The Black Crystal

    THE BLACK CRYSTAL.

Jeff stood on the corner of a deserted street. Mist lay heavy over what seemed to be a small shop.  Going closer he noticed that there were beautiful coloured crystals hanging in the window. Drawn to them he entered.

      It was like a wonderland with crystals everywhere. But it seemed empty. Calling out hello there was no answer. While waiting he wondered around coming across a small velvet box.

Looking in to see a lovely black crystal. He had never seen that colour before. As he went to take it out of the box a voice behind him said. “Do not touch that crystal.”

Turning to see an old man with grey hair and beard. His glasses sat upon a short nose.

“I was just admiring this stone.” The old man closed the lid, and walked away. Jeff followed. “I would like to buy that crystal sir.”

    “My names mister Pine. And the crystal is not for sale. "Jeff seemed disappointed.  Mister Pine pointed to other colours hanging in the window. “You can buy any of these if you wish.”

Jeff frowned. “But I can pay whatever you want for that other one.” Mister Pine shook his head. "I'm sorry it’s not to leave this shop or me.” 

“That’s ridiculous what’s so important about that crystal?” mister Pine sighed, sitting down on a tattered arm chair. “My dear sir that crystal has dangerous powers and I have been warned. Now I am telling you do not give that crystal another thought for your own safety as well as mine.”

     Jeff felt annoyed and confused. “Then why is it not put away?”

“It must stay out in the shop front, but I was able to put it in a box. This is the only thing that I could do.” Jeff walked slowly about the shop.

“So, who told you that?”

“Someone that you don’t want to meet.” Now this intrigued Jeff.  Was this old man telling a stupid tale to put him off buying it?  “I think I would like to meet this person and persuade him to let me buy that crystal.”

Mister Pine stared in surprise. “Haven’t you just heard what I said?”

“Yes, but I want that crystal tell this person I need to speak with him.” Mister Pines seemed shocked.  Jeff was becoming angry his impatient nature getting the better of him. "You call him now; I will not leave until I have my say.”

Mister Pines became upset and scared. “Please leave my shop at once.”

“NO not until I speak to this fool.”

They stood staring at each other with determination on their faces. Jeff turned and grabbed the box. “Mister Pines yelled. “NO don’t touch it.”  Jeff scowled.

“I have it old man where is this person?”  All was quiet. Then a loud sound came from all around. A tall dark figure covered in a long black robe stood. Jeff said with eyes wide.

“Where did you come from? I never saw you come in.”

The voice was deep, and raspy. “You have broken my rule.” Jeff stared at this figure who seemed very intimidating. “I wanted to buy it.” Jeff said with a lowered voice.

“You don’t get everything you want in this life, but now you will wonder the darkness.”

With that a strange heavy haze rolled in. Jeff found himself alone in a strange cold place.

     The trees were bent, their branches drooped. "Where am I?” he began to shiver as fear gripped him. He wondered where the old man was. Calling out mister Pine.

The wind came up, he thought he could hear sounds of voices, they were howling. He

Started to tremble, A dark figure appeared. It was the guardian he saw in the shop.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

“You are in the dark forest where souls remain in limbo”. Jeff began to beg.

“Please I don’t belong here.”

“Oh yes you do, you were warned about the black crystal but you went ahead anyway, now you pay the price.”

“Bu…but I said I’d pay whatever.” The ground shook with the guardians laughs.

“You foolish man, do you think money is all you need to get something? The black crystal belongs in the dark forest.  Many souls have tried to buy with money; they did not heed the old man’s words”

Jeff stood terrified. “I’m sorry, what can I do?”

“You have two choices. You remain here and join the other souls who disobeyed. Or I can return you to the shop where you will guard the black crystal until it’s time to return it to the forest.”

“How long will I have to guard it?”

“Until your natural death.”

       Jeffs heart pounded. No, I couldn’t stay there till I die. Deciding to agree he thought to himself, I will not stay there. But this thing will not know.

Jeff said. “Am I dead here?”

The guardian replied. I have your soul here, but I can transport you intact back to your world. But you have to understand what your choice is.”

Jeff asked. “What about mister Pine?” He felt such guilt.

The old man is now with the other souls to linger forever. Jeff realised what he had done.

“I will take your offer.”

       Jeff found himself back in the shop. Crystals dangling in the sunlight. He felt so relieved to be out of that dark cold place.

Checking the small box there it was. The black crystal. Now what would he do? Afraid of what the guardian warned he tried to settle down.   Weeks went by. No one came in so it made things easy but boring.

Finally, it got to him, I have to get out. That guardian had accepted Jeffs answer in the dark forest but now he was here in his normal world.

Going to the door he found it wouldn’t budge. Checking to see if there was a lock, there wasn’t any. There wasn’t any handle now either. Beginning to panic he tried to force the door open. But only managed to strain himself.

Crying out. “No open please let me out I can’t stay here in this shop help.” His fists pounded upon the door to no avail. His muscles burned with the tension his body stiffened.

 The deep voice echoed in the sudden silence.  You are to guard the black crystal forever. 

***

The three doctors in white coats walked along the corridor. The chief medical officer had greyish hair brushed to the side. Carrying a clip board. His name was DR Ian Thumble. The other two followed asking questions.  As they approached the room with a door and number on it. They heard the banging much louder.

The head medical officer said. “Do not open this door unless I am with you. They looked surprised. “Sir why? is the patient dangerous?”

“We usually have to restrain him; he is a sad case. He speaks of a dark forest and a guardian

Who can take his soul back if he doesn’t get out of the shop. But he has to guard a black crystal”

One of the doctors asked. “Has he been here long?” Dr Thumble replied quietly in a sympathetic tone.  “Yes, for thirty-one years.”

      Jeff finally fell onto his bed, tears in his eyes. He was tired he needed to sleep. His hands hurt from all the knocking and banging. As he lay there, he glanced over at the dark figure in the corner.  A chill ran over him. Clutching his black rubber ball, he curled himself up.

murmuring as he closed his eyes. “See guardian of the dark forest, I still am guarding the black crystal.

THE END.