Adam, "Your still alive…" Ria furrowed her brows, he seemed surprised by that fact. Ria looked back to see if Bobby was looking for her when he saw him wandering through the shelves.
Ria, "This way." Ria took his hand leading him to the back in a private room, so Bobby didn't see them. Seeing how he reacted the last time she mentioned Adam worried her to see what he would do while Adam was in-front of him.
Ria, "Try to be quiet, my grandfather might hear." Adam squinted ducking behind the door, he couldn't take his eyes off her, she'd grown so much. Ria stood awkwardly waiting for him to speak but he simply stood and stared.
Ria, "Is there something on my face?" Adam snapped out of it.
Adam, "N-No there isn't I was just admiring your eyes, they've become brighter since the last time I saw you." Ria shyly covered them; these eyes had gotten her into bother before.
Adam, "Actually I've been looking for you since then…" Ria cocked her head, what in the world could he want from her or was he just worried?
Ria, "Why did you need something?" Adam immediately looked troubled reminding her that she had let her real parents slip, then suddenly their encounter didn't seem so joyful.
Adam, "My brother doesn't understand us, we are born from good and bad, but people automatically label us as evil. It doesn't matter who your father is, you're still a child. I guess I wanted to say sorry, it must have upset you." Ria was stunned, he had been looking for her just to apologize, his heart was kind after all. Giggling she shook her head.
Ria, "Not really, I knew that already but thankyou for worrying about me." Adam smiled in relief; this little girl was different than before. Less pain in her eyes and less curiosity in her heart, she seemed peaceful in her life.
Adam, "How is your brother? You said you wanted to protect him isn't that right?" After doing another grandfather check she settled down to tell him what she'd found.
Ria, "He's doing just fine, my grandfather said his blood is so weak that he might not even get his powers." Adam smirked so she had really read up about Nephilim after their encounter.
Adam, "What about you, will you still receive yours?" Ria shuddered recalling her agonizing transition. If only she hadn't.
Ria, "Unfortunately it's too late for me but you were right about the telekinesis." Adam mouthed gaped open, surely, she was four years too young to receive her abilities yet.
Adam, "Y-You already received your…that's not possible…" While his face went pale Ria jumped as Bobby slammed the back doors open, it took him a few seconds to register who this man was and quickly picked up Ria.
Bobby, "Who the hell are you and what do you want with my granddaughter!" Adam moved back with his hands up, this man had an air about him that he didn't appreciate. Ria was still confused as to what happened but panicked as Bobby reached for his knife.
Adam, "Please calm down, I've met her before. I'm not here to hurt her." Bobby gritted his teeth and waited for Ria's approval.
Ria, "Grandfather this is Adam, he my Nephilim friend." Yet again his hand moved closer to the knife, praying he didn't act rashly she snatched it from his back pocket and placed it under her shirt.
Bobby, "You really expect me to believe that?" Adam looked at Ria for help, so she wiggled out of his arms and put her hands on her hips.
Ria, "Adam was the man who saved me from that superior, if he wanted me dead, he would have left me there." Bobby calmed down slightly but still kept weary from him. Luckily, he knew Ria had good intuition when it came to find other intentions, so he believed her.
Bobby, "Fine…what exactly were you talking about?" They both exchanged glances, worried to let their own little circle slip. But his eyes weren't letting up one bit, feeling pressured Adam decided to settle this a different way.
Adam, "Ria…would you mind if I came to have a proper chat with your family?" Not knowing what to say she looked at her grandfather for support.
Bobby, "Ria go and choose your book while I talk to your friend." Worried she stood conflicted for a while; she didn't want Adam to feel uncomfortable.
Ria, "You won't hurt him, will you?" she asked in a panic, Bobby couldn't refuse those tearful eyes and shook his head. Giving Adam one last reassuring look she scuttled back to the store leaving an oppressive atmosphere.
Adam, "Quite the granddaughter you have there. So, do you want to kill me now or later Bobby?" Bobby snarled in response, unbeknownst to Ria they knew eachother quite closely.
Bobby, "You sure know how to play innocent when Ria's around. If only she knew the real you, what do you want with her anyway don't tell me this is a coincidence." Adam chuckled and sat down on some old books in his eyes Bobby never changed not since the day he met him ten years ago.
Adam, "I just want to get to know he a little better. I mean it's very rare to see someone like her in these times. I'm surprised she's still standing being under your care." Bobby grabbed his throat in rage, Adam knew too many of his secrets.
Bobby, "Ria's different I have no reason to hurt her but the same can't be said for you so keep your distance." Adam smirked pulling away his firm grip, sadly Bobby didn't scare him, but someone did…
Adam, "You're just going to act like everything's fine and raise her to be just like you, is that it Bobby? You do realize one day she'll snap under the pressure and become just like him, Lucifer doesn't like his things being taken. He'll come for her." Bobby turned up his nose and tutted, as if he didn't know that already.
Bobby, "I'll make sure Ria's strong enough to fight him off by the time that happens. Why are you getting involved, another vision?" Adam gulped and looked away confirming his guilt. Bobby sighed and waited to hear it. He knew Adam had precognition the same as he knew all too well why he was on the run.
Adam, "Let's just say you might not want to get comfortable here. A storm is coming through…and it's going to get messy." Bobby shuddered he knew what that meant.
Bobby, "When?" Adam pondered trying to recall his vision.
Adam, "In a few months, maybe three. He's been looking for her you know, asking around every superior in the land wondering if they've seen a little girl with hair like his. It's a rare colour she'll be found out immediately if you don't hide her better." Bobby was overcome with worry, this was the first he was hearing about Lucifer in a while, so he hadn't given up on finding his daughter after all.
Bobby, "He won't find her I have the house warded, I'm surprised you sound concerned about her." Adam grinned smugly; he wasn't so much concerned more worried in-case she slipped into the wrong hands.
Adam, "Maybe a little. If you keep lying to her it'll only make things worse. One day she'll realize just how powerful she is and then were all in trouble even the people she loves. I have a suggestion." Bobby bit his lips in frustration, he didn't need to be reminded he was well aware what was hiding inside of his granddaughter.
Bobby, "And what would that be?" Adam looked around making sure no-one was eavesdropping, this was delicate information.
Adam, "My brother and I have heard word about a revolt in the west, it had many Nephilim awaiting the chance to stand against the superiors. They have technology and medication for our kind, maybe she would be better off there. So, she doesn't feel so alone." Bobby scowled and shook his head; he couldn't let her go that easily not since bonding with her, but he wouldn't show his softness to this man.
Bobby, "Out of the question. Ria's staying with me, I can protect her. I bet she'll be outcasted once they discover her true parents, there's no way in hell." Adam snickered, catching on to him. So, this soulless man had finally found a replacement for his son in the form of Ria Lake.
Adam, "You've changed. Well keep it in mind, one day she'll need to be with her own kind if she wants to learn control. Ria's already a beacon for them, I could feel her radiant power before I even laid eyes on her. One by one they'll come for her. Be ready for when that happens old friend." Waving he exited through the back door leaving Bobby in a slump. It was a harsh reality to live in, keeping Ria in the dark while playing innocence was destroying him.
Ria, "Grandfather, can I get this one?" Peeking through the door she noticed Adam had already gone without saying goodbye and her grandfather looked exhausted. Bobby tried to smile and perk up to cover his insecurity, but Ria had already caught him.
Ria, "What's wrong, are you tired?" she felt his forehead and was relived to see he didn't have a fever. Bobby stood up and took her hand glancing at the book she'd chosen. It was a nature book for Ethan instead of her own. She would sacrifice anything for her brother.
Bobby, "I'm fine dear. Let's check out and go home." Ria followed behind looking up at his sad expression with bright purple eyes, something was definitely troubling him but deep down she knew even if she asked, he wouldn't tell her the truth.
Bobby was quiet the whole ride home lost in thought. Ria would awkwardly go to speak trying to alleviate the tension but retracted knowing she couldn't cheer him up no matter what. Just as they pulled into the house Bobby broke his silence.
Bobby, "Ria…are you happy here?" she startled hearing such sorrow in that tone. Confused she nodded her head; his behaviour was worrying her.
Ria, "Of course I am, wouldn't I have run away if I wasn't?" Expecting nothing less of an answer from her he ruffled her hair and hopped out. Slightly dazed Ria followed behind when she heard a rustling behind her. Bobby didn't hear it and continued into the house. Ria look back and forth wondering whether to investigate when her curiosity took over. She wearily approached the bush hearing a subtle whistle. Then she almost shouted in shock as Adam's head peaked carefully.
Adam, "Meet me out here at midnight I have something to tell you." Ria anxiously looked back to ensure Bobby wasn't listening but when she turned back around Adam was gone leaving instructions in the air.
Ria, "W-Wait?"
Jane, "Ria sweetheart welcome back." Ethan startled her as he ran and tackled her to the ground hugging her tightly, she looked around but there was no sign of Adam anywhere.
Ethan, "Ria Ria! What was the village like?" she settled and hugged him back feeling safe in his scent.
Ria, "It was great. Look what I got you." She pulled out his book from her pants causing his eyes to light up.
Ethan, "For me! Thankyou." He eagerly snatched the book and ran off to show Jane. Still lay on the ground Ria had a bad feeling in her gut, something was going on here and she didn't like it one bit. What could Adam want with her?
Jane, "Ria? What are you dallying around for, come get dinner?" Wiping off the grass from her shirt she put on a brave smile and went inside. Dinner was quieter than usual because neither Bobby nor Ria said a word. John and Jane kept looking at one another in confusion, they were usually very talkative.
John, "Is everything alright Ria?" she was snapped from her daze and nodded. Ethan began eating what his sister had left which was practically everything. Bobby finished and waved as he went into his bedroom for rest. Jane watched Ria playing with her knife and noticed she had a strange glaze over her eyes as if she wasn't here.
Jane, "That's it. Ria what is it you've been quiet since you came back. What's going on?" Ethan stopped eating and looked at his sister curiously. They all waited for her response, but Ria was so out of it she didn't even hear her mother's voice.
John, "Earth to Ria?" her father's nudge attracted her attention to which she aimlessly looked around seeing all eyes were on her for some reason. Instinctively she checked to see if her nose was bleeding but found nothing.
Ria," Huh?" Jane sighed and repeated herself.
Jane, "What's wrong your quiet?" Ria looked down knowing full well she couldn't answer that honestly, they would be too overprotective if she said she had a bad feeling about today's events, and she couldn't get Adam out of her mind.
Ria, "Oh it's nothing I'm just tired that's all." John reached over feeling her head to make sure she didn't have a fever. Pushing his hand aside she wished them all goodnight before retiring to bed but Ria didn't sleep instead, she began thinking about what Adam needed to tell her and if it had anything to do with Bobby. Since he spoke with him, he seemed down and lost in is mind, she'd never seen her grandfather like that before. Before long it was time for everyone to sleep and Ethan wandered in careful not to wake up his sister.
Ethan, "Ria?" he whispered quietly seeing she had plenty time left before meeting Adam she decided to entertain him a bit.
Ria, "What is it, are you cold?" Sometimes he would crawl into her bed when the night became chilly which didn't bother her it was nice feeling the warmth of her brother, it stopped the nightmares.
Ethan, "Yes, can I sleep with you tonight?" Ria smiled and opened her covers for him to crawl in, he giggled and wrapped himself up like a glow-worm. Ria stroked his hair as he snuggled into her, it would be hard not to wake him when she left but if whatever Ethan wanted Ethan got.
Ethan, "Ria are you okay, mother and father are worried about you." Hearing his soft little voice ask in concern she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter, he always made sure she was alright after the scare they all had when she fell sick.
Ria, "I'm fine brother, you don't have to worry about me. Did you like your book?" Ethan nodded and curled closer his breath tickling her ear. At least he was content, youth carried ignorance but also jealousy in Ria's eyes. Sometimes she wondered what it was like to be oblivious to the outside world and its horrific principles. Old in mind but young at heart she kept telling herself, being different wasn't so bad it meant she could protect him. Ria watched the clock closely until it struck twelve, tiredly she moved Ethan aside and kissed his head before creeping out of the room. It was a nerve-racking trip outside ensuring she didn't wake up her family. If they caught her the scolding, she would receive would be a huge headache. As the icy grass met her bare feet she shivered searching in the dark for Adam when she noticed his blue eyes next to an old oak tree beside the house.
Adam, "Right on time, should we talk?" Ria rubbed her eyes and wandered over, that horrible sickly feeling in her gut grew stronger but she still followed her instincts.
Ria, "What did you need to tell me that's so important?" Adam sat by the tree and patted the leaves beside him, Ria rolled her eyes and sat beside him. For some reason she felt like she was betraying Bobby being there with him.
Adam, "Do you remember the first time we met, and you told me about your real parents?" Ria looked at him wearily, he was straight to the point…
Ria, "Of course, why are you bringing him up?" Adam ensured no lights were on in the house and they were alone because this information was top secret. But this little girl needed to know the truth.
Adam, "You can't tell your grandfather about this, you have to promise me." Not willing to use her signature pinkie swear she simply nodded sternly. Yet another secret she had to keep from them.
Ria, "You know my grandfather don't you, you talked for a while in the storeroom and after he looked troubled. How are you two equated?" Looking into those violet eyes, he frowned seeing not much slipped past her, but Bobby wasn't exactly a friend.
Adam, "Well…Bobby and I go way back to before you were born while I still lived in the south. He was still a hunter back then and unfortunately; he'd just suffered a great loss. So, he was killing everything other than human whenever he could try to relieve his grief. One day I was in the firing line of that wrath, but he couldn't do it, I was only a boy after all. Then we sort of helped one another every now and again, I'd tell him where the nearest superior was using my visions and he would do what he does best. That's all." Ria looked down at the icy ground wondering why Bobby didn't tell her about this and what else he was keeping from her. Adam quickly moved subject seeing he didn't have much time.
Adam, "Now back to your father, there's something very important you need to know about him. It's about you…" Intrigued Ria spun round with her legs crossed and listened deeply. Still conflicted about telling her the truth it took a while for him to organise his thoughts.
Adam, "You need to know the truth about who you are before it's too late. I refuse to let him keep you in the dark any longer. This may be hard to hear but please stick with me…"