Malik's pov

My phone rang and I shut it. It's 6 am. I turned back, looking at the ceiling. I couldn't forget what Luke said to me and I couldn't know if he would forgive me for hiding Jaden. I was protecting him. Ughh, it's bad!

" Nicolas, good morning." Diana snuggled to me more

" Good morning." I kissed her forehead

" What's up? Didn't you sleep the whole night?" She asked concerned

" I couldn't." I smiled and peeked her lips

" Why? Can you tell me what's going on?"

" You remember Jaden, Luke's friend, the boy that died in the helicopter explosion?"

" Yeah, you told me about him."

" He is not dead. He is alive."

Flashback

Fred decided this day to train the best boy at piloting the helicopters on the descent of the next mission with Levio and because I was bored, I went to boss them.

" Hey Fred."

" Hey Malik. Any problem?"

" Nope, I'm just here to watch, why this delay?"

" Waiting for one of the boys."

" Okay."

Few minutes later Jaden appeared. Oh, why this retardation Jaden, you never did that, you are the most disciplined boy, ugh, Jaden don't make me deal with you.

" Good evening, sirs."

" Evening, you are late, 15 minutes it's so much." Fred said

" Yes sir, I'm sorry, I was searching for my suit, but I couldn't find it."

" No suit, no train and you should have texted me."

" Sorry sir, it slipped my mind."

" Of course it will, Jaden. Leave."

" But sir I have mission in 3 days, I have to train and-"

" Don't worry, no mission for you."

I was shocked. My goodness this Fred is really hard to deal with. So strict!

" Why no mission sir, please it is just one and only mistake... Just let it go this time."

" Why don't you take my place?"

" I didn't mean it that way."

" Then shut your mouth and leave."

" But sir-"

The boy was desperate to join, I can see his disappointment in himself. I felt like we were not fair with him. I know Jaden very well, he is one of the boys that I always bring with me in my missions, serious, clever, fearless, and with the best solutions at times.

I let him lead some groups in my missions and he always proves that he is one of the best, no mistake, no delay, no problems go unsolved under him. I would choose him to be one of the elders if we decided to add new ones. He deserves that spot more than anyone else.

I put my hand on his shoulder. " Jaden enough." I said calmly

" It's not just about the mission, sir, it's because I feel free when I fly. I'm sorry I won't do that again."

" Ofc you won't." Fred said indifferent

Man don't play hard to get, I know you very well, later you will grill yourself for not letting this boy do this.

I squeezed Jaden's shoulder lightly and gestured to him to shut up which he did.

" Fred, can we talk for a minute?"

" Yes, Malik."

I took him away and tried to convince him, I don't like to interfere between the boys and the elders or interfere in the elders work but this one isn't like the other boys at all

" Fred, this is his one and only mistake, it's tardiness, not saying a bad word, not fighting... He didn't break one of the big rules."

" I get that, I'm just fuming you know I hate waiting."

" I know, and I know how you will grill yourself if you give up on him."

" Yeah, it's not a good idea, nor good of me deciding in this state. But he has no suit, what if something happened to him?"

" Let him take one of the suits of the elders, it's not a big deal."

" Yeah, okay. Thank you for clarifying this to me."

" It's not for you, it's for Jaden."

" We know how you are so lenient with him."

" Yeah, yeah... Go let him join."

" I will."

We walked back to him

" Go take one of the leaders' suits and get in." Fred said

The boy beamed with happiness, I chuckled and he smiled at me gratefully

" Thank you sir... Excuse me sir." He said as he took the card and went to get the shit

He came back and Fred went to talk with one of the boys

" Jaden."

" Yes sir."

" Take care of the second pilot."

" Yes sir, don't worry." He smiled evilly

I shook my head and went to my seat. Fred told them to take off and all the helicopters took off. We were on the ground watching. The second pilots sent us their remarks. After a while, one of the helicopters sent an alert

" Helicopter number 5 has a problem."

" Jaden's helicopter, give them permission."

Fred gave him permission and I called him. " Yes Jaden what's up?"

" Sir, the second pilot is dead."

" What?" We looked at each other shocked

" You checked him?"

" Yes, sir, I guess he got poisoned from his bottle of water."

" Good good, Jaden, get down."

" Yes sir." He said and when he was landing, the helicopter's tail exploded

" Holy shit." Fred let out, " Jaden, Jaden are you fine?"

" I am, sir... But I can't land nor control it." He told us

" No problem, eject yourself."

" Yeah I will."

Fred took his iPad and told the other boys to land so we could avoid accidents. I ordered some men to get me the mechanicals.

" Jaden, what's taking you this much?"

" I can't eject my seat sir and there is a problem in the powerplant... It will explode."

" No way, Jaden, jump."

" So high."

" Jaden, did I care? Jump."

" I can't sir."

" Why you can't?"

" I'm sorry."

" What do you mean you are sorry?"

" I feel free, maybe this is the end."

" What end fucker... Down right now." I took the iPad from him yelling and suddenly the helicopter exploded and every part flew to a side.

" Jaden!" Fred stopped in his place startled

" Jaden, Jaden talk to me." I yelled in the call but nothing

" Malik, he is dead." Fred said as he was shocked, he was out of it

" Calm the fuck down, Fred."

" It's my fault... I let him join." He mumbled

" Man, stop it... It's not your fault... It's a conspiracy."

He nodded

" Go rest, I'll take care of the rest."

No, my goodness! Is it because of that spy? Or is it related to the BS? I will take your revenge Jaden... Don't worry. This is bad! He is Lucas' friend... How will I tell him this?

It's my fault, I shouldn't have convinced Fred. I should have let him stay on the ground. I won't stop till I get your revenge, boy. I will search this fucker who dared doing this and make him wish that he never born.

I made the boys of the security to search for Jaden and collect the pieces of the exploded helicopter.

I went inside, made my investigation and found the mechanic who played with the sittings of the helicopter. I tormented him very well then I met the coroner who assured me that they found just one body and that body was poisoned.

So it's not Jaden's!

I told them to search around. I didn't tell them that there are two people in the helicopter so if Jaden is still alive I can hide him.

I was so stressed and not in a good mood, Jaden isn't around and that's scary and overwhelming.

I couldn't take any of it, I couldn't eat too, so I returned to my office and buried myself in the work. I called Luke to tell him but I ended up drinking so much and taking a stand. I went with him on a mission to catch Elene but she ran away.

I asked him to take me to Ford and leave me there but the boy didn't accept to let me alone. Ford in the morning told him about my drinking issue and that I shouldn't drink because of the last incident that happened to me and he chewed my head about it till we ended up quarreling and Marc tried to stop us. He took Luke upstairs and whipped him to shut up and calm down.

I know he is not punishing him nor whipping him harshly, it's just some lashes to make him stop fuming. He came out, asked me if it's worth it to hide it and drink for it and I finally confessed. He was stunned for a minute and tried to make it up to me but nothing can remove that image from my mind. It will hunt me to the end of my life!

Cole went to check on Fred, Theo and Josh and make it up to them a bit. Pete came and pushed me till I told him what happened. This kid is so precious and knows how to make you talk willingly. I love him!

I sat with him playing video games letting Luke calm down in his room. When Marco came back home, he went and told him the truth, Luke locked on his emotions and on himself trying to process that the very first friend and brother figure is no longer alive.

It hurts me seeing my brother in this state, I couldn't do anything for him. I couldn't hide him away from this truth. I couldn't stop his pain. how I wish all of this was just a nightmare... How I wish that I am dead at least I won't see my brother in this much pain.

He came out and wanted to go out. Pete quickly threw himself into this and asked to go with him. Luke couldn't deny him. They walked out and I felt relieved Pete will be a good company for Luke at this moment.

I sat talking with Cole and trying to figure out what we can do for Luke. It was going darker and both of them didn't come home so we called the men and they told us about their place. We bought some pizzas and went to the park joining them and having a nice time together, making it up to each other.

Time skip™

I got a call at 3am from Ford. I wasn't even asleep, I couldn't. It was so hard to close my eyes knowing that my brother is hurt.

" Yeah, are you fine?"

" Yes I am... You won't believe this, I found Jaden."

" Are you sure?"

" Yes, I found him in the forest behind the warehouse. He is out of consciousness. I'm taking him to the second warehouse."

" Yes please... I'm coming."

I woke up immediately, freshened up then drove to the second warehouse. I entered the medical side when I saw Jaden under some apparatus. I smiled widely, Lucas will be so happy.

" Ford." I called

He turned to me. " He is alive, just the doctor checking him. He landed roughly."

I nodded happily... My Goodness!! I can't believe my eyes. I waited there till the doctor let us get in.

" Jaden." I looked at the boy, touching his face assuring myself that it is him

" I'm fine, sir." He said weakly

" I'm happy you are, what happened? How did this miracle happen?"

He chuckled," I learned from the best, you remember when you ejected your seat with the body of the enemy making his man think it's you? I did the same, I put the second pilot in my seat and ejected his with me but it was in the very last moment so I ejected and it exploded making me fly away and I couldn't control the seat. The last thing I did was send an alert to the tech team from Ford's suit."

" So genius my boy." I ruffled his hair

" They think that I am dead?"

" Yeah all of them and today Ford or Chris will announce it."

" I can't go back?" He asked sadly, " It won't happen again I swear."

" Shh calm down, this is our chance, it came to our hands from God." Ford explained

" What? You will hide me?"

" We will talk about this when you feel better."

" Sleep well tonight."

" Yes sir." He said as Ford injection the hypotonic into the serum

The boy won't sleep calmly without it.

I went back home after spending the rest of the night at Ford's. Luke looked so tired, bags around his eyes, pale face, lack of appetite. I'm so sorry baby bro! I'm your cruel brother that caused you this pain, I deserve to get killed that I made those eyes puffy and this brainstorming.

Today, they announced Jaden's death and all of the boys were upset. We grave the body and we said some true words about this person. Luke and his friends stayed there for a while. They couldn't digest their friend's death. Me too, I can't digest that I'm doing this.

I went to visit Jaden with Ford. He looked so much better and stronger.

" So what is going to happen now?"

" You are dead Jaden so from now on you are not here, I will send you on another mission in Chicago. It's much safer for you and better for us so we can find that spy who did this."

" Okay, but what about Theo, Josh and Luke... I want to see them."

" You can't Jaden, you know that."

He nodded.

" They will understand and learn how to live with it, don't worry." Ford said

I can't believe him. When does he get this stiffness from?

" Everything will be okay. We will take care of your aunt and her daughter. You don't have to worry about anything. Josh, Theo and Luke are in trusted hands too."

" Thank you Ford."

" You're welcome."

We explained everything to him and gave him the files he needed. When he is ready we will take him to Chicago.

" Sir, can I ask a favor?" He asked me

" Of course you can, Jaden."

" Can you put a device on my grave so I can see and listen to my friends when they need me?"

" Yeah sure. I'm so proud of you, my boy."

" Thank you, sir... Please don't think too much about it... Luke will understand one day."

" I hope so."

I can't catch my tears anymore, I have to leave.

" Bye Jaden, take care please."

" Yes sir." He smiled genuinely

I walked out and I sighed plainly

" You are doing the right thing." Ford assured

" I don't know, bro... This is so bad, so cruel." I said as I couldn't stop the rush of emotion that hit me

I'm so cruel to do this to my brother... So cruel.

" Malik, you are protecting them all... If Jaden didn't die, who knows what could happen. Maybe they try to kill his friends or cause us more damage... It's safer now."

" I can't think of all of this now, I'm thinking about the pain that I will cause to my little brother, he won't forgive me ever. Lucas will hate me."

And suddenly that tear scrolled down my face. I wiped it immediately

" Malik c'mon bro please... Pretty please don't think like that."

" I can't... I know It's the greatest decision but I can't stand Lucas' sad eyes, depressed state... Now, I can see why God wanted us to separate at that young age... To not let me hurt him... I can bring nothing but pain to him... I'm the worst brother ever."

" Ahh bro, I can prove otherwise." He rubbed my back

" He still is not treating me like his brother, he still is not too fond of having me as a brother, our relationship is not that strong and now I break it all. I have to leave."

" Where are you leaving? You are giving up on him? Your little brother, the one that you flipped the ground to find him? Are you crazy? He won't forgive you, he will really hate you... He needs you."

" He needs a good brother that can make him the happiest kid on this earth and that brother is Marco... He did make it before and he is making Pete now and won't find it difficult making it up to Lucas."

" Maybe yes but it is not the same... It's not like having your real brother around."

" He won't be fine around me... He already hates me and he will hate me more when he finds out... I can't bear his looks of feeling betrayed."

" He will understand I swear... Just stay for him... Just give him what he needed, his brother... Don't be scared of showing your love. I know it's hard letting go of this harshness and coldness but it's all for having Luke comfortable around you to make some good memories, please... I beg you, don't leave him... He needs you around."

" I don't know."

" I swear to God, I won't talk to you ever, if you do that."

" Okay, shut up, let's go to the warehouse." I closed the topic

He shot me a glare but he walked with me quietly.

After a week, Luke started to feel better especially after having a new friend, Landon. I'm so grateful for him. This boy makes my brother feel better and that girl Heaven, yeah, she is a blessing too. Yeah I can't forget Pete and Marco too, they did their best to make him feel better.

Of course, I sat behind watching. When I try to help I just dig it deeper, make it worse. I can't be nothing but a bad brother. I'm happy that he is getting closer to Pete and Cole, he won't feel my absence if I go... It's better for everyone.

I decided to tell Marco he should know. I called him to come into the second warehouse and he came shortly

" What's up, man? You got me worried."

" I have to show you someone."

He looked at me confused but followed me. I took him to the library where Jaden was sitting studying the files.

" Jaden?"

He noticed Marco and stood up immediately

" Sir! Good evening, sir."

" Good evening?" Cole looked at the boy then at me

He approached him, touched him then hugged him. " Impossible, I thought you were dead."

" That's nice." Jaden hugged him back, smiling

" Of course it is." Cole pulled away and looked at me, " Luke will be so happy... Wait a minute, why are you hiding him here? Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?"

I shut up and let him process it himself

" I can't believe you!" He said, looking at me shocked, " He will feel so betrayed, man. We can't do that."

" Sir, please, we have to do this, he will understand... Maybe get upset with you but then he will understand."

" I hope so, Malik I'm not 100% agreed about this but I'm with you."

" I know that. Thank you."

I know he won't go against me and I can't blame him for his reaction when I'm personally not 100% satisfied with this decision.

End Flashback

I told Diana about everything

" I got it, I'm sure he will understand."

" I don't think so, you should see how he was looking at us yesterday all quiet just giving one word as an answer... Like he is talking with strangers... You can yell, you can hit me, you can break things but don't stay quiet... I just hate it." I let out that tear suddenly

" Aww Nico, he needs time, he will be fine." She hugged me

" He won't. I was never a good brother to him, I did nothing to make him happy. I tried but look I ended up breaking his heart."

She cupped my face as I wrapped my arms around her tightly

" Stop doubting yourself, Luke loves you so much, and just yesterday you were making him smile and laugh like a little kid... This won't lessen his love for you nor end your brotherhood... And you are the best brother I have ever met, even Destiny said this to me, said how good a brother you are to both Pete and Luke, even you become her good brother."

" I just want him to say some words to me and even tongue lashes me. I won't care."

" Everything will go to the right side, Nico. Just trust the flaw."

" You know Diana, I tried to go away before and distance myself from him so he can live safe and sound but I ended up feeling so jealous that he is getting closer and closer to Marco and leaving me behind, so I approached him, and look what happened."

" Please don't say that, I'm sure Luke is so grateful for having you like you are. You don't listen to his laughter around you? You don't listen to his heartbeats when he sleeps into your embrace? He doesn't want anything from this life but his loved ones and you are one of them."

" You think?"

" No, I'm sure about it, please let go of these thoughts, they can damage everything and ruin you."

" Okay." I leaned my head on her chest, calming down

" I'm here Nicolas. Everything will be fine." She kissed my head and played with my hair

Maybe, now it's the right time to close my eyes and sleep,

I recalled when he comes to wake me up, his call pranks, the