Help is Always Given

Chapter 18

Winchesters

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Sherlock moves first, sitting down in his chair and making a steeple with his hands under his chin. John sits down opposite Sherlock, in his own chair, and keeps his eyes fixed on Sherlock. Amy, Merlin, and Arthur take a seat on the couch, while Rory sits at the table. The Doctor stays standing by the door.

Mrs. Hudson enters with a tray full of cup and a kettle and places it on the table and starts pouring and handing out the tea.

"So why, exactly, was he here? I mean how did he know we would be arriving today?" John asks no one in particular.

"Wasn't it obvious?" Sherlock asks. "He was here to make me aware of his existence, to try and get under my skin. But why?" Sherlock jumps out of his chair and starts pacing. "There's something different about him. Very different. As to how he knew we would be arriving today, I haven't the slightest idea. Doctor?"

"Oh, erm," the Doctor wracks his brain for something, surprised that the great mastermind needs input from him. "I don't know, perhaps he's from the future or perhaps he's been waiting here for a while."

"Mrs. Hudson, how long have we been gone?" Sherlock asks when she hands him a cup.

"Oh, ah, about a week I think," she says.

"And has anyone come by?"

"No, I put a sign out saying you boys weren't available," Mrs. Hudson replies. "And I haven't heard anyone up here all week, either."

"No, you wouldn't have," Sherlock says. "Did you see how he was walking? Complete silence. He didn't even make a noise on those old stairs. He's skilled."

"Are you going to go to Mycroft about this?" John asks hopefully.

"Of course, but not yet," Sherlock replies. "Thomas will be watching Baker Street for a few days."

"How do you know?" John laughs.

"I always know," Sherlock scoffs.

"Well!" the Doctor claps his hands together, finished with his tea. "Thank you, Mrs. Hudson, for the wonderful tea. I think it's time Merlin and Arthur are taken to their new home."

"We'll walk you down," John says.

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The Doctor enters the TARDIS while the rest say their goodbyes before joining him, all except Merlin.

"Merlin, a word," Sherlock says in a tone of command. "John, you can go up, I'd like some privacy."

"I'll just be a moment," Merlin says to a questioning look from Arthur.

"What is it?" Merlin asks once Arthur and John have gone.

Sherlock takes a breath like he's nervous about what he's about to say. "During my time of researching in the Doctor's fantastic library, and with studying your blood, I came to a conclusion that I had had a suspicion of."

"And what was your suspicion?" Merlin asks a little worried.

"That we are related," Sherlock says. "Just look at our similar physique, our similar mind sets. Our DNA is very similar, I even tested that potion with my own blood mixed with some of yours and it came out perfect. In the library, I found a lineage record and traced it. I'm a descendant of your mother, Hunith of Ealdor."

But how is that possible? I never had any children, and she definitely didn't have any more," Merlin explains.

"Oh but she did. She had had another son, but had sent him away because he caused trouble. If the records are correct, he had almost killed you because he couldn't control his magic," Sherlock explains. "He was seven years younger than you."