Memories of the Prodigy (OC)

Episode 3: The True Target

Present

When morning arrived; the fierce storm had subsided. The brilliance of the sun's rays once again bathed the long marble corridors of the palace. Their warmth washed over the pale, wrinkled skin of the Grand Lady as she traversed down the sunbathed halls.

She walked slowly with elegance draped in flowing dark robes, the traditional robes for mourning. She stood tall and moved with an unwavering grace which made it difficult to recognize the heavy burden weighing upon her heart. Her long, gray hair was loose and flowing, with only a portion tied back by an onyx comb. Her expression remained neutral, but her mind and heart remained active and expressive.

The sadness she felt towards the news of Neji's death was unbearable; however, as Grand Lady and Mera's grandmother, she had to bury her grief, until she could help Mera overcome her own grief. She could only imagine the pain her grandchild must feel at every waking moment.

The bond she had with Neji Hyuga was one so strong and pure that finding anything like it would be impossible. The joy he brought into her life was one stronger than she had ever seen. Being with Neji restored the warmth and beauty in her grandchild's life. Only he could make her smile with such a hopeful exuberance. He was the antidote to years of solitude and despair caused by the loss of her beloved daughter.

When she followed the winding corridor leading to the wing where her granddaughter's quarters were, she slowed her pace and looked out past the courtyard towards one of her bedroom windows for a sign. Only a few shadows hidden behind an intense glare as the sun traveled the morning sky was noticeable. There was no sign of movement, which was not surprising to Grand Lady Anko.

As she neared the door to Mera's chambers, she gracefully quickened her stride. She knocked on the door to Mera's chambers. She knocked on the door a few times, but there was no response following. Grand Lady Anko waited a few moments before entering the room with her copy of the key to Mera's chambers.

Shadows and darkness greeted Lady Anko as she entered Mera's room. Sadness and despair suffocated her as she roamed past the dark shadows and deeper into her bedchambers. The sound of her footsteps as they searched the room for her granddaughter was the only noise audible.

She searched many of the opaque silhouettes, but none of them were Mera. Worry filled her heart as she began nervously searching for her grief-stricken grandchild in the vast space. But it did not take long for her fears to be laid to rest; because the moment she flung the door open to Mera's sitting room, she found her granddaughter resting on the chaise lounge.

"Mera, here you are. Thank the heavens." The frail, pitiful creature turned at the sound of the Grand Lady's voice. The shadows obscured the details of the figure, but the few streams of light that entered the room revealed Mera's amethyst eyes gazing in the Grand Lady's direction.

"Of course, I'm here, grandmother. Where else would I be?"

Mera's words were monotone and emotionless as she responded to her grandmother's sudden intrusion. Her lovely frame was now hidden under long black night robes. The few streams of light revealed a pale countenance, void of life and warmth. Seeing her beloved child in such a state strained Anko's frail old heart.

"I'm sorry for intruding; but I was deeply concerned for your well-being." Grand Lady Anko crossed the room and sat on the chaise beside her granddaughter while she voiced her words of consolation. "I know the wound from the news is still fresh, but I am worried about you. You were the closest to Neji. How are you feeling?"

Mera gazed at her grandmother with a blank expression. The morning had come, but nothing changed. Neji was still dead; and she was still at war between her heart's desires and reality.