Val, "To be honest were worried about her health at the moment, she hasn't spoken in three days and all she seems to do is sleep." They were all having a consultation about the best options for Ria at this point. Luca had put forward that she was showing characteristics of trauma which included lack of trust among peers as well as violent outbursts. Leon was privately discussing with Lucifer about the best direction to take Ria's treatment.
Leon, "I think crowding her will only encourage more violent behaviour sort of like when you corner an animal, of course instinct will tell them to lash out. Ria is mentally advanced despite her age and growing up with humans has most likely affected her mannerism." Lucifer tapped his finger on the desk looking lost in their conversation. All he wanted was his daughter to confide in him even just a little bit.
Luca, "I think most likely she's under a deep depression due to her advance in mental age. Ria has suffered a lot of trauma in the last few days such as losing her human family, finding out the truth about her destiny and of course her interaction with Sam which she refuses to speak about." Val felt the most regret for that mistake, trying to make her feel welcome he'd strayed from the usual tour and managed to lose her to that monster. Lucifer also felt some responsibility not accompanying her, ever since that day the charismatic feisty attitude of his daughter had disappeared and now, she was like a living doll carelessly watching the world through glass eyes.
Lucifer, "Basically your requesting we wait until she comes around independently instead of smothering her. Aren't you complicating things? She's just tired leave her be, I'll speak to her when she wakes." He sounded cold and confident he knew what he was talking about, but Val knew his old friend seeing that signature flicker of worry in those deep red eyes. That day Ria emerged from Sam's cell her soul wasn't just broken…it was shattered, then before long after turning completely pale she collapsed from exhaustion. Lucifer had picked her up and rushed her to the doctors which advised rest for the next few days until her blood sugar levels increased.
Leon, "Personally from the look of her blood work she's more malnourished than she seems, physically she's in perfect condition from an external observation yet internally I'm surprised her organs haven't began to shut down. We need to get her on supplements as quickly as possible before her power eats away at her body for good." Suddenly the mood changed in the room as Lucifer sat up alarmed, no-one knew just how much she was suffering until Leon pulled up a chart of her blood work and he was correct in every detail.
Val, "This is what happens when a Nephilim is raised by humans, poor girl…" Luca frowned perhaps the fatigue was due to her physical condition rather than mental but it didn't exclude the fact that Sam's encounter with her had taken a huge toll on Ria. Luca's phone began ringing so he excused himself only to return with some bad news.
Luca, "My lord the princess is awake but she's not happy, it appears her powers are reaching maximum safety levels." Lucifer eyes widened in worry, that was a code amber meaning it could have devastating consequences to the hosts body.
Lucifer, "Leon come with me, Val clear the area in-case the children are in danger." Springing into action everyone went separate ways trying to complete their tasks orderly, but the pressure was on. Leon hadn't yet sat down with Ria and told her about the limits of her body while using her abilities, when they scanned her thoroughly it showed that her telekinetic energy located in the hypothalamus of the brain was much to large for an eight year old girl.
Upon reaching the lords room they were all hit with static fizzing in their ears until it penetrated into their brains, knowing how to react they both took a deep breath and released their pheromones to combat Ria's. Once someone reached their maximum stress a devastating pheromone that could paralyze humans and even weaker Superiors would be emitted. Smashing and clattering could be heard behind the door along with panicked voices. Lucifer burst inside to see his daughter sweating profusely and covered in glass from the windows. Two servants were carefully trying to approach her but everytime she got close she would pick up the glass vis telekinesis and threaten them.
Leon, "Come away for now she's distressed." After dragging them back leaving them alone with Ria they both calmly sat down not getting to close. She looked blank in her eyes like the light had left her.
Lucifer, "Ria it's alright no-one is going to hurt you." She didn't respond and glared at the glass in her hands, a little cut on her face trickled blood, from the collateral it must have been explosive they were surprised she wasn't even more injured.
Leon, "Ria…can you tell us what happened?" Yet again there was nothing from her she was as silent as a mouse. Lucifer sighed in frustration as he moved closer towards her which seemed to trigger a reaction.
Ria, "Stay away from me."
Lucifer, "Tell me what's wrong, was it Sam?" That name made her heart sink…
Ria, "What's wrong? Look at me what isn't wrong! I feel like my brain is going to burst. Everything was a lie, every little thing I ever believed in. I've had enough!" she buried her face in her knees forced to tears, this was the first time he'd seen her cry since killing her parents and the principle made his chest tighten only slightly.
Lucifer, "Ria you can't blame yourself for this. They most likely lied to keep you safe. It may have been a lie but at least now you know the truth, or do you still not trust me?" She glared up at him with teary eyes. That was a tough proposal to answer.
Ria, "I don't trust anyone that's the way I've always been. Why couldn't you have brought Ethan with me at least then I would now he was safe, somehow I don't like him being under my grandfathers watch…not after he manipulated me." Truths were finally being set free and Lucifer was beginning to understand her more.
Lucifer, "Is Ethan their son? I haven't heard you mention him before." Then like falling from a cliff the settling atmosphere plummeted as Ria stood up with her fists clenched. The anger responding to that question was unmeasurable as the glass scattered on the ground began to shake.
Ria, "Of course you don't remember him, you barely cared at his birth. Somehow, I'm not even surprised. Ethan is my twin brother, your son!" Leon face palmed himself, it was literally two steps forward three steps back. Lucifer was at a loss; it was true he'd forgotten about his son being so focused on Ria.
Lucifer, "I'm sorry I didn't know that." Ria felt herself become dizzy so let go of her energy.
Ria, "I don't want to talk about that. Anyway, what am I supposed to so here? You brought me here for a reason so get on with it." They both frowned so she was still bitter about the whole situation. Feeling guilty about forgetting his son and upsetting his daughter he wanted to take the nice approach.
Lucifer, "Do as you like this is your home now."
Ria, "Tsk home huh? I don't even know what the outside looks like, how could this be a home." Lucifer hated seeing that hatred in her eyes as she looked around her, if only he could make her more comfortable perhaps her trust issues would fade. Then he had an idea.
Lucifer, "Come with me." Gripping her hand, he dragged her out of bed. Ria wanted to bite him, fight him, do anything but her body was too heavy to even resist so she lagged along as he pulled her through the apartment to a door near the labs. Leon watched nervously behind as he pulled out his keys and opened the forbidden door as he called it. Ria was waiting for something sarcastic like a window or fake garden, but she was wrong.
Lucifer, "Is this any better?" He opened it to a balcony, she gasped breathing in fresh air from the outdoors. It had been so long since smelling the fresh grass and honey dew, it was almost nostalgic. Lucifer led her below to a huge garden filled with a variety of flowers and trees along with a stone statue fountain of an angel planted in the middle spitting bright blue water. It was like a paradise. Wrapped around the fountain was her brothers favourite flowers. Leon and Lucifer watched as she sat on the side admiring the bluebells, it was Ethan's favourite flower because Ria always said it was the same colour as his eyes.
Leon, "Do you like it here?" Ria didn't respond as she wiped a tear from her eye.
Ria, "Ethan would have loved these…" she whispered under her breath.
Leon, "Did your brother like flowers?" Lost in the nostalgia o her memories she responded carelessly as if exhaling all that animosity trapped inside of her.
Ria, "We have our own little quirks, mine was fighting whereas Ethan's mindset was so gentle. I would choose nature books for him so he could discover different medicinal plants, he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up." Caressing the blue petals of the plant she froze realizing her tongue had slipped. Turning around she was met with a smile by both, as if they were happy to hear her speak so aspiringly.
Lucifer, "You said your quirk was fighting right? I have people who can teach you to defend yourself, maybe that way you won't have to look over your shoulder the whole time." Ria pursed her pink lips together, maybe she regretted letting that slip but perhaps fighting would give her some peace.
Ria, "Very well, take me to them." Victorious Lucifer smiled and gestured her to follow. They weaved in and out of the facility corridors until she was met with a space quite recognizable. As if all of her previous apparatus had been upgraded before her was top of the range martial art material. It was a dojo like she'd seen in books with the Yin and Yan sign plastered on the ground. A few people were talking in the corner and immediately bowed seeing the lord had presented himself after being away for a long time.
Leon, "Are you sure you're not too tired for this princess?" Smirking she shook her head, there was no way she was tired seeing all of this ahead, if anything she was unbelievable excited. Their were three young men staring directly into her violet eyes with their mouths agape.
Lucifer, "This is Cleo, our martial art trainer. Then his disciples Roy and Jamie." Cleo was well built and muscular with shiny brown hair and equally shiny brown eyes, Ria could sense he was different than the superiors. Cleo was human she was sure of it.
Cleo, "Good afternoon my lord. You must be princess Ria, it's a pleasure to meet you." Instead of bowing he extended his hand taking hers with a firm grip as if giving a taste of his strength. Smiling she squeezed it back.
Ria, "I was informed you were a martial arts trainer; I would like to learn from you." As if caught in the spotlight he looked up at Lucifer for confirmation which was given with a stern nod. Roy and Jamie exchanged amused looks; Ria could tell they were already looking down on her.
Cleo, "I see. It's rare to hear such an interest from a female child. This is interesting, well then would you mind if we did some exercises so I can estimate your worth." Ria had also read about this in books, this would put her at a level to progress which is something Bobby never offered her, he simply let her fight as she pleased. Cleo let her over to some bars that elevated as they progressed much like the monkey bars in a child playground. Ria noticed they went almost to the ceiling which was around 30 feet above. This was all about using full body strength by swinging your body upwards to grab the next bar. Lucifer was joined by Val and Luca, Leon had to return to the lab so made his exit. Seeing all three of them sitting watching her made her heart thump harshly in nervousness.
Cleo, "I would be surprised if you made it past the third bar at your size and body weight but try your best to get as high as you can." Ria clenched her fists; Cleo had a stern voice probably used for training people the way he wanted to, but Ria wanted to surpass his expectation. Never underestimate an eight-year-old girl. Climbing trees was part of her regime at home so hopefully that would bode in her favour. Taking her position on the first bar she jumped up getting a tight grip, they were slightly slippy and her sweaty palms weren't helping. They were warming up under her heated hands, the longer she hesitated the longer it would take her to reach the top. Cleo watched from the side quite bored expecting her to fall on the second bar but to his surprise he saw a fire lit in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she began her ascent, swinging her body calmly she managed to climb five bars in less than ten seconds. Lucifer gasps as she wobbled a bit and stood up to catch her when Cleo stopped him.
Cleo, "Give her a second this could be interesting." At this point the friction on her hands began burning and time was running out, she had seven more before reaching the top, she needed to prove to herself that she was worthy. Giving herself some motivation, she began climbing again panting heavily as the incline got higher. Then she began gritting her teeth feeling her shoulders begin to ache, looking down it felt like the floor was miles away. Just two more she thought then that would be it. Groaning with all her might she slowly swung jumping to the 13th bar then with one final jump which was about four feet across she landed the last bar.
Val, "I'll be damned, she's stronger than I thought." They were all looking up in awe seeing her little legs dangling precariously in the air. Ria let out a sigh of relief and smiled looking down, Cleo gave her a round of applause and positioned himself below her.
Cleo, "You can drop I'll catch you!" A little shiver of fear flushed over her seeing how high she was. Lucifer also stood up in case her fall went wrong, letting her anxiety go Ria dropped into Cleo's arms. His brown eyes were filled with amazement.
Cleo, "Not even the most experienced climbers can get that far, good job. I'll teach you." Not wanting to seem so happy with herself she silently patted herself on the back. Lucifer was waiting on the side for her with a proud smile.
Lucifer, "I guess I won't be underestimating you anymore, you did well." That shiver ran down her spine again as if reminding her this man was still her enemy. Martial arts and kindness weren't going to win her trust knowing those hands that itched to pat her head were also the ones that took her parents lives. Ria flinched and slapped his hand away, Val and Luca looked at her flushed cheeks and defiant eyes in shock.
Ria, "Don't get so cocky, who said you could touch me?" With that she ran out of the dojo quickly, her name was called behind but looking back would give them the satisfaction of caring. Why had she gotten so comfortable, just because he showed her some flowers and took her to study her hobby. Why did she feel content, deep down she wanted to rip her heart from her chest?
As an eight-year-old girl I didn't grasp the concept of mourning people, plodding on like the world was sugar coated was tiring me out until I was so tired of fighting all I wanted was at least a slither of happiness in my heart. At the time I hated the fact I had become content under the illusion it was for survival, however I was wrong. I wasn't surviving at all; I was trying in better words to be okay again. Jane and John had basically imprinted a dangerous ticking time bomb to never go off under their care, so without them there beside me I could hear that terrifying ticking in my head. Frantically looking for a way to stop that climbing anxiety in my stomach I wanted to be as close to home as I could…even if that meant confiding in him.
Ria, "Sam, are you there. Please open up!" Desperately she banged on his cell door after sneaking past security. She wanted to know more, look into those eyes and listen to his history. Technically he was the only family she had close.
Sam, "I've been warned off speaking with you, you'd better leave." His tone was cold and lonely as if he disagreed with the verdict which Ria would take advantage of.
Ria, "I don't care, I'll take the fall for this one. I just want to talk to you again, please…" As she spoke her voice began trembling which notified Sam that she was struggling with something, it was the same painstaked voice he'd heard after their last chat that got his heart pumping. After a moment of silence, his door creaked open and those glowing eyes peaked from the dark room, he looked around her first suspiciously before dragging her in.
Sam, "What's got you all worked up? Woah!" Sam felt his body pushed backwards against the wall, he didn't understand what was happening but he felt two frail arms wrapped around his waist.
Sam, "Hey, what are you doing?" Ria couldn't help herself, even if he pushed her away or hit her all she wanted was body contact, warmth from someone just as lonely as her.
Ria, "*sniff* It's called hugging, are you an idiot?" That sarcastic sad tone made his chuckle slightly, so even now she was trying to be strong. Hesitantly her patted her head, this was awkward for him in a way, she was the first one since his mother 30 so years ago that showed him affection rather than disgust.
Sam, "Tell me all about it."