Introducing... the Curse Dancer

[dmxrated]

Origin: Dark Cloud. First shown in the prologue (see 4:08 in the video), as they perform a ritual to unseal the Dark Genie. Much later on, they're an enemy species in the Gallery of Time. Apparently, they are undead beings, because they move like molasses, and when you aim at them with Steve (a talking slingshot), it will tell you that there is no blood flowing through them.

Arguably the coolest enemy ever in a video game. I wish they would appear in the topmost section in the Demon Shaft.




http://shrines.rpgclassics.com/ps2/dcloud/bestiary.shtml

But anyway, here are three fics where such a thing (or a variation thereof) will appear. (At Jake's request, though, it will be very much alive in one of them.)

Monster Collection Chronicles: During the first fic, Warp summons Katsuo into his chamber each night when everyone else is asleep, knowing of the resentment that he bears against his own family. During each session, Warp usually trains him to resist mind control, but at some point, he will also teach him the art of necromancy, and instructs him to find victims to capture, who will then be slain and turned into Curse Dancers. When enough Dancers have been gathered, a still-living being (either Katsuo himself or one captive who is lucky to still have his or her life) will lead the ritual, in order to release Warp from his prison.

Digimon Royale: In this fic, they are known as Ceremon. They are the only non-canon Armor Digimon, naturally digivolve into Matadormon, and might be the only digivolution obtainable from the Digimental of Darkness. (Matadormon associates with them perfectly because he's associated with dancing, also has similar long claws, and is classified as an "Undead" Digimon.)

Early in the last main arc, Mondo and Rockna are captured during a huge fight in the real world, and brought to Lilithmon's castle. Once there, Lilithmon's ritual practitioner Matadormon leads the Ceremon to perform a hypnotic dance, intended to pit the two against each other. (Lilithmon will also speak to them, telling them why they should try to kill each other.)

At this time, though, this is when some of their friends are also visiting the Harmonious Ones, while others are on their way to saving them within the castle. The spell will be broken after everyone receives their Hybrid transformations.

Ultimate Girls II: Already described before, on the 18th of last March. Even though the monster in question is different in a number of ways, he was inspired from the Curse Dancer enemy nonetheless. Jake requested shortly after the post that he not be undead, since he has an aversion to that, so now he's just a sort of anti-UFO-Man.