Final Story - 008

The thought came to me that I could try to ask other people that I know. My next thought, however, would be that that was meaningless. Firstly, I wouldn't want anyone else getting involved, and secondly, no one else has any connection at all to the Mother's Order. Tayla doesn't have any friends in the Order either, so that's a dead end.

It's only the two of us that are involved in this mess. No one else has had any interaction with the Mother's Order. Tayla's the only person I know who used to be a member, and everyone else I know seems to believe the best thing to do is stay away from that cult. To not deal with them.

Except, that's not entirely correct, is it?

AJ and Ray Starcrawler knew each other. AJ didn't know that Ray is a member of the Mother's Order, however. Is it possible that she would know something? It seems unlikely. Ray never met with her in his capacity as a member of the Mother's Order. It was part of his side business as a drug dealer that got him and AJ acquainted.

Whilst she didn't know at the time, AJ does now know who Ray is. Maybe there's something that she heard. Something Ray mentioned in passing, or someplace that she met him, that fits the description of what we're looking for.

After explaining what I was thinking to Tayla, she agreed with me that I should call AJ. It was a long shot, but there was nothing else for it. We didn't have any other leads, no matter how slight or unlikely the chance that anything would come of this.

My first call wasn't picked up, but when I redialled her number AJ picked up almost immediately.

"Is that you, Alexander?"

"Yeah…"

"When did you get back?"

"Just this morning."

"You should've said something if you were going to the other side of the world for a month."

"Y-yeah…"

Just how many people had Tayla told that story to? Not that I can blame her. It's my fault that she had to. Because I left her here, she was the one who had to deal with that.

"Actually AJ, there was something that I had to ask you?"

"What?"

"It's about Ray Starcrawler. You remember him, right?"

"How could I not? Is he back in town?"

"I don't think so… well, I wouldn't know…"

Ray Starcrawler. I don't imagine he'll ever be in this town again. If he's even alive, that is.

"I was wondering if he perhaps he mentioned someplace he said was of spiritual importance, or something like that?"

…

…

…

…

"What's with that question?"

"Sorry, I can't tell you."

AJ sighed loudly through the phone, "You've been back less than a day, and you're already running headfirst into trouble, aren't you?"

I laughed, "your making me sound like a troublesome child."

"You are a troublesome child. Unbelievable."

I smile. I missed talking to AJ like this. Without a doubt, she's my best friend. Unfortunately, I don't think the owner of the restaurant we both used to work at, will want me back. He wasn't too happy last month when I had to explain I was leaving the country and didn't know when I'd get back, without any warning. She isn't in the same year as me at school, either. We might not get the opportunity to talk to each other like this as often.

"So, does anything come to mind?"

"Well, yes but… why do you need to know something like that?"

"Sorry. I'll explain it to you later. I can't right now."

I could. I could explain it to her, but I don't want her to get involved. Even if I explained, I wouldn't expect her to offer assistance, but I don't want to risk it either.

"Are you in danger?"

"What are you talking about, AJ? I'm a troublesome child. Of course, it's dangerous."

"That isn't really convincing…"

"It's dangerous, but it's my fault, so I don't have any choice."

"You don't have a choice?"

"No. I have to take responsibility for what happened."

It's true. I do.

If Kayla had never come down here to bring me back to Wellington, she wouldn't have gotten caught up in this mess. Which is why it's my fault.

It's my fault that she came looking for me.

And it's my fault that Kiss is using her to get to me.

And so, I have to take responsibility for the consequences of my actions. Even though they weren't the consequences that I desired.

"Fine," she sighed, even louder this time, "just… don't get hurt."

"I'll try. So, where is the place that came to mind?"

"The first time I… met Ray," AJ began, "was at the old cathedral in the centre of town. You know which one I mean, right?"

"No…"

"Well, whatever. You'll be able to find it. It used to be the symbol of the city before the earthquakes thirty years ago."

"Thanks, AJ. You don't understand how much I owe you for this."

"Huh? Seriously, Alexander, what's going on at the moment?"

"A whole lot," I replied, "sorry, but I've got to go fix it now."