Lost in Time ~ Five Hargreeves

Chapter 14

1996

"Children," Reginald addressed the seven kids as he entered the room.

"As you've probably noticed, Number Eight has unlocked a new part of their power. So, to ensure that you can accomplish your mission successfully, you will have to learn to see Number Eight, when you can't see them."

Luther, Allison and Diego looked at their father confused.

They had no idea what he meant by that.

The thing was, Riley hadn't told them yet that they could turn invisible.

Only Five, Klaus and Ben knew.

Five had asked Riley why Grace had taken them to Reginald's late that evening.

The boy hoped that he would notice something if he left the door open– but nothing.

After the thing in the kitchen, Ben and Klaus already suspected it.

"But how can–"

"No questions," Reginald interrupted Allison.

He then motioned for Riley to step forward.

They were kind of excited to show the others their new thing.

It took a few days, but Riley thought it was pretty cool to be able to turn invisible.

The child took two steps forward and although it took a moment, Riley became invisible.

Reginald continued, explaining to the children exactly what each of them had to do.

Riley turned around and looked at their siblings' faces.

And they immediately felt bad.

The others (minus five) looked with a mixture of surprise, horror but also… was it disgust?

The fact that Riley was still standing in the same spot and hadn't disappeared somewhere else, like Five, didn't seem to occur to the others.

Riley didn't know for sure, but they didn't want to find out either.

To be honest, the kid was hoping the others would find it just as cool.

But their grin disappeared from their face and Riley turned and ran out of the room.

Riley hid in the attic, arms wrapped around their legs, when the door to the room opened.

"Riley? Are you there?"

"No."

"Riley…"

Allison sighed and let go of the door handle.

She sat down next to Riley.

"Rils, we never meant to– we're so sorry. We were surprised. But you can make yourself invisible. That's so cool!"

"Really?"

"Of course. I mean, anyone can be super strong or rumor someone. But you're the human chameleon–"

Allison turned her head as Riley made themself visible again and grimaced.

"You know, I always saw myself as the shield of this group."

~~~~

Riley and Klaus were still sitting in the kitchen together.

Klaus told them how he was out all night looking for Luther– in the end, Klaus finally found him in a club.