Two adult men circle each other like wary cats, the post

[hatesdeerstalkers]

WHO: James Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes, and you!
WHEN: Probably after the whole...murder discussion thing
WHAT: Two men have found their way, and as is normal for them, immediately start blaming and barking at each other. And then after the girls are done fighting, they'll be around snooping in the area.



[Today, there's...a commotion in the auditorium. Looking out from the hallway - or approaching when you were already inside - will give you an eyeful of what looks like two adult men - one tall, thin, and with slicked back black hair, and the other with a head of gray hair and a mustache - in high school uniforms warily circling each other while also apparently talking.

One of them - the older man - has a decent set of lungs on him, which is probably what drew you to look at the courtyard in the first place.]

"...Blaming me for this, Holmes? How very arrogant of you!"

[The tall man is shockingly pale, his eyes daring around then back at the short man, his movements harried, sounding oddly breathless when he retorts]

"Can one be blamed when you always seem to be on the edge if not right in the middle of suspicious incidents?"

"Surely you can't believe I'm responsible for all of this! Isn't it much more likely we both got dragged to some kind of Singularity?"

[A pause and an unreadable expression flits across the tall man - Holmes' - face. His arms folds over his chest, his right hand gripping his left forearm tightly in the process, shoulders hunching up]

"...It is possible."

[The older man gives a scoff, shaking his head.]

"Yes, because I just happened to find another demon pillar to team up with, and chose a school to do my dastardly plan in."

"Fine. You're probably not involved. And no contact from Chaldea..."

[The younger man paces, still tightly gathered into himself.]

"Can't rely on outside here..."

"At least you can make out that in your current state."

[The men continue to circle and bicker as they keep their eyes on each other, practically wearing out a path with their feet as they do so.

There's the feeling they're not going to stop until someone breaks them up...Or, maybe you should leave and try to catch them later, alone?]

((OOC: OKAY SO - Moriarty and Holmes will have Individual top levels with prompts you can hit up, if you don't want to be involved in their little weird circle dance up top. If you DO, then just comment to this post and we'll both reply!))

Comments

Moriarty, Alone

[hatesdeerstalkers]

A - Bulletin board.

[After....All of that (which he just probably walked off from, screw it), Moriarty can be seen staring at the board - more specifically, at the Rules placed on it, rubbing his chin and muttering to himself.]

These rules....are they they same as...? But then, why...? Is it related to the reason why my 'Student Id Number' is 666666...?

[He seems lost in thought, but also like he might appreciate another perspective on the matter.

B - Wandering around

[Though, his thoughts about the rules doesn't keep him very long - he ends up wandering most of the school, clambering up the stairs and only Sometimes having to grab his back or take a seat on the stairs, grumbling to himself about his poor back and how he looks ridiculous.

Still, when you run into him in the halls, he gives a bright, polite smile - practically a fatherly aura coming from him as he gives a polite, victorian era bow.]

Hello there! I am still - Well, I wouldn't say acquainting myself with this area, but - I was wondering if you knew anything strange or interesting about this place we've all found ourselves in. I would appreciate also being pointed out towards anything that seems important to know, hahaha!

C - WILDCARD

[Got something you want to do? Hit me up!]

B

[dereban]

Depends on how you define 'strange' or 'interesting'.

[Even though he might be older than her, Inaba speaks rather casually, even if there's something about her stiff posture that shows that she's a little on guard, but don't worry: it's her, not him. Even if he is acting rather gentlemanly and ridiculous.]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Ah - yes, that isn't quite a good descriptor in this environment, is it? My mistake!

[He straightens up, looking over her with a careful eye, before nodding.]

I suppose I meant something more like...any place that you would recommend I go, or visit often. I am, apparently, a transfer student [Said like he can't believe they're making him be a student], and the only place that I was directed to is currently unavailable.

[dereban]

To err is to be human, after all.

[It certainly isn't a problem at the moment.

But at the mention of 'transfer student', she immediately understands.]

Well - there's an auction happening next month and most of the items being donated are being shown in the auditorium. Others can donate things for it as well, too. As for other relevant locations... I would probably say the clock tower.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Ah, yes - including the body we were told of, I assume. What is the currency being used for the Auction?

[Just said completely cavalierly. Body? Ehn, he's seen a bunch of those. It's fine.]

And the clock tower you say...any particular reason as to why?

[dereban]

Merit points. Which are earned by being good in class and the like.

[She shrugs her shoulders at that, not minding the way he says it in such a nonchalant manner but absolutely keeping it in the back of her head.]

The other one should be there.

[The other... body, anyway.]

A

[commences]

That's pretty unlucky.

( how long has komaeda been standing there eyeing the other, well that doesn't matter. instead, he's more fixed on the string of numbers the other called out — that's rather rare, but in a way also lucky. it's because what are the chances of someone obtaining a pda with that id? it could mean numerous things and as his thoughts go from one thing to the next, komaeda doesn't stop just there. instead, he glances at the list of the rules the older gentleman is paying attention to. )

Oh, but if you figured something out...

( his pale green eyes goes down the list of rules, and honestly, he's read them time and time again, and they never change. normally after a certain amount of time — as he knows it — there will be a new rule that allows their headmaster some leeway, but he guesses the vice principle isn't as cool or cruel as monokuma. he shrugs his shoulders, smiling at the other and finally he makes sure to wave — there are times where he has to try and be normal. )

There was a light at the end of the tunnel!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Hm?

[He looks up at the voice beside him - someone who also looks a little too old to be in a school setting, honestly - and he gives a light chuckle before turning to face Komaeda fully.]

It is a bit unlucky - number of the beast repeated, and so on - but it could also be seen as lucky in a way.

[He launches into a quick discussion, tone light and brisk.]

Assuming it's not based on the number of past students, and instead a randomly generated Id number...and also assuming the numbers go from 000000 to 999999...The chances of myself getting a number like that are literally 1 in one million.

[There's a pause, before he laughs.]

Though, that's for any number in the system, not merely an id with all duplicates. Associating the other potential, unlucky meaning with it has no true bearing on the underlying math.

[With that over - what sounded like a small lesson - Moriarty gives a small shrug.]

However, it's that association that makes me quite curious. The Rules here - they are the Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth. Quite an interesting set of rules, given that I also have a school ID number that is the mark of the Beast repeated twice, no?

[commences]

That's a positive way to look at it...

( of course, komaeda thought the same, but he isn't one to say everything on his mind. instead, his stare off to the side as he thinks in the older gentleman's opinion. most people would say it's unlucky, that's normally how things go with him, but it's just a little tidbit that the ultimate will stash away in the back of his head. he breathes slow, rummaging through the information in his head — number of the beast, the possibility it could be past students. it's all very true, something interesting to think about, and from here is where he gauges that the thoughts of his companion are interesting. )

Hey, if you remove the luck connotation, isn't it just an ordinary number?

( he sounds thought as he says this, but don't let komaeda fool him as he shakes his head. he returns a laugh himself, breathy as ever as he leaves no room for the other to answer the question. to say something like that, to even remove the idea of luck threatens him in some way, so he merely focuses on what's before him. komaeda's eyes glance at the rules one last time — the eleven satanic rules of the earth, and it makes him wonder if this school is a perpetual hell. he sighs, arms falling down to both his sides. )

Nothing, nothing. Could it be your PDA is special compared to everyone else's...

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Hm....The way he suddenly can't look at him - thinking of something, most likely. Definitely about what he'd just said, that much was for certain.

...Interesting. A more intellectual type, then? Or perhaps someone who ruminates over conversation?

Then it picks back up again, and for the moment, he focuses on that.]

An ordinary number....? Hm, I suppose....but for myself, there is no such thing as 'an ordinary number.' I'm a mathematician, you see, thus it becomes much easier for me to ruminate over such things.

After all, 6 constantly shows up in the natural world, and even some other religions. The mark of the Beast itself may very well be just numerology in a different language...coded so that the authorities at the time would not understand to who it was referring to.

[He gives a smile, his eyes glimmering.]

Humans have the ability to find terror and beauty in numbers....it's quite amusing, don't you think?

[And then, he shrugs - lightly, and a little self - accusingly for someone who can notice such things...like Komaeda.]

- But, listen to me prattle on! You're entirely correct - I haven't completely gone more in depth with my PDA beyond a requisite look. I was assuming I would have more time to, later - if you'd like, you can take a look...?

[commences]

( and yet, he wasn't able to avoid the question he gave with such curiosity, but rather than accepting the normal and the boring, he allows komaeda to learn. a mathematician, someone who values numbers and formulas to come to their conclusions, sometimes. the closest komaeda has came into contact with someone like that is another who analyzed everything around him, and decided whether the results meant something or not. that person wasn't fond of boring, or original outcomes, but the unexpected. he thinks that's the type of person he's come into contact with, but it's not. of course, he won't complain about one or the other — )

I see, to think you're so knowledgeable in that detail, and now you're the one who obtained that string of numbers. That really is lucky. ( what he doesn't speak on is that despite the luck associated with it or not, there's still something more to the number. ) That sort of concept means it's important to them, and they followed through with their beliefs. ( easily, his personality remains positive as he speaks on the matter, quite supportive of the mark of the beast — of course, he's like this about everything around him. )

Hey. That's kind of like us now. ( with one hand, he taps lightly against his right arm and his jacket's sleeve keeps them from view, but not too hard considering the sensitivity that's left from the tally marks. ) We don't know what these are referring to, but we're left in the dark to find out ourselves. How lucky, ( there it is again, that word. ) to have you with them. I wonder if you'd be able to find out the meaning...

( that said, komaeda wonders which of the two moriarty would find, and if not one, perhaps both. there could be something strangely poetic behind these unknown scars of theirs. between beauty and terror, komaeda can't say he feels either way. so instead, he allows the other to choose instead. )

Hm.. ( the information that's inside of a pda is personal, isn't it? though, komaeda can't have someone of the older crowd lost in his new device. it's here komaeda extends the one hand that had tapped against his arm, and he's giving the other the chance to take back his offer. ) You did say it's a 1 in a million chance for you to get this, shouldn't you have the honors of looking through?

[ b time ]

[wolfetracks]

( sidney nods his head in return when the other greets him. it's a relief to see another adult on some level- but to be perfectly honest, it just made things more confusing. he isn't one for smiling, unfortunately, but he keeps an even and probably polite tone as he speaks. )

It's impossible to hear or make any sound within the library. Most are trying to accept it as an extreme take on rules about being quiet in the library or things like that. ( kids and adults alike will cling to the comfort of familiarity. ) Whatever it is doing that to the library, it also affects the whole school at... midnight, I believe?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Oh good, he and Sherlock aren't the only two people who will be expected to lead when the chips are down. He's fine with himself, but he wouldn't trust sherlock with anything more than a dog.

Mostly because he would be very hard pressed to accidentally insult the dog.]

Oh-ho. That is interesting, yes...

[He strokes his chin in thought, before giving a bit of a laugh.]

A midnight curfew, hm? How punctual of our captors! Thank you for letting me know - I assume sight or the ability to walk isn't taken away, so communication could be done either on the pda or through written means after the 'silence' is in affect, yes?

[wolfetracks]

Sight and movement are unimpaired, but trying to speak is worthless unless your conversation partner can read lips. I imagine other kinetic vibrations are still possible to feel, but I haven't confirmed it for myself yet. Writing with the PDA would be one of the easiest ways to communicate once quiet hours begin.

( at least someone was enjoying the mystery of all of this. though he supposed in times like these, you needed to make your own happiness. )

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Less Enjoying and more 'yeah sure okay it's not like this is the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me. This isn't even a tuesday in chaldea.'

He nods, before holding out a hand.]

Either way, I do appreciate you letting me know of such things. I am -

[He pauses for a second, before giving a light (if fond) sigh.]

...A fake name wouldn't do, Ritsuka would call me by my true name...very well.

Ahem! I am James Moriarty, The Napoleon of Crime, The Old Spider and the cruel, devilish ruler of London's underground! Whahahahahahah!

[Pause for villanous cackling, and then - with his hand still outstretched, he smiles at the other man like he didn't just be a dramatic saturday morning cartoon villain.]

And yourself?

[wolfetracks]

( ... jesus. if he's reluctant to return the handshake, he doesn't show it. )

... Sidney Wolfe. English teacher.

( he's actually rather amused- though he wouldn't be surprised if this was actually a very bad thing, moriarty at least had a childish humor to himself in this aspect, at least. maybe he should be more worried, but... look, he's a tired man who's seen too much, and if someone wants to act like he's in a Saturday morning cartoon, good for him. )

I plan on looking around when I can. It's good to keep everyone in the loop.

B

[englisch]

Wow youre so old!! [ Diona says immediately with her eyes most wide. ] How did you even get into the school!?!? If you wanna know something cool the cats are hiding somethin I know!

Okay your turn, why are you old and how did you get into the school?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[


what's with this....rude lost child

Okay, no, he can't be mad about a little girl asking little children things - he smiles gently, kneeling down to her level.]

I'm not quite certain how I got into the school myself - I'd normally be a teacher here, not a student. Though now I'm curious....Cats?

[A pause, before he gives a mischievous smile.]

Perhaps I could tell you something about me so you can let me know more?

[englisch]

[ She gives him a strange look, but takes note at how he lowers himself so to speak with her easier. ] When I know more maybe, but you have to promise to help me with something else later in return?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Haha, of course! I'll easily make such a deal with you. Shall we shake on it?

[He extends his hand, smiling broadly.]

[englisch]

[ The poor man. Doesnt know what he signed himself up for. ] Good I will hold you accountable for that, if all you wanna know is about the cats! I am your girl!

[ Diona shakes the others hand, and then just as quickly retracts it back. There is a very bratty way in how she stands. With her legs spread out, her little cat shoes pressed down along the floor. With her fists balled up on either side of her waist. ] Okay did you wanna see other stuff now too?

WILDCARD private meeting time, 4/26 after school

[tempingforatlas]

[As Moriarty's classroom vacates, the students and the teacher in a hurry to leave the school after the incident earlier that day, Ritsuka slips inside. Her face is creased with worry as she sits down (in a chair, backwards, like some kind of nerd) across from him.]

...Sherlock is probably too busy investigating what happened to Kouji to interrupt us.

I need to talk to you about. That. Too, but there's something else you wanted to discuss first, right?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[He's rather calm as she approaches - He'd suspected she would most likely want to discuss the altercation (as he'd just heard about it from second-hand sources) but once she mentions the second thing, he nods.]

Ah, yes - it was about from what point in our 'timeline' we come from. From your reaction to Holmes' statement, you're from 'farther along' - but I have no idea where we both are in relation to our respective 'time points', as it were.

[He lifts a hand, raising a finger in time with his points.]

Now, before I get more into the subject - First, Holmes is aware of this, as I had to at least inform him of the discrepancy. However, he has no other details beyond that, and we must keep it that way.

[There's a pause.]

...And before you ask, no, it's not because I want to hold the secret of my 'time point' over his head. Well, perhaps a little, but it's mostly because of something else!

Tell me, Ritsuka. How much do you know of the Pruning Phenomenon and how our world works back 'home?'

[tempingforatlas]

...that now I've got to do the world's job for it, basically.

[Ritsuka's shoulders slump. Thinking about the fact that she still has a lot of people to indirectly return to their natural state of nonexistence which is really just a fancy word for killing them isn't something she likes to dwell on.]

Three down, four to go. We're almost ready to go to India, but a Breast-

[Beat. She blushes.]

Beast, I meant Beast, problem came up first.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[There's a massive pause before moriarty lets out a groan and sinks his head into his hands.]

Ritsuka....I asked you that because I didn't want you to tell me anything specific about the future! I had no idea about the Beast issue! Now I'll have to remove that bit of memory from myself!

[He....doesn't sound like he's joking. He lifts his head from his hands, and sighs.]

I was mentioning the pruning phenomenon because of other factors - Timeline theory, for one. The World only allows so many 'branches' off of the 'main branch' of timeline before it will prune them - and if we manage to return to chaldea with our memories of here intact, we will inevitably cause another 'branch' to be born, which may cause the primary timeline to be pruned along with it. For now, we have no idea what will happen - so keeping knowledge to a minimum is paramount for the safety of Pan Human History.

[He's looking at her very seriously, so this isn't him goofing around. He means what he's saying.

Then, he relaxes - placing a hand on her shoulder.]

But I do appreciate your being so forthright with telling me. As I mentioned before...I will devote myself to being your Servant, and make sure my calculations are perfect.

If, of course...

[He looks away.]

...you remember such a trifling experience. Of course, if you've erased it from your mind, I wouldn't blame you!