Legendary Detective Where the World Begins: Legendary Detective, #3

Legendary Detective Where the World Begins

By

Kaye Wagner

Text copyright © January 2014, Kaye Wagner

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission from the author.

Contents

Story 8: Carnival to Life

Story 9: The Test

Story 10: Grand Encounters

Story 11: Legends of Life

Story 12: Last Dance

Author notes:

Story 8: Carnival to Life

With barricades parting the streets from the sidewalks, Kirin marched forward, looking on with wonder at the hustle of the city workers as they decorated the dull grey partitions with festive and colorful material. While they toiled at the barricades, a few other workers climbed to the tops of ladders, hanging banners that crossed the streets from side to side and stretched down the bustling Downtown Sector as far as Kirin’s eyes could see. Moving through the open streets absent of any jeep or large vehicle, Kirin noticed local vendors and shop owners following in suit with the city workers, happily decorating the fronts of their stores in kind with the festive tone set up by the city staff.

Kirin raised an eyebrow in wonder. What is going on out here?

Haha... Lee chuckled under his breath as he walked beside Kirin. It’s time. He clapped his hands once with a devious expression wearing on his face as excitement lit up in his eyes.

Time for what? Kirin asked.

Time for when the food is grilled, the streets packed, the music jumping, the crowds pleasing, the ladies willing, and where the party doesn’t stop til morning, Whoa! It’s Carnival time.

What are you talking about?

Ha! Lee said with a grin on his face as he wrapped an arm around Kirin. It’s festival time, you genius idiot. He chuckled to the distaste of Kirin who pushed his arm off his shoulder.

What Festival? Kirin asked.

It’s—

It’s the Legend’s Festival to be exact. a feminine voice from behind Lee leapt over his words.

Both Kirin and Lee turned around to see Candice in her tribal garb, trailing them from a distance.

Lee looked at her with surprise. Y-You’re still here? He said looking over her appealing long robes that accentuated her curves.

Of course. Candice replied as she glanced at a few children passing by her in the middle of a heated game of touch and go. I did say I would accompany you today, right?

Lee smiled at her words before turning to Kirin and nudging him on the shoulder. I think she likes me. he whispered.

Kirin smirked at his comment. Seize the moment then. He said in amusement before passing a glance at Candice, meeting her fixated eyes. No, not merely fixated, but looking past him as if she could see something beside him that he could not see himself. Seeing her look at him with so much focus reminded Kirin of the parting words of yesterday’s nemesis, Cliven, Big Wolf’s caretaker and guard, advising him to beware of those close to him. Perhaps he was referring to the young tribe’s woman tailing him as if she had some claim over his shadow. Kirin grimaced at the thought of facing her, not ever truly knowing all of the intricacies of the distant tribes, nor with the complete knowledge of whatever talent Candice held between her flesh, skin, and mind.

Turning away from her gaze, Kirin looked on ahead at some of the vendor’s shops being set up at the side of the street, each of them hanging decorative caricatures of strange looking beasts from their stalls. Some pictures were of animals familiar to Kirin: elephants, wolves, tigers and the like, while others evaded Kirin’s knowledge. What is that? Kirin asked as he approached one vendors stall, pointing at a long necked beast that stood on four legs.

It’s a Giraffe, Detective Rin. The hefty vendor at the candy stall said happily as he set up his equipment.

Kirin looked at the man awkwardly after hearing himself called out as a detective with his nickname being the identifier.

Isn’t it crazy, Mr. Agus? Lee said stepping beside Kirin, talking to the vendor. The Detective here hasn’t been to the Legends Festival before. He doesn’t know up from down when it comes to this afternoon’s festivity.

Ohoo! the hefty vendor Agus hollered in excitement as he lowered a few boxes. You’re in for a wild ride then if this is your first Legends Festival.

What is it? Kirin asked, his curiosity piqued.

Agus, the vendor, waved at a young teenage girl beside him dressed in the same white apron, eventually pointing towards snacks. Let’s give you your usual first, Mr. Detective, this time it’s on the house... Agus said looking at Kirin with interest. You know Detective Rin, I believe this is the most I’ve ever talked to you—you usually just point to your order and walk away.

Kirin looked at the vendor uncomfortably. Well, I consider brief encounters the best kind.

Hahaha... Agus laughed. Then you’ll like the Legends Festival, it’s all about brief encounters with others, whether they be human beings or of the beastly kind.

Then what’s with the celebration?

Hehe... Lee chuckled as he patted Kirin on the back. "It’s in the name, the Legends are returning from their journeys into the Grey Forest. Today’s the day they arrive with all their big ‘Game’ hunts, caged and ready to go on display as they march through the streets down to the High-End Sector to be held in the Zoos there. Lee looked around at the children laughing and joking in the once trafficked filled streets. For most people in the Common Sectors, this is their one and only chance to see some of the ‘Game’ animals the Legends capture. It’s an exciting time in the year for everyone."

Also, Vendor Agus added. It’s the only time we get to celebrate our benefactors after their hard work and effort. This city is being built on their yearly outings into the Grey Forest. Today’s the day we honor them with great merriment and joy.

And some fun and games. Lee smirked as a young teenage girl approached him and Kirin, handing them some cotton candy sticks.

Here you go. The young girl said handing them their sweets before skulking away.

Enjoy your treats, young Detective. Agus said. You deserve it for your hard work. Agus slightly bowed his head. Consider all your next orders from me on the house. He smiled.

Kirin looked at the vendor awkwardly. Ok. Thanks. I’ll take full advantage of your offer.

By all means. Agus smiled brightly as Kirin and Lee walked away. Distancing himself from the vendor stall, Kirin glanced from the corner of his eyes at all the waving vendors and shop owners, looking at him as they threw their gestures of gratitude in his direction. Surprised by their friendliness, Kirin sped up his walk through the Downtown Markets.

Scared of being loved, are you? A feminine voice leapt from behind Kirin.

Looking over his back, Kirin saw the warm smile of Candice as she played with some children walking beside her, waiting for her to finish shaping a paper crane into form.

While Kirin stared at Candice, Lee stepped forward, looking in her direction. I’m not scared of love. Lee said as he took a bite out of his cotton candy stick. I’m loves greatest advocate. Ask any back alley dealer to storefront vendor who the most loveable guy is in these streets, they’ll all say the same name, Cool beans Lee.

Candice smiled, amused by Lee’s words as she finished shaping a piece of paper into a crane she handed to the children gathered around her. No need to ask that many people, She said looking towards Kirin. I could just ask your sister Jade, and she would tell me all the same things you’re saying now.

Lee blushed at her words. Well, if you asked Jade, she’d probably add a few unnecessary and embarrassing details. Lee rubbed the back of his head bashfully before waving her over. Hey, why don’t you come join us instead of chasing our tails?

Candice chuckled at Lee’s words, only glancing at him as she approached them, breaking off from her distant stalking of their movements.

Kirin, lifting up his guard as she neared them, quickly turned around, taking a swift first step forward, but as he pressed on ahead, he quickly crashed into the small frame of a boy running. Knocking the young child down in their collision, Kirin lowered his line of sight, eventually seeing a young boy with wild raven black hair and brown eyes picking himself off the ground.

Sorry Sir! the boy said politely as he patted down his khaki shorts and jacket. Clearing out the dust that gathered on his threads, the young boy soon lifted his head up, catching a glimpse of Kirin’s guarded expressions as he looked over to Candice who walked towards the young boy with a sweet smile on her face.

Are you alright? she asked. You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?

The young boy looked at Candice with surprise for a moment. You’re very pretty. He said frankly.

Candice chuckled as she fixed the boys shaggy hair before patting him on the shoulder. And you’re very honest, aren’t you?

Kirin, watching her interaction with the young boy, looked at the direction of Candice’s eyes, seeing them looking past the young visage of the boy towards the nothingness behind him. What was she looking at, Kirin asked himself. However, as he posed this question, the young boy standing in front of him turned his gaze towards him, his eyes sparkling with interest and wonder.

Are you the Detective? the boy asked enthusiastically.

Kirin looked at the boy awkwardly. Maybe. What’s it to you?

The young boy’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm with the slight confirmation from Kirin. Hello great Detective Rin. Let me introduce myself. The boy straightened his back. I’m Hiro, orphan, and soon to be future great Legend of the Grey Forest.

Kirin raised an eyebrow as he looked at the young boy’s overconfident demeanor. And... Kirin tilted his head in wonder. What does that have to do with me? Go find a Legend to gloat to. I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear of your aspirations.

Hiro smiled at Kirin’s suggestion. That’s why I need you, Detective Rin.

Candice looked on with concern at where the young Hiro was taking this line of conversation with Kirin. What do you mean you need his help? For what exactly? she asked.

Hiro clenched his fist with determination in his eyes. "I want to become a Legend, and to do that, I need to find the examination area for Legends.

Whoa! Lee said half surprised and impressed. Are you serious? You’re just a kid, you’ll never find the examination area, even if you do, they’ll push you out of the Legends test.

Kirin shook his head, not fully comprehending their conversation. What are you talking about? Legends test? What is that?

Lee patted Kirin on the back. You really don’t know anything about this city. The Legends test, it’s held every year, the same time as the Legends Festival. In fact, some of the Legends returning here today are those who passed the test last year...

So, Kirin turned to Lee, an amused expression on his face. Can I expect battle hardened children Legends like our little friend here in the middle of today’s parade?

Hahaha, no way. Lee laughed. Kids never tryout for the test, it’s too hard. And you know something is hard when most people that try out for it don’t even pass the first test. Last year, I think about three hundred people tried out, and from what I remember, only twenty five passed the first round.

Kirin raised an eyebrow in interest. What is the first test? he asked.

Easy. Hiro said with a confident look in his eyes. The first test is to find the testing center.

What? Are you serious? Kirin asked.

Lee chuckled. "It’s true. I don’t know who set up the rules, but it’s been like that for a while now. So every year now, you get hundreds of tourist gathering in the city to the delight of the vendors of the Market and High-End Sector. And you know what everyone one of these tourists has in common? All of them are chasing a dream to become a Legend of the Grey Forest.

Kirin cracked a smile, his interest and excitement wearing on his face easily. Seeing this eager look of curiosity on Kirin’s face, Candice looked on with concern at Hiro who stood still beside her, his face full of excitement.

Why? Candice asked Hiro, unsettled by the boy’s enthusiasm for the hunt. You seem like an honest boy Hiro, but why are you so interested in the killing and capturing of wild beast?

Why? Hiro said with a clueless look on his face before a look of resolve washed over him. It’s because this is the greatest challenge a person could ever make, he said with determination in his eyes. Joining the Hunting Party and chasing the wild beasts of the Grey Forest, discovering new animals, plant life, or forgotten treasure in the mines, so many different things to be found there. The Grey Forest is uncharted land, just the thrill of learning something new on a fresh journey is enough for me to take up the challenge of becoming a Legend, a hero among man.

Candice frowned at his words. You read and listen to a lot of the island myths, don’t you?

Yeah! Hiro said excitedly. I love reading or listening about the old legends and their journeys. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to become a Legend. He said with a proud look on his face. To go against all odds, to make your own destiny, just like the Legends in the myths and old folklore. Just like my Mother told me.

They’re not real. Candice replied. They’re just stories.

It doesn’t matter if they’re just stories. They inspire me to do better. And that’s why I want to challenge myself. And the best way to do that is to become a Legend.

Candice stared in silence at the determined expression on Hiro’s face, made uncomfortable by this boy’s focus on what she saw as a dangerous path.

Noticing this uncomfortable atmosphere around Candice, Kirin stepped up to Hiro with a smile on his face. He nodded his head at the boy’s enthusiasm. And you want me to help you find this testing center, I’m assuming.

Exactly. Hiro bowed his head respectfully. I do not have the money to afford your services, but once I become a Legend, I will split the first big treasure I discover with you to break the cost of you helping me find the testing center. Hiro looked on with a straightforward expression on his face that wore as easily as Kirin’s confident smile. Taking in his gesture, Kirin glanced over to Candice who looked on disapprovingly with arms crossed. Seeing the concern in her eyes over the boy and the glances of disdain she gave back to him, Kirin smirked.

Fine, Kirin answered. We’ll go search for your test.

Yes! Hiro pumped his fist.

Candice grimaced at the situation, immediately rushing over to Kirin and grabbing him by the arm, pulling him away from the excited young boy to the other side of the empty streets.

What’re you doing?! She said in frustration. Why did you agree to help that boy?

What? Kirin said annoyed. Why not? It sounds like fun, looking for this mysterious testing ground, I mean. Plus, I always wanted to find out more about the Legends Union. I know so little about them that it annoys the hell out of me every time they’re mentioned.

Candice shook her head in disgust. Egotistical maniac. Can’t you even see who you are? What you do to others by just being yourself?

What are you talking about? Kirin scoffed.

I’m talking about you. You’re a storm, Kirin. You come with clouds and warning signs but no one sees them, charmed by the cool breeze and shade you give, only to be betrayed by your easy comforts as your whirlwind hurricanes tear down their lives and scar their morals.

Kirin looked at the intense eyes of Candice as she gave her impassioned speech. Confused by her sudden emotionally charged words, Kirin pulled his arm away from Candice’s grip. I don’t know what you’re on about, but I’ll do what I please.

And what you please will kill that boy. Candice said in a commanding tone, grabbing Kirin’s attention.

Kirin, looking at Candice’s hardened expression, noticed her eyes glance to his sides with a wary gaze. What are you looking at? Kirin said annoyed.

"Your Shadow." She replied.

"Shadow? Kirin shook his head. I thought you couldn’t see Shadows without a familiar environment?" Kirin said with his frustration growing.

Candice smirked, nodding her head slightly. So you’ve read up about my tribe. I’m impressed. But something that’s unwritten about their rituals and skills is that familiarity extends out the longer you live somewhere. For you, this is a familiar environment. Whether you believe it or not, you made this place into some sort of home. Your energy is connected to this part of the Sector—maybe this entire city with the way you move.

You’re kidding me? I’ve been here for little over three months. Kirin said in disbelief before shaking his head dismissively. I don’t even know why I believe your tribal nonsense. It’s not based on any fact or backed by scientific proof.

Then why did you even study about our ways?

Kirin gritted his teeth in frustration at her question. Because not knowing what’s in front of me is annoying! he shouted at Candice. "And even if I have to study some half-baked religion or tribal myths and lore’s, I will do my best to make any cloudy mystery as clear as the blue skies to me. So leave me be while I take this case to simply do just that. If you don’t agree with me, then leave and go chase your mythical ‘Shadows’ on your own."

Kirin stepped away in a fit of anger that wore uncomfortably in his walk towards the waiting eyes of Hiro and Lee who watched on from a distance with interested eyes.

Hey, Lee said as Kirin rejoined them. What’s got you and my new girl so heated back there?

Nothing that matters. Kirin replied, feeling his breaths light and uneven, still frustrated in a way he was not used to being. Knowing he was acting out of character, Kirin slowed down his breathing along with the rush of his thoughts. Letting his mind calm down, he felt the burst of emotions that let out in his discussion with Candice simmer down as the seconds passed, soon gaining the focus he prepared as his interest grew with the young boy Hiro’s request for them to find the Legend’s Testing grounds.

Now. Kirin said as a smile cracked on his face. Legends, Legends, what can we find on Legend’s in a city built on their labor.

Easy. Lee snapped his fingers. We can go to the Martial Arts studios in the upper side in the Legends sector.

Yes! Hiro agreed.

Good idea. Kirin snapped his fingers. But not yet.

Hiro looked on confused. "Huh? Why