### *Tobias: A Forced Departure*
The hum of the transport ship echoed through its narrow corridors as it cut through the darkness of space, leaving Evergrand Island far behind. The ship was crowded, packed with families—many of them Penitatas—forced to leave their homes under Miyu’s harsh decree. Tension was palpable in the air. Everyone was on edge, and it didn’t take much for tempers to flare.
For Tobias Kain, the atmosphere was suffocating. Despite the Kains’ reassurances that they would stick by him, the guilt and frustration of being the unintentional catalyst for their exile gnawed at him.
---
### *The Unrest Grows*
The ship’s common areas were packed with Penitatas families, many of whom exchanged hushed, angry whispers whenever Tobias passed. While no one confronted him directly, the weight of their resentment was unmistakable.
Tobias sat quietly in a corner of the cafeteria with Mrs. Kain, picking at his meal. Across the room, a group of older Penitatas glared at him, their voices low but pointed.
“That’s him, isn’t it?” one of them muttered. “The one who got us kicked out.”
“Because of him, my family had to leave everything behind,” another said bitterly. “He thinks he’s a hero, but all he’s done is make things worse.”
Tobias’s ears flattened against his head, and he looked down at his plate.
Mrs. Kain placed a hand on his shoulder. “Ignore them, Tobias. They don’t understand.”
“Maybe they’re right,” Tobias said quietly. “If I hadn’t—”
“Enough,” Mrs. Kain said firmly. “This isn’t your fault.”
---
### *A Dangerous Confrontation*
Later that evening, Tobias was walking back to his family’s quarters when he was stopped by a group of older Penitatas. They blocked his path, their expressions a mix of anger and disdain.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing your face here,” one of them, a burly wolf, growled.
“I don’t want any trouble,” Tobias said, trying to step around them.
“Well, you’ve got it,” another, a red-furred fox, snapped. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? My little brother cried the whole way here because he didn’t want to leave his friends. That’s on you.”
“I didn’t ask for this,” Tobias said, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “I didn’t want any of this to happen.”
“Doesn’t matter what you wanted,” the wolf said, stepping closer. “You’re the reason we’re all here, and you’re going to answer for it.”
Before the situation could escalate further, Mr. Kain appeared, his voice sharp and commanding. “That’s enough. Back off.”
The group hesitated but ultimately stepped aside, grumbling as they walked away.
---
### *A Difficult Decision*
Back in their quarters, Mr. and Mrs. Kain sat with Tobias, their expressions serious.
“This isn’t working,” Mr. Kain said. “The tension on this ship is getting worse, and it’s not safe for you here.”
“I can handle it,” Tobias said, though his voice wavered.
“No,” Mrs. Kain said gently but firmly. “You shouldn’t have to. This isn’t your burden to carry alone.”
“What are you saying?” Tobias asked, his ears twitching nervously.
Mr. Kain sighed. “We’re going to arrange for you to leave the ship at the next station. It’ll be safer for you there.”
“You’re sending me away?” Tobias’s voice cracked.
“We’re not abandoning you,” Mrs. Kain said, taking his hands in hers. “We’ll stay in touch, and we’ll come to you as soon as we can. But right now, this is what’s best.”
---
### *The Departure*
The transport ship docked at a small station orbiting a distant planet. The station was a bustling hub, filled with travelers from all over the galaxy. It was far removed from the tension and unrest of the ship, and the Kains hoped it would provide Tobias with a fresh start.
As they prepared to say goodbye, Tobias felt a lump form in his throat. “Are you sure about this?” he asked.
“It’s not forever,” Mr. Kain said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find a way to be together again.”
Mrs. Kain hugged him tightly, her voice thick with emotion. “Stay strong, Tobias. You’re going to be okay.”
Martha, Bruno, and Luna had sent messages of encouragement, promising to stay in touch and support him from afar. Tobias clung to their words as he stepped off the ship and onto the station.
---
### *Looking Ahead*
As the transport ship departed, leaving him behind, Tobias stood on the station’s observation deck, staring out at the stars. He felt a mix of fear and determination. While he didn’t know what lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: his fight against Miyu wasn’t over.
“She thinks she’s won,” Tobias muttered, gripping the handle of his war hammer. “But I’m not giving up.”
The stars twinkled faintly in the darkness, a reminder that even in the vastness of space, hope could still shine through. Tobias took a deep breath and turned toward the bustling station, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
