Chapter 4: The Ruined Dungeon
We went on our way. Yuzan was actually useful because he knew where to find the dungeon. How wouldn't he? He actually described himself as a "wanderer". And what's more, he carried me all the way to the dungeon! I needn't get exhausted, and we arrived pretty much easier and faster.
"Whoa... is this really the dungeon?"
The dungeon was indeed, an ancient structure. It was already ruined. There were parts of its roof that had been torn off, and the walls had holes. But it's amazing how it still stood erect after all. In this latent and gloomy place, was the long-forgotten treasure of the Forestierre.
"So, before you enter the dungeon, would you tell me your purpose for coming here?" Yuzan asked.
"It was said that a green witch is living here. I want to ask her about something." I replied.
"But you know very well that asking a witch for a favor is dangerous, right?"
I nodded.
"It entails something that I should give in exchange. But I have to find the way out of Forestierre." I said.
"Don't...! Ugh. You've really said it." Twinkle Bell said in a mixture of annoyed and embarrassed manner.
Yuzan looked at Twinkle Bell.
"Oh, so that's how it is, huh? Then go with it, and then tell me what happens afterwards. Good luck fellas." Yuzan said.
After that, Twinkle and I went inside the ruined dungeon. The place was dark, nothing but lit candles lighted the path that led us to where the witch was.
"You know, you shouldn't have said that to Yuzan." Twinkle said, as we descended the cold and grimy stairs.
"Huh? Why?" I asked.
"You see, he's never part of your game. There are only two things which may take place after casually telling him your real identity. He'll help us or he'll betray us."
"What? How can you say that? Isn't he your friend? You knew each other, right?"
"That's not the point, missy. Please remember that this is a serious game. Don't lose your concentration. When somebody else comes, you would trust them because you believe that they'd be of help. I have nothing against your trusting nature, but you're in Forestierre. Be more careful."
"I don't get it. Of course I would want others to help me. I mean, I'm sure you also believe that we can't do this all by just the two of us, right?"
"You're getting me wrong. Just be careful. Even humans can be cruel towards their own friends. Then how much more for an animal, especially towards a human like you?"
I suddenly became speechless. Twinkle Bell was right, somehow.
We didn't speak to each other then, until we found the green witch.
I had actually imagined the green witch to be literaly green. But no, only her gown was colored green. She wasn't surprised to see us coming her way. And it seemed as though she had expected our arrival.
"What do you want from me?"
I was actually startled. That wasn't what I expected her to say at our very first meeting. Indeed, she's a magical being.
"Well, you see, I need your help." I said.
"Wow, you really can't be a bit more reserved with your intentions, can you?" Twinkle Bell said.
"Very well, visitors, please be seated. May I know what your favor is?" the witch asked.
"Please tell me how to win this game!" I said bluntly.
"Seriously! Ligian... Oh, dear." Twinkle Bell sighed helplessly.
The witch paused for a while. I could hardly guess her thoughts.
"Alright, I get what you want now. I will help you, in exchange of that necklace." The witch said, pointing her finger at the eye pendant.
Twinkle Bell and I looked at each other. I realized that everyone would find this eye very interesting since it was powerful. She assured me that she would help me, but in exchange of my one and only protection charm.
What should I do? Should I give it up?
"I... I can't give this to you. This is very important to me." I said.
"You just stole it from the Cyclops. So how can this be important to you?" asked the mocking witch.
"It's my protection charm, you see. Please ask for something else."
"You cannot bargain with a witch, do you know that, little girl? If you desperately want to stay alive, and make it to your family and friends once more, then don't be stiff." The witch threatened.
I looked at my necklace. But I thought she was right. This eye was less important than my survival in this game. I knew that I should hurry back to the real world.
"If I would agree, then how will you help me?"
"I have my own ways. I am a witch, remember? Do not under-estimate me, and don't make me wait too long. Don't test my patience. I am the spirit of this dungeon, and it will never let you escape."
I got terrified by her threats. But even so, I still couldn't make up my mind. I couldn't let go of the necklace.
"We'll just leave, Madame. Sorry for the intrusion." Twinkle Bell butted in.
The witch scowled, which made me more freaked out. She was almost going berserk!
"I've had enough of you two! You made the wrong decision. You'll regret that you showed your faces to the green witch!"
The witch's rage triggered the crumbling of the entire dungeon. It moved by itself as if it were alive. The grounds shook as if there were an earthquake. I lost my balance and toppled over a candle stick.
The fall was worse than I thought.
I fell, expecting to fall on the shaking ground of the dungeon. But I fell continuously as if I had actually fallen off a cliff. Yes, the ground was gone, and the pitch-black hole swallowed me up.
