Author's Note: Getting more into Sesshoumaru's interaction with his parents. Please read n' review. All suggestions are welcome. In other words, please tell me if I suck or not. ;-) Thanks!

Disclaimer: idontowninuyasha

Amazing. That was the only word Inutaisho could think of as he watched his son. They had only been training for half a year, but the adeptness his son showed at martial arts astounded him, especially considering he was only a young child. He had picked up the basic skills with almost no effort, and even the more complicated techniques proved to be little more of a challenge. He had even begun to spar with him early. The hardest part so far was teaching him to control his emotions when he didn't do something completely perfect.

"You mustn't get so angry with yourself, son." he told the boy. "You are just beginning to learn the ways of a warrior; you can't expect to be perfect at everything right away."

"I cannot use that as an excuse!" the boy fumed, red creeping into his golden eyes. "How can I expect to become a great warrior when I lose against an attack you have used on me once before!" He slammed his fist into the dojo floor.

"That's enough Sesshoumaru!" his father shouted. "So far, this is your only weakness! When something doesn't go as you planned, you become angry. Allowing your emotions to take over and attacking in anger will spell death for certain. You must train your mind to be constantly focused and unhindered by your feelings when in battle, or it will be your downfall. You must never be off guard. Accept that you are a student and are learning, or you will not advance. "

"Forgive me, father," the boy said in a low voice. "I did not wish to disappoint you." His temper in check, he stared at the floor in shame.

"You haven't disappointed me son, I am only trying to teach you, there is no need for apologies or shame. Only try to keep your mind focused. When in battle your only thoughts are your opponent and how to rid yourself of the threat as quickly and efficiently as possible. You cannot let your emotions get in your way."

"I understand, father!" the boy said happily, " I will work as hard as I can to show more control over my feelings." His father nodded to him. "Good." "I think that's enough for today. Why don't you go see your mother and tell her what a good job you've been doing?" he asked. He smiled as he watched his son leave the dojo. He couldn't be more proud of him, he was honored to be blessed with such a smart and disciplined son.

As he left the training hall, his thoughts went to his wife. They had developed a mutual respect for one another over the years, which was as close to love as they were comfortable with. She was quiet and reserved, but also impatient. She had powers of her own, some of which her son had inherited. His poison claws and lightning speed were proof of that. Also, she had powers that her family had been taught which he knew very little of, sacred powers concerning the other world. They kept it closely guarded, and he had never needed to ask about it. He thought it may be useful to ask her about it one day, one could never have too much knowledge. "For now," he thought "a hot bath sounds just about right."

"Mother!" came the cry, along with the sound of a child's feet running down the corridor. Kagetsu closed her eyes at the noise. "Mother, father says I am doing a very good job!" her son shouted as he quickly opened the door to her chamber. "Sesshoumaru, please be quiet and calm yourself. There is no need to screech and run like a stampede of wild animals."she greeted him. The boy's face fell, his excitement quelled. "He told me to come and tell you." he told her. "That's fine, my son." "I am glad you are learning quickly." she replied. She looked up at her son, and for a moment she was taken aback.

Looking into his eyes, she saw something there she had never seen before. Usually, his eyes were quietly observant, or excited even if he didn't show it. There was always something behind them. Now they were almost. . .cold. She saw no emotion in them whatsoever. "I did not mean to sound harsh Sesshoumaru," she said in a startled voice, "It is only that I was not expecting you so suddenly." "There is no need to apologize, mother", he said flatly, "I will go and see to my other studies now." She nodded to him, still surprised. He bowed to her, then turned and left as quietly as she had ever heard him.