My guiding moonlight

Chapters

Prologue: the end of the accursed
Chapter 1: O, venator, cum stola candida
Chapter 2: Dominus honorabilium
Chapter 3: Lamina erunt et omnes ecclesia
Chapter 4: Feris maledictus, catenas maledictus
Chapter 5: Ah, Lamina! Er unt et omnes ecclesia!
Chapter 6: Non perdemus viam nocte, nec sanguine potulentus
Intermission: tortuosum somnium

Prologue: the end of the accursed

When you hear mention of the church hunters, most yharnamites think of their brutality, and their lack of mercy. If they even suspected you of beast-hood, you would find yourself dead.However, it was not always like that. At one point, church hunters were seen as saviors to the people, and were beloved. That was long ago though, during the time of the first church hunter, Ludwig.

Ludwig was the most trusted associate of Laurence, the vicar and founder of the healing church. Ludwig was entrusted with complete control over the hunters, and he shaped them into an honorable fighting force, with the sole purpose of saving lives. Ludwig even recruited the people of Yharnam to become hunters, and quickly became a trusted and beloved figure. Though one day, he would disappear, along with his most elite hunters, on the night of the blood moon. With the loss of Ludwig, the hunters devolved into what they are today. But what happened to him?

Deep within the hunters nightmare, at the end of a river of blood, lies a cave. Within that cave, a mountain of corpses rot, as they are slowly consumed by an unsightly beast. As if a horse and a headless man had fused, this accursed beast never leaves its cave, and never partakes in the endless hunt going on outside, for it wishes only for solitude. This beast is what remains of Ludwig, the once honorable hunter.

One day, a hunter with their sanity intact manages to find their way into the nightmare. As they traverse the nightmare, they find the blood river, and they come across that dank cave. Of course, they enter, and face the beast within. Skillfully dodging every swipe, kick and bite, they knock down the massive horse beast. As it lies on the ground, a strange glow Emirates from its back. All eyes are drawn to it, and when the beast lays its eyes upon the source, its pupils fill with life. Upon its back was the holy moonlight greatsword.

Seeing the blade has awoken something long thought dead within the beast. As it stands up, it begins to speak, as if the blade was alive. Filled with a new strength, and regaining his sanity,For the first time in years, Ludwig joins the hunt. He quickly attacks, swinging his massive blade towards the hunter, who barely had the time to dodge. The fight continues on for hours more, as Ludwig sends out everything he can at the hunter. Finally, the hunter strikes one final time, and decapitates Ludwig.

As his head lies in the blood, slowly dying, he asks the hunter a question.
“Tell me, good hunter of the church. Have you seen the light? Are my church hunters, the honorable Spartans I hoped they would be?”
The hunter, feeling pity for their dying comrade, nods. Lying to Ludwig, and thus, keeping his honor and spirit intact.
“Ah, good… that is a relief. To know I did not suffer such denigration for nothing. Thank you kindly. Now, I may sleep in peace. Even in this darkest of nights. I see… the moonlight.”
And as the life fades out of Ludwig’s eyes, the hunter bows, respecting his formidable foe.

However, Ludwig’s story is not at its end. For something was watching him. A great one, powerful yet formless. Odeon. He watches as the hunter dies, and feels pity for him. After all, he only sought to save lives. So, Odeon decides to give another soul a second chance. Just as he did Laurence before.

Chapter 1: O, venator, cum stola candida

Finally, I may rest in peace. The blood, the suffering, and the death, can all finally be put behind me. While not what I expected from the afterlife, the void is surprisingly comforting. I only wish I could see Laurence and my hunters one last time. But what’s done is done. I can only hope that maybe one day, they will join me within the void.

“ludwig”
Despite my lack of a body, this sudden voice causes me to jump.
“Who goes there?”
“Be not afraid Ludwig. I am here to offer you a second chance.”
What is this voice talking about?
“And why should I listen to you?”
“because Laurence did.”
This causes my mind to freeze. Laurence… died? And he was given a second chance by this entity?
“Who are you?”
“Your people know me as Odeon, the formless great one.”
If I was frozen before, I am now absolutely petrified. The most powerful of the great ones, and it’s offering me a second chance.

“Why? Why am I so deserving of this second chance?”
“because you care. Your entire life, you sought to protect life. Your actions saved hundreds of lives.”
“I did not act alone though.”
“Ah, yes. Your hunters. They do not matter in this scenario, as they were dead long before I was able to give them a second chance. And as for your sword, it only guided you to your hearts desire.”
“What do you mean?”
“Only those with a heart of gold and pure intentions may hear the guidance of the holy moonlight blade. Do you ever wonder why only you and Laurence were ever able to utilize the blade to its fullest? ”

As this information sinks into my mind, I can feel as my new flesh begins to form.
“Be warned, you shall partially resemble your bestial form, but it will be cleaner. Find Laurence, and ensure the darkness does not consume this new land.”
“Where will I be sent, oh mighty Odeon?”
“A land untouched by the corruption of my kin. A world of peace and friendship. A world where magic is plentiful.”
As it explains where I shall be going, I feel a bone begin to form out of my forehead.
“I shall equip you to be able to harness the magic within the world. The horn upon your head shall be a catalyst for your mana. Good luck, holy blade.”
Suddenly, a rip opens up underneath me, and I fall in.

As I fall to the ground, I look up and notice that the tear has already sealed. I hit the ground, thankfully not very hard. As I look around my surroundings, I can tell I am in a forest of some kind. I reach for my back, to see if I still have it. Thankfully, Odeon has given me one last gift. My guiding moonlight shimmers within my claws, and a thread of light comes off of it. As it begins to weave between trees, leaving a trail, I follow, knowing that it has never steered me wrong.

I continue my journey, through this forest, when I come across a strange beast. It looks as if a scourge beast was made of wood. Thankfully, it is easy to deal with, and burns to ash at the touch of my blade. I continue to follow the light, until it leads me to an open field, with a lake nearby. As I look up, I see the night sky, glistening with the beauty of the stars. As I look upon the moon, I can hear a voice call out to me, as if it were begging for me to come to it. As I soak in the majesty of the night, I hear a branch snap behind me.

I quickly spin around, blade at the ready. What i find is a strange bear, made of the heavens. It seems docile. I slowly approach the beast, blade at the ready if it tries anything. Thankfully, it didn’t, and just looked at me, before turning around and leaving. As the star filled bear walks away, I decide I need to know what I look like. After all, Odeon said I somewhat resemble what I did as a beast. I walk over to the lake, and gaze at my reflection.

I appear to be a white stallion with a black mane, with claws instead of hooves on my front legs. Thankfully, that’s where the resemblance ends, and I am glad to not have the extra limbs. I turn away from the lake, and look to the moon. As I gaze upon my eternal guide, I utter a prayer.
“Oh, luna mea. mansistis meis quamdiu vixi. Perge mihi monstrare tuum regimen, et semper sequar. nam etiam in imis noctibus lucem tuam video.” after my prayer, I lie down upon the soft grass to rest for a while.

About an hour later, I am ready to continue. My blade shows me the path, and I continue to follow. Through the woods, I see many strange creatures, but most seem to avoid me. More of the wooden beasts, a few lion like beasts, a strange chicken creature, and a literal flying orb with eyes that take up half of its mass. That’s when I spot it: a serpentine creature, with many heads. Either the parasitic snakes from the forbidden woods followed me, or this is a creature from ancient legend.

The beast notices me, and lets out a hiss, trying to intimidate me. I just ignore it and ready my blade. While it is difficult to stand on 2 hind hooves, I manage to keep my balance, and prepare to fight. The first head lunges at me, and I quickly parry it with the flat of my blade. I know not to cut off its head, as it will only grow back. So I wait for an opportunity to cut off a head, and then instantly cauterize it using the lunar magic within. The creature continues to strike at me, but thanks to my training as a hunter, I easily dodge and parry every blow.

Finally, an opportunity presents itself. One of the heads furthest from me has decided to attack, overextending itself. I smirk, before dashing to the side while powering up my blade. As the head passes by me, I swing down, unleashing the lunar energy as I do. The head comes off with a clean cut, and the wound is instantly sealed. The creature realizes what I did, and finally decided to flee. After all, if one were to discover that someone had the solution to your immortality, would you stick around?

After the beast flees, I decide to keep its head. As a trophy of my first successful hunt within this new world. I grab some vines off the nearby trees and fashion myself a back pack to put the head within. As I store the head, I begin to walk, continuing to follow the guidance of my blade. The forest has begun to thin out, so I’m hoping to find civilization soon.

I walk for another 2 hours, before deciding to take another break. While I know I could go longer, I do not know the limits of my new body. So, instead of risking damaging myself, I rest. As I sit down, I close my eyes, and listen to the sounds of the forest. The chirping of birds, the chittering of the critters, and the howls of wolves, close enough to hear but far away enough to not worry. As I am listening though, I hear something coming through the vegetation. I quickly grab my blade, and get into a combat position. When it finally breaks through the brush, I am thoroughly surprised. A deer like creature looks directly at me, After a few seconds, it says but one word, and I know who it is.
“Ludwig?”

Author's Note

The first chapter of my sequel story to fear the old blood! I know it’s not been that long since I finished that story, but I really love writing these. So if I made any mistakes, or you have any suggestions, leave a comment!

Chapter 2: Dominus honorabilium

“Ludwig?”
Hearing that voice come out of that beast shocked me. I knew he would look different, but I had expected a more canine like appearance. he looked more like a deer than any beast I have seen. Then again, I was a malformed horse hybrid, and I had never seen one like me before. However, before I let my guard down, I had to confirm it was him.

“What was the adage Laurence taught me?”
If he answered this, then I know that it is truly my old friend.
He looked relieved, as if he was glad I had asked this question.
“The same one that master Wilhlem taught me. We are borne of the blood. Made men by the blood. Undone by the blood. Our eyes have yet to open. Fear the old blood. Though I suspect we didn’t fear it enough.”
With that, I knew it was him. I sheathed my sword before grabbing him in a hug.

“Thank the moon you are alive, Laurence. It is good to see you again, after all these years.”
“It is good to see you too old friend. Tell me, what happened to you? Last I heard, you disappeared, and before anything else could be discovered, I…”
“You fell to the blood. Just as I had. That night, my blade had gone silent. My hunters and I were alone, fighting beast and citizen alike, as they had gone mad. The things I witnessed that night… they broke me, and the faith I had in the church had been shattered.”

“Tell me, old friend, did you know what the choir had done in old Yharnam?”
“Not until that night. To think that they had gone behind my back, poisoned the water of my old home, and done those… inhuman experiments in the sacred clocktower.”
“I am relieved to see that you were just as in the dark as I, but it disgusts me that they would go behind our backs like that.”
“I had made the church to heal the sick and save the dying. And they decided that meant they got to do whatever sick projects they thought could reveal the answers. I had sent Lady Maria to investigate what exactly they were doing, but I eventually lost contact with her.”

My heart sunk as he mentioned the fair lady. A friend of us all, what I saw that night had been devastating.
“I think I know what happened to her. That night, as we searched old Yharnam, he had entered the clocktower. Many of the “patients” had gone mad, so had to be put out of their misery. A few, however, called out to her. She had been comforting them, to help ease the pain they felt.”
“That does sound like her, but why do you look so forlorn? What happened after you encountered the victims?”
“We made our way up the tower, and into a lime wood garden. Within, were giant, malformed blue creatures with deflated heads. Living failures of their experiments, which had to be put down as well. After that, we entered the room of the clock face and found… her body. Her neck was slashed, and her rakuyo was laid in her lap. Either she ended her own life due to the guilt of what those patients suffered, or she was killed during her investigation, and they staged it to look like a suicide.”

I watched as the news hit Laurence. He slumped to the ground, a look of shock on his face.
“She… she was one of the last survivors of the hamlet. She was Gehrman’s best student, and probably one of his closest friends. She was my friend as well. After he disappeared, she was all I had left of him, and I, all she had left of him. And now… killed by my actions. Like so many before her.”
“It is not your fault Laurence. You did not see what the choir had done within the research hall. How they had twisted the once sacred place into that.. disgusting blasphemy of what we stood for. You couldn’t have known, and thus, couldn’t have done anything.”

“You’re right, Ludwig. I have blamed myself for so much already, when so much has not been entirely my fault. While I am still saddened that my mission killed one of my friends, I know that her death had not been in vain. We were able to discover the corruption within the church, and hopefully after our falls, we were able to scrub the corruption clean.”
I give a hearty laugh before grabbing his shoulder, giving him another hug.
“Thats the way to think, my old friend! Not what harm your actions caused, but who your actions saved. Our discoveries could have saved hundreds of lives from those bastards in the choir. And thank the moon for that.”

We continued to chat well into the night, until I noticed the sun start to rise.
“It been well chatting with you Laurence, but I believe it might be time for us to get moving.”
“Its morning already? Damnit, I was supposed to be back by six. The princesses will be annoyed.”
Confused, I raised an eyebrow before I spoke.
“Princesses? Who are these princesses?”
“They are the two rulers of the land we found ourselves within. They are equine like you, only with all hooves.”
“So we are in a world of talking equines, where myths and legends are real, lumber can come to life, magic is more plentiful and is run by a diarchy?”

“Yes. This is a strange world, yet a welcoming and friendly one, not including this forest. I believe that you will enjoy their company.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“They are not like many other rulers. They truly care about their subjects, And they try to enjoy themselves when they have the time. I hear that Celestia and Luna have started a prank war within the castle, and most of the servants are terrified.”
What was the name of that second princess? Luna? Could she be…
“Is there anything else about these princesses I should know?”

“Of course! They are very friendly, and enjoy spending time with others they view as friends. Celestia is more of the scientific and political leader of the two, while Luna is a military genius, and protects the dreams of her subjects from nightmares.”
“Interesting. I notice their names are rather… cosmic in nature. Why is that?”
“Oh! That is because in this world, the gravity of the sun and moon were damaged many eons ago, before the planet even existed, due to a strange phenomenon that cut this universe off from all but the most powerful of influence of the great ones. Thus, they have to move the celestial bodies, otherwise all life would cease to be.”

For my entire life, I have looked to the moon for guidance. And for my entire life, it has never steered me wrong. It has gotten me through thick and thin, and saved my soul many a time. It is thanks to its guidance I found some of my greatest friends, forged a strong fighting force, and even return my humanity. And to find a world, where my guide has been personified? This has been an opportunity I could have never seen coming. But is she truly as benevolent as my mentor? As Laurence and I head towards a mountain in the distance, my mind races . Shall I continue to serve the moon, under a different face, or shall I have to face this impostor?

Chapter 3: Lamina erunt et omnes ecclesia

As we traveled, the sun rose higher and higher into the sky. Occasionally a winged horse would glide overhead, as if swimming in the sky. This came as a surprise to me, as I had assumed the residents would be standard equines. As another one passes over, I begin to speak to my old mentor.

“Laurence, I hope you don’t mind me asking a question or two as we travel.”
“That is no problem Ludwig. In fact, I’m glad to answer as many questions you have before we arrive. Help ease you into this new world, a luxury I had not been given.”
“Thank you. I have noticed many winged ponies fly above us. Are there multiple species of equines?”
Laurence suddenly stops and smacks his head, and begins to lightly chuckle.

“Damn, I can’t believe I forgot. Yes, there are 4 different subspecies. Earth ponies, which are most like those we had in Yharnam. They are strong, and their abilities are in tune with the planet itself. The flying ponies are pegasi, who have the ability to manipulate clouds and control the weather. And next there is the unicorns, who are able to use their bony horns to manipulate the ambient mana of the world to perform feats of power, such as telekinesis or transmogrification.”

“Finally, and most importantly, are the alicorns. They are immortal and few In numbers, and posses immense magical strength, as well as the magic of all three subspecies.Princess Celestia and princess Luna are the first alicorns, and those with immense magical potential of any subspecies have the ability to ascend with the help of the princesses.”
“ Are there any other sentient species on this planet?”
“ The princesses told me that there are several sentient species upon this world, but I have only ran into one.”

“They were attempting to invade the capital, and had the ability to shapeshift. Insectoid in nature, with the ability to consume the emotions of other species. If it weren’t for their queen being a bad infiltrator, they may have very well taken over the capital. They are called changelings, like the old myths from our home. ”
“ While it is a shame the first non equine sentient species you ran into is hostile, it is good to know that the ponies are at least somewhat able to repel attackers.”
“Barely.”

“Whatever do you mean Laurence?”
“Due to the duality of their government, The military of the capital is split into two separate guards. The royal guard, garbed in golden armor, are active during the day, while during the night, the night guard are active. It just so happened though, that the royal guard are inept buffoons who barely know how to hold a spear, let alone use it. This is due to the nobility, a corrupt group of rich and powerful elites with their hands in every corner of the city. For some reason, they slowly funneled the royal guard budget away from those who needed it. ”

“ The night guard, however, answered only to princess Luna, and thus are much more well trained and equipped. She is also the only one with the ability to access the night guards budget, meaning it couldn’t be embezzled by greedy nobles. However, they tend to only operate at night. Thankfully, I was able to get a message to them before the invasion truly began, and they mobilized just in time to push them back. And thankfully, due to the invasion, Celestia has begun to crack down on the nobles.”
“Ha, it is good to know that even in this world, the best warriors patrol the night! I think I might just fit in.”

As we continue to converse, I learn more about this magical world. Apparently, the three subspecies of ponies have their own nocturnal subspecies. Pegasi have thestrals, more batlike and with the ability to dissolve into the shadows. Unicorns have umbrums, who are more physically sturdy, as well as resistant to dark magic corruption, though not immune. The earth ponies had 2, the first one being the canis, who share many similarities with wolves, and are isolationist. Only princess Luna knows where their town resides.

Laurence also tells me the story of everything that has happens to him since arriving. Fighting a lion like beast, waking up within that tree, meeting six unique ponies and a dragon, and even his less than stellar first encounter with the princess of the sun. His run in with a creature named discord surprised me the most though. He ran into a forgotten great one and lived! He even befriended it! Truly impressive. Eventually, he reached the moment of the invasion, which occurred during a wedding. What an uncouth day to invade on. Anyways, his fight truly impressed me.

“You managed to take on 30 elite soldiers on by yourself? Impressive! As well as very noble. Your distraction drew many enemies away from the front line, and saved many civilians. Your bravery and honor are matched only by your ferocity and ruthlessness. Your actions during the invasion remind me of what many of my holy blades and I used to do during the hunts.”
“ I may have saved many lives, but at what cost? How many of those changelings had families? How many were forced to invade by the queen? How many were starving, and believed this was the only way they would survive?”

“ Do not be hard on yourself Laurence. While yes, they may have not had a choice, or may have had families, but if you hadn’t been there, then what? How many more would be hurt or killed? How many ponies would lose their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons or daughters? How many would be injured, to the point of permanent disability, and how many would have been captured, and used as livestock for them? You did what is right, and that is all that matters. Be glad, however, that you still have a moral compass. Very few would mourn their enemies death’s like you do, and it is the sign that you are still a good person at heart.”

Laurence sighs, before looking to the sky.”Your right Ludwig. While I am saddened by the loss of life, I am glad to have been able to protect as many as I did. Thank you.”
I nod, and we begin to walk again. After a few minutes of silence, Laurence turns his head to look at me.”Say, what exactly is in that bundle of plant matter on your back?”
“It is a trophy I took from the first beast that tried to kill me. It did not go well for it. I believe it was a hydra.”
“Impressive! They are probably the one of the most dangerous creatures within that accursed forest. Perhaps we may study it, and figure out how its regenerative abilities work. But that’s for later, as I believe we’re almost the…”
At that moment we both stop. As we look to the mountain, we see pillars of smoke rise into the sky.

As we begin to sprint towards the mountain, screams begin to become audible. The closer we get, the more we hear. And finally, when we are about a half mile away, the stench of blood hits us like we ran into a wall. But it’s not just ordinary blood. As I realize what it is, we hear a piercing screech, and dread takes root in my heart. “
Thats… impossible! The only time I’ve hear that screech was when I… when I lost myself to the blood.”
We knew what was happening, and I prayed we would get there in time. For somehow, a beast had managed to make it to equestria.

Author's Note

It’s been too long since I updated this story. I hope you enjoy! Leave any feedback or suggestions in the comments!

Chapter 4: Feris maledictus, catenas maledictus

Fear. It is what separates men from the beasts. Fear allows us to reason, and to choose our own path. Fear drives us to hide, or to fight. Whether it be fear of harm, or fear for one’s loved ones, fear plagues the heart of all men, and it allows them to think. The first weapons were made In fear of the creatures that hunted the cavemen, and the first farms were created in fear of foraging producing no more results. But once a man loses their fear, they no longer need their minds. After all, why think, when you don’t even care about survival anymore?

No longer are decisions necessary for self preservation, as they fear nothing. No need for morals, as they no longer fear of what they do is right or wrong. And no longer do they fear the taboo, as why fear what others would think of one who no longer cares? And thus, as their instincts take more control, and they use their minds less and less, they begin to change. Bones splinter as they grow to unnatural lengths, and flesh stretches and tears to make room for the muscle growing within.

Some embrace the change, relishing in the pain, and enjoying the loss of their humanity. But others … others fight the corruption. Many hunters, and many more clerics, refuse to fall to the tantalizingly sweet blood. So They pray, and hunt, and experiment, all to delay the inevitable. And the longer they resist, the more restless the beast inside becomes.

As time goes on, more blood is used, strengthening the inner beast slowly. Until eventually, the repressed beasthood finally wears down their minds enough to destroy what little humanity they cling on to. And as it is, clerics often turn into the most hideous beasts.

These clerics oft grew to sized unlike any other, towering over even the hulking executioners of Yharnam. The cleric beasts became one of the most feared types of beasts, as it showed that even the church was not immune, and when they fell, they become more destructive than any other beast. And as the screams grow louder as we approach, the silhouette of the massive, antlered beast comes into view, and I fear we may be too late.

As we near the gates of the city, something flys past us and slams into a nearby tree. Quickly looking over, I notice it is half of a pony adorned in golden armor, still alive somehow. However, the beast appears to be much deeper in the city. It slowly lifts it head, before uttering one word.
“Run.”
As the words escape its lips, what little life that is in its eyes fades, and its head goes limp. I close his eyelids, and we begin to traverse into the city. But with how far this beast was able to launch that poor pony, we know time is of the essence.

The further we go into the city, the more carnage we come across. However, there are few corpses thankfully. Eventually we make it to the beasts current location, only to be stopped at spearpoint.
“STAY BACK!”
As I ready for a fight, a second, taller pony walks up.
“Thats enough sergeant. It’s Laurence.”
“But the creature looks like him! He could be behind it!”
“I said enough sergeant. Laurence is trustworthy.”
As the guard slowly lowers his spear, the second equine begins to walk towards us.

“Im glad you finally made it back Laurence. As you can see while you were gone an… incident began. I assume the pony with you is whom you were searching for? ”
“You assume correctly princess. This is the old friend of mine. First hunter of the church, founder of the holy blades, and protector of the innocent: Ludwig, the holy blade.”
“Greetings your majesty. While it is a pleasure to meet you, we have no time for pleasantries. What is the status of the defense?”

“We have managed to evacuate the city into the castle, leaving most of my royal guard to ensure they remain safe. The lunar guard and about 500 braver royal guards have managed to herd the creature into this area, but other than that, we are doing nothing but angering it further.”
“What are the Current casualties, and how many active troops are deployed?”
“Most of my royal guards not stationed at the castle have fallen already. Only anbout 10 remain. About 50 lunar guards have been severely injured, and 100 more have been slain. We still have over 1,050 lunar guards left, as well as the 1,500 of my guard we left at the castle.”
“What is the current strategy being used?”
“Hit and run tactics. It struggles to hit aerial creatures, and the pegasi and thestrals are using that to their advantage. However it does little damage to the beast.”

As the information is given to me, a plan starts to form in my mind.
“While much safer, hit and run tactics alone will do little to a beast of this magnitude. The spears and bolts do not have enough heft to them in order to puncture the hide. However, they also provide a much needed distraction for any ground units to move in and wound the beast.”
“Are you suggesting I send in ground units for a suicide mission?!”
Not at all. I suggest your aerial units continue their bombardment, while Laurence and I deal with the beast.”

As I finish laying out my plan, she looks at me, as if I was insane.
“What?! That’s insane! I trust Laurence with my life, but to send only the 2 of you into battle with the beast is absolutely mad!”
Before I can retort, a new voice begins to speak.
“They will not be alone. We shall fight alongside them on the ground.”
I turn around, and lay my eyes upon what I can only describe as the personification of the moon itself.
“You must be princess Luna.”

“Greetings honorable warrior. We have been told a great deal about you from our friend Laurence. And we believe your plan might work.”
“Luna, no. You can’t, it’s too dangerous! We can find another method, please, all three of you, don’t throw your lives away like this!”
You fear too much sister. Laurence has shown to be exceptionally strong, and due to his size much more maneuverable. I believe his similarities to the creature could help us to confuse it, and allow us to take it down. Besides, it would be much less of a risk to have three skilled warriors than just two. ”

“Fine. But if any of you fall, I may never forgive myself.”
As the princess turns and walks away, I begin to discuss further strategy with Laurence and the princess.
“ I have dealt with one of these beasts before. They are much more deadly than other beasts, as they have consumed much more blood. However, they have one major weakness: their size makes their bones brittle. Attacking the limbs first will allow us to cripple it, but only temporarily, as the blood allows their bones to heal much faster.”

“Speaking from experience, The legs also become weaker as they become more injured, causing them to stumble more often. This allows larger windows of opportunity for attacking them after one of its attacks. However, they also attack more often, so when that period is closed, we need to begin to move. ”
“ staying mobile throughout the entire fight is necessary to ensure success, as a moving target is harder to hit. So equip your strongest, yet lightest armor. And make sure your weapon is heavy enough to harm it, but light enough that you remain nimble.”

“And finally, the most crucial part to taking them down: stick close to the rear. While it may seem strange, most of their attacks are unable to reach the area directly behind them, making it the safest place to be. ”
“Understood. We shall go arm ourselves, and shall join you in but a moment.”
She then popped out of existence, before reappearing after a couple of moments.

That was quick.
“And quite impressive. Are you ready?”
I quickly look over her gear. She was wearing chainmail, with leather on top. Light, yet effective. Her weapon is what impressed me the most. It was a twin blade, and it flowed with the power of the moon.
“Quite. Let us put this beast in the ground where it belongs.”
With her confirmation, I draw my blade, and channel the lunar energy through me and into the blade. She looks at me, as if surprised I use lunar magic, as I begin to speak once more.
“foul beast, who dares to plague this world. Today you threaten innocent lives. And for that, today you shall fall. nulla ferae vim lune sustinere potest! HIC FINIT TUI VISIO NOCTURNA! ” And with one final cry, we charge.

Laurence quickly gets to the beast, before leaping onto the creatures arm and biting down. The cleric beast screams in pain, and tries in vain to pry him off. All the while, Laurence is slashing at the beast with his razor sharp claws. Laura quickly dashes to his left leg, and begins to slash at its legs as if she were a whirlwind in pony form. However, the beast uses its free arm to swipe her away. As quickly as she is thrown back, I rush in, and jump into the air, before I begin to charge my blade.

The beast finally manages to fling Laurence off, and as it does, my blade finishes charging, and I begin to descend. As I grow closer to the beast, I unleash a slash directly into the already wounded arm of the beast, going straight through. The cleric beats screams in pain, before slashing me using its good arm. I manage to back step just in time, as Luna begins to rush towards the legs agin. It attempts to stop her, but she is too nimble for it to hit. She managed to get to its legs again, and begins to slash her blades while sliding underneath the beast.

As soon as she’s out from under the creature, she recovers back to her feet and begins to run again. As it attempts to attack her for harming its legs, Laurence rushes in again, now somehow fully ablaze, and begins jumps at its chest. He tears into the cleric beasts soft belly, setting it ablaze in the process. And before the beast can ever react, he jumps off of the beast. I quickly dash towards its rear, and swing my blade, aiming for its spine.

My blade strikes true, and cleaves the beasts lower half off. I notice Laurence wince out of the corner of my eye for some reason, before continuing my assault. I charge my blade again, before thrusting it deep into the beasts chest. The shockwave blows its heart and many other entrails straight out of its chest, but it’s not done yet. As the beast nears it’s end, it become even more desperate. It attempts to swipe at Luna, but before it even finishes winding up she has sliced the arm clean off.

As the beast lies limbless, it still snaps at us with its mouth. All three of us walk up to its head, before plunging our weapons into its head. As the beast goes limp, we can hear the guards celebrating the beasts demise.”You are quite the warrior Sir Ludwig. Not only that, but a skilled lunar mage, with a rare conduit blade.”
“You are an impressive warrior as well. If we were in my home, I would think you to be one of my hunters.”
“Many thanks. Before we begin the cleanup, we shall humbly offer you the opportunity to join our guard. Of course, you will still need to go through the recruitment process, as is procedure, but we are sure you shall be one of our best guards.”

A position in the lunar guard. A disciplined and skilled fighting force, whose duty is to serve the moon, and to protect the innocent. This was what I have sough for most of my life. What I attempted to turn the church hunters into. What many called me mad for. What my guiding moonlight has always led me to.
“For my entire life, I have searched for ways to serve the moon that guided me, and to protect the innocent. After years of denigration and failure I had lost almost all hope. But even in the darkest of nights, I saw the moonlight, and it guided me down the right path. And now, Finally, I can achieve my purpose. I would be honored to join the lunar guard.”

Chapter 5: Ah, Lamina! Er unt et omnes ecclesia!

Author's Note

Sorry I haven’t been uploading as much. Had to travel, and then got sick while traveling. Hopefully I can upload more now though. As always, leave any complaints or suggestions in the comments, and I hope you enjoy. :twilightsmile:

Chapter 5: Ah, Lamina! Er unt et omnes ecclesia!

As the adrenaline wears off, and Princess Luna heads off to assist with the cleanup, I notice Celestia approaching us.
“You’re lucky that this plan actually worked.”
I can practically hear the relief that we succeeded in her voice. I chuckle, before I look at her to reply.
“I wouldn’t say that it was luck. I am very experience in fighting beasts.”
“Well either way, you three took down that massive monster, faster than it took my hundreds of guards to corral it into this location.”

She turns her head to Laurence, a frown evident on her face.
“Laurence, I always thought that the beast you said you turned into was about your size. But now, after seeing that?”
Laurence lightly winces, as thinking about his transformation most likely brings back unpleasant memories.
“I did use to be much larger. The transformation was more painful than you could possibly imagine. Breaks every part of your body, before rebuilding it. Muscles become thinner, yet more powerful. Bones grow longer, but become more brittle. And your soul becomes trapped within, unable to do anything as the beast within takes control over your body.”

“The pain of existing is immense, as every ounce of your muscular and skeletal systems scream out in pain until you are finally put out of your misery. I had to live like this for 500 years, while the flames smoldered my flesh. ”
His face took on a shocked look as she pulled him into an embrace.
“Im sorry… I’m sorry that you had to go through that, I’m sorry that I made you relive it, and I’m sorry that you had to see something so similar to you cause so much havoc.”
A single tear dropped from his eye, as he embraced her back.

After witnessing that, I turned around to once again face the carcass of the beast we had just slain. As it lie there, slowly being removed piece by piece, I wondered. Could it have been someone we knew? Did that old bastard Henryk finally snap, or did Djura’s obsession with beasts being people come back to haunt him? Or maybe… was it one of my holy blades? The thought of this beast being one of my former friends swallowed my heart into a frenzy of emotions. But I had no true time to reflect on theories. For a beast had shown up and threatened the innocent. And beasts must be hunted, no matter the cost.

As I looked on, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that a strange pony wearing an overcoat was standing next to a considerable puddle of blood. In their hoof, there was a small vial, filled with the thick crimson fluid. As they looked side to side, they turned around and began to walk into an alleyway. In the time it takes to blink, I was sprinting down the alley way, chasing after the fiend stealing the cursed blood. They soon noticed me, and began running themselves, determined to escape. However, I was determined as well. As I would not let any of that blood fall into the wrong hands. For if it did, it could spell doom to this entire world.

I weaves through boxes and dumpsters, taking sharp turns as I chase this mysterious stranger. Eventually, we come to a corner. I stand up, grabbing my blade before speaking.
“You have nowhere to run. Should you Turn around and, Return the vial to me, you shall be spared.”
At first, I think that they shall comply to my demands, but as they turn around, I notice a smirk on their face. They throw off their coat, exposing what I had hopped not to see: a pair of wings.

They flap, and quickly begin to ascend, cackling maniacally as they rise. However, they do not realize that my blade is no ordinary blade. I quickly charge a beam, before unleashing it, splitting the poor pony in half. They scream before falling down to the ground and being engulfed in a swirl of green flames. As they subside, an insectoid pony is lying there, desperately attempting to shovel its entrails back into its body. I slowly trot forward, before grabbing the vial out of the creatures hoof. It looks at me pleadingly, as if asking for its death. I comply, and quickly end its suffering with a hoof through its skull.

As I begin to head back towards the battle site, I hear even more yelling, and see another pony fly past overhead. On their tail, is 3 lunar guards. Realizing something has happened, I quickly rush back to the site, to be met with a panicked spear pointed at me. I give the guard a deadpan look, before waltzing up to the thankfully nearby solar princess.”Princess, what is happening? A strange pony attempted to steal a vial of the beasts blood, and then turned into a strange insect after I stopped them.”
“Well, now we know who the guard is currently chasing. That was a changeling, a race of shapeshifters that feed off of emotions.”

“Why would they want to steal beastblood?”
“Because they don’t understand the dangers. They think that if they are able to take a sample of the monsters blood, they may be able learn what it is and how to imitate it. It doesn’t help that we just repelled an invasion of them.”
“Let them try. They shall bring about nothing but pain to themselves. For you cannot control the beast once it is released from within.”
“Lets hope they don’t find a way then.”

A few minutes later, the guards came back, with a single prisoner.
“We were unable to stop the one stealing the sample, but we were to catch a second one attempting to flee the city.”
As I look at the prisoner, I can’t help but feel that they seem small. Too small in fact. And their head seems rather large, with proportionally large eyes.
“Take them to the castle. I shall interview them later.”
With that, the guards nod, before escorting the prisoner towards the castle. As I look into the prisoners eyes one last time, I can see naught but fear within her heart.

A child. A young child. Probably no less than 10 years old, and they are being treated as a prisoner of war. I turn to Celestia, about to give her a piece of my mind, before she shouts to the guards.
“ Hold on for a moment please!”
As the guards turn around, she begins to walk towards the prisoner. She kneels down to the level of the trembling little changeling, and begins to speak in a very motherly tone of voice.
“Do not worry little one. You shall be safe. I’ll make sure of it.”

Celestia stands back up, and looks to the guard in the right.
“Was she attempting to assist the escaping changeling?”
“No ma’am. When it saw one of us chasing the thief, she turned the other way and ran. She just so happened to run into us. We hit her with a disguise disruption spell, and then captured her.”
She nodded, before speaking again.
“take her to a guest room, and have at least 2 guards stationed outside just in case. And make sure she cannot get to the balcony.”
The guards salute, and resume their journey to the castle, with a now calmed down child in tow.

As Celestia begins to walk towards the cleanup, I can’t help but feel sympathy for the young changeling. Caught in the crossfires of a war, and mistaken for an enemy. Thankfully, Celestia was able to notice, and she was saved from a cruel fate. I can only hope that other innocents of this race could be given the same mercy. After all, the actions of a few do not determine the will of the majority. After all, the healing church was corrupt, but most of us within only wished to assist the people. Who’s to say these poor creatures are not in the same boat? I shake my head, having done enough pondering today, before returning to the cleanup myself.

Before I can get started, however, Laurence walks up to me.
“Ludwig, could we talk for a minute?”
I nod, and he continues.
“Do you think that any others could come through?”
“Possibly. Odeon seems to be very merciful to those who have suffered for the healing churches betrayal.”
Maybe one day we’ll be able to see old friends such as Gehrman Or Maria again.”
“Maybe.”
“ At the same time, I’m worried. If one beast was able to somehow get through the barrier between realms, how many others do you think could as well?”
“While I have no answer for this, I can say one thing. We will ensure that they do not get far. We have a brand new chance, and brand new friends, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let these beasts take it away from us.”

As we finish our conversation and part ways to help with the cleanup, I can’t help but feel hope. Despite all the hardships we have been through, we still fight. Despite the horrors we witnessed, we still believe that a better future is out there. Despite all the horrible things we have been forced to do, we still know right from wrong. And despite how much we have lost, we keep going. And now, we have found ourselves in a new world, filled with innocence and possibility. We’ve made new friends, and reunited with each other. And now, we have a real chance at truly making a difference in the world. Even after such a dark night, the sun has begun to rise upon our lives again. And this time, I know I will not take the light for granted.

Chapter 6: Non perdemus viam nocte, nec sanguine potulentus

After many of hours spent clearing up the blood and debris, the street was finally clean. You would not even be able to tell an 8 meter tall chimeric monster rampaged through. However, that does not change the situation regarding the security breach. City is practically under lockdown, and guards are patrolling and performing examinations of all citizens to flush out the changelings. Thankfully, no more blood was stolen during the cleanup, so things should be alright as long as the blood is disposed of properly.

As the guards slowly start preparing to allow civilians back into the area, I remember the young changeling that had been apprehended, and I can’t help but feel pity for the poor creature. A mere child, caught in the crossfires of a war. Much like many in yharnam. Much like I was once. At this thought, the memories come flooding back. Of the night where it all changed. The night where my innocence died, and the holy blade was born.

It had been like any normal day in Yharnam. After returning home from school, I greeted my mother and began to do my homework, before I got started upon my chores. Just as I sat down to begin my assignment, the door once more opened, and father entered. Father was a former scholar of byrgenwyrth, and became a cleric of the healing church shortly after it was formed. That day, he looked particularly unseemly. Once I joined the church myself, I learned why. That was the night of the first hunt.

Mother greeted him at the door, smiling and asking how his day went. To this day, I have no idea what he said, but it caused mother’s smile to gradually drop. She nodded, before returning to the kitchen. Shortly after I finished my homework, and began to start on my chores, before mother called out that dinner was ready. I rushed into the dining room, eager to eat, as mother put a roast pheasant on the table. That dinner was one of the best meals I ever had, and the last time I had the chance to speak to my father.

As we ate, we converted about our days. Father explained how he discovered a new strain of blood, which while less potent, had better longevity, and was able to be stored for longer periods. I excitedly listened, before telling my father about my day at school. He and I always enjoyed talking about academics, as I had inherited his curiosity and natural intellect. His smile as I told him about my possible early advancement to the next grade was warm, yet hollow at the same time. It was as if he knew what would happened later that same night. Sometimes, I wonder if he really did.

After dinner, I began to clean the kitchen, and turned on the gramaphone, And began to listen to one of my favorite organ waltzes. as I cleaned, I dance to the music, and engrossed myself in the task. Shortly after I finished, mother told me that tonight she and I were going to stay up a bit later, and play some games. I didn’t question it, as I was just exited to stay up past bedtime, but deep in my mind, I wondered why father wasn’t going to be joining us.

As the sun set, and father left for some “adult business”, mother and I began to set up a chess board in the basement.. Shortly after I had made the first move, did the noises begin. The screams still haunt me to this day. The sound of flesh being sliced, and the blasts of gunfire filled the air. For about an hour, we played that game of chess, doing our best to ignore the sounds of the hunt going on outside. That was, until the sound of glass shattering filled my ears.

The sound shook me out of the trance I had put myself in, and fear began to take over. Mother did her best to comfort me, all while I could hear the sound of claws on our hardwood floor. Then, she said something I will never forget.
“ My darling, baby Ludwig. I love you. Stay down here, and be quiet. Mama will keep you safe.”
I tried to protest, but she just put a finger to my lips, before hugging me for the last time. She snuck upstairs, before locking the door from the outside. Moments later, I hear the sound of flesh tearing, and my mother’s pained screams.

Tears began to flow down my face, as painful sobs rack through my body. My mother was gone, and I knew it. I did my best to keep quiet, but it was not enough. Soon, the sound of splintering wood filled my ears, and I scrambled to hide in the wardrobe we kept down there. I managed to shut the doors just in time, as the beast had just made its way downstairs. I can hear its breaths, and can smell the viscera that stained its fur, as It began to search for its next meal. I held my breath, trying to keep calm, as the noises began to draw closer and closer to the wardrobe. But before I could be found, the whine of metal slashing through the air and the thud of a body hitting the ground echoed throughout the basement.

Shortly after, the doors of the wardrobe open, and standing there is a tall man, wielding a large scythe. There, standing in front of me, was one of the greatest men I ever knew. One who inspired me to do for others what he did for me. The one who saved me, trained me how to hunt, and would congratulate me whenI founded the church hunters. The first hunter, Gehrman.
“Hello there young man. It’s alright, you’re safe now.”
He reached his arms towards me, and I instinctively go towards him, and embrace him.

He carries me out of my old house, past the body of the beast, and the body of my mother. He brings me to a hunter, a beautiful young lady who I would later learn to be Maria. He instructed her to take me to the cathedral ward, before going back to the hunt. As she carried me, my mind was racing faster than I could comprehend. But one thing stood out to me the most in my mind. The beast had been wearing my father’s wedding ring.

Suddenly, I am thrust back into reality, as Laurence grabs my shoulder, a look of concern on his face.
“Are you alright Ludwig?”
I feel a tear run down my cheek, before nodding.
“Yes, old friend, I am. Just painful memories.”
He gives me a sorrowful look, before walking away to converse with the sun princess. As I stand alone, I make myself a promise. I see myself in that child. And I will not let that child suffer as I had. I will protect that child, and train them how to protect themself. I would be to that child as gehrman was to me.

Intermission: tortuosum somnium

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