Dark Parables: Queen Of Sands, 2015

Dark Parables: Queen of Sands, 2015

His Soul (Chapter 4)

Team Up

Summary: After saving the abducted collectors, you were trusted with Curioso's box. What seems like a dangerous possession slowly turns into an opportunity to learn more about this creature and his curse. Can you earn his trust, and possibly, his affection?

Pairings: Curioso/Reader, Curioso/The Detective

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On the night of the investigation, you gathered everything for the detective work that awaited you. You shrugged on your trench coat, slipped on your leather black leather gloves, and hiked up your reliable work boots. You prepared the moment the sun set, brewing a cup of coffee and nibbling on one of the pastries you’d purchased from Audrey’s shop. It wasn’t a healthy dinner, but that didn’t matter. You were going to be on the clock soon, so you needed something to get you by in the meantime. 

As you headed to your front door, you passed by Curioso’s box and paused. You remembered what he asked you yesterday - wanting to join you on this escapade and aiding with your case. Your hands clenched themselves as you debated this option. No, no, no ! You couldn’t trust him. He would find a way out of that box and complicate everything . You didn’t need a distraction, and you certainly didn’t need to risk anything when he was completely safe sitting in your office. 

..Right?

You scolded yourself for overthinking and forced your hand to turn the handle. You made sure the place was locked before carrying on to your car. You loaded your supplies into the passenger seat and started the engine, entering Brianna’s address in your navigation. It didn’t take long to get there, and once you were in the vicinity, you picked an empty space across the street to park in. You turned off the engine and sat back in your seat, opening one of your books to get some reading in while you waited. 

…

…

…

Your lips pressed into a thin line on your way back to the Dark Light Detective Agency. You didn’t solve the case, nor did you really get any clear answers. 

The whole predicament was odd when you thought about it. 

You followed the woman to a restaurant at the further end of town, where she joined some individuals and engaged in a conversation that you briefly recorded in your car. You were farther away than you wanted to be, so most of your recording came out mumbled and lost in static. You still took a picture of the sight to show to Brianna later and recorded some things in your journal. The group hadn’t left in separate vehicles, but collected into one van that sped off quickly. You barely had any time to catch up with them. 

A car had slipped between you and the van, which was a much needed buffer, but ultimately worked to your disadvantage, as you almost lost the vehicle in focus. You followed as best as you could, but they were moving unpredictably onto different streets. They took a sharp turn onto a road that you failed to spot in time. It hadn’t shown up on your GPS and the area wasn’t illuminated by any street lights. The darkness that faced you was… intimidating . 

You recalled how your skin crawled at the sight of the dirt road…something didn’t feel right. Like there was something sinister awaiting there, begging you to follow them. Several things ran through your mind then - you’d heard stories of things being laid in the streets to force motorists to pull aside, where they would either get killed or kidnapped by someone with bad intentions. It usually happened on roads like these…separated from life, engulfed in blackness. Unseen and unheard. 

You didn’t fancy your face on a Missing Person’s poster, so you drove away.  But now you regret it. Why had you been so scared? You carried several useful things in your car, plenty of tools to use in your self defense. You even had direct contact with the police, should things escalate. You’ve faced more terrifying ordeals than some desolate road. Something must have immobilized you…you were sure of it. 

You dragged your feet inside the office and threw down your keys in frustration. You switched on the light and took off your coat. You were humiliated with your cowardice and ashamed with the fact that you had gained so little. Your best course of action was to return to the same street tomorrow when you had sunlight on your side, and investigate what was in the area that Sophie could’ve gone to. 

You were about to head upstairs until the jester’s voice caught you at the last second.

“Detective! You’re back! Tell me how everything went.” 

Your posture slouched. You felt embarrassed to tell anyone about your fleeing tonight. It simply wasn’t like you - you always pursued things, investigated what seemed off. You searched for answers until the very end. It would hurt your ego if anyone knew about what transpired. Curioso in particular held you in a certain light, calling you the ‘famous Detective’ . Would it ruin his image of you if he knew? He was trapped in that box, so it’s not like he would be able to tell anyone else…

You eventually sighed. “Not so well, I’m afraid.”

You could see some light reflecting off the wall in front of you. His voice became a tad clearer. 

“Enlighten me, then..!” 

When you turned around, you were met with the projection of his face. At least it felt like you were speaking to him more directly like this…you weren’t really sure how it all worked just yet, but this will have to do. 

You told your story to Curioso, about the woman, the restaurant, the people, the van, and the dark street. He had no expression to show his reaction to the story - but his voice sounded intrigued and somewhat mysterious at the same time. He made a quick comment after you were finished. 

“Detective, it isn’t out of the question that she’s in a cult.” 

You recoiled. “A cult? Why would you think that?” 

“A group of strangers driving so dangerously and disappearing off the road in the middle of the night? Either something sinister is down that road, or they were just trying to get you off their tail.”

Your lips pursed in thought. Maybe their sporadic driving had been to cover their route. You were so preoccupied with trying to keep them in your sight that you didn’t question where you were exactly headed. It would’ve been easy for them to lead you in the middle of nowhere. You felt foolish for not being more aware of your surroundings. 

But, still…a cult ? 

“What was it that the woman said…her wife disappeared throughout the night, then came back with an odd smell? A different pair of clothes, and sluggish behavior…she might be in some odd practice with those people, don’t you think?”

“Why are you so convinced they’re a cult? It could be anything. A late night clubbing, maybe.”

Curioso was quiet for a few seconds. “I’ve seen all kinds of people who are fascinated by different things. Morbid obsessions, you could say. Cults are one of them.” 

“Well, no matter what you think, I’m going down that road tomorrow and seeing what’s there for myself. Something might be in the area that’ll give me a clue.” 

“Detective, I implore you. Take me with you so I can help with this case.”

“You just want out of that box.” 

You felt like you had misstepped with your accusation, judging by the tense silence that ensued. Something about his sharp grin felt forced - the long quietness was out-of-character for him while he was visibly present in front of you. He collected himself before responding: 

“It works for both of us. You bring my box along and I’ll have new sights to see! It can get so boring being in one place for so long. And I can find anything of interest for you - hidden objects, tools, whatever will be of use…” 

This was the second time he was pestering you with this idea. 

You were still convinced he was itching to find a way out of your hands - but that could only happen if something provoked it. Surely a ride down a dirt road wouldn’t initiate anything? Maybe he really wanted to see some new sights…you had to remind yourself that there was someone living and breathing inside of this box, and no matter how pretty it looked to display in your office, it wouldn’t be right to keep it there forever. Keeping Curioso as some sort of prize didn’t sit right with you. His containment was a great example of your success with his case - but he still deserved some respect, despite having some villainous tendencies.

‘Yes, that’s what this will be’ , You convinced yourself. 

“Alright, Curioso. I’ll take you. But you HAVE to promise that you’re only there to help me with this case and nothing else.” 

“You have my word!” He sounded ecstatic. It brought an unconscious smile to your face hearing him sound this happy. ”As a plus, Detective - this will be the perfect opportunity to earn your trust. Wouldn’t you say?” 

“You know what..” You stroked your chin as you mused about it. “If you can prove that you won’t try and escape, and actually give me some help, then we can do this again.” 

He tilted his mask. You were convinced that if he had eyes, they’d be wide right now. “You would take me along on another case?” 

“Why not? If you behave, then it wouldn't have to be just my cases. I could bring you to the park, or something.” These words came out awkwardly and your cheeks heated in embarrassment. Curioso didn’t seem to care, feeling too elated hearing the words themselves. 

“Maybe we’ll even solve this together! That’s a fun thought, isn’t it?” 

You never thought about having a partner before, the picture of someone being in your way while you did detective work was bothersome. But with Curioso…you felt like it wouldn’t be too bad. He’ll be trapped in a box the entire time, so he can only speak to you. You liked that idea more than having to physically work with a bumbling assistant. 

lowkey obsessed with dupin in all incarnations, especially dark tales games where he's the most pathetic man alive, gets clocked in the face a lot and you have to bail him out of danger like a damsel in distress

Okay I was just scrolling through YouTube and I just found out there’s a new Mystery Case Files game!?

There’s currently a beta play through by GamerGirlDetective

The link is here if you want to check it out: https://youtu.be/Ln-aC3rcuQg?si=Me48m_mCzrjBwXCv

Phantasmat 2: Crucible Peak

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As I wrote in my last post about Phantasmat, my favorite part of the game is "Phantasmat 2: Crucible Peak"

It proved to be not only a game that can cause goosebumps and shock from cutscenes, which will be worked out in detail with its atmosphere, but also with the plot of the characters.

Oh, what a wonderful animation the characters have (especially Gretta's movements)

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P.s: I use a translator. If half of the words are not clear, sorry👁️👅👁️

"He’s Curioso, she’s Curioso, you’re Curioso, I’m Curioso! Are there any other Curiosos I should know about!?"

*Oscar the cat appears wearing a blue and red party hat*

Out of all of them, I'm afraid Phule is the OG. <3