[[ ooc: Boss (v Heizou): 11. Boss (v Sherry): 13. Outside: 1. Hostage: 14. Heizou: 7. Sherry: 10. A bit more equal! Also I made this icon just for the thread. ]]
[ Heizou's opponent is sent sprawling, and it's only because of the man's incredibly hard head that prevents him from passing right out. For the moment, he is down. (But maybe it's too soon to call him completely out of the fight.) The hostage is struggling within her bonds, which have somehow started to loosen after the chair tipped over. Out of everyone, she seems to fairing the best.
The outside kidnappers have spotted the window, but they are far bigger than the shorter Heizou or twig Sherlock. The window sticks after a certain point, partially rusted from the salty sea air outside. They rattle the frame violently to no avail. A volley of curses follow. They start to argue about whether or not they should brave the entrance by sea. Neither are very keen on the idea when it seems like the gig is up, so they are no longer a threat.
At Heizou's cry of "John!" Sherlock whips his head towards him to see a firearm flying in the air towards him. He doesn't have enough time to worry about how dangerous that is, but he does catch it to point at his opponent. ]
Don't move.
[ "You're too softhearted to kill me, and..." The kidnapper tosses a knife at Sherlock, forcing him to dodge. To his surprise, he has to do so twice because the knife returns to the kidnapper's hand. He looks up to see her smirking. "I can also fight at range." ]
[It's a relief to see Sherlock catch the firearm; at least enough that Heizou decides it might be safe to go check on the hostage. Get her bindings undone, get ready to flee at the first available opportunity. So he turns and starts to hurry over in that direction--
Only to have his ankle caught by the opponent he'd knocked down just a moment ago. It's enough to send Heizou tumbling to the floor with a yelp, and he scrambles to roll over and kick himself free. The kidnapper isn't up at least, but he's holding fast to Heizou's leg no matter how hard he tries to kick him off. At this angle it's harder for him to summon enough anemo energy to put any real force into it, much to Heizou's dismay.]
Get off!!
[The guy straight up starts laughing, even as Heizou kicks him square in the face with his free leg. Unnerved and annoyed, Heizou grits his teeth opts to see if he can try to pull himself away, while also trying to feel around for something he can use to hit this guy with.]
[[ ooc: Boss (v Heizou): 19. Boss (v Sherry): 5 (?!). Hostage: 18. Heizou: 20. Sherry: 14(!!). ]]
[ The hostage is not letting these distractions go to waste. She was scared before, but the teenager has found surprising resilience now that she's not alone. She manages to get one hand free. All her focus is on freeing her other hand.
Sherlock begins to see a pattern to the kidnapper's knife throws and recalls, so when the knife embeds itself into a wooden plank, Sherlock is on top of it. He pulls the knife out and then chucks it into the water. The kidnapper tries to pull it back... only for it to thunk against the foundation. It worked! It could only travel in a straight line! ]
Ren!
[ He aims and fires at the ground next to the where the man grabs Heizou's ankle, hoping to startle the man enough to let Heizou go. With no time (or bullets) to reload the firearm, Sherlock brandishes it to block another kick. ]
[There's nothing really suitable within reach of Heizou as he continues to struggle, kicking out both legs in frustration. It's at least kept the guy from grabbing at his other leg and really preventing him from getting up. Sherlock's gunshot couldn't have come at a better time, too. The bullet misses the man's ankle by mere inches, and it's enough of a shock that he releases Heizou's ankle by reflex.
It gives Heizou to perfect opportunity to rear his leg back and really get in a solid kick right to the guy's face. Still not quite enough to knock him out, but with his wooden geta sandals he's probably knocked out a few teeth, maybe fractured a nose. He's not about to stop and check.
It's a good opportunity for Heizou to quickly pull himself back up to his feet, looking over to see how Sherlock is faring. They need a chance to get the hostage out of here...]
[[ ooc: Boss (v Heizou): 5. Boss (v Sherry): 2. Hostage: 11. Heizou: 12. Sherry: 18. I think we can call the fight over. ]]
[ The boss's nose breaks along with some of his teeth, and he howls in pain. One distraction deserves another as the boss's howl makes the kidnapper fighting with Sherlock gaze in their direction. Even someone as unlucky as Sherlock can get a lucky hit in with that. After blocking the kick with the firearm, he swings it. The firearm collides against the kidnapper's leg. All her momentum stops, and she falls to the floor, cursing. Something broke. The kidnappers may still be conscious, but they are in no condition to give chase.
Sherlock runs for his pistol while the hostage looks at the mess they've left behind. "A little help here?" she asks. She may be a little roughed up, but she's managed to free her hands and is now struggling with the knotted bindings on her legs. "I want to go home." ]
Ren, I'll get her free. Find us an exit.
[ The front doors open outward, so the debris in the way doesn't block the door for them. A good Anemo burst will throw the doors wide open. Anyone on the other side, such as the two outside kidnappers who couldn't find there way in, will be blown back as well. However, there is a chance the downed kidnappers will escape by the time they send people to arrest them. There's also the window they came in if they want to reduce the chance the two downed kidnappers will escape, but they risk drawing the attention of the two outside kidnappers instead. The water exit... well, Heizou and the hostage can go that way. Sherlock will then take his chance with the window. ]
[Heizou's attention snaps back over to the man he's downed as he starts to wail and howl in pain. He's still buzzing a bit with adrenaline, and somehow the pained sounds are irritating. He can't help but feel like the kidnappers are getting off easy with just this. Like a quick beatdown isn't enough, and Heizou's hands are still itching for action--
No one cares about you.
That's what they'd said. It sets off a ringing in Heizou's ears that makes him give in to some basic urge. It has him ignoring Sherlock's words, instead moving to kick the boss onto his back where he can pin him down. And despite what he's always said about not liking to resort to the use of his fists to resolve things... He just starts punching.
It's mindless. Angry. And he won't stop unless someone forces him to.]
[ Just as Sherlock frees the hostage full does he hear the kick and the sounds of fists hitting flesh. He spins around, heart in his throat, fearing for Heizou's well being. He doesn't expect to see his fellow detective landing punch after punch into the already bleeding and downed boss kidnapper. The other kidnapper starts cursing, pulling herself on the ground to reach them. ]
Ren! Stop!
[ And if Heizou doesn't respond to that, Sherlock will use his real name as he dashes forward and tries to grab one of Heizou's arms. ]
[He's deep in his own head. All he can hear is no one cares about you and he keeps swinging punch after punch as if he's trying to beat out the hollow aching in his chest. It'll consume him whole, eat him alive if he can't get rid of it somehow -- and Heizou just doesn't see an injured man beneath him barely able to defend himself. At some point the guy struggles in a way that lands a blow to Heizou's face, which only serves to anger him more. He grits his teeth and rears back, charging his fist with a swirl of anemo energy, and--
Then Sherlock grabs him. Adrenaline is still surging through him and Heizou tries to break free of the grasp, but somehow the other man's voice finally cuts into his senses in a way that makes him stop. He blinks and the sea of red is gone, just leaving Heizou breathing hard and staring at his own fists covered in blood.]
I-I... What...
[He gives Sherlock a stunned, sort of broken look. It's a little at war with the blind rage that's still flushing out of him. But it leaves him at a loss for words for once. What could he possibly even say to excuse what just happened? He'd lost himself, after all.]
[ The hostage steps closer to the wall, arms held close to her chest. Suddenly, she's not so sure about her rescuers. Sherlock isn't sure either because he had never pictured Heizou lashing out like this ever. He holds onto Heizou's arm a moment longer than necessary. ]
Leave them. We... we need to get her out of here.
[ Sherlock doesn't know what to do with Heizou looking at him like that. Is Sherlock imagining Heizou being violent? Has he always been like this, but Sherlock remembered differently? Does Heizou share the madness and detachments from reality? Perhaps what frightens Sherlock the most are not the possibilities but the fact that he cannot be sure which is the truth.
How did this case go so wrong?
He tugs Heizou to his feet and then towards the window. The boss kidnapper remain on the ground, cursing or groaning in pain. The other kidnapper watches them warily. ]
[To be fair, Heizou's usually much more in control of himself. But then again he isn't usually running on maybe half an hour of sleep over the last several days. He sees the way the hostage is looking at him and it makes him withdraw a little in shame, averting his eyes and focusing instead on the window. He simply nods when Sherlock finally addresses him, and he promptly climbs up and out through their exit.
He waits on the other side for the both of them, just searching for something he can use to wipe the blood from his hands. But whenever they do finally join him, he obediently keeps a safe distance so as not to further scare the girl. He's much calmer now, of course. But he's instead solemn and quiet, still not meeting either of their gazes.]
...You should get her home, Sherlock. [He fiddles with the dirty rag he'd found, now covered in a mix of his and the kidnapper's blood.] I'll call the authorities and stay here to make sure the culprits don't get away.
[ Only running on a half hour of sleep over the last several days? Sherlock is far too familiar with how that feels.
Sherlock helps the girl through the window, trying not to wince from his own injuries as he does so. Awkward silence follows. He's hesitant to leave Heizou alone for a number of reasons, but he--they also have a responsibility to the girl as well. She can't stay here, and she can't go back alone. ]
C'mon with me, miss. We were hired by your father to find you. It's late, but the market should have people still.
[ Perhaps that would put her more at ease should she not trust Sherlock. (Although, she saw how beaten he had gotten. He is not much of a threat.) ]
Find me once you are done.
[ He tries to phrase it as a command, but it ends up as a question. ]
[The girl definitely seems to be much more at ease with Sherlock than with Heizou, and after what she saw he really can't blame her. So he just nods in response to what the other detective says, already pulling out his shellphone so that he can contact someone about taking these guys in. He doesn't even watch them go, assured enough just by the fact that Sherlock is more put together than he is at the moment.
It takes some time. Heizou stays outside of the building so that he can't do any further harm to the kidnappers (and his presence seems to keep them from trying any stupid attempts to escape), and when authorities arrive he puts on his commission face and directs them to where they're still incapacitated. Once all is said and done, Heizou quietly slips away to go find his friend.
And whenever he does, Sherlock will notice his even more sullen mood, amplified by what is definitely the beginnings of a black eye from the scuffle. Heizou doesn't seem to care.]
[ Sherlock stands with his arms crossed, gazing out into the dark as Heizou arrives. He's in pain as well, but unless he goes to a healer or get one of the healing sprays, there's nothing he can do about it now. ]
She's home with her father being checked out by a doctor. She'll be fine.
[ Their client also offered to finalize their fee, but Sherlock waved it away until everyone is more rested and calmer. (If they decide to take it at all after how things went.)
He looks up at Heizou, and takes a deep breath. ]
... Heizou, what I saw earlier, did that really happen? Or did I see things agains?
[He does let out a small, relieved sigh to at least hear the girl is all right. His frayed temper didn't completely ruin things after all.
Though that question actually has Heizou looking right up at Sherlock in surprise, head tilting ever so slightly. "Again"? That's... interesting. It does help certain pieces of this puzzle make more sense.]
...No, that really happened. [Shame takes over his expression again, even as he reaches up to wipe a hand down his face.] I'm sorry. Things have been... difficult lately.
[ There is a lot to unpack with Sherlock's question, and he's fidgeting with his hands along with making the occasional glance to the side. He does that often when he's nervous and uncertain. ]
I've noticed, but you don't have to tell me. Not unless you think I can assist, and I've made a right mess of things already.
[ He pushes himself away from the wall, wincing, and walks a few steps. ]
If you're not too tired, let's find a quiet place to sit down for a while.
[ Where would that be? A cafe, pub, park... Hell, Sherlock will even allow his own apartment, and he doesn't entertain people there at all. ]
[He'll have to save any questions he has about that for later. This is hardly the place to get into it, and Sherlock seems anxious enough as it is.]
...I wish I could tell you. But I'm afraid the issue's a bit out of both of our leagues.
[Still, he follows Sherlock obediently with a nod. He'll go anywhere the detective chooses; he's not exactly in a state to make that call at the moment.]
We should also get you patched up. Are you cut anywhere?
[ Sherlock gives a small hum. They should probably do something about their injuries. ]
I don't think I've been cut.... I have some of the healing sprays back in my apartment and makeup to cover some of the bruising on our faces. I don't have much in the way of provisions, but I can make us some coffee.
[ And... if they go there, Sherlock will have no choice but to face whatever truth there is. ]
Edited (Sherry, please answer his question first) Date: 21 Aug 2024 21:40 (UTC)
[Heizou nods again, absently flexing his fingers. His knuckles are a bit cut and bruised from all the punches he threw, so he's glad Sherlock has something for that. At the same time, he's much more glad to know that his friend isn't badly bleeding anywhere.]
Coffee sounds wonderful. Thank you.
[It will also help him stay awake. He doesn't have a whole lot of interest in sleeping these days, though he probably couldn't even if he wanted to. Better to just not bother with it.]
[ If there is one thing Sherlock understands is the desire not to sleep. (Well, he would like to sleep, but his night terrors prevent that.) Coffee is the best cure he's found.
Sherlock pauses at the door, key in the lock but not yet turned. He takes deep breath and turns the key. ]
... Take the chair. I'll start the coffee and get the spray.
[ Sherlock opens the door to reveal a small, standard apartment. Books and written notes are stacked on the floor and parts of the table. Some souvenirs are placed here and there. Parts of disguises hang of the backs of chairs or over clothing chests. A violin rests atop some music sheets, the bow resting across it. On the small bed, which looks rarely slept in, are a round, lumpy Moon Pal and two Doppelplush which have since changed to look like John and Jon. Most imposing along one wall is a huge clue board with threads crisscrossing over each other, linking sketches, names, and notes to each other. It has no relation to any of the cases he and Heizou have done before. However, there is a very clear subject for the wall as Sherlock tries to understand a pattern he's seen back in his world and expanded upon here. It's a pattern relating to Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock is all tension, hands shaking as he goes about making coffee. ]
Edited (Can't forget the violin he terrorizes the neighbors at 3 AM with) Date: 22 Aug 2024 04:54 (UTC)
[Even as out of it as he is, Heizou does notice the way Sherlock seems to hesitate about going inside. He's about to ask if he'd rather go somewhere else, but the door is opening before he can get the words out. And then he's following his friend inside, stepping cautiously as though he's worried about Sherlock taking offense to having his private space disturbed.
It doesn't take long to figure out the real reason the detective is so tense and nervous. Much of the space is perfectly normal, cozy and lived in and messy in much the same way Heizou's place often is (his head is usually much too occupied with one thing or another to worry about being tidy). He notes the dolls sitting on the bed, recognizing at least one of them from the illustrations that Sherlock had shared of his Dr. Watson. But the most interesting part of anything is the clue board along the wall, and Heizou zeroes in on it almost immediately.
He doesn't sit just yet, instead opting to stand next to the offered chair with his eyes glued to the board. He looks over every illustration and follows every thread, and even though he can't quite make out what all the notes say from this distance, he has a pretty good idea about what Sherlock is puzzling over. The self-portrait is telling, and even through his own moody haze Heizou can't help but feel somewhat amused by the drawing of himself in the bottom corner.]
...Interesting.
[He kind of wants to move closer to get a better look at all of Sherlock's notes, but he is tired. Still, his gaze stays fixed on the board as he sinks into the seat.]
I suppose this place does confirm that there are many universes with many similarities.
[ With a light scoff, Sherlock feels as if he can breathe a little easier. He's not instantly rejected and thus maybe Heizou will still bother to associate with him. ]
That is far kinder than what I expected someone to say of the madness which has plagued me since my own world.
[ He puts on the coffee and gathers the necessary supplies: water, cloth, healing spray, bandages, stage makeup. Sherlock kneels with a damp cloth to clean the blood and any dirt out of the wounds on Heizou's hands as tenderly as he can. He's watched and felt John tend to him enough times that he has picked up on technique. Once he thinks the wounds are clean, he lightly sprays the area. It stings at first, and he gently blows across the surface to help that sting quickly fade away. ]
The healing spray will help numb the pain and accelerate your wounds closing, but it won't completely heal them. You'll have to use some bandages to cover them until you've finished healing. The spray will probably help the bruising as well if you wish me to apply it elsewhere.
[ Although for that Sherlock doesn't have as much personal data to go on. He usually just covers the bruises the best he can with his stage makeup or just his clothing in general. He's in the middle of preparing some bandages when he asks, ]
Do you still want some form of distraction? I have some ideas, but my last attempt has...
[Sherlock's mention of "madness" gets Heizou to look back over at him, eyes curious as he tilts his head slightly to the side. He's not surprised, per se. He of all people has noticed the way Sherlock's gaze sometimes flits expectantly to the side where nothing is there, and how it seems like there's something in his past experience that constantly haunts him. He's never asked about it, content to make his own deductions or wait for Sherlock to share it himself. This feels a bit like he's inviting the question, and yet Heizou's unsure of whether or not he should push.
Besides, his attention is quickly pulled away to watch the way his friend tends to his injuries. They're minor, and while the spray does sting a bit Heizou hardly flinches. The pain, if any, feels distant. Disconnected, like it's happening to someone else and he's just watching from the back of his head. Still, he's grateful for Sherlock's attentiveness, and he nods at everything he says.]
You don't have to worry about the bruises. They'll heal just fine.
[Vision users are pretty hardy, after all. They're far from invulnerable, of course, but bruising is nothing to concern themselves with. ...Though that might just be because Heizou's a trained martial artist. It's hard to say.
At Sherlock's question, Heizou glances back up at him with a slight frown. He of course knows that this case was the man's attempt to distract him from his problems, so it's not like he's upset about that. But he does feel bad about being the one to make everything go sideways.]
...Sorry. Again. I know you meant well by inviting me out. It's my own fault that things didn't end as smoothly as usual.
I can cover the ones on your face with some makeup before you leave if you want.
[ The healing spray is placed by the chair. Sherlock will offer it for Heizou to take for future treatments before he leaves. He tosses the dirty cloth into the sink for now. He'll deal with that later in maybe a day or two. ]
Was it yours? Or was it mine for not reading the situation correctly, underestimating their skills, and overestimating my own?
[ The coffee is ready now, so Sherlock pours them two steaming mugs full and brings over the pot for refills. It's a large pot. He sits on the floor with his back against the bed. ]
I won't ask what's going on as we've already established that it's unlikely I can help with your problem. However, go ahead and ask what you want about [ he motions over his shoulder at the clue board wall ] if it'll help occupy your mind. I'll answer them. I won't be like my brother and try to hide the truth when the evidence is clear to see. Maybe you'll help me see a truth I've been trying to fight against.
[ Is he too mentally fragile to continue on his path of being a detective? Is he more a nuisance than help? ]
Or I could play some violin if you'd like, though I believe we're at the time when we'll have my neighbors complaining. Hm, do I have a pack of cards anywhere?
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book2thehead
Ready and waiting for the post case heart-to-heart?
Date: 12 Aug 2024 08:56 (UTC)Also I made this icon just for the thread.]][ Heizou's opponent is sent sprawling, and it's only because of the man's incredibly hard head that prevents him from passing right out. For the moment, he is down. (But maybe it's too soon to call him completely out of the fight.) The hostage is struggling within her bonds, which have somehow started to loosen after the chair tipped over. Out of everyone, she seems to fairing the best.
The outside kidnappers have spotted the window, but they are far bigger than the shorter Heizou or twig Sherlock. The window sticks after a certain point, partially rusted from the salty sea air outside. They rattle the frame violently to no avail. A volley of curses follow. They start to argue about whether or not they should brave the entrance by sea. Neither are very keen on the idea when it seems like the gig is up, so they are no longer a threat.
At Heizou's cry of "John!" Sherlock whips his head towards him to see a firearm flying in the air towards him. He doesn't have enough time to worry about how dangerous that is, but he does catch it to point at his opponent. ]
Don't move.
[ "You're too softhearted to kill me, and..." The kidnapper tosses a knife at Sherlock, forcing him to dodge. To his surprise, he has to do so twice because the knife returns to the kidnapper's hand. He looks up to see her smirking. "I can also fight at range." ]
yeeessssss~
Date: 12 Aug 2024 18:29 (UTC)Only to have his ankle caught by the opponent he'd knocked down just a moment ago. It's enough to send Heizou tumbling to the floor with a yelp, and he scrambles to roll over and kick himself free. The kidnapper isn't up at least, but he's holding fast to Heizou's leg no matter how hard he tries to kick him off. At this angle it's harder for him to summon enough anemo energy to put any real force into it, much to Heizou's dismay.]
Get off!!
[The guy straight up starts laughing, even as Heizou kicks him square in the face with his free leg. Unnerved and annoyed, Heizou grits his teeth opts to see if he can try to pull himself away, while also trying to feel around for something he can use to hit this guy with.]
When the truth comes out
Date: 12 Aug 2024 20:49 (UTC)[ The hostage is not letting these distractions go to waste. She was scared before, but the teenager has found surprising resilience now that she's not alone. She manages to get one hand free. All her focus is on freeing her other hand.
Sherlock begins to see a pattern to the kidnapper's knife throws and recalls, so when the knife embeds itself into a wooden plank, Sherlock is on top of it. He pulls the knife out and then chucks it into the water. The kidnapper tries to pull it back... only for it to thunk against the foundation. It worked! It could only travel in a straight line! ]
Ren!
[ He aims and fires at the ground next to the where the man grabs Heizou's ankle, hoping to startle the man enough to let Heizou go. With no time (or bullets) to reload the firearm, Sherlock brandishes it to block another kick. ]
hehehe mine is an evil laugh~
Date: 17 Aug 2024 06:07 (UTC)It gives Heizou to perfect opportunity to rear his leg back and really get in a solid kick right to the guy's face. Still not quite enough to knock him out, but with his wooden geta sandals he's probably knocked out a few teeth, maybe fractured a nose. He's not about to stop and check.
It's a good opportunity for Heizou to quickly pull himself back up to his feet, looking over to see how Sherlock is faring. They need a chance to get the hostage out of here...]
no subject
Date: 18 Aug 2024 08:05 (UTC)[ The boss's nose breaks along with some of his teeth, and he howls in pain. One distraction deserves another as the boss's howl makes the kidnapper fighting with Sherlock gaze in their direction. Even someone as unlucky as Sherlock can get a lucky hit in with that. After blocking the kick with the firearm, he swings it. The firearm collides against the kidnapper's leg. All her momentum stops, and she falls to the floor, cursing. Something broke. The kidnappers may still be conscious, but they are in no condition to give chase.
Sherlock runs for his pistol while the hostage looks at the mess they've left behind. "A little help here?" she asks. She may be a little roughed up, but she's managed to free her hands and is now struggling with the knotted bindings on her legs. "I want to go home." ]
Ren, I'll get her free. Find us an exit.
[ The front doors open outward, so the debris in the way doesn't block the door for them. A good Anemo burst will throw the doors wide open. Anyone on the other side, such as the two outside kidnappers who couldn't find there way in, will be blown back as well. However, there is a chance the downed kidnappers will escape by the time they send people to arrest them. There's also the window they came in if they want to reduce the chance the two downed kidnappers will escape, but they risk drawing the attention of the two outside kidnappers instead. The water exit... well, Heizou and the hostage can go that way. Sherlock will then take his chance with the window. ]
no subject
Date: 18 Aug 2024 19:06 (UTC)No one cares about you.
That's what they'd said. It sets off a ringing in Heizou's ears that makes him give in to some basic urge. It has him ignoring Sherlock's words, instead moving to kick the boss onto his back where he can pin him down. And despite what he's always said about not liking to resort to the use of his fists to resolve things... He just starts punching.
It's mindless. Angry. And he won't stop unless someone forces him to.]
no subject
Date: 20 Aug 2024 03:16 (UTC)Ren! Stop!
[ And if Heizou doesn't respond to that, Sherlock will use his real name as he dashes forward and tries to grab one of Heizou's arms. ]
What are you doing?!
no subject
Date: 20 Aug 2024 19:19 (UTC)Then Sherlock grabs him. Adrenaline is still surging through him and Heizou tries to break free of the grasp, but somehow the other man's voice finally cuts into his senses in a way that makes him stop. He blinks and the sea of red is gone, just leaving Heizou breathing hard and staring at his own fists covered in blood.]
I-I... What...
[He gives Sherlock a stunned, sort of broken look. It's a little at war with the blind rage that's still flushing out of him. But it leaves him at a loss for words for once. What could he possibly even say to excuse what just happened? He'd lost himself, after all.]
no subject
Date: 20 Aug 2024 22:40 (UTC)Leave them. We... we need to get her out of here.
[ Sherlock doesn't know what to do with Heizou looking at him like that. Is Sherlock imagining Heizou being violent? Has he always been like this, but Sherlock remembered differently? Does Heizou share the madness and detachments from reality? Perhaps what frightens Sherlock the most are not the possibilities but the fact that he cannot be sure which is the truth.
How did this case go so wrong?
He tugs Heizou to his feet and then towards the window. The boss kidnapper remain on the ground, cursing or groaning in pain. The other kidnapper watches them warily. ]
Are you able to climb?
[ "I think so," the girl said.
Sherlock then turns back to Heizou. ]
You first. We'll follow.
no subject
Date: 21 Aug 2024 01:57 (UTC)He waits on the other side for the both of them, just searching for something he can use to wipe the blood from his hands. But whenever they do finally join him, he obediently keeps a safe distance so as not to further scare the girl. He's much calmer now, of course. But he's instead solemn and quiet, still not meeting either of their gazes.]
...You should get her home, Sherlock. [He fiddles with the dirty rag he'd found, now covered in a mix of his and the kidnapper's blood.] I'll call the authorities and stay here to make sure the culprits don't get away.
no subject
Date: 21 Aug 2024 02:43 (UTC)Sherlock helps the girl through the window, trying not to wince from his own injuries as he does so. Awkward silence follows. He's hesitant to leave Heizou alone for a number of reasons, but he--they also have a responsibility to the girl as well. She can't stay here, and she can't go back alone. ]
C'mon with me, miss. We were hired by your father to find you. It's late, but the market should have people still.
[ Perhaps that would put her more at ease should she not trust Sherlock. (Although, she saw how beaten he had gotten. He is not much of a threat.) ]
Find me once you are done.
[ He tries to phrase it as a command, but it ends up as a question. ]
no subject
Date: 21 Aug 2024 04:26 (UTC)It takes some time. Heizou stays outside of the building so that he can't do any further harm to the kidnappers (and his presence seems to keep them from trying any stupid attempts to escape), and when authorities arrive he puts on his commission face and directs them to where they're still incapacitated. Once all is said and done, Heizou quietly slips away to go find his friend.
And whenever he does, Sherlock will notice his even more sullen mood, amplified by what is definitely the beginnings of a black eye from the scuffle. Heizou doesn't seem to care.]
Did you get her home all right?
no subject
Date: 21 Aug 2024 05:48 (UTC)She's home with her father being checked out by a doctor. She'll be fine.
[ Their client also offered to finalize their fee, but Sherlock waved it away until everyone is more rested and calmer. (If they decide to take it at all after how things went.)
He looks up at Heizou, and takes a deep breath. ]
... Heizou, what I saw earlier, did that really happen? Or did I see things agains?
no subject
Date: 21 Aug 2024 06:01 (UTC)Though that question actually has Heizou looking right up at Sherlock in surprise, head tilting ever so slightly. "Again"? That's... interesting. It does help certain pieces of this puzzle make more sense.]
...No, that really happened. [Shame takes over his expression again, even as he reaches up to wipe a hand down his face.] I'm sorry. Things have been... difficult lately.
Glares at the typo, I swear you weren't there earlier
Date: 21 Aug 2024 08:01 (UTC)I've noticed, but you don't have to tell me. Not unless you think I can assist, and I've made a right mess of things already.
[ He pushes himself away from the wall, wincing, and walks a few steps. ]
If you're not too tired, let's find a quiet place to sit down for a while.
[ Where would that be? A cafe, pub, park... Hell, Sherlock will even allow his own apartment, and he doesn't entertain people there at all. ]
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Date: 21 Aug 2024 19:07 (UTC)...I wish I could tell you. But I'm afraid the issue's a bit out of both of our leagues.
[Still, he follows Sherlock obediently with a nod. He'll go anywhere the detective chooses; he's not exactly in a state to make that call at the moment.]
We should also get you patched up. Are you cut anywhere?
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Date: 21 Aug 2024 21:40 (UTC)I don't think I've been cut.... I have some of the healing sprays back in my apartment and makeup to cover some of the bruising on our faces. I don't have much in the way of provisions, but I can make us some coffee.
[ And... if they go there, Sherlock will have no choice but to face whatever truth there is. ]
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Date: 22 Aug 2024 00:54 (UTC)Coffee sounds wonderful. Thank you.
[It will also help him stay awake. He doesn't have a whole lot of interest in sleeping these days, though he probably couldn't even if he wanted to. Better to just not bother with it.]
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Date: 22 Aug 2024 04:53 (UTC)Sherlock pauses at the door, key in the lock but not yet turned. He takes deep breath and turns the key. ]
... Take the chair. I'll start the coffee and get the spray.
[ Sherlock opens the door to reveal a small, standard apartment. Books and written notes are stacked on the floor and parts of the table. Some souvenirs are placed here and there. Parts of disguises hang of the backs of chairs or over clothing chests. A violin rests atop some music sheets, the bow resting across it. On the small bed, which looks rarely slept in, are a round, lumpy Moon Pal and two Doppelplush which have since changed to look like John and Jon. Most imposing along one wall is a huge clue board with threads crisscrossing over each other, linking sketches, names, and notes to each other. It has no relation to any of the cases he and Heizou have done before. However, there is a very clear subject for the wall as Sherlock tries to understand a pattern he's seen back in his world and expanded upon here. It's a pattern relating to Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock is all tension, hands shaking as he goes about making coffee. ]
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Date: 23 Aug 2024 04:14 (UTC)It doesn't take long to figure out the real reason the detective is so tense and nervous. Much of the space is perfectly normal, cozy and lived in and messy in much the same way Heizou's place often is (his head is usually much too occupied with one thing or another to worry about being tidy). He notes the dolls sitting on the bed, recognizing at least one of them from the illustrations that Sherlock had shared of his Dr. Watson. But the most interesting part of anything is the clue board along the wall, and Heizou zeroes in on it almost immediately.
He doesn't sit just yet, instead opting to stand next to the offered chair with his eyes glued to the board. He looks over every illustration and follows every thread, and even though he can't quite make out what all the notes say from this distance, he has a pretty good idea about what Sherlock is puzzling over. The self-portrait is telling, and even through his own moody haze Heizou can't help but feel somewhat amused by the drawing of himself in the bottom corner.]
...Interesting.
[He kind of wants to move closer to get a better look at all of Sherlock's notes, but he is tired. Still, his gaze stays fixed on the board as he sinks into the seat.]
I suppose this place does confirm that there are many universes with many similarities.
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Date: 27 Aug 2024 07:24 (UTC)That is far kinder than what I expected someone to say of the madness which has plagued me since my own world.
[ He puts on the coffee and gathers the necessary supplies: water, cloth, healing spray, bandages, stage makeup. Sherlock kneels with a damp cloth to clean the blood and any dirt out of the wounds on Heizou's hands as tenderly as he can. He's watched and felt John tend to him enough times that he has picked up on technique. Once he thinks the wounds are clean, he lightly sprays the area. It stings at first, and he gently blows across the surface to help that sting quickly fade away. ]
The healing spray will help numb the pain and accelerate your wounds closing, but it won't completely heal them. You'll have to use some bandages to cover them until you've finished healing. The spray will probably help the bruising as well if you wish me to apply it elsewhere.
[ Although for that Sherlock doesn't have as much personal data to go on. He usually just covers the bruises the best he can with his stage makeup or just his clothing in general. He's in the middle of preparing some bandages when he asks, ]
Do you still want some form of distraction? I have some ideas, but my last attempt has...
[ Landed them like this. ]
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Date: 27 Aug 2024 19:14 (UTC)Besides, his attention is quickly pulled away to watch the way his friend tends to his injuries. They're minor, and while the spray does sting a bit Heizou hardly flinches. The pain, if any, feels distant. Disconnected, like it's happening to someone else and he's just watching from the back of his head. Still, he's grateful for Sherlock's attentiveness, and he nods at everything he says.]
You don't have to worry about the bruises. They'll heal just fine.
[Vision users are pretty hardy, after all. They're far from invulnerable, of course, but bruising is nothing to concern themselves with. ...Though that might just be because Heizou's a trained martial artist. It's hard to say.
At Sherlock's question, Heizou glances back up at him with a slight frown. He of course knows that this case was the man's attempt to distract him from his problems, so it's not like he's upset about that. But he does feel bad about being the one to make everything go sideways.]
...Sorry. Again. I know you meant well by inviting me out. It's my own fault that things didn't end as smoothly as usual.
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Date: 29 Aug 2024 10:02 (UTC)[ The healing spray is placed by the chair. Sherlock will offer it for Heizou to take for future treatments before he leaves. He tosses the dirty cloth into the sink for now. He'll deal with that later in maybe a day or two. ]
Was it yours? Or was it mine for not reading the situation correctly, underestimating their skills, and overestimating my own?
[ The coffee is ready now, so Sherlock pours them two steaming mugs full and brings over the pot for refills. It's a large pot. He sits on the floor with his back against the bed. ]
I won't ask what's going on as we've already established that it's unlikely I can help with your problem. However, go ahead and ask what you want about [ he motions over his shoulder at the clue board wall ] if it'll help occupy your mind. I'll answer them. I won't be like my brother and try to hide the truth when the evidence is clear to see. Maybe you'll help me see a truth I've been trying to fight against.
[ Is he too mentally fragile to continue on his path of being a detective? Is he more a nuisance than help? ]
Or I could play some violin if you'd like, though I believe we're at the time when we'll have my neighbors complaining. Hm, do I have a pack of cards anywhere?