Chapter Text
As far back as Kai could remember, his father had him working downstairs in the forge. He would sweep and clean of rust from old tools. He was taught how to sharpen and polish the weapons sold out of their family shop.
Kai also helped haul water from the water tower or broke up pieces of coal for the fire. He was proud of the fact that he was also almost able to attach hinge joints without help. However, his father didn’t allow him to touch any of the swords.
Ray may have let him work with a dagger if it weren’t for his wife’s disapproval.
The very first thing Ray taught his son was how to make nails.
“Look here, son. This is iron,” Ray said while holding up a square iron block. He then placed it into the forge and then when it was hot enough, he took forceps and then removed the glowing iron.
Kai watched fascinated at how his father hammered each side until there was a point. Ray then replaced the pointed block into the forge until it was hot enough again for him to cut off the perfect size nail he wanted.
Ray then placed the pointed end into the hole in his anvil and hammered a flat point to the end of the iron.
He then used his gloves to pick up the nail to show Kai.
“This is what we do. We take shapeless metal and make it into something useful,” Ray said proudly.
Kai was fascinated by the transformation. It was like magic in his young mind.
“Stop!” Ray grabbed Kai’s hand which he hadn’t noticed was inching closer to the nail.
Ray then dropped the nail into the trough of water next to the anvil.
“Hot metal looks the same as cold metal. Just because it looks safe, doesn’t mean it is.” Ray then picked up another block of iron.
“Do you want to help me make another?”
“Yes!” Kai squealed in excitement reaching for his dad’s hammer.
Once Ray put the hot iron onto the anvil, he helped Kai hold the hammer and swing it into place. Kai felt safe with his back pressed to his dad’s chest. Kai was perched on a stool, his smock reaching his toes and his goggles covering more of his face than necessary.
Kai grit his teeth as he swung down with all of his might, even though Ray guided him and provided the most force for the swing.
When Kai’s first nail was cool, Ray handed it to the boy.
Kai’s small hands wrapped around the uneven length.
“This is something to be proud of. You keep this with you. If you ever get frustrated with your future projects, just take a look at this nail and you will remember how far you’ve come,” Ray told his son crouched down so he could be eye level with him.
Kai looked down at the nail with a sparkle in his eye and pride in his chest.
“I’m going to go show Mommy!” Kai said enthusiastically and then bounded up the stairs.
“Ugh, this is so stupid!” Kai exclaimed as he threw down another bent sword onto the scrap pile.
Kai and Nya’s parents had left them several years ago, now and Kai still couldn’t make weapons like his father. Kai breathed heavily out of his nose and went to melt down all the rejects. Kai was still able to sell what his father had left in the store and in the boxes in the forge.
It’s a good thing that they don’t see a lot of business in their small village, so they still have items to sell. However, Kai cannot take any custom orders nor can he replenish stock. He has been making do with rotating the inventory around and swapping what’s out front with what’s in the back. That way it looks like new things have been made or that they have been restocking what has been sold.
“Kai? Are you okay? I heard yelling,” Nya’s voice drifted from upstairs. Kai turned to see his little sister stopping near the bottom of the stairs.
“Yeah, don’t worry, sis, everything’s okay. Just another bent weapon.”
“You know, we still have plenty of Dad’s things to sell. You can take your time, there’s no rush to refill stock,” Nya reasoned.
Kai fisted his hand into his pocket, turning to look at the scrap pile. He was starting to feel stuffy in the warm forge.
“C’mon,” Nya said gesturing upstairs. “I want to show you this new toy I’ve been building. I think I just need to oil the gears and I can get the wheels to turn. It’s like a mini-cart! Will you help me?”
“‘Course I’ll help you,” Kai said, breathing deeply. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and went to reach for Nya. Their hands clasped together as she led them to their room.
The nail feels heavy in his pocket.