Chapter: A Family's Mission

The private room of the Tay family's estate was dimly lit, the warm glow from the chandelier above casting long shadows on the oak table. Gemini sat at the head, his arms crossed, his jaw clenched. His sister, Prim, sat beside him, her eyes filled with curiosity, while Phuwin leaned forward, listening intently. Their parents, Tay and New, were seated across from them, their expressions grave.

Beside them sat Earth and Mix, old friends of the family, their children, Tu and Pond, quietly observing the conversation. The air was thick with tension, the kind that came before an important revelation.

Tay sighed, looking around at the gathered family. "There's something we need to discuss. Something important."

New placed a reassuring hand on his husband's arm before continuing. "It's about Off and Gun."

A heavy silence fell upon the room at the mention of those names. Off and Gun had been two of Tay and New's closest friends-brothers in arms, trusted allies in their dangerous world. But they had been gone for 11 years now, lost in a mission that had cost them their lives.

Earth was the one to break the silence. "They left behind a son, Fourth. He's 18 now."

Prim's eyes widened. "He's grown up?"

"Yes," Tay nodded. "And he's in danger."

Mix exhaled sharply. "He's been living with his uncle, a cruel man. We've gotten reports... He's been mistreated for years, forced to endure hardships no child should face. If we don't get him out soon, we might be too late."

Gemini's jaw tightened. "And you want us to go get him?"

New met his son's gaze with a quiet intensity. "Yes. We need someone we trust to bring him back. That means you and Prim."

Gemini scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not a babysitter. If the kid's in trouble, why not just send a team?"

Tay shook his head. "Because we need someone with a soft touch. Someone who won't just storm in and make things worse. Fourth has already been through so much... He needs family. He needs people who will care for him, not scare him."

Prim reached for her brother's hand. "Gem, we have to do this."

He pulled his hand away, standing abruptly. "No. I'm not cut out for this. I handle threats, not family reunions."

New sighed, looking at his son with a mixture of disappointment and understanding. "Gemini, Off and Gun were our best friends. They died protecting us, protecting the world we live in. The least we can do is save their son from a life of suffering."

Tu, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "You don't have to do it alone. We can back you up if you need."

Gemini closed his eyes, frustration evident in the furrow of his brow. His father was right. Off and Gun had been more than just allies; they had been family. If the roles were reversed, they wouldn't have hesitated to save him.

With a deep sigh, he opened his eyes and nodded. "Fine. I'll do it. But I'm doing it my way."

A small smile tugged at Tay's lips. "That's all we ask."

Prim beamed, relief washing over her. "We won't let him down."

New nodded, gratitude in his gaze. "Then we leave at dawn."

As the meeting ended, Gemini stayed behind for a moment, staring at the family crest carved into the table. He wasn't sure what he was getting himself into, but one thing was clear-he was about to change a young man's life forever.

I've updated the chapter to reflect that Off and Gun died 11 years ago and that their son, Fourth, is now 18. Let me know if you'd like any further refinements!