Who, what, when, where, why, how – this is the basis of all investigation. One answer often leads to another, and without all doubts removed, judgements are uncertain, and therefore vulnerable. Jones read off the page.
“Who, what, when, where, why, how…” he muttered to himself. Jones aspired to become a detective when he grew up and had ‘borrowed’ a book from Hammond’s study. Jones’ parents had died when he was too young to mourn them, but DCI Hammond, who was assigned the double homicide, took Jones in when he learnt about the magical history of his parents. Jones was under no illusion about the nature of his adoption. Hammond hated secrets, and had sworn never to keep any.
So, when a seven-year-old Jones asked Hammond why he only adopted him, and not any other kids, Hammond was forthright.
After gathering his thoughts while chuckling ominously to himself, Hammond raised two fingers, “two reasons. The first:” He began immediately, “Your father had somehow gained the ‘Mana Answerer’ technique during his time as a Scholar, and you mother’s bond was strong enough with him to gain it before your birth. Advanced Mana techniques like this are gained through strong bonds – or rigorous experimentation which is often deadly.” He made a sour face like he’d been slighted by the world itself, then continued, “You almost certainly gained the technique as a fetus. In short, by adopting you I have a chance to gain the Mana Answerer technique. Five years of such close proximity is usually enough.” His eyes glinted with greed. After a short pause to let Jones process the information, Hammond’s face became serious. Jones recognised the look. He’d only ever seen it once after Hammond had been told to drop some dead aristocrat’s case, another secret Hammond didn’t want to keep from Jones at the time.
“Two:” he let the silence stretch emphasising the gravity, Jones waited in tense anticipation, this seemed serious, Hammond’s tone stayed low and guttural, “you were…” he sounded sullen and despondent, before continuing, “very cute.”
“…”
“w-wha-hey-what’s the actual reason!” it seemed that the combination of his lack of breathing over the past few seconds, with his indignation had turned Jones into a spluttering mess.
“Those are the actual reasons”.
“Y-you! You’re evil!” Jones pointed at Hammond’s smug face, “h-how could you! And… and… wait! Were! What do you mean were!”
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Jones looked at the calendar he’d plastered to the ceiling above his bed. The boxes all had red X through them, except for the last day of this month, which was circled. Tomorrow, he turned ten. And as was tradition for Hammond’s family – his family now – he would set out on his journey.
To awaken his mana Jones would need to meditate a lot. While he could just sit in the living room and meditate, it would take him years that way, rather, it was faster for him to travel to a mana dense area and do it there. Having planned this journey for months, Jones felt relatively prepared to take on the challenge. More prepared than other kids were at least, even some of the older ones. The journey to awaken mana was sacred, at least that’s what his class-teachers said, Hammond said otherwise. Hammond thought it was a bit cruel to send a bunch of kids out into the wilderness, but he still understood the merits of the system. The kids would return as adults, having gained unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships. The difference between kids who had gone and returned to those who’d been cooped up at home was startling to both Jones and Hammond. Most Conspiracies had a refusal policy for anyone who had been assisted by their family or backers during their journey because of this wide gap in maturity.
Thinking over his imminent journey reminded Jones of his father’s.
Jones’ father had joined the Scholastic Conspiracy at age 16. Hammond had some connections in the Scholastic Conspiracy and had accessed his records during the investigation all those years ago. Apparently, after leaving at 11 and awakening his mana at 12, he travelled the continent, honing his skills and seeing the world, with a brief stint at the Training Conspiracy, before finally reaching the Scholastic Conspiracy. This was a relatively standard journey according to Hammond. He had also won 66 battles and lost 104 at his time of joining. A decent record for a Scholar, but still quite reserved in the scheme of things. Kids on their journey often battled hundreds of times, aiming to compete in age restricted tournaments for valuable prizes or to become good enough battlers to attempt the trial circuit and push their mana skills to new heights.
Moonlight shone through Jones’ open window, highlighting his young face, light brown hair and dark green eyes. Jones had always wished his eyes were a more luminous emerald green, rather than the forest green he had been born with. Though Jones would never know, the moonlight filtering through his room somewhat had this effect.
Some mutual respect went a long way between the Detective and the Scholars, and they’d maintained a good working relationship through the years. Hammond had once asked Jones if he wanted to join the Scholastic Conspiracy, implying the possibility of pulling a few strings.
Jones refused. Claiming he didn’t like their dark blue and black colour scheme and wanted to become a detective anyway.
He still found Hammond’s reaction to his flawless reasoning quite amusing.
Turning away from the calendar with a smile, Jones set his – very fashionable – green and white frog alarm clock to a 5:55 wake up, five minutes earlier than usual, and closed his eyes.
…
The fragmented remnants of his earliest memories played in his mind, settling his anxiousness. Winter scenery from a picnic blanket by the lakeside. His father was shirtless, dripping wet, and shivering. His tall, muscled build gently imposed on the white scenery. Jones could hear an echo of his own child-like voice, it felt far too distant to be his own, “strenf and per-sis-ent”, the declaration was met with beautiful smiles and overflowing love from both his parents and the vision faded away.
Strength and persistence. Jones thought to himself as he drifted off. Strength and persistence.