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Sesshomaru

For as long as I could remember, I had prided myself on the ability to appear emotionless, a stoic figure untouched by the trivialities of sentiment. To those who observed me, I was the epitome of calm, collected, and in control. My icy demeanor served as an impenetrable mask, shielding the depths of my true feelings from prying eyes. It was a facade that had served me well, a barrier I had meticulously cultivated over the years.

Yet, this infuriating woman had managed to do what no one else could. She had breached the walls I had so carefully erected, peering beyond the icy veneer to glimpse the hidden emotions that lay beneath. There was something about her, something different, something strangely familiar, that unsettled the carefully constructed image I projected to the world.

As I followed her through the palace grounds, my anger simmered just beneath the surface, a turbulent undercurrent threatening to boil over. The woman's audacity had pushed me to the brink, and the need to maintain my authority and dignity in front of my own guard was paramount.

I couldn't deny that her presence had stirred something within me, a discordant mix of irritation and curiosity. But at this moment, it was the former that consumed me. The woman had openly mocked me and turned her back on me in public, a grievous display of disrespect that would not go unanswered.

Though my emotions remained carefully concealed beneath a stoic facade, a storm brewed within, and I resolved to address this insolence with the firmness it warranted. This enigmatic woman had managed to disrupt the calm surface of my existence, and I would not rest until I understood her true intentions and put her back in her place.

"What is this?" I inquired, my voice dripping with the kind of icy detachment I had mastered over the years. I held the mirror in the palm of my hand, its intricate engravings and moonstone accents catching the ambient light. Strangely, as it rested in my grasp, I felt a peculiar sense of calm wash over me, quelling the anger that had simmered beneath the surface just moments before.

"It is a mirror, my lord," she responded, her tone laced with subtle sarcasm as she emphasized my title. Her deliberate insolence grated on my nerves, and a low growl rumbled in my throat, a sound that took even me by surprise. The human woman's presence seemed to have an unsettling effect on me, disrupting the carefully maintained equilibrium of my emotions.

"I will ask you only once more," I stated, my words measured and controlled, a testament to the discipline I had honed over the years. "What is it?" My patience was wearing thin, and I could feel the storm of my temper brewing just beneath the surface, threatening to shatter the veneer of composure I had so carefully constructed.

She seemed to deliberate on her response, her gaze distant as if searching for the right words to convey her meaning. "It is both an offering and a blessing for the House of the Moon," she finally replied, her tone carrying a touch of reverence. Her answer held an air of mystery, leaving me with more questions than before. Before I could press further for clarification, Daichi, the head instructor responsible for training the new recruits, approached me with a request regarding Shippo.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Daichi began, his expression respectful as he addressed me. "May Shippo have a trial match against one of our seasoned men? It will help us gauge the young one's potential." I considered the request briefly and then turned my attention back to the woman.

I nodded my consent to the match and walked over to Shippo, who awaited his opportunity with a mixture of excitement and determination. The woman approached the young fox kit and whispered something to him, her words too soft for me to catch. However, I noticed her discreetly showing him three fingers, held against the sash of her training garments, and tapping the middle finger twice.

It became evident that the two had devised a way to communicate without revealing their true intentions. I couldn't help but acknowledge the cleverness of their plan as I observed the exchange.

As the trial match began and Shippo and his opponent squared off, a thought lingered in the back of my mind. I knew I would have to discuss the matter of the ceremonial blade with the enigmatic woman later. Her cryptic answers and the air of mystery surrounding her actions intrigued and perplexed me. For now, though, I focused on observing the match, curious to see how Shippo would perform and how the events would unfold.

The atmosphere in the training grounds shifted palpably as Shippo's demeanor transformed. The carefree boy he had been just moments ago was now replaced by a more serious and determined presence. Even Kenta, the young leopard demon tasked with sparring against him, couldn't help but react to the change in the air. His movements became more measured and focused as he prepared to engage with the young kit.

The spar between Shippo and Kenta was a dynamic display of skill and strategy. They circled each other, their movements precise and deliberate, as they assessed their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Shippo's agility and quick reflexes were evident as he deftly parried Kenta's strikes, never allowing his guard to falter.

Kenta, on the other hand, was a skilled swordsman who moved with grace and precision. His attacks were powerful and well-timed, keeping Shippo on his toes. The two combatants engaged in a series of rapid exchanges, their swords clashing in a harmonious rhythm that echoed throughout the training grounds.

Shippo's moment of triumph came when he spotted an opening in Kenta's defences. With a lightning-fast lunge and a well-aimed kick to Kenta's shins, he knocked the leopard demon off balance, sending him tumbling to the ground. In a swift motion, Shippo pointed his sword at Kenta's neck, securing his victory.

Kenta, recognizing Shippo's skill and prowess, conceded defeat gracefully. Their camaraderie and sportsmanship were evident as Kenta raised his hands in surrender and Shippo offered a helping hand to his fallen opponent. The onlookers, including Daichi, were impressed by the young recruit's performance and potential.

I observed the exchange. Shippo's dedication to his training had been evident in the way he had handled himself during the spar. The woman continued to offer words of encouragement to him, reinforcing the bond between mentor and student.

With a thoughtful expression, I addressed Daichi, "I believe he has the potential to become a valuable asset to our ranks. Under the right guidance, he could become a formidable warrior."

Daichi considered my words for a moment before nodding decisively. "Very well, my lord. I shall arrange for his official initiation into our training program. With your permission, of course." I nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as a newcomer entered the ring. Akiko, my trusted general, approached with a respectful bow directed at me. In response, I acknowledged him with a nod of my head, acknowledging his presence and status.

"Akiko," Daichi greeted with a welcoming tone. "I didn't anticipate you'd have the time to join us and witness the new recruits in action." Daichi's tone held a hint of surprise and genuine curiosity.

Akiko's face held a warm smile as he moved closer to where Shippo, the young fox kit, stood beside the human woman. "I didn't know I could either. The training sessions weren't proceeding as smoothly as I had anticipated," he explained. "Everyone is currently on a ten-minute break, but I must return soon to oversee the proceedings."

Seizing the opportune moment, the human woman who had been accompanying Shippo took a step forward to make her presence known. "Before you depart, Akiko, I have someone I'd like you to meet," she interjected, her voice carrying a hint of significance. "This young boy here goes by the name of Shippo, and he is your son."

The revelation struck like lightning, widening Shippo's eyes with surprise and sparking a look of astonishment on Akiko's face. In an instant, emotions overtook formalities as the young boy, overwhelmed with joy, dropped his sword and rushed toward the man he recognized as his father. "Daddy!" Shippo called out excitedly as he closed the distance.

Akiko's features softened, and he extended his arms to receive his child's embrace. "Son," he replied, his voice filled with warmth and love as he enveloped Shippo in a heartfelt hug, the bond between father and son rekindled in a joyous reunion.

The revelation that Shippo was Akiko's son took everyone by surprise. The atmosphere in the training grounds seemed to shift as the realization sank in. Akiko's surprise was evident on his face as he embraced the young boy who had just called him "Daddy."

"Shippo," Akiko murmured, his voice filled with a mix of emotions that he had not expected to experience in this moment.

I watched the father and son reunion unfold. It was clear that Shippo's true identity had been kept a secret, even from his own father. The woman who had been mentoring him had played her role convincingly.

As the moment between Akiko and Shippo continued, I turned to Daichi and nodded in acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events. This revelation would undoubtedly bring about changes in the dynamics of the training program and the House of the Moon as a whole.

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Katie