Piecing Together the Shards: A Shards of War side series

A Bush of Black Roses

Matsu took a seat, his heart heavy with the weight of his decisions. "Thank you all for being here," he began, his voice steady yet laden with emotion. "I know these past few days have been incredibly difficult for all of us." Yumiko wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "Matsu, we're here for you. We're a family, and we'll support each other through this." Matsu nodded, a small smile touching his lips at his sisters' words. "I appreciate that, Yumiko." He then turned to Khamenei and Iyomei, who sat on either side of Yumiko. "And thank you, both of you, for being here as well."

Khamenei cleared her throat, her usually jovial demeanor subdued. "We're family, Matsu. We're always here for each other." Matsu's gaze shifted to Marie and Calie, who sat across from him. Their expressions were a mix of sympathy and solidarity. "Marie, Calie, I want to thank you too. You've been a tremendous support during this time." Marie reached out and took Matsu's hand, their fingers entwined. "Matsu, we love you. We're in this together." Calie nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "We'll face whatever comes as a family." Matsu took a deep breath, his heart heavy with the realization of what he was about to share. He looked at his family, the people who meant everything to him. "There's something I need to discuss with all of you," he began, his voice steady. "After everything that has happened, I've come to a decision." His family listened attentively, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"In about a month's time," Matsu continued, "I will be returning to Ironhaven. I will continue my work as the CEO of Kagayaki Industries." The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Yumiko, Khamenei, and Iyomei exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of sadness and worry. "But Matsu," Yumiko said, her voice breaking, "after losing Peony, how can you even think about going back to work?" Matsu's gaze never wavered, his determination evident. "I need to, Yumiko. I need to find purpose and direction again. Peony's memory will always be with me, and I want to honor her by making a positive impact on the world." Khamenei's voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But Matsu, you're our brother. We need you here with us, especially now."

Matsu felt a lump forming in his throat as he looked at his siblings' tearful faces. "I understand that, and I promise I won't be gone forever. I'll visit as often as I can." Iyomei's voice was soft but filled with emotion. "It just feels like we're losing you all over again, right after losing Peony." Tears welled up in Matsu's eyes, his heart aching at the pain his decision was causing his siblings. "I'm not leaving you, Iyomei. I'll always be your brother, no matter where I am." Marie and Calie exchanged a glance, and then Marie spoke, her voice gentle. "If this is what you feel you need to do, Matsu, we'll support you." Calie nodded in agreement. "We're a family, and we'll alwyas be there with you, even in Ironhaven."

Matsu felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. He knew that his decision was a difficult one for his family to accept. "Thank you, Marie, Calie. I don't want to cause any more pain, but I need to find my way back to the world again." Yumiko, Khamenei, and Iyomei exchanged glances once more, their expressions a mix of sadness and resignation. Yumiko finally spoke, her voice quivering. "If this is what you truly believe is best, Matsu, then we'll support you, even if it hurts." Matsu reached out and took Yumiko's hand, then Khamenei's and Iyomei's, his eyes filled with tears. "Thank you, all of you. I love you more than words can express." The room was filled with a heavy silence, the weight of their emotions hanging in the air. They were a family, bound by love and shared experiences, but they were also individuals with their own paths to walk.

As they sat there, hands intertwined, the presence of the spirits lingered in the background, a silent chorus of support. Matsu had chosen not to reveal their presence to his family, wanting to spare them any additional burden. But their presence was a comfort, a reminder that he was not truly alone in his journey. Old Man Steele, who had been sitting quietly during the family's discussion, finally spoke up. His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a sense of understanding. "Matsu, I agree with your decision. Finding purpose and direction in your life is important, especially after such a loss. Running Kagayaki Industries will not only honor your family's legacy but also give you a platform to make a positive impact. And remember, the bonds you share with your family are unbreakable, no matter the distance."