Greenhouses

He arrives quickly, appearing confused and, yes, a little bit concerned. Even though he was frozen, he was aware of what happened in the clock tower.

"Eagle... as you know, my disdain for you as an intellectual is unparalleled. And I feel you have the right to know why..."

He folds his arms, waiting silently, acknowledging him with a nod.

"It all begin many years back..."

"You see, I was born into new money, an up-and-coming manufacturer in America. They would go on for HOURS upon HOURS about your exploits. I had to hear all of them of course. I knew my mental acuity was far above the norm from my teachers. However, despite what others saw, my parents didn't see it. Kept undermining me you see, while praising YOU constantly."

I give myself a pause to let it sink in.

OOC: Ok. Pity for Query. So not cool. -Fighting the pity back with a stick-

IC: He nods. Unlike before when they've interacted, there is an open look on Chase's face, one of understanding and sympathy. He doesn't speak, but he unfolds his arms, taking on a more relaxed posture.

<-- always felt sorry for Query -shrugs-

More tears escaped her eyelids, listening to their conversation. This is really goodbye, the end..?

"I wanted your attention, so I concocted a perfect crime which lead to both freedom and a rapid increase of funds and materials."

"But you didn't see it or acknowledge it. I was still in your shade."

"I couldn't handle that. So I challenged you outright, to earn your notice, your respect. But I didn't end up with either of those!"

"I didn't even learn your name."

He closes his eyes, hesitating. In a sick, roundabout way, thanks to Jim, Chase has won. He hates to admit it, but... well, there's no danger now. Blinking his eyes open again, he fixes them on Query's.

"But you saved Ace. This time you didn't even do it in a twisted fashion, as I've come to expect from you. I never thought I'd say this, but you have earned my respect, Query." He pauses, then adds, "I hope we can part on friendlier terms. It was never my intention for our rivalry to go this far."

"Just one thing, one riddle I must know the answer to..."

"My name?" he asks, not a single bit of a defensive tone in his voice.

I nod my head, patting Ace on the cheek.

"Know that I tell you this in respect and thanks," he says quietly, holding Query's gaze. "My name is Chase. Appropriate for a detective, don't you think?"

"Ignatius Nashton Query... the honor is mine."

"Can you both promise me something?"

"Of course." Chase takes a step forward towards them, his expression softening.

"Beat Moriarty... I set up, a surveillance system in his home. The controls are in my old house. I don't care how you beat him... just do it."

I look over at Ace, "Acy..."

"I'll try..."

"This is my final riddle to you..." A tear falls from my eye as I stroke her face comfortingly, trying with all my might to get her through this,

"My first is foremost legally,
My second circles outwardly,
My third leads all in victory,
My fourth ends twice a nominee
My whole is this gates only key.
What am I?"

"That's correct..." I kiss her lovingly, my cane dropping out of my hand and hitting the ground. But it might as well have not made a noise. As if I was trying to transfer the last of my vitality to her.

"I love you Acy, I thought we could spend the rest of our days, pursuing the knowledge and secrets of the world. Travelling around the globe, creating new puzzles while knowing to ourselves that the answer to the greatest riddle of all... was each other."

"But... as I said when we met, with a riddle... the easy answer is hardly ever the right one."

ohmygod this is emotional torture

'And it's not every riddle we get a proper answer to..' She returned the kiss easily, anyone could've mistaken her for needing him more than she required oxygen. Ace kept hold of him, trying to smile but it only brought a fresh set of tears to her face.

'I'll work them out, i'll make you proud, you'll see.' She promised him. Ace would've given him everything if she'd had the option to. 'I'll solve all the riddles I can.' this one's already been answered for me.