The first hunt- Old Yharnam

A few days later, James was surprised at how informal the process of becoming a hunter was. He simply needed to bring a head of a beast to the workshop and another badged hunter to vouch for them. Catherine hadn't been able to see him much in the meantime, but she had let him know that he could expect a repeat of affection from his last participation. Just thinking about it got James' blood quickening. Catherine had provided him a bandoleer and a set of her father's old hunter's set to equip him. The blood vials were expensive, but life-saving for a hunter. And he already had a stock of quicksilver bullets.

Wearing the old hunter's garb made him feel like archaic. So many dangling pieces of metal and belts where belts weren't needed (everyone knew the leg bindings wouldn't protect the bad blood coming up their right leg, the many amputee old hunters were proof of that). It still was unrestricting and the padded fabric and leathers did feel more protective than his current wardrobe.

Despite being prepared, hunts were only on nights declared by the church and every full moon. So James had to continue opening his business despite distraction. Business was in fact slow too, only receiving run-off business from his father for repairs and quicksilver refills. But business is business, and James was grateful to be kept afloat and build a customer base. James spent a bit of his extra time practicing quick-firing his gun from the hip and thrusting with his spear. He felt silly, but he had become comfortable with the motions.

Finally, the night of the hunt arrived. He met Catherine in front of Odeon chapel. She was wearing the same set as before, a hunter's axe matched with a blunderbuss. James felt himself stiffen in his underclothes. Partly because she hadn't visited and he had been in need of release. Partly because how close her garb cleaved to her muscular and shapely legs. But mostly the undone buttons showing her gentle bosom in a clear effort to arouse him despite the clear risk to safety is implied.

"You ready partner? We're hunting on old Yharnam tonight." Catherine asked, eyes flashing with obvious hunger and teasing.

"Pf, of course" James responded, trying to match her casual airs. "Whats the hunt for tonight?"

"Apparently, gangs of ape-like beasts have shown up in droves despite the Ashen plague. Should be easy pickings for a skilled hunter like you."