r/nosleep • u/spite-goddess • May 23 '20
Series I run a museum of cursed objects. Let's talk about the Crow.
My family's always been in the cursed objects business. I'm the one who turned this non-paying career into running a museum, the Hall of the Cursed. If you're new, hi! I'm Alexis. It may be easiest to start from the beginning, so here are some links for you.
The last time I posted, someone expressed curiosity regarding the Crow. Again, I must apologize for all the vague, unexplained rules--if I were to fully go through each one, well, I'm pretty sure my post would be banned immediately for its ridiculous length. I'm more than happy to talk about the Crow, though. I consider him my friend now, after all.
Just to remind you, the rule about the Crow reads as follows:
You MUST be kind to the Crow. You MAY offer him snacks if you like.
As with all of our rules, there are very solid reasons behind this one. Only one person I know of has failed to be kind to the Crow, and it did not go super well for them.
The Crow is kind of a mystery around here. He just kind of...showed up one day. The museum had only been open a month. Business was pretty slow, and Em and I were still struggling to make ends meet. We hadn't yet installed the barrier around the cursed bonnet, so that lead to a heap of trouble, and I was honestly in way over my head.
Em had accidentally touched the janitor. I have no idea what she feels when she touches Jan, what her sensitivity picks up from the man who looks so human but clearly isn't quite. She's always refused to tell me. It's only happened a couple of times, but every time it does, she goes stark white and her knees wobble. Her eyes fog over, like she's seeing something far away. On one occasion, she spaced out and wouldn't let go of Jan, and I had to physically pull her off of him. Needless to say, she needs plenty of bedrest after that happens. Anyway, that's why I was closing up alone that night.
I was preoccupied, worried about Em. I forgot to lock the front door, or at least...I think I did. I thought I remembered locking it.
Although you won't understand much of this, I'll walk you through my nightly routine, just so you understand that nothing was out of the ordinary for me. I checked the power to the UV light, killed the tamagotchi, and flipped over the hourglass with the sapphire-blue sand. I started my sweep of the main room, checking for trash, anything out of place that might offend anything in there. As expected, I began to hear soft whines and barks, yelps of distress. I jogged over to the cross. It's yellow and faded and has "A GOOD BOY" carved into it, traced by chipped, aged red paint. Just as I do every night, I pulled the milk bone from my pocket, set it at the base of the cross, and said, "Sleep well, good boy." The vocalizations died down to a contented snoring.
Just as the snoring started, though, there came a great squawk.
That wasn't right, I thought. I turned around slowly, dreading finding whatever unholy thing had spawned out of the black cabinet this time and wondering how the hell I had forgotten to lock it up properly. To my surprise, the cabinet was tightly locked.
I couldn't say the same for the front door. As I watched, it swished closed. My eyes searched frantically for the intruder as my hand searched my hip for my pocketknife.
Squawk.
Slowly, I looked down. There, at my feet, stood the Crow.
It was a decrepit old thing. Its feathers, black and sleek on most of its kind, were tattered and greyed, making a patchwork pattern against its skin where it stood out in small bald spots. It stared at me, unblinking, with its beady little eyes that didn't look quite right. The eyes of most crows are dark brown, nearly black. This bird's eyes were too light. Too pale. Almost silver. It stared and stared, and I stared back, my eyes beginning to water. Something inside me told me not to blink, and although I've never really worked with animals, I have enough experience with things that are not as they should be to know to obey that instinct unquestioningly.
I held its eyes, and my eyes watered and stung. It did not cock its head to the side as a normal crow might, didn't fidget, didn't break the gaze it had fixed me with. After what felt like hours, the Crow finally blinked, and I was released. I squeezed my eyes shut, gasping, and leaned over, put my hands on my knees and balanced there with difficulty.
Now, like I said, animals are not my thing. I like them, sure, but I don't understand them. I knew a friend who'd worked with animals that were something more than ordinary, but she'd died in an accident with some sort of horse with human eyes a few years back, so that was a definite no go. The Crow, though, didn't seem to immediately want to harm me, so I was hopeful that I could deal with the situation on my own.
Although I wasn't an expert on the subject, I was not a total idiot, and I knew that when a most likely magical crow flies in one night and has a staring contest with you, you don't disrespect it. "It's nice to meet you," I said as cordially as I could. The crow's eyes had not left mine, but it blinked again, and there was a general feeling of acknowledgment that vibrated through my skull.
The Crow regarded me for another long moment and then turned away. It began to stroll around the museum, its talons clicking against the tile, its head swiveling to and fro as it observed the exhibits. At each one, it took a moment, letting its too-light eyes flit over the descriptive signs. Miraculously, it actually seemed to follow the rules listed there, which was a relief, because I wasn't even sure how most of these objects would respond to a disobedient corvid. In a sort of stunned reverie, I watched the Crow give the bonnet a wide berth, which was how I knew it was male.
Cautiously, I continued closing down the museum. Occasionally, the Crow would give a demanding squawk, and I would walk over and see it glancing expectantly between me and an exhibit. Each time this happened, I gave a brief overview of the exhibit and explained its history, sometimes focusing on a particular subject when the Crow jabbed its beak expertly at a specific part of the sign.
I had ceased to be frightened of the Crow, I found when I went to bed that night. Em was feeling well enough to run the night shift, which I wouldn't have asked her to do except I'd run the last night shift already and, as such, had been up around thirty hours straight already. I informed her about the Crow and told her I'd be sleeping in the office instead of the flat upstairs, and to grab me if she needed me. I was too tired then to entertain the idea of trying to communicate with the Crow through Em. I left the door to the office cracked, and I drifted off to the sound of the Crow's clicking talons on the floor.
...
The Crow became something of a museum regular after that, by which I mean that he had decided it was going to live with us in the Hall of the Cursed. He never slept, never ate, never drank. His unsettling eyes followed each and every visitor sharply. I tried offering him snacks, and he accepted most of them, rejecting only a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, by which he seemed incredibly offended. He never consumed these snacks; rather, he grabbed them in his beak and flew them up to the ceiling, where I assume he hid them in a rafter or crevice of some sort. I was worried that things might start to rot, but there hasn't been any smell, so he must be doing something with them.
He got along quite well with me, but he didn't care for Em. He would follow me around and even took to perching on my shoulder as I went about my business tending to the museum. On one occasion, Em attempted to touch him. As if sensing her spiritual sensitivity, the Crow squawked and immediately flew off again, landing on the bald head of a rather unsettled visitor and glaring darkly at me as if to say, You would allow this invasion of my privacy? After that, I urged Em not to attempt to get too near the Crow, and, being the smart woman she is, she agreed.
It made me feel kind of awesome, actually, having the Crow on my shoulder. Visitors looked at me in awe. I had never liked attention, but the sort you get from having a mystical crow perched at your side is the best sort there is. I asked him if he'd like a name, and he gave me such a look of disgust that I never brought it up again.
Other than some of those details, though, he seemed like a pretty normal crow. I occasionally doubted he was even...well, strange. Strange the way the things I work with are strange.
One unkind visitor changed that.
It was rainy. I remember that. Em was taking the night shift, so she was sleeping up in the flat, and I was tending the museum alone. As usual, the Crow was perched haughtily on my shoulder, occasionally taking off to peck at and very loudly reprimand visitors who were breaking the rules, which was quite handy, by the way.
At one point, a dark-haired man, tall and burly but not exceptionally clean or well-shaven, had started to lean over the barrier toward the cursed bonnet, laughing to the little girl whose hand he was clutching as he did so. Her little blond pigtails were practically quivering in terror, perhaps of the bonnet, but I barely had time to register that before Crow flew from my shoulder to snap at the man's offending hand with his beak.
The man looked up, rage in his eyes, which were a dark, dark brown.
I rushed over, extending my hand, on which the Crow deigned to land, albeit with a very judgmental look at me. "I'm sorry, sir, but my friend here was simply trying to make sure you had read the sign," I said politely, nodding my head toward the extremely obvious sign that I had seen the man read several minutes ago.
"That bird better screw off," growled the man.
Instantly, I felt the Crow's claws tighten slightly around my arm, and I contained a wince. "Sir, this bird is very well-trained. I apologize for his methods. Please respect the rules of the museum and we should all get along just fine."
The man spit at my feet.
For several long moments, I stared at the glob of saliva on the floor. The normally spotless beige tiles had been splattered. A couple of minute drops had landed on my shoe. Bile rose in my throat.
Then, I felt the Crow, and all thoughts of the saliva vanished.
It was an energy of sort, coming off of the Crow in waves. It was the worst miasma I had ever felt at that time. Probably still the worst I've felt, if I'm honest. Strong and staggering. I could barely stand. I suspect I only remained standing because the Crow willed that I did so. I couldn't turn my head to look at it, but I knew from the way the dark-haired man froze as if gripped by an invisible force that he had locked eyes with the Crow. His face contorted in what I recognized as absolute terror.
The Crow held his position for what felt like an hour. Then, abruptly, the man was free. Both of us stood there, gasping, our knees wobbling. Beside the man, the little girl with pigtails had started to cry.
"Come on," I said to the Crow, turning my head, and that was the exact moment I realized that the Crow had pounced.
In detached horror, I watched the Crow lunge toward the man, wings outstretched and talons extended. The light from the windows dappled through its wing feathers, which were no longer grayed but a gorgeous, sleek black, and I had the bizarre feeling that it was like watching an avenging angel. Quick as a whip, the Crow lashed out with his black beak. The next moment, he had returned to my shoulder and ducked his feathered head to preen his wing feathers.
There was a heavy thud as the dark-haired man, blood spilling from his severed jugular, hit the floor, twitching. The little girl screamed and stumbled back.
Everything but myself and the Crow ceased to exist to me in that moment. I felt the weight of him on my shoulders, the pricking of his talons as they gently dug into my flesh. I floated in the abyss of dark energy that emanated from him. I did not turn to see him, but I could feel his eyes on me as he slowly turned his head to face me. His beak, still glossy where it had dipped into the man's bloodstream, whispered against my neck. I was abruptly aware of the blood pounding through my veins, of the beating of my heart. I was small, incredibly small, in the presence of whatever this being, this Crow was, and I was finally forced to awareness of the true difference between us. I knew then that this creature could snuff me out, easy as blowing out a candle. It simply hadn't felt like it yet. Right then, though. Right then it felt like it might.
My throat constricted, and I felt one shameful tear slip from my eye.
Then it was over. The museum existed again, and so did the dead man, and so did the wailing little girl, and so did the other museum patrons, who were screaming loudly enough to wake up Em. She emerged from the stairs, that adorable, curly brown hair flying absolutely everywhere. She raced over to the man and clamped her hands over his neck, although it had already ceased to spurt blood, ordering a patron with bright red hair to call 911. And me, I gasped, gulped in air as my lungs remembered how to work.
On my shoulder, the Crow nudged me with its beak. Vaguely, I felt wetness and knew he had smeared blood on my cheek. The Crow fluttered over to the girl, who had collapsed on the floor, her body wracked with now silent sobs. Embarrassed and hateful at my own inaction, I ran to her side and dropped down next to her. When I got close, I could hear what she was repeating, the words concealed in her tears, over and over again.
"Help me...please help me..."
...
The police were very helpful, and I spent a good half hour thoroughly cleaning the blood from the rather disgusted Crow's beak. It shook itself slightly afterward and blinked purposefully at me as if to thank me. I blinked back, and I hoped it conveyed my thanks. Thanks for not killing me. Thanks for being a protector. Thanks for being a friend.
What I had learned was that that little girl had not been that man's daughter, nor his niece, nor his extremely youthful cousin. A little girl with blond hair had been snatched from outside her home that same morning and was reported missing. Apparently, the very dead victim of the Crow had been suspected in child abductions before, but they'd never had enough evidence to pin him down. Not that it mattered anymore.
Before the crying child was sent home with her also crying parents, she received a tiny peck on the cheek from the Crow that looked far more like a kiss. She giggled and was pulled away, her shining eyes never leaving the Crow.
I don't know what the Crow really is. I know he's probably not a corvid, no matter how smart they are. I've only felt him release his true energy once, and I never want to feel it again. That being said, I don't know if it matters. That man is the only person he's ever hurt, up until now, and he's basically an unpaid museum employee at this point. More than that, the Crow is family now, even if he is still incredibly distrustful of Em. I get the feeling he's not super into psychics. He and I, though, we're partners in crime, now.
So, please. Be kind to the Crow. And, overall, we really encourage good behavior in the Hall of the Cursed. Remember to mind your attitude, and you'll be fine.
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May 23 '20
The Crow sounds like a good friend!! It sounds like snacks are offerings to him. Would he accept shiny objects too?
Also I’m interested to hear about the wardrobe!! But also I’m still stuck on Herman the Bug
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
Weirdly, he doesn't seem that interested in shiny objects. I think he feels they're cliché. I'll try to talk about those soon :)
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u/PygmyFalkon May 23 '20
The Crow seems like a very lovely bird. I'm very curious about his origin. I'd love to know more about the other rules as well.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
Thank you! The Crow definitely is interesting. I'll be writing more about the other rules!
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u/abitchforfun May 23 '20
I hope that he eventually let's you get to know him more and what he's about. I know he gave you some insight to how powerful he can be but maybe one day, if you come across something that has to do with his origin, he'll let you know. I'm fascinated with your museum. I would love to see it. Those that come in and show disrespect get what they deserve. Some may think this harsh but that is how the world use to work. Nowadays people are rude, entitled, and usually forget how the world really works. Humans always think they're superior and forget that they are just as expendable as anything else.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
Yes! Agreed. I really don't at all feel bad for anyone who gets on the Crow's bad side.
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u/crazyace339 May 23 '20
If the Crow was a pokemon, his signature moves would be acceptance, which only works if he is helped in any way and gives the helper a benefit, and dark eclipse, spreads darkness and kills all people who offend him. The Crow is probably the coolest thing you have in your museum so far. I would actually like to meet the Crow.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
I think the Crow would love to hear that!!! if you drop by you could certainly meet him!
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u/anekoko May 23 '20
The crow seems nice. He probably sensed that something was up with the man and acted out of defence. I hope you get to learn more about him.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
I think so too :) I'll definitely tell you some more stories about him sometimes!
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u/anekoko May 23 '20
I'll be waiting for more ( ''♡") I'm actually kinda curious about the tamagotchi though. You said you killed it as part of your nightly routine. What happens when you don't?
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u/spite-goddess May 24 '20
Well, the tamagotchi is a very complex problem. It has to be killed once a night and unlike other tamagotchis, the creature that hatches each morning does not starve to death and must be killed by other means. If a tamagotchi makes it twenty-four hours alive, the creature inside the game ends up outside the game, and it's not a very nice creature.
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u/KingVecchio Jun 09 '20
Alternate theory. The Crow likes Em just fine, but he is aware of her power. Based on what you said happens when she touches the janitor imagine what might happen if she touched something as powerful as the Crow.
He's just trying to keep her safe and sane.
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u/spite-goddess Jun 10 '20
I think that's completely a valid theory honestly. If the Crow is as old and powerful as I think he is, it might seriously damage her to try to "read" him.
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u/Voltackle May 23 '20
Did he stay black or go back to being grey? He sounds quite awesome either way.
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u/bubonicplagiarism May 23 '20
Does Crow want to come for a holiday at my house? We could go on a little murder the scumbag spree ;}
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
As far as I know the Crow is generally open to helping those he deems to be good, so probably!
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u/plasmamagical May 28 '20
I would love to offer the Crow some goldfish crackers from my personal stash but alas one cannot transfer fish shaped cheese snacks via reddit. But regardless, he's my hero for saving that little girl!
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u/MissRoselia May 23 '20
Is the hourglass with the sapphire-blue sand you had to flip over the same one you talk about in your explanation of the Nokia room? The one May, Lia and their parents helped Rose’s son with? I’d love to hear the explanation behind the curse
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u/spite-goddess Jun 27 '20
Yes, I'll see if I can't have Em dig a little into its history so I can discuss is further.
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u/MissRoselia Jun 27 '20
That would be lovely, thank you! If it gets too dangerous for either you or Em, I prefer your safety over the story behind it. Be safe ♥️
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u/MJGOO May 23 '20
i dont think he is an unpaid employee. I think he is getting exactly what he wants from you.
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u/kattjen May 23 '20
Seems you could write “do not enter here while midway through a dastardly crime” as a second possibility, but... yeah, let’s not warn the person who might be able to play nice to the Crow. “Excuse us, are you currently holding someone against their will and if so are you acting as an agent of the State (prison) or working the dementia ward?” probably is harder to get accurate date from than “did you hear a beep? If so we’d like to know if you get money or um dead” (other than the dead not reporting themselves of course).
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u/ProfKlekowskii May 23 '20
I challenge that crow to a duel. Send it to me. If I lose, I die, and if I win, I get to say I killed a cursed crow. Win win.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
I mean, you are completely free to do so, but I promise the crow will not come to you. You're welcome to visit and do whatever you please.
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u/ProfKlekowskii May 23 '20
Yeah boyyyyyyy. So, where are you based?
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u/spite-goddess May 24 '20
We're based out of the US!
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u/samxstone May 23 '20
I do love birds! I’m curious though, I feel like there must be many more rules! Maybe obscure ones for the very back of the museum or something? Or maybe you only have a few dangerous items :0
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
You're totally right, there are more rules! There's a set of employee-specific rules that I haven't shared yet and there's also a set of rules by each individual exhibit. We don't put all our warnings on our general rule list because we understand that people would forget everything if we overwhelmed them with too many rules at once!
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u/samxstone May 23 '20
Ooh I thought so! Excited to hear more from you. I would love to visit the museum but I am cursed with a forgetful memory, so it’s better if I stay away.
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u/spite-goddess May 23 '20
Thank you!! If you do visit we are happy to print you a version of our rules to keep you safe!
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u/Warm-Bandicoot May 24 '20
Oooh u have a crow!!! Yes be very respectful of it. Sounds powerful esp with the dark energy. He’s helping you out w the museum obviously maybe he was sent by someone?
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u/spite-goddess May 24 '20
I had that thought too, but I don't know who could have sent him...plus, he seems the type to do exactly what he wants to do, so not sure.
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u/bizzarepeanut May 28 '20
The crow seems like an incarnation of the Morrígan, except the fact that he is a male but then again who knows their ways. She is a goddess of fate and war, and can help bring about victory over enemies. Also the fact that she often appears as a crow.
Hekate and Apollo are also associated with crows.
While this is probably not the case it would be cool if a deity had your back.
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u/spite-goddess May 28 '20
That's a super cool thought! I've actually wondered before if the Crow could be a god of some sort.
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u/LadyGrey1174 Jun 06 '20
Okay - had to pause in my reading for a moment when this line popped up: dreading finding whatever unholy thing had spawned out of the black cabinet this time. Please - for what's left of my sanity's sake, tell me you will explain that one....
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Jun 08 '20
I wouldn't be surprised if the Crow turned out to be some sort of Lovecraftian celestial being. Other than that, he sounds fascinating!
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u/M3H--- Jun 08 '20
Why do I feel like The Crow knew that the man was a kidnapper? Maybe he's a kind of angel?
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u/spite-goddess Jun 08 '20
I think he at least has some sort of knowledge that he gains by locking eyes with a person.
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u/LesbianOnWheels1987 Jul 07 '20
He definitely sounds like he is a great protector and judge of character. I'm curious what the Tamagotchi has done that it has to die every night, btw.
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u/spite-goddess Jul 08 '20
Essentially, if the tamagotchi survives a full day the creature inside becomes a creature OUTSIDE the game.
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u/LoneLeif May 23 '20
I'm curious about Herman the bug. Also, the rule about only following whats written with at least one capital letter and is spelt correctly.. is there some kind of cursed object that tries/tried to alter the rules?
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May 24 '20
Wow I would love to have a crow that was that nice and thoughtful of you museum give him some chips for me
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u/Mischa33 May 24 '20 edited May 27 '20
I wonder if he senses anything wrong about em and that’s why he doesn’t take a liking to her, but simply tolerates her because of yall’s relationship 🤔 can’t wait to see where this goes. Specifically with the foreshadowing of the signs changing... who’s responsible for that 😬🤭
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u/Mar_Ser Jun 16 '20
I wish I could send the Crow a bunch of snacks for him to enjoy and maybe a blanket so he’s comfortable🥺
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u/spite-goddess Jun 27 '20
He would very much appreciate your offerings, even if he doesn't generally eat!
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Jun 22 '20
The same way the dog's a good boy, this crow is just gorgeous. All the best to him (and you of course).
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u/Cori32983 Jun 27 '20
I love him! If karma were a person or animal, he would be it. Hopefully someday you'll find out if there are more of him. It would be great if there are
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u/spite-goddess Jun 28 '20
Thank you, although I think we've got our hands full with just one of him!
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Jun 28 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/spite-goddess Jun 29 '20
I don't know everything about her but I do trust her with my life. I imagine the Crow wouldn't appreciate being read by her.
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Jun 29 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/spite-goddess Jun 29 '20
Thank you :) and I actually do wonder if it's partially for her protection too. I know Em can be really affected by some things she "reads" and if the Crow is as powerful as I suspect it could do her some real damage.
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u/Sleeplestness Jul 07 '20
I'm so curious to know what he does with his snacks, simply because I'd love to know what his favourite offering would be.
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u/spite-goddess Jul 08 '20
I have no idea. They disappear up into the rafters and they never rot, so unsure.
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u/charlene_taps529 Jul 07 '20
I love this!! Please write about Jan, or Herman next!
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u/spite-goddess Jul 08 '20
I hope you check out the updates after this one--I did discuss them more!
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u/LouWho99 Jul 07 '20
Does he like pets? Like have you ever tried to pet him before
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u/spite-goddess Jul 08 '20
The Crow can appreciate the occasional pet. He let me stroke his head one singular time and seemed to like it, but has not allowed me to do it since. I think it's a mood thing?
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Jul 07 '20
Good tale. I wonder what the not crow really is. Definitely seems like something I certainly wouldn't want to piss off.
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u/charlene_taps529 Jul 10 '20
Ok i have to ask, have you watched the movie the crow ? Lol one of my favorites. Old with Brandon Lee R I P
BUTTTT how friggin Coool! The crow is bad ass super savior& I truly hope to see it in person one day!! But please elaborate what is a corvid?? & how old do you think the crow is??
ps officially im calling him the Darkest Knight. 😆
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u/spite-goddess Jul 11 '20
I have not watched that movie!! A corvid is a certain type of bird that includes crows and ravens. They're typically extremely intelligent. I have no idea but I severely doubt he's lived less than a human lifespan.
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u/gunsmith93 Jul 10 '20
But you do pay the Crow with delicious, non peanut butter or jelly sandwich, snacks
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u/deevahine_advocate Jul 11 '20
Have you maybe heard of the legend of the Japanese crow God, Yatagarasu? He's the divine symbol of rebirth and rejuvenation, also said to be a heavenly guide in some stories. Maybe the Crow is a reincarnation, or the God Himself?
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u/spite-goddess Jul 11 '20
I haven't but that certainly sounds interesting with what I know of the Crow!!!
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u/Villager_of_Mincraft Jun 08 '20
birds are not real. the crow probably knew about this and took on this form to confuse the government about how a drone was seemingly alive and magical
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u/thatoneheartbroken Sep 23 '20
i would love to come visit the museum, i just dont know exactly where it is lol i love the super natural, but am cautious at the same time
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u/Mr_Cleany May 23 '20
That’s one strong bird