Core Collectors

The sun was beginning to set in deep shades of red and pink as they made their way to the clearing in the heart of the forest. Birds sat singing their good nights to all that took the time to listen. A light breeze wrapped itself around the darkly dressed figures as they stepped lightly in single file. Not a word was exchanged between them as they all knew their purpose and the reason why they were gathering. They had travelled for an hour or so when they finally reached their destination; a large oval shaped clearing with oak trees and red poppies around the rim. Each of the group carried a small jar and as much wood as they could physically carry. The wood was quickly placed into a large pile in the very centre of the clearing and a large, bright fire was lit. The sun seemed to respond to the fire and vanished behind the trees draining all sunlight behind the dark overbearing trees. A figure stepped towards the fire and the others arranged themselves into a ring shape almost as if they were stopping the fire from escaping. The stature that had stepped forward was the first to speak. She was dressed in a gown of purest black and her golden hair lay loosely on her shoulders. Her features were lined showing her age, but she was clearly very beautiful in her youth with large blue eyes and deep red lips. All of the faces turned towards her with gazes of admiration and respect. Regina had captured over three hundred cores after all. “On this day we gather to communicate with his highness and bring him our offerings.” She cried animatedly. A dark red smoke began to rise out of the fire engulfing the surrounding forms so they were almost invisible to the eye. There was a loud hissing noise and a few of the standing figures stepped back unable to hide their agitation. A voice began to emerge, croaking at first, but gradually getting louder and clearer as the smoke became denser. “Welcome all. It seems like an eternity since I saw you last. Now tell me how many offerings do you have to bring before me?” “We have many my lord. We have worked very hard this month to reach the target you set and have managed to achieve our goal.” Regina spoke confidently. She indicated to one of the group and a figure stepped forward out of the ring. A teenage boy clutching tightly to his jar walked towards the fire. His brown eyes shone in anticipation and he gently ran a hand through his shoulder length brown hair. “I have captured six.” He said placing the jar next to the vibrant fire. “Good work. I am pleased Darius.” Was the reply as the boy stepped back into the ring. Darius smiled openly he had worked very hard to gain them and he felt very confident that he would have even more at the next meeting. Another was signalled to step forward. A middle aged woman with long jet black hair obliged and placed the jar next to the offering tentatively. “I have captured two my lord.” She bowed her head waiting for the response. “You are slipping Dahlia and these cores are old. Near the end of their life I suspect. Are you losing your touch?” Was the response from the fire voice. “No, your greatness. I will work harder I promise you.” Dahlia replied the dread showing in her voice as she quivered her response. Dahlia knew he was in fact right she was losing her touch. She could no longer muster the strength to continue the pact. Her mind was weary and she had been working for him for such a long time. She stepped back and tried not to look at the faces staring back at her in pity. “You will improve or I will take back what I have given you.” Was the last reply as another came forward with their jar. It was a small woman of about twenty. She was plain in features and was not a conventional beauty. Her hair was long and straight with tinges of brown and blonde. The faces turned in interest and watched as she placed down what looked like a larger jar than was usually used. “I have captured ten.” Her ambition was obvious and she waited patiently for the reaction to come. A gasp emerged from around the circle. Darius glared and curled his fists, annoyed that she had beaten him. “As always you have pleased and amazed me Maya. I believed like many others that you would not achieve such a result. Though if you continue I will be forced to give you more than I already have.” Exclaimed the voice in great pleasure. Maya flinched as he commented on her performance as she also had believed she would not achieve many when she was coaxed into joining. She was still not sure how she had achieved it either. She was not as attractive as the other men and women. She lacked style and grace. Although she had her wit and charm which seemed to appeal to a few and a secret ambition and thirst for admiration. The meeting continued until all in the circle had placed down their jars. Some had reached five and others only three or four. The voice was silent for a time as he calculated the total amount of cores offered. There was a look of fear among most of the faces as they considered what might happen if they did not achieve the desired goal. “Eighty five I believe. Just on target although perhaps I should not count Dahlia's two as they were practically dead.” He boomed laughing at his own malice. Dahlia bowed her head even lower and began to wish she could evaporate into the ground away from the glances and stare of disappointment protruding from Regina who had introduced her to the cult. “It will have to do I set you a target of eighty six for next time. I will be very unhappy if it is not met. Are there any recruits we need to discuss Regina?” The voice continued. “There is one. I will bring them to the next meeting. I'm sure they will impress you.” She replied scowling briefly at Dahlia. “Good. The more the merrier.  Then we have reached the end of our meeting. I will see you in a month. Do not disappoint me.” The voice boomed as the smoke began to get more intense and then gradually began to disappear. “The meeting is ended. Maya I wish a word with you.” Regina announced taking Maya by the arm as the other members headed out of the forest in small groups. Regina had personally trained Maya in the art of core collecting from a young age. They had watched victims together taking note of their weaknesses and strengths. They had wooed their victims side by side. They had collected them together and turned them together. Regina had been like a mother figure to her and although they had never shared their personal experiences with each other they had a strong bond that Maya hoped would never be broken. Maya was quickly becoming a bigger name than her teacher. “I expected more than ten this evening. Have you not been using the new tricks I taught you?” Regina asked as they walked back together arm in arm. “I have but a few were extremely time consuming. I will work harder this month. I will not disappoint you.” Maya replied earnestly. “Make sure you do not I could not bear anymore embarrassment . Have you chosen your next fatality?” “Of course and I have been watching him for two days.” “You are aware we must meet the target this month he has left us with only one more chance and I will not lose the power I’ve been given.” Regina nagged. “I am aware and I will work my hardest to make up for the weaker members.” Maya replied sternly, growing tired of Regina's pestering. “I think the time is coming for me to do something about Dahlia's poor results.” Regina whispered as if to herself. “How do you mean?” Maya said slightly curious as to what she had planned. “Nothing child. I must be gone I have business to attend to.” Regina replied quickly suddenly letting go of Maya's arm and walking quickly in the opposite direction. Maya had become used to her peculiar ways and was often left hastily when Regina began to think to herself. Maya had a great respect for her, but was gradually learning things about her she wished she did not know. Rumours were widespread in the group and there had been many occasions where Maya had shut her ears off to the malicious things the others whispered about Regina. Maya pushed through the forest by herself tripping now and again on a fallen branch and slipping down the muddy track. The sky was dark now and lit only by a few stars that poked through the trees and the bright moon that led the way. Although she had travelled the route on many occasions, she was still amazed at how quickly nature took over and changed the path before her. Now and again she would hear a slight snap from a twig or a strange noise in the distance, but she continued regardless. She was tired and cold when she reached the edge of the forest. Her black fiesta waited for her in the car park. She began to unlock the door to her car and was stunned when a hand emerged on her shoulder. She turned to see Dahlia with a look of dread and desperation spread across her face. “Maya what can I do? I must increase my offerings.” She whispered as if she was frightened someone might be listening. Maya was not sure how to react. She could not help Dahlia it was too late for her now. She had been given so many chances. Dahlia looked so small and afraid though surely some advice would be helpful to her. What would Regina say? “I cannot help you Dahlia. You have had your chances. Now go home.” Maya said shrugging Dahlia from her arm and climbing into her car. “Please Maya I am petrified Regina will do something.” Dahlia burst in to tears. Maya closed her ears. “Go home Dahlia!” She yelled as she sped off. Why was everyone so afraid of Regina? She had founded the cult single handed with much personal cost. Maya began to feel guilty. Surely nothing would happen to Dahlia? They needed all the members they could get to reach the ever increasing targets set by his highness. She had heard of members disappearing, but they had surely just decided to go back to a normal way of life. Nothing would happen to Dahlia.                                                           *************************************   Maya watched him coming out of his house. He was wearing a dark black with a light blue tie underneath. His dark spiky hair was neatly gelled. He held his briefcase tight to his chest as though he held a precious secret inside. She had been waiting for him to emerge for the past half an hour, sitting on a bench just outside his home with a newspaper on her lap. Her mind had wandered occasionally to the previous evening, but she was trying hard not to think about Dahlia. It was not her problem after all. Regina was probably coaching Dahlia right now and helping her to improve. She noticed that he began to walk towards the bus stop the way he did every morning. She got up slowly and began to follow him trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. She had chosen this target easily, noticing him one day as she wandered down the street. He had looked so professional and uncomplicated. He waited patiently at the bus stop for the bus she knew arrived at twenty to nine. She stood behind him looking at her watch now and again trying not to look suspicious. An old lady stood next to him struggling with her oversized shopping bags he immediately took them for her announcing he would carry them on to the bus for her. Maya was impressed she knew this one would not take much persuading. He obviously wore his heart on his sleeve and the purer the heart the better the sacrifice. He began to have an animated conversation with the old lady about the weather and the traffic. The old woman seemed to be in ore of him. Maya did not know why. He was handsome, but he was much too soft. The bus arrived promptly and he carried on her shopping bags for her placing them by her where she sat and she thanked him quickly as he found a place to sit. Maya found a seat vacant behind him and observed him looking out of the window. She began to think about how intensely blue his eyes were as they reflected in the window and then immediately stopped herself trying to concentrate on the task at hand. This was the day she would make her first contact. The bus reached his destination and Maya got up quickly positioning herself in front of him in the queue to get off. As the queue began to move she consciously dropped her newspaper. He swiftly picked it up and she smiled at him as they reached the bus door. “Thank you. I am having a clumsy day today.” She laughed tossing her hair lightly as he smiled back. “You’re welcome. I believe I see you every morning at the bus stop.” He grinned adjusting his tie. Maya definitely knew this was going to be a very easy task. He had obviously noticed her already which was always a good sign. “Yes I have been trying to work up the courage to have a conversation with you.” Maya said trying to look as shy as possible. She could see him blush slightly at her response. There was silence for a minute as he racked his brains as to what to say next. “I’m Luke. Nice to meet you.” He said holding his hand out for Maya to shake. Maya took it and lightly rubbed her thumb on the back of his hand seductively. “Nice to meet you Luke.” What was happening that was all she could think of to say. This had never happened to her before. Usually she would have made a witty remark about the formality of the situation, but something stopped her. Perhaps it was those twinkling blue eyes. “Well I have to go.” He said quickly looking at his watch.  Perhaps he was not going to be as easy as Maya thought. “Sure. Well maybe I will see you around Luke.” That was it she had blown it. He obviously was not interested. He smiled with a slight nod of the head and walked towards his office which Maya knew he would reach at five to nine after visiting the café next door for a sugary cappuccino.   e“f                 e“f                 e“f   Maya had decided to give Luke one more try. It was important she did not waste her time on one person if she was going to reach her desired goal. So this was the last time she was going to find herself sitting on the bench waiting for him if he did not show any interest in her today. It was half past eight when he emerged and to Maya’s surprise he began to walk straight towards her.  She lifted the newspaper higher to try and hide her face, but it was too late soon he was sitting next to her. “I thought it was you. Stalking me are you?” He said animatedly. Maya laughed nervously. “No sorry I always sit here I like the peace and quiet.” She said quickly as another car whizzed by on the busy road. “Oh I see. Well I was thinking I don’t remember hearing your name yesterday.” He said placing his briefcase on his lap and looking down at the pavement. Maya thought quickly about which name she would use for this particular victim. It would have to be something sweet and innocent as she was getting the vibes that this would be the type of girl he would like. “My name…err is Milly.” That would do she thought as she waited for his response. “That’s intriguing my mother is called Milly.” He answered glancing at his watch. Maya definitely knew she had chosen the right name now and mentally patted herself on the back. “Well we had better get going or we will miss the bus.” Luke stated getting up from the bench. Maya folded the newspaper and began to walk across the road with him. She began to think about how much time she had left and decided she would have to be more forceful if she was ever going to turn him. “I know it’s a bit soon after two conversations, but I was wondering if you would like to have a meal with me sometime this week.” To Mayas surprise he had already beaten her to it. “That would be great.” Maya replied relieved that she hadn’t had to ask the question. “Ok what about this evening. Do you like Italian?” Luke asked eagerly. Maya was overjoyed he was obviously keen and she could see she would get quick results from him. “I’m not sure if I am free this evening. I will have to check and get back to you.” She answered trying to play it cool as they reached the bus stop. His head fell slightly as he began to fumble around in his pocket. “Well look here is my mobile number.” He lifted out a biro from his pocket and began to look for a piece of paper. Maya held out her hand for him to write on and he took it smiling. “Give me a call if you fancy meeting up.” He said jotting the number down as softly as he could. Maya could have sworn she felt a tingling sensation as he held onto her hand.