Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 44

After a long day filled with fun and learning, the time came for Matsu's clones to head home. As the afternoon sun began to dip toward the horizon, the clones' adoptive parents arrived one by one to pick them up. Each pair of clones waved goodbye to Matsu, hugging him tightly before they climbed into the waiting vehicles.

"You guys be good, alright? I had a great time with you all today," Matsu said as he ruffled their hair one last time.

"We will, Dad! Thanks for everything!" one of the clones shouted back with a grin before hopping into the car.

As the cars drove away, Matsu waved until they were out of sight. A sense of peaceful satisfaction filled him. He was proud of how far his clones had come and felt a deep connection with them, knowing they were in good hands with their adoptive parents.

Matsu had just walked back inside the house when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and saw that Calie and Marie were calling. Smiling, he answered the video call, and the faces of his two fiancées popped up on the screen.

"Hey, Matsu!" Calie greeted him, her voice filled with excitement. "We just saw the video you sent!"

Marie leaned in closer, a small smile on her lips. "Yeah, what's the story behind that? They seemed pretty pumped to be in a video being sent to their 'moms.'"

Matsu chuckled, settling into a chair. "Well, they decided to pay me a surprise visit today. Apparently, their teacher was sick, so they found their way here. We spent the day doing some learning, a bit of training, and a lot of playing. They wanted to say hi to you both, so we recorded that video."

"That was so sweet," Calie said, her eyes bright with emotion. "It's nice to see how much they adore you—and us, too."

Marie nodded in agreement. "They're growing up fast, but it's clear they look up to you a lot. And they think of us as their moms... it's kind of surreal, but I like it."

Matsu smiled warmly. "They're amazing kids, and they've been through so much. I just want them to know they're loved and supported no matter what. You two are such a big part of their lives, even if you're not around them all the time."

Calie grinned, blowing Matsu a kiss through the screen. "And you're an amazing dad, Mangetsu. We're lucky to have you."

Marie smirked, nodding along. "Very lucky. So, what's the plan for the rest of your day off?"

Matsu leaned back, glancing out the window as the sun dipped lower in the sky. "I think I'm just going to relax for a bit. Maybe take a walk with Azzy and clear my head. Today's been pretty full, and I could use some quiet time."

"Sounds good to me," Calie said with a wink. "Make sure you take care of yourself, okay?"

"Yeah, don't overdo it," Marie added, her tone gentle but firm.

Matsu nodded, a soft smile on his face. "I will. You two take care as well. I'll see you both soon."

They exchanged a few more affectionate words before saying their goodbyes. Calie blew him another kiss, and Marie waved as the call ended. Matsu sat there for a moment, holding onto the warmth of their conversation before finally getting up.

He had a bit of time left in the day, and for now, he would simply enjoy the peace and quiet, knowing that he was surrounded by love and family, even when they weren't physically with him.

Matsu looked down at Azzy, who had been lounging on the couch, her green eyes watching him curiously. "Hey, Azzy, how about we go out for a walk?" he asked, tilting his head in a playful mimic of the way she often did.

Azzy blinked slowly, then tilted her head to the side as if considering the offer. Matsu chuckled at her reaction and scooped her up in his arms. "I'm taking that as a yes," he said, walking toward the door.