Piecing Together the Shards: A Shards of War side series

An Unshaken Friendship

This is Terry's backstory, it will delve more into his character, like how he met Matsu, how they became friends, how Terry knew Peony, and how he had grown apart from Matsu and had limited contact with Matsu after Peony died and Matsu explored the world for a year but they still remained good friends.

Enjoy!

In the bustling city of Ironhaven, young Terry grew up in the heart of a diverse community. From a young age, his unruly hair and penchant for experimenting with its color marked him as a unique individual in the sea of ordinary. One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, a curious friend approached him.

"Hey Terry, why do you always mess with your hair? Isn't it fine the way it is?" inquired Jake, a neighborhood friend with a mop of curly hair.

Terry, adjusting a streak of vibrant blue in his hair, looked at Jake with a mischievous grin. "I just like to stand out, you know? Life's too short to be boring."

As the years passed, Terry's distinctive appearance became a symbol of his refusal to conform to societal expectations. However, his protective nature and short temper also manifested early on. One day, when a group of bullies targeted his close friend Lisa, Terry's fiery temper flared.

"You better leave her alone!" he shouted, his eyes flashing with intensity.

Despite his small stature, Terry's determination and courage intimidated the bullies enough for them to retreat. From that moment, a fierce loyalty to his friends became a defining trait of Terry's character.

As Terry entered adolescence, his reputation as a defender of the vulnerable and a fashion trendsetter grew. He embraced the term "Arkladian" with pride, finding strength in his unique identity. Still, beneath the vibrant exterior, Terry harbored a mysterious aura, his eyes often hidden by the cascade of his untamed hair.

Terry's childhood experiences shaped him into a young man unafraid to stand up for what he believed in, whether it be defending his friends or expressing himself through his ever-changing hair. Little did he know that these qualities would play a crucial role in the adventures that awaited him in the years to come.

One sunny afternoon in the Ironhaven City park, seven-year-old Terry found himself chasing butterflies and enjoying the vibrant scenery. In the midst of his play, he bumped into another child around his age, Matsudo Kagayaki, who sported a well-groomed appearance that hinted at his privileged background.

"Hi there!" Terry greeted with a wide grin, his unruly hair bouncing with each step.

Matsu, as he preferred to be called, responded with an enthusiastic "Hello!" The two youngsters quickly hit it off, sharing laughs as they played on the swings and raced around the playground.

Between giggles, Matsu mentioned, "I have three little sisters - Yumiko, Iyomei, and Khamenei. They can be a handful sometimes."

Terry, catching his breath after a playful chase, nodded, "That sounds cool! I'm an only child, so I've never had siblings. But having three sisters must be fun."

Matsu, looking at Terry with a curious gaze, remarked, "You have really deep brown eyes. I like them!"

Terry blushed a bit, offering a bashful "Thank you!" in response. The two continued their adventures in the park, creating a bond that transcended societal differences.

As the day unfolded, Terry's parents approached, their expressions filled with concern. "Terry, dear, you shouldn't bother the young Kagayaki. They are important people," Terry's mother gently scolded.