Over the next few days, Noro kept herself quite busy with Rin. The girl had a wild streak a mile wide, and had no doubt that the child would have nagged Totosi to death otherwise. But because she was exhausted at the end of every day, Noro never even had a chance to wonder about what Totosi needed Sesshomaru's fang for.

At the end of the week, while gathering various herbs to preserve with Rin, Sesshomaru suddenly appeared beside her, taking her aside.

"What is it Sesshomaru," she asked curiously.

He glanced at her disapprovingly. It annoyed him that the woman never addressed him by his title, as was proper, but not surprised. Humans were never respectful.

"Come with me," he replied, and turned around, fully expecting the woman to follow him into the forest.

"Jaken, watch Rin for me," she said quickly, and ran to catch up with the retreating yokai, grabbing onto his sleeve. His quick pace worried her, and she asked, "what is it?"

Sesshomaru said nothing, and after a couple of minutes, when they were completely alone in the forest, he stopped suddenly.

By this time Noro was thoroughly concerned. She had never seen the man act this agitated before. "Sesshomaru, what's wrong," she asked him.

He turned towards her, body tense, and eye narrow. "I... have something to say to you," he ground out.

"What is it," Noro asked, quickly wondering what she had unknowingly done to make him so upset.

"I may... have been... hasty... before," he said slowly.

Noros confusion increased, and yet the demon lord refused to meet her eyes. Her brows knitted. "Before..." she prodded.

Finally he glanced up at her, eyes frustrated. "I should not... it would have been better for you if this one had not exchanged words with you that evening near the lake," he measured his words slowly. "If that had not occurred, it is unlikely that the half demon would have captured you."

Noro blinked in surprise. Was this... an apology? Was she dreaming?

"Come again?"

An angry wrinkle made its appearance on Sesshomaru's forehead, a testament to his inner struggle, and he sighed.

"It is difficult for a noble such as this one to say," he attempted again, "however, if this Sesshomaru had not upset you that night, you would not have been ensnared by the half demon Naraku."

It was an apology! Noro was shocked.

"And so," the demon lord concluded swiftly, his distaste for admitting the slightest weakness blinding him to the woman's amasment, "you will forgive this Sesshomaru at once."

The order slammed Noro back into the present. She shook her head.

"Sesshomaru, I accept your apology, and I'm grateful that you were able to tell me, but I can't condone your behavior that night."

This was clearly not going in the direction that the dai-yokai had had in mind. "What."

Noro raised an eyebrow. "What? Were you expecting a speech on bended knee Milord? Succumbing immediately to your will?"

A vein pulsed on his neck. "You arrogant brat," he muttered.

"Pot, kettle," she replied.

The dog demon ground his teeth, and then roughly grabbed Noros arm, dragging her behind him as he began to walk back to camp.

"Hey- let me go at once you conceited canine," she yelled in protest.

Sesshomaru ignored her cries, and proceeded to drag her kicking and screaming back to Totosis forge. Jaken wisely kept Rin out of the way as the demon lord flung Noro down in front of the demon smith.

"Give them to her now," he commanded.

Noro struggled to stand up, her face red from anger and embarrassment. "You bastard," she growled at Sesshomaru.

She was about to give the demon lord an earful when Totosi stumbled up to them with something wrapped in fabric. He kneeled. "Your daisho," he said reverently.

"My... what?"

Noros anger was put on the back burner, and she stared first at Totosi, then Sesshomaru, in question.

"Is this true?"

Sesshomaru glanced at her, and then looked away. "I have no need for more weapons," he replied coolly, "and I prefer not to have my wards so defenseless."

Noro smirked at the evasive answer, and gently took the bundle from Totosi. Her hands shook as she unwrapped the silk to reveal a beautiful katana and tanto, sheathed in a blood red cherry. Noros words caught in her throat.

"What- do they... have names?"

Totosi nodded. Pointing at the longer blade, he said, "this is Hageshi Taiyo, and the tanto is called Doku Tsuki. Together they are the Hiruto Yoru."

Noro weighed them in her hands. "They feel so light!"

"These fangs were made with you in mind," Totosi replied. "They will work the best in your hands."

"How convenient."

Noro turned towards Sesshomaru. Her eyes glittered with excitement and lightheartedness.

"This is a nice surprise Sesshomaru, but it doesn't let you off the hook for dragging me through the forest. I'll get my revenge!"

Sesshomaru ignored the woman's empty threats, and spoke.

"Right now, those swords are as useful to you as a pair of willow branches. While we travel, this one will teach you the ways of the sword."

Noro smirked, a strange sense of happiness washing over her. She brought the swords to her face, her smiling lips lightly brushing the silk bound handles. "I look forward to it."

The woman proceeded to strap her new weapons to her side, with Totosi supplying her a navy blue sash. Rin ran up to them.

"Wow Lady Noro," she exclaimed, "You look like a samurai!"

Noro chuckled. "I suppose I do! Hopefully I'll be better than them though."

They laughed.

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This chapter is in honor of @forgottenstar1234 !

I'm so sorry for the late update! Thank you for your support! I'll update ASAP!

Ciao!