The Shards of War: Ascension and Secrets

Chapter 11

As the weight of the revelation hung in the air, the room was filled with an eerie silence, only broken by the sound of people breathing. Marie and Calie clung to each other, seeking comfort in their shared fear, while Matsu let Three hold his hand, offering her reassurance in this bewildering moment. After a while, Matsu gently squeezed Three's hand and stood up. He walked over to Calie and Marie, his expression filled with concern. "Calie" he began softly, "I know this is a lot to take in. But we'll get through this together. We'll make sure that these creatures don't pose a threat to anyone." Calie looked up at Matsu, her eyes still brimming with tears. "I just can't believe what we saw today, Matsu. It's like something out of a nightmare." Marie nodded in agreement, her voice trembling slightly. "And to think that these creatures can take the form of someone you fear or love... it's terrifying." Matsu wrapped his arms around both of them, offering a comforting embrace. "I promise you that we'll do everything we can to protect everyone in Ironhaven and beyond. We won't let these creatures harm anyone else."Calie and Marie held onto Matsu, finding solace in his words and the support of their friends. They knew that they faced a formidable threat, but together, they were determined to face it head-on.

In the other room, the King and Captain continued their discussion, strategizing on how to ensure the safety of Ironhaven and its people in the face of the skinshifter threat. Three's suggestion to take their minds off the unsettling revelation was met with agreement from Matsu, Calie, and Marie. Matsu helped Calie and Marie to their feet, and he gently held their hands, showing his support. "We should go somewhere peaceful, where we can clear our heads," Matsu suggested. "How about visiting your hometown? It might be a nice change of scenery." Calie and Marie exchanged glances and nodded. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea," Calie said, her voice still shaky. Marie added, "It'll be a chance to reconnect with our roots and find some peace."With their decision made, they went to inform Captain about their plan to visit Calie and Marie's hometown to take a break from the troubling revelation. Captain nodded understandingly. "It's a wise decision. Take all the time you need to clear your heads, but stay safe. We'll continue our preparations here in the meantime."

With Captain's blessing, Matsu, Calie, Marie, and Three set off for a journey that would offer them a temporary respite from the disturbing events they had uncovered, and perhaps some insight into their own pasts and the mysteries of the skinshifters. As the train carried them closer to Calie and Marie's hometown, Calie and Three found it difficult to stop mulling over the unsettling revelation about the skinshifters. Their voices trembled as they whispered to each other about the creatures' abilities and the implications. Sensing their distress, Marie and Matsu reached out, each holding one of their friends' hands. "Hey, it's going to be okay," Marie reassured them. "We're heading to a peaceful place, remember? Let's try not to think about it right now." Calie nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Three followed suit, grateful for her friends' support. Then, Calie and Three turned their attention to Matsu, realizing that he had been affected deeply by the revelation. They asked him with concern, "Matsu, are you okay?"Matsu looked at them with a faint smile, but then he waved his hand, dispelling the illusion he had been using to hide his true emotions. Tears welled up in his eyes, glistening as he revealed his vulnerability.

In a soft voice, Matsu admitted, "Honestly, I'm not okay. The creature took the form of my spring flower, my Peony. It's... It's too hard for me to take." Calie and Three exchanged a knowing look, understanding that Matsu had been affected in a way that they couldn't fully comprehend. They both wrapped their arms around him, offering silent comfort and understanding. There was no need for words; their actions spoke volumes about their unwavering support for their friend in his moment of grief. Then the train came to a gentle halt at the station, and the four friends made their way to the exit. Calie's heart raced with anticipation, knowing that her parents were waiting for her. As the doors slid open, she couldn't contain her excitement any longer. With a joyful shout, she rushed out and into the waiting arms of her parents. "Mom! Dad!" Calie exclaimed, hugging her parents tightly. Her mother and father welcomed her with warm smiles, returning her embrace with equal affection. "Calie, dear, it's so good to see you!" her mother said. "We've missed you, sweetheart," her father added. Meanwhile, Matsu and Marie followed behind, watching the heartwarming reunion. Three, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by recent events, hesitated for a moment. She hung back, seeking comfort in the presence of her friends. Matsu and Marie instinctively walked beside her, offering silent support as they approached Calie and her parents.