The Beginning

Prologue: The Festival

The thing is, I don't have much free time, Delvins.

Read.

A notification sound heard through the air.

Oh, come on! It's like, once per three years! And I don't have all the time in this world, Kate.

A woman in a black suit sat on the café booth for the last three minutes. The sound of clicking is everywhere; fingers tapping the keyboard so fast that people don't even realise that there is those annoying typing sounds – they are too used to it. Katherine Smith, the woman, is chatting with her friend.

The Riddle Festival is finally here in the town. Not every day you can see a lot of cryptographer in town. Not every day you can see a really lot of certain fictional detective, dressing in their remarkable outfit.

Contemplating, Kate tries to weigh the pros and cons of going to the festival. Reports. Reports are everywhere. There are lots of journals to look up to, a lot of seminars to attend to. But there is nothing in this whole world that could stop her to meet that one friend. Not fame, not money, nothing; this is a golden opportunity that Kate will certainly happy to take. Who knows when he will be gone from this world... literally, given his profession? No appointment from any clients too; and that is definitely a big, valid argument.

It will be worth it.

-

"I'm here, Kate, come on!"

"Of course you are. Oh, hi! There you are! Standing all proud in this big, crowded, ocean of people!" she said sarcastically. Irritated; Kate have never exactly been a fan of a place full of crowds.

"I'm just outside the main entrance, Kate. You remember my face, right?"

Delvinski keeps talking to her on the phone; adding even more headache to her head. Looking around through so many faces, she got lost in her memory of the photo that Delvinski sent her about two months ago.

"I do, but my head is aching now. I give up! I've been in the main entrance for so long, D, can you come to me? I'm in my black jacket."

"Well, then, stay where you are!"

Delvinski hangs up the call. Stepping back a little bit, Kate standing in the place near main entrance where she gets protected from the sun rays by the trees. Looking through her work phone again and again, checking her reports that is far from finished. This better has to worth it, she said in her mind. I'm curious about this man, anyway.

"Hey?"

Kate shoots her head up, seeing a blond man in late 20. A pair of green eyes met her dark ones.

"Uh, Kate, right?"

Delvinski's face looks so much different, yet so much similar with the photo he once sent her. The physical appearance seems the same, but the gaze and basically his vibe is different – feels somehow wiser, and more tired – as if he's been through a lot lately.

"Delvins? It's really you!"

She takes a step closer, wrapping Delvinski in a light hug. Delvinski returns the hug with a deep chuckle.

"We finally meet, Kate!"

He pulls back slightly, taking in Kate's appearance. His eyes are full of joy, as if Kate was a long lost friend he finally met.

"You look so much better in person than just a picture, Kate," Delvinski said. Kate laughs and smacked Delvinski on his arm.

"You're not bad yourself. I think you look good in casual clothes, Delvins,"

"Oh, come on, don't start," he said. "But it's good to wear this kind of clothing. I'm getting tired of uniforms," he laughs.

After a long conversation, Kate and Delvinski decided to enter the festival. It's kind of weird that the usually peaceful park turns into a big festival like this. Everyone from different town was looking forward to the festival, and now they are here with lots of friends.

Delvinski walks in front, eyes scanning the park pretty well like an eagle searching its prey. A lot of people surrounding at one spot attract his gaze.

"Kate, let's see what's in there!"

"But, the ice cream..."

"Aww, Kate, come on..."

Two ice creams later, the two friends finally arrive to the place where people seems to be heading for. A fair size of tent in black, grey, and white, appears in sight. Walking in the dark coloured tent, a lot of light is coming from screen. Futuristic presentation is being given, and everyone seems to be in awe seeing the high-tech doing its job.

But it hasn't even started yet. The man who seems to be the moderator, muttering something, head tilted to his left – he was wearing an earpiece in his left ear. After saying something, the man raise his head up again to the audience; proud smile is plastered to his face.

"So, welcome to the presentation of Detective Skills Competition 2013!"

-

Some people standing. Some people sitting on the chairs given. Some people just take a glance and go, but let's just say that everyone seems to be curious of this competition... or the presentation. "It's so cool!" is constantly being heard.

Apparently, the competition is to start next month, 7th April. From this moment and until last March they are open for sign up. Everyone is okay to join, as long as they can attend to it. The competition is a knocked-out system where someone or some group of people will be out each week, depending on the game.

Kate's eyes are so wide right now, knowing her interest and passion to this kind of things. Hopeful eyes are shown directly to the other pair of eyes in front of her – Delvinski's.

Groaning, Delvinski took a step back from her.

"Oh my God, Kate... Don't give me that look!" Delvinski said, while throwing his hand up in the air. Exaggerating? Maybe, but Delvinski loves doing it.

"Come on, you drag me here! Pretty please..."

Delvinski sighed, and shoot a glare to Kate.

"Fine, but I can't promise... I mean, if one day, work calls me, I have to go. Though I really don't want to," he said, and then smirked. "It would be my pleasure to accompany such a good lady on her quest of becoming the queen of deduction."

"Delvins!"

He could really get used to be smacked on his arms from now on.