Perfect Imperfection 12
Khyber's eyes slowly opened and she immediately checked the position of the moon. She smiled. It was about one hour before sunrise and she was the first one up; perfect timing.
She silently got up and gathered the things she would need; her bag, some herbs that she had gathered the night before, and the box. Standing and checking that everyone was still asleep, she nodded to herself and quietly slipped away, into the shadows of the forest.
After walking for some time, she came across the spot she had chosen to lay Tetnumi's mother. It was a beautiful spot; there was a small waterfall that landed in a crystal blue pool, which was surrounded by an abundance of fragrant tropical flowers. The area was closely ringed by tall Sakura trees, which lent their delicate to the air.
Nodding in satisfaction, she laid her things to one side and rummaged through her bag, retrieving the small shovel she had brought. Collecting the box, she went over to the Sakura tree closest to the waterfall and began to dig, unaware of the figure watching her from the trees.
(&)(&)(&)(&)(&)(&)
The sun peeked over the horizon as Khyber gently put the last shovel full of dirt over the small grave. Taking the herbs she had collected and setting them to burn, she stood and heaved a deep sigh.
"Finished." She looked sadly at the improvised shrine. "No one should die unremembered. I may not have liked you, but I hope you find peace." Her eyes closed. "May you spend eternity surrounded by the beauty you so desperately sought throughout your life." And with that, she turned to leave.
(&)(&)(&)(&)(&)(&)
Only to find that she was not as alone as she had previously believed. Gold eyes met amethyst, and Sesshomaru asked coldly, "Why would you do that?"
She blinked. "Eh… do what, exactly?"
His eyes narrowed. "Why would you honour the memory of your enemy?"
Her eyes widened with understanding, and she looked away. "No one deserves to die alone. I couldn't save her in life although I tried. At least I managed to save her in death."
"Explain yourself." He hadn't blinked. That was sort of creepy.
Khyber shrugged." I didn't like her, but I certainly didn't hate her. She wasn't evil, just…lost. No one ever cared for her, so she didn't know how to care for others."
Sesshomaru was silent. Khyber turned to go.
"Wait"
She stopped, but did not turn back around.
"Yes?"
"You did a noble thing. This Sesshomaru is…impressed." He spoke slowly, as though he couldn't believe his own ears.
"I didn't do it to impress you, or anyone else." Now it was Khyber who spoke coldly. "I did it because it was the right thing to do." And this time she really did leave.
For a long time afterwards, Sesshomaru stood within the clearing, staring at the place where she had disappeared.
Finally he moved. As he left, one word was carried on the wind to where Khyber sat in meditation.
"Interesting…"
