Greetings, everyone! It's a pleasure to be here once again. I am KaleidoMirror!
I am thrilled to present to you the latest update of "The Forge and The Foam." As always, I have dedicated time to refine the drafts I hold, and I am truly satisfied with the final result. I have strived to maintain the quality that characterizes this work, and I am eager to hear your opinions and comments on this new chapter. I would love to know what you would like to see in future updates and what you think about this latest development.
I'd like to clarify that if you wish to know more about the future of this work or even more advanced spoilers, it will depend on the next chapter of another of my works, "Echo of the Seasons," so keep that in mind.
Moving on to our regular section, I want to share my enthusiasm for two masterpieces that have influenced this work, and although I do not own the intellectual rights, they are inspiring examples that I deeply admire: "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" by Rick Riordan and "Fate/Stay Night" by Nasu and TypeMoon.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share my work with you all, and I hope you enjoy reading this update as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Are you ready?
Enjoy!
- Nevada, Las Vegas -
(Summerlin: The Ridges)
The neighborhood surrounding the Smith family's residence was truly unique in every aspect.
Constructed just two years ago, its contemporary design uniquely adapted to the rugged terrain that surrounded it. From the peaks of the surrounding mountains, an impressive view of the city sprawled out at its feet. Throughout the day, the landscape shifted, creating unique scenes that complemented the carefully integrated facilities among the hills. All of this was part of an ambitious project conceived by the family matriarch, with a vision of a prosperous and vibrant future.
Initially, the family faced certain challenges integrating, as the community was known for its luxurious lifestyle and desire for privacy, attracting celebrities and high-profile individuals. Interactions outside their social circle were scarce and distant. However, rumors soon circulated that one of the executives of Vulcanus was behind them, easing their acceptance within the community.
As often happens in life, there were minor altercations and some friction even after being accepted, but they managed to overcome those differences and, over time, became essential elements of the neighborhood.
This fact became evident to everyone when the Smiths' eldest left an indelible mark among the children of his age in the area. Shirou Smith proved to be a kind, honest, and responsible child from the first interaction, qualities that remained consistent throughout his life. This earned him constant invitations to exclusive events and important celebrations. Despite his unusual seriousness for his age, these two years of his childhood were filled with laughter and adventures, making him somewhat of a hero to the younger ones and an admired figure among the adults.
In the end, Shirou, with his innate charisma and "magical" spirit, managed to transform the community dynamic, with residents often discussing the positive impact he had on the neighborhood's family cohesion.
On a sunny morning, eager to start the week, Aimer Smith, the cornerstone of her family, lay immersed in a deep slumber, embraced by the comforting arms of her bed.
The reason?
She had been engulfed in a whirlwind of business and crucial decisions in recent weeks, striving to meet her responsibilities as the CEO of her company. However, nothing could deter her plans to advance her well-deserved vacation to join her son's upcoming school excursion. This small gesture meant the world to her, and she was determined to make it happen.
Completely thrilled, both mother and son decided to give their all to fulfill an old promise they had made since they arrived in the United States. Not to mention, the idea of having a whole week together, without the distractions of work like tedious meetings or unexpected trips, which had been a constant for her in recent months, left her feeling guilty for having had to postpone true quality family time on numerous occasions. She would seize this opportunity to create invaluable memories for them both.
After all, Shirou was growing up, and she could already see it when she looked at him, turning the family photos and albums into a collection of special volumes she enjoyed looking through during her breaks in the office.
All her acquaintances knew of the great pride she had in her only son. He was her main motivation to strive so hard every day to be a more loving and dedicated mother, especially because she felt the responsibility to fill the void left by Shirou's father in her life until now. A melancholic smile crossed her face as she remembered the man, wondering what he would be doing now and if he missed her as much as she missed him when she looked at the sky in the evenings. But she quickly dismissed those thoughts before yawning one last time and getting up with determination to start the day on the right foot.
As she stepped out of her room, she was greeted by the tempting aroma of breakfast, which made her anticipate the 'usual' antics Shirou was capable of when he set his mind to something.
"This little rascal always surprising this wayward mother," she murmured with a bittersweet feeling. Don't get her wrong, she adored the intentions behind her son's actions, but sometimes he was too "heroic" in many respects, perhaps partly due to his ADHD, which gave him an overly energetic boost at times. However, she also recognized that was part of his charm.
Now that she thought about it, she remembered how her little one had tried to help her on multiple occasions during the week. It all started with helping her with some household chores, but her surprise was greater when she witnessed how he had finished washing all the laundry, even though it was his first time using the washing machine. Not to brag, but her son was quite adept with electronic devices and minor repairs.
"Just like his mother," she smiled proudly before humming a tune, following the source of that sweet aroma.
- Main Dining Room, Smith Mansion -
Aimer, in her time as a single mother, had faced multiple challenges since Shirou came into her life, completely changing it. However, he also brought moments of happiness that she cherished and would never be willing to exchange for anything in the world.
But of all the 'sweet' surprises, she didn't expect that, upon entering the dining room, she would find the main table elegantly decorated, adorned with a variety of golden pancakes, carefully cut fresh fruits, and, as the icing on the cake, the "extra-special orange juice." This little detail had become her son's star specialty, so it was no wonder, as it had been his favorite for the past month.
However, that wasn't the reason she was left speechless at the sight of that morning feast. Not to mention the gesture behind it, it was evident that her ray of sunshine had prepared a surprise breakfast, putting his whole heart into the process.
The reason she was practically on the verge of shouting with excitement was seeing her little chef at the center of the action, dressed in a flour-splotched apron and a matching hat slightly tilted on his head.
From the doorway, she could see him looking at her with those golden eyes completely radiant, shining like only his father was able to see her. For a moment, the figure of Hephaestus juxtaposed with that of her son, and somehow she understood that with each passing day, it was obvious that her little boy would have to know the truth. The weight of that thought brought a look of melancholy and guilt to her face, but she decided to push it aside, noticing how Shirou finished the final touches with palpable dedication.
"Good morning, Mommy," his voice rang out with joy as he proudly presented his creation.
A loving laugh escaped Aimer's lips when she finally pushed those thoughts away, entering the room and approaching. "Oh, my dear Shirou, this is absolutely wonderful!" she said as she carefully wiped the traces of flour from his face and straightened his hat, only for it to fall again, causing both of them to find it amusing. "What a beautiful surprise you've prepared for mommy!"
Shirou blushed slightly, feeling satisfied with his surprise, "Mom!" he protested with a mischievous smile, "I'm not a little kid anymore!"
Aimer looked at him with tenderness and hugged him, planting kisses on his cheeks, not letting him get away from her despite all his attempts to say he was no longer a baby. "For mommy, you'll always be her spoiled little boy!" she joked sweetly, watching as Shirou rolled his eyes with amusement, accepting his fate.
After some tender moments shared between mother and son, Shirou invited his mother to take a seat and prepared to surprise her with his latest culinary creations. As Aimer imagined herself savoring each dish, she couldn't help but notice her son's effort to show a maturity that perhaps didn't entirely belong to him yet. Especially noticeable was when he tried to pour the juice carefully into her glass, although he occasionally spilled a little in the process.
"Come on, try the new version I made for you," Shirou encouraged her, discreetly turning to serve something else, in an obvious attempt to divert attention. "I'm sure you'll love it!"
Suppressing a couple of giggles, the mother watched her son with amusement for a moment as he clearly tried to make her overlook that innocent little mistake. From the moment she took a napkin to correct and clean the spill, it was evident that the young redhead was desperate to rectify the small mishap, but only succeeded in adding more charm to the scene.
Before taking a bite, Aimer paused for a moment to admire the breakfast, letting herself be enveloped by the taste of the fresh juice and savoring every moment with evident pleasure. "It smells and tastes fantastic, but..." she paused, noticing the anticipation shining in her son's eyes.
"But what...?"
"It's nothing, dear," she responded with a warm smile, noticing Shirou's confused expression. "It tastes perfectly delicious," she added, trying to dispel any doubts, but unaware that he still wasn't completely convinced.
"Really?"
"Absolutely," she confirmed, but her son's expression only made her laugh as she compared it to the same stubborn temperament of her husband, finding it amusing how she once joked with Hephaestus that their son would definitely have the same finesse as a hammer. That moment was one of many moments she had lived and fondly remembered. "You're your mother's number one chef!" Returning to reality, she found Shirou's gaze analyzing her in an attempt to know what she really thought.
"You're not just saying that to spare my feelings, are you? Or are you hiding something from me, Mom?"
"Young man..." his mother looked at him, lightly reprimanding him with the same intensity they shared, both having golden eyes, "Do you really think I could lie to you?" she joked dramatically, placing her hands over her heart as she put on her best act of bursting into a flood of fake tears, "Oh, my little Shirou has become quite the rogue! What will become of me now?"
"No... mom, you're mistaken... I just..." he responded nervously, with a tone of sadness that didn't escape his mother's notice, "It's just that..."
"Let me guess..." his mother sighed, interrupting her act and taking her son's shoulders, struggling to meet his gaze, but he kept avoiding her, "Is that girl, what's her name... Dawn?"
"Drew."
"Exactly!" his mother confirmed, vaguely recalling the girl with twin ponytails, "She teased your cooking again, didn't she?"
There was no need for a verbal response; his downcast expression said it all.
"I'll have a very serious talk with her father on the next school excursion," his mother assured him as she sighed, making a mental note not to forget it. "But it's true," Aimer devoured the rest of the pancakes, surprising her son by devouring them and leaving her plate clean. "Next time, we'll show her what we Smiths are capable of!"
"Yes!" Shirou exclaimed, brimming with joy, "I finally did it!" the redhead struck a victorious pose as he jumped from side to side alongside her.
Watching her son grow before her eyes, Aimer felt deeply satisfied with that achievement. "I'm just surprised at how much you've improved since last time," she said, running a hand through her son's hair to stop his impromptu celebration. However, her gesture didn't dim the young man's radiant smile. "I'm very proud of you, Shirou."
"Thank you very much, Mom," he finally exhaled, his cheeks still flushed and visibly pleased with his mother's sincere praise.
In moments like these, the young mother's mind delved into deep reflections.
On one hand, she fully savored the special bond she shared with her son. Every moment by his side became a blessing from the moment she became a mother. Yet beneath that surface of happiness, lay an overwhelming sense of responsibility as the CEO of a major company, a success she never expected to achieve.
On the other hand, she had struggled to find a perfect balance in her life, yearning to express her love and gratitude towards Shirou in a more authentic manner. Sometimes she felt lost, questioning the circumstances and even if her decisions had been the right ones in raising her son alone for seven long years.
Motherhood had never been an easy task, but she had no regrets about it. Destiny had sent her a very special child, a treasure that illuminated each of her days with new facets of his personality and extraordinary abilities from a very young age, which slowly seemed to reflect those of his absent father.
Over time, Aimer had come to understand that her encounter with Hefesto had shaped the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined. Much of the reason for her recurring episodes of melancholy was because she felt that at some point she had to be honest with her own son about it.
There were nights when she stayed awake recalling Shirou's constant questions about his father. She knew of the inherent curiosity a child can have, especially because at the last parent-teacher meeting, Ms. Dorothy had hinted that Shirou seemed a bit absent during the last few classes, which is why she decided to talk to her son about it.
The boy was smart enough to notice his mother's concern and decided to be honest with her.
"I don't want to go back to that desert place," was his tearful response. "I don't want to be alone there ever again," were some of the phrases that left her wondering if there was something he wasn't saying. Imagine her surprise and disbelief when her son assured her that she emitted a "Light as warm as the Sun" that comforted him.
So, it was no surprise that every time he had those nightmares, Shirou would always sneak into her room, to surprise her the next morning when her son recounted the constant visits from the lady with a fox-like appearance who assured him that everything would be fine as long as he was near his mother.
Completely worried, Aimer tried to arrange some meetings with child psychologists, but they failed to gather substantial information about the real meanings behind the nightmares, let alone explain what "the woman in her son's dreams" meant. But the professionals' response was that it was highly likely due to the lack of a father figure in his life, which had led to developing a sense of fear and dependence on the only familiar figure present.
It was this last episode, the trigger that made the young mother feel at a crossroads not knowing if she should seek a "father" figure in her son's life to fill the void he was experiencing. But in reality, she felt confused about her feelings towards Hefesto, as even without knowing him since he left her, she loved him as much as the first time he entered her life.
She was human, so she didn't know the implications Hefesto had being a God; but she was vaguely aware of the role and responsibilities he had on Olympus as the God of the Forge.
At this point, the difficulties she had faced as a single mother now seemed insignificant compared to the challenge of raising a child with "divine heritage." Her greatest concern was how to carefully address the future, when the right time came to reveal the whole truth to her son. As her husband had said, the day would come when Shirou would awaken and be "claimed," fully revealing his true nature as a demigod.
In the end, despite her concerns, at that moment, Aimer was completely determined to do everything possible to ensure that Shirou had a happy and fulfilling life, regardless of what the future held for them.
"Mummy... Mummy... Mom!" Her son's concerned voice finally pulled her out of her deep thoughts. Unaware, she had been tightly holding her son's right hand at some point, while a couple of rebellious tears slid down her cheeks.
"Is something wrong?" Shirou's voice sounded full of affection and concern, as if he could perceive the distress in his mother's heart.
Aimer forced a smile, trying to dispel her son's worry. "It's nothing, my little flame," she replied, quickly wiping her tears away with a tissue. "I'm just a little nervous about how we should prepare for homeschooling. Tell me, aren't you excited?"
Shirou nodded, though his gaze reflected an understanding beyond his years. He knew his mother was trying to downplay the matter to not worry him further. "Super excited to have fun with you, Mom," he assured, trying to comfort her with a smile.
The worry on Aimer's face eased a little at seeing her son's smile, but she still felt the weight of uncertainty. "You must pay attention to what your teacher says so that we can finish our preparations after school. Is that understood, young man?"
"Perfectly, Mom," Shirou repeated with more conviction, determined to keep up the spirits for his mother. However, a question arose in his mind, one that could change the somber tone of the moment. "Will we be able to spend all the time together at the beach?"
The proposal managed to draw a genuine smile from Aimer. "Of course!" she exclaimed, hugging her son tightly and spinning him around the room, caught up in the joy of the moment. "I love you, my little Shirou," she whispered as her son's hair swayed with the movement.
Shirou chuckled, amused and surprised by his mother's spontaneous gesture. He returned the hug with equal strength, enjoying the moment of camaraderie. "I love you too, Mom!"
In the midst of that embrace, she silently promised to always be there for her son, offering him all her love and unconditional support. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what," she murmured.
"I know," Shirou responded, feeling the love and security in his mother's embrace. "Because you're the best mom in the world!"
In her mind, Aimer could only hope that Shirou's divine legacy wouldn't bring complications in the future, fearing that someday something might separate them. If that were to happen, she believed she could endure it, so she prayed to the heavens, hoping that this journey would be an opportunity to enjoy with her "little flame."
Nevada, Las Vegas -
(Meadows Private School)
The morning sun's rays filtered through the scattered clouds, tinting Meadows Private School's sprawling campus with golden hues. It was a charming day, perfect for immersing oneself in the beauty of nature that harmoniously blended with the modernity of the school's infrastructure.
Shirou stepped off the specialized school bus and paused for a moment to admire the school entrance. "It's still so impressive, no matter how many times I see it," he murmured to himself as he made his way towards the main building at a leisurely pace. The area was flanked by numerous tall trees and colorful gardens, creating a welcoming and stimulating sensation that made him feel immediately at ease.
From the first glance, it was clear that the place had been designed with a unique style, upholding the high standards with which it was founded, creating an educational environment meant to inspire and enrich the young minds of its students.
As Shirou walked through the long hallways of the school building, his mind wandered between awe at the magnitude of the place and slight frustration at the distance he still had to cover. "Why does this place have to be so huge?" he consoled himself, but the lively atmosphere of the school soon dissipated some of his impatience.
Amidst the bustling students and the morning rush, greetings came quickly.
"Hey, Smith! How's it going?" An enthusiastic voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and Shirou turned to find Stuart, one of his classmates.
"Hey, all good!" he replied with a smile, returning the greeting as he continued on his way.
"Are you ready to crush Crestwood in the upcoming summer competition?" A new question caught him by surprise, but Shirou nodded, fist-bumping Mendez, one of the boys from the basketball club. "Of course! Nothing's gonna stop us this year."
With each interaction, his step became lighter, and soon he found himself in the midst of a series of lively chats with his friends and acquaintances.
"Have you come up with any new dessert recipes, Shirou?" Francis' question, one of the budding chefs from the cooking class, made him smile. "I'm still experimenting, but I assure you, when I have something new, you'll be the first to taste it."
Even some teachers joined the conversation, seeking Shirou's help with various tasks.
"Young Smith, could you assist us later with distributing flyers to inform about this month's recycling program?" The request from Mr. Garcia, the science teacher, echoed in his ears, and Shirou gladly nodded. "Of course, sir! Count on me."
As he bid farewell to his classmates and approached the elementary section, Shirou felt reassured by the warmth of the interactions. Though he was eager to get to his first class, he knew there was always time to contribute to the school community and enjoy the small joys of everyday life.
It was almost unbelievable to think that in just over two years since his relocation, Shirou had managed to become something of a local hero, thanks to his adventures and friendly spirit. So, it wasn't surprising that he had a considerable number of friends he could trust and fully enjoy his school days with.
Of course, this was very different in the beginning.
At times, he still struggled with a certain cultural shock in the American environment, which had turned his life upside down. So, upon arrival, Shirou once again faced his personal issues; his mild dyslexia and managing his ADHD were constant challenges, but he could handle them. The tricky part started when he realized he didn't know anyone, which slowly led to a period of bullying and discrimination. But that didn't stop him. Despite the challenges he faced, his determination to excel and make his mother proud gave him the boost he needed.
Following the advice of the person he admired most, young Smith proved to be someone who broke the mold in more than one way. From the first interaction with his classmates or the people in the club he had chosen, he managed to forge great friendships over time thanks to shared interests.
This was possible because, unlike the high school section, in elementary level, they were encouraged to take at least one extracurricular activity, aiming to spark their interest in sciences, arts, music, and even access certain levels of technology.
In the end, none of that mattered, because whenever Shirou Smith was involved, laughter and guaranteed adventures ensued. Plus, they could enjoy the famous homemade oriental desserts from the self-proclaimed Chef, who always amazed them with his delicious new creations. So, it didn't take long before he left an indelible mark on everyone who met him, being popular among the younger ones and an admired figure among the teachers.
Shirou walked towards his classroom with his backpack slung over his shoulder, ready for another day of classes. Upon entering, he couldn't help but notice Drew Tanaka, who was watching him with an expression that didn't bode well. However, as he approached her, her face suddenly changed to a smile that seemed more forced than genuine.
"Hey, Drew! How are you today?" Shirou greeted, trying to be friendly and break the ice between them.
Drew didn't respond with words, just nodded slightly before returning her attention to her book on Japanese mythology. Shirou felt a little discouraged seeing that she didn't seem to be in the mood for conversation. At least this time she wasn't scolding him for being late or criticizing him for some other reason.
"Hey, Shirou, good morning! It's quite a surprise to me that Drew hasn't started a scene this time, don't you think?" The sudden question in a certain familiar tone snapped him out of his thoughts.
"No kidding, Rachel," Shirou appreciated the distraction as he settled into his seat, watching as the girl next to him offered him an apple as she usually did. For a moment, he felt a refreshing sensation that he attributed to the morning breeze. "By the way, does the gardening club need any help?"
"I'm afraid we've got it covered. We've already prepared everything to ensure there are no complications during the week we'll be on the school trip," she replied with a hint of humor.
"Glad to hear that," Shirou nodded satisfactorily as he pulled a small yellow envelope from his pocket and passed it to Rachel. "By the way, don't think I'd forget to pay my debts."
The girl looked at the envelope for a moment, trying to remember the reason, but finally decided to open it when Shirou confirmed it with a satisfied expression. From the opening, a strange silver pendant could be seen, which was very special to the girl. It was a very special memento of her late mother, which for certain circumstances Shirou took the trouble to fix, much to her friend's disbelief.
"How did you manage to fix it so quickly?" Rachel asked, surprise reflected on her face as she examined it.
"When you have the motivation, nothing is impossible," Shirou replied with a smile, remembering it had been quite a challenge, but with certain tips under the personal guidance of his mother, they managed to fix certain errors together, and in the end, the redhead was satisfied to be able to help her.
The conversation filled with laughter and complicity before they looked at each other for a few seconds to share a big hug as a sign of friendship.
The school bell interrupted their interaction, announcing the start of classes. Shirou and Rachel hurried back to their seats, aware that they didn't want to draw the attention of Mrs. Dorothy, like last time. However, they didn't realize that a certain pigtailed girl was watching them with annoyance from her place.
"What have you planned to have fun on our trip to Hawaii?" Rachel asked as she carefully stored the envelope in her backpack. "Do you think we'll see whales during the trip?"
"I don't know yet, but I'm super excited about it!" Shirou exclaimed excitedly at the prospect of exploring new places and sharing special moments with his friends.
"You're lucky," his friend sighed a little dejectedly, explaining that her father, Walter Dare, due to his business in Texas, wouldn't be able to accompany her on the trip. Instead, he sent one of his most trusted agents so his daughter wouldn't miss out on the experience.
"Don't worry, Rae, look on the bright side," Shirou encouraged.
"And what's that supposed to be?" she asked angrily.
"My mom will be more than happy to have you join us!" Shirou replied with a smile. "After all, she's been asking me, 'When will you come for another visit at my house?".
At the end of class, Shirou and Rachel continued exchanging jokes as they packed their things, eager to finish their tasks and get ready for the exciting school trip awaiting them in Hawaii. Shirou teased about bringing along a camera to capture every moment of the trip, while Rachel laughed and reminded him that he already had enough material for a complete album just with the photos he had taken in class last semester.
The atmosphere in the classroom was filled with energy and anticipation. Students chatted animatedly among themselves, discussing the places they wanted to visit and the activities they hoped to do during the trip. Some mentioned that their parents had pulled certain strings to ensure the class had everything needed for an unparalleled adventure.
Even Drew Tanaka, who usually maintained a reserved attitude, seemed to be caught up in the general excitement as well. Shirou noticed she was even smiling as she packed her things to leave. Perhaps, he thought, this trip would be an opportunity for everyone to relax and have fun together, regardless of any differences they might have.
When the bell finally rang marking the end of classes, the classroom erupted in jubilation. Students rose from their seats with a mix of relief and excitement, ready to begin their adventure in Hawaii. Shirou and Rachel bid farewell to their classmates as they exited the classroom, filled with anticipation for what awaited them in the coming days.
As they walked through the hallways towards the school's exit, Shirou couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in his stomach. This trip promised to be an unforgettable experience, full of new friendships, stunning landscapes, and moments they would treasure forever. He was eager to start this new adventure with his friends by his side, ready to face whatever destiny had in store for them in the beautiful volcanic archipelago of Hawaii.
We have reached the end of this chapter.
Therefore, at this point, I must clarify that I prefer to take the necessary time to detail the circumstances and anticipate what awaits us in the next chapters. I ask for your patience to reach the exciting moments that all of you are eagerly awaiting.
As I mentioned in the previous chapter, this installment is an immediate continuation of "Tantrum of the Spoiled Girl." I always strive to maintain a balanced length in my chapters, and the excitement to update this story was palpable. Finally, I present to you "Thoughts of a Mother, Feelings of a Son," sincerely hoping that the wait has been worth it.
It fills me with satisfaction to see that we have received 25 reviews, as well as the support of 158 favorites and 239 followers. I eagerly anticipate how this story will unfold in the future and deeply thank you for your continuous support.
Before I bid farewell, I would like to address some comments that arose from the previous chapter.
One of the main questions has been whether Drew is indeed the reincarnation of Rin Tohsaka. To be frank, the answer is affirmative. As is my custom, I tend to hint at the content of my stories even in the titles, so there is always more to discover beyond a simple designation. Furthermore, Shirou can never escape the feminine fury of Tohsaka. However, I ask that you do not rush; Shirou cannot be Shirou without UBW. Everything is connected; I only ask for your patience.
For now, KaleidoMirror bids farewell, but we will meet again in the next update!