The Shards of War: Ascension and Secrets

Chapter 26

The next day Matsu decided to head to Eclipse City as he had a suprise for Iyomei and Khamenei. Once Matsu arrived at his family's estate, Yumiko opened the door and smiled when she saw Matsu. "Big brother, what brings you here today?" Matsu gave her a warm hug and replied, "I thought I'd surprise Iyomei and Khamenei. Can I come in?" Yumiko stepped aside to let him enter. "Of course, they'll be thrilled to see you." As he stepped into the house, Yumiko couldn't help but ask, "How are you doing, big brother? You've been so busy lately." Matsu sighed and gave her a tired smile. "I'm hanging in there, Yumiko. It's been quite the challenge, but I'm doing my best." Yumiko nodded, understanding the weight of his responsibilities. She knew that being the head of the Kagayaki family and the leader of the Yamatori clan of Fireflies wasn't an easy task. As they walked into the living room, Matsu could hear Iyomei and Khamenei excitedly chatting, and he couldn't help but grin. They may be injured, but their spirits were indomitable.

Matsu and Yumiko walked over to where Iyomei and Khamenei were sitting, and when they surprised them, the sisters were initially startled. But when Iyomei sensed Matsu's aura and Khamenei saw him, they realized it was their older brother. Iyomei quickly wheeled Khamenei over to Matsu, and both of them embraced him tightly. "Big brother! We didn't know you were coming!" Iyomei exclaimed with joy. Khamenei, with a radiant smile, added, "It's so great to see you again." Matsu hugged them back, a warm smile on his face. "I wanted to surprise you. I've missed you two." Iyomei chuckled, her blindness not dampening her enthusiasm. "Well, you've certainly succeeded in surprising us!" Matsu tousled her hair gently. "I couldn't stay away for too long. You know how much I love you both." Yumiko stood back, watching her siblings with a warm smile. Family was important to them, and moments like these were truly precious.

Matsu smiled at his sisters and said, "I've got a surprise for both of you." He started with Iyomei, gently placing his hands on her temples and focusing his healing aura. Her eyes started to glow faintly, and she gasped as her surroundings became clear. For the first time in years, she could see the world around her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at around. "I can see, Matsu! I can see!" Matsu's smile widened, but he could feel the strain in his aura. He continued to pour his healing energy into Iyomei to maintain her vision. Then he turned to Khamenei, gently resting his hands on her back. He began healing her spine, and she could feel sensation returning to her legs. It was a slow process, as her muscles had atrophied from years of being in a wheelchair, but she could feel her legs again. Khamenei blinked in surprise. "I can feel my legs, Matsu." Matsu nodded, still maintaining the healing for both of them, though he was starting to feel the fatigue. "I'll do my best to help you both." Iyomei and Khamenei were overwhelmed with gratitude. They knew that Matsu was pushing himself to the limit to help them regain what they had lost, and it meant the world to them.

Then Matsu's breath was heavy, and he was visibly fatigued, but the joy in the twins' eyes made it all worth it. They thanked him profusely, tears of gratitude in their eyes. Iyomei, her own tears flowing freely, sobbed as she said, "Thank you, Matsu. I never thought I would see again." Khamenei added, "And I can feel my legs. You've given us hope, Matsu." Matsu smiled through his exhaustion and pulled them into a gentle hug. "I'm just happy I could do something for both of you." Iyomei then asked, her voice filled with longing, "Matsu, could I... could I see your face? Just for a moment." Matsu nodded and spoke to Yumiko, who was standing nearby. "Yumiko, could you describe me to Iyomei?" Yumiko gladly agreed, and with her description, Iyomei was able to create an image of her brother's face in her mind. She smiled as she visualized him. "You're so handsome, Matsu." Matsu chuckled, "Well, I try my best. I'm glad you could 'see' me, even if just in your mind." The sisters continued to express their gratitude, and Matsu couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness that he had brought hope back into their lives. And he had an Idea, Yumiko and Khamenei could heal her eyes for him.