"Why am I doing this again?" Andy asks, holding up the katana Sango had given her only moments before with a frown.

"We want to know if you can channel your powers through non-demonic blades." Miroky tells her before Sango can say anything.

"Uh, you are aware I melted stone two days ago right? Are you sure you guys want me doing this?" Andy hesitantly adjusts her grip on the sword and wonders how the fuck she got into the situation she's in.

They only started traveling this morning. Yesterday had been a day of relaxation and rest thanks to Inuyasha's worry for Andy and the knowledge of Kikyo's theft weighing down on them all. While her half-demon has been very understanding of the matter it only goes to prove that so long as Kikyo's the one slighting him Inuyasha won't react like he normally would. None of them talk about it though. Even Shippo's been smart enough to keep his mouth shut about the entire thing. Which makes for a boring morning of travel. Thankfully lunch brings food and Miroku's brilliant idea of getting Andy used to a sword. Apparently he's really into the idea of Andy's powers being so massively destructive because she can't think of another reason as to why he'd be willing to go along with this idiot plan. At least Sango's supervising. A stipulation for the use of her sword... well, not her personal sword. One she took from the demon-slayer village when they'd left it behind all those days ago.

"It can't be too bad right? We aren't expecting you to do anything massively dangerous," Sango promises, "we just want to see if you can direct energy."

"So, like, warming a butter knife before cutting the butter or what?"

"If you can push your energy into the sword without melting it we'll go from there."

Bad idea, that's what this is, and if Sango weren't here to supervise Andy wouldn't be doing it. But Sango is here and she looks relatively at ease so what's Andy got to worry about? Sango's not worried? Awesome. Andy can be worried for the two of them.

Hesitantly, Andy reaches out for the power burning within herself. Taking hold of it with great care and slowly easing it through her body. Without the panic or rage to fuel it the power remains docile as a simple candle flame. Dangerous, but not nowhere are dangerous as a forest fire. So long as Andy doesn't feed it she should be ok. So she pushes the power into her arm, down into her palm, and then out. Wrangling it into the sword id tough work. Cold sweat erupts on her forehead with the effort it takes, but Andy manages to push her fire into the blade. For a brief, shining moment Andy finds herself smiling at the fire dancing along the metal. Then with a low swoosh the flame grows larger and panic erupt in Andy's chest.

it's not long after that the blade begins to glow a luminous red, the warping happens soon after.

With a shout Andy tosses the blade onto the dirt.

The moment it's no longer in her hand the flame dies but the metal remains glowing and warped and dangerous despite it's uselessness.

"Well," Miroku says, "that went better than expected."

Sango shoots him a look that could curdle milk before softening her expression so she can look at Andy.

"We'll get there." The dark eyes girl promises but Andy doesn't know if she ever wants to get there.

Sizzling at her feet is the product of her failure. Maybe not all that terrible but it could have been. Andy doesn't like the thought that flits through her head as she watches the metal scorch a march into the dirt. If any of her friends had been too closer to that sword... It's not a good feeling, knowing you have the potential to really hurt the people you care about.

"Why are you doing this again?" Inuyasha asks from where he and Kagome are seated off to the side.

Lunch has probably been ready for a little while now if the smells are anything to go by. It may not be mama Higurashi's home cooked meals but Andy will be damned if it isn't really fucking close. Kagome, when she has the tools available to her, is one hell of a chef. Culinary genius. But, like, when is Kagome not good at everything she puts her mind to?

"My thought on it was that if Andy can channel her power into the sword then maybe it would be capable of being used by her in more chaotic combat situation." Miroku tells the half-demon.

"Meaning he doesn't want to be barbecued the next time I mess with my powers."

Bashful smiles are sent her way.

Andy opens her mouth to say something only for a loud crack of lighting and a boom! to ensure she looses her train of thought in the process of putting herself between Sango and Miroku and the new threat... which is... a cow... and an old man.

Doesn't seem like much of a threat really.

"Just who are you?" Inuyasha demands, arm thrust out in preparation to move Kagome out of harms way.

"I am called Totosai. Draw your sword, Inuyasha." The old man, Totosai commands. "If you refuse, I'll go on the offensive!"

The hammer in the man's hand waggles in the air above his head. He doesn't seem like much of a danger to them, really, but Andy knows better than maybe anyone that looks can be deceiving. When he leaps off the back of his cow Andy moves to intervene, only stopping when Inuyasha pulls out his father's sword and... gets absolutely nowhere with it as the older man's hammer strikes the metal and causes the great sword to tremble. Which, you know, shouldn't be happening.

"The resonance is way too dull... Maybe this kid isn't the right one." Totosai says, more to himself than Inuyasha.

Inuyasha growls, adjusts his grip on the sword, and charges the older man with a cry of, "Just who are you?"

His attack is stopped by Totosai, who pulls a large bit of leather seemingly out of the air and proceeds to examine the blade.

"The blade is full of chips. You've been too rough with it." the man begins running the leather across the blade, "What a shame."

"Who are you?" Inuyasha demands again, ears flicking.

Andromeda doesn't know, exactly, who the man is but she can wager a guess. A major give away is how obsessive he seems to be about the quality of the sword Inuyasha keeps swinging around. While he could just be a sword fanatic or a lover of weaponry, Andy's gonna go out on a limb and assume he probably knows who made the sword if he didn't have any involvement in the process himself. So she makes her way over to the two with her hands shoved into her front pocket so as to look less threatening and nudges Inuyasha with her shoe.

"Come on, let's sit down and talk this out yeah? Clearly he isn't trying to steal your sword." Andy then reaches out to place a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.

Tension rolls through her half-demon friend but slowly - so very, very slowly - the tension bleeds out of him and not long after that he lowers the Tetsusaiga. Totosai glances between Inuyasha and her for a long couple of seconds before he tucks away the strip of leather, rising from his crouched position with an ease that doesn't fit with his appearance. Truthfully, the man looks... older than dirt. Which is rude. Andromeda doesn't have any right to judge people on how they age but... for as elderly looking and frail as he appears to be, the agility with which he moves is crazy. Once he's up Andy offers a polite grin.

"Why don't we all sit down and introduce ourselves? Then we can work from there." She says to the people standing around her.

Considering Kagome had been prepping lunch they've already got a space set up. So it isn't a terrible inconvenience to get the rickety looking man over to the blanket and have him take a seat before getting everyone else to do the same. Andy makes sure to sit close to Totosai, figuring that if he does anything kitschy she can attempt to stop him.

"So you already know Inuyasha," Andy begins, "but that's Shippo, Kirara, Kagome, Miroku, Sango, and I'm Andromeda."

She gets a couple of looks from the group. Seeing as this is the first time she's actively attempted to correct the way people address her, it might be a bit off putting. Andromeda just smiles though. Ignores the way her friends shoot her looks and pretends this isn't weird.

"I am Totosai, the swordsmith who forged the Tetsusaiga." The older man greets, bowing his head slightly to the group.

Inuyasha raises an eyebrow in disbelief and repeats, "The swordsmith who forged the Tetsusaiga?"

"Precisely. I, Totosai, forged the Tetsusaiga from a fang your father gave me. In the world of sword-wielding demons I am famous among those who know and among those who do not know, I'm not." The man-demon says.

"Huh? What does that mean?" Inuyasha asks.

To which Andromeda says, "It means that unless you know which sword he's made you wouldn't know anything about him."

"Could mean he's not very famous at all." Kagome tacks on.

"Whatever," Inuyasha's ears twitch, "just what does a swordsmith want with me?"

"I took a good look at the Tetsusaiga earlier. It was the sword of swords, forged by a master swordsmith, but the sound of the steel is terribly dull. It's a very sad thing." Totosai remarks dejectedly.

"Hey! If you're looking to pick a fight, just say so!" Inuyasha growls.

Kagome's reprimanding hiss is ignored as Totosai huffs a sad sigh and a, "Oh... It's useless. Myoga, the Tetsusaiga cannot be used by someone so short-tempered and eager to fight."

Myoga?

Huh, speak of the devil.

The tiny flea demon appears out of nowhere, settling on Totosai's arm with a severe look on his features and his tiny arms tucked into his sleeves. It's been a while since they've seen him. Honestly, Andromeda can't even recall when exactly she's seen the flea demon last. The Demon Slayer village? Maybe?

"So rather than blindly relying on the strength of the Tetsusaiga and fighting recklessly better for Inuyasha to just give up the sword, huh?" Myoga asks, staring the half-demon down.

"Well, the sooner the better," Totosai says, not sounding too thrilled, "I'll just break the sword in two now."

Before Inuyasha can jump in and make matters worse Andromeda pipes in with a soft, "That's unfair. You can't blame Inuyasha for his aggression when he's never had anyone to help teach him to temper it. Half-demons aren't treated a quarter as well as humans or demon are in their respective communities and Inuyasha's had to live the majority of his life fending for himself with nothing but his claws and teeth. I don't know about you but if I'm looking to possibly kill someone I'm not going to let either of those things stop me." she pauses and shakes her head. "Instead of forcing him to relinquish the sword why don't you help us figure out a way to help Inuyasha feel less dependent upon it?"

Beside her Inuyasha is seething, his breath leaving in in ragged sounding pants. Andy reaches over to lay a firm hand on his knee, fingers digging in slightly. She isn't going to let them take the sword, even if she has to fight them for the right to keep it. Andromeda isn't going to let some stuck up asshole of a swordsmith take the only thing Inuyasha really has of his father's that was left to him specifically. It's cruel of them to assume that because Inuyasha is aggressive - and he is, Andy can admit to that - that he can't be reasonable.

She stares the swordsmith down, daring him to try anything with the sword.

I'll end you, she thinks at him, I will end you and destroy every remainder of you.

"Lord Inuyasha," Myoga begins hesitantly, "as it is, you won't be able to master the mystery of the Tetsusaiga which enables one to slay a hundred demons in one sweep. But this Totosai knows its secrets. I think you both need to get to know each other and you must cooperate to awaken the true power of the Tetsusaiga."

"I agree, it would be beneficial for Inuyasha to understand the sword but... May I ask you something, Master Totosai?" Andy wonders, resisting the urge to reach out and squish Myoga for being a little shit.

"I... well, yes, I suppose."

"How old was Inuyasha's father when he had that sword made? Was he fairly young? At his prime? Well into his demon years with a fuller understanding of his own abilities and faults?"

"Lord Toga was a seasoned warrior by that time, a powerful demon and Lord by his own rights." Totosai tells her.

"So you expect a boy who's never had any guidance or training or stability to master a sword that was commissioned by a Demon Lord when he was well within his prime and power? How is that reasonable? How can you justify taking the sword from Inuyasha because he hasn't mastered its secrets when he's only beginning to understand his own power as well? If the sword is as mystical as everyone seems to believe it is, isn't it possible that the sword will grow with Inuyasha?" Andy stares hard at the demon as she speaks, willing him to try and justify the taking of the sword when he's just as at fault for it's current situation as Inuyasha.

But there's so yelling, nor is there stuttering excuses of why Inuyasha needs to relinquish the sword or explanations of why Inuyasha's father is the only one capable of truly wielding the Tetsusaiga. Totosai merely stares at her, stares with those bulbous, murky-looking eyes of his and doesn't stop until Inuyasha pulls his attention away from Andromeda.

"Mystery? What mystery? I'll have it figured out in no time."

"You are collecting fragments of the Sacred Jewel. Some time has passed since the fragments were scattered, there may even be a demon who already possesses two or three fragments. In order to destroy a demon whose strength is enhanced don't you want the Tetsusaiga to be awakened to its true potential?"

"Inuyasha... he has a point." Miroku says softly.

"I think you should listen to him." Sango agrees.

Andromeda and Kagome share a look.

Between them there's enough power in the group to offer a fairly substantial threat to any demon hoping to keep the shards. Lesser demons with one or two, or even three, shards isn't so hard to handle. They've done it before. But eventually they'll have to contend with Naraku - who already has a fair number of fragments. Having the sword at its true potential at that time would be best but can they justify giving the sword to someone who didn't want Inuyasha to have it? Andromeda doubts she's gotten through to either Totosai or Myoga as to why Inuyasha deserves a chance at mastering the sword. A handful of weeks is not enough time to master a legendary sword. Andy doesn't care how powerful the demon is. Shit, it could be Sesshomaru swinging the sword around and she'd still be skeptical of whether or not he's mastered it.

"Alright," Inuyasha growls, "so what am I supposed to do, Totosai?"

"Someone seeks my life!" The demon says. "There is a fool who has ordered me to forge a sword to rival the power of the Tetsusaiga... else he will kill me. Show me that you can protect me from him."

Not a particularly hard task in theory, Andy supposes. Still a bit weird that Totosai went to such manipulation tactics to get Inuyasha to agree.

"Why don't you say "please"?" Inuyasha demands.

"I never heard of that!" Myoga calls, "Describe this person!"

"He has white hair and wears furry, warm looking clothing." Totosai lists off as Inuyasha scowls at him.

"Another old geezer?"

"Wrong!" says Totosai.

Kagome frowns as she speaks, "Wait a minute. If he's dressed like that and not old... and he wants a sword stronger than the Tetsusaiga..."

Realization hits Andy like a brick. It startles a snort out of her and then a low giggle, which shifts into a full belly-laugh that gets everyone in the group looking at her funny. She waves off the looks, tries to get herself under control, and wipes at the tears leaking from the corner of her eyes.

"Of course it would be your brother!" She snorts, both amused and impressed by the amount of vindictiveness Inuyasha's brother is capable of.

"He's here," the suddenly nervous Totosai tells them, eyes drifting off to the side.

Following his gaze Andy catches sight of something glowing in the distance. As she focuses on the spot she's able to determine that the gleam isn't anything spectacular. Just sunlight reflecting off armor. What's amazing is the two headed maybe-a-dragon that Inuyasha's brother is riding on. Behind her, Sango is asking questions and Miroku is telling her just who exactly the handsome demon in white is. And he is too, handsome. Where he's stopped his ride Sesshomaru's put himself - however unknowingly - at the best position to look like a literal God while also giving off I'm-going-to-kill-all-of-you-and-smile-while-I'm-doing-it vibes. Andromeda isn't going to lie and say she isn't jealous.

"Inuyasha... why do you plot with Totosai?" Sesshomaru asks, and he doesn't sound... all that angry?

The last time they'd met Sesshomaru was collected and poised but there was always this underlying anger. A sort of bitterness that had leaked into his eyes and his words and the pinch of his eyebrows. Now he's just calm. It makes Andy nervous, honestly.

"Isn't it obvious?" Totosai taunts from his place hidden behind Inuyasha, "To punish you!"

"Oh Totosai, I see you're rushing headlong into death." Sesshomaru says, seemingly unaffected.

"Oh, no, I was just... I just thought... after you beat Inuyasha, maybe I can make you a new sword... Just a thought."

Coward.

Thankfully, it's Kagome that gets to express her rage.

"Hey! What you said earlier is the exact opposite!" She screeches at the swordsmith, who fumbles for an answer but never actually says anything definitive this way or that.

Above them, Sesshomaru smiles - and it's one of the prettiest things Andy's ever seen.

"Totosai, do not forget what you just said." The half-demon's brother commands before slipping off the dragon to hover in the air, "You heard him, Inuyasha. You can die for the sake of my new sword."

Fingers slip around her wrist. Kagome. A desperate attempt to pull her away from the upcoming fight that Andromeda easily allows. Because this? This isn't her fight. It's a fight she can't risk involving herself in. Why? For the sole reason that she just spent the majority of the time they could have been preparing for Sesshomaru's arrival trying to convince Totosai that Inuyasha has the capability of mastering the sword with time and practice. The implication that he could be just as great as - or even greater than - his father may not have been clear to everyone else but it's still an implication she made. Her getting involved in this fight so early on may risk the already iffy ground they stand on with Totosai. She also doesn't feel like getting cut open again. The ability to heal she may have, but the ability to take away pain? Not so much.

Far enough away from the fight to not be in harms way is the best place for all of them.

Andy gnaws at her lips as she watches the two brothers go at each other. Sango and Miroku stand at her sides, neither shying away from the violence. Of the three, however, Andy is the only one who never takes her eyes away from the fight. Not even when Kagome comes over to her, pressing closer, and grips her arm in a vice. Neither say anything for a long time. The silence only breaking when Inuyasha is flung across the makeshift battle field by a particularly hard hit from Sesshomaru.

"Gotta be kidding!" Totosai is muttering, "No good at all! Myoga, has Inuyasha really mastered the Tetsusaiga?"

"Well, just the once."

Offended on Inuyasha's behalf, Kagome cries, "It's not a lie! Besides, each time it's Inuyasha who ends up beating Sesshomaru!"

A pause.

Then, "Miss... are you sure you haven't been dreaming?"

There's an angry gasp followed by a heavy thunk and then Kagome is saying, "I am not like you!"

Across the field Sesshomaru goes still, still, still before turning his head to look in their direction. Andy isn't sure who exactly he's looking at but she'd probably be sending all sorts of dirty looks Kagome's way if she was in his shoes.

"Totosai," the silver haired demon calls, "do you not feel bad for the Tetsusaiga? The famous sword is no better than a piece of log. All Inuyasha does is swing it around. Depending on its user, a sword can live or die."

Hesitantly, Totosai agrees, "A wise observation... my opinion precisely."

"Do you really have any right to comment on Inuyasha's ability?" Andromeda calls across the field, full of rage and disbelief and offense, because how dare he insult her friend, "If I recall correctly, you were forced to use a human arm to wield the Tetsusaiga and even then you killed a handful of lesser demons. Impressive, yes, but not necessarily that impressive in the grand scheme... and then you failed to kill me. If the Tetsusaiga is really as powerful as you all claim then it should have ripped through my barrier with ease."

Quiet settles over them all like a heavy weight. Andromeda knows people are staring, knows that what she's just revealed could be horribly embarrassing for the full-demon and likely going to get her killed but... She doesn't care. Hubris was the downfall of many powerful beings. Andromeda's seen such arrogance bring the most powerful of beings to their knees. Sesshomaru's arrogance would be attractive if he could back it and used it as a way of properly teaching Inuyasha how to fight with their father's sword. Instead he pokes and condescends and stews over the fact that their father gave the seemingly lesser brother the most powerful sword. Bullshit, that's what it is.

Knuckles crack as Sesshomaru pulls his fingers into a fist.

Whether or not he's planning on coming after her Andromeda never finds out, because one second Inuyasha is on the ground and then he's advancing on his brother with sloppy, half-assed attacked that don't get him anywhere. When Sesshomaru gets his hand on Inuyasha, claws glowing green with poison, Andy decides that enough is enough.

Fire spills across the grass, forcing Sesshomaru to release Inuyasha or be burned by the flame.

It's not her fire though.

It's Totosai's.

Huh, alrighty then.

"So you absolutely refuse?" Sesshomaru demands, the promise of a slow death showing his features.

Andromeda is not expecting Totosai to yell at the silver-haired demon. "Shut up! I've already made you a fine sword! The famous sword at your hip: Tenseiga! I, Totosai, made the sword from a fang given to me by your father! The Tenseiga for the older brother, the Tetsusaiga for the younger one, that was your father's last will."

The sword at Sesshomaru's hit is unassuming. But then, so is Inuyasha's. Andromeda is aware of Totosai telling Sesshomaru that neither sword is better or worse than the other but... something about that sword. Tenseiga. Andromeda tilts her head a bit to the side and blinks slowly at it. Something sings in the blade, a power she isn't unfamiliar with calling out to her in dulcet, honey-dripping tones. Nervously, Andy shifts back on her heels away from Sesshomaru and the Tenseiga. The desire to reach out and take the sword in her grasp nerve wracking. Especially as its owner isn't really all that friendly.

A sharp cry pulls Andy out of her observation of the sword just in time to witness Totosai's hammer strike the earth with enough force to create a chasm that is quick to fill with molten rock and fire. Andy lets out a low hiss as sh's jerked up onto Kirara's back, plopped down between Miroku and Sango. The Monk's hands are wrapped around her middle, locked firmly together at her stomach. Neither hand wanders. Probably because Miroku's too busy asking Totosai why he needed Inuyasha to protect him in the first place.

it's a really good question.

Someone with Totosai's skill might not have survived Sesshomaru but he wouldn't have died right away either. Totosai would've had a fighting chance against the angry older brother of her half-demon and so it boggles her mind as to why he'd go to such charades. Unless it was some sort of a test. Which, you know, doesn't make a whole lot of sense because an inexperienced fighter such as Inuyasha fighting someone like Sesshomaru? Not good. Like, ok, yes, Inuyasha's gotten lucky in the past but... Andromeda isn't sure why, but it all seems funny when she looks back on those fights between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. The older brother has has so many oppertunities to kill Inuyasha - slaughter him even - and yet the worst he's ever done is toss Inuyasha around like a doll. Doesn't exactly fit.

"How could Sesshomaru call his great sword useless? How could Inuyasha be so weak? How utterly wrong I was about them both!" Totosai howls his anguish, uncaring of the offense he's caused Inuyasha.

"Old one," Kagome cuts in to keep the fighting to a minimum, "I've been thinking... that sword Sesshomaru has is it also a powerful sword?"

"It is." Andromeda cuts in from her squished position, "I felt it call to me."

"Call to you, you say?" Totosai asks her.

"Yeah, it felt familiar. Not like it was my sword or anything, just the power in it I guess. I recognized it in a way."

It's quiet for a moment, everyone taking time to digest what Andy's just said. Eventually Totosai begins telling them about the sword and why it was commissioned by Inuyasha's father. As the demon talks they slowly descend to the bank of a river where they all dismount their rides and gather in a circle. Andromeda pays very close attention as Totosai explains that Tenseiga is a sword of healing, that it's not meant to fight against your enemies but to save the lives of the weak. Explains why Andromeda felt so called to it. She's a being of healing, of laughter, of light. A sword like that? To put it bluntly, a sword like that in the right hands could be... awe inspiring.

Andy rubs the back of her neck with her hand and sighs as Inuyasha mutters a bitter, "No wonder Sesshomaru wants a new sword. A sword to help others... no way that guy'd have any use for it."

"Won't it work out? It was your father's will." Totosai says, and Andromeda smiles sadly at the elderly man.

"Given your brother's personality-" Miroku begins only to be cut off by Kagome, "-He wouldn't be happy with it even if he could use it."

"You know," Andy glances off to the side where the sun is painting the sky a lovely blood-orange color with its descent, "people are funny. They do things that surprise you. I don't know enough about Sesshomaru to say this with much confidence but maybe he just hasn't had a reason to use the Tenseiga."

"What do you mean?" Kagome asks.

Andromeda shrugs and says, "He travels around with demons, spends most of his time with demons, and while they might not be the most powerful demons he's ever met they're still powerful enough to kill a handful of people on their own if they felt the desire to. He's probably never needed to save anyone before. Not in a way that would require him to use the Tenseiga." tucking a wayward clump of hair behind her ear Andy continues softly, "Maybe that's why your father gave it to him. Sesshomaru's never needed a reason to be strong, but I think he needs a reason to allow himself weakness."

"Weakness? You've lost it if you think Sesshomaru's ever gonna let himself seem weak." Inuyasha snaps at her.

"I dunno, Inuyasha. We're your friends aren't we? You're family? We make you weak just as much as we make you strong. I don't think Sesshomaru has any need to use his sword because he's only ever seemed to surround himself with those who would make him appear stronger. You know when you break your arm and the bone heals stronger at the break? It's kind of like that... I think. I would totally be wrong. Ignore me."

But Totosai, who's been sitting across from her since they landed, is staring at her like he's only just beginning to really see her. Andy offers him a bashful sort of smile in the hopes of easing whatever negative feeling she's caused with her ramblings only to cry out in pain when the man in question appears in front of her, shove his fingers into her mouth so he can take a firm hold of her canine tooth, and rips it out of her mouth with a sharp tug before she can even really register what's going on. There's complete, overwhelming silence for about two seconds before chaos erupts among the group.

"What the hell's the matter with you!" Inuyasha yells as he thunks Totosai on the head.

Blood pools in Andy's mouth, the pain enough to make her eyes water.

"Andy? Andy let me see it!" Kagome's commanding, fingers already gently prying the ones clamped over Andromeda's mouth away.

"Is it bad?" Andy asks, voice wavering.

Kagome frowns at the spot where Andy's tooth had been and the red head can't help but prod at the empty space with the tip of her tongue. Iron doesn't flavor her mouth though, the blood already clotting and scabbing over. Or something. Andy's too busy panicking about how she's going to handle explaining her missing tooth to her aunt - who is totally going to kill Andromeda for loosing a permanent tooth.

"It's not bleeding." Kagome says, eyes wide.

Inuyasha steps in beside her seconds later to stare at Andy's mouth. He runs his own tongue over his teeth before frowning and saying, "It'll grow back."

"What?" She and Kagome ask.

"The tooth. It'll grow back. You ain't human, remember? Your tooth'll grow back in a day or so."

"How do you know?" Andy demands, to which Inuyasha shrugs.

"Demon teeth grow back all the time. It's part of the regenerating process. You're a healer, figure it's about the same."

Mildly comforted by Inuyasha's surprisingly logical argument as to why Andromeda's going to be fine, both young women relax and ease away from one another. Andy continues to prod at the empty space with her tongue while Kagome whips around to reprimand Totosai for his totally uncalled for actions. The swordsmith smiles a placating smile at Kagome and gently tucks the tooth he stole off of Andromeda's mouth into his his haori, but he doesn't tell them why he took the tooth. Not, of course, that he really needs to with as much babbling he's been doing about turning Inuyasha's dad's fangs into mighty, all-powerful swords or legend. Problem is, Andromeda never asked for a sword. She was completely fine not even having one. Being able to turn mountains into goo with her mind is probably more power than she needs. Totosai's a phenomenal swordsmith but he tends to make his swords a little... power heavy.

Andromeda can only imagine what he'd do with one of her teeth.

If he makes a sword with it, anyway. For all she knows he has a thing for teeth and just wanted one of hers. Seems a little out of character for him but seeing as he tried to roast Sesshomaru... Andy prods at her gum with her tongue and glares at the swordsmith. He's actively ignoring her. Which is fine. Andromeda's good at waiting. Exceptionally good at it actually.

Things quiet down after a bit. Inuyasha slips off to get them dinner and the others go about doing whatever it is they've decided to do for the evening. None of them really pay Totosai any mind. None of them but Andromeda, who watches the swordsmith amble over to his three-eyed cow with pursed lips.

She's quick to follow.

The conversation they're going to have is a conversation best shared between the two of them. Inuyasha and the others don't really need to be involved in it. Not really. Not for this.

"I don't want a sword." Andromeda quietly tells the swordsmith, who merely turns to face her instead of the cow.

Curious eyes turn to stare at her as Totosai says, "All warriors wish for me to make them a mighty sword."

"I'm not everyone." Andromeda swallows before saying, "I'm hardly even a warrior."

A healer.

A lover.

A being of light.

All these things and so much more.

Warrior is on the list too, but it's farther down, under everything sweet and soft about her that she wants to be recognized as before someone who can turn iron into ore and mountains into dust. She's always been more than willing to fight, yes, but it's always because situations demand her interference as opposed to her actively wanting to hurt someone. Realistically, she's more inclined to deem herself a protector as opposed to a warrior as the majority of the fights she's gotten in over the years have involved her trying to defend someone. The more physical ones have been peppered around over the past few weeks and they're a big change from the verbal spars she's engaged in but... the point remains.

Totosai hums softly before saying, "That is why I will make you a sword, Lady Andromeda. A fine sword you will be proud of."

"Why? Sesshomaru asked for a sword, you've known him longer than you've known me. I don't understand."

"I will make you the sword because it is my desire."

Doesn't make much sense, really. Totosai isn't her friend, he has no connections to her through her family. The only reason they've met is because Sesshomaru and Inuyasha aren't that great at throwing familial love and respect at each other instead of hate and fists. She's acted as a mediator today, kind of, and that's the only thing Totosai has seen her do. So why would he want to make her a sword? It just doesn't make any sense to Andromeda. What would giving her a blade do for him? What does he have to gain? Notoriety is the only thing Andy can think of.

"Where do you hail from?" The question gives Andromeda pause.

"That's a bit of a loaded question isn't it?"

Totosai merely tips his head in her direction.

Andromeda sighs, "I was born in a place no man or demon will be able to set foot, I was given my name and a family in Greece."

"Greece?"

"Yes."

"Hm... A fine sword your tooth will make."

"Because I'm Greek?" Andromeda raises an eyebrow at the man.

He laughs a bit before leaping up onto his cow.

"Because it will provide a challenge."

And then he's turning his back to her in order to check on his cow. Recognizing that the conversation is over, Andromeda returns to the fire where the others are beginning to gather and settles down between Miroku and Shippo. Today's been something of a mess, she's able to recognize that, but what's caused more issues for her state of mind than Inuyasha's fight with his brother is Totosai's boldness - his insistence, rather. It's totally out of place from what Andy can tell but maybe there's a legitimate reason for Totosai's actions. Like pissing off Sesshomaru.

That... That makes sense.