The Colour Of Blood

9 years later

Coco

Bang! I wake with a start; the noise of the gunshot still after 9 long horrid years haunts my nightmares. "Wake up blue eyes," a slightly annoying voice pierces my thoughts. I look up and see Raven (who, ironically, is a Magpie) perched above me. Let me just clarify that Raven is the most annoying bird ever. She is noisy, excitable, and has a tendency to steal my jewellery and attempt to wear it. Today was no exception.

''What is that?'' I ask her.

''Uh...'' she says telepathically. On closer examination, I see that she has about 10 bracelets draped around her neck, and a ring stuck on her beak, meaning she can't open it. I prise it off after a short struggle and give her the most disapproving look I can muster.

I need to go wake Fern, as she has a playdate with a friend from her school. I would let Cloudy sleep in, but I couldn't leave her alone, there might be danger. The past week has been rough for both of us, as it is the time of the year where all 14+ yellow bloods must prove there power by undergoing a series of tests. These are obviously done in secret, as normal humans cannot know about our abilities. Unless we want them to kill us, of course. Cloudy is already awake, reading. ''How long have you been up?'' I ask her.

''About 3 hours.'' She shrugs.

''You need more sleep!'' I chide, ''we have the tests this afternoon!''

''Oh relax! I slept for ten hours!'' she replies. I shake my head, tell her to get dressed, and go to Fern.

''Rise and shine!'' I coo, entering her darkened room. Even though she is 9, I treat her like a baby. I can't see a thing in this light! I stumble to the window and pull back the curtains. Then I go to her bed.

And freeze.

And scream.

Because her bed is empty, and there is a bright crimson stain on her pillow.

 "FAWN!" I scream wait....what was that? There it was again... Coming from the cupboard... I pull it open and...

''HA! I GOTCHA! HAHAHAHAHA!'' Fawn leaps out of the cupboard, laughing and pointing at my astonished face.

''OMG! Fawn! I thought you were dead!'' I say. Tears well up in my eyes. After what happened with my mother... I can't lose my sisters as well!

''It was just a prank Coco! No need to get so emotional!'' Fawn giggles, skipping out of the room like it's no big deal. But I guess she doesn't understand...

I wiped Cloudy and Fawn's memories of our parents after mum died, and planted false memories of her telling them that she loves them, bus she has to leave and will be back when they are grown up. I don't know how I will break it to them when Fawn finally turns that age...

I better go get Cloudy. It's time for the tests.