-Blessed by Divinity: Eternity-

Cursed

Deep beneath the water's depths, there was a faint glowing light. Primarina had enclosed me an air bubble, stringing it along with her nose as she swam further down. I could only sit tight as the water type dove further and further beneath the surface of the water, closing in on the mysterious source of light.

As we closed in on the light, I could make out an opening deep below the surface of the underground lake. Primarina didn't hesitate as she pushed on, coming out on the other side of the gap at the bottom of the lake.

The air bubble popped open as I breathed in the fresh air of this new underground chamber. Primarina and I stood on the rocky shore, surveying these new surroundings, realising that there was an entirely new area to Mount Coronet. The only reason I was even able to find this place was because of the traces of a familiar melody that swam through the lake.

Even though Aaron didn't understand what I was hearing, I had to reassure him that I knew what I was doing. But now that I stood on this untouched shore, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. The same melody rang louder, echoing around the empty cave as it descended further underground.

 "Well it looks like there's only one way for us to go now."

Primarina silently followed me as I approached the chiseled staircase, descending further into the unknown.

At the base of the stairs, the cave opened to a lofty roofed chamber. The roof stood at least thirty feet above where we were stood, the mysterious song echoing louder than before.

There was a light at the center of the chamber. It was warm, glowing with a gentle orange hue. As I looked closer, I could see silhouettes dancing around the light, each in sync with each other.

I slowly approached them, careful to keep my distance so as to not disturb whatever was going on. Now much closer, I could see numerous girls wearing rose pink garments, numbering eight in total. All of the girls had matte black hair, their faces painted with a light blush, giving them unnaturally pale faces. Their makeup was extraordinary and I thought it was impossible for them to maintain their images in this dank, dark cave.

"And she finally graces us with her presence!"

"Long have we waited for you, Elaine!"

"You came, just as he said you would!"

At once, all eight of the kimono girls turned to face me, their lips wide with smiles. Each of them spoke over each other, mirroring what the last would say, changing their words slightly.

The whole scene freaked me out and it took more than a moment for me to summon the courage to answer them back, "Wh-What are you all talking about?"

One of the girls stepped forward, coming into the light, into a clearer view. Now, I could see the girl properly. Her face was tired, her eyes full of pain, as if she wasn't in control of herself.

"He said you would come, and you did! Now we can finally be free of his curse." The girl turned to the others, nodding quietly. "All we have to do is summon his creations and we will be free!"

Without waiting for a response, the girl turned away, joining the others as they resumed their dance. There was a faint ringing of a bell that echoed louder each time. A second bell chimed in, overlapping with the ringing of the first.

Primarina and I watched in awe as the ground started the shake, the cave chamber rumbling intensely. A loud screech filled the cave, another echoing in succession with another deeper roar. Rubble and debris started to fall from the roof, the cave becoming increasingly unstable.