Within what seemed like minutes, a scratching sound was heard and dirt started to crumble out of one side of the tunnel wall. An Aevis came out and started to brush dirt off its shoulders. The dirt stuck in places that weren't covered by it's now tattered, but familiar, clothes. It shook it's hair free of dirt, looked directly at me, and winked.
It smiled a sort of crooked half smile. It wasn't just any Aevis. It was THE Aevis, the one from the diner. Chills ran up and down my spine at the sight of its teeth. My dream flashed in my mind.
Fucking creepy looking thing. I immediately thought.
"So, sounds like you're in need of some assistance," the Aevis barely whispered. This was the first time I've heard one of them speak English, even when they've spoken Latin before it was never to me, so I always tried to tune them out as best as I could. It's voice was gravelly and deep, yet it also sounded like if a breeze came by you wouldn't be able to hear it at all.
"Hello, I'm Hades, this is Frida," he said, motioning to me hiding - no, standing - behind him, "We seem to be having a little bit of trouble finding someone, we believe he is down in these tunnels but are unsure of which way to head off to."
Dang, Hades, why are you being so formal with the thing, I thought. I don't know why, but just the fact that this Aevis spoke English and walked among regular people freaked me out way more than the rest of them.
The Aevis looked directly at me, smiled again. Now I'm sure of it. It's the one from the diner. Aevis don't smile.
"I will help you find what you're looking for," he said, "However I would like something from you in exchange."
I gulped. There it is. He wants to eat me. Any death but that death would be merciful. I would take getting stabbed by a thousand knives over that.
"What is your price?" Hades asked, thoughtful. Probably wondering what an Aevis could possibly want.
"I would like to have a meal with, Frida? Is it?" The Aevis said.
I almost faint at the spot. I feel the color drain from my face. Yep, he wants to eat me. Every instinct in me is screaming at me to say no. No friggin way. No way Jose. But then I close my eyes and I go to my happy place, people screaming, the Island, oh how I love the glass box, the headcrusher, the sound of bones crunching, I'm okay, I'm okay. We need to find this stupid dude and I dont want to be combing through endless tunnels for the rest of my life. Okay, okay. Two more deep breaths.
Finally, I feel my head slowly nodding against my better judgement.
"Then, shall we?" The Aevis asks, and he starts leading the way.