Destruction! Song of Mishap

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**Destruction! Song of Mishap** is a Spectre quest released for the GL Valentines 2023 event for the Global version of Crash Fever.

A week before Valentine's Day, Cthugha attempts to make Valentines chocolate for Nyarlathotep. She finishes her first batch, and goes to have a taste, only to find it much saltier than she expected, as well as a little burnt. She is disheartened that it ended up so terribly despite her thinking it went well.

She tries to start another batch from scratch, but soon realizes that its burning because of her flames, and that batch ends up inedible as well. She laments how difficult it is to make chocolate, but reassures herself that she ought to be able to finish in time since she still has a week. She decides to leave and buy more ingredients.

At the store, she runs into Nyarlathotep. Nyarlathotep mentions that she was getting some things for dinner, and asks if Cthugha was there to shop as well. Cthugha explains that she was practicing making homemade chocolates and needed more ingredients. Nyarlathotep asks if she taste tests them as well, and Cthugha confirms she does, admitting that she sometimes messes up so it makes it necessary.

Nyarlathotep looks at her with a worried glance, but Cthugha insists that she will make sure to practice enough to give Nyarlathotep delicious chocolates that she can look forward to. Nyarlathotep weakly says thanks, and Cthugha notices that she seems to be a bit out of it. Nyarlathotep insists that she is fine and nothing is wrong, and Cthugha suggests that if she wants they can go shopping together.

Nyarlathotep apologizes and says that she just remembered something important that she had to do, and says that she needs to head back home. She says they ought to talk again at some point, and says goodbye, much to Cthugha's disappointment, though she admits it was nice to at least see her. Cthugha then vows to improve enough with her chocolates to make something Nyarlathotep can enjoy.

Elsewhere, Nyarlathotep takes a moment to stop, and worries about how Cthugha will feel about her leaving so soon. She then admits to herself that the reason she couldn't stay there listening to Cthugha was because she had gained weight from eating too much chocolate. She notes that she had tasted a lot of homemade chocolate while preparing for Valentine's Day, and yet while Cthugha had supposedly done the same she didn't seem to be affected at all. She laments that she couldn't stand to listen to Cthugha since she was the only one gaining weight.

Nyarlathotep then thinks for a bit, and decides that she needs to do something to lose the weight so that she can still taste chocolates, or else Cthugha will be furious with her when the time comes to exchange chocolates. While walking down the street, she notices a flyer for a new gym opening, and resolves to work out there so that she can lose the weight.

Two days later, Cthugha is back at the store having to buy more ingredients due to failing so many times. She laments that the more she concentrates, the stronger her flames become, which just ruins the chocolate. She worries that she might not be able to finish the chocolate before Valentine's Day. She soon spots Nyarlathotep again at the store, who is thinking about what her routine at the gym will be that day.

Cthugha eagerly greets Nyarlathotep, much to her surprise. Cthugha brings up how Nyarlathotep had to run errands last time they met, and asks if she would like to go out for tea today. Nyarlathotep nervously but politely declines, and suggests that they go out another time. She quickly rushes out, and Cthugha worries about why she is acting so strange. She considers for a moment that Nyarlathotep is trying to avoid her, but reassures herself that she is just being paranoid since her chocolate making hasn't been going well, and that all she need to do is give her a good chocolate and everything will be well.

Cthugha prepares to go home, but sees several other couples making preparations for Valentine's Day, which just makes Cthugha feel jealous since things don't seem to be going well for her. She then suddenly hears a song being performed, and goes to investigate. She sees a crowd surrounding the singer, who introduces herself as Valentinus, the "preacher of love". She tells her listeners that if they ever have trouble with love, to just remember her songs, or consult with her directly.

Cthugha remarks to herself about how odd Valentinus is, when Valentinus suddenly calls out to her. She asks Cthugha if she enjoyed the song since it seems to be her first time listening. Cthugha admits that she didn't come to listen to the song and was just passing by, though Valentinus remarks that it means Cthugha was drawn there by her singing. Cthugha denies it, and mentions that she's feeling quite stressed at the moment and would rather not continue talking to her.

Valentinus says that she can tell that Cthugha is having some difficulty with her love life. Cthugha asks how she knew, and Valentinus says that she can tell what a person is in need of her help. Cthugha refuses, but Valentinus says that she can at least talk about it which ought to make her feel better if nothing else. Cthugha sighs, and reluctantly explains her situation. Valentinus listens, and says that she is willing to help her solve her problem.

Cthugha asks what her motivation for helping would be, and Valentinus just explains that helping others to smile and be happy on Valentine's Day is what her purpose is. Cthugha quietly says to herself that, despite being quite odd, Valentinus doesn't seem to be a bad person. Cthugha accepts her help, though she warns her that if she messes with Nyarlathotep she'll make her pay. Valentinus vows to make sure they both end up happy.

Valentinus suggests that they try to figure out why Nyarlathotep has been acting so strange, and Cthugha mentions that she had just seen her down the street. Valentinus nods, and they set out. However, an unknown woman and man nearby observe, with the woman remarking that Valentinus's message is so mundane and boring, and that Valentinus never changes. The man agrees, referring to the woman as Faunus. He states that, if only Faunus's songs were more popular, there would be less stupid romantics around.

Faunus recognizes the man as Claudius, and says that she didn't expect to see him there. He explains that he was passing by the area on his way to work and noticed her, and mentions that he was surprised to see Valentinus had come to that city. He expresses with disgust how the city already has a sickly sweet smell, and Valentinus's singing only makes it worse. Faunus laughs and says that she is sure that he hates all these loving couples as much as she does. Claudius remarks that he despises love since it just leaves one vulnerable all in the hope of chasing after an illusion. He states that what people need is not love, but power, such as military technology.

Faunus recalls how the private military company that Claudius works for is known for weapon development. Claudius confirms, and says that if she ever needs help from him she just needs to ask. Faunus decides to take him up on the offer, and suggests that they do something to get back at Valentinus. Claudius is intrigued, and says that it would do much to ruin the hopes of those who follow Valentinus's teachings. The two begin to discuss their plan.

A few days later, Cthugha and Valentinus arrive at a gym, with Cthugha wondering if Nyarlathotep really is there. Valentinus says that she isn't fully sure, but people she talked to said that she seemed to have been there recently. She tells Cthugha to look closely and see if she can see Nyarlathotep, but Cthugha doesn't see her. Valentinus wonders if the person had seen someone else, but then mentions to Cthugha that the gym also has a swimming pool in a nearby room.

Cthugha spots Nyarlathotep in the pool, and Valentinus says that they should wait for Nyarlathotep to get dressed and come this way. Nyarlathotep gets out of the pool and remarks that it was quite a long swim. It turns out that there is another girl with her, who turns out to be Faunus. Faunus remarks that the pool was quite large so they pretty much had the area to themselves. Nyarlathotep agrees, and says that it was quite fun. She admits that she wouldn't have had the courage to swim alone, and thanks Faunus for offering to swim with her.

Faunus says that it isn't a big deal, since they joined the gym at roughly the same time and thus it wouldn't hurt for them to work out together. Nyarlathotep thanks her again, and tells her she can call her just "Nyarla" since they are friends now. Faunus asks her why she decided to join the gym, and Nyarlathotep explains that she was wanting to lose weight before Valentine's Day since she gained weight from tasting too much chocolate. Faunus says that she looks fine to her, and that she must have quite high standards.

Nyarlathotep says she's flattered, and asks why Faunus joined the gym. Faunus stumbles for a moment but explains that she wanted to work on her abdominal muscles some in order to help out with her singing. Nyarlathotep expresses her surprise that Faunus was a singer, though Faunus remarks that she isn't as good as she used to be. Nyarlathotep still begs her to sing one of her songs for her at some point, and Faunus agrees to do it at some point. Nyarlathotep excitedly says that she is looking forward to it.

Faunus then suggests that they do a quick run on the treadmill, and hands Nyarlathotep a sports drink. Nyarlathotep thanks her for being so kind, and Faunus insists that she is just trying to along with her fellow beginner gym goers. Meanwhile, Cthugha watches from a distance, having dreamily watched Nyarlathotep before getting angry at Faunus for being so close with Nyarlathotep. Valentinus tells her to calm down before her flames become big enough to burn the whole gym down. Cthugha just expresses her anger at someone else being with Nyarlathotep.

Valentinus further encourages Cthugha to calm down, and tells her that whoever Nyarlathotep befriends is her choice. Cthugha says that she knows that, but even so, she wants Nyarlathotep to only be intimate with her, as that is what love is. Valentinus corrects her, and says that love is about respecting your partner's feelings, and not trying to force your feelings on them. She asks Cthugha if she wants to take away Nyarlathotep's freedom to do what she wants and control every aspect of her life. Cthugha quickly says that isn't what she wants, and that she just wants her to be smiling and happy.

Valentinus remarks that that is what love is, and that they ought to respect Nyarlathotep's feelings. Cthugha nods, but admits that this situation still doesn't feel right to her. Valentinus suggests that she try to express her feelings through song, and rather than giving Nyarlathotep chocolate she can try giving her a song of love instead. Cthugha suddenly becomes quite excited at the idea, especially given how poorly her chocolate making has been.

Cthugha then mentions that he has never done this sort of this before. Valentinus just tells her to believe in herself, and points out that she is there to help as well. Cthugha leaves to prepare the song, while Valentinus then goes to confront Faunus about being around Nyarlathotep. Faunus says that she thought Valentinus forgot about her, but Valentinus points out that she was a famous singer so of course she would know her.

Faunus then says that while her songs used to be popular, all anyone wants these days are happy songs about love and romance. She derides it all as a bunch of nonsense, and says that those who enjoy such songs, including Valentinus, are as well. Valentinus asks Faunus if she is trying to interfere with her trying to help Cthugha's relationship, and Faunus confirms that she is. She confidently declares that she will teach everyone that love is one of the most meaningless things in the world.

Upon hearing this, Valentinus challenges Faunus to a competition on Valentine's Day, where Nyarlathotep will decide which song between Faunus and Cthugha is better. Faunus laughs and agrees to the challenge, remarking that Valentinus will have trouble working with someone as inexperienced as Cthugha. Valentinus says she better watch out, and leaves.

Nyarlathotep walks up to Faunus and mentions that she noticed she was missing earlier, and Faunus just tells her that she saw a familiar face. Nyarlathotep observed that Faunus seemed happy, and asks if it was a friend. Faunus says it was anything but, but remarks that Valentine's Day this year might not be as boring for her.

Several hours later, Cthugha starts to become worried about her song, as writing the lyrics was more challenging than she thought. Valentinus tries to raise her spirits, and mentions that there will even be a stage. Confused, Cthugha says that she thought that she would perform either at her place or at Nyarlathotep's place. Valentinus then says that she forgot to mention that the girl with Nyarlathotep was a famous singer known as Faunus, and that Cthugha will be participating in a singing contest against her on Valentine's Day. Valentinus then apologizes for not saying this sooner.

Cthugha vows to win the competition, and Valentinus adds that she will write the music so Cthugha can focus on the lyrics. Cthugha then gets to work, writing quickly, as she says she will express all of her feelings for Nyarlathotep in her song. Valentinus notes that she seems to be writing quite fast, and remarks that she must have been holding onto a lot of feelings for Nyarlathotep. She then advises that Cthugha keep the song simple, and make sure to have a clear and concise message at the main part of the song. Cthugha nods and keeps working on it.

Soon, the contest arrives, and both Faunus and Cthugha sing their songs. Upon the conclusion of Cthugha's singing, Nyarlathotep is touched that Cthugha would write a song like that just for her. Valentinus praises Cthugha's singing as well. Cthugha worries some on stage, noting that she went out of tune during the song due to her nervousness. She also worries that she might not be able to recover if Nyarlathotep ends up liking Faunus's song better. Valentinus assures her that she did great and to not worry.

Nyarlathotep rushes up to the stage, saying that she was so excited she had to come right away. She talks about how much she loved the song, and Cthugha happily expresses her love for Nyarlathotep once more. Nyarlathotep lovingly returns the sentiment, and Valentinus says how happy she is for the two of them. Faunus scoffs, expressing her annoyance at losing the contest, though Valentinus tells her it was a close battle as Faunus's song was also amazing in its own right.

Faunus just says that she doesn't need Valentinus's pity, and that she will just take it as a loss. She then says that, even though she lost the contest, it doesn't mean she has lost to all of these hopeless romantics. Another voice suddenly states that she is right, and Valentinus realizes who the voice is from.

The story is continued in Love & Peace Will Prevail.

## Counter Units

The Regional Festival event counter unit to this quest is the Valentines version of Cthugha.

## Trivia

* While Cthugha had previously shown uncharacteristic adoration to the adapter in Holy Night Streaming and the other GL Christmas 2023 quests, as of this event she is shown properly loving Nyarlathotep again.