As the strange assimilation went within Lilly's being went on, Hawkins placed his hands upon his shoulders, attempting to explain the situation to her.
"Lilly. For the sake of everything, you have to listen to me. Whatever that creature was, it is not your friend. It is not your companion. It is the enemy in disguise. It is trying to use you to assault time itself. Right now, if you truly wan't to protect reality, then follow my instructions exactly. "
Lilly looked at the shadowy man in confusion, and a growing feeling of distress. "Wh-wha?! No! It's NOT a trick! He's my companion an' he's gonna teach me magic an' I'm gonna be a magical girl like Jenny!" She shouted.
The Girl began to sob. Why was this man trying to hurt her like this? She just wanted to save the world and help Jenny! "It's not a trick! I'm magic! I GOTTA BE! I don' wanna always be left out! I wanna be special an' important like Jenny! If I'm not magical too, then I don' matter at all!"
Hawkins paused for a moment, staring at the sobbing child with his imperceptible eyes. Slowly aspects of the situation began connecting in his mind. "I know it hurts to be tricked Lilly, but you need to trust me. Jenny is a friend of mine as well. And I've known her for long enough to know that it's not magic that makes her special. It's her kindness. Her goodness. Her resolve to do the right thing. If she wasn't the person she was her magic would account for absolutely nothing. And I know YOU have the same potential for good as her."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief, which he used to blot away some of Lilly's tears.
"Consider it this way." He Continued. "They wouldn't try to use you like this if you weren't critically important. Remember this Lilly. YOU. ARE. IMPORTANT. Right now, you are the most important person here. Have the resolve to so what's right, and help us protect everything. Follow my lead. Stay with Cecilia, she'll relay any information I have for you. Right now..."
Agent Hawkins stood, turning towards where Lucas and the Devourer went. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a shiny Colt. 45. "I need to help a friend with something."
The gun in his hand suddenly shimmered, it's hue overtaken by an almost oily darkness. And in a flash, Hawkins was gone.
