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[slideruler]

username: lawyer4hire

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"James Moriarty speaking."

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[sassery]

[Usually Nox isn't one to barge into things his family has a handle on— but in some ways, this is too good of an instance to pass this up.

So poor Moriarty is going to have a newcomer swing by his office haphazardly one day! Who looks somewhat similar to Dante, of all things.]

So what's this I hear about my uncle being brought into a lawyer company?

[It's called a firm, Nox. A firm. This is a recipe for disaster.]

[slideruler]

[ It's also called knocking, Nox. Considering your name is a homophone for the action in question, one would think you would be familiar with the concept. ]

Can I help you?

[ Although the disbelieving question leaves his lips immediately, it doesn't take Moriarty very long to pick up on the resemblance. Wait, uncle? ]

Oh, you must be Dante's... nephew, I presume?

[ The drawn-out pause was him narrowing his eyes slightly as he attempts to compare Nox's apparent age against Vergil's, but the math isn't adding up—unless there's either yet another murderous sibling he needs to keep an eye out for, or some other unknown factor he hasn't accounted for that explains this discrepancy.

He's still new here, after all. ]

[sassery]

[Okay but... that sounds really boring? Why knock when you can just kick the door down?

Moriarty, at least, is quick to pick up on the question and the implication, which makes this all easier. He sits on the desk and flicks a hand out to give the lawyer a fingergun.]

That's me. Name's Nox. You'll hear Dante and Vergil call me "Nero" sometimes too, it's—

[Oh hm. He can see the eye narrowing. Nox tilts his head and pauses, crossing his arms as he raises a brow.]

...has anyone told you about the whole thing with Kaisou at all?

[If Moriarty doesn't know about the whole reincarnation thing, that would explain it.]

[slideruler]

[ Moriarty is far from thrilled to have the edge of his desk used as an impromptu seat, especially when there are comfortable couches right there, but he ultimately decides to let the matter drop without commentary. This time, at least, Nox will get away with it, thanks to "Master's Nephew" privileges.

When Nox asks him about the 'whole thing' regarding Kaisou's mysteries, Moriarty sighs loudly, his expression souring. ]

Not a thing.

Apart from the fact that this is a different world than my own, of course. I gathered that much when I was supplied with false identification to legitimize my presence in this city.

[ In some ways, it's actually kind of funny that he gets to play at being a "normal human" in front of the innocuous masses, compared to his own universe. Timeline? Whatever. ]

[sassery]

[Moriarty gets a whistle when he confirms that he really hasn't been told anything about Kaisou and what it actually means with the people who are here. He expected at least one of the twins to fill the guy in, but to know they either hadn't bothered, or didn't think about it.........

Somehow, it doesn't surprise him. Nox grins.]

Okay, it's a bit of a doozy, so. [He props up a leg, making himself comfortable in the process.]

Kaisou's an odd place. Well, this entire world is, but I mean... [Nox gestures, trying to think of how to word himself.] It's a refuge, of sorts. The people here, or who end up here, aren't normal people— they're reincarnations of their previous lives. Lives that somehow ended, either through normal means, or an unexpected end.

[He crosses his arms, twisting his mouth a little to think.] My name in this life is Nox Miller, but my name in my past life was "Nero." [A beat.] That's... also why it looks odd, for me to say that Vergil is my dad— was my dad— it gets complicated. He was technically older when he learned that I existed. Like, "Dante's age" sort of thing. Obviously he's younger here because a new life and different from what it was in our past lives, but it's not too hard to fall into old habits.

[slideruler]

[ Reincarnation? That's a cornerstone belief in certain cultures, and Moriarty is of course familiar with the concept, but there's an unspoken implication here that Moriarty picks up on almost immediately. ]

Yet it's not mere reincarnation, is it? One would normally expect reincarnation to imply a self-contained cycle of death and rebirth, but the oddity you speak of is the fact that this world somehow draws in souls from other realities, no?

The same way I, myself, was called here from a different version of human history—only, in your case, you were reborn as Nox Miller upon your arrival in this world.

[ It's likely easy to forget, given his relative youth and ridiculous insistence that he's some kind of lawyer, but James Moriarty is the future rival of Sherlock Holmes for a reason. He's similarly capable of weaponizing the science of deduction, if he chooses to. He just lacks Sherlock's drive to unravel mankind's great mysteries—oh, and he's technically evil at heart. That too. ]

Am I understanding you correctly?

It's Time! - Secret Santa Delivery!

[anyprice]

[ Has Sampo ever met you? No. It doesn't matter. By the power of Ratatosk and the magic of I Have A Delivery For You So I Simply Must Show Up In Your Home; Sampo will Arrive at some point--Sneakily so, the man doesn't make a single sound when he walks--and he'll leave a gift on the Mathmetician's Desk while the guy is distracted or visiting next door with his Substitute Dante.

Attached is a bright letter, a orange-red in color and decorated with Sock and Buskin styled masks. 🎭

it reads:

MERRY CHRISTMAS MISTER MORIARTY. It is I, Sampo Koski, your one and only Secret Santa for this year! Fear not, as you are a lucky man to have gotten me; as I am one of the best gift-givers in the city. Behold!

Inside; he will find an ostentatious Coat, with a small note that says 'if it's the wrong size just let me know we can get a size swap! But no worries, somehow, with the magic of Christmas, it's the exact perfect fit.

Inside the box are also some Extremely beautiful, delicate looking tea cakes.

They look and smell amazing.

But when James bites into any of them, they come in a variety of flavors that are both unexpected and startling.

Coka-cola. Bubblegum. Peanut Butter. Honey Mustard. Sour Lemonade. Maple Syrup with a hint of Habenero. Things like that.
There's no list on the flavors so each one becomes a slow game of 'do you risk it.

Merry Christmas! ]

[ dec 4th 2025 ] - knock knock its me again

[anyprice]

[ hey did you miss him
it was only yesterday that ya'll went to that little cafe for ridiculously sweet pastries and coffee that was more like sugar and milk flavored coffee--but sampo's here again.

he made a promise and he's delivering on it!!! it makes it easier that he lives literally a door and a half down from Moriarty in Brick Alley, hopping from his insane shuffle-house down to the M&D Law Offices. He'll even knock this time--the Ratatosk teleport only works if he's delivering something, after all.

He's got a shoulder bag on with various things stuffed inside it--food for lunch, water, painkillers just in case, things like that. he's not having a second herba mystica incident not on his fucking life. ]

Knock knock! You said you don't sleep so I'm coming in, I hope you're dressed!!

[ he's walked in on too many people with no pants lately. ]

[slideruler]

[ Considering he essentially lives out of his office, do you seriously think he would be walking around nude? WHO'S GOING TO HIRE A NAKED LAWYER??? ]

Sam! It's so nice to see you again.

[ Yes, they did technically only properly meet just yesterday, but Moriarty greets him warmly like they're old friends.

He grabs a nearby bookmark to mark his place, before closing the book he was reading and rising to his feet, coming around his desk to meet Sampo on the other side. ]

[anyprice]

[ EVEN SPIRITUAL LAWYERS CAN ENJOY THINGS LIKE SHOWERS, JJ

THE ALLURE OF THE HOT WATER AND NICE SOAPS ARE SO IMPORTANT but hey the warm welcome is so nice what the fuck how could this guy possibly be evil there's no way
sherlock was dramatic probably

he's gonna flounce into the office with a spin and a bounce, reaching up to adjust the stupid hat he's wearing with a flourish. ]

You don't need sleep, you said before, but you probably gotta' eat at least, right? So I packed us a lunch for the trip so we don't get halfway done with the trip and then end up eating all the berries we'll be gathering for my lil' guys--which by the way, Napkin insisted on coming along too, just in case.

[ the little ghost is poking his head through moriarty's desk suddenly hi he's a ghost type boo ]

[slideruler]

I enjoy food as much as the next person, yes. How thoughtful of you!

[ Food is energy, even for someone like him. It helps offset his magical energy consumption, from a purely practical standpoint, but Moriarty also simply likes eating.

Of course, his genial expression quickly shifts into that startled cat-like look of his when Napkin mischievously pops into view. ]

Oh! Do—they normally do that?

[ YOUR PET IS INSIDE MY DESK, SAMUEL ]

[anyprice]

Hope you like gyros and grilled potatoes. I tried to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but my boo's brother is like a doting mother--he wouldn't send me out without 'proper food'! [ he laughs like its some joke but

thats mydei for you
he's just a mom attached to the body of a spartan warrior ]

And don't mind him. He's a ghost-type Pokemon, he does that pretty regularly. He likes to prank people. Don't react to it and he'll get bored of trying.

Ghost Pokemon are pretty rare in Kanto, so we likely won't have to deal with one when we're visiting.

[slideruler]

[ Well, if he's not concerned, then Moriarty won't be either. He just didn't want to lose this promising new friendship thanks to something like 'accidental pet-deskening'. ]

I would have gladly eaten the lunch either way, for the record—but gyros and grilled potatoes sounds fantastic.

[ He glances at Napkin again when Sampo explains further. ]

Ghost-type, eh? I assume there are others, based on the specification.

But don't let my questions slow us down. We can talk and walk, yes?

Action; sometime in early December

[clawsomeproprietress]

[After they finish negotiations and everything is signed Cifera puts her copy of the contract into her bag.]

Well then Mr Moriarty I feel like celebrating our well negotiated contract. Do you drink? Because there is this dive bar I have been curious about and hitting the town with my new lawyer sounds hilarious. Plus I don’t know why but you really remind me of a friend of mine that I went to college with.

[slideruler]

Hm, that's a good question, actually.

[ Does he drink? It's not as if he really had the opportunity to indulge while in Purgatory or Hell, considering... well, you know. He wasn't exactly summoned there to throw a party.

Funny how little personal details like this can slip through the cracks, when one isn't human. After a few moments of deep contemplation, however, he brightens. ]

Well, I certainly don't want to disappoint my client's wishes.

If that means going out for a drink, then go out for a drink we shall!

[ He tilts his head to one side slightly, inevitably curious when she compares him to someone she knew from college. ]

Oho? And what was this friend of yours like?

[ Smart? Talented? Successful? Handsome? ]

[clawsomeproprietress]

[Cifera chuckles a bit.]

Well my friend is, and was, a bit of a trickster and for lack of a better term jester. Though he definitely seems to have leaned into it more since college. You have the same mirthful vibes.

[She was trying to find the right words to convey that she means this as a compliment. But it turns out it can definitely be tricky trying to say someone reminds you of Sampo in a positive way.]

Him and I used to get into so much trouble back then. Honestly will probably start getting into trouble again.

[She throws an arm around Moriarty and starts walking with him through the door.]

Now then Mr Lawyer lets go see how you hold your liquor.

[slideruler]

Jester???

[ Not the most... flattering of descriptions, and certainly not how Moriarty would prefer to come across. He'd thought for sure he was giving off more of a "youthful genius with a silver tongue" kind of vibe, or at least that's what he was going for.

The unexpected reality check briefly flummoxes him, meaning it's all too easy for Cifera to hook her arm around his shoulders and sweep him out the door. ]

Well—um. Of course I'll have your back, should any trouble arise.

Legally speaking.

[clawsomeproprietress]

[Cifera cackles as she leads him down the street]

I definitely appreciate the thought, though if me and Pierrot get in trouble that neither of us can talk our way out of I will be surprised. Actually I would be surprised if you don't also run into him at some point. If you caught my attention you definitely caught Sampo's.

[She stops them outside the door of an absolutely seedy looking corner pub.]

Now lets see what kind of trouble we can get into Lawyer-Man.

[slideruler]

[ Wait, Sampo? That's who she was talking about?

Well, it's no insult to be compared to that charming fellow, so his brief concern over his self-image immediately evaporates. Ego Singularity: Foundation Restored. ]

Certainly. Allow me to get the door for you, my dear client.

[ The gentlemanly flourish is undeniably overkill for a seedy establishment like this, but he performs with ritual with a playful self-awareness—as if inviting her, the audience, in on the joke. ]

Jan \ 03 \ Afternoon

[brandofsin]

[ Dante isn't by any means a morning person. But given this world had decided to dump him down into it around 10am, he's forcing himself to stay awake even if he wants to drag his feet the more he's upright.

Meeting Takame's Beloved; seeing his Master's Home--and even have the pair set him up a bedroom in their home was so lovely of them. He really scored big in the Master department--but, he does aplogise to them a few hours after his settling in that he had some errands to run.

Heheh... don't worry, I can return to your side any time. I can take spirit form and be here quickly.
I have Independant Action... so I can go on errands on my own, don't worry....

I won't make master and his beloved worry...

I just have some things to see to.

Some very important things.
One very important thing.

He's going to act cool-headed and easygoing as he moseys out of Takame's house, but. once he's out of sight...

Honestly.
Dante runs like the hounds of hell are on his ankles.
He wanted to get to know his master more. of course he did. He was kind enough to offer his home, his Mana...

But the one thing on his mind stronger than that...

Moriarty.
James Moriarty. He was alive. He was alive...
And he remembered him.

His last moments in that place, as Bea--... no, as The Metatron coined his desires in plain, all he could think was that he would never see James Moriarty again.

And that he hadn't been able to say goodbye.



The hounds of hell are on his ankles.

And when he arrives at the front door of M&D Law Firm, he's completely and utterly out of breath.
Even as a Servant.

He's going to walk inside, swinging the door hard and purposefully trying to make a dramatic entrance.
Maybe it'll mask how out of breath and flushed he is.

Don't mind what he's wearing. It looks a lot warmer than the tights and tattered cloak he'd been wearing. ]

[slideruler]

[ It's strange. He's supposed to be good at waiting. James Moriarty—the famous one, his future self—has the patience of a spider, wise enough to act only when his calculated chances of success are at their greatest.

This James Moriarty is still young, however, still green, and the deadly patience of a criminal mastermind eludes him.

Sure, he successfully made contact with Dante—whom he, frankly, still can't even believe is HERE in Kaisou—but their situation now isn't at all the same as it was back in that Singularity. There are too many new variables. It's only natural that the equation, and by extension its answer, would change to accommodate these unknown factors.

Which brings him back to the question currently occupying his mind: how long will he have to wait for that mop-headed writer to show up?

Having a Master might change Dante's priorities completely. Some Servants are quite dedicated to their summoners, after all. For Moriarty, having a Master is simply a means to an end, although he doesn't mind the idea of being 'friends' with his Master. They just simply aren't and will never be his entire world.

For a hopeless romantic like Dante, however, well—maybe he's just a LITTLE concerned that that sentimental idiot will get swept up in the fervor of having a Master and completely forget about Moriarty and this whole 'running a law firm' business.

What will he do if that happens? He should make a few contingency plans, just in case, but... the thought doesn't sit well with him. If Dante bails on him, after everything they went through, Moriarty will just have to shake some sense into him.

And if that doesn't work? What then? What if Dante—

The loud sound of the front door opening so forcefully it slams against the opposite wall snaps him out of his deep and troubled contemplation. Moriarty jumps to his feet in alarm from behind his desk, eyes wide. ]

Dante?!

Good God, man, don't take the door off its hinges!

[brandofsin]

I'm heeeere....

[ yes because that's the response you have to someone telling you to be gentle on the door. Distraction was successful. He's perfectly catching his breath now, and he's going to flounce over to the other's desk, while obviously taking a moment to spin and look around... ]

...Wow.

[ yep thats it thats the reaction. ]

It looks like not even a single thing is out of place... not a single thing at all.

[ because seriously it is impressive. How did Moriarty get it EXACTLY ...? ]

Heheh... Moriarty has some brutal attention to detail... or maybe a photographic memory?

You really recreated our office. Right down to the couches. [ which he's gonna faceplant against one.

boom. down he goes.

...

can't see how flushed and tired he is if he hides his face in it. ]

[slideruler]

[ Clearly he worried for nothing! Here he thought he'd have to wait days, maybe even weeks, before crossing paths with Dante again—and yet here Dante is, already making a nuisance of himself, scarcely a couple of hours after they initially parted ways. ]

I told you that the M&D Law Firm is alive and well.

I wouldn't have claimed that had I not found the means to restore our office to its original form.

[ Granted, there are a few extremely minor differences—or, rather, new additions since his arrival. Moriarty keeps the stone he received from Flins on his desk, and there's also the gay Cardinals decoration he received from Whisper hanging up on one wall.

Moriarty follows Dante toward the couches, crossing his arms as Dante collapses face-down onto one of them. ]

Why are you so winded??

[ Yeah, sorry, there's no way he wasn't going to pick up on that. ]

[brandofsin]

[ ...Hm. Of course Moriarty noticed. He's always been the sharpest person he knows, so it makes sense, right?
...
It makes sense.
He hears what the other is saying but, at this moment, Dante's tuning the other out as he tries to come up with a good enough lie that doesn't mean he has to admit he'd run here in a rush to make sure he wasn't subject to some awful prank by whatever magic ran this world.

That'd be pathetic.
And he couldn't dare look pathetic in front of Moriarty. Not now. Not right now, when the world had set them on this path. This second chance they may never have gotten were it not for fate and its funny whims. ]

The busses in this world are faster than the ones in Hell were. I overlooked getting a bus pass... and I didn't have small change to get on the bus, miss Lauma only gave me full bills.

[ this is halfway nonsensical. ]

But I made it here.
My new outfit is nice, but I got really cold today... do you know what warms you right up?

Heheh...

A good jog.

Just be careful not to slip on the ice...

[ nailed it. ]

[slideruler]

[ Moriarty narrows his eyes slightly. Has Dante forgotten who, exactly, he's dealing with?

After all, that testimony is so full of flaws and contradictions it's frankly laughable. OBJECTION! ]

Why were you chasing a bus if you had neither a bus pass nor the fee to ride it at hand?

Not only that, but I have personally observed the buses of this city. They are most certainly NOT faster than the ones we used in Purgatory.

Furthermore, if you'd just received new clothes—which are, admittedly, much nicer than your usual ensemble—why would you immediately risk drenching them with sweat?

[ Just because it's cold out doesn't mean he won't start sweating after an extended period of physical exertion. Also yes, Servants do sweat, despite their bodies being made of magical energy. Don't question it. ]