Red Like Roses

Chapter 3

"SHE'S DONE WHAT?!" yells Crow,scattering the birds outside. Crow knocks down a vase of flowers and overturns the table where he had been sitting. Heather sips on her tea lifting it off the table just in time. She places it down on the ground before turning her eyes to Crow.

"Uncle Crow you need to relax,"she says her voice calm but firm," we wont get anywhere with this unless you calm down." Crow's chest heaves, then he sighs and runs a hand through his black hair.

"I guess you're right he grumbles," he takes a canteen from his inner jacket pocket and takes a swig." So tell me what's going on so far between you and the....," they both hear a sound from outside the doorway. They both draw their weapons, Heather with Crescent Rose and Crow with his sword. She chuckles a bit upon seeing the weapon remembering how he had taught her how to use a scythe all those years ago. They hear small footsteps running away. The both smile rolling their eyes. They trade a knowing look and nod to one another. Crow takes off going in the direction of the footsteps. Heather smirks and leisurely walks forward a bit pulling her hood down. She activates her capes ability giving her camouflage. She leans against the doorway and listens. She hears a scream and one of the three pairs of footsteps disappear as she chuckles. Now she only hears two pairs of footsteps, one light, even, and sure. The other strong, steady, and not as graceful. She chooses her target and as the two remaining "creatures" run by in their dark suits, Heather grabs the girl by her wrist and pulls her into her cape and then covers the girls mouth. The final "creature" runs even harder and draws his long swords. He stops and takes a deep breath, he then moves into a defensive position. Heather having finished  off her previous opponent drew her scythe.

"Don't be scared little one," she calls out," surrender now and perhaps you will be spared unlike your siblings!" She sees that he is in one of the more decorative rooms and smiles as she starts to climb. She sits on one of the arches in the room in the far corner, hidden by shadows. "Give up!" she yells.

"NEVER!" comes the boy's reply. Heather sighs and shrugs. She senses her Uncle sitting on an arch on the other side of the room. She crouches and waits. Then she hears it. The sound of gears turning and as the boy looks toward the noise Heather jumps out and knocks the boy down from behind. Kicking him in between the shoulder blades before landing gracefully hands in the air like a gymnast. Crow jumps down applauding her as she gives a little bow before they high-five.

"Nice job kid," he says ruffling her hair," that was a ten!" Heather laughs as she smooths out her hair.

"Thanks!" she says and then leans down to help Ethan up. He groans. She chuckles." How many times have I told you not to mess with the master especially when her teachers around." Ethan stands up knocking aside Heather's outstretched hand. Glaring at her he yells:

"That wasn't fair! You guys teamed up and tricked me!" Heather sighs.

"You think when you're out there, fighting, people wont use everything they got to bring you down? Plus we gave you a hint as to what was about to happen."

"No you didn't!" Ethan yells. Crow steps forward eyes narrowing.

"Your sister is right we did give you a hint. That noise is a noise my weapon makes when my weapon shifts not her and she was the only one who spoke. You should've realized that since i was only making the noise and not attacking you should've known that it was a distraction. But other than that you do NOT speak to Heather that way. Not only is she your big sister, the one who looks after you and has taught you she is also your superior. She leads every person in this Spire and what you show now is insubordination. I'm surprised you haven't been punished already."his voice became quiet and filled with anger. Ethan looks down at his shoes. At that moment Meghan and Aidan run in with Solace.

"Damn it! I missed out on the surprise training! Why didn't you call me?" asks Solace whining a bit.

"Sorry firecracker," Crow says with a smirk.

"We were a little busy teaching these three not to try and sneak up on us," Heather replies her face disapproving but her eyes smiling. The triplets giggle a bit as Solace pretends to pout.

"Oh well she says," her eyes lighting up," I'll get a go at the family team up game this weekend," she says filling the room with excitement. "Who's teaming up with who anyway?"

"Me and Crow," Heather says.

"Me and Meghan," Aidan says quickly." We work well together." Solace smiles.

"So it's me and you short stuff," she says and gives Ethan a side hug. He grumbles at this. As everyone heads to the cafeteria to grab a meal Heather realizes that she never got a chance to tell Crow about what happened. She gives a bitter smile.

This is gonna be a long night.