Summery: Four years after the defeat of Naraku, a stranger from Sesshomaaru's past shows up, her heart lost and clouded. Driven from her kingdom, she finds comfort in her old childhood friend... but old feelings surface into something more then just friendship.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Inuyasha Characters or their stories, they are to Rumiko Takahashi.

It was a strange feeling, somewhat like awkward silence for the last several hours. The only words were her singing to herself to try and get over the feeling she was starting to get. It made him look at her, but only for a moment and she pretended not to even notice or care as she continued her light humming.

"I remember that melody..." He said finally, breaking the long silence.

It caught her almost off guard. The sky was falling darker as they got closer, the sky was clear again other than the clouds looming overhead, making the sunlight come down in fading rays up light up in many areas. But, she just looked at him, and became silent again.

"It was one you sang to Reika…. Wasn't it?" he asked, not passing a glance at her with his eyes.

"It was also one that my mother sang to me as a baby…. I had almost forgotten that I sang it to her." She responded with a softer tone then she realized.

"She use to sneak into your room wanting you to sing her to sleep, then you had to carry her to her room." He said, his tone becoming lighter, softer.

"Your right, and when you found out you had come intending on getting onto her for bothering me…" she said.

"But in the end, I too fell trance by you lullaby." He finished for her.

"It was so long ago, I remember it like yesterday…." She stopped without finishing her thought.

Her long pause caught Sesshomaru's attention as he pulled back by her side. The look on her face must have bothered him because he made a face, a frown away from his normal blank expression even when he was speaking of such casually things.

"What happened to us?" she whispered faintly, "Why did that lie have to get in the way of what we had as friends…. Why did Rakashi, the man I trusted, turn out to be so cruel to twist our fate into nothing…?" She was mostly asking some of this of herself.

"Kintauri…" he said faintly.

But he said nothing more. She didn't think he knew what to tell her, she only looked to the path ahead, nothing by the sky and the earth far below. She too did not know what to said to herself or what to do after she got the Sounga. He still had her mother hostage and swore to kill her if she did not do as he wanted and bring the west to its knees. She looked to Sesshomaru, eyes stinging with the threat of tears. He wanted him, he wanted her dear Sesshomaru. Her once and only friend and it burned her that he was here, with her now when she knew what it would take to save her mother if she could not get the Sounga. But there had to be another way. Someway to trick him so Sesshomaru would live. Rakashi knew he was weak for her and was trying to make her do it all because he likely still trusted her…. No, he did still trust her or would not be helping her get the Sounga. The Sounga was her only plan to get out of this mess. If she could get it, she would tell Sesshomaru everything and leave him in peace from her forever. Either way… she would not be so weak as to succumb to Rakashi, she would not even attempt the thought of harming Sesshomaru.

"I'll kill him…."

His words were low and in a tone she had never heard before. It sent a chill down her spine. Her eyes had moved to him faster than she could realize it when she heard his blood lusting words 'I'll kill him' he had said.

"Sesshomaru… please don't get involved in my war….. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened to….." she trailed, just now realizing her words as they broke into a shaken mess upon a memory of loosing her father… what if the same happened to her dear friend?

She stopped all together and landed hard on her feet, and dropped to one knee before standing again only very slowly as she hide her eyes. her eyes that showed to much even without any tears.

"What happened!" he said landing in from of her almost startled.

She brought her hand down and placed it on her side, the side that still stung a bit from the bruises and burns she had received in the attack made on her by Reika.

"I had a slight bit of pain… that's all…" she lied.

"You're lying to me again…." He said walking toward her.

She looked up at him and he narrowed his gaze. She stared wide eyed upon his words and was frozen by his voice, he said 'again'… had he known she was keeping things from him this whole time? Of course he did, so then why had he not done anything about it? She felt her foot step behind her, then the other. She was backing away from him, but stopped as she looked away, he bangs hiding her face.

"However…" he said, putting his hand out to her, "I will await the time when you are comfortable in telling me what still keeps you from me."

She looked up at him slowly, the way he just said that just now… his words were like and unspoken promise? Was he stating something very important that she was either missing or not wanting to hear or accept? Or was she just over reacting based on how long they had been lost as friends and she was just misunderstanding things… That had to be it something.

She was lying to herself now, was Sesshomaru truly able to care for her enough to love her as she felt she still did, but in what sense of love? She couldn't even believe she was thinking these words, but it was possible. No one in the past thought he could become close to anyone and call them friend, or comrade like she had been called.

Reaching out slowly, she froze up before taking his hand. She was falling back on what her uncle was trying to make her do, it was getting in the way of what she wanted, which was the same thing he wanted. Peace between them again… maybe more like back then. She was starting to realize she still felt the same way about him that she did when they were young. As they both got into their teen years and toward adult hood, she had admitted that she did love him. Until the war fell on them both, it clouded her into hate, or so she thought. But now that she was older, she wondered, what kind of love was it she admitted she had for him?

She had thought she did not care for him anymore until she ended up face to face with him again. It was now becoming clear to her…. She still loved the West's Heir and now Lord, Sesshomaru, but to what extent? Friends, family, all could be possible reasoning. As she looked at him, her eyes saw a somewhat calm Sesshomaru, at peace, and likely having gotten tired of waiting on her. He took a step took her hand that she had let falter. He never took his eyes from her until he turned and started walking, and to her surprise, it felt right and she followed him.

When he let go of her hand, she looked up, and right before he eyes, hidden away in a barrier in the sky, was the western palace. She did not even realize they had already made it. She had stopped to soon to panic in her thoughtless words, but he was there to give her the pull she needed to move forward. She stepped up quickly to his side, not sure any more about coming here and facing his mother again. Facing all those who still lived from the day she had ended hearing the lie from her uncle as he attacked the palace and told her, she joined the fight, but against Sesshomaru.

Maybe that was why she was having hell trying to believe in and trust others any more. She was even pushing Sesshomaru away by not telling him everything that was going on in the north.

"Lord Sesshomarui has returned! Open the gates!" some youkai shouted from upon the walls as they flew forth toward the palace that rest high in the clouds.

The loud crash of the gates shifting made her reach out for Sesshomaru's arm, yet she stopped herself when she bumped into his arm. He just looked at her as she looked ahead the closer they got. She felt like a damned child, so, she inwardly kicked herself and stood tall and strong. The same uncaring blank expression he held, she shared it strong and regal at the very same time her spoke to her.

"Calm yourself…, stand pound as your position dictates." He told her quietly, for her ears alone.

The whispers started moving about in the guard as they passed the gates, landing on a long path. She was so close to the palace, the barrier having it hidden to her until she touched Sesshomaru, merely stride from the forested meadow below that was covered in snow. A beautiful place and in the center stood the palace and the city hidden behind great walls, that were not there when she was last here, and the barrier that hid it from all others unless they happened to run right into it. Or, like Sesshomaru, knowing its exact location in the skies.

"It's a dragon… one from the north." A man whispered to another.

"She's where the Moon Sapphire." Another said to his comrade.

"Then that means she's protected by…." the other said.

"Shh.. he's looking this way." the guard said hushing his comrade.

She looked up at Sesshomaru who had a stern glare on the two warriors before he faced forward, ahead to the long flight of stairs at the end of the path in the city that lead to the palace that rested high above the town behind another set of walls.

"Show your respect to the Lady Kintauri!" a female said.

She knew the voice, and the voice made Sesshomaru stop in his track and gracefully step in front of her. All their eyes went from her to the other female in recognition. Reika landed at least hundred paces in their path, the look on her face somewhat unsure but still held onto a strong facade.

The guards and residents however start talking and clamoring on about many things. Some about how it was her fault the war happened, some correcting because they were older and were told otherwise by the Lady of the palace that it was not her doing but that of someone still not discovered. When Sesshomaru stepped forward, after she heeded his silent request to back away, he bolted forward.

"Brother wait!" Reika shouted, drawing her blade to block his, "Let me fix this! I messed up… AHH!"

He was silent and angry as he relentlessly and skillfully started backing his little sister into a corner and Kintauri saw her eyes when she tried to tell him. She was sorry. It was in her gaze and in how she was fighting, she was only defending herself, and that was going to get her killed. Kintauri made a choice, her feet sending her forward as she jumped over Sesshomaru as his sister was knocked back. He brought down the Bakusaiga with intent to greatly harm or even kill his sister.

Clash! Blades met in a raging cry as she let her father's Ryujintsu roar out as she stood up against his power and shoved back.

"ENOUGH SESSHOMARU!" she roared out as she swung her blade out, his hand let go of his fang and it was surrendered to fall, stabbing into the earth right next to her not even three feet.

"Why did you stop me?" he questioned from where he stood in front of her.

"Take a look at her…. Would you really have killed your own sister just for one small misguided bit of anger she had toward me? Let her learn from her mistakes Sesshomaru and if you cannot see that then I will be your voice of reason and show mercy."

She stepped over and took up the Bakusaiga, it seemed to surprise the people that it did not reject her, but she had a feeling that because it was part of his heart, that it would not harm her. Not when she was going to return it to him.

"Kintauri…" Reika whispered as she stood up and stepped to her.

Reika's blade had been knocked away by her brother's attack and she dropped to her knees just as Kintauri tossed the Bakusaiga to him. Reika was bowing to her and it made her feel bad all of a sudden, and Sesshomaru was greatly upset and likely feeling humiliated by her actions, but at least the crowed was silent as Sesshomaru stepped toward her.

"I'm so sorry…. Mother told me more and I did not have the right to attack you… I was selfish and jealous that you would steal my brother from me all over again." She started to cry but hide it near her sleeve that she clung to.

"Fine…" Sesshomaru said as he passed them both.

Yeah, he was pissed and it was rolling off him in waves, but she had something more important to deal with. She put her blade away, her hands gripping Reika's shoulders as she assisted her in standing tall and out of a bow. She felt somewhat mothering, like when Kasshin and Yukimi were younger as she pulled Reika into her arms.

"It's alright Reika… you did nothing truly wrong, now come. Show face, you are a princess." She whispered.

Reika nodded as she moved under Kintauri's watchful eyes, forward right at her side. Kintauri reached over and took her under her arm as she sent a harsh and strong gaze around to the youkai. It sent them into frenzy as they moved away, back to their lives. It seemed, catching Sesshomaru off guard with her defense of his sister, which he was not expecting thus it was easy to disarm him, had made the people think twice of her power.

And all because of her disarming him and taking up his blade right before them.

The nerve of that woman! After my vow to protect her from my sister she stands by her! I do not understand it, and the most annoying part of all, she did it right before the entirety of the western city. She was able to disarm him, and he was at full strength, not even a falter in his step when she stopped him. Looking at his hand, his Bakusaiga had burned him upon touching her blade. It cried out in response to her resolve. Yet, the thing that trouble him the most was the fact that that burning was not enough to cause him to release his blade.

No matter how he tried to justify how she disarmed him, only the truth remained, she had gotten stronger. It was once truth that she was not as equal to him in skill, but she was in power, and now, he felt she might have just gotten to the point where she mastered her skills. She was his equal, maybe even superior in more ways than one. It was clear to him now that she had true power because she had a heart that was merciful to others even if they may not completely deserve forgiveness. She was kinder then he, always was, and that gave her power he may never have.

His sister… maybe he was to hard on her in his anger to judge her to be his enemy. He never thought to seek Kintauri's opinion of the situation. He could have only assumed she was upset at being attacked by his kin. Now a rueful feeling was now gnawing at his insides, like he had done something wrong in Kintauri's eyes. It made his anger at her ebb slightly for humiliating him right before the eyes of so many that looked up to him as the powerful demon that ruled them.

Then again, they may have even seen it as an act of mercy by backing off, if only he were that lucky.

"Sesshomaru. Kintauri. What a pleasant surprise to see you both here… and together?" his mother called from the entry to the palace.

He stopped a few steps away after reaching the top of the long stairway, and just looked upon his mother. She wore red and blue in her kimono this day, her fur over her shoulders as usual and the Meido necklace his father had entrusted to her. The path to the underworld.

Glancing back, Kintauri stopped behind him, his sister Reika moved slowly by him and didn't even look at him. She moved to their mother's side and stood, stronger somehow. But she still wouldn't look his way, but he knew it would pass eventually.

"Lady Inukimi…" Kintauri said, preparing to bow.

Sesshomaru couldn't watch her do that and his body reacted before his mind even thought to. He reached over and grabbed her arm tightly, pulling lightly before she got to far into any sign of a bow, her form falling toward him as she grabbed his arm. She glared at him as he looked down at her, only to have them both look at his mother as she chuckled.

"You two amaze me. There was always something that made you two inseparable, something that I always saw as power. When you fought, you never could stay away for long…. Anyway, to what do I owe this visit?" she asked.

She gave him little room to talk back on her words, and he knew Kintauri wanted to say something, but they stayed silent. Seemingly both unable to argue the wisdom and facts of the past they shared.

"A path to the underworld." Sesshomaru said bluntly, as he released Kintauri the second she jerked her arm away.

"Oh… why would you need that?" she asked, fully interested.

"Wait… Kintauri.."

He had to try and reach out for her after she moved forward, but he missed. She was going to speak for herself, which may end badly if she requested what she needed. However, if he ordered his mother if she refused, she'd give in with fewer questions.

"I require the Sounga to take back my throne." She said.

"You seek the power of your great grandfather, just for that? When you harness enough power to do it on your own?" she said with greater interest.

"I have a point to make to my people… they have fallen in line of my uncle who has continued to be a problem and has shown his true colors over a year ago finally revealing that he is the cause for all troubles over the years. I have been battling him since, only a few months ago was I driven here to seek the only one I know that has same passage to the underworld." She stated.

Sesshomaru was at a loss now, she had told the point and even a bit he may not have known, yet, his guts still told him there was more.

"Very well, I will open the path for you… but not today, rest and see that you are fully prepared to take on the task you seek to do." She said.

What! She agreed? No more questions asked?

"Sesshomaru…. Are you going with her?" She asked.

"I am." He responded.

"Good, that is my only requirement." She said.

"That's it…?" Kintauri asked as she stood before his mother just a bit in front of him.

"Yes." His mother said. "You now wear the Moon Sapphire, so I cannot refuse you." She said.

"The what?" she asked.

"That's enough." Sesshomaru cut in, he had to.

If his mother gave him a knowing look, raising a brow at him and mildly frowning as she lowered her arms a bit, her pelt sliding with them. He could only step forward and grab Kintauri by the arm and glare upon his mother as she smiled, suddenly realizing he had not told Kintauri the meaning behind the gem.

"I see… Reika child… will you show Lady Kintauri to her old room? Make sure she is at home and is dressed for the evening meal tonight. Sesshomaru, I will have a word." His mother said sternly.

"What is she talking about Sesshomaru?" Kintauri asked him once again pulling her arm from his grip every time he tried to 'push her around' in a sense.

"I shall tell you later, now, go. Get your wounds properly looked at." He said.

She just sighed and nodded. It was odd that she did not argue with him, but she was starting to act stranger than before. So hidden away from him as if she had something to hide and the longer he was around her, the clearer it became.

Whatever it may be, he was going to find out. Tonight. One way or another, that was a promise and if he failed he would try again until he got what he wanted. Answers.

Credits: Kintauri (c) FreyaShepherd (Also on DA)

Reika (c) KyaValentine on DA