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I woke up.
The quiet peace of the Dream welcomed me, as calm and comforting as ever.
For a moment, I stared blankly at the sky, the memories of what happened before my return to the Dream crashing on me with all the added guilt and horror I felt over what my duty as a Hunter required of me.
And then I froze, blinking rapidly.
"Doll." I said, with rather wide eyes.
The Doll, whose lap my head currently was resting in and whose fingers gently passed through my short black hair, looked down at me with a small, caring smile.
"Hello, Good Hunter. I hope your rest was peaceful?" She asked kindly, gentle concern in her voice.
I swallowed, before sighing and closing my eyes, focusing on the rather soothing feeling of her fingers passing through my hair. I certainly wasn't going to say no to a lap-pillow from the Doll.
No way in Hell was I ever going to be that foolish.
So with all that being said... "Yes, it was." I opened an eye, my black pupil shining with both amusement and gratitude directed at the woman whose lap my head was in. "No doubt partially thank to yourself, dear Doll- a more comfortable place to rest in, I cannot imagine in all the world."
She giggled quietly, her smile turning relieved and happy.
"Thank you, Good Hunter. But it is only natural for me to try to help you in any way that I can- I am here, in this Dream, to look after Hunters like yourself, remember?" She paused.
"Besides... I wanted to, Good Hunter." she declared softly, her gaze gentle but firm. "Seeing you so sad... It felt wrong. You, who faced all that Yharnam has thrown your way so far with naught but ever rising determination towards all who would stand in your way... I did not have the pleasure to know you for long yet, Good Hunter, but the fact that it is the pain and death of your fellow Man which finally managed to go through the armor around your heart, which finally brought you true pain... It says much about you, Good Hunter. All of them good. And I..."
She paused again, before her gaze turned even more gentle.
"Many a Hunters have passed through this Dream. All, like you, eventually break down from the horrors of the Hunt. But while many succumb to despair over their own fates, fewer do so over the fates of those they fight. Far too many..." Her voice turned sad. "Far too many comes to enjoy it, in time. The deaths, the Blood... They kill and kill, until they desire nothing more than to kill some more, as if they were beasts themselves, losing sight of who they were before they joined the Hunt." Her voice turned into a whisper, her eyes lost in thoughts and memories.
"Forgetting all about why they joined the Hunt in the first place. Many a tale did I hear over time, many a dream did I listen to..." She shook her head. "For too many, all that was left by the end were nightmares. Nightmares, which they would not, could not break themselves free from."
She smiled at me, then, a small, hopeful thing, all the more beautiful for it fragility.
"I can only hope and pray, Good Hunter, that no matter the horrors you shall face throughout the Hunt... No matter what your Duty requires of you... Someone as kind as you does not lose that very kindness that defines you so beautifully."
I stared at her smiling face for a long moment, taking in the painful past and memories so obvious in her words... before I smiled back, my eyes firm and determined.
"Then I promise you that I shall forever remains your Good Hunter, Dear Doll- and one worthy of the Name." I declared, not a shred of hesitation in my voice.
The Doll's eyes widened, and somehow a blush came to her cheeks.
"Good Hunter..." she said softly, her eyes fixed on me.
My right hand came to rest on the right side of her face, and I smiled a little as she leaned against it slightly.
"As you said before... Putting an end to the Hunt is a great burden. But..." My smile turned into a grin. "As long as I have you by my side, I promise that I shall always return to you- and always remain true to myself, too. Through all the Blood, the Death and Madness of the Hunt... In the end, none of it can even come close to your beautiful, gentle light, dear Doll..."
The blush on her face is much greater now, but it is entirely eclipsed by the brilliant smile on her face.
"Oh, Good Hunter... I am but a Doll, here in this Dream to look after you..."
"Perhaps. But to me, you are the sole island of sanity and genuine kindness in this mad world. So..." I took a deep breath, before making sure to look straight into her eyes.
"Thank you, Doll, for being there for me. Thank you for your kindness and concerns. Thank you... for everything." I said firmly.
She stared at me for a moment, before yet another brilliant smile spread across her face.
"It is my pleasure... Aeon."
And for a time, I decided to follow one of her previous advice- I stayed there with her, the two of us hugging one another, as I told her of my fight with Father Gascoigne, of his horrific transformation, of his death, of finding Viola's corpse... All that and more, with the Doll kind words and boundless understanding allowing me to keep going until finally I feel silent, both of us silently enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Hunter's Dream, while the Gamer's powers allowed me to do so with the Dream's music theme in the background.
For a blissful moment, there were no thoughts of Beasts, Blood or Duty on my mind- only those of the gentle, warm embrace of the beautiful woman by my side, soothing the wounds on my heart and soul by her mere presence.
And I swore to myself once more...
That such moments would exist for the rest of Eternity.
No matter the cost.
Eventually however, no matter how enjoyable staying with the Doll was, I needed to get up and do things.
The first thing I did was take the Stat Points Disk out of my Inventory and use it, which allowed my Vit Stat to reach (150).
Then I put my other stat points to good use, finally reaching the All (100) Perk.
*Ding!*
Your Charisma is now (100)!
For having charisma of (100), you gain a new Trait!
Cha (100): People are naturally drawn to you, and trust you faster. You now have a gift for simply listening to people, your very presence soothing them such that they more easily talk about their problems and find comfort doing so. They also are more likely to think the best of you, unwilling to condemnyou for anything unless a good amount of proofs exist to confirm any crime that you may have committed. Oh, and people naturally attracted to your current gender now consider you "Handsome/Beautiful" without fail.
*Ding!*
Your Luck is now (100)!
For having Luck of (100), you gain a new Trait!
Luck (100): You are incredibly lucky. It is very rare for you to lose to any game of chance, and you will even more easily find a greater quantity of Loot in your travels. Furthermore, once per battle you will be able to avoid a killing blow and turn it into a glancing strike, whether it is through you dodging at the last minute, you enemy tripping over himself or something else.
*Ding!*
Your Stats have reached All (100)!
For having Stats at All (100), you gain a new Trait!
All (100): Second Step To Glory. You are the better, in all ways, of any Yharnamites civilians. 20% increased learning speed for All skills. 20% increase in all exp/Blood Echoes gain.
I smiled, quite satisfied at my Stats. Sure, I was apparently still just somewhere above a regular Yharnamite now, but considering the short time that I was at it this was incredible progress.
I smiled even harder at the message informing me that I had gained (+10) reputation with the Doll for my words to her.
True, the circumstances behind that talk were... Well, the guilt and horror were still very much there, but I just could never be unhappy at having a better relationship with her.
Speaking of the Doll...
I got up from where I had been in Meditation before taking care of my Stats, having decided that passing some time doing so after the recent... events could only be for my benefit.
In the end, the conclusion I came to did not change- There truly wasn't more that I could think of that could have helped save Father Gascoigne. Thus, granting him peace through death was the sole remaining form of mercy that I could grant him.
The difference with before was that I actually understood and accepted this emotionally much better than before my... breakdown. The guilt, horror and general sense of failure on my part would always remain... But at least it would now strengthen my resolve for when I find myself facing similar situations in the future.
At least, I could take some grim pride in having stopped Gascoigne from killing anyone else but his wife and myself in his madness.
Though I still did not look forward to having to go and talk to his daughters about what happened...
Coming close to the Doll, I smiled softly at her, a smile she returned immediately.
"Good Hunter. May I help you?"
I nodded. "I have... some Blood Echoes from my last fight that I wish to use." I declared, my voice carrying the slightest hint of sadness within it.
She nodded back, a solemn aura around her. "Understood. Then close your eyes, Good Hunter, and focus on the Echoes of Blood..."
I did as requested, my thoughts focusing on a single thing-
(Axe Wielding Mastery), I thought.
Considering that those were Gascoigne's Blood Echoes... there were no other choice for them, I felt.
True, (3200) Blood Echoes only allowed me to go to Level (63)... But there was more at play here than cold pragmatism in my decision making.
Father Gascoigne used an Axe to defend those he loved. Thus, where else could I use his Blood Echoes for to honor him, however slightly?
Once done, I bowed in thanks to the Doll, who returned my bow, before I made my way to the Hunter's Workshop, where Gherman awaited me.
He stared at me for a time when I entered, before the look in his eyes softened.
"So you understand, now." He declared, voice soft but carrying easily across the building.
I nodded solemnly back. "I do, yes." I replied, voice equally soft but strong. Unflinching.
Sad, but merciless.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, looking even older than he usually did, before opening them again, a measure of compassion in his gaze as he stared at me.
"To be a Hunter is to walk with Death and Madness." He proclaimed solemnly. "Always, a Hunter must confront two foes, each as deadly and cunning, who assail him or her their entire life: The Beast Without... and Within." He nodded grimly. "All Hunters, even the best, must struggle with this Truth. It is one that we can never escape from; only learn to fight with, day after day. And all it takes for us to fall, whether to the enemy from without or within..." He sighed deeply "Is but a single moment of weakness. That is all that stand between a Hunter and Death and Damnation..."
"A single moment." He declared, his eyes grim and features hard.
I nodded silently, the look on my face equally grim. True, I had (Gamer's Mind)... But what about everybody else?
In a world gone mad, was the ability to remain the only sane man a Blessing... or a Curse?
Needless to say, the sooner I left this Hellhole behind the better... though not before I try my best to makes things right.
And grab Godhood along the way, of course. For all my good intentions, I certainly was in this for myself, too.
The First Hunter's eyes grew unfocused for a moment, before focusing again on me.
"Once, a wise man spoke those words: 'Man was born of the Blood, made men by the Blood, undone by the Blood;'" he paused. "'Fear the Old Blood.'" He solemnly declared.
"Remember those words, Good Hunter- they will serve you well, if you but only heed their wisdom."
I nodded, not really surprised that Gherman would throw that quote at me- If I remembered well, he and Willem knew each other.
Gherman sighed, before inviting me to make myself comfortable while I began telling him everything that happened since the last time we spoke.
By the end of it, Gherman nodded, throwing me a look of approval.
"You did well. As much as you could and then some, really. Trying to save him at the start was perhaps rather foolish-" I gave him a look, but he didn't even blink "-but understandable considering the circumstances. And killing him once it was clear that he was lost was indeed needed- an experienced Hunter like him would make for a challenging beast for the people of Yharnam." He paused, giving me a once-over and nodding in satisfaction.
"And I see you have found yourself some proper clothes befitting a Hunter. Good. They fit you much better that those civilians clothes you had." He grinned. "Proved themselves much more useful too, I imagine?"
I nodded, making a show of stretching in my new outfit. "They do. They are actually capable of protecting me from beasts claws and bites, while being surprisingly comfortable too."
Gherman chuckled, some pride showing in his eyes. "Aye. At the very beginning, long before things had gotten so bad, some Hunters tried to use armors... It didn't work out well. Beasts are too fast and strong, after all. What we Hunters needed was not more protection, but greater speed and agility." His grin grew. "The better way to survive an attack is by not getting hit in the first place, don't you agree?"
I grinned back. "Indeed. The first lesson of any Hunter is not to *Hit Hard*, as it turns out, but to *Dodge Good*."
The First Hunter laughed at that. "Very true!" He exclaimed. Then he began grumbling under his breath. "Now if only those lunatics of the Powder Kegs Workshop had learned that..."
I gave him a look but said nothing- I was more likely than not going to use at least some of their weapons at some points, after all.
Speaking of Workshop...
I turned to mine, taking my Axe out of Inventory.
Gherman hummed in approval. "You are going to keep strengthening your weapons, I take it?"
I nodded.
He smiled. "Good. Do so, I'll watch over your work."
I got to work, first repairing my weapon and only then going through the process of strengthening it.
By the end of it, I was proudly holding my Hunter's Axe (+3), a satisfied look on my face, one equally shared by Gherman.
"Good work, Good Hunter. It will serve you even better now. Though do remember-"
"A Hunter's tools are only as useful as the Hunter himself is skilled with using those tools. Yes, I understand." I finished.
I paused, before grinning. "Speaking of tools..." I drew out the Blood Gem Workshop Tool, putting it the the table before us.
Gherman took one look at it before smiling at the sight of it.
"Ah, so you found one of this Workshop's old tool in your Hunt already, I see. Good. I shall teach you all about it later- we shall require Blood Gems, and I do not believe you have many of those-" He gave me a look, but I shook my head. "-so it is not something to worry about for now. Still, well done- this old Hunter's Workshop is one step closer to regaining it's former glory."
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye out for any of the others too." I declared.
Gherman nodded, before looking thoughtful.
"There is one other thing." He paused, before continuing softly "The Moon is close." he declared, throwing me a look, and I nodded grimly- in Bloodborne, the Moon was kind of a Big Deal, as we both knew all too well.
"It will be a long Hunt tonight. If the beasts loom large, and threaten to crush your spirits, seek a Holy Chalice." he declared, voice unusually full of reverence. "As every Hunter before you has. A Holy Chalice will reveal the Tomb of the Gods... Where Hunters partake in communion."
He grimaced slightly. "Most of the Holy Chalices lie deep within the Tomb of the Gods, And the few who found their way to the surface... Were lost again in the hands of men." He leaned forward. "But if the old Hunter tales remain true... One of the Holy Chalices is worshipped in the Valley hamlet. Yet the Town is in disarray..." He warned. "It was burned and abandoned, for fear of the scourge, home now only to beasts." He chuckled.
"The perfect place for a Hunter, wouldn't you say?" He finished, smirking.
I nodded slowly.
"Then I shall find it eventually." I declared.
He grinned. "We shall see."
With that over with, I left the Workshop, heading to the Tombstone which would sent me back to Yharnam.
I did take note that I had gained (20) Reputation with Gherman- (5) for wearing Hunter clothes, (10) for the whole thing with Father Gascoigne, and (5) for finding the Workshop tool.
Either way, I couldn't help but look at the tombstone with a certain apprehension. The incoming talk with Violetta will NOT be fun.
"Good Hunter?" The Doll asked, concern in her voice as she saw me stare at the Tombstone silently.
I sighed. "It's nothing, dear Doll. I just..." I trailed off, sighing again.
"I just can't help but feel the heavy Weight of Duty on my shoulders, that is all." I declared.
Then I stepped forward, and Yharnam welcomed me once again, in all it's unholy Glory.
I found myself in Oedon Chapel, the smell of incense heavy in the air.
Giving a quick nod at the Dweller, I began making my way to Violetta, killing every beasts in my path- including the Boar, who if nothing else helped raise my spirit slightly.
Mostly because killing the would-be killer of Violetta felt, without a doubt, like satisfying work that I could be proud of.
All too swiftly I arrived to her house, and knocked on the window.
It immediately opened, revealing Violetta's hopeful face, her bright blue eyes cutting into my heart even more painfully than her Father's Axe did.
"Hello, Mister Hunter! Did you find my mum?" She asked, voice full of hope.
I stayed silent for a moment, making sure that (Gamer's Mind) was running at full blast, before replying.
"I... did." I took out the Red Jeweled Brooch out of a pocket, having made sure to put it there after my return to Yharnam.
At the very least, I made sure to clean up all the blood from it, too.
Violetta's blue eyes went wide at the sight of it, before glancing up at me with fear. It wasn't hard to imagine WHY I came back with just the Jeweled Brooch.
I nodded grimly. I didn't want her to know the full truth of events, however, so I decided to take a page out of Obi-Wan Kenobi's book and use a... creative version of the Truth.
"I'm sorry to say, but I found both of your parents dead by Oedon Chapel. An horrible beast had apparently managed to kill them both, though not before your father successfully killed it before succumbing to his own wounds. I found both of their bodies side by side and holding hands, so I know it's little comfort, but... I can at least promise you that they died together and as peacefully as circumstances allowed."
I gently gave her the Brooch, her shaking hands holding it tightly.
She looked at it with tears-filled eyes. "They... both of my parents are...? Oh, gods no..." She started sobbing, tightly clutching the brooch in her hands and holding it close to her chest.
I looked at her with sympathy, though I honestly wasn't sure what I could say in a case like this. I couldn't even give her a hug, not with the metals bars around the window.
I at least put my right hand on her right shoulder, my arm going between the bars to try and give her what comfort I could.
She sobbed harder, but the way she leaned into my hand reassured me that it was helping... a little.
I don't know how long I stayed there, though I honestly didn't care. Time in Bloodborne was weird anyway, and I sure as hell wasn't going to leave her alone, especially after my own part in all this.
Eventually though, her tears dried up, for there was only so much of them the human body could give.
She looked up at me, her face honestly a mess of tears and snot- not that I blamed her. She tried to dry her eyes, though it was obvious that wasn't going to really work.
"I... I'm sorry, Mister Hunter. It's just..." She sobbed again, but I shook my head gently.
"Don't worry about it." I told her, smiling sadly. "I understand. Considering the circumstances..." I sighed. "Trust me. There is nothing wrong with crying, and anybody who tells you otherwise is an idiot." Considering I did it myself not long ago, I really did understand- doubly so, since I was quite literally an universe away from my own family.
She nodded, still very much looking devastated though, which as I said was only natural- she did just learn that she was now an orphan.
"If you want, I do know of a safe place in which you can stay for the duration of the Night and the Hunt. Would you like me to accompany you there?" I asked softly.
She thought about it for a moment, before nodding, small sniffles still coming out every now and then.
I smiled. "Alright. Then get yourself in some comfortable and warm clothes, grab anything that you want take with you, and I'll lead you there."
She nodded again, before disappearing within her house for a few minutes.
I waited patiently, and eventually she unlocked the front door and came out, her outfit now appropriate for going in outside.
I noticed that she didn't take anything besides the brooch otherwise, which she was still clutching tightly in her right hand, but said nothing- honestly, besides some warm clothes I wasn't sure what would be good to take with her.
I would normally say food and water, but considering that it was Yharnam...
Well.
In any case, I took her left hand in my own and smiled kindly.
"Ready to go?"
She nodded sadly, throwing one last look at her home, before I proceeded to escort her to Oedon Chapel.
"Where are we going?" she asked softly.
"To Oedon Chapel. It's safe inside, and... I thought you'd like to be able to go see your parents and pay your respects, too."
She nodded jerkily, more tears falling silently down her face, even as we went through street after street.
It said something that, beside a few wide-eye looks at the dead beasts across our paths- I had been throughout while making my way to her- she didn't really react.
Too much in shock and grief, I assumed. I would have preferred not having her see any of the corpses, but the path was full of left and right and ups and downs, so there was no way to make the entire trip with me holding her in my arms.
Especially when there was always the risk of being attacked out of nowhere.
Thankfully my new level (100) Luck held, and eventually we both stepped into the courtyard of the Chapel.
I took us to two very specific graves first, and Violetta's eyes widened when she saw the names on both.
Trembling, she finally let go of my left hand, which she had been clutching all this time with a death grip, as if it was a lifeline that would see her lost forever if she let go, before walking forward and in front of the graves.
She stared at both graves for a long, silent moment, before, with a scream of anguish, she collapsed on her knees, sobbing hard once again.
This time I could hug her, and promptly did, kneeling behind her and holding her tight.
She twisted around, burying her face in my chest and holding me with all the strength she had (which as an Yharnamite was actually much higher than one might think), and for yet another unknown period of time I simply stayed there, rubbing soothing circles in her back and whispering kind, soft words in her ears as she cried whatever tears she had left in her body.
Eventually it was all too much, and she fell asleep in my arms, her face twisted with grief even now.
I sighed, getting up and taking her in my arms, before looking at the two graves before me.
"I'll make sure she survives this night. I promise." I vowed firmly. "It's... the least I can do." I finished softly.
Then I walked into the Chapel, the Dweller's eyes widening at the sight of me and the young teenage girl in my arms.
"Orphan as of tonight." I explained softly, and he grimaced in sadness before nodding.
It was a grim truth of this city that such things were more and more common, I had no doubt.
That is, when there were still orphans alive to keep the family name going in the first place...
I sat with my back to the wall, Violetta still asleep in my arms.
With a sigh, I gently shook her awake, softly calling her name out.
She blinked awake, her eyes taking a moment to adjust to our surroundings before they went wide, staring up at my softly smiling face for a time before darting to take in the rather impressive sight of the inside of Oedon Chapel.
Her blue eyes took the sight in with some wonder, and I grinned at her.
"I take it you haven't been here much before?"
She shook her head. "Never during the night, at least." She stared at the rows upon rows of urns with incense, before her eyes fell on the Dweller.
She froze, whimpering slightly, squirming closer to me and gripping the front of my outfit tightly, but I merely chuckled kindly.
"Don't worry about the Dweller. He may look a bit strange, but he is very nice and kind. He is the one who offered me to let people in here tonight to better protect them from the beasts outside, you know?"
She nodded shyly, and the Dweller waved at her.
She gulped, but waved back, an uncertain smile on her face, obviously rather fearful of the Dweller's appearance but not wanting to be rude.
The Dweller smile widely back, before nodding at me.
I nodded back, understanding that he was telling me that he would look out for her, before looking back down at Violetta, who still looked rather scared and obviously sad, but at least she wasn't crying.
For now.
I sighed, not having missed the fact she was still clutching my clothes with a death grip, nor the fact that she currently was as physically close to me as she could get, having tried to make herself as small as possible while on my lap, her blue eyes bouncing everywhere but always finding their ways back to the Dweller- and me especially.
I pursed my lips, before sighing deeply.
Violetta naturally turned her gaze to me immediately, concern shining bright in her eyes, and I couldn't help but smile sadly.
"Violetta..." I began, before trailing off.
How was I supposed to let her know that I needed to go back to the Hunt and couldn't simply stay here with her all night long?
When she quite obviously was this terrified?
As it turned out though, I didn't have to.
"You are going to leave, go back to the Hunt, aren't you Mister Aeon?" she asked softly, her voice trembling, and I grimaced.
She swallowed hard, the sound of it loud to my superhuman senses, before nodding.
"I... I know you need to go, that you are a Hunter, but I just..." She choked slightly, tears falling from her eyes.
"I just don't want to lose you too, Mister Aeon!" She cried, burying her head in my chest and sobbing.
I hugged her as she cried, once again doing my best to comfort her.
I wasn't really surprised- she did grow to care about the Good Hunter a great deal and very quickly in the game, and with my own Charisma Stat at play to boot...
Well. As I said, I did see this coming.
Didn't make it any less hard on me, though.
"I'm sorry, Violetta. But someone needs to go kill the Beasts, and I'm afraid that said someone has to be me. There are... very few hunters left as far as I can tell, and quite a few beasts remaining that needs to die, so I am needed outside and fighting the good fight. Besides," I smiled "remember what I said? About me becoming the greatest Hunter ever? So good that all the Beasts will run away from me in fear? I can't really do that if I don't go and fight said beasts, you know."
I sighed.
"If it is at all possible to stop the scourge of beasts... Then I'll find that way. That solution. That's what I am, after all. That's who I am. I am Aeon, The Good Hunter... and one way or another, I'll put an end to the scourge of beasts. I'll save Humanity. Against Beasts, Madmen and Gods alike... I'll keep fighting, until all the monsters are dead, and all the Nightmares of Man slain."
I fell silent after that, simply hugging Violetta to my chest, before I felt her moving.
She got up, me following after her, before looking up at me for a long moment... before she nodded.
"Okay." She whispered. There were still tears in her eyes, but- "Then I'll pray for you."
I stared at her, and her lips quirked up slightly.
"Well, I am in a Chapel, after all. And..." She trailed off, her gaze lowering for a moment before finding mine again.
"I don't know if there is any gods who listen to us humans, I can't help but think they don't, because if they did why are things so bad? But..." she looked away, swallowing hard, before she strengthened. "But I don't want you to get hurt or... or die." she choked, tears in her eyes again, her fists clenching at her side.
"You've been nothing but kind to me." She said softly. "I can tell that you are an Outsider, but even then, you are still fighting, still willing to risk getting hurt or worse for our sake, still refusing to abandon us to the Beasts. Still willing to go out of your way for someone you've never met before simply because it's the right thing to do."
She shook her head, staring up at me with a complicated mix of emotions in her wide blue eyes.
"Do you know how rare that is? Most people in Yharnam... They care only about themselves. Maybe their friends and family, and even then..." she trailed off.
"But you..." She stared at me, looking awed and confused both. "You've been nothing but kind. Patient. Helpful. I know, I know that most Hunters don't really care about people. Maybe they did, once, my Father..." she choked, but kept going "My father told me stories, and I heard in the streets too, of Hunters who cared and wanted to make things better once, but that was a long time ago. Now, it's only about killing, about their next Hunt, about the Blood... but almost never about people."
She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine.
"But you, you are different. You don't talk about the Blood, or about killing, not really- you just want things to be better. You want to MAKE things better. And the sheer conviction in your voice..." She trailed off, her wide blue eyes staring at me with awe.
"I don't think I've ever heard of anyone talking like that. Not even the people of the Church. They preach, about the Gods, about the Blood, about all kinds of things... But people don't believe. Not really. They're scared, and they don't have anything else to turn to, so they say they do, they clung to the Church and it's words of Salvation and Greatness for Man... But in the end, even the people of the Church are desperate. Everyone knows it, even if no one will ever say it aloud."
She paused, before continuing softly.
"But you? You aren't scared. You are sad, and angry, but you don't fear like everybody else. Even my parents..." she swallowed. "Even my parents were afraid. They tried their best to hide it, but me and my sister knew- they were afraid, and it was worse and worse as time went by. But you, you aren't afraid. I can see it. There is no despair, no terror in your eyes when you speak of the Hunt. Neither is there the desire for Blood that even my father had. No, you are just determined- determined to ending the Hunt, ALL Hunts, forever. You want to save people, Mister Aeon, you want to save us all, not out of fear or despair, but because you care- and because you genuinely believe that you can do it. And that..."
She trailed off, tears in her eyes.
"It's beautiful, Mister Aeon. It truly is, like few things I have ever seen. And so I will pray, to all the Gods that might listen, even when I can't help but doubt that any does, because you deserve it. Because you deserve better... And if it might help you, even a little, then It'll be worth it"
I stared at her determined face for a long moment, taking in all that she said, before replying softly.
"I'm not a hero, you know. I do not, will never consider myself one. Not truly. I have already done things that I refuse to believe is truly worthy of a hero. I will do many more, I know that much too. In the end, I am only a man, caught up in a situation far beyond anything he could have ever imagined, and desperately trying to live the best he can despite that. And I have my own, selfish reasons to be a Hunter. Make no mistake... I am no knight in shining armor. I am a Hunter, Born in Blood, Made by the Blood... and potentially Undone by it, if ever I lose sight of the path I wish to walk upon."
She looked at me for a time, before softly declaring
"Maybe. But I've long since stopped believing in knight in shining armor like in the old tales myself, Mister Aeon. Everyone in Yharnam does, sooner or later. So I won't put my trust in a man straight out of legends, because they obviously don't exist. But putting my trust in the man who's been nothing but kind and helpful to me? The man who keep going out of his way to help, for no rewards and no other reason than because he can? Because he wants to? That man, Mister Aeon... He may be no hero, he may not be perfect-" she choked, clutching the brooch harder "-but at least he tries. At least he is there, doing his best. And that man... Knowing that he is only a man... Still decided to try and help, try and save us all. And for that..."
She sniffled, before staring hard at me.
"For that, that man deserve to be happy. Deserve to have at least one soul praying for him. So I will."
I said nothing for a moment, before nodding gently.
"Very well then." I declared softly.
I took the music box she once gave me out of my Inventory, the supernatural sight of it making her eyes widen in shock, before handling it to her.
"Here. It belongs to your family- I have no right to keep it. Take it- it's yours, after all."
She gently took the music box, her hand trembling as she did.
I turned, walking away and towards the exit.
I stopped before leaving the room, and said: "If I meet your sister, I'll bring her here safe. I promise."
Then I kept walking.
While behind me, a young girl smiled softly, looking at the back of the man who dare Dream of Paradise while in Hell itself, the music that her father loved so much soon filling the air of the Chapel they were in.
Softly-spoken but heartfelt prayers soon followed.
I stepped out of the chapel, making my way out to Gilbert's house, my thoughts heavy on the words that Violetta spoke with such passion.
With a thought, I brought up my relationship tracker... and boggled at what it showed me.
(85/100). I had almost maxed my reputation with Violetta already.
That was...
I shook my head. I knew that this was a post-apocalypse world, what with the literal monsters in the streets, the collapse of civilization and everything else...
But I was finally starting to understand the effects it had on the people here.
It suddenly made sense why, in the game, depending on your choices, you could have Violetta tell you that she loved you almost as much as her family members, even when you barely passed five minutes with her, all told.
Because she really was that shocked at someone going out of their way for someone else. Especially without rewards involved.
Apparently... People here just didn't care anymore. The world was ending, they all knew it, so why bother? Why be kind to someone who might die tomorrow? Why be helpful when the next day the person that you helped might turn into a beast?
Why bother with friendship... if only pain, or worse betrayal, were all that awaited?
Violetta's words... She made no mention of having friends, did she? Neither in the game or here.
Was there even schools left? Probably not, huh.
People really were just... going through the motions. Living, day after day, in fear- both of what they could turn into, or what their neighbor might become.
That was...
Wrong.
So, so utterly WRONG!
Earth had problems, but damnit it was still better than THIS!
Humanity could still look forwards to a brighter tomorrow! People could still have Hope! Dreams!
They still could live without fear gripping their hearts every day that went by!
This was... WRONG.
Mankind should be able to look forward to the future. Humanity should be free to Dream of a bright destiny!
Free to Dream of Paradise! Of everyone they knew and loved living happy, prosperous lives!
But here, there was only Despair. Terror.
Madness.
I knew it, of course, knew it was bad, but still... To see things through the eyes of a child, a child that looked me in the eyes and told me she's lived in fear, potentially her whole life...
I hated it. Hated it utterly and completely.
... So I would change things. I would bring Salvation to this world.
I was to be a god, after all. A God of Humanity. And no God of Humanity should ever become it's tyrants. No gods that Humans worshipped should ever bring only pain and misery.
I did not hate the Great Ones, mind you- they literally did not know better. And wasn't it the Greed of Man that brought their attentions to Yharnam and it's people? The leadership of the Healing Church...
If anybody should be blamed, it should be them- them, and their greed for power.
Ironic, perhaps, for a man who desired godhood himself to hold them in such contempt... But I desired to claim godhood through being a warrior. A protector. Perhaps not a hero, certainly not a comic-books version of such, but at least a man who could look back on his own rise to Greatness and be PROUD of himself.
If anyone were ever to know of my story, then I wanted it to be one that inspired awe and respect- not disgust and rage at the sins committed within.
Heh. I guessed I found where my pride laid- I would become a god worthy of Faith, worthy of worship by mortal kind.
I would become an Incarnation of Judgment over Evil.
And if anyone ever decide to worship me, out of their own Free Will... then It will be a faith earned. One that I can be proud of.
I am Aeon, the Good Hunter... and I will Save this broken world.
No matter who or what stand in my way.
Don't worry, Violetta. If there is no god worthy of Mankind in this world... then I shall simply have to become one myself!
If Mankind cannot Dream of Paradise anymore... Then I shall simply build one for all with my own two hands!
Gilbert's house stood before me, and I called out to him.
I couldn't help but grimace at the harsh cough I heard coming from the house- Yeah, I died from sickness myself, I could sympathize.
"You alright in there, Gilbert?"
"Ah, you needn't concern yourself for me. I'm afraid I'm of little help now." He replied, his voice weak, before I heard him shuffle around. "But before I... Take this..." He extended the Flamesprayers, and I gently took it, giving him a concerned look at his sickly pallor.
"I made no use of it, but perhaps you..." He coughed hard, leaning against the wall, before looking up at me with a sad smile.
"What afflicted me was incurable, but this town gave me hope... Their strange Blood gave me time." He explained. "I was most fortunate. Unharmed by the plague of beasts"
He smiled.
"I can even die human..." he trailed off, before falling into yet another harsh cough.
I gave him a long look, before my shoulders dropped.
"I see... You don't have much time, do you? You are already weaker than you were when we last spoke..." I pointed out.
He nodded. "Indeed. I can feel the end coming..." he gave me look. "Don't worry. I got more time than I thought on this world. And I'll die as myself. All things considered, I'm as happy as a man can get at the end. I can even go, feeling that I have helped in some small way..." he waved at the Flamesprayer.
I smiled. "You have my thanks, Gilbert. Fear not- I promise to take good care of it... and to put it to good use."
He smiled back. "Good. In that case, you should get going. You have a long night ahead of you, don't you?"
I stared at him for a moment before giving him a Hunter's bow in thanks. He chuckled as I strengthened, bowing of the head himself.
"This is goodbye, then." I said softly.
"Yes, it is." He replied, smile sad but kind.
He gently closed the windows.
I remained where I was for a moment, before gently putting the Flamesprayer in my Inventory.
Then I walked away. I had beasts to kill...
And no reason to return here anymore.
Five thousand Blood Echoes heavier, I returned to the Chapel- it was time to go into some new areas.
And for that, I needed to go through the Chapel.
Of course, the moment I showed up Violetta's eyes went wide, jumping to her feet and hugged me tightly, shouting "Good hunter! You're back!"
I chuckled, messing up her hair and gently hugging her back.
"Come now, it hasn't been that long! I've barely had the time to kill a few beasts!" I teased.
She blushed, stepping back slightly, though she remained noticeably close.
"Maybe, but I still..." she looked away. "I still worry, you know? After everything..." she trailed off, voice barely above a whisper..
I sighed, nodding.
"It's alright. I understand. Still, you know I won't be able to stay here. As it is, I needs to go towards the Cathedral ward."
She nodded softly, looking up at me with slightly teary blue eyes.
"Just stay safe, alright? I... There's just so many howls of beasts tonight... It's never been so bad before..." She hugged herself, looking down.
"I'm scared." she finished softly.
I sighed again. Truth be told, she was right- even here, I could still hear the howls of countless distant- and not-so-distant beasts, the screams of madmen and more.
Honestly, it all became background noise to me now- I was surprised by how quickly I got used to it, but I suppose that, when you are the Hunter, such things doesn't affect you the same as if I was a civilian.
I knelt, offering a hug that she all but leapt into.
I held back a grimace- I was no expert, but the way her blue eyes had looked at me when I returned... I was pretty sure there had been genuine surprise that I returned at all.
Sure, it swiftly turned into relief and joy, but I felt pretty confident in saying that she likely had some issues from the sudden death of her parents.
That would also partially explain why she clung to me like this- I was someone she considered "safe" in a thoroughly unsafe world.
Eventually breaking the hug and standing up, I messed up her hair again and this time, she let out an adorable pout and squawk of protest.
I grinned- the slight glare she was now sending me while she held her head protectively was a much better look for her than the fear she had before.
"In any case, no problems so far?" I asked.
She shook her head.
I sent a quick look at the Dweller, who nodded back- Good. I wasn't overly worried, but just in case...
"Did you find my sister?"
I shook my head at Violetta's question.
"Sorry. I did pass by your house, but there wasn't anyone there yet. Don't worry, I'll go there from time to time to check, alright?"
She nodded. "Thank you." She softly said.
I smiled. "Of course. Now, If you'll excuse me, the Hunt calls, and I must answer. Take care, alright?"
She nodded again. "You too."
"I'll do my best." I replied.
I could see that she wasn't exactly pleased with that answer, but she let it slide, and I...
Actually, I should talk to the old woman, shouldn't I?
Might as well check up on her, too.
Said old woman was still sitting in her chair, and she threw me a suspicious look when I came closer.
"Hey there. Everything's alright? This place is safe from the beasts. The incense makes sure of that."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Oh yes, I haven't forgotten you're the one telling me about this place. Do you think I owe you or something?" She scoffed. "Well that a fine's lark, I'd say." She sneered. "This whole mess that Yharnam's in, it's all your fault, you fidgety Outsiders!" She pointed accusingly at me. "Our Blood's ruined, tainted by your ilk!" she shouted. "Don't come near me! I know your type!" she hissed.
I blinked in shock.
Ooookay then.
I mean, I knew that your usual Yharnamites weren't exactly kind to outsiders, but still!
I gave her a quick look with (Insight), and barely held back the look of shock on my face at what I saw.
Minus FIFTY of Reputation for being an Outsider?!
What the Hell?!
No wonder my perks and Stats did jack shit against her!
... Damn. Gilbert did warm me, but still...
That was just insane!
I shook my head, and I noticed Violetta glaring daggers at the old lady from the corner of my eyes.
Obviously, she did not take kindly to her words.
I gave her a quick look and a shake of the head, and she grimaced before reluctantly nodding.
Peace inside the chapel now hesitantly brought back, I sighed and then stepped forward to the center entrance of the building.
If I remembered well, there was a Wooden Shield to find that way...
Stepping out of the Chapel, I officially killed my first Church servant seconds later.
To be fair, he was facing away from me, and Hunter's Axe (+3) was no joke when combined with sneak attack.
A few crows later, and I smiled slightly at the fact that I was about to gain one more [Insight] from Madman's Knowledge.
I clicked "yes" and-
-I felt something flow in my mind-
-Whispers in my brain-
-Seek the Echoes of Blood-
I blinked.
Massaged my suddenly dry throat.
Hmm... How strange. I was... thirsty.
I haven't been thirsty since I became a Gamer, nor hungry for that matter, and yet here I was.
I also felt... warm? Peaceful? I don't know, but I had a faint feeling of familiarity and comfort which wouldn't leave me be for some reason...
I shrugged. And hey, I was now at [Insight:13]!
Two more and, if I wasn't wrong, new stuff would happen!
... Wait, was that good or bad...?
Well, either way- progress!
With that done and over with, I got up the stairs, killed the church servants in my way, and there it was!
The Wooden Shield!
Which I promptly put into my Inventory, where it would most likely remain in forever!
Ah well. What Kind of Hunter uses a shield anyway? Dodging was and would forever remain the best choice.
You just had to survive long enough to "Git Gud" at it.
Either way, since the gates before me are closed, for now, I backtracked to the Chapel, throwing a quick thumb-up Violetta's way for good measure, before going through the left entrance.
Two dead church servants later, I looked very suspiciously at the set of Hunter clothes on the floor, hidden behind some graves.
I had some good memories of what, exactly, was hiding beyond my current [Insight] to see just above those clothes, and just because I couldn't see it did NOT mean he couldn't see ME.
Taking a deep breath, I proceed to run like hell towards the clothes, quickly taking them in my arms, and then I ran back where I was standing before as a rather terrifying sucking sound appeared behind me.
Turning around, I stared with wide-eyes while hugging the nearly dearly paid for clothes tightly to my chest at the literal FUCKING BLACK HOLE hovering above the ground where I previously was.
Great Ones are bullshit, and nobody will convince me otherwise.
The Black Hole disappeared, and I sighed in relief.
A quick look, and I felt the urge to facepalm- the outfit in my arms was actually worse than the one I was wearing.
Because of course it was.
I swear, being a completionist was far more gray-hairs inducing when you were in a real-life horror setting than when you were safe in the safety of your home, playing video games...
Putting the clothes in my Inventory, I got up the stairs- And then very quickly went to hide when I saw a church giant passing by.
Now, church servants? That were tall. Around two to three meters tall.
This guy? Holy shit, but he had to be three times as tall as I am!
And I'm a respectable 1,75m tall!
Also, he had a Big. Fucking. Axe.
That too.
So, having by now learned well the lesson that attacking someone stronger than myself by sneaking up on them was really fucking useful in order to NOT DIE, I proceeded to do just that.
Good news! My unexpected blow to his right knee almost broke it!
Bad news! The giant now knew where I was, and he was PISSED.
I barely dodged a strike of his Axe, scoring a quick blow on his injured leg that made him bellow in pain, and then he went for an overhead strike.
Trough sheer dumb luck I wasn't killed, and I started slashing and slashing some more while he recovered his breath-
He stumbled.
I stared in shock for a second.
I can make giants stumble?! Wait, really?!
Well then!
I grinned, and then visceral attack'ed the bastard.
He fell on his back, dead before hitting the ground, and I proceeded to use the "Triumph" gesture over his corpse.
Damn was I proud of myself!
... Naturally, I died to a thrown rock at my back while fighting two stone trolls not five minutes later.
... Still proud though.
I woke up.
Gave a wave to the Doll.
Went back to the Chapel.
Used my (Stealth) skill to not disturb Violetta from her prayers. Trying to explain how I appeared out of nowhere would be... complicated.
Killed the same monsters (And once again "Triumph'ed" over the giant, because why not).
Proceeded to BRUTALLY murder the fuck of those two trolls.
Took a moment to bask in my awesomeness and the glory of revenge.
Took another moment to have a small existential breakdown over whether I was becoming a sadist or not.
And if that was a good or bad thing as a Hunter.
Eventually deciding that Qué será será, and following Gherman's advice, I then proceeded to get my Blood Echoes back and to find the Monocle.
For a moment enjoying the sight of Yharnam from up the broken bridge that I was on like a filthy tourist, I then went back to my murder-hobo ways (since, after all, I didn't have a home anymore, and the Hunter's Dream wasn't mine... For now).
And made my way to... my second treasure chest so far!
Tempering Blood Gemstone get!
Followed by more backtracking.
Turning left rather than right from where the courtyard of the entrance of the Chapel is, I killed some more madmen and a dog, got some loot, entered a building...
And then stopped, staring blankly at the living insult to all true followers of the Ways of Stealth whose sword was sticking out of the stone pillar the moron was hiding behind.
After showing that idiot how to do it RIGHT (by way of unexpected Axe to the brain from behind), I smiled at the opportunity of gaining one more [Insight] from Madmen's knowledge.
Clicking "yes", I-
-Felt something flow in my mind-
-Whispers in my brain-
...
...
...
... Ow, my head...
Multi-dimensional awareness of Reality is really fucking trippy to experience...
...
...
...
I held my aching head. What the hell just happened?
I had no idea. And just thinking of it gave me an even harder headache.
Alright, then- Obviously, I just got a face full of Knowledge my currently puny brain couldn't comprehend.
Now if only this headache could go away...
... Huh. I got (10) Int for good deduction. Well, that's almost made the pain worth it!
And I'm now at [Insight: 14]. Yay me!
Going out of the building, I went to the left, staring at the madman up the stairs who was already readying himself to shoot at me.
And the two dogs running at me.
Giving the madman the middle finger, I went to hide behind the wall to my left.
Taking my gun in hand, I waited for each dog to come into view, using my superhuman hearing to tell me exactly how far they were... and then I proceeded to shoot them both dead when they appeared.
Coming out of cover, I ran as fast as I could, shooting my gun at the madman.
True, it didn't hit him, but by the time he finished dodging I was already up and in his face.
Or my Axe was, at least.
That taken care of, I opened the door on my right, and proceeded to make a beeline to where I knew the next Madman's knowledge was.
This time, and to my relief, it was once again that warm, comforting and somehow familiar presence which I was left with, and it was with an unconscious skip to my steps that I pulled the lever which opened up the tomb below me.
I was now [Insight:15].
I did not feel any different, had no sudden revelation, but then again I didn't really expect any.
So with a shrug, I went and walked all the way to the next character of Bloodborne that I would end up killing eventually-
Alfred, Church Executioner.
Lvl 65
-Him.
Level 65, Huh? Yeah, definitely not someone I want to mess with for a while.
He got up from his kneeling position, turning to face me and smiling brightly at the sight of my Hunter's clothes.
"You're a beast hunter, aren't you? I knew it. That's precisely how I started out! Oh, beg pardon, you may call me Alfred. Protégé of Master Logarius, hunter of Vilebloods. So, what say you? Our prey might differ, but we are hunters, the both of us. Why not cooperate, and discuss the things we've learned?"
I looked at his hopeful smile and nodded.
"Of course. The name's Aeon. Pleasure to meet you, Alfred." I answered with a smile of my own.
He grinned widely. "Oh-hoh! Very good, very good indeed! Take this, to celebrate our acquaintance." He handed me three fire paper and I gained the "Prayer" Gesture too.
"Beast hunting is a sacred practice. May the good blood guide your way." He declared brightly.
I smiled back. "Thank you. If you'd allow me, as you may have noticed I'm an outsider-" he nodded "-and I have a few questions, if I may?"
"Of course!" he exclaimed. "Ask, and I shall do my best to answer."
I hummed. "Can you tell me what you know of the Healing Church in general?"
"Gladly!" He declared. "As you know, the Healing Church is the fountainhead of blood healing." He smiled sheepily. "Well, I'm a simple hunter, quite unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the institution." He leaned forwards "But I have heard that the holy medium of blood healing is venerated in the main cathedral. And that councilors of the old church reside in the high stratum of the Cathedral Ward." He grinned "If you seek blood healing, and the church is willing, you should pay them a visit."
I nodded. "Thank you." My features turned thoughtful. "I also heard of a place called Byrgenwerth..." I trailed off.
Alfred pursed his lips, but answered. "Byrgenwerth is an old place of learning. And the tomb of the gods, carved out below Yharnam, should be familiar to every hunters." I nodded, indicating that I knew of them. "Well, once a group of young Byrgenwerth scholars discovered a holy medium deep within the tomb." He grinned. "This led to the founding of the Healing Church, and the establishment of blood healing". He shrugged slightly. "In this sense, everything sacred in Yharnam can be traced back to Byrgenwerth." Then he sighed deeply. "But today, the college lies deep within a tangled wood, abandoned and decrepit. And furthermore, the Healing Church has declared Byrgenwerth forbidden ground." He declared firmly. "It's unclear how many of its scholars remain alive... but only they know the password that allows passage through the gate."
I nodded again. "Very well. Thanks for the help. One last question, if I may- you mentioned Vileblood? And those are...?"
His face twisted in hatred, before turning thoughtful.
"Hmm... Yes, that is something I might as well tell you about. A bit of wisdom from the eminent Master Logarius!" He declared, fervor in his voice. "Once, a scholar betrayed his fellows at Byrgenwerth...and brought forbidden blood back with him to Cainhurst Castle." He explained, eyes darkening at the content of his words.
"It was there that the first of the inhuman Vilebloods was born. The Vilebloods are fiendish creatures who threaten the purity of the Church's blood healing." He spat in hatred. Taking a deep breath, he calmed down.
"The Ruler of the Vilebloods is still alive today. And so, to honor my master's wishes, I search, for the path to Cainhurst Castle." He finished, the fervor in his voice back.
I frowned. "I see. Thanks for explaining- I at first thought them to be some kind of beasts I had yet to cross the path of."
He laughed, loud and bright.
"Yes, beasts! That is all that they are, my fellow hunter! The most vile of their foul kind- thus the name." He declared, eyes shining bright at my words.
I bowed. "Then you have my thanks for warning me of them. Now if you would excuse me-" I rose, grinning slightly. "-The Hunt calls, and I must answer."
He nodded back, still grinning widely. "Then I bid you farewell. May the Good Blood guide your way."
"Same to you." I turned, and he did too, returning to his prayers.
Well, I actually did learn one thing from this conversation.
I would kill him, of that there was no doubt, considering that I planned to become a Vileblood...
But I would also kill him because it was my duty as a Hunter.
My superhuman vision was more than up to the task, after all, of noticing the way his pupils had begun to "collapse".
It was only a matter of time, now, before Beasthood consumed him...
And when that happens, he will become nothing more than one more beast to Hunt... And kill.