The Known/Unknown Quantity

Chapter 122: The Tricky Case of Adam

Chapter 122: The Tricky Case of Adam

More and more the little group in Tadfield was learning what kind of an arsenal they really had. They were slowly coming to a consensus on what to do with it.

But time was running out, tick by tick. Soon the angel and Newt would be back with more answers, and the final ingredient they needed for another temporary ward.

There was another final ingredient they were missing: Adam. And as the unknown eleventh hour approached, the celestial couple had their question; where was he, in the midst of all these events?

And the quick answer? Protected. Pulled himself out. And why? The child's own words.

"Crowley doesn't want me hurt."

That's the first explanation they got. And Crowley had nodded approval. "Woll, he's roit. Thing is, I still want to keep tabs on him. So...what's going on with him?"

On Crowley's side of things, the witch gave him curt answers just to past the time before the others arrive. But he prodded. Perhaps he should send someone over to the Young residence for a check? B.G. gave an empathetic no. Which made the demon wonder....is Adam planning his own little hunting party?

"I need to know the truth, Anathema," he demanded, acting as if to leave.

The witch flung a hand out and pressed it against his chest. They both glared at the contact, then drew back. Finally, Anathema steeled herself, and straightened. "The truth? What is really the truth, when it comes to Adam?"

"That he is earnest. And on our side. And above all, a child," Crowley hissed slowly, stringing out the words like a strand of uncoiled dictums.

"I know how you feel about him getting involved," the witch replied, "but he's not the little boy you left here in November. He's grown."

Crowley's whipped back. "In a month?"

"No, I mean," she pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead, then started again," Puberty may have something to do with it, but all that's happened here with you and Aziraphale sent him on a personal quest for knowledge. So, he spends more time researching things on the computer. Mostly it's about angels and demons, but he says most of what's available is mucked up, just plain wrong."

A weary chuckle. "He's trying to protect us."

"He's trying to understand his bloodlines, too, I guess is the best way of putting it. You and the angel are the closest thing he has to relations."

"But he's wholly human now."

"Like everything else," the witch said furtively, "he is when he wants to be."

The demon tried to rise but the witch gently pushed him back. "What's he been up to, B.G.? Is he in trouble?"

"No. He protects himself. He's a smart kid. He protects his friends. But his power can only extend so far, presently. He wants more than anything to secure your welfare. And he's discovered....there are others...."

Now the demon did try to rise, but threw back his head and moaned as the vertigo nearly made him throw up what little bile still sat in his stomach. Anathema pressed her hand against his ice-cold chest again, and tried to make him comfortable. "Others! You mean Warlock!"

"Calm down, you idiot!"

He relaxed, and snarled at her.

"If you don't behave yourself, I won't continue."