And now, for the real story to begin.

*Chapter 6: The Cursed Land, Part 1*

*Arc 1: The Crystal's Will*

This officially was the weirdest week in my life. First the crystal, then allowing Arc to join me, which was looking like more and more of a bad idea, and now being saved by some mysterious kid calling himself a knight? Yeah, pretty weird.

I didn't trust Ingus. Not at all. I know he had saved our lives, but there was something about him that I just didn't like. Like he knew that he could take all of us down before we knew he had been betrayed. I refused to let that happen.

We finally got to the castle gates, and I could instantly tell something was off. I think Arc could sense it too, because it was something we had both felt before. Silence. Not your usual, nothing is happening silence. This was an unnatural silence. Not a sound broke the still air. That was, until Ingus opened the gate.

Creaking up loudly before ending with a big crash, the gate seemed to bid us enter. Almost as if it, too, could sense something wrong. Ingus turned to us.

"I warn you, after you cross this threshold, there will be no turning back. Are you prepared?"

Refia nodded. "We've come this far, no use turning back now."

Arc, too, nodded. "We have to help those people. We have no choice."

I remained silent, but nodded my consent.

Ingus looked at each of us respectively, and then nodded. "Very well then. Follow me, and stay close. There's no telling what awaits us." And with that, we walked into the castle.

It was the exact same as Kazus. No people. Just ghosts. Refia still hadn't seen it, and she covered her mouth the whole time. These ghosts weren't like you would imagine. They were people shaped outlines, with nothing in the middle. The result would have been cute, if not for the fact that it was also downright terrifying.

Walking through the halls, the silence was eerie. It was like the air was holding its breath.

Arriving at a large door, Ingus turned to us. "You are about to enter the presence of the king. Allow me to do the talking."

We finally got in the throne room, and found that not even the king had been spared. Noticing us, he spoke.

"Welcome back, Ingus. It is comforting to know at least one of my men survived the curse. Tell me, who are your friends?"

Ingus bowed low before speaking again: "These three seek an audience with you. They believe themselves capable of defeating the Djinn. I beg my lord hold his laughter."

The king, however, looked thoughtful. Something seemed to occur to him. "Lady Sara," he called, "would you come here for a minute?"

A beautiful young woman entered the room. She seemed to glide when she walked, her long, luxurious blonde hair flowing in a wave behind her.

"Yes, father?" a voice as beautiful as she was rang out like music.

"Tell me, Sara, do you still have the mithril ring?"

At this, her lovely figure melting into a grimace. "We have been over this father. We tried resealing the Djinn in the ring, but to no avail. The powers of Darkness have strengthened him beyond the rings power."

"Indeed, but what if one were to defeat the Djinn in battle?" the king asked.

"Wishful thinking, I'm afraid. The Djinn has grown to powerful for mortal men to defeat. There is nothing we can do."

"Maybe not," I piped up. "A few days ago, I was chosen by the Crystal of Wind."

Sara's face turned to one of shock. "Tell me everything, and spare no details."

And so, I told her everything, from falling down the hole, to killing the large turtle beast. By the end of it, she had broken into a wide smile.

"If this is true, you must be a truly special person. The crystal will only choose someone strong, kind, wise (Refia snorted there), and courageous. Indeed, maybe you can defeat the demon."

Suddenly, the earth below us started trembling as a large boom echoed through the halls.

"Earthquake!?" Arc asked.

"Worse," Sara said. "The Djinn must have located you here and is attacking. You must prepare for battle!"

"But I don't know what to do!"

She looked at me grimly. "You must accept the power of the crystal."

Arc turned to Ingus. "Is there anything we can do?"

"There may be one thing. Arc, take this," he said, throwing him a strange black orb, "and break it!"

Arc did as he was told, and instantly, a white light engulfed him, dissipating quickly.

"What was that?" Arc asked, looking shaken.

"That was the spell Blizzard. You should know how to cast it now!"

As if in a trance, Arc moved his hand in a strange path of gestures. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared in front of him, with large ice spikes flying out of it. They faded quickly, but not before causing some serious damage to the castle walls.

Everyone was silent for a second, then Sara piped up.

"Well, at least we have one spellcaster! He may be able to aid us as well."

I wasn't so sure. Just that one spell made Arc look like he was about to pass out, but when he spoke, it was surprisingly aggressive. "Very well. I will do whatever I can to be of aid," he said.

"Are you sure, Arc? You don't look so good," I said.

He looked at me, and I saw a face out of him that I never thought I would see: courage.

"I can't just sit around and do nothing. I have to help in any way I can."

"What about me?" Refia asked.

The king spoke at this. "There is a mystical blade in the West Tower known as Whightslayer. I may be able to damage the Djinn. But be warned, the tower is infested with powerful monsters."

Refia just smiled at that. "Hey, Arc, you're coming with me!"

And before my brother even realized what was happening, Refia grabbed his scarf and began dragging him away.

Ingus turned to me as another rumble shook the castle. "Let us go. We must do battle with the demon."

I didn't trust him. I didn't trust anyone here. But this was my chance to break the curse. I had to take it.

Looking Ingus in the eyes, I nodded. "Do the two of us stand any chance?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Let's find out."

And next, the conclusion! The next part may take a while to post, as it is going to be very, very long.