Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 78

As the movies finished and everyone started feeling the weight of tiredness, the room naturally shifted from the relaxed chatter to a more focused conversation. Opal, never one to miss a chance to delve into the juicier details, decided to start off the break with a question that had been on her mind.

"So, Calie and Marie," she began, looking at the two of them with genuine curiosity, "why didn't you report those creeps who tried groping you on the street while you were disguised? Why not go to the police?"

Marie, who had been leaning comfortably against Calie, shrugged slightly. "Well, first of all, that would mean revealing that it was us in disguise. And honestly, it wasn't that serious. We handled it ourselves and taught those idiots a lesson they won't forget."

Calie nodded in agreement. "And let's be real, if we'd reported it, this idiot next to me would have had to step in, and he's the last person we wanted involved."

Matsu raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Hey, it's not my fault. It's the law."

The group looked puzzled. "Why would Matsu have to get involved?" Terry asked.

"Remember when we were taught about the Treaty of Lukadia and the compromises made after the Great War?" Matsu asked, looking around at the group.

Angelo nodded. "I remember bits and pieces. Orca, you too?"

"Yeah," Orca replied, stretching a bit. "I know some of the history."

Terry added, "Matsu mentioned something about it before."

Wally, always good with details, said, "I remember there was a compromise about fireflies in other countries."

"Exactly," Matsu said. "There was a new law instituted in Cascadia and the Solstice Kingdom stating that any crimes committed by or against a firefly will be prosecuted in an Eclipsian court of law."

Angelo's eyes widened. "What does that have to do with Calie and Marie?"

Marie sighed, knowing this explanation was going to be a bit complicated. "The law extends to honorary fireflies, too."

A collective light bulb seemed to go off in the group. "Oh," they all said in unison, understanding now.

"So, Calie and Marie are honorary fireflies?" Blaze asked, catching on.

"Yeah," Marie confirmed. "Which means any crime committed against us would fall under Eclipsian jurisdiction."

Everyone nodded, now seeing why Calie and Marie had hesitated to involve the police.

"Okay, but why would Matsu have to get involved?" Opal asked. "Isn't it just because they're your fiancées?"

Matsu shook his head. "It's not about special treatment. The law requires that I escort the criminal and the victim back to Eclipsia to ensure the law is followed. I had to do it once with a kid who got caught shoplifting. It was a whole hassle. The idea is more about preventing persecution against fireflies than anything personal."

Calie leaned back and stretched. "So you can see why we handled it ourselves. It wasn't worth all that paperwork and drama, especially since we could take care of it."

"Yeah, I get it now," Angelo said. "It makes sense why you wouldn't want to go through all that. Especially with the complications of the law."

Everyone seemed to understand the situation better now, and the conversation naturally shifted as they continued to relax and enjoy each other's company. The mood remained light, with more laughter and casual chatter, as the group settled into a comfortable rhythm. Matsu looked around, feeling grateful for the friends who understood and supported him, and he was content knowing they could all navigate the complexities of their lives together.