angrily.

"You don't understand why I'm mad?! Sherlock was being tortured by those two and he decided to fucking have sex with Sherlock after he'd just been brutally raped by Jim! How is that not upsetting to you? Or do you just not care? Pissed because Sherlock didn't help you?"

James lets out a small huff of amusement. This is going to escalate with the speed of a rocket.

Greg stays surprisingly calm.

"I'm making judgements based on what I saw John. I'd probably be dead if it wasn't for Sebastian and I dare say Sherlock would be to."

"And where exactly did your judgement get you?" he asks, looking pointedly at the crutches.

James snorts.

"It would have been worse. I was lucky to get this." He points upstairs. "Him however, has had obedience beaten into him, was nearly killed for helping Sherlock, stabbed and then had his little brother tortured and killed in front of him! How would you like it if Harry died like that? Despite everything she's done?"

John's eyes narrow, and before things can escalate even further, Mrs Hudson stands up and places a hand on John's chest.

"John," she says, glancing at the kitchen. "Let's talk in there."

She was half-afraid Lestrade was about to be punched as well.

John gives Greg one last glare as Mrs Hudson half pushes half drags him into the kitchen, leaving James and Greg alone.

Mrs Hudson glares at John.

"Don't be like that, John Hamish Watson," she snaps. "What Sebastian did was not right, I agree. But he's here now to help, and at least he is trying to keep things under control. Get yourself together, John, because you're certainly not helping anyone acting like a toddler," she says sternly.

"I just don't understand how he's suddenly on our side? And where is he going to go now this is all over, Severin's dead so is Jim and Sherlock might as well be since we seem to then be handing him over to a man we've known for a few hours and won't even tell us what he's exactly doing here or what he wants with Sherlock." John rubs his face and sits down. "This is an absolute nightmare. It's changing us Mrs Hudson. We're the same people anymore."

Mrs Hudson sighs.

"I know, dear. People change in times of crises, and not necessarily for the better." She glances out into the living room. "I don't like it either, but we don't have much choice. And he doesn't seem like he could be any worse than Sherlock's current company. Sebastian could stay with me for a while."

"Or we could be throwing Sherlock out of a frying pan and into a fire." He shrugs. "We don't know anything until we get in there."

"John, I don't like him, but I don't think he's a torturer either," she says, frowning.

"He was pretty ready to shoot Moran's brains out so I don't think we should underestimate him." He sighs heavily and holds Mrs Hudson's hand in his. "I haven't been this scared since the front line."

Mrs Hudson sighs, pulling him into a hug.

"I know, John. But it'll get better. Everyone thought WWII was the end of the world, and here we are, even better. Just got to hold it together, dear."

John nods but doesn't say anything. There's a sharp rap on the kitchen door and Greg appears in the doorway. He gestures his head to the front entrance.

"Car's here."

Mrs Hudson waves a hand.

"Go on, John. I'll stay here with Greg. Take a gun. And try not to kill Sebastian, dear. He really is trying."

"I'll try." He stands and hugs her again. "Thank you for everything you've ever done."

Mrs Hudson frowns.

"You're going to come back, John, so no need for that yet."

John gives her a shaky smile.

"Just in case."

He walks out into the living room where Sebastian was already stood in the centre, sniper rifle in his left hand and two pistols in his belt and shoulder holsters.

James reaches for the weapons as well before Sebastian holds out a hand warningly. James' eyes narrow.

"You don't expect me to go unarmed, do you?"

"You're his brother. He wouldn't hurt you anyway." Sebastian barks simply.

He lifts his eyes to John's for a few seconds then quickly averted his gaze.

"It's not Richard I'm concerned about. Trevor and I have never gotten along. Now if you want my help, Moran, let me have a gun," he says firmly.

Sebastian shakes his head and his eyes turn cold.

"If it comes to that I'm putting that bullet in Trevor's head. The last thing we need is you getting trigger happy."

His smile turns saccharine.

"I had you at gunpoint earlier, Moran. If I had wanted to kill any of you, you would be dead, I assure you."

John looks between the two, eyes narrowing a bit at James.

"Give him a knife. No firearms."

James takes the army knife from the table and tucks it in his belt behind his jacket. Sebastian throws another gun to John and makes a small attempt to smile, although it did look forced.

John catches it deftly, slipping it into his belt with a nod and a smile just as forced. But it's a start.

"Alright, then. Let's go."

Thank you for the ones who are still here! It's makes me smile knowing that people are enjoying the story but I am aware that someone has said that the characters are a bit OOC. I agree but I believe this change is plot driven.

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