The Only Choice - Boboiboy Halilintar

Chapter 12 - TAPOPS

The sun was just starting to set as the seven brothers stood in front of their grandfather, a Huge spacecraft behind them ready to take off. The time had come for them to leave Earth and head to Tapops, a journey they knew would keep them away from home for a long time. Their grandfather, old and wise with a gentle yet firm demeanor, stood before them, his eyes shimmering with pride and sadness.

Duri, the second youngest, stood close to his brothers, clutching Gempa's hand. His small face was scrunched up in an effort to hold back tears, but it was clear he was struggling. Even Blaze, who usually kept a mischievous grin on his face, looked unusually somber.

 "You boys have grown so much," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Remember, wherever you go, you carry the family's honor with you."

Hali stood at the front of the group, trying to maintain his usual stoic expression, though his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He felt the weight of being the eldest, the one responsible for his brothers. He exchanged a glance with Solar, who gave him a small nod of understanding.

As their grandfather continued, he gave each of them parting advice.

"Gempa, you're the heart of this group. Keep everyone grounded."

Gempa smiled softly, nodding.

 "Solar, you're the mind. Don't let your pride cloud your judgment."

Solar stood tall, absorbing the words with a deep breath.

"Blaze, Taufan, and Duri... you three, behave yourselves and keep out of trouble."

The trio looked sheepish, especially Duri, whose lip quivered at the thought of being away from their grandfather. Blaze gave a weak smile, trying to be his usual self, but even he was unable to hide the sadness.

 "Ice, you're their balance. Watch over your brothers."

Ice, who usually had a lazy, detached attitude, gave a slow nod, understanding the gravity of the moment.

Finally, their grandfather turned to Hali.

 "And Hali... you're their eldest brother. Protect them at all costs."

Hali nodded, his jaw set in determination.

Taufan, the second eldest, had been trying to keep his cool, but tears finally spilled down his cheeks as he rushed forward, hugging their grandfather tightly.

"I'm going to miss you, Grandpa!"

The others followed suit, crowding around their grandfather in one last embrace before they had to leave. Duri, who had been trying so hard to be brave, started sobbing uncontrollably, clinging to their grandfather's arm. Hali swallowed hard, trying not to let his own emotions get the best of him, but even he couldn't resist stepping forward and giving his grandfather a hug.

One by one, they pulled away, tears in their eyes but smiles on their faces as they waved goodbye. They boarded the spacecraft, the door hissing shut behind them. As they fired up the engines, they could still see their grandfather waving from the ground. Duri pressed his face against the window, waving frantically with one hand while wiping tears away with the other. Blaze and Taufan sat beside him, their eyes red from crying as they waved too.

The ship's engines roared to life, and slowly, it lifted off the ground. The brothers watched as their grandfather grew smaller and smaller, until finally, Earth was just a distant speck in the blackness of space.

As the spacecraft reached orbit and leveled out, the autopilot kicked in, and the brothers could finally relax. The ship had 1 day to reach the Tapops Station, their destination. Knowing they had time, they all settled into different parts of the ship for a break.