16 Steve and Hera

Here's the bonus chapter: (it is in third person).

Hera sat on the roof of the house, she looked up at the stars. They were all the same, just little dots. Notch's mansion was flat on top. The roof was cold against her skin, but she didn't mind. It was peaceful for her. Work had been long, being a glitch hunter was hard. Even though Ender was kind to her. She was grateful if anything.

Her mind wandered aimlessly, flitting through memories old and new. Perhaps she'd sleep here. No one except Ender cared much, well maybe Penny did.

Then she heard a sound. Behind her a small figure was struggling. She watched there hands slipping off the side.

She walked over and grabbed the persons wrist and pulled them up. She was surprised to see Notch's new son Steve. Apparently he was surprised to see her too.

"What are you doing up here," she said crossing her arms. Perhaps she was being a bit unkind, but this Herobrine imposter made her mad.

His surprise turned defensive. "None of your business."

He'd always seemed so nice when he was playing in the throne room. But clearly he had a bit of attitude, that made things easier.

"I'll tell father," Hera replied rudely.

"Then I'll tell him about you," Steve said.

"Then he'd know you were here Steve, he doesn't care about me." Hera said bitterly crossing her arms.

He looked flustered for a second. "You can't talk about my father like that!"

Perhaps this presumption that Hera was just some employee made me angry. Or perhaps Hera wanted to see Steve's face when he found out he wasn't the only special snowflake he thought he was. Hera snapped, "I can talk about our father however I want."

Steve's face was priceless. His mouth dropped open in disbelief. Hera turned back to the stars.

"Wait-" he said, "your my sister? How come no one ever talks about you."

Hera sighed. "Wouldn't you love to know."

Steve looked incredulous, "Don't talk to me like that."

He dared to put himself over her. Even when he was clearly already in favour. He was like a little prince to Notch.

"I can talk to you however I want, prince Steve," Hera snapped. "You need a bit of opposition before that head of yours grows to big for your shoulders."

He was stunned to silence. Then he said lightly but flatly, "I'm sorry."

He was so formal. So unlike Hero. Hera rolled her eyes.

"I am!" He yelled. Apparently no one had ever not accepted his apologies.

"Shush, they'll hear us," Hera said. "How'd you get up here anyway." She was curious, "Surely you have a personal caretaker or someone."

He smirked a tiny bit, "I gave Jenny the slip."

Jennifer was Notch's assistant. Penny and Jenny, Ender had sworn it was an accident.

"Then I climbed out the window." He looked slightly proud.

As if that compared to anything her and Hero has done.

"I suppose this must be a grand adventure for you," Hera added, she tried to edit out some resentment now, he was so young.

Steve scrunched up his face. "No one ever leaves me alone, even for a minute."

"There just trying to keep you safe," Hera said. Notch didn't want to make the same mistake.

"No one follows you," he said, "you said no one cared."

Hera smiled sadly, "I'm to far gone."

Steve shook his head slightly, "you seem completely fine to me."

Maybe it was his look or his words, but Hera started laughing and couldn't stop. Steve looked slightly alarmed.

"Shush!" He said, "someone is coming!"

Both children straightened, far below were footsteps.

"Steve, you silly boy, where are you hiding now."

"It's Jenny," Steve mouthed. Both children shifted to the other side of the roof.

Now they both lay flat and stared at the sky.

"What I really want," Steve whispered, "is a little cottage, way out in the forest. I'd have a farm, and I'd go fishing every day."

Hera listened, it was nice hearing someone else's dreams. "What about the monsters?"

"I'd have a big dog, I'd name him Fluffy I think." Steve said thoughtfully.

Hera could see Steve in his cottage with Fluffy at his side. Perfectly content.

Everything in its place.

"What about you Hera?" He said.

"Oh I don't know," but she did, she saw herself free of Notch.

"Everyone has dreams." Steve said.

"Steve!" The voice was panicked.

"I think Jenny just figured out you aren't under your bed or in the closet hiding." Hera said, "you better go back now. She sounds really worried."

Steve frowned, "let her worry, I never do anything on my own."

"Notch will be angry with her if she lost you." Hera added, "you should go for her sake."

Steve sulked a bit but agreed. He started to shift to the place he'd climbed.

"Wait," Hera said, "please don't tell father you met me."

He looked questioning but agreed. "I'll get to see you again right?"

"Sure you will," Hera said, though she wasn't really sure. "And Steve, keep believing you'll get that cottage."

"I will!" He said, "bye Hera!"