Tobias: Secrets and Shadows
Tobias’s heart raced as he slipped out of the house, his tail flicking nervously behind him. Virtuoso’s message had been short and cryptic:
>“Come to the base. Time to take your training seriously.”
He didn’t know exactly what she had planned, but he wasn’t going to miss it. With his plushie tucked into his backpack for comfort, he made his way toward Ironsides Mall, careful to avoid drawing attention.
Little did he know, his father, Edwin Rowe, had noticed his departure and was quietly following him from the shadows.
---
A Father’s Suspicion
Edwin Rowe, an ensign in Starfleet, had been increasingly curious about Tobias’s behavior lately. The late-night messages, the sneaky trips out of the house—something was going on, and Edwin intended to find out what.
“Where are you going, Tobias?” Edwin muttered under his breath as he kept a safe distance. His black-and-white spotted fur blended easily into the dimly lit streets, and his Starfleet training made him an expert at staying unnoticed.
When Tobias disappeared into the elevator at the abandoned bunker entrance beneath Ironsides Mall, Edwin’s ears perked up. “What’s down there?” he wondered, stepping closer.
---
Arriving at the Base
The familiar groaning and jerking of the old elevator marked Tobias’s descent into Virtuoso’s base. When the doors creaked open, he stepped out into the dimly lit hallway, the faint hum of machinery welcoming him. The peeling paint and exposed pipes of the bunker felt almost comforting now, a secret world where he was part of something bigger.
Virt stood at her console, her red eyes glinting faintly as she turned to greet him. “About time, Rowe. You’re late.”
“I had to be careful,” Tobias replied, his tail curling. “What’s the rush?”
“You’ll see,” Virt said with a smirk. “Follow me.”
As Tobias followed Virt further into the base, he didn’t notice the faint creak of the elevator behind him. Edwin had managed to enter the elevator just before the doors closed, and now he stood at the threshold of the bunker, his sharp eyes scanning the space.
---
Training Begins
Virt led Tobias into a wide training room filled with old but functional equipment. Targets lined the far wall, and various tools and weapons were neatly arranged on racks. Saevi, Mindy, Rex, and their rabbit companions—Blueberry, Rod, and Saevi herself—were already waiting, their expressions curious as Tobias entered.
“Time to see what you’re made of,” Virt said, tossing Tobias a wooden staff. “Think fast!”
Tobias barely caught the staff before Virt lunged at him, her own staff swinging in a quick arc. He yelped and stumbled back, barely managing to block her attack.
“You call that a block?” Virt said, smirking as she pressed her advantage. “Come on, Rowe. Focus!”
From a hidden vantage point, Edwin watched the exchange with wide eyes. “Training?” he murmured. “What is all this?”
---
The Confrontation
After an hour of grueling drills and exercises, Tobias slumped against the wall, panting heavily. “Do you always go this hard?” he asked, his voice strained.
“Heroes don’t get breaks,” Virt replied, tossing her staff onto a nearby rack. “You’re not just here for fun, Rowe. You’re here to prepare.”
“For what?” Tobias asked, his ears flattening. “You keep saying I’m the Fifth Generation Hero, but you never explain what that means.”
Virt crossed her arms, her expression serious. “It means you’ll have to fight for something bigger than yourself. And when that time comes, you’ll need to be ready.”
Before Tobias could respond, a sharp voice cut through the room. “He’s not doing this alone.”
Everyone turned to see Edwin Rowe stepping into the room, his posture rigid and his eyes blazing with determination.
“Dad?!” Tobias exclaimed, his tail puffing up in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” Edwin replied, his voice stern. “Sneaking out of the house? Coming to a place like this? What’s going on, Tobias?”
Virt narrowed her eyes, stepping forward. “You’re trespassing, Ensign.”
“And you’re endangering my son,” Edwin shot back, his gaze unflinching.
---
Father and Son
Tobias stepped between them, his heart pounding. “Dad, it’s not what you think. I’m not in danger.”
Edwin’s expression softened slightly, but his concern remained. “Then explain it to me, Tobias. What is this place? Who are these people?”
Virt sighed, crossing her arms. “He’s here because he’s important. Because he has potential. We’re training him to face what’s coming.”
“And what exactly is coming?” Edwin asked, his voice skeptical.
“Something big,” Virt replied. “And if we’re not ready, this island—and everyone on it—could be in danger.”
Tobias turned to his father, his ears drooping. “Dad, I know it sounds crazy, but I trust them. I want to do this.”
Edwin studied his son for a long moment before sighing. “I’m not happy about being kept in the dark, but if this is what you want, I’ll trust you. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I promise,” Tobias said, his voice firm.
---
A Temporary Truce
Virt stepped forward, her smirk returning. “You’re not as bad as I thought, Ensign. Maybe you should stick around—see what we’re really about.”
Edwin hesitated before nodding. “I’ll observe. But if I see anything I don’t like, Tobias is coming home with me.”
“Fair enough,” Virt said, turning back to the group. “Now, Rowe, let’s pick up where we left off. No time to waste.”
As the training resumed, Edwin watched from the sidelines, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. For Tobias, the unexpected presence of his father added a new layer of pressure—but also a sense of comfort. He wasn’t alone, and for the first time, he felt like he was truly on the path to becoming something greater.
