SIX YEARS LATER

In the center of the city of Maple, specifically in the NCC (Nucleus of Combat to the Crime), inside the office of stinking walls of the said department, a young man typed non—stop on the keyboard of his computer, filing a series of recorded crimes that were still in process at that unit.

"The crime rate has grown more than sixty percent in the last year..." were words from a report that was on TV in the next room.

"Experts say that this factor is due to the liberal policy implemented by Governor Dom Cernuno, which facilitates the direct purchase of firearms for the entire population."

The young man, with clear eyes glazed on the computer screen, still typed swiftly, filing the remaining criminal cases on the NCC's online platform. It was clear that his greatest desire at that time was to finish his service as soon as possible.

His long black hair was messy. About his slim body, the young man loved to wear a simple and social outfit, without any favorite color.

— SLEZZY! — cried the Lieutenant. His height was average. His black and fallen hair camouflaged a certain part of his face. He appeared to be too young for such a high police position. — You will break your fingers... if you continue at this pace!

The young man, embarrassed, slowed down the pace at which he digitized the files.

Then the Lieutenant pronounced himself to all:

— Attention! Everyone reports to the briefing room in two minutes! We... have matters to attend to with the whole office — he concluded, leaving for the same room soon after, carrying some briefcases under his arm. A man in a suit accompanied him.

As Slezzy had scanned all those files with extreme rapidity, his daily service was complete; and as he was only a recruit of police investigation, he would already be released to abandon his shift shortly after that meeting. This relieved him, causing him to take a big breath before getting up.

On the way to the meeting room, the young man was still able to hear the last lines of that report.

"Some netizens and conspirators are linking such an explosion of the criminal rate with something supernatural, based on recent and curious testimonies from some people who reported..."

The policeman took over the main door of the meeting room closed it abruptly, thus preventing Slezzy, who was the last to enter it, from hearing the conclusion of such news.

"Something supernatural? They must have nothing to say..." the boy thought.

In the room, the young man visualized almost all the employees of that respective sector, from secretaries to police officers and undercover investigators.

— Attention! — The man in the suit, still mysterious, decided to break the silence. — My name is Edward Darrim. Work for Government Security. Today, I would like to share some information with all of you, employees of the central sector of the NCC, present in this room.

Everyone focused all their attention on that man.

— After a private meeting with the security committee and the Lieutenant of that unit, Jan, we decided that the time has come to implement a new measure, in partnership with the NCC, in the face of the situation in which we are living — ended his speech, withdrawing and fixing his gaze on the Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Jan sighed and then stepped forward, putting the folders he carried on his desk, speaking shortly after:

— It is known to all... the quite significant increase in the criminal rate on our streets. Well... I'm sure listening to this every day has become tiresome... so let's get right to the point.

The Lieutenant took a serious stance, took a deep breath, even though he tried to disguise this act, and continued:

— We will reduce the number of police on the streets by eighty percent... in all units of our city...

The staff, amazed, began a fervent whisper between the corners of the room.

Slezzy stared at the Lieutenant with angry glances.

— The new measure consists in prioritizing police lives. Therefore, from today, those who move away from the streets... will only be placed in their proper unity, ready for any action after denunciations of the citizens or commands of our superiors. — The Lieutenant realized that many looked upon him with some indignation, but just ignored it and went on. — The government has come to the conclusion that, currently, we have not obtained any major improvement with the...

— ARE YOU CRAZY!? — confronted Slezzy, taking a step further, interrupting the Lieutenant's speech, with a tone of bravery and dissatisfaction. After a few seconds, the young man had gained all the looks of the room for himself.

Outside the meeting room, an investigator, who had just returned from his street services, listened lightly to the discussion. That man, tall and somewhat fit, had been working in the institution for a long time. His hair was long and curly, also embarrassed due to the laziness of grooming, but still had a beautiful golden glow when illuminated by sunlight. Unlike Slezzy, his eyes were brown.

In the room, a sergeant called the attention of the "young rebel":

— You're just a secretary of this department, kid! You went crazy to question decisions of your superiors!? Do you realize how many police lives are lost every day in this city? How much these agents put their lives at risk!? The possibility that these men will never return to the warmth of their families at the end of the day?

The Lieutenant, thinking of his next move after the event, fixed his gaze on Slezzy.

— I do not know why they still call the secretaries for these meetings — Edward commented, coughing afterwards.

The Sergeant continued:

— Enjoy your stay as secretary boy, because with this posture... you will not last long out there...

The door to the room opened slowly. A tall man had pushed it. It was the investigator who had just arrived at the department. Incredibly, none of the superiors present questioned his entry.

— Investigator Sanches... I'm glad you're here! But it's a shame you arrived at a bad time for the meeting. Let's say... we are facing certain challenges on the part of one of the recruits — explained the Lieutenant.

The investigator responded with a calm and challenging tone:

— Actually... I've heard a good deal since the moment I got to this floor. You need to urgently cover this room with some sound dampers! — laughed ironically next. His voice was deep and persuasive. — I see we have a prodigy in this room... what's his name, boy?

Most of those who watched were tense about such a situation.

With the "spotlight" of the room facing him again, Slezzy did not hesitate to respond firmly to the Investigator:

— My name is Slezzy Kaliman. I've only been in this institution for a few months. I'm still a recruit working in the NCC's digital system. And I will not go back on my word... when it comes to this new order so cowardly!

It ignited the eyes of most superiors. They would not accept such an attitude from just an inexperienced recruit.

— We will do the following... — Said Sanches, without fear of being interrupted by any superior. — How about... after our lunch break... you accompany me on my services... out of the department?

They were all surprised. Lieutenant Jan expressed a small smile, because, deep down, he knew that it could cause the young man to change his mind, since he had never had a similar chance: to witness, in fact, a police operation.

Slezzy froze for a moment. That would be the perfect opportunity to finally prove your worth to the NCC, and maybe even get a promotion.

An alarming noise echoed over the entire building, announcing the lunch break time of all the staff of the institution.

— Okay. We'll continue our topic after the break! However, it is a pity that we will not have the illustrious presence of our newest "Sanches mini" — Jan paused his speech for a moment, due to the light laughter coming from the back of the room. — Anyway, be aware of the newest measure... which will come into effect from next week. Waived!

Everyone slowly left the room, until only Slezzy, Sanches and the Lieutenant remained.

— Sanches... I hope you know what you're doing. I don't want an NCC secretary to become just another statistic in the paper... — He alerted Jan, turning his back on the other two, departing towards another room on the same floor.

— Come with me, boy! It's time to take a walk! — invited Sanches.

— Aren't we having lunch at the department?

— Definitely not! I'm sick of the food here. In addition, we should celebrate his rebellion, right? — concluded Sanches, leaving towards the stairs of the building. Slezzy followed him.

On the way, the two struggled:

— Hey! Agent Sanches, do you think... there's any danger of firing me from the institution... after all this?

— I am completely sure of that! — he said with a sarcastic tone. — So I think you'd better concentrate after we leave the building, so you can prove your arrogance from here on out.

After descending the stairs, and reaching the ground floor, they proceeded out of the building.

Sanches walked to the front of a stylish car, unblocking its doors with a small control that he held in his hand.

— You must be kidding... Is this your car? This... Mustang... dark paint? — asked Slezzy, totally surprised and excited.

— That's the price of being the best Agent on the streets of this city, boy! — replied Sanches, laughing afterwards. — Ah! And of course... be aware that in case you screw up any little thing inside this little cutie, I would not let them fire you until the payment of a long debt!

Slezzy laughed nervously. That was the best day of his life. His dream of performing on the streets of the city by the NCC was finally coming true.

The pair got in the car and drove off.

Sanches squandered the roar of his car's powerful engine through the city streets.

After a few minutes of commute, while watching the huge traffic present in downtown Maple, Slezzy asked the driver:

— Agent San...

— Please don't. Stop calling me that! When we're on these streets, just call me Sanches! Consider yourself my new partner, as much as it is something... temporary — concluded with a slight smile.

— Okay, Sanches. Han... why did you help me... in the conference room?

Sanches remained silent for some time before answering him:

— Listen... son, most cops are starting to create a fear within themselves... due to the rise in crime in the city. Particularly, I wouldn't trust an agent who's not fully prepared for his job.

Slezzy stared at the agent beside him, intently.

— We need policemen on the streets with... their same energy! You know!? I wasn't kidding when I called him a "prodigy", despite being known for being a bit sarcastic. In the end, what matters is... you're really willing to take action... and that's evident.

Sanches parked his car in front of a small diner, which was considerably far from the NCC base in the eastern region of the city.

After getting out of the car, the duo faced some strange and evil looks from mysterious people around the street. Soon after, they walked until entering the establishment.

Inside, Sanches walked to one of the tables farthest from the main counter of the gloomy place, sitting with his new colleague.

It was possible to see the outside through a window pane adjacent to the table.

— Order whatever you want, kid! It could be your... last meal!

— What an honor! But... I think I'll have the same dish as yours!

— Right... — Sanches laughed right away.

— Um?

A waitress suddenly approached the table. Her blonde hair was tied by a thin elastic band. She wore a white blouse, accompanied by a bow tie. In addition, she had a youthful affection.

— Hey, Valentina! How long, no? — asked the older agent.

— Sanches, didn't they warn you that Crow was watching that corner of town? — asked the girl, with a tone of insecurity.

Sanches put his elbows on the table, so that his hands supported his chin. Soon after, he answered with low intonation:

— I'm well aware of that, Valentina. In fact, this boy right here... — Sanches pointed it out. — It's the reason for my coming! So... please bring the same as always! But this time, two servings.

The waitress took the order and drove to the back of the diner.

— Who's "The Raven," Sanches?

Sanches stared at the boy before answering him:

— He is the current head of Asa Negra, one of the biggest mafias in the city a few years ago. You should not have access to your name in the NCC database, since most of this mobster's crimes are committed by his henchmen. Thus, he became a shadow, unpunished and unharmed, among all these buildings.

Slezzy caught himself watching from the outside of the place, through the glass next door. Several people, leaning against murals or cars, watched them.

— If it were any other agent, they would have already set fire to the car and created a war zone in these surroundings. — Sanches' speech provoked fear. — But... don't worry! Luckily, you have at your side... the best agent in this city! Besides, I don't think Crow is "investing his chips" in this area.

— You really like to brag, is not it!? — replied.

After a few minutes, the waitress brought two servings of an unusual dish to the table: pieces of a raw fish, lightly toasted, with a red sauce on top.

— Is that... what you eat for lunch!?

— After years of walking these streets, believe me, you gain the ability to renew your palate. Go for me! — replied Sanches, adjusting his cutlery.

At the end of the meal, they got up and prepared to leave the place.

But as they walked toward the exit of the establishment, an old, round—looking woman shouted from the back of the diner:

— Don't tell me... you're hanging up the bill for the fourth time, Sanches!?

— Ah! Relax... Candle! I said that... I will still settle everything! — replied the Agent, with a charismatic face, facing the bravery of the woman.

Then they got out of there.

Certain glances from the street were still directed at the duo, who quickly got into the car and left that place.

On the way, the young man confronted the Constable once again:

— Sanches, why are you hanging bill... at a street—end diner?

— Boy... are you new here!? Why... it seems that you have not yet recognized the evil of this city. You know... this may sound silly, but in the future, in case you don't die today... maybe I can tell you.

They went towards the center again. Throughout the journey, they took the opportunity to talk about the most diverse and parallel subjects.

*

Sanches arrived at his destination: a spot near the city's central square. He parked his car in one of the corners of a busy street. And then he warned,

— We're here! We'll be here the rest of the afternoon... just waiting for this radio to play! Oh, don't expect much! It's been almost a week since I received a notification...

— What? — Slezzy replied, almost screaming, taken by the shocking news.

Sanches laughed at the young man's reaction. Then he resumed the conversation:

— Now it's my turn to ask, boy! Where did you come from? What's the point of being so uptight... to go out on the streets, even with these absurd crime rates?

— Sanches, this may sound crazy, but... I don't remember my past life before my... twelve years old.

— What? They brainwashed you? — He pointed out the agent, with his classic sarcastic laugh right after.

— Honestly!? I don't know. That's still a big mystery to me. But... about working on the streets... I think I want to prove myself useful to the NCC! I'm tired of just being behind the scenes... filing crimes while the other cops risk their lives for the rest of the population. To tell you the truth, what really matters to me is to end all the criminals in Maple! End all this evil! So that someday my family can live in peace... in any corner of the world.

— Family?

— Well... I don't remember my past life, so I don't know if my real parents are still out there... if they're still alive...

Sanches stared at the young man with a serious look from that moment on.

— But that doesn't make much difference, since nowadays, I can count on the support of my partner, Emmeline, and my younger brother, Rainn!

— A younger brother? And a girlfriend? Did you consider that when entering the NCC!? And still want to go to the streets... take more risks?

Slezzy didn't spare the time to answer you:

— Actually, he's just a considerate brother. We were raised in the same home... with the same mother! Diana. And, contrary to what you think, our bond does not repress me. In fact, it is what strengthens me the most!

A brief silence dominated the interior of the car.

Soon, Sanches resumed:

— They're great dreams. But, I just felt like I was in a fairy tale!

— Han!? What are you talking about? — asked Slezzy, laughing nervously again that day.

— It's in front of you, boy! Just look! You know... I know you less than a day and I know you're a man of great personality! However, I can't let you think all this... will be as simple as you think.

Sanches opened the side window of the car, lit a cigarette and continued:

— Since the last five years, no NCC officer has retired. Every day is marked by yet another death, at least. Maple is no longer the same. Crime is growing from the outside to the inside, and in a matter of months, criminals will be attacking the city center. The worst thing is that this whole process... can get even faster with all the current decisions of our government. So... think about what you really want.

Slezzy stared at the Agent, wisely. Soon afterward, he reflected.

*

The day was coming to an end; Agent Sanches' shift was over and no notification had reached the car radio.

Slezzy, upset that he would not witness any action that night, faced the radio hopefully.

— Yeah, kid, looks like today's not your lucky day...

Sanches was interrupted by the sudden and disturbing whistle of that device, followed by the alert of a female voice coming from it:

"Attention! To all units of the central sector of the NCC, repeat! To all units! Move immediately to Dominic Street! We've received reports of a possible kidnapping!"

— You better buckle up, young man! — said Sanches, starting the engine of his car, forcing some roars.

They left at high speed.

After a few minutes, the pair reached that destination. There were already vehicles, negotiators and flank shooters positioned on top of nearby buildings.

The center of attention was a pharmaceutical store. Inside there was only one man in a beige mask, who covered almost all of his face, except the part of his eyes. He hugged a pregnant woman from behind, using her as a shield, while pointing a gun at her head.

Observing that situation, Sanches got out of his car and walked in quick steps, to an area close to all the drama.

Slezzy did not hesitate and also abandoned the car, following Sanches and ignoring the harsh cold, which with the night arrived to that region.

The young man reached him and asked him, in a whisper:

— What's the protocol for this kind of situation, Sanches?

— There are not many options left but to observe. Who commands this kind of case... are usually negotiators and psychologists, who have as their main objective the rescue of the victim... and not the neutralization of the target.

A negotiator, who was a few meters ahead of the duo, quietly announced from outside the establishment through a megaphone to the kidnapper:

— We are willing to listen to any request, in exchange for the delivery in total safety of this woman! Please! Let's talk!

The kidnapper, with red eyes and full of fear, pointed the gun at a place in the store that was completely empty. Then she cried deafeningly, tearing:

— I WILL DO ANYTHING! I SWEAR! BUT PLEASE... GET THOSE CREEPY CREATURES AWAY FROM ME!