The Powder Keg

A Hunter's Rest

I was never cut out to be a hero. That idea was never ingrained in my mind. Despite my actions, I still hope to be a hero. Even though I kill and kill, I still hope for that glory.

Even when my naive self died on the Blood Moon. I carried out my duty out of obligation. I ascended the hunt and reached the end of my goal. Yet I still wasn't a hero.

Yet, now I think I'm understanding. After my party reacted to some of my worst moments. We went back to Water Town and soon left. We still had some jobs to do. So we stayed together until them.

Once we got back to the Guild. We split off, they are no longer as angry at me. The situation was stressful and hard to process. They knew they acted rashly, but still needed some time to process.

That I am the bloodthirsty monster under children's beds. That I am the very thing they fight against to protect others. Even after they scorned me, I still care for them.

Even though my bloodlust is calling for retribution. I cannot fault them for reacting like that. That moment was the one where I finally understood. I am no hero, I only make things worse.

So, after all these trials and tribulations. All the death and sacrifices for that dream. I just gave up. Eileen, Alfred, Valtyr, Queen Annalise, Mergo, and every other innocent that died because of me. Their deaths were in vain.

Powder Keg was at the Guild Hall, drinking some beer. A man entered carrying some bags. He and Spearman talked for a bit. He seems quite new, but at the same time he doesn't.

Powder Keg wore his Ashen Set. His blue eye observing the rest. The newbie went to the back. Powder Keg finished up the alchohol.

He spotted Priestess entering the guild. She and Goblin Slayer checked in on one another. They ignored him and reported to Guild Girl. As more of the party filed in.

They still ignored the Hunter. Powder Keg stood up to say hi. A red haired girl came in. "Mind if I join?" Powder Keg asked. High Elf Archer looked away in shame. Dwarf Shaman narrowed his eyes and stroked his beard. "Sir Powder Keg, of course you can join. You are still part of our party after all," Lizard Priest replied with a smile.

"Thank you," he said rocking on the balls of his feet. "Powder Keg, I'm...sorry for putting an arrow in you. I was just, so angry. It was hard to make sense out of everything."

"Even though you did some horrible things. You are still my friend, and friends don't abandon eachother like that," she bowed a bit awkwardly.

"Yes you were quite brutal in your past. Even more so than today. But you have saved our lives plenty of times. With the amount of monsters from your home out there. We would be dumb to let you go so easily," Dwarf Shaman said with a jovial smile.

"What you did, has no bearing on you today. You saved me in that cave, and I'll always be grateful," Priestess said warmly ending with a cute giggle.

"What they said," Goblin Slayer grumbled. Now that they all sort of made up. The party all went to eat. Everyone was having fun as they ate.

Powder Keg's crooked and sharp teeth was covered in food. "So about the rumor about the Demon Lord?" High Elf Archer asked Guild Girl. "Yes, it's official. The capital confirmed it, the hero became the tenth platinum rank adventurer in history. After all it's not easy defeating a Demon Lord," Guild Girl explained with joy.

Powder Keg gnawed on some meat. "Even with the Demon Lord gone. The beasts from Sir Powder Keg's home still threaten the world. They also appear to have control over monsters like Demon Lords," Lizard Priest spoke up.

They all turned to Powder Keg for input. "I think it's time I tell you a bit about those beasts. Yharnam is the home of the Blood Ministration. The Healing Church ran the service."

"There was a magical blood that can cure all diseases and ailments. Yet that very same blood caused a disease, born of blood. Man became beasts, brother killed brother, mothers ate their babies from their crib, enemies slaughtered eachother when normally they wouldn't."

"As a Hunter it is my duty to purge the beasts that walk the Earth. By using the very same blood as them. I walk the line between man and beast. I hunt beast wearing man's skin, or beasts with no skin," Powder Keg explained cryptically.

"So, they really were humans," Priestess muttered. "Don't weep for them, they were not human. They looked like a human, but that's all they have in common with them," Powder Keg said. Offering some sense of comfort.

After a moment of silence. "But, on the brighter side. I finally got to Silver Ranked!" Powder Keg sang. Everyone cheered and drank to his success. They ate and drank the day away.

Powder Keg's worries not plaguing him for the first time in a while.

-Water Town-

Sword Maiden was having tea with her friend. "These are uncertain times my friend. Danger lurks where we least expect it. Ever since I spoke to Powder Keg. Goblins stop plaguing my dreams."

"He told me that if more goblins or beasts came. He would come and hunt them. I care deeply for them. The armies of the Demon Lord are out there. I pray he is doing well," She said.

The man wore a helmet with a dark feathery cloak. A rusty katana at his side. He put his cup of tea down. "You helped defeat the Demon Lord again, Bloody Crow?" Sword Maiden asked.

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst nodded. "Powder Keg...did he have red hair and blue eyes?" He asked. "Yes," Sword Maiden said with a soft smile.

"That man is a vile monster, he and another killed my queen. They invaded my home, butchered all who live there," Bloody Crow snarled. Sword Maiden put her hand on his.

"Despite the fact I grew feelings for him. I could never replace you, the one who rescued me when I was captured by Goblins. The one who stood at my side and back against armies. Bloody Crow, I love you and I want you," Sword Maiden confessed. Putting aside her small crush on the Powder Keg, for her passion for the love of her life.

"I am sorry I wasn't there to help protect this place," Bloody Crow apologized. He stood up and got on one knee. He held a silver ring with a diamond on it. A Ring of Betrothal from the Chalice Dungeons.

She gasped and put it on her ring finger. "I will not hunt his head if you care for him so. Just promise to never leave me," Bloody Crow asked. "It was a small crush, and you are the man I love," Sword Maiden accepted his marriage proposal.

He swept her off her feet, and Sword Maiden giggled as she was in her beloved's arms. The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst carried The Sword Maiden to the bed chambers. Making sweet love together.

-Adventurer's Guild-

Powder Keg read the letter he was sent. Glad that Water Town is doing well and that a Hunter has come to help protect it. He stuffed in his pocket and watched the drinking contest between Dwarf Shaman and High Elf Archer.

Poor Priestess was not happy about this. He sat next to her, and rubbed her head. "You've grown up," He said and she had stars in her eyes.

He frowned as he stood up. Walking out the door. Powder Keg held a Bold Hunter's Mark as the fireworks went off.

Powder Keg faded into mist as he went into the dream. The wind softly whistled as the Doll stayed still. He sat next to the limp Doll. Powder Keg sat in a wheel chair as the bell rang.

His time of rest was over as soon as it began. Powder Keg's body morphed and changed. Ripping and exploding into something else. The Moon Presence floated into the air.

The Blood Moon wrapping around the Great One. The Moon Presence observed the waking world inside the very moon.

He watched his party play and rest the night away. The Moon Presence saw the naked snuggling of Bloody Crow and Sword Maiden. He saw the green moon. Once daybreak comes, he will reenter his human form. For now, he gets to be a Great One for a night.