The Shadow of Vulcan

Feelings through Destiny

Greetings, dear readers! Here I am again, KaleidoMirror, thrilled and grateful for the support you've shown. It's only been a few weeks since we last delved into this story together, and I want to express how thankful I am for all your messages and reviews. Your words have been the driving force propelling me to continue exploring this narrative.

It's been a while, but I am filled with enthusiasm. In this new chapter, I hope to not only meet but exceed your expectations. If the reception continues to be as positive as it has been, I promise to make even greater efforts to provide more frequent updates. I also want to let you know that I am working on updating my other story, "Lonely Golden Ashes," so stay tuned for that, folks.

With that said, without further ado, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the first chapter of "The Shadow of Vulcan." I hope you enjoy this new installment, written with sincerity and a deep appreciation for the masterpieces that are Sailor Moon and Fate/Stay Night.

Are you ready to embark on this adventure? Let the journey into the unknown begin!

Shirou was a little dreamer of just five years old.

It was difficult to explain, but he felt an uncontrollable impulse to explore the vast world that was just beginning to unfold before his curious gaze. With the imposing sun setting, its warm rays caressing his face, it stirred sensations in him that were both unknown yet exciting. He loved to observe how, between the treetops of the garden, the light filtered through the leaves, creating a canvas of vibrant colors, painting the burgeoning love in his innocent heart for his new family.

For Shirou, each day became more exciting than the last.

Upon opening his eyes, the world around him transformed into a place full of wonders and discoveries. Without yet knowing all the corners of his home, he was immersed in secrets waiting to be discovered by his curious, silver-eyed gaze, eager for more.

Despite his tender age, Shirou could perceive what he described in his own words as "magic" in every little detail of everyday life: in the warm embraces of his father, in the affectionate gestures of his mother, in the laughter of his grandparents that resonated like music in the breeze, among the flowers dancing to the rhythm of the wind in the garden. However, his grandmother became his favorite source of enchantment, always ready to weave magical stories that transported him to distant worlds.

Over time, those feelings rooted deeply within him. As he grew, strange dreams began to visit him. In the midst of a hill of swords, he stood alone, feeling the vapor and the hot air around him. Looking up at the sky, he encountered monolithic dark gears halted, creating a mysterious scene. These dreams, far from frightening him, awakened in him an understanding that perhaps he was not entirely "normal." However, in his innocence, he believed it was just a passing phase, confident that he would forget them over time.

Unfortunately, Shirou Emiya's fate would be sealed in an unexpected way. In time, he would understand in the worst way the importance of not underestimating the signs that life presented to him. The innocence of his childhood would be overshadowed by revelations that would lead him to discover a destiny marked by magic and sacrifice, teaching him that even in the most unlikely dreams, deep truths could be hidden.

His body could feel the wind, and he was too comfortable to get up, but everything had an explanation. He had just woken up from a short nap. Moments like these were common, where he spent entire afternoons in the tranquil backyard of his grandparents' house.

It was fascinating for Shirou to listen with great delight when his grandmother told him stories about her youth as a priestess, reminiscing about episodes where she showcased her talent and fame, especially in her native country of China. Despite her current age, his grandmother occasionally demonstrated her most incredible abilities, one of which was seemingly impossible to believe—the power to "understand the messages and meanings behind the constellations." That's why he always cherished it when his grandmother shared magical stories about the vast universe that stretched above their heads.