In the soft morning light, Seliph stood alone in the training yard, the sacred sword Tyrfing gleaming in his grasp. The chill of the early dawn did little to deter him. The blue-eyed youth, his long hair tied back in a ponytail, was lost in thought, his usual thoughtful gaze hardened with determination.

The weight of Tyrfing in his hand was a constant reminder of his lineage, a lineage marred by battles and bloodshed. The sword had been passed down through generations, each bearer leaving behind a legacy etched in blood and steel. To some, it was a symbol of power and honor, but to Seliph, it was a symbol of responsibility, a grim reminder of the blood that had been spilled by his family.

His gaze shifted to the blade, reflecting on the blood it had drawn, the lives it had taken, and the wars it had won. The thought filled him with a sense of dread. He despised war, loathed the misery it brought. Yet, he knew that as long as he wielded Tyrfing, the prospect of bloodshed was never far.

Seliph gave a small smile and looked up at their instructor. "I was wondering if I would ever find a way to use this sword for peace." Their voice was quiet, laced with hope and despair. "To end the needless suffering it has caused, to bring an era of prosperity and understanding instead of strife and bloodshed. It seems such a futile dream sometimes, doesn't it?"

They paused, considering their words carefully before continuing. "Yet I know that as long as Tyrfing remains in my care, I must try to use its power for good. To protect those who cannot defend themselves and fight for a future where wars are nothing more than a distant memory." A moment of silence passed between them, the weight of their words settling heavily upon Seliph's shoulders once more.

"I know," Seliph said softly, squeezing their instructor's hand in gratitude. "It's not about wanting to kill, it's about hating what war brings. Seeing people suffer, being unable to prevent it..." Their voice trailed off, a mixture of frustration and guilt evident in their tone.

"But I will keep trying," Seliph continued, meeting Samus' gaze. "I owe it to those who have come before me, to the countless lives that have been lost because of Tyrfing's power. I must find a way to make things better." A fresh determination filled him as he straightened up, lifting his chin defiantly. "Together, we will find peace."

Seliph closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he focused on their words. "I do believe in myself," he said quietly, more firmly this time. "And I will choose the path of peace. No matter the cost." He looked up at them with gratitude, a resolute expression settling over his features. "Thank you for your guidance, instructor Samus. Your words mean more to me than you know."

Seliph chuckled softly, their expression fond as they watched Samus walk away. "You'll always be my instructor, no matter how old you get," he called after them. A warmth spread through him at the thought of their bond, knowing that Samus would be with him every step of the way on this journey toward peace.

Gently setting Tyrfing down beside a nearby tree, Seliph found a comfortable spot to sit, crossing his legs and folding his hands in his lap. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, focusing on quieting his mind and finding strength within himself. As the morning sun crept higher into the sky, Seliph remained still, committed to honing his skills and preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Practice makes perfect," Seliph replied with a contented sigh. "Or so they say." He opened his eyes, gazing up at the sky as their hand was gently patted on his head. The warmth of the sun felt comforting against his face. "You're right, though," he added softly. "Meditation has taught me much about focus and control. It's an invaluable tool in battle, but also in life." A small smile curved his lips as he looked at Samus once more. "Thank you for teaching it to me all those years ago."

Seliph chuckled softly. "It takes two to teach," he countered with a shrug. "Your patience and guidance have been invaluable." He sat silently for a moment, remembering the countless lessons they had shared over the years. "And your faith in me has been nothing short of inspiring. You've always believed that I could do better, even when I didn't believe it myself." Seliph took a deep breath, feeling a warmth spread through him as he looked at their instructor. "For that, I will always be grateful."

"Ha!" Seliph laughed, blushing faintly as he felt their instructor's touch on his cheeks. "I don't know about soft, but they haven't seen much battle." He paused, smiling warmly up at them. "I'm grateful for that too," he added, voice softening. "Even if it does mean I have a more difficult time understanding the harsh realities of war, you and others like you have given me hope that there is another way."

Seliph leaned in slightly, his eyes locked on Samus' masked face. "I want to make things better, instructor," he said earnestly. "To be the leader my people deserve, one who doesn't just lead from the front but also guides them through peaceful times." He hesitated, gathering his courage before continuing. "Will you help me? Teach me how to be that

Seliph felt a wave of relief wash over him at their instructor's words. He leaned into the touch, closing his eyes briefly as he savored the connection. "Thank you," he said quietly. "I know it won't be easy, and there will be times when I struggle, but having your guidance means more to me than you know."

A thoughtful expression flitted across Seliph's face. "Perhaps, together, we can find a way to bring about change. Not just in battle, but through our actions as well. To show the world that there is another path forward, one paved not with bloodshed but with understanding and compassion." His voice was hopeful, filled with determination. "What do you think?"

Seliph nodded, his gaze still fixed on their instructor as they stood up. "I'll try not to," he replied solemnly. "But I can't help but feel that the burden of history weighs heavily upon me. There is so much suffering in the world... I want to end it." He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "But perhaps thinking too far ahead isn't the answer either. Maybe the key lies in taking things one step at a time, focusing on what I can do now rather than what I wish were different."

A wistful smile tugged at his lips as he considered this new perspective. "I will keep your advice in mind," Seliph assured them, feeling a renewed sense of determination welling up inside him. "Thank you for everything, instructor Samus. Your wisdom is truly invaluable."

"I hope so," Seliph replied thoughtfully as they began walking together toward the training compound's dining hall. "Experience has been my best teacher thus far, but it can be a harsh one. I only hope that I learn from it well enough to make a difference." He glanced sideways at their instructor, curiosity and admiration coloring his expression. "You have seen much in your time, Samus. What do you think the future holds?"

The question hovered in the air between them as they continued walking, Seliph's mind spinning with possibilities and anxieties. In that moment, he found himself wishing for the strength and certainty their instructor seemed to possess. Perhaps someday, with enough practice and guidance, he could find a way to embody those traits as well. For now, however, all he could do was continue learning and striving to become the best

Seliph felt a shiver run down his spine as their instructor's words washed over him. He didn't flinch from the gentle touch on his chin, instead meeting their masked gaze with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "I know you've seen many battles," he said softly, "but I wonder... have you ever found peace among the bloodshed?"

His voice was barely above a whisper, but Seliph couldn't help but hope that Samus would offer some glimpse of hope. They had been through so much together; perhaps their perspective would hold the key to unlocking the future he dreamed of forging.

Seliph's heart leapt into his throat as their instructor removed their mask, revealing eyes that seemed to hold the weight of countless battles and the passage of time. He swallowed thickly, unsure what to say or do in response. They were used to seeing Samus wearing the familiar mask, an expression hidden behind its cold metal surface. Now, they saw only bare skin and deep red irises that seemed to burn with intensity.

As their face drew closer, Seliph couldn't help but feel a sudden sense of kinship with their instructor. They had fought alongside each other for years, shared countless triumphs and defeats. Despite the age difference, they had become close, almost like family. And now, Samus was revealing an aspect of themselves that Seliph had never seen before: vulnerability.

With a soft exhale, she spoke once more. "Sometimes," their

Seliph froze, his breath catching in his throat as their instructor's touch and words washed over him. Their heart raced wildly, their mind reeling with a mix of confusion, surprise, and something else entirely - desire. He couldn't help but feel drawn to Samus in that moment, as if the emotions they had long tried to bury were finally coming to the surface.

As their lips met in a gentle kiss, Seliph tentatively wrapped his arms around their neck, returning the embrace with equal fervor. His hands roamed up and down their back, lingering on the small of their waist before moving higher still, cupping their breasts through the fabric of their training uniform.

Heat coursed through him, unspooling like a ribbon from his core outward, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. This feeling was new to him, foreign and

Despite the sudden shift in their interaction, Seliph couldn't help but smile and nod agreement as they took a step back. His fingers brushed against the mask, hesitating before they moved away entirely. "Of course," he said softly, still feeling a bit dazed by what had just transpired. A blush crept up his neck as they turned to continue walking toward the dining hall together, their steps in perfect sync.

As they reached the entrance, Seliph glanced at Samus out of the corner of his eye, curiosity and gratitude mixing with a newfound sense of excitement. He knew that whatever else might happen between them, it was unlikely that things would ever be the same again. And yet, somehow, he felt more alive than ever before. "I don't know what came over me just now," he admitted with a sheepish laugh. "It must have been all the

Seliph grinned sheepishly, her cheeks growing warm once more as their instructor poked her nose. "Our secret," she repeated with a nod, understanding dawning on her features. A mischievous glint appeared in her eye and, taking the silent gesture from Samus, made a similar one back: two fingers held up in front of her lips in an 'X'. It was their private signal now, bound together by this unexpected moment they had shared.

As they stepped into the dining hall, Seliph couldn't help but feel light and carefree despite the weighty issues that still lay ahead. For now, she would enjoy this newfound closeness with their instructor, relish the sense of camaraderie and trust that had blossomed between them. Whatever challenges might arise in the future, they could face them together.

Seliph couldn't help but smile as she saw their instructor lower their mask slightly while eating. It was a gesture that felt intimate and comforting at the same time. They watched as Samus lifted a piece of bread to their mouth, taking small bites as they chewed thoughtfully. The movement was hypnotic, causing Seliph's heart to race ever so slightly.

As she glanced up at them out of the corner of her eye, her cheeks flushed pink once more. There was an unspoken understanding between them now, a connection forged in battle and tempered by their shared experiences. Seliph took a sip of water, savoring the coolness as it slid down his throat, before swallowing audibly.

A sudden thought occurred to her: with this newfound closeness, how would things change between them? Would there be more moments like this, private and

Seliph nodded understandingly and pushed back their chair as well, rising from the table with a polite smile at one of the other students who had been eating nearby. As they followed their instructor toward their shared living quarters, Seliph found themselves lost in thought once more. What would happen between them now? Would things ever be the same again, or would this newfound intimacy fade with time and training? Only one thing was certain: whatever came next, they would face it together.

When they arrived at their room, Seliph hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Samus," she began softly, "if you're tired, I can take the first watch tonight. You should rest." Their words were sincere, their tone gentle. They wanted nothing more than to make sure that their instructor was well cared for and supported, especially after everything they had shared today.

Samus looked