PERFECT IMPERFECTION 10
'What the-!'
Khyber tossed Tetsumi across the fire, into the waiting arms of Miroku. Sango stood by his side, Hiraktso at the ready to protect the sleeping child and the rest of her friends. Khyber used the momentary distraction to flip out of the way of Kagura's dive attack and draw her scimitars, one in each hand.
Kagome jumped backwards, out of range (she hoped) while Inuyasha rushed past her with Tetsaiga drawn and fully transformed.
'Kagura,' He spat, 'What are you doing here?'
The demon avatar smirked and glanced at her now folded fan, admiring the way its polished black handle glinted in the dancing light of the group's campfire. 'I have come to deliver a message.' She responded calmly, a smirk on her pale face.
The groups waited a few moments in silence. 'Well?' Inuyasha demanded. 'Let's hear it!'
Kagura's smirk grew into a malicious grin. 'My my, we are impatient, aren't we?' She taunted him. 'As a matter of fact, the message isn't for you, half-breed. It's for your new friend.' She gestured lazily towards Khyber with her fan.
Khyber stepped forward, scimitars still in hand. 'And what would Naraku want with me?' she asked, curious, but not letting her guard down.
Kagura scowled. 'How should I know? Naraku wanted you to have these.' She tossed a sealed scroll and what appeared to be a small package at Khyber's feet. 'Oh, and he say's he looks forward to meeting you face-to-face.' She added, before hopping onto her giant feather and disappearing into the night.
The group was silent, staring at Khyber in confusion. Shippo was the first to voice what was on all of their minds.
'What the heck was that all about?'
Khyber looked at him, eyes wide. 'I'm.. I'm not sure.' She walked over and picked up the scroll and box, bringing them over to the fire. 'Maybe these will give us some answers.' The group clustered around as she broke the wax seal and began to slowly unroll the thin parchment.
After checking that Tetsumi was still asleep (she didn't want the young girl to hear what might be in the message), she turned back to the letter and noticed how the ink glistened and had a thick, coppery smell about it. 'It's written in blood!' She wrinkled her nose in disgust, and began to read it aloud. 'Okay, let's see…'
My dearest Khyber,
It recently came to my attention that your young ward –Tetsumi, wasn't it?- was badly traumatized by her mother, who destroyed the child's village. I am aware that you wish to find this woman and put an end to her miserable existence, in the hopes that it will put an end to the girl's nightmares.
I found this to be a noble quest, and so have decided to help you.
You owe me,
Naraku
'"You owe me"?' Khyber muttered, her forehead creased in confusion. 'What could he possibly mean by that?' All head turned towards the mysterious package that had been delivered along with the bloody message.
'"I decided to help you."' She quoted, and her eyes widened. 'Oh, please no.'
She reached forward with trembling hands and drew the nondescript box towards her. With shaking fingers, she unwound the thin string holding it shut.
The box fell open and Khyber stifled a scream as she met the terrified, glassy gaze of a woman's head.
'Tetsumi's…' she choked. 'That's Tetsumi's mother.'
'Milady?' a small voice came from behind her.