James stands crying as Mercury stands next to him
Mercury
James, I'm sorry.
I wish I could've told you back when we met each other, who could have guessed that would be where I die.
Still, for what it's worth, I'm glad to have died next to my son.
James mumbles something under his breath
James
…M…s…ry…
Mercury
Hm?
James hugs Mercury
James
I'm sorry!
I said so many awful things to you!
Mercury
Don't apologize, it was my fault you couldn't remember anything.
I'm just glad that I was able to meet you again in this place.
James
Speaking of which, where are we?
Mercury places a finger on James' forehead
Mercury
We're in here…
Mercury bumps James' chest with his fist
Mercury
…but we're alive because of this.
James
What does that mean?
You're alive? That can't be right, I held your dead body.
Am I imagining all of this?
Mercury
Nope, I'm real as can be, though, I am in fact still dead.
I'm alive in more of a spiritual sense.
If I had to say, it was Manifestos keeping us alive.
James
Huh?
Mercury
Manifestos have far more power and potential than I ever would have thought.
I wish I could have learned more.
James
What's that supposed to mean?
Mercury
Oh, I thought I already told you I'm dead.
What you're talking to is my Manifesto.
James
How does that work?
Mercury
If I had to guess, I would say it's like the energy that creates Manifestos is what's really connecting us.
James
…
I'm sorry, I'm lost again
What "energy"?
Mercury
I'm sure you've experienced the phenomenon of black flames before.
James
The black flames?
Are you saying, they're what create Manifestos?
Mercury
Now you're understanding!
Whatever it is that makes up those black flames is what creates Manifestos, those black flames are the excess energy from creating them.
My theory is that when we experienced one another's Manifestos, this energy got entwined, allowing me to appear here.
James
So when you said this is your Manifesto, you meant this was a part of yourself that attached itself to me.
Mercury
Bingo!
In theory, everyone should have these levels to a degree, but no one really knows what lets some people develop Manifestos, and others not.
Whether it's all divine intervention, something you're born with, or plain luck, I don't know how many decades it could take for us to find out, but something I'm certain of is I wish I could see it with my own eyes.
I know it's awfully rude of a deadman to ask for a second final request, especially after you granted the first one, but you're a detective, so after all of this is done and you've defeated that guy with the black hair, could you investigate Manifestos for me?
James
I think you mean "if I win"
Mercury
No. When you win.
Don't forget who trained you after all, I'm sure if anyone could defeat that monster, it's you.
James smiles as his hair is engulfed in the flames again and begins to blacken slightly more
James
Thank you, Mercury.
Thank you for everything.
Mercury
Don't mention it, now, time for me to get going, there are other people who want to talk with you.
James
Others?
Mercury
I told you, didn't I?
I'm here because our Manifestos came into contact, so in theory, you should be connected with each person that's ever come into contact with your Manifesto.
James
Then, why can't they all manifest themselves here right now?
Mercury
I could only do it because I died, so now, this is the largest piece of me left.
It's the same for everyone else that has died, only their consciousnesses will manifest here.
Goodbye now, James.
If you ever need help again, I'll come back from the grave a second time to help you, just like I did today.
James
Heh, thanks, I'll keep that in mind!
Mercury fades into black flames
???
Well, wasn't that sweet?
I thought he'd never leave.
James goes rigid as a bead of sweat drips down his forehead
James
What do you want?
???
Ouch, that's cold of you.
Is that anyway to greet an old friend?
James
Where do you get off calling us friends?
Leave here right now, Chuck.
The figure speaking is revealed to be Chuck
Chuck
Oh good, I was worried you had changed after all the hard work I put in.
James
What the hell are you talking about?
Chuck
You wouldn't believe how happy I was when I died.
Most people hate the thought of their own deaths, but I could and did die happily if I was killed by you.
James
And why is that?
Chuck
It's easier to show you, isn't it?
Why don't we think back to the day we first met…
Transition into flashback
A police officer is standing in front of a desk
Police officer 1
To be completely honest with you, I feel ashamed beyond words right now to be asking a kid for help, but you came highly recommended and all of your cases were solved with efficiency and accuracy.
You're only 16, but I just know you'll go places.
The figure behind the desk is revealed to be a younger James
James 16
Enough of the sweet-talk, do you mind cutting to the chase?
Police officer 2
Hey, watch your tone, you brat!
C'mon Eddy, we don't need to be wasting our time with this punk
Police officer 1
What are you saying?
You know as well as I do that we haven't been making any progress, even the chief himself recommends the kid.
As far as I'm concerned, he could curse my whole family and I'd be fine with it if it means stopping the bastard on the streets.
Police officer 2
Whatever you say, just be ready to hear a lot of "I told you so"s from me when the kid gives up.
Police officer 1
Sorry about him, I'm here today to request your help with a case that's had us stumped.
I'm sure you must have heard of the string of arsons and murders that have been occurring around town recently, we've been having a hard time pinning down a culprit or even any suspects.
There's no connection between the cases other than the crimes themselves and the period of time.
Our leading theory is that it's a group–
James 16
I'll stop you right there.
I don't want any of your ideas clouding my own.
Police officer 2
Hey, watch your mouth, brat!
We're on the same side here!
James 16
I understand that, I simply want to approach the case as best I can without any knowledge other than the reports.
Just so you know, I refuse any reports with even a hint of bias in them.
If one of those folders contains the personal opinion or theories of any of your "detectives," you might as well rip it up rather than handing it to me.
Police officer 2
Are you saying you won't use our reports because of your stupid policies?
James 16
It's not that I won't use your reports, it's more I don't even need them in the first place.
Police officer 1 & 2
!?
Police officer 2
What's that supposed to mean?!
Police officer 1
I can't say I follow either.
James 16
You'd be surprised how much people can hear, especially in a big city like this.
I have enough connections that your reports won't be helpful.
Of course, if I solve the case using my connections alone, I'll also be taking the credit. Alone.
How would it look to your boss if a 16 year old "brat" solved a case that you and your opinionated reports couldn't?
I don't think he'd be too happy about that, what about you?
Police officer 2
Why you…
Forget this!
We tried, let's just get back to it on our own.
Police officer 1
I'm sorry about him, like I said before, I could care less about the credit, I just want this monster behind bars.
If it means working with you and leaving out opinions from the reports, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
So please, work with us.
Use your connections and our resources and stop this monster before he claims another victim.
Police officer 2 stares in silence for a few minutes as James smiles
James 16
Your friend could learn a thing or two from you.
I don't want this guy on the streets anymore than you do.
I'd be happy to work with you on this case.
Police officer 1 smiles
Police officer 1
Thank you so much! Let's get started right away!
James 16
I wasn't finished.
I'll work with you on this case…
…but not him.
Police officer 2
Huh!?
Why the hell not!?
James 16
Anyone who loses their temper that quickly over a difference in opinion isn't fit for this line of work.
To be a good investigator, you need to be able to keep a level head.
You'd be a liability during the investigation, and I know my connections.
There's no way they'd feel comfortable talking with a guy like him around.
It's better for everyone if you would just leave now.
Police officer 2
Ha, there's no way we'd agree to that, right Eddy?
Police officer 1
…
Police officer 2
Andrew?
Police officer 1
I'm sorry, it's for the best.
I'll meet you back at the station.
Police officer 2 clenches his fist as he turns around
Police officer 2
I won't forget this, brat.
James 16
And that's why I won't work with you.
Outside, police officer 2 takes off his hat and is revealed to be Chuck
Chuck (young)
That brat really grinds my gears…
And I can't believe Eddy wouldn't support me, some partner he is.
I need to blow off some steam.
Chuck plays with a lighter in one of his hands