Author Note: Hello Everyone! It's finally here! Sorry for the really long delay. I should be able to work on a chapter a little bit each day from now on so the wait shouldn't be as long. I'm just glad I got this up before the semester really got started.
I'm not quite set on the chapter title. Help would be appreciated.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy.
Warning: Spoilers for Series 2 and possible 3
Disclaimer: Death Note and its characters belong to Tsugumi Ohba while Sherlock and its characters belong to Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Gatiss and Steven Mofatt
Chapter 9: The Usual Unusual
L watched from the kitchen doorway as Sherlock literally tore the sitting room apart. The man had been off cigarettes for a while now and the lack of a case was making the urge to smoke all the stronger. John had L help him find all the secret stashes in preparation for this moment. L thought he knew what to expect but the extent of the man's frantic energy and desperation was beyond his expectations. It didn't help that Sherlock was swinging around a harpoon of all things. He used it in some case. L didn't know the details but he was glad for that as Sherlock came home covered in pig's blood.
Mrs. Hudson came up when Sherlock bellowed her name and was then subjugated to his harsh deductions at harpoon point. The man finally had a moment of some clarity when he spotted L. He then turned the harpoon his way.
"You helped John find all my stashes. Where are they?" L was sure the man was only using the harpoon as a replacement for his finger and meant no harm. However, he still found himself tensing when he remembered that Sherlock had used that same harpoon on a pig earlier that day.
"Sherlock. Leave L alone."
John's voice had gone from mildly amused to stern earlier with Sherlock's turning on Mrs. Hudson but somehow his voice managed to get even sterner. It thankfully was enough to cut through Sherlock's temporary insanity but not enough to stop him overall. He lowered his harpoon and turned away from L. He continued to stomp about the room.
"You don't understand John! I need a case!"
L turned back into the kitchen then, deciding maybe he would make another cup of tea for John. The doctor was going to need it if Sherlock kept this up much longer. Thankfully, the doorbell rang.
"Single ring." John noted.
"Maximum pressure just under the half second." Sherlock continued.
"Client." They said together, relieved in their own ways.
The client was a man named Henry Knight. He had a rather unusual way of introducing his case. L was surprised Sherlock lasted as long as he did before interrupting the documentary about Dartmoor that Henry was having them watch.
"What did you see?"
"I was just about to say."
"Yes, in a TV interview. I prefer to do my own editing." Sherlock, a bit more impatient than usual, continued to rush Henry until he finally got him talking about the death of his father.
"There's a place. It's a sort of local landmark called Dewer's Hollow. That's an ancient name for the Devil." Sherlock was unimpressed but John went along with it.
"Did you see the Devil that night?"
"Yes."
L would normally find such a reaction a bit overdramatic but the man seemed genuinely haunted by whatever he saw and clearly believed it.
"It was huge. Coal-black fur, with red eyes. It got him, tore at him, tore him apart." The man started tearing up then but he continued on.
"I can't remember anything else. They found me the next morning, just wandering on the moor. My dad's body was never found."
"Dog? Wolf?" John tried to reason but Sherlock naturally went straight to the unusual.
"Or a genetic experiment." The client didn't appreciate Sherlock's humor.
"My dad was always going on about the things they were doing at Baskerville; about the type of monsters they were breeding there. People used to laugh at him. At least the TV people took me seriously."
"Henry, whatever did happen to your father, it was twenty years ago. Why come to us now?" John asked. Henry ignored him though and stood up.
"I'm not sure you can help me, Mr. Holmes, since you find it all so funny."
Sherlock managed to reel him back in by deducing that something major had happened to him last night. There were also other little things just to show off. John tried to stop him but Sherlock just continued on full throttle.
"You came up from Devon on the first available train this morning. You had a disappointing breakfast and a cup of black coffee. The girl in the seat across the aisle fancied you. Although you were initially keen, you've now changed your mind. You are, however, extremely anxious to have your first cigarette of the day. Sit down, Mr. Knight, and do please smoke. I'd be delighted."
John sighed at that last piece but didn't bother getting involved anymore. Henry looked impressed but also a bit scared, which was understandable really. He slowly sat back down and started fishing around in his pockets.
"How on earth did you notice all that?"
Sherlock went on to point out all the little bit and details that came together to form his deduction. As always it was impressive. He rather ruined it though at the end.
"Now shut up and smoke."
Henry did just that despite John's disapproving frown. L's nose wrinkled at the smell. He got up and retreated to the kitchen where he could still hear everything. John tried to go over everything that was mentioned so far but was constantly distracted by Sherlock breathing in Henry's exhaled smoke. Henry clearly didn't know how to react to the detective diving into his personal space in pursuit of the smoke but kept smoking anyway. Thankfully, Sherlock did eventually sit back down and focus once more.
"And what happened when you went back to Dewer's Hollow last night, Henry? You went there on the advice of your therapist and now you're consulting a detective. What did you see that changed everything?"
"It's a strange place, the Hollow. Makes you feel so cold inside, so afraid." Sherlock rolled his eyes.
"Yes, if I wanted poetry I'd read John's emails to his girlfriends. Much funnier." John managed to maintain his professionalism and didn't respond to that. Not that it mattered as Sherlock didn't give him a chance to.
"What did you see?"
"Footprints. On the exact spot where I saw my father torn apart." Any interest Sherlock had evaporated then. L knew Henry would be thrown out in a moment or two. He felt a bit sorry for the man.
"Is that it? Nothing else. Footprints. Is that all?"
"Yes, but they were-"
"No, sorry, Dr. Mortimer wins. Childhood trauma masked by an invented memory. Boring! Goodbye, Mr. Knight. Thank you for smoking." Sherlock stood up and headed into the kitchen, smoothly dodging around L. Henry wasn't done though.
"Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!" He called after him.
Sherlock stopped dead in his tracks then slowly turned. He came and stood next to L in the kitchen doorway.
"Say that again."
"Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic...hound." Henry said slowly.
That was enough. Sherlock decided to take the case. Bags were quickly packed and they were soon on a train headed for Dartmoor. L greatly enjoyed his first train ride. He peered out the window with bright eyes. He didn't vocally express his enjoyment but it wasn't necessary; both men knew him well enough to see it. He could guess when they were there even without hearing what stop it was. The view outside the window went from bright greens and blues to grey sky and white fog. It wasn't enough to stifle Sherlock's new mood though. All that restless energy from the past few days was gone now, replaced with determination and intense focus.
They rented a car and drove up to Grimpon Village. They stopped right before to check out where the Baskerville Lab and Dewer's Hollow were. They discovered that there was a minefield between the two. That's something to look out for at night. They found an inn to stay at. There was a tour guide outside it. It seemed the hound that Henry had mentioned was a bit of a tourist attraction as the man had a sign that warned people of the hound and even had a hairy head mask. Sherlock moved about the pub area as John went to get them rooms. L looked between the two then decided to follow Sherlock as he moved outside.
"Interesting place to have a family vacation." The barman and inn keeper said to John. He continued on, not giving the doctor the chance to correct him. "Not that we don't appreciate it. Tourism is doing a lot for this place. Hope your son is of the brave sort. Wouldn't want him getting scared." John sighed and kept his protests to himself.
He noticed something on the counter when the man went to get his change. He ripped the receipt for meat supplies off the till and stuffed it in his pocket. He thanked the man and grabbed the keys. He spotted Sherlock and L talking with the tour guide outside. He moved to join them when the tour guide left but found himself stopping just to watch the two. Sherlock smirked down at the boy and said something. L's shoulders shook with his quiet laughter. Sherlock's eyes light up and he grinned. He soon chuckled along. It was entirely domestic and heartwarming. L spotted him and waved him over with a smile. John returned it as he walked over. Maybe the innkeeper wasn't too far off.
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L was both relieved and annoyed that he was forced to stay at the inn while Sherlock and John went to investigate Baskerville. It was more the being left behind that annoyed him. He wasn't really eager to see the lab itself. It certainly wouldn't be an enjoyable visit, especially since Sherlock and John were technically sneaking in, pretending to be Mycroft. There was no way they could explain a child's presence while under the guise of important government men.
John explained what happened at the lab later when they came back to pick L up before heading for Henry's house. They were almost caught but Sherlock expected they would be found out eventually. A man named Dr. Frankland vouched for them though in the end, getting them out. Frankland was a fan of Sherlock and John's and went along with the whole thing. L will admit that was a bit suspicious of him and he was sure Sherlock felt the same. He was a friend of Henry's father and was willing to help, so much so he gave Sherlock his number. Other than that, they didn't find anything really concrete. They did find the mother of the little girl that had requested Sherlock through his website to find her glow in the dark rabbit. Dr. Stapleton specialized in genetic manipulation so Sherlock thought she was someone to consider regarding the potential genetic experiment that Henry saw.
Upon arriving at Henry's house, L realized that the man's overall state was only a result of anxiety and stress and not really a reflection of his financial status. In other words, Henry was rather well off. Sherlock showed no surprise but that itself wasn't a surprise. Henry welcomed them easily enough and wasn't even offended at John's surprised question about him being rich.
L stared at Henry, taking in the state of him. The man was clearly drained. He leaned most of his weight on the counter of the kitchen and his eyes had a slightly glazed look to them. He looked like he was reaching the end of his ropes. John shot the man a concerned look and scrambled to reassure him.
"Sherlock's got a plan."
"Yes. We take you back out onto the moor and see if anything attacks you."
"What?!" Sherlock ignored John's shocked outburst.
"That should bring things to a head."
Henry seemed more concerned about having to go at night than anything. L wasn't sure this was such a good idea.
"That's your plan?" John stared, flabbergasted for a moment. He snorted. "Brilliant." Sherlock scoffed at John's sarcasm.
"Got any better ideas?"
"That's not a plan."
"Listen, if there is a monster out there, John, there's only one thing to do: find out where it lives."
Sherlock gave Henry one of his false wide smiles as he took a sip of his coffee. It wasn't enough to encourage or reassure the man. He didn't outright refuse though. He was putting a lot of trust in Sherlock but L was sure it was because he was his last hope at that point.
He refused to be left behind this time. He wanted to be part of the case so he put his foot down. Sherlock didn't seem to care either way whether he went with them to Dewer's Hollow. John of course wasn't so set on the idea. He didn't really know if there was anything dangerous there or not but the possibility still made him hesitate. He finally relented after a while.
"Alright. You stay with me though."
L grinned. He quickly got his coat and shoes on. He then got his scarf and tied it just right. He turned to John and Sherlock and puffed his chest out a bit. They both smiled at him, amused. He made sure to stick right by John as they maneuvered through the darkness. Thankfully, the doctor didn't feel the need to hold his hand or anything. He and John took up the rear of the group as they approach the entrance of the woods that would lead to Dewer's Hollow.
John stopped suddenly and looked around. L was forced to stop as well because of their agreement. He followed John's gaze until he saw what held the doctor's attention. On top of a hillside a decent distance away was a flashing light. It had a strange pattern to the flashing though and he understood that John's soldier mind immediately went to Morse code. John had taught him Morse code but it wasn't second nature to him as it was to the former soldier. He looked back to where Sherlock and Henry were but saw they had already left them behind. That put him on edge but he didn't rush the doctor until he was done with the code but even then he doubted the light was really anything important.
He and John finally went to rejoin Sherlock and Henry. It wasn't easy catching up though as they weren't entirely sure which way the two went. Both froze when a howl pierced the air. He felt a deep coldness spread through him. He almost broke the agreement but stopped himself from running off to find Sherlock on his own. John of course was just as worried so soon they were both running. They caught up rather quick then as Sherlock and Henry were on their way back. Sherlock stormed past them without a word but Henry was talking frantically.
"We saw it. We saw it."
"I didn't see anything." Sherlock protested, keeping his swift stride.
L frowned. Despite what Sherlock said, something clearly happened. He couldn't get a good look at Sherlock right then as he hurried after him and the others. However, the man's shoulders were tense and hunched slightly. His fists were clenched tight and his pace was more hurried than his usual purposeful stride.
John took Henry home while L trailed after Sherlock on his way back to the inn. He wasn't even sure the man was aware that he was there and that was more than enough to alarm him. He followed because he felt he had to do something to help. He wasn't good at comfort. He wasn't quite as unaware about those things as Sherlock but it was really John that understood better what to say. That's why he was waiting for John so when Sherlock took a seat in front of the pub's fire, he left the seat next to him open and instead sat near the wall.
He knew John would be joining them soon and he was sure the doctor was going to make a beeline right for Sherlock. John no doubt noticed that something was off with Sherlock and if not he was going to want to question him about what happened. In the mean time, L was going to do what he did best...observe and see if he could figure out just what was wrong.
The longer he sat there, the more concerned he got. Sherlock was just staring blankly into space. He couldn't even describe the expression on his face but it was one he had never seen on the man's face before. Upon looking closer, he noticed there was a tremble to Sherlock's hands. The man eventually waved to the bartender. The bartender frowned initially but approached him regardless. The man left then came back with a drink for him. Sherlock almost downed it in one go. L had enough then. Something was wrong and he needed to know what.
John wandered in just as he was standing up. Looking at Sherlock, he decided the man hadn't noticed the doctor yet. John looked tired and unsure. L quickly made his way to intercept him before he reached Sherlock. He stopped as he rushed to him.
"L?"
"Something is wrong with Sherlock." John straightened at that, worry and concern overtaking his confusion. The man's eyes immediately found Sherlock all on their own. He stood there staring at him a minute then looked back to L.
"Any ideas?"
"Even if what Henry said was right and they actually saw something, Sherlock wouldn't be so…so…afraid." L slowly finished, realizing that was what was wrong. He had seen Sherlock worry and fret but he had never seen him terrified before, not like that. L turned around to face Sherlock as he continued. "It's not like him. It's not natural."
"Can fear be created? Can it be forced?" L asked John, facing the doctor once more. John frowned heavily, not liking at all what L was implying. He didn't have an answer right then. He turned his eyes on Sherlock's lonely figure. He moved to join him. L caught his sleeve before he could though.
"Fear makes someone irrational and for Sherlock that's one of the worse things. He's not going to be very pleasant right now. I don't even know if he's aware just what is wrong. Keep this in mind. He might lash out. Don't take it to heart." John nodded. He quietly but purposefully strode over to the empty chair L left for him.
L hesitated then. Should he leave the two alone or should he stay? He settled for an in between. He moved back to the wall. There he could at least watch but not necessarily hear. John's presence didn't seem to affect Sherlock much at first but the longer they talked, the more agitated he got. John kept his eyes trained on Sherlock all the while though even when the man yelled at him.
"There is nothing wrong with me!"
L winced at that, wondering if maybe he shouldn't have let John talk with him yet after all. Normally, John was just what Sherlock needed but not this time, it only proved further that something was wrong. L could see the moment that Sherlock went too far. John reeled slightly at whatever Sherlock spat out. His concerned face went blank but L still caught the flash of devastation and…resignation? He mumbled something then left with clenched fists. L scrambled over trying to catch him but wasn't quick enough.
Watching the doctor leave, L regretted the whole thing. He should have talked to Sherlock himself, at least then he would have lashed out at him and not John. He wasn't sure if he could handle the full assault of Sherlock Holmes but he'd still prefer it be him, at least then he wouldn't have had to watch John leave like that. That was not a retreating soldier but a defeated man just barely keeping himself together.
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Henry's therapist Dr. Mortimer showed up at the pub not too long after John left. Sherlock had calmed down by then and naturally didn't want to miss such an opportunity. He pulled out his phone and started texting. L knew just who and what he was texting when the man took a subtle picture of the woman. L wasn't surprised when John didn't return despite the text. Sherlock frowned and ultimately took matters into his own hands. L decided not to stay and watch Sherlock attempt to get information out of Mortimer. There was no place L could really go except to bed. Sleep was hard coming as usual really but this time at least it was because of L dwelling on what happened. L finally drifted to sleep once he heard the door open, signaling the return of the doctor.
John was gone by the time L woke up but Sherlock was lingering in the pub. The detective was clearly waiting but it wasn't L he was waiting for. L was relieved to see the man's face fall when it was just L that joined him. He was sure then that Sherlock's words last night weren't said entirely of his own volition. He hadn't meant to hurt John but it was still up to him to explain and apologize. That would have to wait apparently since the doctor was nowhere to been seen at the moment.
Sherlock decided to head for Henry's and it seemed he had made a break through on the case if his high energy was any indication. Henry was the complete opposite. The man looked like he hadn't slept properly in weeks.
"Shall I make you some coffee?" Sherlock asked Henry with his false wide smile.
The man definitely had something in mind; he wouldn't offer to make coffee for anyone except maybe John. Despite Sherlock's suspicious behavior, L decided not to follow him into the kitchen. He instead looked to their client. Henry had to know a bit what to expect from Sherlock by then but he still seemed a bit disheartened by how easily Sherlock disregarded him. The man looked after Sherlock and sighed, defeated. L moved to stand beside him, not too close but close enough that it was clearly intentional.
Henry jumped a bit when he noticed him. He looked down at him expectedly. L didn't say anything though. The man had no doubt heard every word of comfort and reassurance possible before by neighbors and fellow villagers. They wouldn't have any real meaning to him anymore. L instead relied on his silence and presence to comfort. Sherlock might be focusing more on the case at that moment but L hadn't forgotten why they were doing this…who they were doing this for. Henry seemed to understand as he relaxed and gave a slow, tired smile.
L looked back towards the kitchen when he spotted Sherlock in his peripheral. Sherlock had been watching them from the doorway, for how long L didn't know. L caught a glimpse of the man's soft expression, absent of the forced cheer and high energy from a minute ago. He put on another air when Henry also noticed him but it was noticeably subdued compared to earlier.
"Sorry Henry but I think I have to skip the coffee."
L followed Sherlock out. He paused though to give Henry a small wave. The man smiled again and waved back. There was no energy behind it but the fact he still did it despite how tired he was gave it real meaning.
L asked Sherlock where they were going but the man didn't answer. He was looking around though so it was easy to figure out that he was looking for John. They did find him. L wasn't sure if he should be concerned or not that they found him in a church graveyard in front of a war memorial. John didn't notice them. The doctor was flipping through his notes but it was clear that his mind wasn't on them. His features were worn and tired, making him look even older than the war already did. L wondered how much sleep he actually got last night.
Sherlock hesitated. L looked up and watched his face pinch. L understood without asking. They all knew that emotions weren't really Sherlock's area of expertise. The man was lost and unsure on just how to talk to John right then. He wasn't always aware of them but John's feelings were important to Sherlock, L was sure of that, even when cases sometimes took priority.
L stepped back after a minute. Sherlock peeked at him but naturally understood. He took a deep breath then finally ventured forward. L stayed where he was even though he couldn't hear from there. He didn't doubt that the two would recover. The two cared too much about each other for them not to. L was sure that John had already forgiven but that didn't mean he still didn't need to hear an apology. Everyone doubted every now and then despite what Sherlock might think about himself. John knew Sherlock cared for him and didn't mean to hurt him but he still needed to hear it.
"John!"
L shook off his thoughts and looked back to what was happening. John was walking his way as Sherlock chased after him. The doctor didn't stop but he was smiling. Sherlock's apology was apparently good enough for him but he wasn't above prolonging it to make sure Sherlock learned his lesson. John smirked at him as he passed. L chuckled as he fell into step with him. Sherlock followed, sulking.
They found someone waiting for them at the inn. Not even Sherlock expected Lestrade to come out to join them but he quickly figured out it was Mycroft's doing though Lestrade denied it. John used that moment to share the receipt he took earlier. The amount of meat was very suspicious for a vegetarian restaurant. John smiled as Sherlock praised him for his find. Lestrade looked confused as Sherlock just silently stared at John with a warm, relieved look.
"Nice scary inspector from Scotland Yard who can put in a few calls might come in very handy." John continued, not noticing the staring. He hit the bell on the counter and called out for the innkeeper, glowing with confidence.
Lestrade used his position as an inspector to gather more invoices from the same meat supply shop. The innkeeper and chef were nervous when confronted with an inspector from the big city. L will admit it was rather cool to see the man at work. He hadn't even started asking questions yet, just slowly looking through the paper work but that was clearly putting the men more on edge.
L was distracted from this as Sherlock came over, carrying a mug. He offered it to John. This baffled John and L. Sherlock would sometimes make John tea back at the flat but that was rare and always during a quiet moment of domestic peace. He never would during a case since usually the thought doesn't occur to him with his mind focused solely on the case.
"You don't have to keep apologizing." John told him.
Sherlock looked away, expression falling. L frowned, taking in the hurt on the man's face. This moment just got more bizarre. He knew the two just went through a tough spot but that was no reason for Sherlock to be hurt over such a small thing. John didn't question it though. The doctor relented and took the mug from Sherlock. He grimaced with the first sip though.
"I don't take sugar…" He trailed off as the hurt look returned. John bit his lip then took another longer sip.
L stared, suspicious. Sherlock had just manipulated John. There was no way Sherlock didn't know how John liked his coffee even if he had never made it for him before. Sherlock's reactions were out of character and meant to get John to drink the coffee out of guilt. Why? Why was it important to get John to drink it? Unless the coffee itself wasn't important but the guilt he made John feel but that didn't make sense either. Sure John had milked Sherlock's attempt at an apology earlier but Sherlock wasn't one for such petty retaliation…at least not with John...usually. Even then why would it be centered on coffee of all things? No, it had to be the coffee that was important. L stared at Sherlock during his thoughts but the man stubbornly ignored him. His musings were interrupted as the innkeeper finally started telling the truth.
"Look, we were just trying to give things a bit of a boost, you know? A great big dog run wild up on the moor. It was heaven-sent. It was like us having our own Loch Ness Monster."
"Where do you keep it?"
"There's an old mineshaft. It's not too far. It was all right there."
"Was?" Sherlock prompted, noticing the term use.
"We couldn't control the bloody thing. It was vicious. And then, a month ago, Billy took him to the vet and…you know."
"It's dead?" John asked, putting down the mostly full mug.
"Yeah. No choice. So it's over. It was just a joke, you know?"
"Yeah, hilarious." The men tensed at Lestrade's tone. He stood up and towered over them.
"You've nearly driven a man out of his mind."
They followed behind Lestrade as he left. L caught the quick look Sherlock sent the mug. The man breezed past him, still ignoring his questioning stare. L huffed. It seemed he'd just have to wait and see what Sherlock was planning. Lestrade left then with a big smile.
"So that was their dog that people saw out on the moor?" John asked
"Looks like it."
"But that wasn't what you saw. That wasn't just an ordinary dog."
"No." Sherlock's gaze became distant as he finally described what he saw. "It was immense, had burning red eyes and it was glowing, John. Its whole body was glowing." A faint shudder went through Sherlock at the memory. L wondered if it was genuine. Sherlock didn't linger on the topic. He headed for the car with L and John following.
"I've got a theory but I need to get back into Baskerville to test it."
"How? Can't pull off the ID trick again." John asked, not looking particularly happy about going back.
"Might not have to."
Realizing what Sherlock was going to do, L chuckled as Sherlock pulled his phone out. Sherlock winked at him before speaking with an amused smirk.
"Hello, brother dear. How are you?"
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With Mycroft's permission, they had no trouble getting back into Baskerville. L was even allowed to go with them. He definitely got a lot of bewildered stares from everyone they passed but that was expected. Sherlock and John split ways. L followed Sherlock, hoping that keeping with him would give a hint as to what the man was planning.
Major Barrymore wasn't too pleased when Sherlock mentioned getting unlimited access. Sherlock had L stand outside the room so he didn't really hear much of what Sherlock told him. He didn't mind. He'd rather not face the Major, especially since he would probably demand they take L elsewhere. It must have gone Sherlock's way though. The detective strode with a grin. L hurried behind him, attempting to keep up with the man's long legs. It was almost like the man was in a hurry. Sherlock finally stopped when they spotted a woman doctor. Sherlock introduced her as Dr. Stapleton. What Sherlock did then was the final straw.
"There's something else I really must look into. L, I want you to stay with Stapleton and ask her these questions." He handed L a written list, notepad and pen. "Make sure to write her answers word for word." He flashed L an encouraging smile.
Stapleton didn't object but she didn't consent either but Sherlock was already off. L stared after him. Alarm bells were ringing in his mind. It just didn't fit. It wasn't that Sherlock gave him this responsibility but rather he was leaving him alone with someone that earlier was a suspect and might still be. Even if Sherlock was certain he wouldn't be harmed, John would have never had let Sherlock leave him alone in this place. Was that why Sherlock had them split up earlier? Why did he need to be alone? L stuffed the notepad and list into his pockets then hurried after the man. Stapleton didn't even try to stop him. Sherlock had misread her. She may be a mother but she wasn't maternal enough to concern herself with children beside her own. That just made L run faster.
Finding Sherlock wasn't easy. L wasn't lost but there were just too many rooms to check. Thankfully, he didn't run into anyone. Then again, that was also a bit suspicious. It was as if the whole floor was deserted. That wouldn't deter him though. He was going to find Sherlock and he was going to demand he tell him what was going on.
Sherlock kept his eyes glued to the monitors, watching John run around the lab room, urged on by the growls Sherlock was providing through the intercom. It seemed his theory was right but he won't know for sure until he got John's description of what he was seeing. Sherlock kept asking him through the phone but John wasn't able to answer at that moment; he was too panicked. John's soldier instincts were still fully functioning at least. Sherlock didn't know if he should be proud or concerned when John crawled into one of the big cages, using the bars for his own protection.
"What are you doing?"
Sherlock spun his chair around in surprise. L was supposed to have stayed with Dr. Stapleton but he was there now. L stared at the monitors, confused for a second. Those eyes went wide as horror overtook them. He bolted from the room. Sherlock hung up and ran after him, knowing his test was over.
John's fear skyrocketed as he was suddenly disconnected from Sherlock. He couldn't even get himself to try and call him again. He froze as a sudden dark mass ran up to his cage and threw it open. Then it was upon him. His soldier instincts were screaming at him to fight with everything he had and he was about to do just that but stopped when he felt scrawny arms instead of teeth and claws. The arms pulled him into a small, thin chest and placed his head on a bony shoulder. He tensed but then slowly relaxed. He could think of only one person this could be. The lab lights suddenly turned on full blast, revealing that it was indeed L hugging him. His heart was still pounding so hard in his chest that it hurt but the suffocating fear eased a bit. He pushed the slight discomfort he felt at being touched to the side and let the surprisingly warm hug soothe the terror away.
Sherlock stood some distance away, watching. Seeing the doctor in person instead of through the monitors showed that he was more terrified than he had sounded on the phone. That was just like John to keep it bottled up. Sherlock had expected him to do so but not to such an extent. L immediately did though. It seemed L understood John better than he. Sherlock noticed the moment John had been about to fight for his life, no doubt injuring L in the process. No doubt L did too and probably expected it but he still pushed forward to console the doctor. John clearly needed it.
Ignoring the guilt churning inside him, Sherlock approached the two. John looked so relieved to see him but L didn't even look at him. That made something clench in his chest but he didn't dwell on that then.
"John, I need you to tell me what you saw."
"The hound." John's voice was shaky, still choked by fear. Sherlock decided to just get right to it so John wouldn't have to think about it anymore.
"Was it glowing?"
"Yes."
So his theory was correct. It didn't feel like much of a victory.
"I made up the bit about glowing. You saw what you expected to see because I told you. You have been drugged. We have all been drugged." He slowly explained, softening his voice for John's sake. John was still out of it but he seemed to understand enough.
"Can you walk?" Sherlock asked, focusing on the doctor's legs, specifically his right. If the test was too shocking or traumatic then… Sherlock wasn't sure he could forgive himself if he had crippled John even if it was just for a moment. And yet, the thought of it never occurred to him before the test. The guilt returned tenfold.
John seemed to understand what he was really asking. He scowled.
"'Course I can walk." Even his indignant tone was shaky.
"Come on, then. It's time to lay this ghost." Sherlock turned to leave but did wait for John and L to catch up. He didn't pause when he heard John stumble but only because he knew John wouldn't appreciate it.
They found Dr. Stapleton examining a white rabbit in one of the smaller labs. Sherlock scowled when he realized she just went right back to work when L ran off. She wasn't concerned in the least. He hadn't expected her to be protective or anything to that extent but he thought she would at least worry about a child running around a government military lab. He wondered how concerned she would have been if it had been her own child. He didn't confront her over it though.
"I see he found you." She said, noticing L lingering near John.
"Of course he did."
"So what's on your mind now? Going to ask those questions you mentioned?"
"No. Those are unnecessary." He reached over and turned off the light switch.
Stapleton didn't react when the rabbit on the table in front of her started to glow a bright green but she certainly looked resigned.
"Will you tell little Kirsty what happened to her beloved rabbit or shall I?" He asked once he turned the lights back on. She sighed.
"Okay. What do you want?"
"Can I borrow your microscope?"
Stapleton was baffled by the request but agreed to allow Sherlock to use one. They all moved to one of the bigger labs that had one. Sherlock immediately got to work. John plopped himself on one of the chairs. He looked rather worn out, which was understandable considering what he just went through…what Sherlock just put him through. Hot outrage burned inside L. There was no calming it but he still kept it in, only letting it out in heated glares at random objects and never at the source of the anger. L couldn't stand looking the man in the face right then and he didn't want to. He didn't want to entirely associate this feeling with Sherlock even if the man deserved it for what he did. He knew it was best to let the feeling out but it was neither the time nor place. He'd have to wait.
L's thoughts and the conversation between John and Dr. Stapleton was interrupted when Sherlock flung the slide, smashing it against the wall. L hated how John cowered slightly. Despite what he said, he clearly wasn't recovered from the test entirely.
"It's not there! Nothing there! Doesn't make any sense."
Sherlock was absolutely livid, which was a rather rare sight.
"What were you expecting to find?" Stapleton asked the now pacing detective.
"A drug, of course. There has to be a drug, a hallucinogenic or a deliriant of some kind. There's no trace of anything in the sugar."
"Sugar?"
"The sugar, yes. It's a simple process of elimination. I saw the hound. I saw it as my imagination expected me to see it: a genetically engineered monster. But I knew I couldn't believe the evidence of my own eyes, so there were seven possible reasons for it, the most possible being narcotics. Henry Knight. He saw it too but you didn't, John. You didn't see it. Now, we have eaten and drunk exactly the same things since we got to Grimpon apart from one thing: you don't take sugar in your coffee."
"I see. So..."
"I took it from Henry's kitchen…his sugar. It's perfectly all right." He looked so angry at that fact. He had been mistaken. He had been wrong.
"But maybe it's not a drug."
"No, it has to be a drug." He sat down and buried his face in his hands. "But how did it get into our systems. How?
Despite his outrage, L wanted to speak up then. Sherlock somehow had completely excluded L in his deductions. He assumed it was because the man's thoughts were still recovering from the drug he was sure was used on him. L hadn't seen the hound either and he doesn't drink coffee at all. It had to be something that made he and John an exception but included Sherlock and Henry. Sherlock and Henry hadn't spent much time together. There was the first time they went to Henry's house, which is where Sherlock had the coffee that led to his theory. They then went right to the Hollow later with the man.
The Hollow…?
That had to be it. He and John had been separated from Sherlock and Henry and hadn't actually made it to the Hollow. There was a possible connection there but he didn't understand how that would have gotten the supposed drug into their systems. There was also the question about how John started seeing the hound during Sherlock's test. Was John exposed to the drug in the lab at some point? The doctor wasn't stupid; he wouldn't have gone around sampling chemicals or drugs. L was sure it had been at the lab though. What did John do at the lab that Sherlock and Henry had also done? Nothing. He was just looking around. Looking…standing…breathing.
Breathing!
Drugs don't necessarily have to be swallowed to get into a person's system; they could be breathed in. John could have accidently inhaled it at some point. What about Sherlock and Henry? Henry had no doubt never been to Baskerville. The only places he and Sherlock had been at together were Henry's house and the Hollow. If it were in Henry's house then John and L would have been drugged as well. It had to have been at the Hollow. How would an airborne drug get into someone in such a place? L thought back on how Henry described the Hollow. Dreary, foggy, overall avoided. Foggy? Could it be…? Baskerville is a military lab. He was sure they could create something to spread the drug around in gas form. It was a bit farfetched but not as unbelievable as the hound actually existing.
"Get out." Sherlock demanded suddenly. "I need to go to my mind palace."
John rolled his eyes at that but left without compliant, explaining to Stapleton what Sherlock meant by mind palace. L didn't move though. He was still furious with Sherlock but whatever his feelings, the case had to come first for Henry's sake.
"It's an airborne drug." He said tensely.
Sherlock abruptly turned his way, looking surprised by his presence. L scowled. Did the man actually think he would simply do what he said after what he just did? His upset fueled him. He wasn't hesitating anymore. He'd be more than happy if he ended up solving the case instead of Sherlock. The man didn't deserve the satisfaction of it. It might be a bit childish of him but that's fine, isn't it? He is a child after all.
"The sugar wasn't how the drug got into your system. It was the fog in the Hollow. That's the only other thing both you and Henry were exposed to. John and I never made it there that night so we weren't drugged. Baskerville is the source though. John was exposed to the drug here in the lab either before or during your test." He practically spat the word out. "Check the cameras again. See what he went near."
He ignored Sherlock's stunned look and stormed from the room. It wasn't long before Sherlock was done with his mind palace. They followed him as he headed for Major Barrymore's office. Stapleton was nice enough to use her ID card to get them inside. She also lent them her password but it wasn't enough to get the information Sherlock wanted out of the system. L tuned Sherlock out as the man went about deducing what the Major's password was. It was only when John softly cursed at whatever they found in the system that he paid attention once more.
Project H.O.U.N.D. was all about researching and testing a deliriant drug that had an aerosol dispersal method. It was going to be used against enemy soldiers. The drug would disorient them with fear. The results of the tests were too horrific to read through. It explained why it was shut down. However, it seemed it was being revived. Looking at the picture of those that worked on it, they discovered a familiar face. It was time to speak to Dr. Frankland.
Through his horror, L felt proud and triumphant. He had been right. He may not have deduced all the details but he had pieced most of it together and before the great Sherlock Holmes.
Said man had stopped reading and was just silently staring at L. He couldn't help but stare. He knew of course that the boy was brilliant for his age but he never…never really understood what it would mean once he grew older and gained experience. L had been quicker than he. He had figured it out first while Sherlock had gotten hung up on his own theories. It might have been a one-time thing with the drug maybe hindering Sherlock's reasoning still and L wouldn't have solved it if it hadn't been for the test Sherlock had done but this still showed that it was possible. He didn't want to accept that. It had nothing to do with his ego and pride. If he accepted that reality, then he would have to accept the flash of emotion he quickly smothered but couldn't kill. It wasn't anger, frustration or even pride…it was fear. Fear over what L was capable of in the future. He probably wouldn't have felt this way if it weren't for…
"I'd love to keep him really. Just imagine what I could do with that brain of his. He'd make a great protégé."
He shuddered at those remembered words and the man that had said them. They hadn't really meant anything then but now…
If Moriarty had kept L…if he had molded L to his desires then…He couldn't even imagine it. He didn't want to.
His phone suddenly ringing was a relief. He swiftly pulled it out and answered, ignoring those sharp eyes and how they just made him feel cold right then. The call was from Dr. Mortimer. She tearfully explained that Henry had suddenly pulled a gun on her then ran off. The man was quickly losing whatever remained of his sanity. Peeking at the documents still on the screen and the horrific pictures, he quickly sprung into action. He called Lestrade as he ran, John and L right behind him.
He just hoped they'd make it in time.
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They were in such a hurry to catch up with Henry at the Hollow that the thought of leaving L somewhere safe didn't occur to them until it was too late. L wouldn't have agreed to it regardless. There wasn't time to get anything to protect them from the drug. They would just have to bear with it until they could get Henry out of there. They got there just in time.
"No Henry!" Sherlock yelled. Henry paused, pulling the gun from his mouth as they approached.
"Get away from me!" He cried, waving the gun around. They stopped. It seemed they would have to talk him down.
"Easy, Henry. Easy. Just relax." John tried to soothe.
"I know what I am. I know what I tried to do!"
"Just put the gun down. It's okay."
"No, no, I know what I am!" Sherlock joined in then, trying to sound reassuring.
"Yes, I'm sure you do, Henry. It's all been explained to you, hasn't it? Someone needed to keep you quiet; needed to keep you as a child to reassert the dream that you'd both clung on to, because you had started to remember." He stepped closer as Henry was distracted.
"Remember now, Henry. You've got to remember what happened here when you were a little boy." Henry lowered the gun slightly but then he raised it again. His face contorted with pain, confusion and fear.
"I thought it had got my dad. I thought-" He then started screaming. "I don't know anymore!"
He brought the gun back to his face. John went to stop him but L was quicker. Henry nearly fell over with the force of L's running hug. Thankfully, his finger was off the trigger. It was enough of a distraction for John to take the gun from him. L didn't let go yet though. Henry stared down at him, dazed and confused. He soon lost his strength and collapsed to his knees, bringing L down with him. L adjusted, stubbornly holding on.
Sherlock just stared a moment, heart easing. Whatever the boy was capable of, he still had a heart bigger than Sherlock's own. There was no need to fear. He was almost ashamed of himself for thinking otherwise.
"I don't understand." Henry mumbled as L finally pulled away but stayed close. Sherlock approached and explained it all to him. It hadn't even been an animal that had killed Henry's father but a man, Dr. Frankland in fact. Henry and his father had stumbled right into where Frankland had been testing the drug so he killed his friend but left Henry alive.
"You couldn't cope. You were just a child, so you rationalized it into something very different. But then you started to remember, so you had to be stopped; driven out of your mind so that no one would believe a word that you said." Lestrade finally arrived then but he was ignored as Sherlock kept his attention on Henry.
"But we saw the hound, last night. We saw-"
"There was a dog leaving footprints and scaring witnesses, but it was nothing more than an ordinary dog. We both saw it as our drugged minds wanted us to see it. Fear and stimulus; that's how it works." Sherlock explained before the man could work himself up again. "But there never was any monster."
A howl rang out nearby as if in protest. They all turned to look. There was something stalking in the trees on top of where the ground sunk down to where they were. Henry started wailing as they all stared in shocked horror at the monstrosity. They knew now that it was the drug at work but they couldn't shake off the fear simply knowing that. Their fear spiked as it leapt down and approached them. It was at that moment that something came up behind them. Sherlock was the only one that noticed it at first. He turned and spotted Frankland in a gas mask, confirming that it was indeed the fog. He went for the man and succeeded in ripping the mask off. Now the doctor too was terrified by what they were all seeing.
"Kill it!" He yelled as the hound stalked closer.
Lestrade missed but John managed to shoot it right as it charged. Sherlock dragged Henry over and forced him to look at it. Now that it was dead, it was revealed to be a huge but regular dog. It seemed the innkeeper had lied about putting the dog down. Unfortunately, Frankland took that moment to escape. Sherlock chased after him with John right behind him. L and Lestrade kept pace with Henry as they followed. They arrived just in time to see Frankland run out onto the minefield. He didn't make it far before he stopped and it was obvious why. The man had no choice really. Lestrade forced L down as the explosion filled the air with smoke, fire and debris. L didn't look at the aftermath, afraid of what he might see. It wasn't quite the ending they had expected but the case was over nonetheless.
The next day was almost inappropriately bright considering what had happened but it was still a relief in a way. It helped push the case and all the unpleasantness behind them. Henry would be able to finally recover and Sherlock and company would get to head home. John had even forgiven Sherlock for the test he had done.
Unfortunately, not everything was right as rain. L was clearly avoiding Sherlock. This case was proving to be persistent in forcing Sherlock into situations that relied on emotion and sentiment. Sherlock sighed at how troublesome it all was. He could just leave it as is until L moved on from it but the angry disapproval and disappointment the boy clearly felt towards him was something he just couldn't quite stomach. The sight of the boy's bare neck made it all the worse. He approached L with a heavy heart, grateful he had decided to sit in such a isolated place outside the inn. He hesitated a few feet from him. Much like with John before, he didn't know how to start. L started for him.
"I don't understand how you could do it."
"It needed to be tested."
"Why John though?" Sherlock didn't even know why he was attempting to defend himself instead of just apologizing. He didn't stop though.
"John wouldn't approve of me testing it on anyone else." L scoffed, finally facing him.
"Was that really your reasoning? Did that actually cross your mind? Or were you just caught up in solving the case?" Sherlock said nothing but that was answer enough. It made L all the more incensed.
"Tell me…did you hesitate at all? Did you even think twice before putting John through all that?" L's tone softened a bit as sadness and defeat overtook him for a moment. "I've been with you long enough…I know how you are but…" L trailed off, looking down.
"I thought John at least mattered to you. I thought you cared."
"I-"
"Clearly you don't!" L snapped, cutting him off. "Did you feel anything as you watched John practically lose his mind from fear alone?"
"I knew he'd be fine." It was an obvious lie and Sherlock didn't understand why he bothered to say it.
"No! You Didn't! There's no way you could have known that for sure. There was a risk and you still took the chance. I thought you would have learned your lesson after Moriarty. You nearly lost John then and you could have lost him this time by your own hand." Sherlock's heart froze in his chest but L continued relentlessly.
"It isn't enough just to admit that you care…you have to show it; you have to treat John as a person, not a means of entertainment, not a tool, not a way to prove a point. A person. A friend."
There was nothing he could say in response. L was right. Sherlock had never really had friends and didn't exactly know how friendship worked but that was just an excuse. He hadn't made any real attempts to understand it. He might have accepted that he cared and even shared as much with John but that wasn't enough. He would have to do more and better if he wanted to keep John. L must have seen that he understood for he stopped. The boy looked better now that he had gotten all his frustration out. The issue wasn't exactly resolved. It wouldn't be until Sherlock completely changed his ways and never repeated what he had done to John but the matter was at least settled for the moment. However, there was at least one thing Sherlock could fix right then. He turned as L walked past, heading for John.
"You were wrong before." That was enough to make the boy pause though he didn't face him. "John isn't the only one…you matter too."
L startled at that, clearly surprised by the admission. He watched those tense, hunched shoulders relax before approaching. He said nothing more but risked a quick brush through those unruly locks as he passed. He smiled at the hurried steps that followed after a moment. He slowed slightly, letting L catch up. Warmth flowed through him when he saw the scarf had returned to its proper place. No more words were said but that was just fine.
Author Note: Because Sherlock had already confessed to John that his friendship is important to him, I actually had Sherlock use one of John's weaknesses in that scene when Sherlock lashes out because of the drug. Just what he said is up to your imagination.
Hope Sherlock's momentary fear of L made sense and wasn't out of character. I don't think L is completely on Sherlock's level yet but he is definitely capable of it in the future to some degree.
Please Review.