Imagined (Sherlock)

[morganstuart]

Title: Imagined
Author: Morgan Stuart
Fandom: Sherlock
Disclaimer: This universe does not belong to me; I'm just an appreciative visitor. I make no profit from this fan work.
Description: Sherlock looks into the mind of Moriarty.
Historian's Note: This can be read as a companion piece to "Enclosed" or as a standalone sketch. This takes place after (and indirectly refers to) the Sherlock episode "The Great Game."





It was a pitifully small bundle to hold such weight.

Three narrow strips of fabric lay entwined and knotted together: fine silk the colour of aged parchment; worn but clean white Oxford cloth; soft cotton in a cosy, earth-toned plaid. Each piece was stained a telltale crimson-brown at one corner.

Seated at the makeshift laboratory assembled on the kitchen table, Sherlock Holmes lowered himself into the mindset of his nemesis like a diver descending into dark waters. He needed to know what the monster planned for the three men whose blood decorated the cloth before him.

Sherlock could almost hear Moriarty's smooth voice, faint as a whisper in his ear.

"You watch over him, fund his so-called lifestyle, and he repays you by resenting your attention and generosity. But I ask myself: why destroy one Holmes when I can destroy two? You can be my personal project. I'd like to take you apart and see what makes you tick before I throw away the pieces. I'm sure you're aware that you're far too dangerous to be allowed to live. Even if he asked me to spare you, which we both know he won't."

"You're a joke to him, and you always have been, even when you were saving his life and getting him clean. You bend the rules to allow him to do the work he loves – he needs – and you're insulted for it. But I have use for you even if he doesn't. My associates would dearly love to have a play date with a copper. Think of yourself as a night's free entertainment: 'use once and destroy.' Great for group morale, don't you think?"

"I wonder: what would it do to your master, if I put his little pet down for good? Even if – no, especially if – he begs for your life? Would he come apart at those stylish seams? I think it would be great fun to find out. Then again, now that you've shown him the joy of adopting a homeless puppy, he might just discover how simple it would be to replace you. The streets are full of strays, after all. Whatever happens, it seems that you lose."

Shocking, how easily it came to him.

Sherlock's fingers roamed over the three scraps of fabric, brushing against each separate piece where gore thickened its fibres, and then curled the bundle into a tight fist.


THE END

Vital Stats: Originally completed in May 2011.

Comments

[brighteyed-jill.livejournal.com]

How can you destroy me so utterly with so few words?! HOW?! Oh, it hurts how easily those thoughts come to Sherlock's mind, but I know he's spot-on as to Moriarty's threats. You, my dear, have a knack for cutting to the quick with very precise prose.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you so much! *goes a bit flaily* This absolutely makes my day, that you found it to be moving and Moriarty's threats seem accurate. I don't know what fascinates me more: the idea that Moriarty does know all of them (and their histories with Sherlock) so well that he can put his finger on everyone's "weak spots" and Sherlock appreciates this, or the idea that this is just Sherlock's own conscience and fears speaking to him, using Moriarty's voice. Either way, I find the scenario chilling. I'm most grateful for your kind words!

[senket.livejournal.com]

Sherlock does have quite a view of Moriarty. Phew.

It's amazing how there are five clear, quite separate stories and emotions (granted, three of them different forms of angsty despair) in so few words.

And Sherlock's understated anger. Oh, it's wonderful.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your kind words! This was one of my early "exercises," as it were, and I'm so glad the different scenarios came through despite the brevity of the piece. The idea that Sherlock's imagined Moriarty might hit on a few guilty truths as he plays his mind games intrigued me. I'm so happy it worked for you - especially Sherlock's response at the end! Thanks again.

[akito-shi.livejournal.com]

Short and succinct story -- I loved it. I have chills down my spine. "...curling the bundle into a tight fist." such an understated description of fierce anger ... fantastic.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! It's incredibly gratifying to know you found this chilling (which was exactly what I was shooting for). I'm so glad the final description of Sherlock's anger worked. I really appreciate your kind feedback!

[blooms84.livejournal.com]

*bowing in admiration* fantastic storytelling--I hugely admire what you've done in so few, perfectly chosen words. despite the fact that I need to strangle you for not posting a sequel immediately. incredibly difficult trick of telling the story of those three relationships via Moriarty via Sherlock's mind. The final image of Moriarty thinking he knows exactly how to torture John is especially chilling, but I somehow suspect the soldier won't be manipulated or destroyed by one psycho having survived the Taliban . . . wishful thinking?

[noirrosaleen.livejournal.com]

"despite the fact that I need to strangle you for not posting a sequel immediately."

Agreed. I may have to use threats...OF KITTENS.

"I somehow suspect the soldier won't be manipulated or destroyed by one psycho having survived the Taliban..."

Also agreed. I don't know if I can seeing him rolling his eyes or just glaring.

[goldvermilion87.livejournal.com]

*shudders*

Well done!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow! Chilling and masterly.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you liked it. Thanks so much for your kind words!

(Your icon is brilliant, BTW.)

[darthhellokitty.livejournal.com]

Oh, yikes! Very well written, chilling how well Sherlock gets into Moriarty's mind.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! "Chilling" was what I was aiming for, so this makes me very happy. I'm so glad it worked for you. I do think Sherlock will be troubled not only by what he imagines Moriarty's thinking, but also by how easy it was for him to see these men through Moriarty's eyes. I appreciate your reading and commenting!

[sc010f.livejournal.com]

*shivers*

This is lovely and yes, like everyone else said, chilling and awesome!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! It's one of my earliest pieces, a sort of "What if?" exercise, and I'm glad to have put it "out there" at last. I really appreciate your kind words. "Chilling" was my goal, so I'm glad it worked for you!

By the way, may I just say I'm still in pieces over "Ashes, Rubble, and the Debris You Left Behind"? I can't remember when a story took me apart as thoroughly as yours did. It's a remarkable accomplishment and a most insightful work.

Eek!

[sabrinaphynn.livejournal.com]

Dives down under covers with her fluffy ninja kitten.
All that and a bag of crisps.
Jenn

Re: Eek!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Don't worry: Moriarty is helpless against fluffy ninja kittens! :)

I was aiming for something a bit chilling, so I'm glad this worked for you. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

[disastrolabe.livejournal.com]

Oooh! Loved this. I'm a total sucker for the whole dynamic between the brains of those two--with or without a slash between them!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked it. I do love the two of them squaring off against each other, so well matched. I appreciate your reading and your kind words.

[archea2.livejournal.com]

I always love it when you twist my heart!

Moriarty's words are perfect in their double-edged venom - striking both Sherlock and each prey. Though I suspect that all three of them may have found the strength to resist the venom, if not the stroke, having trusted Sherlock this far.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you so much! :) This is one of my earliest fics in this fandom, but I've only now found the nerve to share it. (It's the last one left languishing on my hard drive.) I'm so glad you liked it.

I'm especially pleased that his words came across as double-edged. That's just what I was trying to accomplish, hoping the attacks seemed well-aimed, each with enough truth in it to hurt. But I agree with you: all three of these men have trusted Sherlock so far and so long that it will take more than this to sway them.

Thanks for your lovely feedback! I appreciate it.

[annlarimer.livejournal.com]

O_O

I want my mommy.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw! *hugs*

I don't have your mommy here, but I do have an extra virtual shock blanket. *holds it out for you*

Thanks so much for reading!

Very suspenseful!

[weefreethings.livejournal.com]

Well, Sherlock knows what he's gotta do! Lovely descriptions, and I fear you have Moriarty down pat.

Re: Very suspenseful!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

That's right, he does! Thanks for reading and for the lovely feedback. I'm so glad that Moriarty's voice sounds right to you.

[travels-in-time.livejournal.com]

Augh, this hurts. It always amazes me how you can convey so many emotions in so few words! And it's a little scary there, how easily Sherlock imagines what Moriarty would say to hurt people...

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm so happy to know it was moving. Thank you for your kind words. I do find it disturbing that Sherlock imagines this so easily... and that there's a kernel of truth in each of the taunts (as much aimed toward Sherlock as the captives).

As always, I really appreciate your reading and commenting. Thanks so much!

[machshefa.livejournal.com]

Oh, man. What a nightmare that Sherlock understands Moriarty so well... and that Moriarty understands who is closest to Sherlock's heart. *winces

Well done. Ouch.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! I was rather fascinated by the idea that the taunts Sherlock imagined all seemed to rebound on him in some way or another, with just enough truth to make them wound. Sherlock's understanding of Moriarty (and vice-versa) is pretty scary!

Thanks a million for reading and leaving feedback. I really appreciate it.

[music-desire13.livejournal.com]

Brilliant, seriously. Even the little bit that you did down below. Your characterization is spot on, and the atmosphere got real very quickly. You seem to be an excellent dabbler.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, you've made my day! I'm so thrilled that this seemed in character, and the atmosphere felt right. Thank you for reading and for the lovely feedback. I appreciate it.

Re: Imagined

[disassembly_rsn]

Ow.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you have a dead-on Moriarty voice.

It wouldn't surprise me if Moriarty killed one of them, two out of three, or all three - or let them all go.

Playing a side game with Mycroft - and giving him a variant on his speech to Sherlock in "The Great Game" - would make sense. Once Moriarty was on Mycroft's radar, JM could never relax; Mycroft would have him hunted down. (Assuming that Mycroft is more interested in getting things done than in the love of the game, that is.) *This* is the kind of thinking that could get through chinks in Mycroft's armor, coupled with the knowledge that his brother would have to choose between him and John Watson.

And again, good call on how to make a threat that would make Lestrade's skin crawl. Sliding from the mention of Moriarty finding him 'useful' into the specifics of *how* he would find him useful - yeek.

And for John.

I've seen variants on this scenario where one had to consider how the survivor(s) who *weren't* chosen to survive would react to that knowledge. What would it do to their relationships with Sherlock, even without Moriarty's additional commentary?

The gore on the hair - nice way to make the point that Moriarty *already* has them and isn't just starting the game. He's already made his move.

Very well done.

Re: Imagined

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you so much for such lovely feedback!

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you have a dead-on Moriarty voice.

Ha! No, I take it as a compliment, and I thank you. He's truly the stuff of nightmares, and I'm perversely tickled that he sounds right to you here. I particularly loved the idea of Sherlock trying to imagine Moriarty's taunts, and coming up with threats that struck not only at these three men, but also, in a way, at Sherlock himself (how he's been ungrateful to Mycroft, for example, and dismissive of Lestrade).

I'm so glad that the threats seemed fitting to you: the right thing to get through Mycroft's armor (I agree wholeheartedly that Moriarty would never be able to rest once Mycroft got him in his sights - I think Mycroft's emphasis on taking care of business, rather than playing the game, is probably one of the defining differences between the brothers) and the right thing to make Lestrade's flesh crawl. Lestrade must have made plenty of enemies among the criminal set during his long career, and I figured the only thing worse than being abandoned by Sherlock in general, in this case, would be abandoned by Sherlock into the hands of the criminals themselves.

I've seen variants on this scenario where one had to consider how the survivor(s) who *weren't* chosen to survive would react to that knowledge. What would it do to their relationships with Sherlock, even without Moriarty's additional commentary?

That just breaks my heart to contemplate. I suspect Lestrade, practical man that he is, would try not to let it affect the way he consults with Sherlock. (And, in fact, he might have been equally, if differently, horrified to be chosen over someone else.) But the relationship with Mycroft, especially... ouch. (And Mummy would be so disappointed...)

It's always so incredibly useful to know what works and why, and so your feedback is wonderfully helpful. I just can't thank you enough for taking the time to comment this way. I truly appreciate it!

[cuddles-and-jam.livejournal.com]

D: It really does come easily to him. And it makes so much sense (for both Moriarty and Sherlock) to focus on the way Sherlock treats the most important people in his life, using them and taking them for granted. That's his weak point, I suppose.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

it makes so much sense (for both Moriarty and Sherlock) to focus on the way Sherlock treats the most important people in his life, using them and taking them for granted. That's his weak point, I suppose.

Yes! Well said! That was my thinking exactly. I'm so glad this seemed fitting to you.

I really appreciate your reading and commenting. Thank you!

[fanbot.livejournal.com]

*shiver*

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! A shiver was exactly what I was aiming to evoke, so this makes me quite happy. Thanks for this! I really appreciate your reading and commenting.

[zevbaldwin.livejournal.com]

Oh my! Scary!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! I appreciate this. Thank you!

[phiso-kun.livejournal.com]

Noo resist Moriarty don't listen to him ;~ ;

Really, though, Mycroft's is the worst, because his is by far the most plausible by Sherlock's standards. It's the one that would definitely hit closest to home.

Owwww you are so goooood

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you!

I rather hated (in a good way) the idea that Sherlock could anticipate Moriarty's taunts so effectively, especially when each was a backhanded blow against Sherlock himself.

I'm especially pleased Mycroft's worked for you. I agree that this is the one that would (should?) hit closest to home.

I'm most grateful for this! You're the best!

[trishkafibble.livejournal.com]

I read the first line and had a tough time going on to the next--you have me that much invested in this idea. This is perfectly Sherlock, perfectly Moriarty...because it's perfectly what each of the three men would expect (at worst, and therefore definitely within the terrifying context here) from Sherlock, and thus what both geniuses would read in them. Brilliant and awful!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Ah, this makes me so happy! I'm thrilled that you felt invested in this idea, and that my interpretations of Sherlock and Moriarty here seem plausible. I'm so pleased that each of the three men's worst fears (and what the two geniuses would see there) strike the right chord. I just can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Thank you, truly.