Classic Twist#JackAndTheBeanStalk

Long ago, in the lost village of Erkunas lived a poor boy named Jack. His mother always nagged him to work and earn a living instead of lazing in the house as always. One day, due to a severe lack of money, she was forced to sell off her milky white cow, whom Jack often called Ms. Moo. 

“Jack, get your ass down here right now. You have to sell that white cow in the nearby market before the sun sets,” his mother commanded.

“ What? Why Ms. Moo? I won’t sell her off, let’s think of another way to make money,” he whined anxiously. “ Jack Helber Ronald, you are going to sell that cow off, and that’s final.” His mother’s domineering voice automatically made him follow the command despite his reluctance. Jack, an athletic, alabaster teenager with luscious black hair, quickly hurdled out of the house and dragged the cow down the street. He had travelled across town when he met his neighbour, Mr. Quiver. Mr. Quiver was a curious man who had all sorts of weird tools and objects inside his house. “ Hoho young man, going to the market, are we?” Mr. Quiver’s jovial nature made Jack gleam happily. “Well, I have to sell off ms. Moo for at least 17 golds or my mother might as well throw me out of the house.” Jack’s sullen mood returned once again. “ Sell her to me and I’ll give you 5 magical beans. Plant them and you might get all sorts of treasures.” Mr. Quiver offered. Jack stared at him disdainfully and burst into laughter. “ My mother will skin me alive if I make such an exchange. I’ll get going, Mr. Quiver, take care.”

Jack reached the market by noon. The scorching sun overhead was like a furnace, heating everything to extremity. Not many people showed interest in Jack’s offer, and thus, long stood in the blazing heat. Soon, a group of hooded merchants passed by. One of them was interested in Jack’s cow. They soon reached a bargain by the evening and Jack got home 10 gold coins along with 3 magical seeds. “ I ended up getting them, at last. Might as well save them for later use.” Jack thought as he clenched the beans. “Jack, you brat, that cow was at least worth 20 gold coins. How can you be so stupid as to believe that these seeds are magical? And selling it off for 10 gold coins? How will you survive after I’m gone? Now, why are you standing there like a statue? I’ll throw these seeds out right away.” Jack’s mother randomly threw away the beans in the backyard and went away to complete her daily chores. Jack also went off to sleep.

The next morning, a shadow crouched upon him from the second-floor window. Jack quickly got up and saw a beanstalk descending towards heaven “ Must be those magical beans” he thought. Jack speedily crawled up the beanstalk and saw a magnificent castle atop the unceasing mass of clouds. The palace from a distance looked like ice but was made of tons of diamonds. It was a glacier in the middle of a hot valley, emanating a cool breeze all around. On falling upon its hard, glistening surface, the scorching rays of the sun shattered into many shades of silver. The sculptures were of divine art. They were set on pedestals amidst the fountains, surrounded by perfectly manicured hedges that looked like different animals. Jack was awestruck. He punched himself hard to assure he wasn’t dreaming. Just as Jack walked towards the hedges, the ground began to tremble. Jack hid in the bushes as the palace door swung open. Out came a hideous, stout giant with a club in his hand. He huffed and puffed and strode across to the other end of the cloud. Jack snuck inside the palace, assuming it to be empty, and started exploring. The mahogany staircase and oils framed in rosewood boasted extravagance. The walls were made of diamond, and so was the floor. Jack started collecting every artifact he could when he heard music from the second floor. As if in a trance, Jack scissored his way to the source of the music and saw a bewitching girl playing harp.  “Who are you?” the girl’s sweet voice mesmerized Jack. Her delicate face was like that of a fairy. Her purple, gem-like eyes gazed into Jack’s blue ones. 

“Please save me. The giant here has captured me. I know a way of killing him. Please free me and I’ll grant you any three wishes. I beg you.” Jack immediately agreed and the girl handed him a sword. The moment the giant stepped back inside the palace, Jack attacked him. They fought head-on for days. The little training Jack took in the swordsmanship camp came of use. Finally, Jack beheaded the giant and freed the girl. Overwhelmed with joy, the girl couldn’t control her joyous tears. “ As for my wishes, Miss Fairy. Firstly, I want to live in this palace with my mother. Can you bring her up here?” As soon as Jack finished speaking, his mother appeared before him. Explaining the whole story, Jack moved on to his second wish. “Make so that no mere mortal can step foot on this cloud. This would, of course, make my mother and me powerful immortals.” The girl granted Jack’s second wish and enchanted the cloud. “ My third wish, my dear fairy, is for you to become mine. Marry me!” The girl threw her arms around Jack and kissed him. She leaned in and slowly whispered in his ear, "The pleasure is all mine, my dear knight.” Jack and the girl had the grandest wedding in the century and lived happily ever after.