Prologue

Hutson Village– night

With a huff, she yanked the blade out of the belly of the beast that laid dead at her feet. The stench of blood was foul, that was for anyone passing by to smell, not for her. She had long used to the smell. The sky was dark, and rain was falling. However, it could not wash away the blood that stained the ground and her clothes. Looking back, she marveled at her work. Another orc warband dismantled, with its leader mutilated. Actually, the whole camp was mutilated, not just it. Corpses upon corpses lied together, each missing body parts, some couldn't be call a body anymore, simply a hunk of meat. This endeavor would earn her a good amount of money for the orphanage. Detaching the blades back to their original form, a katana and a dagger, she hoisted the dagger on her belt, and the katana sheathed behind her.

"Tis a long day, and the children are hungry. I better get back soon."

She mumbled to herself. Now, she needed an evidence that the warband has been "disbanded". Looking around, she found the arm of the chieftain, along with its weapon. A huge crude axe, sharpened into a weapon, and chipped for serrated edge. She lifted the arm over her shoulder, and dragged the axe along. Years of being a Hunter had trained her into an emotionless killer, yet she could never lay her hand on a single hair on a child's head. Such was the last bit of humanity she held onto. The way back was slow and cold, yet she did not mind. The trek through the woods left a deep trench where she dragged the weapon. Soon, fires flickered before her eyes. She entered town, finding it empty. Most people opted to stay inside because of this weather anyway, so she was a little relieved that no eyes were privy. Dragging the axe toward the Guild building, she kicked the door open gently.

"I have your bounty right here, Guildmaster."

Her voice was but a whisper, sweet and soothing. However, her appearance was a stark contrast to that. Garbed in nondescripted clothes, consisted of only black and white, her presence was all but spelled terrifying. A dark vest covered her upper body, inside was a white shirt. A pair of leather gloves covered her forearm down to her arm, giving both ample protection and flexibility. Unlike most girls in this world, she did not wear a skirt, instead opted for a pair of dark leathered pants. A pair of boots covered her feet. A cone hat, with a white feather rested atop her head. All and all, she would have looked like a noble if it was not for all the blood on her body. Everyone in the Guild looked up, and some froze. It was as if they have seen a ghost.

"Miss, do you need a shower? You look like you just went through hell and back."

"No need, the rain will wash it away. Here is your bounty."

She dropped the arm with a thud, and threw the axe forward, causing a few murmurs to erupt from the crowd. The Guild girl and appraiser moved to check on in the evidence.

"That axe is definitely Kal'rog's, The Flesh Render. He was the only chieftain who preferred a jagged-edged weapon around here."

The appraiser looked up, and he spoke.

"Miss, you have already slaughtered four warbands since you came into town a month ago. How can we ever repay you?"

"No need. I only need the bounty to feed the children."

"Ah yes." He turned to the Guild girl, and spoke a few words. The girl ran away, only to come back later with a bag in her hands.

"1000 gold for the Jagged Axe warband." The Guild girl held out the bag with two shaky hands. She smiled lightly at this. The girl was afraid of her, of that she knew. Anyone who could bested a whole orc warband was a force of nature. She gave the girl a curt nod, and turned back, walked out to the raining streets. The orphanage was at the north of this small town. Unable to sustain itself, it relied on passing guests for charity. When she first arrived in this world, the nun and children had been the first to help her, despite her terrifying presence. She remembered them. The Orphan, The mother. The patients that resided in that research facility. She remembered them all. The guilt was deep, but nothing she could not handle. After all, she chose to sit atop of that clocktower, forever keeping their secrets and the patients from privy eyes, until he came. His name she did not know, but she called him the Good Hunter. A good, and curious heart he bore. Yet her mission remained the same. Save him from the Hunter's Nightmare secrets. The boy was a learner of Gehrman as well, demonstrated by the fact that he could also use the art of Quickening. She killed him many times at first, but he kept on coming back. He had been her only company with how many times he came back, and she could see the fire in his eyes. That determination was what had got him through her. It was what she fell for. How long has it been since she fell for someone? She chuckled at that. The buffoon even kneeled down beside her in her dying breath, holding her hands and spoke comforting words to her ears. She had left that world smiling, knowing another had taken up her role. If it was him, then he could end it all, end the Hunt, and bring back that morning sun. A raindrop shook her out of her musing, and she made her way towards the north side of town.

The Orphanage

"Garret, get back inside."

"Sister, s… sister." A crying voice she heard.

"Fiona, get your brother inside. Let me deal with this."

"Well now, that's no way to greet a guest, is it?"

That was definitely a male's voice, and quite mature at that, too.

"Have you Black Dogs not taken enough from this town? There is nothing left for you here."

"Oh but I beg to differ. You, sister, have quite the body. Would you like to sharp my sword instead of watching children?"

This earned the laughters from all around. By the sounds alone, she could make out four individuals. All male, all mature.

"Get out, you are not welco… Let go of me." She could hear the sister's cry. Hasten her pace, she made a beeline for the orphanage. The rain has lessened considerately, giving her the full vision. There, at the door step of the building, she saw her rescuer struggling against a man much larger than her. Around her, three more were presents. All wearing rag tag clothing. Mercenaries. Her rescuer said these were the Black Dogs? Pathetic, even a beast is better.

"Liliana, what seems to be the problem?" She loudly asked, gaining the attention of all five.

"Lady Maria, get out of here. I can handle this." Despite her brave words, she could see the tears welling up in the girl's eyes. Looking around, she spoke.

"I would prefer you gentlemen not harm my host."

"And who ar… Oh look at you. You are a fine piece aren't you?" The one holding Liliana's wrist lessened his strength, and looked at her with lusting eyes.

"My my, breaking you would be such a thrill. Say, girl, how about a sword training session?" Another one barked.

"I am confident with my blade, no thanks." She noticed that the other three had begun to circle her. Good, having their attention on her would allow Liliana to sneak away. The leader of the group approached her, and was about to place his hand on her face when a hand caught it, gripping it tightly.

"And I would prefer you to keep your hand to yourself." A sickly sweet voice was spoken. The leader, try as hard as he might however, could not wrench his hand free from the woman's grip.

"There's a saying from where I came: Manners..." Her voice was soft and comforting, but the action followed was not. She twisted his arm into an impossible angle. "Maketh…" An audible crack could be heard before the arm went limp. She kicked the man away, still clutching his broken arm and screaming his throat out mind you, and picked up a rock.

"Man." Throwing the rock up and down in her palm, she eyed the other three. Seeing their leader injured had made them hesitant to attack.

"Do you know what that means?" The three looked at her, then at each other, unable to comprehend the words.

"Then let me teach you." Throwing a rock to one's head, she dashed to another, too fast for his eyes to catch up, taking his sword and impaling it in his shoulder. The other tried to get a jump on her, only to be kicked in the jaw, sending him spiraling down to the ground. Finishing with all three, she dusted her hand and went back to the leader, she kneeled down.

"Scurry back to where you come from, and do not return. If I ever heard of you again, the next thing you lose won't just be your arm." It was but a silky smooth whisper, but the threat was presented.

The man hastily stood up, and ran.

"B… bitch, I will… will make you pay for… for this." A strong statement, but a weak respond. The two men dragged the unconscious bodies of their comrades and limbed off.

"You… shouldn't have done that. The Black Dogs are renowned heroes, they will not tolerate this."

"Yet they acted like scoundrels. Even if it was not you, I would still do the same thing." She reassured the girl.
"Small villages like this don't often get watched over by law enforcements, so they can do whatever they like." The girl sighed, apparently tired. She turned to the woman, and bow.

"I thank you for saving me. I honestly wouldn't have gotten out of that pickle were it not for you."

She waved her hand.

"Don't dwell on it. Now, I would like a place to stay the night. The porch would do great. Do you have a chair to spare?"

"I… I'm sorry, but we must treat you properly. Plea… please, you must come inside."

"Oh but I digress. I am used to sleeping upright, and the night air is ever so soothing, don't you think?"

The woman said, looking up to the moon. For the first time since she came, Liliana could clearly see her features. Pale white perfect skin adorned her entire body, with a face that looked like it was meant to be a doll rather than a human. Silvery, platinum white hair tied into a ponytail behind her, ever more elevating her beauty. In her eyes, Liliana could see a longing gaze.

"The moon, it is beautiful isn't it?"

Her voice was a combination of a mermaid's song and a harp's gentle harmony. Soothing, sweet and ever more comforting, but she knew the owner was anything but.

"Hurry along, I wish to sit down."

The voice knocked Liliana out of her musings. She hurriedly ran back inside, and took out an old armchair. The woman accepted the chair with gratitude, and set it down on the porch. Taking the sword behind her back, she sat down, cradling it in her hands. Her head stooped low, her hat covering her face, leaving only a dark void where it should have been. Her legs crossed, and her hands clasped together. From the outside look, she might have been an unanimated life-sized doll. Liliana stood there, marveling at her beauty.

"Well? Aren't you going to get inside? The night grows cold by the seconds, best you be in your best health, lest the children worried."

The woman slightly turned her face toward the girl. For a moment, Liliana swore she could saw a fang poking out of her upper lip. Shaking her head, Liliana waved the woman good night, and headed inside.

BREAK

Same day, Capital of Ken – middle of the night

She was standing in a room, devoided of furniture. The walls were decorated with candles. Outside, a clock chimed. She heard the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Celestine looked around, unable to fathom the dream. Where was she? Then, she laid her eyes on the sole piece of furniture of the room. A chair, simple and plain, in the middle of it. Behind it, a giant mechanism of a clock. No one was there, except her. A cry caught her ears. It sounded like a full grown male, yet vaguely similar to an orphan. She walked over to the window, and looked outside. The sky was a grey hue, and there, on the beach, she saw a corpse of something. Not a fish, not an orc, and certainly not a human. She narrowed her eyes. Something seems to be wriggling inside it. She stood there, watching the spectacle happened. Seconds seemed like minutes, minutes dragged onto hours, and hours became days. Finally, something crawled out, and she was petrified. A being, human in appearance, God in power. It sat there, and it cried. Then, the vision faded.

…..

Celestine woke up with cold sweat in the middle of the night. What did she just see? That was not a monster, that was a God. But what did that vision mean? Holding her head lightly, she stepped out of bed. Ringing her bell, she summoned her personal maid.

"Could you please brew me a cup of tea? I am terribly sorry to wake you up in the night, but I can't seem to sleep anymore."

"It is no problem, Goddess." The maid answered, and retreated outside. She sat down at her table, and mulled over the dream. Where was she? Who sat in that chair? What was that creature? The mention of the creature left a mild headache in her head. A creak of the door shook her out of her thoughts. Her friend, Claudia, has come, fully armored.

"Your Holiness, what seems to trouble you?"

"Claudia, how many times have I told you? When alone, call me Celestine."

"I… yes, Celestine."

"Come, seat. Would you like some tea?"

"No, Celestine. More importantly, what seems to trouble you? I heard your personal maid talk of how you woke up in the night, covered in cold sweat."

"It… it was just a nightmare, nothing much." She tried a weak smile, which was not go unnoticed by Claudia.

"Celestine, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

"It's fine, really. How about Alicia's trip? Has she found the individual?"

"So far, no. The pigeons she sent after every village now counted to five already." Claudia leaned back in her chair, crossed her arm and let out a long sigh.

"A mysterious individual suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started hunting orcs. Surely this sounds like a fairytale of sorts."
"Yet I think not Claudia. This person has slain five of the fiercest warbands in less than a month. A feat no knights alone can do. Rumors has already spread. If this person was truly benevolent, perhaps he or she can help us in our war."

At the mention of the war, Claudia leaned forward.

"Do you really think their intentions are that pure? I, for the life of me, can't find the reason to trust their motives. There must be something deeper than helping people alone."

Celestine stood up and walked to the window. She gazed outside. The moon seemed bigger and more beautiful tonight.

"But I believe that this person, whoever they are, is good in nature. It is always brighter to look at things on a positive side, is it not?"

BREAK

Hutson Village – noon, 2 hours before dusk

Alicia hoisted the rein, stopping her horse in front of the entrance to the village. This is the sixth one already, and she have yet to find the individual. Irritation and frustration have already begun to show its face.

"Milady, do you want to investigate this village, or should we move on to the next? I'm pretty sure that a person with such a high status like that wouldn't stay in this small place."

Alicia scowled. Despite the logical reason behind her knight's words, she could not leave a stone unturned.

"No, but we will make this quick. Alvinia, Rachel, you will go with me to talk to the chief. The rest of you, spread out and ask the locals."

The three gave their reins to a fellow knight, and quickly departed for the chief's house. The village was small and Alicia, in all her honesty, could not fathom how people could live in such a mundane place. Did they not know how to rise up, to work in order to enrich themselves? A frown found itself on her face. She brushed it off. There was a more important matter at hand. Soon, they reached the chief's mansion. Well, mansion was an exaggeration. It was only a medium, humble house, with a garden at the side, and a man could be seen tending to the vegetables.

"Are you the chief of this village?"

The man heard their call, and looked up. Immediately he bolted into the house and out the front door. He opened the door and bow.

"Mi… Milady, I… I am sorry. I have… have not heard that… that you would be… be visiting."

"You should have a week prior. Fetch me some tea, I have important matters to speak with you."

The man escorted her inside, and hastily scrambled to make tea.

"I am sorry, Milady, but I only have green tea." The man said as he carried a tray and set it on the table.

"How dare you serve The Lady with this filthy water?" Alvinia unsheathed her sword, and pointed at the man, prompting him kneeling and shaking. She, however, was scolded by Alicia.

"Enough, Alvinia, we are not here to make enemies, though I would advise you to be more prepared next time."

"Yes… yes, Milady." Still kneeling, the man shakily said.

"Now then," She sat down on the stool, leg crossed. "tell me, have you heard about a stranger who goes around killing orcs? Her Holiness wants to meet with this person."

"Oh, you mean Lady Maria?" The man seemed to perk up.

"Lady Maria?"

"Aye. Came into town a month ago, stayed at the orphanage. Looked like a noble, yet her skills said otherwise." The man shuddered, and Alicia wondered why.

"If you need to see her, I suggest looking at the orphanage."

Alicia stood up, and signaled her two knights to depart.

"Thank you for your cooperation. However, I am most displeased with your preparation. Make sure you do better next time."

"Yes… yes, Milady." The man bowed deeply.

The trip to the orphanage was a short one, but one that filled with tension. What was this person look like? What did they use to kill the orcs? Alicia mulled over the possibilities. Soon enough, the outline of the orphanage opened before their eyes.

The Orphanage – half an hour till dusk

Although the day was still relatively young, a thin layer of fog could be seen around the town. Alicia could faintly see a figure sitting on the porch. Perhaps this person knew about this "Lady Maria". She took a step forward, but stopped when she heard a soothing soft voice.

"I advise you not to disturb the children. They are still shaken from yesterday's endeavor."

The voice was like music to the ears, not unlike the Goddess herself, but the threat beneath did not go unheard. Rachel and Alvinia cautiously advanced, sword drawn.

"You are addressing the Lady of Feoh, Princess Alicia Arcturus. Speak with respect, cur." Alvinia all but growled at the figure.

"Oh, pardon me. Milady, I would advise you to not disturb the children. Your presence here only causes them more stress then they already have."

"And Goddess tell, how would you know that?"

"Firstly, a princess of such high status like you would not come here without purpose. Perhaps you are looking for someone?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I'm looking for a person named "Lady Maria"".

"And pray tell, what do you seek her for?"

"Our Goddess has task me to seek out capable agents for the incoming war, and also clear out any band that wanders too close to settlements."

"Then you best be on your way. Most of the bands have already been cleared. Capable agents for your war, you will not find any here." The woman spoke, with a clear intention of shooing them away. Alvinia scowled, and stormed forward, intending to force the woman onto her knees. A flash of white tear the space in front of them, and immediately, Alicia noticed something different. The woman was slowly sheathing her sword, a part of the blade could still be seen. Looking towards Alvinia, she saw her knight paled. The sword on her hand had been cut cleanly into two. The action was so fast that even her eyes could not keep up with it.

"Please, refrain from using violence in front of an orphanage."

Alicia stood there, mind racing a mile per hour. This was definitely that Lady Maria, and she was dangerous. The Knights of Iris were a most elite unit, capable of bringing down an orc warband if coordinated correctly, yet this woman surpassed all of that, with how terrifyingly fast she was. She would have to be cautious in bringing this person to her Goddess.

"The night draws close. I intended to go hunting when it is fully dark. Best be on your way now."

"Our mission remains the same. We will go hunting with you, and bring you back to the Capital."

"And why should I go with you?"

"Our Goddess…" She was cut off by the woman.

"Your Goddess, not mine. I do not worship her, nor do I hold her in reverence."

This woman just blatantly shrugged off the Goddess' Blessing with little to no respect, and that made Alicia fumed, but she fought it down.

"Our Goddess would like to meet you. If you come, the capital may provide support to this village here."

That was low blow, she knew, but after seeing this woman's skills, she doubted that she or any of her knights could be able to subdue her. She was proud, but she was not foolish. The woman seemed to mulled over the offer for a while, before speaking.

"If you hold your words, I will come with you. However, a princess must not go against her words, less she suffered for it."

The woman stood up, and for the first time, Alicia saw how tall she was.

"Come, tonight is perfect for a Hunt."

Hollow Woods - night

She has been following the woman for some time now, with her two best knights. All the time, the woman was silent, eerily so. Not a single word was uttered from her mouth. Yet on one occasion, she pushed Alvinia back. The girl would have scowled, but immediately shut up when she saw the trap laid on the ground. Orcs were stupid brutes, but some showed exceptional intelligent for their kind. This specific trap was a pitfall, shallow but enough to splinter bones if caught off-guard.

"Watch your steps, lest you want to be their playtoy." The voice that had spoken was soft and soothing, and seemingly inappropriate for the situation. They walked in awkward silence, until the woman stuck her hand out, stopping them just in front of a drop.

"A new warband. I have not seen that flag before." Alvinia mumbled.

Before her, an entire warband of orcs, with a staggering number of twenty. A big, fat, ugly one sat on a makeshift throne at the far end, indicating itself as the chieftain.

"We are borne of the blood, made men by the blood, undone by the blood." Alicia heard the woman mumble something like a chant, as if to discipline herself, and unsheathing her blade and her… dagger?

"Fear the Old Blood." With that, the woman disappeared in a puff of smoke, and immediately, Alicia heard a flesh rending tear below. She and her knights looked down. The woman was standing on an orc, bisected in half. Yes, IN HALF. Orcs upon orcs looked at her direction, and a loud bellow was heard from the direction of the chieftain.

"Human stupid. I rape when we done." The beasts roared, and charged the woman.
"Beast will always be beasts." The woman sighed. "Tonight, Lady Maria joins the Hunt."

BREAK

"RACHEL, LEFT." Rachel jumped to her right, narrowly avoiding a smash from an orc. She turned around, gritted her teeth and shoved the sword deep in the beast's belly. It let out a low gurgle, and dropped to its knees, clutching the wound. She withdrew the sword with a roar, and slammed it down on the orc's head. The head split in two, blood sprayed onto her body, and the lifeless corpse dropped to the floor. She immediately backed away, and go into a back-to-back stance with both Alvinia and Alicia.

"Your Highness, are you ok?"

"I am fine. More importantly, are you two well?"

"Yes, Milady."

All around them, bodies of orcs laid. Rachel has got the honour of cutting down two, as same as Alvinia, and her mistress has killed three. Breathing heavily, she looked to the woman's fight, and found herself staring at a horrendous sight. Corpses laid beside corpses, all mutilated, bisected, or otherwise just a hunk of red meat. She found the woman on top the chieftain, who had lost both of his arms and a leg, now wriggling in agony, all the while spouting nonsense at her.

"Get off me. I kill you, then rape and eat you."

She silenced the orc with a stab to the throat, dragging the blade to the side, and beheaded the thing in one smooth motion, spraying a line of red blood to the side. Somehow, in the middle of the battlefield, the woman had managed to transform her blade and dagger into one vicious weapon. Rachel looked around the battlefield, and she noticed something. Blood. Lots of blood, even more than a raid against a warband.

This woman not only knew how to draw blood, she knew how to draw it effectively, bleeding her foes out before they could even as reacted.

"Prey slaughtered." The woman mumbled. All this time, the woman only saw these orcs as "prey". Now she realized just how dangerous this woman was. This was not a human. This was beast in a human form, hunting other beasts. This could be a mistake if they were to bring this woman back.

"Let's be on our way. I hate to leave the children hungry." She detached the weapon, sending sparks flying, and sliding the blade into the harness on her back, and the dagger on her belt. Without a word, she lifted the orc's head, wrapped it in a piece of cloth, and dragged its weapon along. Rachel looked to her left. The face Alicia made was that of disgust and distrust. Still, they have their mission, and they will finish it no matter what. Yet she sincerely hoped that the Goddess made the right choice.

Why brain, why? Stop getting ideas. *Sigh*. Anyway, Bloodborne and Kuroinu crossover, inspired by StaffSergeant. Hope you all enjoy, please review and point out my flaws, thanks.