Tale of a Garden

Chapter 18: Qualifications

I listen closely to Agent Richards mumbling about how he isn't getting paid enough to get teased by my Agents. I look at my Agents and see them smiling and laughing at Agent Richards discomfort.
My precious little Agents, I know that your mind isn't ready for the future but I'm here to guide their fragile hearts.

"Hey Agent Storm, why so quiet there?" Asked Agent Richards seeing that it might divert attention away from him.

Unfortunately for him it only caused Diana and Chara to stop while Dexter and Daniel keep harassing him.

"I haven't gotten a clue of what you're talking about. I'm perfectly fine." I replied, unnerved with the stares of the three agents.

"Agent Storm is there something you wish to share with us?" questioned Agent Richards, a grin on his face started showing.

"When you elder states that they are perfectly capable of handling some silence, then they're fine." I particularly spat back at him.

My harsh actions caused Dexter and Daniel to stop straight in their tracks, but they quickly recovered.

Agent Richards glared at me before stopping at the Headmaster's room and mumbled, "We're here."

The Agents refused to speak a word for an odd reason as if their all deep in their thoughts.

"Thank you once again Agent Richards, but I suggest that next time you should permanently keep your mouth shut." I spoke while I adjusted my tie.

"I'll keep note of that Sir." He spoke as if talking oath to the devil that he made long ago.

I proceeded to knock on the door while Agent Richards left us alone.

"I feel like every time we come here, He finds a new reason to hate us even more." Dexter spoke outloud to everyone.

"Don't think that's the reason, I think it's because a certain idol of his doesn't give him all the praise and attention they want." Daniel replied, nudging his arm hitting Dexter.

"Maybe that guy has daddy issues? We don't know." Diana added, shrugging her shoulders.

"The point is that Agent Richards need to recognize that my respect is earn by hard work and dedication, not just by being a 'Fan' of my previous works." I explained rubbing my face with annoyance. I turned to look at the Agents and I brought my finger to my mouth to shush them. I proceeded to knock on the door, until a voice cut me off.

"If that you Benjamin then come in, but if it's not then leave before I can fire you." The Headmaster spoke as if he was running a small company, and not a network of trained killers.

I opened the door, to be greeted by unpleasant surprise.

The Headmaster was holding a present, and on the tag it read
'To Benjamin Storm
From Charles Throworth'

"Is that what I what I think it is Headmaster?" I asked my mouth dry with a tinge of fear and guilt.

"It's exactly what you expect Benjamin. Do you remember how you lost it? I presume that it's burned into your memories." He grinned as if he's so proud to bring up it up.

"I remember it like it happen yesterday, it's a burning thought that can't be extinguished." I spoke, wincing at the memories.

"What's he talking about? I'm so lost." Daniel whispered to loudly.

The Headmaster looked slightly shocked at he heard this.
"Benjamin, How forgetful of you. Neglecting your Agents on such important information like this." He scolded me.

He turned from looking at me to face the Agents who were cowering behind my back.

"What lies in this box is the very weapon that Benjamin used to kill his team with. It's such a shame that you abandoned this gun, it's quite lovely craftsmanship as you can tell." He said as he moved the box around.

"Headmaster would you please stay on topic as I would be grateful if we proceeded on." I spoke through a lump in my throat.

The Headmaster waved me off as he was more interested in the Agents behind me.
"Since Benjamin won't open it, why don't you have the honors my dear" he said with a small smile as he presented the box to Diana.

She hesitantly brought her hand forward and grab the box and carefully opened the it. She stared upon the weapon inside.
"It's a Kimber Aegis ll." She spoke.

"It's is my dear but it's the memories it holds that makes it so much more precious." He stated as he took the box away from her and turned to look at me once more.
"Benjamin I understand that you wish you move on to a next mission since you completed the one at hand, but this is far more important. Your mission at the moment Benjamin is to take this gun and keep it with you." The Headmaster spoke with such confidence.

I clenched and unclenched my hands until I crumpled underneath my head.
"I'll take the damn gun." I said with defeat in my voice.

I walked towards him and grab the gun as quickly as I could manage.
"You're quite in the hurry Benjamin. It's not like the gun is going to burn your skin." He chuckled at my actions

I proceeded to leave, the Agents scurrying out as if they're mice being chased by a cat.
"Tell your men to send a mission if one is available Headmaster."

"Will do Benjamin and if I were you, I would use the weapons we have. I knew what you did, nothing escapes without me knowing about it." He said as he sat back down at his desk and stared at me.

I slammed the door shut without answering and I immediately felt the gaze of the Agents.

"That did not go as smoothly as I thought it would go." Dexter pointed out.