Gilbert keeps track of the Hunter. They're an odd duck. Talkative, but not quite, eager for companionship and solace. He can understand that. Yharnam hates its outsiders. They have to stay together, keep each other going. Maybe that is why he lies to them when the hours grow dim. When his legs creak and splinter in his skin, and his muscles tremble, when hair turns to fur, he leans against the window and hides it. Lies with the silver tongue hid mother always lauded, lies with the words his father always said would make him a fine clergyman if he put his mind to it.
"Ah, you needn't concern yourself with me." Rattling coughs escape his throat even as his chest twists and barrels.
"I'm afraid I'm of little help now... But before I..." He nearly slips.
"Take this." The flamesprayer he traded from a former Powder Keg who wanted nothing to do with the hunt anymore. He needed to make sure the lovely Hunter could remain safe. Outsider for outsider.
"I made no use of it, but perhaps you..." He grows wistful after he closes the small window lattice.
"What inflicted me was incurable, but this town gave me hope... their strange blood bought me time. I was most fortunate." He coughs again. His teeth are warping. Only one more lie. One more lie, so they would not mourn him should they need to slaughter what he becomes.
"Unharmed by the plague of beasts, I can even die human." The blood he coughs up feels like a punishment for the lie. There is no absolution waiting for him. No absolution for outsiders. As he hears the good Hunter move away hesitantly, he rests his head against his pillow, eyes dropping shut. Outsiders for the outsiders. He would not tell them. He could not. Let them think they could avenge him when they find the beast he becomes. Let them find some closure. There is no cure for him. And he made his peace with that. As his growing claws dig into the mattress, his thoughts grow dim. He speaks to the good Hunter once, twice more. His mouth feels Ashen, tastes like the coppery lie he told so many hours ago. He hopes they get out. His eyes fall shut with a shuddering breath.
"Farewell, my friend. Live well."
Outside, the moon bleeds.
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