Chapter 3: 3
I didn't get to see Ash for a week since arriving back in my mountain home, secretly wishing that I could be back in Heaven playing with the cute bunnies instead of leading a war against evil.
"Kiddo?" I looked up to see Ash coming towards me, a smile played along my lips at the nickname that I hadn't heard for nearly two months.
"Long time, no see," my voice drug out exhaustedly. He nodded carefully, kneeling before me. His face was cautious, distant. Waiting for me to scold him at his failings like mother and father used to do until their untimely death, the death that had started this horror show. "Don't do that," I whispered.
"Do what?" His face skewed up into confusion.
"Don't treat me like I'm mom or dad. I'm your little sister," I reminded gently. His facial features relaxed and smiled, before the edges of his lips began wobbling. A sign that he was barely holding it together. "I love you." His face pressed against my stomach, his shoulders shuddering alongside his sobs. Thankfully we had privacy in my room, so no one else could see how broken up Ash was about the young angels' death. "The recruiters aren't back yet," I reported to him softly about everything that had happened, including me bringing back the notorious assassin. By the time I finished his sobs quieted and his tears dried.
"Take me to this, Brooke," He said. I led him from hall to hall until we arrived at the training arena where Brooke was attacking one of the newer recruits.
"He's been here everyday training himself and others," I whispered so I wouldn't distract either of them.
"You offered him freedom from having to kill?" Ash peered, leaning closer. "He's amazing," He complimented in surprise.
"He's beaten all the new recruits, we're not close to ready for this war to happen," I worried my lip as I gripped the railing. Many angels were going to die.
"We'll be ready," he said, purely convinced. I didn't voice my worry again as we both watched until the new recruit surrendered. "Hey!" Brooke glanced up at my brother, taking in the sight of his muscled body that was complemented by his tight white t-shirt. Although the arena was surrounded by high walls, and we stood at the top of those walls, Brooke climbed up easily instead of taking the tunnel to the stairway that was the entrance and exit to the arena.
"You are?" Brooke asked accessing. I had observed him over the last few weeks, learning that he was a no non-sense guy that took everything seriously.
"Name's Asher, but you may call me Ash. I'm the big brother of-"
"Scarlet and the second in command to lead this Angelic war, which I have yet to be let in on the details," he gave me a pointed look. "And I want to meet the leader of this warfare," his arms crossed his chest. Ash looked at me questioningly and I sighed. I had no idea why I wanted to keep this secret, but it was mine to keep even though everyone else knew.
"She's away on business," I replied curtly.
"She?" Brooke's eyebrows rose and hid beneath his bangs.
"Sexist much?" Ash defended.
"I'm glad it's a she, they are much more strategic, organized, and precise," Brooke shot back.
"But they can put emotions before what needs to be done."
"Trust me, she makes the hard choice even when she doesn't want to," Ash walked away. I knew he was probably seething beneath that cool exterior that hid all of his emotions well.
"Brooke, he cares about the leader deeply. I would watch what you say from now on," I warned quietly before heading to the dining hall.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone