Chapter 5

Chapter: Five
Memories
Sherlock blinked a few times letting his eyes adjust to the light before showing that he was no longer in the tunnel but in the green house, again but this time it’s before the over growth took over.
“What, what’s going on here?” he asked aloud clearly confused.
“So I guess you don’t like the nickname then, ey Sherlock?”
Sherlock looked around for the source of the voice in question when his eyes finally fell upon a small figure with shoulder length auburn hair that curled at the bottom when the figure turned around he saw the sparkle in her eyes.
“What.” Stated Sherlock as he stood there in disbelief at what his eyes where showing him, surely it was a trick being played on him , he could not possibly be seeing her here and now of all places, and yet there she stood looking at him a pout ever present on her face.
“The nickname Sherlock I have decided to call you Caterpillar like from Alice in Wonderland.”
Sherlock stopped breathing for a moment to allow him a chance to think before speaking. “Ah yes, Caterpillar and may I ask why you choose to call me that?”
Scarlet giggled before turning back to the plant she was tending too. “Well I did not think any other character fit you more than the Caterpillar honestly, you two almost act similar in many ways, and besides Mycroft is the white rabbit if it makes you feel better.”
Sherlock let out a deep chuckle before looking around, he knew this was not real whether a memory or not this was not where he was meant to be and he knew this.  Observing his surroundings, he knew exactly what was happening and chooses to face it head on; knowing the consequences that lay beyond.
“Scarlet.” He called out to her as he straightened his back, his face gaining a stone like appearance “What are you doing here?”
“Whatever, do you mean Sherlock? I always come here to tend to the plants you know this.” She replied
“True, but you and I both know that this is impossibility.”
“And how is that Sherlock?”
“You’re dead.”
With that comment, Scarlet stopped what she was doing, placing the plant trimmers down she slowly turned and looked at Sherlock her eyes locked with his as the two stared each other down.
“Why.”
“Because Sherlock this is the only way.” Explained Scarlet, leaning back against the table her arms folding against her chest.
“Only way for what?” Questioned Sherlock, Scarlet did not answer at first which irritated Sherlock he hated when she acted like this, like a child who did not get their way. “Only for what Scarlet, and this time I am not asking.”
“The only way for you to come to terms Sherlock it’s the only way you’ll find the truth.”
“What do you mean, come to terms for what, to find the truth to what?” he asked slightly shaken
“You know what I mean Sherlock; I know you’re not stupid in any form of the word a bit dense at times but not stupid.”
Sherlock looked at her for what felt like the longest time before he was struck with the greatest realization of all time the piece of the puzzle that had been eluding him all this time was now staring him in the face.
“You’re death.” He muttered aloud which caused Scarlet to smile at him.
“Yes what about it, you keep talking about it like it’s going out of style or something.”
“Something about it, yes something about it was always off putting but I never realized it until now, something I had over looked while I was emotionally blinded, but what, what on earth could it possibly be?”  Inquired Sherlock as he stood thinking his mind racing like a cocaine induced hamster on its wheel.
“Yes Sherlock what could it possibly be?” asked Scarlet in an almost mocking tone. Sherlock looked up at her a mischievous smile graced her lips, she knew and was enjoying him not knowing.
“Enjoying this aren’t you?”
“Only a little bit.”
“Why not help me, instead of standing there watching me run around in circles.”  He asked
“That’s all I’ve ever done though Sherlock from the day mother, and father brought be into the family I have watched and observed you, Mycroft, everyone from day one. However, I am feeling a bit generous so I will allow you one clue. “With a snap of her finger the room began to shift and change, the light colors slowly became darker; the sun rays were replaced with bright light bulbs. Looking around Sherlock immediately knew where he was.
“Why did you bring us here?”
“You said you wanted a clue and now I’ve given you one, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth Sherlock.”
Sherlock took a deep breath as his eyes moved away from Scarlet to the sheet that was on the table. Dread filled Sherlock’s heart he did not want to have to go through this again.
“Don’t be nervous, go on it’s only me under there.” Commented Scarlet as she stared up at her older brother who seemed to become immobilized at the thought. “Sherlock you cannot keep doing this to yourself, you’re so close to the truth just go over there please.”
“I can’t.”
“What do you mean, why can’t you?”
“Because I.”
“Because you what? Sherlock please tell me what is it.” Scarlet was pleading now with the older male trying to get an answer out of him.
“Because I failed you.” Croaked Sherlock as he looked down at Scarlet “I failed to keep you safe when I swore I’d always would, and because of that failure your life was cut short.”
“Sherlock.” Scarlet muttered as she looked up at him, her eyes making contact with his again.
“The day Mycroft called me I didn’t want to believe it, the moment I saw your body on the slab I drove myself into denial.” Sherlock’s voice started to rise as he continued his rant. “It took me three years just to visit you and for what? To receive some random message from beyond the grave, to play this twisted game, just so I could relive all this pain?” Sherlock had become hysterical at this point causing Scarlet to back away from her brother slightly.
“It is the only way Sherlock, the only way you’re going to be able to understand.” Stated Scarlet
“The only way, THE ONLY WAY, you keep saying that sentence but I don’t think you know what that means!” Shouted Sherlock
“No Sherlock I know exactly what it means, you are the one who doesn’t seem to understand! Now stop acting like a child and put your head on straight or else John will die.”
“John, what about John how do you know about him?” asked Sherlock as he calmed down slightly.
“I told you I’ve been watching since day one Sherlock I know everything you do.” Replied Scarlet “Now go over there and get your answer before it is too late.”
Sherlock followed her gaze to the body under the sheet. “I’m afraid to.” He said looking back at her.
“Don’t be; just go trust me the truth is worth knowing.”
Sherlock took a deep breath as he gazed at Scarlet before turning his attention back to the sheet. Making is way over was painfully slow almost to the point where he thought time itself has slowed down, once there he hovered his hand over the top of the sheet not wanting to remove it, not wanting to see her laying there lifeless. But something kept urging him to do so, a warm comforting hand on his shoulder somehow brought him a little peace as he removed the sheet revealing to him all he need to know.
Covering the body back up Sherlock turned back around to see Scarlet in front of the doorway leading out she had a serious look on her face letting him know that any games were over.
“Well, you know the truth now how do you feel?”
“I feel nothing.”
“Do not lie to me Sherlock Holmes you know I don’t like it when you lie.” Replied Scarlet
“Very well then, I feel that you and I are going to have a long discussion about trust when I find you.”
“When, don’t you mean if you find me?” she asked smiling at him.
“No I don’t.” he replied back with a smile to match hers
“Well then I suppose I shouldn’t keep you any longer you do have a doctor to save after all.” Scarlet grinned as she stepped aside allowing Sherlock to exit through the double doors and into a bright ball of light.