Insatiable Greed

The heavy rain stopped about halfway through Claire’s shift at the restaurant and now was just a light drizzle. Which was just fine to her, actually she preferred it this way. She liked the rain sure, but today she had plans. First up was the walk to the book store, then some lunch and then home. But it was time to go. She put on her red coat, pulled her reddish hair back into a ponytail, and headed out the door. Although the book store was only half a block away walking was in order. The cold caused her to bundle up more, but in no time, she made it under the covered stone walkway of the mini mall where the bookstore was located. Her excitement was building as she came up to the large windows which showed off various books and comics that were on sale, this was her happy place. Past the large metal and glass double doors was a table strategically placed to catch people's attention. On the table were books, comics, pens, and notebooks all of which were on sale. She took the time to look everything over. Out of everything on display, the only thing to catch her eye was a single little black book. Leather bound and a little worn it drew her attention, and for some strange reason she felt compelled to pick it up. It was the typical size of any other notebook, and she loved the pure leather smell. Flipping through the pages, she knew she had to have it. So, it was hers now.

Three hours later she came out with two bags full of merchandise. With Christmas around the corner her shopping goals were complete everyone in the family gets a gift. She bought herself a couple things, but was most excited to write in her little black book. In the time that passed the rain had picked up.

She sighed “Ahh damn it” she tied the bag handles into knots. The bus stop wasn’t too far away, but still it was right about now she wished.... A light blue mustang pulled up near her in an empty parking spot, two girls got out and she could tell both were around her age. They both walked past her not paying her any mind.

Claire stood a moment and just looked at the car “wish I had the money to afford a car like that, or even just a used car” her tone was sad, and she shook her head. Wishing for things like that wouldn’t make them come true. Claire put her hood up and headed off for the bus stop. Soon enough she made it home, ordered food through an app, then showered and changed. The rest of her day was spent wrapping presents, watching tv, and writing in her new notebook. She loved writing and did as much as she could. That was how she planned to spend her day off tomorrow, and packing of course. Her father would be here in a few days to take her home for the holidays. Claire looked over at the clock on her wall, it was late. Way past midnight, so she decided to turn in for the night.

The next morning came without issue, but as she walked into the kitchen a pile of money caught her eye. Right next to the little black book was a large pile of money, and no matter how many times she rubbed her eyes it was still there. She counted it, 20,000 dollars, “this is not possible” she said to herself in disbelief. Yet she could touch it, she could toss it into the air, it was real. “How” she stammered around her apartment, all the windows were locked, and so was the door. So how the hell did this get here? As she stood in front of the kitchen counter her notebook moved slightly, just enough for her to jump but it got her attention. As if that was exactly what the book wanted, she picked it up, and was shocked. Everything she wrote in it the night before was gone? All expect her name and a single sentence. Claire, you desired money, and I have granted you 20,000. Claire screamed and tossed the book.

After a few hours she worked up the courage to open it again, and that’s when it all began. Over the next few days, she communicated with the book. It told her it could grant any desire she could possibly want. So, she put it to the test, as anyone would have. A new car, more money, name brand clothes, everything she wanted the book granted her. But it also kept a log of everything she asked for. Before she knew it her apartment was full of all kinds of things she had desired throughout her life, and the black book was full. She was trying on some of the new clothes that had come into her possession. A red dress with black leggings and boots, she loved them. Yet a horrifying screech drew her attention, it was coming from the book. Which was now floating above the kitchen counter, and it was growing, changing. Before her very eyes the book grew to the size of a person, the pages tore themselves out and created limbs, the black leather formed a head and shoulders. There were no eyes, just white glowing orbs. Its horrid mouth opened showing its teeth and tongue were made out of paper. They looked sharp, as sharp as the talons like claws that made up its hands and feet. Hello Claire.

It spoke but did not move its mouth, she heard its shrill voice in her head. Now for what I desire it said and leapt at her. It grabbed her, digging its talons into her arms to hold her there and went to bite her face. BOOM! The door was blown off its hinges from an explosion, the creature turned is head towards the door, but Claire couldn’t. She just stared at this, this thing as saliva dripped from its mouth. Dripping down onto her just as she soiled herself. She couldn’t move, she couldn’t look away. Not even to see a man and woman burst through the door. The man was tall, looked to be in his mid 30’s. His dark brown hair parted on one side came down to a decent length, his blue eyes started into the white orbs of the creature. He wore a brown leather jacket, a dark shirt with a white collar, and grey cargo pants. The tan skinned man moved forward and raise his pump action shotgun at the creature. Well, well said the creature you again!

“Thats right you son of a bitch, you're not getting away this time!” he shouted angrily, but before he could pull the trigger the creature threw Claire at him. He caught her with the help of his partner, the woman who came in with him. She was taller than Claire with shorter black violet hair, and pale skin just like hers. Her eyes were green, just like Claires, although a bit darker. She also wore a black button up trench coat, red leggings, and black boots. The creature bolted towards the back room headed for the sliding door that led out onto the balcony.

“Jania” said the man slowly setting Claire down, she was shaking horribly and some of her hair had turned white. “Get after it, I’ve got her” he told his partner.

“Got it” responded Jania, she stood up and ran after the creature who had cut through the metal and glass door with its extremely sharp claws. Jaina ran through the mess, in hot pursuit of the creature.

Claire sat tucked into a ball on the floor, she was crying. “Hey” the man said getting her attention. His voice was soft and soothing “you're going to be alright, I promise” She didn’t feel alright, she didn’t know if she ever would again. “W..” she tried to speak but was having trouble “wh..... what...wa....was....t..t..that”

Quincy cut her off. “A living relic” He continued “a monster that can mimic objects, turn into them and find its way to people who have great desires. It than grants their desires, growing stronger with each one, until its strong enough to take its true form, and then it goes on a rampage.”

Claire couldn’t process this, it all seemed so unreal. She shook her head, “how....d.....do.....yo.....you” but he cut her off “It's my job, my names Quincy, stay here and we’ll be back.” He stood and ran off. His speed was inhuman, almost lightning fast. In the blink of an eye, he was on the balcony, Quincy tapped the communicator in his ear “Jania, where are you?”

Her voice came back “were on the roof!” followed by static and then a fiery explosion “HURRY!” Hurry is exactly what he did. He dug deep mustering his speed, and took off like lightning, running straight up the wall to the roof. Jania was engaged with the creature, and already wounded, blood poured from her left arm. But she was still in the fight, blasting at the creature with small fire balls. The creature leapt over her and spun around going in for the kill, a claw aimed straight for her spine. But Quincy was faster, and slammed into the creature with his shoulder. With Enough force, causing the creature to fly into an HVAC unit. Together Quincy and Jania unloaded on it, Quincy with his shotgun loaded with magically enhanced rounds, and Jania with her magic. The creature howled in pain as fire rained down upon it, the flames burned away parts of its body.

“Cover me!” shouted Quincy as he began to reload, so Jania did the best she could. Having only one useful arm more powerful spells would be difficult to cast. The creature took that opportunity to rush them, now down to only one arm itself and half its torso gone. It’s one good claw lashed out in a flurry of strikes. Jania managed to roll away and Quincy took that as his cue, he blasted two shots at the creatures one good arm. The flame rounds burned away a good portion of it and he followed up by placing the barrel right up against the creature's chest. A cacophony of shotgun blast and hellish howls resounded from the rooftop, as the creature was forced down onto the ground. It’s chest, now fully exposed, which held a heart sized white orb.

“Jania!” he shouted, trying hard to yell above the creatures dying howls. She had already been casting a spell while he fought it, a stronger fire spell. Red glowing glyphs and lights weaved around her as she completed the incantation. “Qunicy, move!” she shouted sending a stream of ardent flames towards it. Quincy rolled away right as the flames engulfed the creature, burning the damn thing away for good. A few minutes of silence passed between them as they watched the ashes of it scatter in the wind. Relieved they survived the battle they knew they needed to get back down to Claires apartment. She hadn't moved, she couldn’t. Quincy and Jania knelt down to her, the poor girl had a blank stare in her eyes, and everything she had been granted. Was gone. The two exchanged a glance, Qunicy nodded, and Jania began to weave a spell.

Claire the young girl in her mid 20’s had awoken from a coma a few months later. According to police she had been the victim of an assault and robbery. However, she couldn’t remember anything, and anytime she tried there would only be a blank. As if the memory of that night had just, vanished. Even the reason some of her hair had turned white, she couldn’t remember any of it. But what really haunted her was that anytime she saw a little black book, fear consumed her......