Crowley's P.O.V.:
Rose has been on the phone with Warlock and Adam asking them to find Riley for Lucy/ Nico/ Nina, we all know she missed him. But hey she was happy with her flower shop ran with a girl named Ella. Ella is nice and I'm glad that Muriel had my daughter's back when she needed someone. It was May now so Warlock just had his last exam and we went out to celebrate. But Lucy was freaked out about not being able to find her knife. The two boys agreed to go on the search knowing that it would help Lucy out of her downward spiral. But they agreed to wait until after the wedding. "I guess I just forgot where I put the knife I'll just get a new one." Lucy sighed before eating her shrimp pasta.
She adjusted to being a vampire hybrid again just fine. Took to it like a duck to water. I did miss the blue-green eyes but the hazel ones fit her two. She still hid behind her hair as a safety net. I looked at Aziraphale and we agreed that whatever Warlock and Adam were planning wasn't a good thing. I knew that they hadn't given up their idea of becoming vampires.
Carmen's P.O.V.:
Australia was the first place I looked for Graham. There I was followed by a bird. I would have never guessed that it was trying to lead me somewhere. It was a warm fall day 19C to be exact. Remember that the seasons work differently in the southern hemisphere of the earth than in the northern hemisphere. So it might be spring in the States but fall in New Zealand. I don't completely understand it either neither does anyone else I asked about it.
I did get curious about the bird following me around so I went to the zoo. "G'day how can I help you?" one of the Zoo keepers asked.
"Hi, I got this bird following me. And I would like to know what kind of bird it is." I explained and gestured to the bird who made a perch on my shoulder. The Zookeeper held out her arm the bird had to think about whether it could trust her or not. Thankfully it eventually got off my shoulder and onto her arm.
"Aren't you a wonderful thing? And so beautiful. I've never seen one of you up close before with such interesting eyes. Sorry, what you have here is a Little Falcon. He seems friendly enough I know some people take up Falcons as a hobby. " She explained to me and the bird went back to my shoulder.
"Thank you... Janie. I'll just follow this little fella and see where it takes me I need to take more risks." I replied petting the falcon on my shoulder. It took off and. I chased it to the coast where it changed into a dolphin. Still wanting me to follow it I dived in the water.
I didn't expect to see Janie again ever but this is not what I would have expected to do. Following animals to who knows where that was more of a Neens thing. Then the dolphin led me to England not where I expected to surface. Once again I was chasing a Falcon it led me into the woods where a small log cabin was. There was a man on the porch as if waiting for something or someone.
"Riley my feathered mate where have you flown off to this time?" The man asked the bird who made its home on the windowsill. The bird just hawked at the man. "What was so important that you couldn't leave a note I know that you could if you wanted to. You explained your curse to me so you should have left a note." The man ranted at the bird who was falling asleep on him.
I cleared my throat "I'm sorry but Riley? Why would you name a bird that?" I asked.
"Because that's his name he was cursed by someone who doesn't like his wife that much to never be able to hold her, to take in all her colour or just be with her. He can only be animals when she's around this happened when he was 11 after some convention. Then he found me dropping this photo in my lap I was a teen at the time." He pulled a photo out of his pocket the same one I had seen in Nina's wallet only weeks ago.
"I know her well Riley you would be happy to know that she isn't afraid of snakes anymore in fact she adores them. And that her parents and friends treat her well one of her friends acts more like a big brother to her than Peter ever did." I stated remembering the time Neens came home hurt and Warlock hunted down the first aid kit and looked after it. This got the Falcon to flap his wings excitedly.
"He likes you. Have we met before? " The man asked me. Right, I was still hiding what I looked like. That's when the bird went inside the probably get cleaned up. I then dropped my illusion only to get pulled into a hug.
"Carmen thank the angels that you are okay." The man smiled at me then it hit me that it was Graham. Riley basically acted as his no-pun-intended wingman. Riley then came out in a loose shirt with a band logo on it and a pair of jeans.
"Glad you followed me now? Anyway Gray I'm going into town do you need anything?" Riley asked. He left after Gray said he didn't need anything just wanted to know where the others were. "Sure thing if I see our housemates I'll send them on their way. Wouldn't surprise me if some of them got in trouble again." He said on his way out.
"Housemates?" I asked Gray as he led me inside. There were four bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a sunroom. He looked nervous about me asking about the housemates. He made us some hot chocolate after asking if I wanted a drink. He spilt his when the door opened. I laughed as he cursed whichever of his housemates slammed the door open.
"Gray, Riley said you wanted me back. What's the emergency? Hi Carmen... Oh, there wasn't one. He still has bird brain." the newcomer declared.
"Yes, Emmett he probably thought you wanted to know how Nina was doing Lucy you said she was named now. And what did I say about the door?" Gray asked. Emmett then sighed.
"Not to slam it unless I want to fix it. Anyway, how is Lucy? How are her parents her dad the blonde one was always so nice to me and Catherine. Was your family always that nice Gray? Are Lucy's dads married yet? Did she get to go to Fanexpo like she wanted?" Emmett started shooting off questions about not just Nina but her new parents as well. Gray just held up the picture of Nina and Riley when they were younger as if to remind him that he already knew the answer to one of the questions.
"She is fine, her parents adopted another kid and they see her as a younger sister there is a six or seven-year difference between the two of them but they love each other. She runs a flower shop now. Her parents are getting married in a few months then I believe that Rose is sending Lucy's brother and his boyfriend to find Riley. But who is Catherine? Oh and Aro is back but he is friends with Lucy now I guess love for something other than money and power changes a person." I explained. I didn't notice as another one of the housemates walked in. He didn't look too happy with Aro walking around.
"He's what but anyway what of Ella?" The newcomer asked.
"Works with Lucy but Lucy said that his girlfriend is a literal angel so that's making him better himself for them his choice by the way." I explained. That's when Riley got back. He made himself comfortable on a chair.
"Gray I think we should head back you three deserve to be happy and I'll manage, sure I can't interact with Nina. But it's not like she's dating right? " Riley felt unsure of that last bit and I laughed.
"Not after your look-alike almost personally tried to kill her. Would be surprised if her parents, brother and friends let you anywhere near her they got a very strange dog. " I added I then didn't want to mention that she was going to die at some point.
"She is still great at singing her friends post her at karaoke online. I think her friends picked the songs most of the time. Because they would get her to sing something in another language then we would run it back to English and find out that she was singing about if she believed in herself or her inner courage. We believe that she knew what she was singing but let her friends think she didn't. But why would she need to believe in herself?" The other housemate asked who I just put together it was Marcus. That's when the door opened again and a kid walked in.
"Dad, Riley left me at the park unsupervised again. Oh, hi ya red." The kid said turning himself into a teen. So they all have their powers? Are they vampires? I had to fill them in on what happened to Jasper, Peter and me, what we were forced to do and for how long.
"Edward is so dead." Gray spat out through gritted teeth his eyes sparking. Once Riley got Gray calmed down I mentioned how a house near Nina's was for sale and that we were giving her space so we all had our own places. They all seemed to be into it. So they quickly bought the place Riley then tried to back out and stay there.
"You can have my place then I wouldn't mind staying closer to Graham." I explained. He relaxed I guess being an animal all the time would suck. So I wouldn't mind letting Riley take my place. We agreed that I should head home and we would meet once they settled in. "But feel free to send the boys on a wild goose chase, it will be fun for them. Even tell them I saw you on my travels." I told Riley before heading out.
When I got home I bought the place near Nina's. It was a fixer-upper so I got to work fixing it. "Hey, you're Carmen right? I'm Pepper did you need some help?" the only other girl in Nina's new friend group introduced herself to me. I have heard about her and only seen her a few times but we never interacted before.
"Thanks, I thought it would be easier for some friends of mine to be able to come here without having to worry about this." I explained. She nodded. She then suggested getting flowers from Nina as a welcome present before asking if one of them was Riley the real one. "I didn't find him. But Ella will have her boyfriend back." I added it was a lie but no one really knew where I went for a while since I left my phone here.
Pepper kept the boys in her friend group away from here afraid that they would try to hurt themselves enough that we would have to turn them. Unfortunately, one night when we went to feed we found them there misusing the tools. Warlock had cut his hand open passing Brian a saw, Adam had hurt himself with the nail gun, and Brian was trying to fix a hole in the floor but he as fell in a few times just because he was being dumb with the saw. I did not want to bother Nina if she was with Muriel and Aro but it seemed important. Pepper already had her phone out and a second later Crowley was there dealing with Warlock, Rory was there to deal with her brother and she personally dealt with Brian.
"We just want to be able to help Nico." they all respond when asked what were they thinking. I sighed and had to ask how it would be helping. They had answers ready for every question we asked it was annoying. I excused myself and sent a text to Riley telling him to tell his housemates that turning my sister's friends was a no-go. He just sent me a thumbs-up.
"I think that they will get it either way Nina cut ties with everyone else you said so they will probably go there eventually or fake me trying to deal with him for her." He eventually replied. I wish he was wrong but with these boys, I think that's where it would go. So I texted Rose asking her to tell everyone not to turn Nina's friends.
"Way ahead of you. I did that while Jasper was studying with Warlock. They agreed it was her decision. But I think they are planning something. I find it a bit concerning that Warlock lives with her and could just you know find a way to turn himself while she's asleep." Rose pointed out. Yeah, that could be a problem.
Nina's P.O.V.:
My parents are getting stressed with the wedding thing thinking that heaven and hell will still come after them. That's when the letters arrived one from Lucifer and one from Linda both saying that they would be left alone as well as any children they have or adopt that includes the ones already adopted. On the condition that a reparative of both heaven and hell attend the wedding. So I wrote Lucifer back telling him that his son Adam will already be attending and I hope that would be enough. Then I responded to Linda telling her that We could invite Muriel if that would be enough or did they have a better person in mind.
Lucifer wrote back quickly saying Adam was fine but the second letter from Linda said they had someone else in mind, she would be attending personally. I told my parents this and they sighed. "Is that wrong? " I asked they both smiled. Before my mom started rereading the letters. They were excited about the news of being left alone same with any kids biological or adopted. I decided to go to bed saying good night to both of them. I had a text from Rose saying that she was worried about Warlock trying something. I stupidly dismissed it. Because I woke up to Warlock using me as a science experiment. Have you seen how Snakes are milked for their venom? Yeah, Warlock found out that vampire venom could be collected the same way. What made him take that leap in logic? I had no clue but I got my teeth away from the container. I then told my parents that I'm moving and that had their gift already at this point.
"Really? What?" My mom asked
"You two get to keep warlock forever he just broke into my room and milked me like a snake. I think he collected enough venom for himself and the others." I spat. My dad was horrified and my mom laughed at how simple it was. I need time to myself now. But they did convince me not to move for now. I added some pink highlights to my blonde hair and I met Ella at a bar. When I told her what Warlock did she was shocked. But I was happy to find out when I got home that my dad took the venom from Warlock before anything could happen.
I am afraid that Warlock will try to get it back or new stuff. I texted my siblings about Warlock just in case. Peter was no help but Jasper said he would go talk to Warlock since Carmen was out of town looking for Graham. I walked to my flower shop wanting to be alone. Sure I don't need to sleep but dreams are the only place I could see Riley. I wasn't happy to find Winnie outside the shop waiting for me. "Crowley gave me the address saying that you were probably working late." She sighed.
"I have got lots to do. Plants to look after, need to take inventory, place plant orders, make prices, pricing, the list goes on. Sorry, I have no time to chat. I also have paperwork to add to the list. It doesn't matter. Good night Ms. Foster." I responded as I opened the door and made my way inside out of the rain. She was still out there when I looked out the window I sighed and let her in.
"Thank you, umm what do I call you by the way?" She asked while taking off her coat. I went back to my work I was working on my mom's flowers for her wedding. Since she wanted a flower crown of red and yellow. She also changed the flowers for my hair to daisies and magnolias still white though.
"Would you like a drink to warm up I'm sure I have some tea in the back. And call me whatever makes you comfortable. Warlock calls me Neeks, my parents call me Lucy, Antiono and Jean-Paul call me Robin, Adam calls me Nico along with his friends, and Carmen calls me Nina still. So I'll answer to anything as long as I know that you are calling me." I told her heading to the back to make tea. I came back a few minutes later to find her at my workbench moving some flowers around.
"Rose told us about the whole fake Riley thing. Also, why didn't you mention that you were miserable in school?" She asked and I just handed her the cup. I didn't want to talk about it so I turned on the speaker that I recently got from Pepper. She works as a music producer now but still prefers to live with Adam who works at a museum and Brian who works at the local theatre. You wouldn't believe how many times Brian asked me to try out for plays both in College and after. Adam after finding out that I had seen almost just as much of history unfold as my parents asked a lot of questions. She continued talking when I didn't answer.
"Anyway he and his crew kicked Rory out of her place so she lives with us for now and they are looking for musical acts if you are interested." She added and I sighed. See the thing was there was no fake Riley not really, he got ripped in two the side that is under the same spell my siblings were and the side that can't be rear me without his powers acting up. We don't know where that part is and the only reason I know of it was because Linda and Chloe had been seeing if someone was misusing their powers only to find that Michael was to change people's memories of me and a demon who we still did not know the name of when Riley resisted split him in two and cursing him.
"When? Since I know the where." I smiled knowing exactly what look they would want. The girl next door who is well put together, no hair dye, natural makeup look and nothing over revealing. I also knew that I couldn't go as myself not the honey blonde, hazel eyed girl I am I would get caught, my blue-green eyes would also get me caught.
"But straight-up green eyes wouldn't same with strawberry blonde hair they wouldn't expect it or Red like mom's and blue eyes like dad's" Nico suggested in our head. It could work we would need a fake name though. We have plenty of names we could use. I didn't notice that Winnie left after finishing my flower crown leaving me with a date, time and place wishing me good luck and telling me not to do anything stupid. I do not make promises I can't keep.
Jasper's P.O.V.:
I decided to have a boy's night with Warlock, Adam and Brian. "Can you sing two? Nico never answers questions about you and the others, especially Peter. She mentioned something about him almost getting her killed once." Adam explained. I sighed but I shrugged.
"That happened more than once actually but yes I can sing. Why? I mean some of her skill is just talent but she had to learn from someone and it definitely was not Peter or Carmen. Carmen doesn't sing often dance is more her thing and athletics." I explained and gave them a look that said don't ask about the attempts on my sister's life. They also tried to talk to me about being vampires again.
"Come on Jasper she is overreacting. We did nothing wrong." Warlock tried to tell me and gave me his best innocent look. The other two tried the same but I knew better. Since Nina texted me about Warlock milkin' her like a snake. She wasn't too happy about that.
"Warlock I know that's bullshit. Nina told me what you did." I told him with a raised eyebrow. All three of them then came clean on their plan. Adam found out how snakes were milked and suggested it to Warlock. Warlock would have then would have collected enough venom for the three of them. They agreed to wait until after Aziraphale and Crowley's wedding to use it though. Then Warlock and Adam would go looking for Riley while Brian just goes on like normal. I still don't know how they think that would work but I'm surprised that Adam wasn't immoral being the son of the devil and all, since his sister was.
After they apologized we went to see a movie. It was old movie night at the movies and that night's pick was 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. "So what's Nico's favourite old movie or old show?" Adam asked me and I frowned since I actually wouldn't know.
"Show wise Doctor Who. Movie wise no idea she changes it a lot last week it was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Warlock explained. I was surprised that she liked that show still. I heard a few things about more recent incarcerations of the doctor. It was a mixed bag. They wanted to hear me sing then so to a bar on karaoke night we went.
"Are you going to do country music?" Brian asked. I laughed before telling them no. Sure I listen to it but it does not suit my voice most of the time. No pop punk and rock fit better for me I have a range of course like my sister. So I chose to sing something that doesn't show it off and that song was Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears. After the intro, I picked up the microphone with the boys watching like they had no clue where this was going.
"Welcome to your life. There's no turning back. Even while we sleep. We will find you, acting on your best behaviour. Turn your back on Mother Nature. Everybody wants to rule the world." I started singing and yes this reflected my thoughts most people or things wanted to rule the world. It was an instrumental break and Brian looked like he already wanted to ask me something.
"It's my own design. It's my own remorse. Help me to decide. Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure. Nothing ever lasts forever. Everybody wants to rule the world. There's a room where the light won't find you. Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down. When they do, I'll be right behind you.
So glad we've almost made it. So sad they had to fade it. Everybody wants to rule the world." I continued to the next instrumental bit and Warlock was enjoying the song while Adam was recording it. Nina also warned me that Brian if he heard me sing might try to get me into musical theater. I am not looking forward to telling him no.
"I can't stand this indecision. Married with a lack of vision. Everybody wants to rule the world. Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it. One headline, why believe it? Everybody wants to rule the world.
All for freedom and pleasure. Nothing ever lasts forever. Everybody wants to rule the world." I finished and they tried to get me to do another one but I reminded them that they had work the next day. Since I drove them home I was surprised to find Miles and Jesse Tuck outside my place waiting for me. They started explaining what Winnie told Nina. Seriously what was she thinking? Because I know that Nina will go right into the villain's lair. Which is a bad idea.