The impending move to the Academy dorms cast excitement and chaos throughout Subterra. Eliza and Jonas were caught in the midst of this frenzy, with their small living space becoming the closest thing to a battlefield that any of us had approached.

"Eliza, do we really need more stone-working tools?" Jonas's voice held a note of exasperation as he eyed the array of chisels she had meticulously arranged on the table.

Eliza shot him an incredulous look, her arms laden with hammers and mementos from her time as a mason in Subterra. "Jonas, these could mean the difference between life and death out there!" Her tone was as serious as if she were discussing matters of the utmost importance.

Jonas sighed, his gaze flicking from the tools to the mess of scrappy books he had been attempting to sort. "I get it, I don't want to leave mom and dad's tools behind, but do we have to bring the entire workshop with us?"

I entered the room, greeted by the sight of their frantic preparations. "Packing, eh? I'm almost done hehe; I've been here for shorter, so it went quickly."

Eliza shot me a wry smile, ignoring her brother. Her hair was askew, with metal and stone sticking out from various pockets on the leather apron she was wearing. "Yeah the chaos of packing for our grand move has gone out of hand." her tone somewhere between amusement and despair.

Jonas, in the background, was on his kneees, searching for something.

Eventually, he leapt up, holding a quill, his expression a mix of triumph and exasperation. "I've been looking for this quill for the past hour. It's been hiding in plain sight."

I chuckled, looking at the whirlwind of activity. "Seems like you're both trying to bring Subterra with you."

Eliza huffed, glancing at the hammer clutched in the crook of her arm. "Well, we don't know what we might need. Better safe than sorry."

Jonas nodded in agreement, his tone mock-serious. "Yes, because I'm sure we'll encounter a dire situation that can only be resolved by a well-loved shovel, eh?"

I couldn't help but laugh, the humor of the situation contagious. "Alright, alright, just remember, you won't be the only ones living in those dorms. There's a limited amount of space."

Eliza rolled her eyes playfully. "We know, Alex. But we can't leave anything important behind."

Her eyes turned slightly sad, "Especially the few things we have left from our parents."

I couldn't say much to that. I had nothing but memories of my parents.

....

Stepping away from the twin's chaos, I headed to my final task. I had one thing left to do before I left for the Academy.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Brushing open the flaps of a quilted tent, I saw Tobias laying down, resting.

"Hey there, young adventurer," he greeted me, his eyes crinkling with affection. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

I stepped forward, my heart heavy with the words I needed to say.

"Tobias," I began, my voice steady but filled with emotion, "Eliza, Jonas, and I... We're moving to the Academy dorms. Our training is taking a new turn, and we'll be living there from now on."

Tobias's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes showing a hint of sadness before he masked it with a supportive nod. "I see," he said, his voice gentle. "This is a momentous step in your journey. The Academy will offer you experiences beyond what you can imagine. Beyond what you would find with us here, in Subterra."

I nodded, my throat tightening. Tobias's understanding only made the impending farewell more difficult. "I wanted to thank you," I continued, my gaze locking with his. "You've been there for me since the beginning, guiding me and supporting me. You saved me when I was on the streets. You fed me, taught me the ropes of this city - above and below ground. You're family."

Tobias's eyes held a warmth that mirrored the emotions welling up within me. "Alex, you've been a splendid, bright presence in my life as well," he said, his voice sincere. "Watching you grow these past months, seeing your determination, it's been a privilege. You're like the son I never had."

The weight of his words tugged at my heart, and I fought to keep my composure. "I'll never forget all that you've done for me," I managed to say, my voice quivering.

Tobias's gaze never wavered as he reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, Alex, your journey is just beginning. You'll face challenges, make new friends, and discover more about yourself than you can fathom. But no matter where life takes you, know that you'll always have a place here in Subterra."

As he spoke, the memories of the time I had spent with him flooded my mind - the countless conversations, the shared laughter, and the moments of solace I had found amidst the rolls of fabric and the hum of his gentle, warm voice.

With a heavy heart, I stepped forward and enveloped Tobias in a heartfelt embrace. It was a gesture that conveyed all the gratitude, respect, and affection that words alone could not express.

"Thank you, Tobias," I whispered, my voice filled with unspoken emotions.

Tobias returned the embrace, his grip firm and comforting. "Go and embrace the adventures that await you, Alex. Chase your dreams with the same determination you've shown here."

As I finally pulled away, Tobias's smile was both proud and poignant.

....

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, I found myself walking through the winding tunnels of Subterra. The torches lining the walls cast flickering shadows that danced with the echoes of my footsteps. Eliza and Jonas walked beside me, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia.

"It's hard to believe we're leaving this place behind," Eliza said, her voice soft as she gazed around at the familiar surroundings. Subterra had been our home for as long as we could remember, its dark and mysterious passages holding our secrets, dreams, and shared memories.

Jonas nodded in agreement, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's been our sanctuary. But I can't deny that the Academy holds its own allure."

We walked in silence for a while, each lost in our thoughts. The prospect of new adventures, new challenges, and the chance to hone our skills under the Academy's guidance filled us with excitement. Yet, there was a tinge of sadness that came with leaving behind the place that had shaped us.

As we neared the exit from Subterra, the bustling noises of the city above began to seep into the underground passageway. The distinct sounds of carriages, vendors, and distant laughter formed a symphony of life that contrasted with the quiet solitude of Subterra.

Stepping out into the sunlight, we found ourselves amidst the lively hustle and bustle of Dawnhaven. The city's vibrant energy enveloped us, a reminder that life outside the sewers was equally as vivid as the world we were leaving behind.

The Academy dorms awaited us, a new chapter in our journey as cadets.