The Soul of a Hunterby AvexedAuthor
Chapters
Prologue for the Hunter
Animazement. A convention held in my hometown of Raleigh, NC where all your otaku dreams come true. Want to partake in a Q&A with a famous voice actor? Go ahead! Want to buy replica's of popular props from your favorite show/anime? Better bring your wallet! Feel like working months and months on end creating the best cosplay ever that only a small margin of people will ever recognize? Make sure you’re hydrated! Because a common fact that many cosplayers tend to forget is that no matter what time of day, weather will be the bloody douche it usually is.
This fact is very evident as I stand in what I call the “spot of insanity” in the entrance line. Where I am close enough to see the door, far enough to have to wait a while, and somehow perfectly placed in the way of the sun's murderous rays. Glancing at my pocket-watch reveals it to be 12:30. Nice to know that the sun is at its highest power level. Thankfully, I've been training for this my whole life. Nice to know that all those summers of wearing heavy clothing didn't go to waste. But then a thought crosses my mind that makes me cry on the inside.
“*Sigh*...I have an express pass.”
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“Pass, Sir?” Asks the clearly bored worker at the Express entrance door. After showing my badge I am allowed entry and step through the doors of arctic salvation.
“Sweet gates of Kosm, bless thine gracious blessings!” I scream aloud through my head-cage, sliding onto my knees with palms above head. The air conditioner near the entrance emitting luscious wind through the individual crow feathers on my shawl.
Of course I can marvel at a later time since I am still holding the rocker slide position. Getting up, I brush off my Magical Crow Hunter garb and enter the facility proper.
Weaving through booths and random bystanders until I come across an interesting little stand located at what seemed the absolute center of the circular complex. Monitoring the stand was a hunchbacked man reminiscent of those witches from the game Bloodborne. Raising his head, he greets me from under the dark hood with an aged, raspy voice.
“Why hello, Traveler, what wares would you be interested in purchasing?”
“Not sure yet...” I respond while glancing over each gizmo on the tabletop. Seems he’s a jack of all trades when it comes to trinkets. Props from almost every fandom were present: A heart shaped pendant. Some black plush cat. Even a katana from that exorcist anime. I go to grab a generic dagger that could possibly match my guise when the owner interjects.
“Sir, how would these meet your fancy?” He says as he hands me a large wooden case. Opening the almost table-length container leaves me starry eyed at the contents. In the top-left corner were four glass orbs with either red or white gas swirling within. The bottom left holding a miniature skull with a nebulaic design. But what took up the most room is what really gave me pause, a silver claymore-like sword with wrapping on the base of the blade. The texture feeling like a mixture of metal and a durable plastic.
“My guiding light...” I comment in admiration, this is a perfectly crafted replica of the Moonlight Greatswords first form. Grabbing the handle and lifting it straight up tells me of the perfect balance and before I know it I’m doing an improvised sword dance. I’m brought back from my reverie by the applause from the merchant and several other passerbyers.
“Now, after a display like that you have to commit. The ensemble just screams perfection.”
“How much money do you think I have!? Not that this is bad, no it's marvelously crafted. But I've only a $100 to my name!”
His eyes squint in thought, “Honestly, you can have them for free, if you’re willing to do me a kindness? Soon me and a few...colleagues will meet up to have a recorded “mock-sparring” session between cosplayers. If you go show up in true hunter fashion that would be splendid!”
Surveying the case I contemplate the deal. Being able to keep such masterpieces in trade for a video shoot when even one of these items could be sold on Ebay at the lowest price being $250. No matter what, this sounds too good to be true.
“That is truly all you request?.” I confirm with even eyes.
“Positive, sir. Hadn't had any buyers for a while now.”. After staring into each other’s eyes for a bit, we crack a grin and shake hands, the deal confirmed.
“But, if you don’t mind, I would like the case back.”
“Ah, sure, just a moment,” Putting the sword in its sheath on my back, I fasten the straps across my chest. I then put the Insight, Souls, and Cold-blood dew props within my satchel. I finally notice that I had missed a Tonsil stone replica buried under an Insight skull. Fumbling in my pocket I find my necklace with my key rings and fasten the stone in the middle.
Soon after the ornament rested from my neck a strong ethereal grip surrounded my body and suspended me fifty feet into the air. Panic, fear and confusion filling my mind as I struggle a futile fight for freedom before the grip compresses me into darkness and a voice rings through the still void.
“Amygdala, oh Amygdala, Have mercy upon the poor bastard. Heehahaa!”
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A dreary haze fills my mind. What was I doing? Slowly rising from the hard bed I open my eyes slowly and observe the current space. I’m seated on one of many medical gurneys in a room with stone walls and wooden flooring. Adjacent to the gurneys are three tables of medical supplies as well as my satchel and scabbard at the foot of my bed.
“I must’ve been recently brought in if I don’t have a gown on. But what kind of clinic has such out of date medical equipment. Looks straight out of...Yharnam,” I end with a pause. Scanning the room it does seem vaguely themed like Iosefka’s Clinic in the intro: Cloth gurneys. Dirtied Glass IV vases half filled with blood. Tables with an odd assortment of books and metallic tools. The more changes I notice in the environment, the more I noticed changes with myself. My normally muscled limbs have turned taunt and lanky. Skin complexion darker than the normal caramel color. Getting out of the bed I turn my gaze until I find a small hand mirror on one of the tables. Picking it up I observe my new facial features from the suave waxed mustache to my biologically impossible dark purple eyes. All the facts are pointing in a direction that doesn’t make logical sense. After putting on that Tonsil stone necklace I remember feeling a freezing cold claw grabbing hold of my very existence and knowing that it somehow...shifting it to something unnatural. But to be transformed into an avatar?
Going back to the bed I lay down and meditate, clearing my mind as I breathe in and out. A couple of minutes pass as I calm down mind not exactly at peace but accepting enough to move forward, A nurse in pink garb comes in with a rolling tray of food. Rolling it next to my bed she turns her back on me and goes to the table to most likely fill out some forms.
“Um, excuse me?” I greet, spooked by the sudden noise if her body jolting was any indication. Her light pink hair flipping around as she turns towards me with wide light blue eyes.
“You’re awake already!? But the doctor used a third tier slumber-hex!” she exclaimed with a young, not too scratchy voice.
“I’m a fast healer?” I shrug. Third tier hex? As in magical hex? Well if that isn’t another nail in the coffin I don’t know what is. Thinking back to my character, I was building it to be a magic hunter. And if I am currently living as said character…
“Hmm, I wonder...” Focusing my right hand in front of me, I bend my fingers to mimic holding a ball. Imagining what my “aura” would feel like as a hunter I projected the image from my mind to my hand and opened my eyes. At first nothing happened. But as the image got clearer in my mind I started to see wisps of grey and red. Once I visibly saw it the aura got clearer and clearer until I had a circulation of blood red smoke and silver-gray fog in the palm of my hand.
“You can use magic!?”
“I guess so!” Just as surprised as she was about the development I observe the spere closely. If this is a manifestation of my magic the I could guess the silver is the Quickslilver Bullets used to cast magic and such. But how does that work now? I know for a fact that hunters in the game don’t have auras. Does this mean i'm technically not in a game, just a world that reflects some of the properties? Groaning, I tightly grasp my head, getting frustrated at the lack of solid facts. But, in truth this actually isn’t that bad. I always wanted magic, even doing some...questionable activities to find some avenue. Now not only do I have it, but i’m in a setting with a blank canvas. Sure I’m nowhere near home, or even earth probably, but I can live out all those novels I was writing back home. Noticing the nurse had been quite for some time I observe her as she checks my vitals.
“So, what's your name?” I ask politely
“Ah, my apologies, I’m Nurse Redheart.” She responded. Grabbing the stethoscope she had me lean forward to check my lungs.
“Ah, nice name, I’m Jhurdan. By the by, where am I currently?”
“Ponyville Hospital, Alright you seem to be in good order. Just need to ask you a few questions pertaining to how we found you. Do you remember what you were doing last?”
“Hmm, not quite. I know I was in a building somewhere but everything is foggy.” I vaguely responded. Not exactly sure if I can trust her or not so I better stay neutral.
“Well that doesn’t help that much, especially since we found you in the middle of the Ponyville fountain.” Really, I’m transported somewhere and land a perfect ten in a fountain. Also, what kind of name is Ponyville? Do they trade ponies here? Is there a underground monopoly on horse trade? Is glue non-existent!?... Okay that last one came way outta left field but hey, still a valid thought!
“Well, good news is I can go get the Doctor and get you released earlier than scheduled. Also the Sheriff wants to go over some basic laws regarding inter-species relation as well as your sword over there.” Grabbing her paperwork from the desk, Redheart nods and leaves the room. With nothing better to do, I drift off to sleep. But I can’t stop thinking about something she said.
“What did she mean by interspecies relation?”
Enter Luna's Workshop
Coming from my quick nap I open my eyes, only to witness a change in scenery. As I steadily walk up the stone pathway a smile steadily creeps on my face. The two story stone building of Gothic architecture, acting as a haven and place of respite for all hunters, looks as majestic as it did in-game. Yet there were a few changes: The line of tombstone warps on the right of the main cobblestone pathway were separated into three colors. Looking left, the main messenger bath was also remodeled with a gold basin and obsidian stand. Yet the most concerning change would be the absence of the doll.
The Doll, a non playable character from Bloodborne, would act as the sole avenue of leveling up the character’s stats. The absence of her could be troublesome for me in the long run. As I reach for the door while ruminating I notice the door opening inwards and a slender figure stepping out. Jumping back and unsheathing the greatsword, I rest the flat of the blade on my shoulder and get in a hunchback-crouch preparing myself for battle.
The figure did not miss the sudden action and got into their own defensive stance of their own with arms spread out as they levitate majestically up in the air with what seems like invisible wings if the sound of beating air is an indication. Sadly it was not aware that they were
still in the doorway. So instead of staying majestic and somewhat threatening, the figure just rapidly launched itself into the top-frame, temporarily dazing it and causing me to laugh uproariously.
After calming down my fit of hues I analyse the clearly feminine figure. A midnight blue sleeveless blouse and skirt, with thin chainmail acting as the leggings and arm sleeves. No wings apparent, but I can spot some sapphire blue ethereal-like hair peeking from the onyx hood.
Noticing her slowly regaining herself I quickly repurpose the Crow-hunter jacket into a half decent straight jacket. After the final sleeve tie, she is wide awake and struggling to get out. Walking to her front I try to start conversation before she interrupts.
“Release mine person, cretin! How dare thee trespass upon our holy domain!” The bellowing and clearly royal voice shot directly to my face. Such ferocity behind it that I was partially blown back an inch off balance. Regaining myself, I give her an equally hard gaze.
“And how dare thee trespass upon my divine sanctuary, Thief! I come here to visit the caretaker Maria and come to find a stranger here while she missing? Surely you art aware of her, but pray that your intentions aren’t foul,” I transform my greatsword into it’s majestic turquoise hue and rest it on her right shoulder, the buzzing energies making her flinch.
“Thief?! We are the proud Princess of the Night, Luna Essentia! How Dare Thee accuse us of...” She drops both her anger and retort. The blank expression shows nothing but her azure eyes cycle through her feelings: Widening in recognition. Thinning with doubt. Finally locking with mine, letting me know that my next choice will somehow determine my fate. Lowering my blade and crouching so we are equal height I motion my free for her to carry on. Looking down to her knees, then back she carefully words her question.
“Didst thou… personally know of the automaton Lady Maria?”
“Yes, you could say we interacted in a past life,” I say, nodding at the partial fib.
“Then if t’is the case, what is thine title?” Thinking back to my many characters, I remember the more recent one that I carried thru to new game cycle 4.
“Jhurdan the Kosm Priest,” As soon as she heard that her body sagged and I heard a deep sigh of relief...as well as what seemed like a whinny from a horse.
“It seems that We have prejudged the other of the same intentions. We would kindly forgive thine hostility if thou would kindly release us?” Shrugging to myself, I release her of the binds and re-dawn my jacket. Standing up and stretching she looks to me as I warily stand exactly six paces in front of her. Just enough for flight or fight as my master always said.
“She spoke highly of thou,” Luna started, taking me out of my inner thoughts. ”At first she was wary when We happened to come across this elusive part of the dream realm. You see, We governeth the minds of our subjects, lest they fall to dark temptations.” Noticing the slight distaste in my eyes she stutters.”We can never reside more than a few passing moments and only interfere when necessary of us. So when We came upon this realm unawares we were verily startled. Yet she greeted us with kind words and understanding very reminiscent of our sister...” A pause, Luna’s eyes drifting to the flower bed to her left as she stands in remembrance upon the top steps.
“You speak as if she has been absent for some time,” I question, uncertain of the doll’s fate. Based on the lore shouldn’t she be stuck within the dream even without a hunter? “What exactly happened to her?”
“Maria was never very clear with us,” Luna frowned. “T’was a couple of moon cycles ago after my...long departure that We were able to visit here that she entrusted me with supervising the Hunter’s Dream as she calls it, until your specific arrival.” Reaching into a pouch on her side, Luna pulls out a broken sword hilt with blood gems within the hilt and moves to hand it to me, but pauses. “She mentioned that this will aide you in your quest, allowing for what she described as some type of spirit...mending? The exact words were lost to us but we guessed your magic is based off of Haemo-mancy?” She asks with a judging glare. Raising an eyebrow, I nod carefully and wait for her response. Several moments pass as she searches my eyes for something I can’t help but feel is malcontent. A step closer. “We do wish to keep our promise to our friend, but We art Princess of Equestria first and foremost. So We must ask for the sake of our Kingdom. Art thou for or against us?”
So it is fear that stills her hand? Understandable, a figure matching the description comes along but is using magic that seems “Dark” could, in fact, become an enemy if left unchecked. So should I say yes? From the way she describes the hilt, it will allow for me to “Level up” in a sense by allocating my blood echoes. And even still I'm not even sure if I am 100% character. What if I’m just a human version of my character with a brand new form of magic? I’m damn sure that hunter’s didn’t have aura’s in the game! Sighing to myself, I calm down and think. Since I am here I might as well follow for now. IF something comes up against my beliefs I’ll deal with that then. But I have to cement what I can for now.
“I will not say I am for you,” the hand drops somewhat as she waits. “But I am also not against you. We are both strangers, would you blindly follow my whim if you in my stead?” A quizzical tilt of the head and negative shake is my response. “But I can confirm that I will abide by a truce and if anything does happen, that it will be peaceful talk before a ragefull blade.”
A smile graces her lips as she is pleased with my answer. Floating down to my step at the middle, she grasp my right palm and places the stone there with her hand on top. “Then We can entrust this to yee, as well as put in a good word for mine sister of thine existence”