Different Tones

Visibility was close to none within the chilly cave as its echo intensified the plopping of the water hitting the rocks below. William couldn’t see anything beyond his hands within the cavern even with the help of his flickering flashlight. He would’ve found comfort in the dripping water or the fresh moss that flooded his nose if this was like any other trip but his mind was set on the cave’s exit. William called out to his friends nonstop throughout the day, the only response he would receive was from his own pounding heart. “Gina!” William shouts followed by panting as he leaned over to catch his breath. “Brodie! Anyone here?!” William shouts once more before he cursed at himself. He was foolish to think they wouldn’t get separated but glad he always kept a flashlight. No matter how many times they explored the tunnels they alway knew of the dangers. One little slip up might lead an unsuspecting group or individual into unknown territory.

William’s body tensed at the slightest ambience as he walked to the last area thought the cave entrance stood. Instead of relief, the shine of the moonlight was a pretty crystal that shimmered grandly where the light hit it. A curse let William’s mouth as he stumped away but the thought of his wife wearing the crystal stopped him in his tracks. Once he leave the cave, at least he’ll have something almost as beautiful as Venessa to give for their upcoming anniversary. Sucking a breath, he turned around and reach out to the gem hanging from the cave ceil upon a brownish light blue stalactite. The things he do for that woman, she’s every bit worth it even if she nags a lot.

William tip toed his way over to reach farther but his fingers were short by just a an inch. A pebble fell from the cliff’s edge as William neared the danger zone spiking his anxiety as he almost slipped into the abyss below if not for a quick stumble backwards that saved his life. There was a wall behind the gam, if things go terrible he can push off the wall and drop onto the cliff’s edge where he sat. “Come on William, you can do this, It’s only an inch away. At least get some type of treasure from this shitty predicament.”

He stared at the gem and gave himself a little more encouragement before dashing towards it. William’s persistence rewarded him the stone however the wall he thought was sturdy turned out to be an unstable sheet of rock and William was sent tumbling below into the darkness. The world slowed as he thought about his decision and with widened eyes cursed himself on that damn stubbornness. First he lost money to the slots, had the nerve to go all in on blackjack and now for a crystal his life is the cost. William braced for impact as he curled into a ball and panicked fully set on the notion of his death and just a second later his body slammed onto the ground. Instantly he knew a few bones were broken. William wiggled his fingers and tried to move his feet but to no avail was he successful, it only made his situation worse as his brain caught up to speed and intensified the stinging pain.

I’m going to die here aren’t I? Is the thought that occupies William’s mind repeatedly like a broken record. The crystal was only a few centimeters away as it sat next to his hand. A pained smile spread across his face. At least that death grip of his reminded him of the completed goal but instantly his thoughts shifted to bitterness. That damn crystal was the death of him, all because he wanted something to give his wife. Yes it was pretty but it wasn’t really worth the effort in the long term. It might bring them a little money but that’s not going to pay off the mortgage or the debt he still owes to the sinful casino. If he could move his body he’d stump on the gem till it was dust on the ground. It wouldn’t bring them anything but bad luck! “I fucking hate you, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re just a pretty looking ice form.” He says shifting his eyes to the gem that laid to the right of him.

The crystals shines brightly before it dulled out into its original state, temporarily blinded him. “What the fuck was that? Am I already having my last delusions?” William ask himself. “No, unfortunately not. You’re still here and will be more alive if we worked together.” A different voice from his own responds.

A small laugh escapes William, “Yeah ok, but what will I get out of this?” The voice sneered, “your life.” The warm pool underneath William went cold as his vision blurred. “You’ll bleed out and die alone without my intervention. Don’t be stupid, accept the offer.” The presence of the voice became clearer as a darkened silhouette squat in front of William’s weakened state. Its form glitched in and out as pieces of the being was slowly swirling into the crystal that evaporated instantly. “I don’t have much time to waste human. My life force is being ripped back into that crystal you’re holding and I have personal manner to attend to outside of this deal.” He responds impatiently.

William was slipping as dark splotches littered his vision. He could practically hear the bells ringing and the reaper holding out his hand to rip his existence out of his body. But he won’t let it, he still had much to do and more to live for. “Okay, just let me live. I don’t care what happens or whatever you do.” William responds sealing the deal. “Nice choice,” the creature responds and within seconds the silhouette disappears as William felt like a million bucks. He jumped up from his own blood and glanced at the wounds that quickly patched themselves. A smile overtook his frown as he took a moment to enjoy the new possibilities that are now in his path. If William could heal himself, he wondered what else he could do.

“You can leave the cave. I’ll allow you to do whatever you want for up to to a week, but the one I seek is a local hero by the name of Sir Henry. You will help me as I restore my power to the outer world.” The creature’s words echo within William’s mind. “Uh-huh, will do,” William responds without much of a care. He now has a new life to live, no longer as the weak pushover named William Uhrig Forman, but as Uhrig and only Uhrig. With a glance at the crystal William stomped it to the cave floor, creating a crack within the ground and completely shattering the gem. A disappointed sigh was the creature’s response to William’s actions but for once he didn’t care, this was his show and besides he could get his wife a better jewel.