Core Collectors

The Way Out

“Do you feel really powerful now”? Finley said coldly

“I don't know what you mean I didn't ask for any of this”. Maya blurted out.

“Well you now have everything you've always wanted don't you?”

“How do you know what I've always wanted? You barely know me”. Maya snapped back.

“If you are anything like my aunt then I know you very well. All you care about is power and you don't care who you step on in the process. Even if it ends up poisoning and breaking you”.

“You almost sounded like you cared for a moment there”. She replied sarcastically.

“Open your eyes and realise what this cult does to people. It crushes them. It makes them something they aren't. It makes them hate themselves and everyone around them”. Finley said with an earnest in his eyes.

“Why did you join then? If you think it's such a bad thing”. Maya replied trying to call his bluff.

I didn’t have a choice, who else was going to save my aunt?” Finley said beginning to walk away.

“No wait. You wished for her release from the cult?” Maya said grabbing his arm.

“Every time she came back home after capturing another core another part of her went too. I saw her decaying in front of my eyes. She still isn’t the same and won’t be ever again. So if that’s what you choose then good luck to you but I’m not going to stick around and watch”. Finley spoke forcibly with true emotion turning his back on her and walking away. Maya instantly felt connected to him and was so drawn to his intense vulnerability.

“You can’t just leave that’s not how it works”.

“I honestly don’t care how it works. I would rather be struck down tomorrow than capture one more core”.

She couldn’t let him do this. She couldn’t bare thinking about what would happen if he left. The large jar of cores sitting on her doorstep ran through her mind. She owed him her life.

“Finley wait. We’ll think of something. If you leave I’m going too.” The words just slipped out of her mouth. She couldn’t stop herself. The group meant everything to her. It was her whole world.

“You really mean that?” Finley said with hope gleaming in his eyes.

“I do. You’re right. I can’t keep hurting people like this. I don’t like who I am anymore.” Maya felt a tear fall from her eyes. She never cried. Saying the words out loud seemed to trigger her emotions. She really didn’t like herself anymore, and it took Finley to make her realise this.

Finley placed his hands on her face and began to wipe the tears away with his thumb. She suddenly felt safe like the whole world wasn’t against her anymore and he was everything that mattered now. Maya gazed into his blue eyes and felt like her soul was finally at peace.

He kissed her gently and the sky began to open, pouring light rain on them as they stood together in between the dark trees. He pulled her close and they stood there for what seemed like hours holding each other. She knew he was the cure she needed.

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She couldn’t believe it was happening. She couldn’t stop smiling and felt like she was on some sort of drug. Everything seemed brighter. The sun shone through her bedroom window and she took the time to listen to the birds outside. Her first thoughts were on checking her phone to see if Finley had text her and she immediately felt a twinge of excitement as she realised he had.

Hope you don’t regret last night. I couldn’t get you off my mind all the way home. How about a coffee? X

She hit reply and text quickly that coffee sounded great and she would meet him at the cafe he forced her out of last time in half an hour. She grinned as she hit send and started to get changed. Pulling on some skinny jeans and the best top she could find she put on a bit of makeup and brushed her hair.

She felt like a school girl again. The fluttering in her stomach was agonising but she still felt great.

She greeted her neighbour on the stairs that she hadn’t spoken to in all the years she had lived in the flat and glided out the door finding herself walking so quickly her legs began to strain under the pressure of it. She blocked it out and kept her mind on Finley.

He was waiting outside beaming at her as she approached and she leapt into his arms and hugged him sinking deeply into his scent.

“What was that for?” He asked laughing as he took hold of her hand and pulled her into the cafe.

“I’m just happy to see you.” She beamed at him grabbing a chair on an empty table. She was so busy concentrating on him that she completely missed the young couple sitting at the table opposite them holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes and the man sat by the table gasping at them and wondering why the carer was fraternising with his patient.

“I honestly couldn’t sleep last night. I just kept thinking about how amazing you are and how I can’t believe I didn’t find you sooner.” Finley replied blushing.

“I know everything seems so surreal. I feel like I’m in some kind of Disney film.” Maya gushed gazing at him.

“We need to think about how we are going to break free for good.” Finley suddenly announced taking Maya’s hand and looking at her longingly.

“I know. I just can’t think how. Unless we are wished free or die then we can’t leave.” Maya said suddenly realising how helpless the situation was.

“I have an idea, but I don’t know if it will work. A friend of mine works as a demon specialist in an office in the Jubilee library. It may be worth seeing if she can help?”

“Wow. Where did you meet her? Well you know what they say everyone should know a good mechanic, plumber and demon specialist. It’s worth a shot I guess.” Maya replied feeling doubtful.

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After a latte and half an hour of gazing at each other longingly and holding onto each other’s hands they made their way to the local library. It was a large building covered in windows so you could see directly inside. Maya must have walked past it so many times but had never really noticed it before. It was so modern, in her mind she had expected a battered Victorian building with gothic features but this building was so modern and bright it made her want to step inside and look around. They wandered up some stairs to the second floor and headed to a black door. As Finley was about to enter a small woman with glasses carrying a large stack of books came out and bumped into them scattering the books on the floor.

“Sorry Rachel clumsy me.” Finley said bending and picking up the books.

She glanced up and smiled her face turning slightly pink.

“Finley. Nice to see you. I was wondering when you were going to pop in again” She beamed taking off her glasses and smoothing her long blonde hair.

Maya cringed at how obviously flirtatious her body language was and considered whether Rachel was one of his considered victims.

“Err...yes I know it’s been a good week or two. Listen I need your help. Do you have a moment?” He said placing the books down on a nearby table and indicating towards the door.

“Of course. I have all the time in the world for you.” She replied smiling and looking Maya up and down in a questioning fashion. Suddenly Maya didn’t feel so welcome.

“Finley I might go and see if I can find the Karma Sutra book I was telling you about.” Maya said teasingly as she began to look for an escape route.

“Very funny. You can’t. I need your help with this.” He grabbed her shoulders and led her into the office.

“How can I help?” Rachel sat at her office desk looking at them quizzically.

“We are writing a book. It’s a book about demons and I was wondering if you knew what would ultimately kill one.”

Maya was impressed at how well Finley lied. She almost believed they would be writing a book together.

“Well in my experience the best advice would be to summon a large number of soul defenders.” She answered as though it were a normal conversation.

“Pff...there’s no such thing as a soul defender.” Maya replied without being able to stop herself.

She could see Rachel losing her patience slightly and she noted the slight frown forming on Finley’s face.

“My dear. You believe demons exist but you don’t believe in soul defenders?” She answered in a patronising manner folding her arms and leaning back on her chair.

“Yes. I completely believe in demons but I sure haven’t had the privilege of coming across any soul defenders lately.” She said back trying hard not to sound defensive.

“One can’t exist without the other. Every person from birth is assigned these angelic companions. It is down to us as to whether we recognise it or not. So you’ve come across a demon have you?” She asked leaning forward like she was about to hear a big secret.

“No of course she hasn’t. Now how would someone make contact with a soul defender?” Finley attempted to change the conversation throwing a scornful look towards Maya who slowly melted into her seat.

“Well as I said it would take more than one and they aren’t summoned easily. The issue is that everyone believes in demons through various propaganda but soul defenders are rarely considered. One would have to believe so intently and need the assistance of one so much that it would appear. It would take a great deal of spiritual awareness that only true concentration and consistent meditation would muster.”

Maya was astonished at how much Rachel really believed in them. She had never thought a soul defender would be the answer to all her...well prayers. Even Finley looked taken in by it all.

“Great. Do you have any books on the subject we could check out?”

“Of course. Come with me.” She said taking Finley by the arm and making Maya feel like a spare part as she tagged along behind.

She led them to a section tucked away in a corner almost hidden from sight. There were books of all ages. From battered looking hardbacks to modern laminated clean books. Maya picked up a large battered brown book which simply stated on the front: The birth of demons. She flicked through the pages gazing at the roughly drawn images of various monster like figures with names that she had never heard of before while Finley spoke to Rachel. The one picture that grabbed her most was of a face appearing in flames and she immediately shivered as she read the caption... Jinn are said to be creatures with free will, made from fire. Her heart skipped a beat and she immediately tucked the book under her arm to show Finley later. She glanced over to see Rachel stroking Finley’s arm and giggling at him. She couldn’t help but feel a pinch of insecurity seep over her and she desperately wanted to batter her with the book she had nestled in her arm. Finley looked over at her and moved away from Rachel’s grip trying to look like he was interested in the title of a book on the shelf. Maya continued looking trying to push her from her thoughts. Eventually Finley picked a few more titles including one on how to meditate effectively and they headed towards the checkout desk.

“Thank you for your help Rachel.” He said placing them to be scanned by the library assistant.

“Well any time you need more assistance let me know. I’m still hoping you will come take a look at my Roman coins. You promised you would.” She said twirling her hair between her fingers.

“Definitely. I’m so busy with this book, but soon as I get some time I’ll be there.” He replied picking up the books and heading swiftly towards the exit.

“Wow. I didn’t know you had an interest in archaeology.” Maya joked.

“Well now you do. Look I’m sorry about that. I contemplated capturing her ages ago because she was nice and easy.” He said taking her hand in his as he juggled the books under his arm.

“No problem. I can show you an old penny I found in the park once. It’s all rusty and dirty looks all old and stuff.” Maya mocked twirling her hair with her finger.

“Stop it.” He said smiling.

“So where next Inspector Linley?” She asked suddenly aware that they needed a place to go and study in private. She started to think about the fact she had left all her clothes from the previous night on her bedroom floor and a week’s worth of washing up in the kitchen.

“How about we grab a drink and head back to mine?” He said steering her towards the coffee shop.

“Sounds good to me.” She felt excited about seeing where he lived. She started to day dream but all she could come up with was a macho pad with empty beer cans and pizza boxes everywhere.

As he led her in she let out a little gasp. She was so stunned at how immaculate it was. The furniture was all modern with a large leather sofa and shag pile carpets in nearly every room. There were wooden bookcases with neatly filed books and DVDs. The kitchen was huge with a small breakfast bar in the middle and black glossed cupboards. It was so much more than she was expecting. She headed towards the large bay window in the living room and looked out at the beautiful sea view.

“Nice place.” She muttered watching the seagulls flitting around the pier.

“Yeah it’s ok I guess.” He came behind her and placed his arms around her waist and they stood there for what seemed like ages watching the birds flying in the clear blue sky.

“Right let’s get to work.” Finley said pulling her towards the sofa and opening up a book. He began to rummage in his pocket and pulled out a glasses case. He placed them on and Maya couldn’t help thinking about how adorable he looked in them. She picked up the large brown battered book and sat down next to him eager to show him the caption she had found earlier. Just as she reached the page she heard a loud buzzing noise. Finley started and leapt to his feet.

“You might have to hide.” He said worriedly heading towards the intercom phone he had in the hallway.

Maya felt hurt and started to think about who it was he didn’t want seeing her. He picked up the phone and answered saying he was a little busy and could they come back later. The other voice was persistent and she could hear him say they could pop up briefly. She looked around trying to find somewhere to hide and noticed a small cupboard next to his computer table. She walked towards it and looked briefly at Finley’s concerned expression as she climbed in. Her mind raced as she waited for the person to enter. Wondering if it was another victim and she would hear him flirting for a second time today. She hated the jealous feeling that was slowly making its way around her body making her muscles ache and feeling like she wanted to fight anyone that came within two feet of him. Suddenly she heard the voice. It was female. She felt the urge to burst out and confront them, but stopped when she realised it was Regina’s.

“How is it all going? Did you please him last night?” She asked earnestly.

“Yes. It’s all going well.” He said sounding hounded.

“Good. I can’t seem to get hold of Maya I hope she performed just as well. I was concerned for her at the last meeting. Of course if she hadn’t that would have left you to get my old role.” She said making Maya feel very uncomfortable in her hiding place. Of course she would want Finley to perform well, but surely not so well that she would want Maya to take a fall?

“She did very well. As we both expected she might.” Finley replied trying his best to tame his aunt.

“Still I want you to see the benefits of getting to a high position Finley. You ruined the chance I gave you to turn her. You must beat her.” Regina replied sternly.

Maya couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Throughout all the time Regina had trained her she had never suspected that she might want someone else to take her place. Had Finley known this all along? Perhaps that was why he wanted to see her lose so much when they first met? Perhaps he still wanted her to lose and this was all a game so he could take the role from her? A million thoughts began to surge around her mind. She didn’t hear Finley tell his aunt that he had no intentions of becoming the high priest. That he never wanted to join and he only did it to save her. Maya was so lost in her own thoughts she didn’t hear him say he needed to get on and it was time his aunt left and the response she gave of helping him out so many years financially.

She started as she heard the door shut and Finley pulled the cupboard door open.

“You wanted me to fail.” Was all Maya could say. Her heart was thumping so loudly in her chest she was scared it might push its way out of her skin.

“No of course I didn’t. I mean I did in the beginning until I met you and I knew I couldn’t.” Finley pleaded.

“This is all a game to you. I’m your bait. You want to see me burn.” She felt a tear form in her eyes but she pushed it back determined she wouldn’t let him break her.

“No Maya. It’s not a game. I want and need you so badly. I don’t want this stupid pact to come between us. Why would I be looking to kill the demon if I wanted you gone?” He tried to hold her but she pushed him back.

“I can’t do this. I have to go. I won’t be used and played with. You won’t win Finley I will break you first.” She shouted pushing towards the door as he tried to hold her back.

“Don’t go. Please stay. We can talk about this.” He yelled desperately trying to get through to her. His attempts were useless as she forced open the door and ran down the stairs to the street below. She ran faster than she had ever run before gasping for breath as she let herself into her flat. She felt herself falling towards the floor as her mind blurred in and out with thoughts of hatred and self-pity. Before she knew it her mind had stopped and she drifted into a deep sleep exhausted from all the emotion she felt.

She slept so deeply that she didn’t hear her buzzer go five times in a row on two separate occasions or the sound her phone made as it vibrated on her table alerting her to quite a few missed calls. It was a knock from her neighbour that made her start. She pulled herself up from the floor aching all over and wincing at the light coming through the window.

“Are you ok?” The old female neighbour she had previously greeted happily as she walked down the stairs that morning was staring at her with a look of concern.

“I’m fine.” Maya mumbled glancing at her watch and realising she had been asleep for five hours. No wonder her body was aching.

“It’s just I heard you running in and then you’re buzzer kept going and I was worried.” Maya noted how concerned she looked and started to wish she really hadn’t said hello to her this morning. She really didn’t need someone pestering her right now.

“Honestly. I’m fine I went for a jog and then fell asleep. I really shouldn’t push myself so hard when running.” She pulled a fake smile and then began to close the door.

“Well if you need anything you just have to ask,” was the greeting as the neighbour began to walk down the stairs.

Maya walked towards her tiny kitchen and switched on the kettle. A cup of tea would be the way forward. She picked up her phone and noticed the six missed calls she had slept through and one text. Maya look I meant what I said. I have never felt like this about anyone before and I will do anything to make you see that.

Maya switched her phone off angrily and considered throwing it out the window. She needed a plan. She wouldn’t let them beat her. She wouldn’t be toyed with by some stupid man who thought he could break her. It just wouldn’t happen. She began to dress herself in the most seductive outfit she could find and placed on all the makeup she could find. She would find so many cores tonight that he would come nowhere near her target. She would work the hardest she had ever worked before so she could see his expression as she placed down her full to the brim jar.