Love Like A Curse

Baruoki is just up ahead. There shouldn't be any more monsters, but keep an eye out just in case.

......

It's not like you to be so quiet, Wen. Usually, you'd be calling me a hypocrite by now.

Do you actually LIKE it when I insult you?! What a creep!

Come on, there's no need for that!

It just makes me uneasy when you're this quiet, that's all.

Hey, have you ever seen a glowing plain on your travels? Stars glistening, light dancing in the sky... It must have been a long, long time ago now. Thousands of years, maybe even tens of thousands...

Stars?

Corinda Plains, maybe? It's a beautiful old area of antiquity that sort of matches that description.

Take me there. Now.

N-Now? Why?

What do you mean, "why"? I'm a hexer. I need to do some hexing, obviously.

Now hurry up already. Keep me waiting, and I might just have to hex you, too.

Sigh... Fine.

Yep, this is the place, all right.

Of all the memories of previous Weneficas I witnessed when I looked into that woman's past... This was the oldest and most distant scene I saw.

And now, I'm certain.

It was HER memory, The original Wenefica who destroyed our lives just to complete the Twilight Anathema.

Are you saying that the person you came here to hex is...

Wow. You actually understand what's happening for once. Yep, I'm here for the first Wenefica.

She cursed us; she threw our fates into turmoil...and now she will pay.

Look, I won't try to talk you out of this. You and I both know you wouldn't listen anyway. Just tell me what you're planning to do here. If you're thinking of taking things too far, I'm going to have to stop you.

Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill her.

I'm gonna do something much, MUCH worse.

Now let's go find her.

Wenefica, can I really trust you? Will I really receive all your knowledge of magic if I go through this rite of succession?

You have my word, child. I will hand over all my knowledge and experience to you. In exchange, however, I have one condition, and one condition alone. You must complete the Twilight Anathema, no matter how many generations it takes.

Hmph. So that's how you tricked her into making the sacrifice?

And you are?

Nice to meet ya, Wenefica the First.

My name is Wenefica, too, and I come from a line of hundreds of Weneficas before me. Do you get what I'm saying?

I believe I do. I can feel the vestiges of my power within you.

Well, that's a relief.

I reckon my revenge wouldn't be so satisfying if you didn't know who I was or why I'm going to kill you.

HEY! You literally JUST told me you weren't going to kill her!

What is going on here?

A curse of misfortune on the happy! A blessing of death on the living! May you writhe in eternal despair!

Tch!

Stay your hand, girl. Why would you attack my wife?

Your wife? This human woman?

Yes. Now, answer me. Why would you dare to harm the woman I love? Think carefully before you answer, or I will make sure disaster befalls you and all of your kin.

Oh, will you now? Get in the way of my vengeance, and I will tear you limb from limb!

Vengeance? Is being "Wenefica" such a heavy burden to you? By inheriting my power, you gain vast knowledge and magical abilities. How can that be a bad thing?

Ha! How can you even have the nerve to say that after you bound us with that curse? You're evil, and now you're going to die! I'm going to put an end to this before it ever has a chance to start.

My, such hatred... But no, that's not happening.

I WILL complete the Twilight Anathema!

Why?! Is that stupid curse really so important to you?!

It is. So I cannot let you kill me.

Oh, clouds, cover the moon. Oh darkness, steal the light from her eyes!

Ngh!

She disappeared?

It's the same type of obscuration spell you saw outside the graves. She just ran away while we were disoriented.

Ugh, that cursed woman woulda been dead by now if it weren't for that stupid dog!

Is that the same wolf we saw in the Moonlight Forest? What is that thing?

It's the immortal beast that lives in Corinda Plains. Haven't you ever heard of it before?

He raged through these plains for centuries, that is, until Wenefica was offered to him as a sacrifice.

Tell me everything you know.

I will, but only if you answer me one question first? Why did you try to kill Wenefica?

Her vast knowledge should be passed down to future generations. Why would you want to waste that?

Because she's passing on more than just her knowledge. She's cursing future generations to toil in service of her ambitions, no matter the cost.

She's happy to ruin other people's lives just to achieve her own ends.

And I hate people like that.

Come with me to Palsifal Palace. There are things you should know about Wenefica.

Erm, it should be around here somewhere...

Is that...a magic tome?

I've sensed this magic before. This is Wenefica's.

It is. This book contains the full history of Wenefica's life. She left it here to check for any discrepancies or omissions after the memory transfer.

So, what made you want to inherit Wenefica's memories and power in the first place?

I mean, she's a magical genius! If we can preserve her knowledge and power, it could help so many people in the future.

You're not scared that your consciousness will be taken over by hers?

Yeah, I am a little. But after I read this, I knew I had to help. Here, you should read it, too.

Those blasted humans. I don't eat human flesh, but still they go and sacrifice this child to me. Raise your head, girl, and run home as fast as your legs can carry you.

Home? I don't have a home. It was burned in the witch hunt, and then they took me to be sacrificed...

If you're not gonna eat me, at least kill me. End this miserable life.

What's your name, girl?

Wenefica.

Well then, Wenefica. As of today, you shall be my bride. Wolves do not eat their mates, nor do they kill them. I will love you and only you forever, so please never again wish to end your life.

So much time has passed, yet you still look the same. I guess the legend of the immortal wolf of Corinda Plains was true.

Indeed. I have tested the limits of my own immortality, and yet still I cannot even comprehend death. One day you will leave me...and I cannot follow.

No, I'm not going to let you suffer alone. You gave me a home and made me feel like I belonged. This time, it's my turn.

Why?

Why can't I stop myself from dying? I've practiced magic for decades now, so I should be able to...

I don't want to leave you on your own...

Wenefica, it is all right. I am happy as long as you are spared the pain of being left on your own.

No! That's not good enough! My time may almost be up, but I won't let you be alone! I won't!

I will find a way to bring your immortality to an end! With all my love, I will create the ultimate curse!

However long it takes, I will let you die, my love. I promise you.

She wanted to complete the curse in order to save the one she loved from loneliness? That was her wish?

It's heartbreaking, isn't it? I was more than happy to offer myself up to aid a love so beautiful. As someone who studies magic in the palace, it made sense for me to be the one to do it.

You call that beautiful? What are you, stupid?

"I want to help the one I love. I don't want them to forget me. I don't want to give them up."

It's pushy, selfish, and downright ugly. If that's what love is, then it makes me wanna puke.

Don't say things like that, Wen! I know how much you resent her, but still! Don't you think there's something pitiful about their situation?

Ugh, there you go again with your condescending sympathy. Why should I feel bad for her?

She cursed generations of Wenefica all for her own selfish "love".

If she couldn't make her wish come true... She shoulda just carried that regret to the grave like everybody else!

(Still, I guess I do understand her feelings. The willingness to destroy yourself for love...) (Your thoughts being eroded by love; the person you thought you were disappearing...) (Love...it makes people crazy.)

Hey, I just had an idea. I'm gonna take revenge on love itself.

What?

I'm gonna complete the Twilight Anathema.

You're going to make her wish come true? That doesn't sound very like you, Wen.

Isn't it, though? After all, I AM a hexer. If someone wants a curse, it's my job to give it to 'em.

I guess, but...

Actually, never mind. Whatever your reasons, if there's a way to help those two, I'm in.

All right, but no taking that back later, okay? To complete the curse, we'll need to go back to the Moonlight Forest.

The Wenefica burial grounds are just up ahead, right?

Yep, as is the Twilight Anathema.

Right, I'd better get cracking before my materials try to run away.

Um, what's that supposed to mean?

You'll find out soon enough.

Well, that just sent a shiver down my spine.

What else d'you expect from an immortal-killing curse of death?

So, how do you complete it?

The ritual itself is pretty much perfected already.

The only thing we need now is an overwhelming hatred strong enough to kill all life...

...And I know just the thing. I finally found the last piece of the puzzle.

And I'm looking right at it.

You don't mean...

Oh, I do mean. I will take Ogre Rancorem and use its pure hatred to fuel the ritual.

Heheh. How much death will this cursed blade bring upon the world, I wonder?

No! I can't let you do this!

An offering unto you, oh cursed roots. Spread through the earth, and devour all.

As the wielder of Ogre Rancorem, it's my duty to...

Relax, golden boy. I was only messing with you.

I only took a tiny sliver of its power. Why you gotta be so serious all the time?

I may not be the nicest gal in the world, but I'm not about to kill a bunch of innocent people. You know how I love my karma! Killing innocents violates just about everything I stand for. But killing the guilty, now that's another matter entirely...

Hey, that's not funny, Wen! Are you okay, Ogre Rancorem?

......

Aww, did that tire him out? How weak. Not gonna lie, I expected better from a demon sword.

Never say that to Ogre Rancorem when he's awake, okay? He's difficult enough as it is. I don't need you adding fuel to the fire.

Oh, don't tempt me, Aldo. I do so love seeing you all flustered.

Thing is, I might never get an opportunity like this again.

Wen?

Now to store the completed curse in the catalyst bell.

And back to Corinda Plains we go. This curse is gonna end it all. The witch's wish, the beast's sadness, the Weneficas' suffering, my revenge, love, hate, everything.

Oh good, you're still here.

You again? My, you are a persistent one.

Yeah, I'd watch the attitude if I were you. I have something you want. I've completed the Twilight Anathema.

You've...done it? You've actually done it? You speak the truth?

Yep. Had to do it to break your stupid curse, didn't I? But I'm not handing it over for free.

Ah, I see. And what is it you want from me?

I want you to die. Right here, right now.

Wen?!

It's the only way to calm my hatred.

Do you know how many lives were ruined, all for the sake of your love?

You don't care about anyone's happiness but your own, you selfish hag!

Ugh...

Stop! You won't save anyone like this!

I'll save myself, at least. This revenge is for me!

And look what the cat dragged in! Too predictable. Why do you try to keep this woman alive when you yourself wish for death?

What husband wouldn't seek to protect his wife? Who would wish for the death of their loved one?

Heheheh! Ahahaha! Love is truly a twisted emotion, isn't it? You know what I'm gonna do now? I'm gonna shatter your rotten love into a thousand pieces.

You want to fight? But he can't...

I know, I know, he can't be killed. Well, not ordinarily, at least. But I have the Twilight Anathema on my side. Protect me until it activates, okay?

Did we do it?

Is this...

It is my curse of death. Your life can finally end now, my love.

The curse that took 20,000 years and countless Weneficas to complete. A curse stronger than eternal life, brings you the kiss of death.

Wenefica of the future, I can tell by the look in your eyes how much you hate me. Even so, you completed this curse for me. For that, you have my everlasting gratitude.

Ha...

Hahaha...HAHAHAHAHAHA! You naive old fool!

Huh?

You look confused. Well, allow me to explain. It's all about cause and effect, you see. You created this curse for the monster. But if the monster dies now, the curse will never have been produced.

Why? Because all the Weneficas who made the curse possible in the first place will never have existed. Which do you think the Goddess of Time's gonna pick? Your wish, or mine?

Wait a minute. If that's the case, then you'll...

Yeah. I decided to distort the world for my own wishes.

And then I'm gonna pay for what I've done. Karma, remember?

I'll get what I deserve.

No! Wait!

You have your beliefs, Wen, and I get that.

But I'm not going to sit back and watch my friend die!

How many times do I have to tell you? I don't care about your stupid feel...

Actually, you know what? Since this is gonna be the last time, sure, I'll accept your cheap affection.

You really are an idiot, you know that? No one else would value a life like mine. But traveling with you...it wasn't so bad I guess.

Later, Aldo.

Wen! Wen! Don't go! Wen! Nooo!

No...

Where am I?

Why am I here? My head...it feels so foggy... I can't remember...

Who am I?

I don't know... I don't know anything... I'm disappearing...

We...ne...fi...ca?

Oh, right... I am...

I'm...Wenefica. How could I forget that?

There is no one who cares about me. I have lived my life alone to make sure of that.

Besides, if I distorted history, then surely anyone who knew me would also disappear. So, who's left to worry about me?

Mom?

Excuse me, dear. Have you seen my, ?

I've been looking for her for so long now. I don't know her face, her name, or who she was, but... But she meant the world to me, I think. I loved her, and I know I did.

I-I don't understand. She should never have been a Wenefica. We should never have crossed paths.

But...

But... I changed history to save her. She didn't deserve to meet that end, all because she loved a wretch like me. I wanted to give her a different life. A better life...

But now...it was all pointless. This wasn't what I wanted at all.

Ha. Who's gonna want to help a scumbag like me?

Where am I? Why did you...

You're not going to like this, Wen, but I asked Wenefica for a favor...

I asked her to perform the rite of succession. It was our only chance to get history, and you, back to normal.

I had already prepared for a rite of succession, so it wasn't asking much. The threads of fate have been retied. Now, the title of Wenefica has been passed down to the next generation.

Huh? Why would you...

If you never existed, then there would be no one to complete my curse. That is motivation enough for me.

So, I decided to make the ring eternal.

Then we'll carry on being victims of your love? Forever?

I'm afraid so, yes. Call me selfish all you like... But I would always prioritize the happiness of someone I love over the misfortune of a stranger.

Selfish is too light a word for what you are...

Oh, I'm sure. But such is the nature of love. You willingly cast aside everything for it, even yourself if need be. Blind devotion, that's what love is.

And now, my end approaches. With all my power transferred to you, my body is failing me.

...Love is for fools.

That it is. And yet, it is irresistible. How wicked love is!

AAARGH! This was meant to be my moment of triumph, but somehow she still got the upper hand! Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT! The only thing that can cheer me up now is hurting that stupid, uncursable beast!

As long as it's monsters we're hunting, I'm happy to go with you.

What? I'm not gonna kill someone who's done me no real harm.

I can't hurt someone I don't resent, I just can't. That's just petty and vindictive.

You're aware you're contradicting yourself, right?

Spoken like a true hypocrite. Is human life the only life you value? Do beasts not matter to you?

Sigh... There's the Wen I know.

Still, it's good to have you back.

Ugh, you always know exactly what to say to get under my skin. I'm going back to the Moonlight Forest.

Good idea. Let's go back to our own time.

The magic circle is gone, but the graves of the past Weneficas are still here...

Which means that lovesick fool of a witch ended up getting exactly what she wanted.

How annoying.

I'm glad history didn't change. I'd hate it if you disappeared.

That's rich, coming from a guy who changes history whenever he feels like it.

It's not like I chose to do it! Sometimes it's just the way it goes when I try to help someone.

So you're saying it's okay to change history, as long as it's in service of your own personal moral compass?

Wow, people who think of themselves as good really are the most evil, huh?

You can be really mean sometimes, Wen.

Well, yeah. What did you expect? You're a champion of justice, and I'm a wicked witch.

Your whole love-thy-neighbor thing, honestly, it's just selfish.

And isn't that what love is? It's illogical and terrible, and I want no part of it.

Come on, how can caring about someone be a bad thing?

There you go pushing your morals onto other people again. God, you're annoying.

But what the hell, If you feel so strongly about it, maybe I could at least consider it.

I guess the first step...

...Will be learning to give a damn about you.

Huh?

Y-You really mean it?

Nah, never mind. Not happening. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl.

Don't be like that! Accept my love! A rarer thing you'll never find!

Now that I think about it, Wenefica's love was all about the death, right? Maybe I just need to kill you first.

How about it? I'll make it equal parts gentle and excruciating.

Maybe I'll like you more once you can no longer chirp away about love and kindness all the time.

That's not love! That's a curse!

Same thing. Now come on, don't be shy...

I'm sorry, but I will never accept your love! Never!

Ahahahahaha! You should see the look on your face!

Maybe now you understand how uncomfortable it feels to have someone else's love forced on you.

One-sided love is practically a form of violence. Nobody wants it to come their way.

But I guess that's just the way humans were made. We can't help but feel both love and hate...

...And maybe that's okay.

Right, Mom?