Tarren's heart was light as he returned to Benzo's shop, his box of inventions cradled under his arm. His excitement was palpable—his smile wide and his eyes bright. The moment Benzo caught sight of him, he simply smiled softly, already knowing that his young friend had accomplished something remarkable.
"I did it, Benzo!" Tarren said, practically beaming. "I met Professor Heimerdinger—he said he'll take me under his wing!" He immediately reached into the box and pulled out the coin sorter, handing it to Benzo with pride. "You can use it again. It worked!"
Benzo examined the coin sorter, nodding in approval, but his gaze shifted to Tarren's battered clothes and bruised face, already noticing the signs of his recent struggle. "Details, Tarren. What happens next? Where will you live? How are you going to pay for all this?"
Tarren scratched the back of his neck, the nervousness creeping back in. "Well, I start next week, but I'm not really sure about the rest. Heimerdinger just said I should come back then to settle everything."
Benzo smacked his forehead with a ruler in mild frustration. "Tarren, you've got to ask the right questions! What if the academy demands money or—" His voice trailed off as he caught the hopeful glint in Tarren's eyes.
"It should be fine," Tarren said confidently. "Heimerdinger said I'm under his wing now, so I'm sure he'll take care of it."
Benzo sighed, but didn't argue. It was clear Tarren was filled with an overwhelming sense of optimism, and part of Benzo was proud of him for that. Still, the reality of the situation would hit soon enough.
Before he could say anything more, a voice came from the stairs. "So you're really leaving next week, huh?"
Tarren turned to see Ekko standing at the bottom of the stairs, his usual spark dimmed with sadness.
Tarren smiled warmly at his friend. "I'll still visit," he said reassuringly. "I'll come back to see you, and Benzo. Besides, there are things I can't get in Piltover that I can find here. You'll always be able to find me."
Ekko's expression softened, but the sadness didn't fully leave his face. Tarren understood; it was hard to leave everything behind, even when you were chasing something bigger.
"Come on," Tarren suggested, walking toward Ekko. "Let's go to The Last Drop. A little visit won't hurt."
Ekko looked reluctant but nodded.
Together, they walked through the familiar streets, making their way to Vander's bar. As soon as they stepped inside, Vander looked up from his work, shaking his head with a bemused chuckle.
"Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal son," Vander said with a grin, wiping the counter in front of him. "I knew it. You've been accepted, haven't you?"
Tarren's grin grew wider. "How'd you know?"
Vander rolled his eyes, pouring a drink from the tap. "Your smile says it all. The academy's got you now. You're leaving us behind."
Tarren gave a playful scoff. "I'm still going to visit, Vander. I'm not disappearing."
Ekko looked uncomfortable, though, his arms crossed as he stood by the counter, watching a drink be served for Tarren. "Could I get a drink?" he asked, but Vander gave him a hard look.
"You're too young," Vander said firmly, giving Tarren a wink. "But for you, Tarren? Special occasion."
Tarren accepted the mug with a nod of thanks and raised it to his lips, savoring the warmth. Before he could take another sip, he glanced over at Ekko, who was still standing stiffly beside him. The sadness was hard to shake off, and it made Tarren's own joy falter for just a moment.
He handed half of his drink to Ekko, who took it without a second thought. Tarren watched him for a moment, then turned solemn as his thoughts settled.
"I still can't believe it, Vander," Tarren said quietly. "I thought for sure I'd fail the first time I tried. I didn't think I'd ever be here."
Vander flicked Tarren's forehead playfully, chuckling. "You're a talented kid. The academy saw what we all knew. They had to accept you eventually."
Tarren smiled, grateful for the reassurance. "Thanks, Vander. I just… I wonder how the others are doing. Have they come around?"
Vander's expression shifted, and he sighed deeply. "No, I haven't seen them. They're still holed up downstairs. I told them you'd be leaving for Progress Day, but they just... don't seem to care. They think you've left them behind."
Tarren's heart chuckled in self-mock. "Yeah, they probably think I'm a traitor, huh?"
Vander frowned. "Everyone deserves a chance to move forward. But some people are so afraid of change, they can't stand to see a friend take a different path. If they can't support you for that, maybe they're not real friends."
Tarren shook his head. "You know how complicated it is down here, Vander. I don't blame them for feeling that way, they're still teenagers with bottled feelings. Even Ekko's struggling with it."
"And you're not a teenager?" Vander scoffed.
Tarren sighed, looking at his bruised fists from the fight earlier today. "People cope differently, I think. Some turned sadness to rage, some became more… clear headed due to it."
Vander didn't say anything, but his expression was solemn.
Ekko shifted uncomfortably beside him, then muttered, "I don't know what to feel anymore. I thought we all felt the same way when we heard. Maybe I was just turning my anger towards you for leaving us for the people up there. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Spark." Tarren patted Ekko's shoulder. "It's only natural."
Vander sighed again, his gaze shifting between the two boys. "You know, Tarren, I always thought you were the one who had it together. More mature than the rest of them."
Tarren looked down at the counter, taking a deep breath. "I'm not perfect, Vander. I just want what's best for all of us. I know it's hard... leaving everything behind, or in this case, being left behind."
Vander nodded slowly. "Of course, it is. But just remember, this is your chance. You've earned it. And no matter where you go, you've always got a place here."
Tarren smiled gratefully. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with friends like these, he felt like he could face anything. Which is why he has to succeed, to do something from up there, to stop everything that will happen to these guys.