Rhapsody of Curses

Raid Event: A Waltz with Fate

Episode 2

Rhapsody of Curses

Previous Quest

Twilight's Call

Next Quest

In the Clutches of Death

Summary

The party heads to Felicia's home. Along the way, Thanatos curses Cleo, trying to steal away Felicia in exchange for her life. But Cleo is able to recover once Phantom releases the curse. The group then enters battle with more of Thanatos's underlings.

Dialogue

Think that was the last of 'em? Ha ha! Take that, fiendies! Yeah, I think we're good for now. I'm sorry I put you in so much danger. Think nothing of it. Everyone's okay. Thank you, Euden. Right then. Let's get ourselves situated and set off for Felicia's village.

And so, the party proceeded toward Felicia's village without issue. And without noticing the pair of glittering eyes gazing after them from afar...

The sun's already gone down. Let's set up camp here for the night. *sigh* What is it, Cleo? You look rather low. It's hard to explain, but my body feels... heavy. I imagine it's nothing a good night's sleep won't cure. *yawn* Yeah, I'm more bushed than a hedge maze! I know we need rest, but we also need to have someone stand watch. I'll do it. By yourself? Is that really a good idea? He is correct, Felicia. You are our assailant's objective, after all. Even so, I have to help SOMEHOW. Then let me help you. But aren't you exhausted? It's all right. The rest of us can take shifts. Fair enough. When it's time to swap, come kick me outta bed, yeah? Felicia, nothing good will come of you being this tense. Oh dear. How did you know? Because you're staring into the night with a terrified look in your eyes. To be honest, I've been hearing the voice of Thanatos this entire time. Now that you mention it, I also heard a voice coming from the fiend horde. Was that Thanatos? Yes, although this is the first time it has been audible to other people. I don't think Phantom has been able to hear it up to this point. But I just keep hearing him...

Felicia... Oh, my sweet Felicia... Why have you gone and left me...? Your movements are beauty. They breathe new life into my cracked and broken heart. Now...dance for me! You are the light of hope itself! Comfort in an isolated world of night! I shall never let you go, for you are the single ray of light in my world...

Nnngh... Felicia, are you all right? Y-yes, I'm fine, thank you. Are you hearing Thanatos now? ...No. Since the fiend horde was defeated, he has been silent. But that's actually even more disconcerting. I'm sorry. Things are getting better, yet still my mind dwells in dark places. That's not surprising, actually. Still, we should maybe... Oh, I know! Why don't you tell me something about your village? What do you mean? Whenever I feel down, I like to talk about friends, family, and home. Yes, I suppose I can see that. The people in my village love festivals, which makes it a lively and fun place. Even the most minor of events is cause for a festival, but the one we hold for the harvest lasts for days. Then we... Er, Euden? Is something on my face? Oh, sorry! I guess I was just glad to finally see you smiling. Heh. I suppose I haven't done that in quite some time. It's all thanks to you and your friends. ...... Peeping is such a tawdry act. I was doing no such thing. I merely woke up unexpectedly. Uh-huh. Sure. Let's stop off in this village and replenish our supplies. I will go and get us provisioned. Everyone else can rest here. Wait. If you're going to get provisions, I should— Cleo, you're clearly not feeling well. Stay here. I have this. No, I'm fine now. I just... Urrrgh... Cleo?! Cleo! *pant* *pant* *pant* She's burning up! Elisanne! Luca! Go find somewhere safe for her to rest! Understood! The heck's going on with you, girl?! ...I know this presence. Do you know what's happening? Urgh... Nnngh... Cleo! Say somethin'! Somebody get water or a compress or whatever! The curse of death feeds upon this woman's life force. Uh...Cleo? If you do not return my dancer, I will take this life in recompense. No! Thanatos! What did you say?! Oh no... This...this is all my fault! Felicia, where are you going?! FELICIA! Stop this, Thanatos! Release that woman! You're...not Thanatos. This one is but a vessel for my voice. Oh, my beloved Felicia... Then where are YOU?! Thanks to the actions of that loathsome dragon, I am unable to leave my realm. I wished to come and meet you myself, but that is now impossible. Felicia, return with my messenger... Return to the space between worlds. When you do so, I will release the woman from her curse. All I need is you... You swear to release Cleo? If it is your desire, it will be done. Now come unto me... That's not going to happen! Graaaargh! Felicia, Cleo's okay! Oh, I'm so relieved! I'm sorry to have made you worry. But as you can see, I am fine. Of all the preposterous... Why?! What broke my curse?! I drew out all of your black mana. You use this wicked force to birth fiends and steal life itself... Yet I am the same as you, Thanatos. Black mana is no more poison to me than the very air! Rrrgh! Go, my servant! Annihilate these wretches and return my dancer! We'll never let that happen!