In the frigid outskirts of the Crystal Empire, King Sombra’s shadow roamed freely across the snowy fields and mountains. The evil king had always been fond of the cold, no matter how his subjects used to complain about it in the past; a past where he was still ruler of the Crystal Empire, but now he had nothing. Defeated by Princess Celestia and Luna, oh the irony. He had always viewed himself as ‘the supreme leader’ of everything. But the two Princesses quickly changed that view.
For many years he waited, hoping that one day he could finally reclaim what was once his… and overthrow Celestia and her sister once and for all, granting him ultimate power. And now his scheme was finally put in motion. With the help of Gascoigne he would finally be able to overthrow the Crystal Empire and take his rightful place on the throne. He would finally have it again, his kingdom.
The shadow of Sombra—which was carried by the icy snowstorm like a plastic bag, floating through the wind soared through the sky. He could feel it - their presence. The Elements of Harmony, they had arrived, or at least their caretakers. He watched in the far distance as they got off the train, which they had taken to arrive in the frigid outskirts of his empire.
Six mares and a dragon got off the train. This would be easy.
‘Is this all?’ the king thought to himself, watching as the six mares began to walk away from the station. The king, confident that he could take on these seven fools all by himself, was about to move forward… but stopped when he noticed something else getting off the train. ‘Is that… Gascoigne?’ the king thought to himself, squinting his eyes to get a better look. ‘No, it is someone else.’
Sighing inwardly, the king decided to observe instead of attack. When the time was right he would engage… with Gascoigne at his side, of course. Watching as his eight adversaries made their way into the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. Then, out of the heavy snowstorm, a figure appeared. A figure with a shield as a cutie mark. Shining Armor, Cadance’s husband.
Gritting his teeth, Sombra mentally cursed the Prince for coming to their aid. Without him he could have led them into a trap. But alas, it was all too good to be true. Sombra could not overhear their conversation, but the hug the lavender mare and the young Prince said enough. They were happy to see each other again. It disgusted him.
The figure that shared resemblance to Gascoigne walked up to Shining Armor, seemingly introducing himself. Sombra watched in slight curiosity as the creature shook Shining Armor’s hoof. They all turned around and started to head for the Crystal Empire.
This was not good. His plans for total world domination weren’t about to be ruined by the stupid elements and their new friend. He would not be halted. He would be victorious. No one would stand in his way. Watching them walk in the direction of the Crystal Empire, Sombra gritted his teeth.
‘Not if I have something to say about it,’ Sombra thought as he chased after them, a burning sensation of rage and bloodlust overtaking the once proud king as he quickened his pace, feeling the icy wind rub against him. Letting out a terrifying growl, Sombra’s shadow emerged from the snowstorm.
The king watched as everyone turned their heads towards him, looking at him with utter fear… except for one. Sombra watched they all ran away from him, except for one again. The creature in question simply crossed his arms as he stared up at the king, cocking an eyebrow at him.
Sombra stared down at the creature in slight confusion. Was it not frightened by his shadowy figure? Glaring at the creature, Sombra simply flew passed him, ready to take on the Elements of Harmony and the Prince… only to find out that they were out of sight. Mentally scolding himself for getting distracted, Sombra turned to the creature, glaring intensely at it.
“You,” Sombra’s voice echoed through the icy winds of the frigid outskirts of the Crystal Empire. “How dare you stand before me? Do you have any idea who you are facing, creature?” he asked, floating over him.
Crossing his arms, the creature spoke up. “I know nothing,” he replied, shrugging. “I am just an old man, looking for some peace and quiet.”
“I can grant you that,” Sombra threatened.
The creature simply chuckled. “Oh, quite the anger in you,” he said, putting his arms in his pockets and turning around. “Talk to me when you have calmed down. Perhaps you should get out of the cold, it might do you some good,” he said as he walked away from the king, heading to the Crystal Empire.
Sombra was about to speak up, ready to launch himself at the old man and finish him off with one swift blow. But then he remembered the ‘inside man.’ Yes. He should not have to worry himself about this creature. Gascoigne would take care of him. Besides, sooner or later Cadance would not be able to hold up the barrier any longer. And when it would fall, he would be ready.
But for now he would wait.
Gehrman let out a sigh as he walked through the barrier that separated the Crystal Empire from it frigid outskirts. Taking a quick glance back at it, he let out another sigh. What was that thing? What was that shadow?
“Gehrman!” called a voice to him. Turning his head, he saw that it was Applejack, who was running towards him with a concerned expression on her face. “Are ya all right?” she asked, looking over him, trying to find any form of injury. “Don’t ya ever scare me like that, again!” she scolded the old hunter. Letting out a sigh, she looked up at him. “You shouldn’t have tried to take him on all on yourself.”
“Applejack, in case you have not noticed,” Gehrman said, tugging his sheathed Burial Blade. “My blade has not left its sheath and my Blunderbuss has not been fired. I did not fight against that shadow.”
Applejack gave him a skeptical look, but decided not to press on the subject.
“Shining Armor, your horn.”
Both human and pony turned their heads to see Twilight running to her brother. Shining’s horn was covered in tiny black crystals, preventing him from using any form of magic whatsoever. Shining turned his head to see Gehrman walk towards him. He watched as the hunter kneeled down in front of him.
“Hey,” Shining said, giving him a toothy smile.
“Are you all right?” Gehrman asked, his eyes scanning over Shining’s body.
“Yeah,” Shining replied, rubbing the back of his head. “I’m just a little shaken up, I guess,” he said, looking directly into Gehrman’s eyes. “Even though we just met like five minutes ago, I already know you have guts.”
“And experience,” Gehrman added. “That shadow was… strange, very strange.”
“I know,” Shining added. “Let’s get going. Cadance is waiting for us.”
Gehrman nodded, walking after him as they began their walk towards the Crystal Empire and its palace. He had to admit, even though it was the first time he had ever encountered that bizarre shadow, he had a feeling it would not be his last.
A long, long time ago, when the hunt was still young, Gehrman held track of all the different kinds of beasts he had encountered. There were the Carrion Crows. Big, obese crows that had devoured the flesh of the many corpses littered throughout Yharnam. Their bellies filled with so much fat that they couldn’t even fly for more than five seconds before falling to the ground.
Then there were the horrendous Labyrinth Rats, which were massive, overgrown rats, almost as large as Gehrman himself. Their bodies, heavily mutilated, missing several patches of fur and covered in grotesque, infectious growths. Pus and blood were present of their entire bodies; pieces of skin were ripped from their heads, revealing the skull of the rat.
Then there were the humongous Man-Eater Boars, which had been affected by the plague of beasts, making them more aggressive and giving them a taste for human flesh. Only once did he encounter one of these. He was with a group of other Hunters... they all returned, except he was the only one who did not return in a body bag.
Rabid Dogs were also a big threat. Once normal dogs that would help fend off the beasts, these poor animals had also been infected by the plague of beasts, and were driven to the point of insanity. Attacking anyone that dared to stand in their way… even their owners. These beasts were no laughing matter. If their teeth sunk into your flesh, there was almost no way of getting out.
But the most dangerous of all had to be the Scourge Beasts, or Werewolves, as some would call them. Scourge Beasts were once humans who, after being infected by the plague, transformed into these creatures. Scourge Beasts are known for their agility, acute senses, and a hunger for human flesh. They hunt in packs and are rarely seen stalking prey on their own. These terrifying creatures used to stalk Yharnamites in the old days, when the hunt was still young. Many fell victim to these beasts.
Gehrman had faced off against all of these beasts, slaying them one by one. He kept track of the different kinds of beasts on a small notebook. Not many knew this, but Gehrman was quite the artist. He could draw every beast he had seen as if it were standing right in front of him. But beasts weren’t the only things he drew. Maria, the woman he loved the most. Her beauty could not be captured in any drawing, but he tried. Oh, did he try.
Having been so lost in his thoughts, Gehrman didn’t notice they had already reached the Crystal Palace. Looking up at the humongous structure, Gehrman let out a sigh, feeling that this was going to be a long day.
Sleep had overtaken the Church Hunter. He was still tired from his encounter with Princess Cadance the other night, having stayed up for such a long time. The dream the hunter was having was one of many. He was sitting at his dining table, in the comfort of his house, together with his wife and daughters. The smiles on his daughter’s faces almost brought a smile to his.
“Would you like some mashed potatoes, dear?” asked his wife, Viola as she handed him the bowl.
Gascoigne nodded his head, smiling at her as he took the bowl. “You never seem to disappoint me, love,” he said, winking at her.
“Oh, dear,” Viola giggled.
Their two daughters, who were sitting across from each other, just shook their heads.
“Mum,” the youngest daughter said. “I finished my plate. Can I go outside and play with big sis?” she asked, looking at her mother with hopeful eyes.
“Of course. But make sure not to go down into the sewers again. Last time you did that you lovely ribbon and clothes got so dirty,” Viola replied, smiling as her two daughters nodded their heads furiously. Getting off their chairs, the two daughters ran outside, giggling to each other.
“Dear, how has the hunt been going?” Viola asked taking a bite from her potato.
“Same as always,” Gascoigne replied, shrugging. “We lost four of our men last night. They got too cocky, thought they could take on four beasts on their own.”
“And what of that terrible beasts on the Great Bridge?” Viola asked.
Gascoigne shook his head, rubbing his temples. “Chief Ludwig already dispatched his finest hunters to go after the beast.”
“Does that mean that… you know,” Viola gulped, sweat dripping down her forehead.
“No,” Gascoigne replied, shaking his head.
Viola let out a sigh of relief as she looked down at her plate, playing with her food. Looking back at her husband, she saw the distress and disappointment on his face. “You’re angry,” she stated, making him look at her. “Because Chief Ludwig didn’t assign you to the job,” she said, crossing her arms.
“For eight months I have served. For eight whole months I have dedicated my life to the nightly hunt. And for what? Hmpf, perhaps I should have joined the Powder kegs instead,” Gascoigne replied, gritting his teeth.
“Those heretics?” Viola asked, raising an eyebrow at her husband. “You really considered joining them?”
“Well,” Gascoigne chuckled. “Their motto is: If a weapon ain’t got kick, it just ain’t worth it.”
“Just their way of speech disgusts me,” Viola said, shivering. “But I am glad you chose the honorable thing. I am glad you chose to become a Church Hunter.”
“So… am I.” Gascoigne replied, though there was hesitation clearly present in his voice.
After all, what good was the Church without the Old Blood?