Intertwined Destinies:
Moriarty and Holmes Amidst the Events of 1912
Winding back time
Our imagination can wind time both backward and forward, or it can anchor us in the present. Over a century ago, to be exact in 1912, two nemeses were destined to meet aboard a single ship. Yes, that ship was named the Titanic. At that time, nobody could have imagined that the grand ship would eventually rest peacefully in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
But let us return to the 1912 events.
The beginning of the 20th century, a time when ladies still wore corsets and gentlemen donned cylindrical hats; when cars were still a novelty, and numerous other remarkable advancements had to come and also... great catastrophes were yet to unfold.
In early April of that year, many ladies and gentlemen assembled in the port of Southampton, Britain, eagerly awaiting their turn to board one of the largest and most luxurious ships afloat at that time.
Nobody knew that this buzzing life and these smiles would be torn into pieces after just a few days. Nobody was prepared for this catastrophe, not even the main characters of our story.
The ship sets sail for its fateful voyage
Finally, with all the passengers aboard, the ship sailed away, setting in motion its disastrous fate.
Among the passengers was the prominent consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. His deduction and observation skills were widely known, perhaps not only within the country but also beyond Britain's borders.
Even amidst a lot of people on the ship, Sherlock noticed a figure he would recognize even in the darkest London alleys in the middle of the night. He knew that figure very well. It was his arch nemesis - William James Moriarty.
"Well, well, well, who do we have here? If it isn`t the famous professor Moriarty," Sherlock said grinning and locking eyes with the professor.
"Why so hostile, Sherlock? I'm equally delighted to see you, " William responded in a playful and teasing tone.
"Do me a favor, Moriarty, and refrain from crossing my path while we're aboard, " said the detective, annoyed by his nemesis.
"Sherlock, why such hostility? Don`t be shy. We are old acquaintances. You always enjoy solving my riddles. My presence is essential in your life. Just admit it," William said and a grin appeared on his face as he moved closer to Sherlock, his tone was playfully taunting. He leaned in and whispered into Sherlock's ear.
"Tell me what you truly think and desire. But for now, until later, detective, I have matters to attend to," with that, the young professor winked at Sherlock and proceeded ahead.
"That Moriarty. Always teasing me and playing his dirty games. He never knows his place." Sherlock mumbled to himself as he headed to his cabin.
And so came the fateful collision of the main characters in our story. None of the men could honestly confess their feelings, yet both of them were perfectly aware of the peculiar chemistry between them. It was as if they had become each other's purpose in life.
They were in everlasting competition with each other: Moriarty, the mastermind crafting new mysteries, and Holmes, the one unraveling them - puzzle after puzzle. Numerous times, Sherlock Holmes came close to catching William James Moriarty, yet the lord of crime would always find a way to escape and cover up his tracks.
Sometimes, it felt as if neither of them wanted to conclude this little game of theirs. They hesitated to admit it, but deep down in their hearts, they knew they needed each other to move forward in life. Like life and death - they were opposites, yet strangely similar.
William vs. Sherlock
There was still some time until dinner, so a group of gentlemen gathered in a room to play chess. William was simply passing by, exploring the ship, when one of the gentlemen called out to him.
"If it isn't professor Moriarty. Would you care to join us? "
The professor didn't even get a chance to respond before Sherlock barged into the room and exclaimed loudly.
"He will join! And we will play a match to determine who's the better chess player! "
"Oh? Sherlock? Someone is feeling quite daring this evening. Very well, then. If you insist, I will join you for a single game," a daring smirk graced his face.
Tension and the desire to win was felt in the air.
As the two prepared for the match, one of the men couldn't contain his excitement and declared to the others.
"This match is definitely worth watching! A showdown of the century! A clash between the well-known mathematics professor, William James Moriarty, and the famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes! Logic against deduction! This should be entertaining!"
More and more men gathered to witness this strategic match. Some even began placing bets on the outcome. As the game intensified, it became clear that both players were enjoying the challenge. It seemed as though they momentarily disregarded the room's other occupants. At times, while calculating their next moves, their eyes would meet, and their gazes would become fixed.
While they were enjoying this special and unique moment, a woman`s scream echoed from a nearby room. As a result, the match was momentarily halted, and everyone rushed to ascertain what had occurred and to offer assistance to the woman in question.
The next room was abuzz with commotion as everyone hurried to the scene. The woman lay on the floor, and the men were confused as to the cause of the incident.
William and Sherlock both approached the lady and assisted her in getting back on her feet.
"Could you please explain what happened, my lady? Can we be of any assistance?" asked young professor, holding the lady's hand.
"There are no mysteries in this world that we cannot unravel!" Sherlock added enthusiastically.
"You can pose any question to these two, and they will solve the problem! They're quite adept at it! My lady, allow me to introduce mathematics professor William James Moriarty and the consulting detective Sherlock Holmes," one of the men explained.
"Oh my! It's truly an honor to meet the prominent detective and mathematics professor. However, I must apologize, gentlemen. Actually, there is no mystery involved. It's more of a misunderstanding," explained the woman.
Suddenly, a breathless child rushed into the room and looked at the lady.
"I'm so sorry. My dog got loose from the leash, and now it's running wild all over the ship. I tried to catch it, but it's faster than me. I only saw from a distance, but very clearly, the dog collided with you while trying to escape from me, and you fell down. I apologize, my lady."
"Yes, the dog appeared out of nowhere, startling me. I screamed initially, but then I realized it was just a dog. I'm perfectly fine, don't worry," the lady reassured the boy with a smile.
"Well then, it seems the case is closed before it even began," Sherlock remarked.
"I can tell you're disappointed," William chimed in, adding a laugh.
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief that nothing unfortunate had occurred to the lady, although some expressed slight disappointment and murmured.
"I thought something significant might have occurred, and I imagined we might witness the magic of Sherlock Holmes capturing the culprit."
"Same here!"
"Me too!"
"I'm sorry things turned out the way they did, gentlemen," the lady remarked with a somber expression.
"No need to worry! All in all, everything's fine, and we can resume the chess match between William and Sherlock!" After one of the men said this, everyone returned to the dining room, where the chessboard lay with pieces scattered on the floor. It appeared that someone had accidentally stumbled or perhaps intentionally knocked them over. Regardless, dinnertime was approaching, and the dining room was bustling with people. At times, it felt almost like a fashion show - ladies in their finest dresses and gentlemen in their best suits, all just for dinner.
"So, I suppose there's no mystery-solving or chess match for today, unless you'd like to start over, professor?"
"Let's save it for another opportunity. Would you care to join me for dinner?" William winked at Sherlock.
The gentlemen were disappointed that they couldn't witness the game through to its conclusion and determine the victor. Nevertheless, everyone reached a conclusion that it was time to cease playing chess and commence savoring the food and drinks.
An invitation from William!?
While others joined their families or acquaintances for the evening, William and Sherlock set out to find an unoccupied table.
"It's quite unusual for you to extend an invitation to me, Liam," remarked Sherlock, his voice carrying a touch of surprise.
"Liam? An intriguing way to refer to my name, Mr. Holmes. Earlier today, you were rather hostile, and now, Liam? Interesting," William said, a grin playing on his lips as he looked at Sherlock.
"I see. You're aiming to playfully tease me tonight."
"Not necessary, my dear friend. I simply desire for us to enjoy the food and good drink together."
"Why do I sense there's something between the lines?"
"It's your imagination at work. Now, if you would, let's simply enjoy the uncommon experience of spending time together."
"You're as crafty as always. This is one of your mind games."
"But I have a feeling that you find it appealing. Or should I rephrase it as 'you're drawn to it'?" William remarked, his scarlet eyes locking onto Sherlock's with a playful yet serious tone in his voice.
"What are you implying?!" Sherlock exclaimed in confusion, causing nearby individuals to glance at their table.
"Now, now, my dear friend, let's not be overly loud and disturb our neighbors. Shall we proceed to enjoy the food, as it's already here and might get cold otherwise?"
"Ah, you're always like this," the detective examined the professor, locking eyes with him as their gazes intertwined.
"Like what?" William inquired playfully, pretending not to understand.
"Exactly like that!" Sherlock responded with an annoyed voice.
"You're quite amusing this evening, Mr. Holmes."
"I can't handle your teasing any longer today. I'm exhausted," Sherlock diverted his gaze.
"Teasing? Oh, no, not at all. Quite the opposite. I find your facial expressions rather entertaining," the Moriarty chuckled lightly.
Becoming… closer?!
"Are you heading off for the evening?" Sherlock inquired.
"I was considering taking a walk on the deck to watch the sunset and enjoy the vast view of the Atlantic Ocean."
"You're quite the romantic, Liam. Honestly, I didn't anticipate that. I might need to revise your personality profile."
"You certainly don't know everything about me," the professor chuckled. "But I'll let things stand as they are. I'd like to remain a mystery for you to unravel. Though, are you confident you're up for the challenge?" he asked in a playful manner.
"Huh?! Not up for the challenge? You'll see! I'll catch you, with all the evidence pointing to your involvement in numerous crimes!"
"Well then, until that moment arrives, I'll be waiting. Catch me if you can, Sherlock," an ominous grin appeared on his face.
After the heated conversation, the two gentlemen went their separate ways.
Throughout the following days of the journey, they made efforts to avoid crossing paths. But, even setting aside their cunning personalities, they were drawn to each other.
The ship was spacious enough to avoid encountering each other throughout the entire journey, yet fate seemed to have different intentions, causing the two to consistently cross paths. At times, it even seemed as though they could sense each other's presence from a distance.
"Staring at the sea again?" Holmes initiated the conversation.
"Are you certain you want to be here conversing with me?" William asked calmly.
"In any case, somehow, if not you don't find me, I seem to locate you. It's as if an unexplainable force draws us together. I can't quite comprehend it."
"Oh? That almost sounded like a confession," Moriarty chuckled.
"Don't be so theatrical, Liam! You know what I mean! Anyway, I was contemplating getting some fresh air, so I'll join you."
Afterward, one conversation led to another, but this time with less teasing and more honesty.
Even though they knew they were from different worlds - William James Moriarty, the mastermind behind the mysterious deaths of London noblemen, and the promising consulting detective Sherlock Holmes, known as the people's beacon of light - despite these differences, their hearts gradually drew closer.
During the remaining days on board, they even began to explore the ship together. It seemed as if this newfound friendship was destined to flourish.
Or… would fate have different plans for them?
The beginning of… the end?!
It was a late evening. Most of the people were in their cabins sleeping or getting ready to go to bed. Some were still in the midst of gambling, others were dancing, and some were simply savoring life at its finest.
That evening, William and Sherlock were enjoying each other's company. They felt as if they had forgotten their respective statuses and were living within a dream - a dream yet to fade. Because the fateful moment was drawing closer and closer.
They were enjoying their evening tea in the lounge when they heard strange noises from outside. They exchanged glances, and without saying a word, both men swiftly left for the top deck to investigate the source of the commotion. They even felt as if the ship had collided with something. Both of the young men harbored a sense of unease about the situation.
As the professor and detective ascended to the deck, they noticed ice pieces present. Some passengers were playing with the ice, not considering it a significant matter. In truth, no one believed that anything could befall the grand ship. However, at that very moment, both men exchanged glances and realized that the ship had struck an iceberg. This realization made them contemplate the potential of the ship sinking.
Without uttering a word, they hastened to find the captain and confirm their suspicions. These two sharp minded individuals cherished being proven correct, yet at that moment, they were hoping that their calculations were wrong. Upon entering the captain's cabin, they observed several crew members gathered around the captain.
No one noticed them when they entered the cabin, as everyone was waiting for the captain's announcement.
"The ship is sinking. In a matter of hours, it will rest peacefully in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Save as many as you can. Priority goes to women and children," the captain stated in a serious but a calm manner.
When the captain issued the orders, everyone dispersed to carry out their assigned tasks.
The cunning lord of crime, William James Moriarty, and the deductive genius detective, Sherlock Holmes, realized they were no match for an iceberg. Even with their minds combined, they were powerless against it. Therefore, they concentrated on their current objective: assisting the crew in saving as many people as possible.
Together to the depths of the ocean!
As the ship continued to sink, the crew members were distributing safety vests. Initially, they didn't want there to be panic, so they stated it was merely a safety precaution. Consequently, people didn't panic, but the tension steadily increased.
The staff did their best to reach other ships by sending SOS signals, but they were quite distant. According to calculations, the closest ship would only arrive at the Titanic after it had already sunk… the hope was faint.
The crew initiated the process of embarking passengers onto the lifeboats. As the tension intensified, some individuals tried to approach the captain, but it was impossible as he was preoccupied with his duties. Crew members advised passengers not to panic and to follow the staff's instructions while boarding the lifeboats.
There were only 20 lifeboats available, which meant that approximately only half of the passengers could be accommodated. Therefore, adhering to the previously established decision, women and children were given priority.
Finally, water started flooding in. People were rushing towards the safety boats. The cries of despair echoed as people screamed, "The ship is sinking! Abandon the ship!" No one wanted to accept that the ship could actually sink, but the reality was bitter.
Some men attempted to disguise themselves as women to sneak into the boats. A few were successful, but not all.
William and Sherlock assessed the situation. They realized that they needed to prioritize others over themselves.
Due to the extreme panic, they attempted to check as many rooms as possible to ensure no one was left behind. Some had been trampled in the chaos caused by people running in all directions. They endeavored to offer assistance whenever possible, even aiding women and children in boarding the lifeboats and intervening as guards if any unnecessary conflicts arose. They did whatever was within their capacity.
People were desperate, fearing the loss of their loved ones and their own lives. Some individuals were unwilling to part with their belongings, so they rushed back to their cabins. However, their efforts were in vain as the water continued to rush in at an increasing pace. Eventually, the electricity went out completely.
People realized that there weren't enough boats and time was running out. Tension escalated.
Suddenly, the ship began to crack.
Many people were already in the water, aware that they were staring into the eyes of death. Some of them felt despair and gave up, while others continued to fight for their lives.
Finally, all the lifeboats were filled with women and children, with some remaining empty for other passengers. As Moriarty and Holmes were near the boats, having assisted others in boarding, crew members instructed them to get on a lifeboat. However, they both declined, allowing other people to take their spots.
Both William and Sherlock remained on board, facing almost zero chances of survival. The two men had done all they could and now waited in silence for their moment to confront the ocean and its cold waters. Despite the dire circumstances, both men remained calm and didn't lose their composure.
"Well then, partner, I believe this is where we bid our farewells," said William.
"Liam, let's both survive and meet again," Sherlock said in a serious tone.
"Together to the depths of the ocean," said William, grinning at Sherlock.
"Together to the depths of the ocean!" repeated Holmes.
These were their final words as the water ultimately flooded the entire ship.
It was precisely 2:40 am on April 14, 1912, when the ship met its tragic fate. While some individuals perished along with the Titanic, others clung to the hope of rescue as they drifted in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Only the screams of people who were still in the ice-cold water were heard through the area gradually fading away... And eventually, silence prevailed, leaving behind only the haunting stillness as the sole remaining sound.
The ocean became their final resting place.
The (un)happy ending...?
While lifeboat passengers were still afloat on the boats, trying to process the events of the night, they witnessed the breaking dawn. A bit later, a ship rescued the remaining people and headed straight for New York, USA.
Some time had already passed after the tragic incident of the Titanic, but people were still talking about it. Newspapers wrote that the devastating events of the Titanic would be engraved into people's minds and history for centuries to come.
Even children engaged in discussions about the ship quite eagerly, it`s story, and it`s tragic end. Sometimes, while playing outside, they would find themselves talking and reminiscing about the catastrophic events of the ship.
One time, a certain kid while playing on the street said to another kid.
"Hey, did you hear that Sherlock Holmes was on the Titanic?"
"Do you mean Sherlock Holmes? As in the detective Sherlock Holmes?" asked with a sense of wonder.
"Yes! The very same."
"So, do you know if he survived?" asked with curiosity.
A voice from afar said.
"He survived. And he is hoping that his friend survived as well."
"How do you know mister? Wait, isn't he who I think he is?!" one of the kids shouted in surprise.
"This is the real Sherlock Holmes!" another boy exclaimed.
The boys stopped playing and gathered around Sherlock. They gazed at him in surprise, even wanting to touch him to make sure he wasn't a ghost. Having so many questions, they started shouting all at once.
They had never even imagined that they would meet the famous detective. But, as always, you never know what fate has in store for you. Just when you think you have a grasp on your life, something happens again.
While the boys were buzzing around, firing off all their questions at once to the detective, Holmes saw a figure passing by further down the street, capturing his attention. The noises around him became a mere backdrop as his focus sharpened only on the passerby.
"No, it can't be. I've searched everywhere..." Sherlock unconsciously shouted. The boys were confused. Without saying goodbye to them, he just started running towards that person.
His facial expression was full of hope. He had longed for this moment to finally happen, to be reunited with his partner at last.
"Liam!" he shouted to the figure as he got closer and grabbed his arm gently.
The figure paused for a moment, then turned to Holmes. He was speechless. His face held a tender expression, and for a moment, he couldn't find his words. Sherlock hurried into his arms, embracing him tightly.
"Liam, you're alive! Liam, Liam! I've been searching for you! I thought I would never see you again! But finally... I've found you. And... I finally caught you." Sherlock's voice trembled as he spoke these words aloud. Tears welled up in his eyes, and the professor returned the embrace.
"Sherlock, so we meet again," he said with a loving smile as sincere as ever before.
In that moment, two souls torn apart were reunited after a mundane catastrophe.
Afterwards, the gentlemen made their way to an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, which Sherlock had rented.
"Please, make yourself at home, Liam."
"Are you planning to stay here for a while, Sherlock?"
"Actually, my plan was to stay here for as long as it took to find you. I couldn't bear the thought of being the only survivor. When the ship sank and we were submerged, I tried to reach for your hand, but the underwater current pulled me away from you. It was dark, and amidst the chaos, I couldn't sense your presence. I won't deny it - I was desperately searching for you, Liam. As I faced the brink of death, those in the lifeboats managed to pull me in, making room for more passengers. My consciousness faded as the cold water took its toll. I eventually woke up in a New York hospital. I had been unconscious for quite some time. Even after regaining my senses, I relentlessly questioned other survivors, hoping to find any trace of you. I refused to accept the possibility that you were dead. So, Liam, I am glad. I am so glad. I'm beyond grateful. Truly, deeply glad from the core of my being that you are alive."
Sherlock's voice cracked throughout his narrative. The man known for his usually strong voice was now faltering, as if some words were caught in his throat. Tears welled up in his eyes. After sharing his experience and thoughts with William, he looked at his deep scarlet eyes and felt relieved that his friend survived the catastrophe.
William was left speechless. He had never witnessed the detective being so genuine and emotional.
"To be honest, I thought I would die. I accepted the fact that perhaps this is my fate, that perhaps this is for the better. But I guess, fate still needs me to play a role in its game, so I survived…"
The men continued talking all night long about the fateful events of that tragic night. Their connection deepened further. Both of them acknowledged their intense feelings, yet neither felt the need to rush.
The dawn was approaching, and they were aware that the time would soon come for them to part ways, perhaps not seeing each other for a while. They considered the possibility that when they next meet, it might be as enemies rather than friends.
Feeling a powerful emotional connection, their hands touched, marking the start of their forbidden relationship.