Sophia Holmes and the Inexplicable Matchbox (Sherlock/Marvel Fanfic) *Completed*

Chapter Four

A guy called 'Happy' picks us up from the airport, although I can't imagine why people call him that. The ride to Stark Tower - or the 'Avengers Tower' as it is now being called - was more or less in complete silence, with Happy staring ahead throughout our journey.

This time, I enter the tower through the main entrance at the base. Makes a change not to be jumping off of alien chariots.

"Hey J.A.R.V.I.S," I say as we get into the lift. "Can you take us up to Mr Stark please?"

"Certainly, Miss Holmes," the AI voice replies. "Welcome back."

The lift starts up at once and John looks to me. "Who was that?"

"J.A.R.V.I.S?" I ask and he nods. "Computer AI and Stark's personal assistant."

The lift doors open up, and I realise we're in the same penthouse room that we caught Loki after the battle of New York. I try to suppress the memory of him lying dead on Svartalfheim, and instead focus on Stark who is walking over from his bar with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"Tony," I smile. "This is my dad, Sherlock Holmes, and our friend Doctor John Watson."

"Mr Stark," dad says, stepping forwards and offering his hand.

"The famous dead dad, yeah?" Tony asks, taking his hand and I roll my eyes at Tony's bluntness. Nothing changes. "Good to meet you." He moves onto John and shakes his hand. "Anyone want a drink?"

"I think it's best if we just get down to business," I say and he raises an eyebrow and smirks.

"Yeah, okay Wednesday. So, magical glow-in-the-dark worm, yeah?"

"Not just glow-in-the-dark," I correct. "Bioluminescence, but much brighter than anything I've seen. I think it might be conducting the power of Loki's sceptre, but I'm not sure how."

"Well, you're free to check out the lab," he answers. "Bruce isn't around, and biology isn't really my area, but help yourself to any of the equipment lying around." He smiles. "After all, it was me who paid for it all!"

"Brilliant," I reply. "Thanks Tony."

I lead dad and John past Tony and through to the labs behind the lift. There, we stay for several hours testing the worm but being careful not to touch it.

"That's odd," I say, after testing its DNA. Dad looks up from his microscope and I continue. "It seems to have suffered some kind of genetic mutation. The DNA is unlike anything I've seen." I pause and consider my sentence for a moment. "That's the third time I've said that today. I'm not liking it."

"How are you getting on?" I look over to the doorway and see Maria Hill watching us, a small smile on her lips.

"Every time we're getting somewhere, we hit a brick wall," I admit, smiling back. "Something's mutating its DNA, but we've no idea what."

"Mutating its DNA?" Hill repeats. "I know a couple scientists who have recently encountered something similar. You reckon it's from HYDRA?"

"That's what I was told."

"Then I suggest you speak to them - they're the only division of S.H.I.E.L.D still operating. It's all on the down-low of course, but if anyone can help it's Fitz-Simmons."

"Great, thanks Maria," I say, beginning to pack up.

"No problem. I'll arrange your lift."