Simon

Deidre had somehow fallen asleep. But Simon couldn't, not with the strange sounds and voices, the chance that someone could come back for them. No. He needed to think.

He couldn't sleep but he did close his eyes; though there was no way for him to tell if he did end up falling asleep or not.

But when he opened his eyes again and felt Deidre's slow breathing beside him, he saw something in front of him.

No...it was someone.

It was a child. The child had short hair that was a mix of colors in the dim light, the child's eyes were soft and seemed to look into his soul. The child was crouched in front of him, barefoot and dressed in a short white robe, the design like a monk's.

Simon straightened his back against the wall, trying to melt into it.

"Don't." The child's voice was soft and alluring. "I know your secrets. What if I said I could help you?"

"Wh-what?" Simon swallowed.

"That girl right there seems precious to you. She wants something and you'll do anything for it. Would you die for her?"

"Of course. But what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I could make her appearances twist to whoever looks at her. She'd be able to go back up and liver her life again. She'd be able to get the answers she wants, the answers she deserves." The child said soothingly and convincingly.

Simon's heart ached. If he hadn't told Deidre any of this she wouldn't be scared in this dark tunnel. She'd be laughing with her mom, getting ready to go to her favorite college.

"What would I have to do?" Simon's voice had turned to a whisper.

The child stood. "Stay down here. If she comes to get you back, she can have you. Don't you want the best for her?"

"Yes. I do." Simon placed his arm gently on Deidre and began to wake her up when the child silenced him.

"She'll wake up somewhere else. Leave her. Follow me." The child disappeared into the shadows.

Simon stood hesitantly and with one glance back at Deidre, he followed the kid.

"So do you do magic or-?"

"Many call us magicians, aliens. We don't work in the magic you know of. We work in deception and illusions."