I Am Never Going Back!!!

“Master?”

“Hmm, what is it Helena?” Alex turned his head.

“We are supposed to be on the lookout for the ‘Restoration Initiative’, right?”

“Correct.”

“If that’s so then… why are we in Starbucks?”

Helena glanced around the café. Dozens of customers stood patiently in line, waiting for their coffee.

“Because if we’re going to investigate a tip from an anonymous source that I am 75% sure is bullshit, I’m at least getting coffee first.”

“But Master, we have coffee back at the office.”

“I meant coffee that actually tastes like coffee.”

***

A while later, the two sat at a table.

“Master… If you were positive that the tip is fake…”

“Never said I was positive, I said I was 75% sure.”

Alexander took a sip of his coffee.

“25% is worth a patrol.”

Helena’s eyes widened. “Oh, I see!”

She opened her notebook. “Master’s Principle #22: Doubt is never an excuse to avoid proper investigation.”

Alex stared at her. “… Sure.”

***

The two patrolled through one of the city’s quieter districts.

“Umm Master, why are we patrolling this area? it’s relatively secure, and it’s not one of our usual routes.”

“Exactly.”

“Yes?”

“The police are covering the main streets. The rest of our squad is checking the usual hotspots. If I were a half-decent terrorist, I’d plan around both and find someplace the authorities wouldn’t usually bother checking.”

“Wow, I’d never considered that.”

Alex shrugged. “Merely lessons I learned from my long years of service, you’ll learn them too in time.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Alex turned away.

Truth be told, I just don’t want to deal with the Restoration Initiative if I don’t have to.

Helena’s really eager to catch them.

Personally, I’d rather not risk my life fighting a bunch of wannabe medieval knights.

***

A few uneventful hours later…

Helena slumped in disappointment. “Aw man… nothing happened.”

Alex made a subtle smile. “All according to plan.”

“What was that, Master?”

Alex cleared his throat. “Ah… I mean, I guess the tip turned out to be a bust after all.”

“I guess. No word from the rest of the squad either.”

“Oh well, you can’t win them all. Let’s head back, Helena.”

“All right…”

Just as Alex thought he was finally going to have a quiet day…

“Master, did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

Helena sprinted toward a nearby warehouse.

“Helena!” Alex called as he chased after her.

Alex entered the warehouse and saw something troubling.

Several people wearing jackets embroidered with the crest of a medieval shield loading wooden crates (most likely explosives) into a truck.

… Actually, that bit wasn’t the troubling part.

The troubling part was that Helena’s sudden entrance caught everyone’s attention!

Restoration Initiative?! Here?!

Helena looked at the truck. “Master, that’s the stolen truck from this morning’s briefing. So, they were using it to hide themselves.”

Helena smiled at Alex. “Amazing, Master! You predicted even this!”

Alex looked at Helena’s amazement then looked around the warehouse.

This place has no strategical benefits! It has terrible escape routes. It’s exposed from at least 3 directions. And it’s so close to public eye. What were they thinking?!

The Restoration Initiative members glared at them.

“Tch, feds. How did they find us?!”

“It doesn’t matter, there’s only 2 of them, just kill them before they can call for backup!”

Alex glanced at the crowd surrounding them.

“Helena, there’s way too many of them, we need to r-“

“Rile them up! Great idea, Master!”

“Wait, that’s not-“

Helena yelled at the top of her lungs.

“Hear me scum! Before you stands Senior Special Agent Alexander Graves of the FCIB’s Counterterrorism Division!

“Or as your kind knows him… the Gravekeeper!”

The Restoration Initiatives gasped.

“The Gravekeeper!”

All the while, Alex buried his face in his hands.

Really should’ve taken that telemarketer job offer.

One member, clearly their leader, stepped forward.

“Well well well… Alexander Graves. We meet again, my mortal enemy!”

“…Who are you?” Alex asked, genuinely confused.

Helena looked at the man. “Master, that scum right there is Victor Lyn. He was one of the people running the drug ring you took down a month ago.”

Victor yelled. “You’ve arrested my boyfriend that faithful day!”

Alex scratched his head. “I thought your group’s whole thing was bringing back the Middle Ages. Pretty sure that would make your relationship a bit… complicated?”

Victor clenched his fist. “Enough!”

He drew a sword and pointed it at Alex. “Take his head!”

At his command, the other members drew an assortment of medieval weapons and aimed them at the two agents.

“We’ve successfully riled them up, Master,” Helen said with a cheerful smile.

“… Great.”

“Let’s do this, Master!” Helen said as she drew her pistol.

Alex let out a quiet sigh and drew his own.

***

After an intense fight scene that was definitely not omitted because the author couldn’t choreograph combat to save his life… The terrorists were defeated.

As backup arrived to apprehend the terrorists, the two stood by and watched.

“You were spectacular, Master!”

Completely drained, Alex simply stared at her. “… You too.”

One of these days, she’s gonna get us both killed.

Helena furrowed her brow. “Though I have to wonder, why did the Restoration Initiative choose this warehouse?”

“Yeah, I wondered about that too.”

“But that’s when I realized something, Master. I don’t think anybody else would have bothered checking this place. So, if you hadn't brought us here, we would never have found them.”

“Yeah, I noticed how shocked they looked when we found them. Almost like they knew for a fact that nobody would be patrolling this area.”

“But, Master. Our patrol routes aren’t finalized until the day of the investigation. Even if the Restoration Initiative were watching us. They shouldn't have been so certain we wouldn't come here.”

Alex sighed. “Great… That means someone's been leaking our plans to the Restoration Initiative.”

Helena gasped. “Really Master? Is it someone within our ranks?”

Alex shook his head. “I doubt it. They would need days to scout the warehouse, steal a truck, and coordinate the raid. And our guys only know the patrol routes the day we do.”

“So, are you saying that it's one of the higher ups?”

“I hope not.”

“Why, Master?”

“Because if it is, there's little I can do.”

Helena tilted her head.

“Even if I could figure out which superior leaked the routes, accusing them without proof would end my career.”

Not like that'd be a bad thing… but still.

“Well, I’m not worried, Master.”

“…Really? Why’s that?”

Helena smiled, her eyes filled with admiration. “Easy! Master’s Principle #15: Justice always wins in the end.”

“Sure… anyway, I have a report to file. So, let’s head back, Helena.”

“Of course, Master!”

***

Back at the Federal Criminal Investigation Bureau headquarters, Alex made his way to the chief’s office and was greeted by an applause by the chief himself.

“Another splendid work, Agent Graves.”

“Nearly died this time, Chief…”

The chief let out a hearty laugh. “That’s a good one. Bet you knew the entire time that the two of you would be enough to take those terrorists down, right?”

Alex slumped over.

Seriously, why does even the chief think of me like that?

The chief sighed.

“If only the higher-ups can see how much you and your team do to protect this city from those terrorists.”

“The higher-ups giving you trouble again, Chief?”

The chief rubbed his forehead.

“You weren’t supposed to hear about this yet, but allegedly, some critical evidence in the case against the Restoration Initiative’s leaders was discovered to be missing earlier today.”

“That can’t be, Chief. Our evidence vault is one of the most secure places in the Bureau. The Restoration Initiative couldn’t have stolen it without someone noticing.”

“Exactly, the higher-ups thought the same thing.”

The chief frowned. “Which is why they’re blaming us for the missing evidence instead.”

“That’s bullshit and they know it! We were the ones who risked our lives to secure that evidence!”

“Calm yourself, Agent Graves. There’s no need for you to worry. If the worst comes to pass, I’ll take the blame myself.”

“But, Chief-“

Just then, a realization struck me.

If the chief took responsibility, it’ll likely only mean a slap on the wrist for him.

But if someone lower down the chain… like me… took the fall.

… I’ll be forced to resign.

This is… Jackpot!

Alex cleared his throat. “Chief, there’s no need for you to tarnish your reputation. I’ll take responsibility and resign from the FCIB.”

The chief eyes widened. “Agent Graves, you can’t do this!”

Alex removed his badge and placed it on the desk. “I’ll submit the paperwork as soon as possible. Thank you… for everything, Chief Ryon”

***

The next day, Alex walked out of FCIB headquarters carrying his belongings, his expression perfectly neutral (And definitely not holding back the urge to sing the final fantasy victory music).

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed behind him.

“Master!”

“Came to see me off, Helena?”

“Is it true, Master? Are you really resigning?”

“Yes.”

“But why?!”

“It is a leader’s duty to protect their subordinates.”

“But you can’t leave! FCIB needs you! Our team needs you! I need you!”

Alex put his belongings down and tapped Helena’s shoulder.

“Helena, remember what I told you the best way a student can repay their teacher?”

“To… surpass them.”

“Precisely, there’s nothing left for me to teach you. Given enough time, I know that you’ll become an agent who surpasses even me.”

“Master….”

“Helena, I now leave the counterterrorism division in your capable hands. Take care of it in my stead.”

Helena lowered her head, tears streaming down her face while Alex walked away.

Once he made sure that he was far enough…

Alex looked around.

Then waited a couple of seconds before…

“Finally! I’m free from that darn FCIB! I can finally retire! WOOHOO!

He jumped for joy and threw both fists into the air.

***

The members of FCIB’s counterterrorism division gathered in a briefing room.

The chief stood before them, his usual composed expression had given way to bitterness.

“As you’re all aware, to ease the pressure the Executive Board has been putting on this division due to the recent incident. Agent Graves chose to make the ultimate sacrifice… and resigned from the bureau.”

Heavy silence filled the room.

“Before his resignation, he and I both agreed that Agent Ward, having served directly under him for many years and have proven herself to be more than capable, should succeed him as leader of the counterterrorism division field unit.”

One agent patted Helena on the back. “Good for you, Helena.”

Another nodded. “Yeah, I’d think you’ll do a great job.”

Helena remained silent.

The chief turned to her. “What say you, Helena. Will you accept this position?”

“… I can’t.”

Helena lowered her head.

“There’s only one person worthy of leading this unit. And I refuse to take his place when I haven’t earned it… especially while he’s probably suffering alone.”

Meanwhile, Alex sat on his couch, wearing the most blissful smile he’d had in years.

Helena folded her hands. “Something’s fishy going on around here.”

She clenches her hand with determination. “I’ll get to the bottom of this… for Master!”

***

The next day, Alex was sound asleep in his bed.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang repeatedly.

Alex groaned as he woke up. “All right already, I’ll be right there.”

He let out a sigh.

Can’t a guy enjoy his long-awaited retirement in peace?

His hand rested on the doorknob.

Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?

Alex opened the door.

“Master!” Helena greeted him with a bright smile.

Alex stared at her.

“One moment.”

Alex slowly closed the door.

He took a deep breath.

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Alex steadied himself.

Okay, okay. Calm down.

She’s obviously here to drag me back to the FCIB.

But it’s fine. There’s no way in hell she could’ve solved the evidence theft in a single night.

And as long as the case remains unsolved… my retirement is safe.

Alex opened the door once more.

“Aah, Helena, it’s good to see you.”

“Me too Master! And I’ve got great news.”

“I think I’ve figured out how the evidence theft happened!” She gleefully declared.

Alex stared at her.

“… One moment.”

He slowly closed the door again.

Deep breath.

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Whhhhhhyyyyyyyy?!!!

***

The two sat at the dining table.

As Alex casually ate his fried eggs.

“So, let me get this straight. The Restoration Initiative teamed up with members of the Executive Board to steal the evidence against their leader… in order to get him out of jail and get me out of the picture?”

Helena stood before a conspiracy board she had somehow managed to set up in about 30 seconds.

“Correct, Master! The only people who could go in and out of the evidence vault without raising suspicion are the higher ups, including members of the executive board.”

She pointed to another note.

“And considering how quickly they blamed the Counterterrorism Division, they must’ve known you’d sacrifice yourself to protect everyone else. They were counting on how noble you’d be.”

“Yeah… noble…” Alex muttered, looking away.

“Anyway, I asked Rona to look into the records of everyone who entered the evidence vault.”

Alex interrupted her between bites

“Doubt she found anything, whoever did it wouldn’t be so reckless as to leave such an obvious trail.”

Helen slumped over in her chair.

“Yeah… she reported as much. So that lead’s pretty much dead.”

Okay, so far so good… she hasn’t said anything I haven’t figured out myself.

Helena eagerly raised her head.

“But don’t worry, Master! I shan’t give up!”

Please do.

“I already asked Larry to keep an eye on the Restoration Initiative’s leader. If he slips up, we can arrest him and find out which Executive Board member framed us.”

Heh. No way a terrorist leader who just got out of jail would make a move this soon. It’ll take months, maybe even years, before he-.

Helena’s phone suddenly rang. Wasting no time, she immediately answered.

“What’s that Larry? You saw our guy walked into the building where an IT company’s CEO is unveiling a new product?”

Oh C’mon!

Helena stood up from her chair.

“I’ll head there right now, thanks Larry.”

She hung up.

“Wait! You’re heading in alone?”

Helena nodded. “If I wait for backup, it’ll be too late!”

…Damn it.

Alex stood up. “I’ll go with you!”

***

The two stood before the entrance to Nexora Technologies.

“It’s quiet…too quiet. Where’s the security?”.

A faint metallic smell reached their noses.

“Master…”

“Yeah.”

The two looked toward the source of the smell…a locked room.

Alex approached the door and tried the handle.

Tch, locked.

Alex stepped back and kicked the door open.

Inside, they saw two security guards lying motionless on the floor, their heads severed from their bodies.

Beheading… Restoration Initiative.

“So… I am guessing that there’s no more room for doubt about what the Restoration Initiative is here for huh, Master?”

“I suppose so.”

Alex took out his phone and snapped a picture of the corpses, and sent it to Chief Ryon before giving him a call.

“Agent Graves?”

“We’re currently inside Nexora Technologies, currently pursuing the leader of the Restoration Initiatives on grounds of suspicious behavior. We found two security guards dead, likely executed by the Restoration Initiatives.”

“…I see. I’ll send backup right away.”

Alex hung up and gestured toward Helena.

“Let’s go, Helena.”

“Okay, Master!”

***

In an auditorium, the CEO stood onstage, presenting his company’s newest product to a pack of excited audience while surrounded by cameras.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Several armed members wearing the Restoration Initiative’s crest stormed inside.

One member approached the CEO and pointed his sword at him.

“You have disturbed the natural order of this world with your rotten technology for long enough. I, Harris Morrison, leader of the Restoration Initiatives, shall see to it that this is your final day.”

Before Harris could take a swing.

BANG!

A bullet grazed his ear. He looked toward the source of the bullet and saw Alex pointing his gun at him.

“Not another step.”

Several Restoration Initiative members moved to attack Alex.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

However, bullets fired by Helena struck the floor at their feet, forcing them to stop in their tracks.

“You’re not laying a hand on him.”

Harris stared at Alex in shock.

“Damn you Gravekeeper! Weren’t you fired?!”

Alex sighed.

“Not fired, I quit. And if you would have just laid low, it could have stayed that way.”

Harris clenched his fist.

“This isn’t how it was supposed to go, our contact told me that you wouldn’t get in our way.”

“Oh, that reminds me, who’s your contact? If you tell me, I might put in a good word for you.”

Before Harris could answer-

BANG!

Harris suddenly collapsed.

Blood spilled from the bullet wound in his head.

Tch, typical.

Alex glanced behind him.

In the distance, he sees a cloaked figure walking away,

***

The next morning, Alex (after having been forc-invited by Helena), sat in the FCIB’s briefing room alongside the rest of his team.

They watched footage of the Nexora CEO publicly thanking the two agents.

“Without these two agents, I would not be standing here today. They risked their lives to save mine, an act I will not forget for the rest of my life.”

Fantastic…

Later, Chief Ryon entered the room.

“I assume you all know why I have called you all here today.”

…

“Due to Agent Graves and Agent Ward's contributions in stopping the Restoration Initiatives plot, the Board of Directors have authorized me to reinstate Alexander Graves as the leader of Counterterrorism Division Field Unit.”

The room erupted into applause, with everyone (especially Helena) congratulating Alex for his return.

“Welcome back, Master!” Helena said with a bright smile.

Alex responded with a resigned smile.

I am never going to retire…Am I?