Duty to Protect

Prologue

"Yes, Dad, we're here."

"Remember, Sam, don't kill them. You have to protect them no matter what and manage our company at the same time... got it?"

"Yes, Dad, I got it."

I tucked my phone away and walked with my friends, who were all frowning because of the heat. We were in the Philippines now because of the people we needed to protect.

---
A few whiles back...

We were walking down the hallway to my father's office and the chattering of my group was all that could be heard on the wide hall of our base.

"Why do you think we’re being called in?" Blaire suddenly broke the silence, and everyone responded.

"Isn't it obvious? We probably have a new mission," said Alyssa.

"Can you all just shut up so the world can be peaceful for once?" Cleo chimed in.

"Whatever, you guys can fight all you want. I'm out," Dylan added.

"Shut up, Dylan!" Jade snapped.

"Oh, come on! When you talk, I don't treat you like this. But when it's me..." Dylan retorted to which Jade glimmered at.

"And what if it's you?" Jade said threateningly, eyes clearly stabbing him by now.

"Guys, we're here," I interrupted.

As soon as we entered, we sat down on the couch anf willing my father to just drop the bomb.

"So, who are we killing this time?" Alyssa asked Dad bluntly.

"You're not killing anyone," Dad replied.

I raised my eyebrow at that. "Then why are we here?" I asked under his piercing gaze.

"Because this time, you're going to protect someone," he said calmly, shocking us all.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" we all shouted in unison.

"Yes. After this meeting, you're going to pack your things and go... except you, Dylan. The organization needs you here," Dad said, as if it was no big deal.

"This is going to be fun," Dylan smirked.

"Read the files on the jet and then do your job," Dad instructed.

"Why are they in trouble? Is he a mafia leader or something?" I asked.

"No, but they had a fight with the mafia leader... the rest of the info is in the files. Read it later," he said before walking away with Dylan.

I could've sworn that I saw something different in his gaze when he took his last look at me. It was the same glint I couldn't decipher when he trained me to be who I am now.

---

"So, they're part of the gang world, but why do we need to protect them?" Blaire asked.

"Did you read the files or not? It says they're ranked 10th out of 15 groups, so their capabilities are limited," Alyssa explained.

"Why did they pick a fight with the mafia, then?" Cleo wondered.

"That we don't know," Jade answered.

"Guys, get in the car," I said as I saw John's car pull up. They all got in.

"How are you, cousin?" John asked, to which I just rolled my eyes before getting in and waiting for him to start driving.

The trip to the place we'll be staying in didn't take a while. Maybe it did, but I couldn't care less because my mind was narrowing down on every bit of information there is about the people we're tasked to protect.

---

When we entered the mansion, few people bowed down and greeted us which I acknowledged by giving  a nod before walking straight to the first room I see. I organized my things and took a shower before deciding to go downstairs where I saw the rest of my group waiting for me.

"Why?" I asked, seeing the looks on their faces that seemed to say, 'aren't you going to get ready? '

"We're going to the mall to buy the things we need for tomorrow," Cleo said, seemingly annoyed at something on her phone.

"What's happening tomorrow?" I asked, clearly confused. The room got quiet and I would've turned my back to them if it weren't for Alyssa responding with a small "School happened."

"Already?!" I asked, surprised.

"Tito texted and said we're going to Smith International School, which your family owns, because the five guys we need to protect are there," Jade said, unenthusiastically.

Much of a coincidence, I say.

"Speaking of..." I purposely left out the words on ny mouth to add suspense but realized that I wouldn't get anything with it, thus, continuing to ask the million dollar question "who are you all protecting?"

"Tyron Hemingston," Alyssa began.

"Chester Carter," Blaire followed and so as the rest of the group.

"Casper Monteverde for me," Cleo chimed in.

"Denver Sean Carter" she stopped for a second amd looked at me "I'm assuming that you got the leader of the group?"

"Yeah, cliché" I grunted "Calix Joshua Lee for me everyone because I'm the leader and he's also one"

The room was filled with snickers until Blaire butted in. "Hey! Let's go, I'm hungry," she said

"It would be nice if Ate Love and Kuya Dylan were here, right?" Cleo said, her voice laced with disappointment.

"Alright, alright. Skip the drama and let's go!"