After at least 2 hours of screwing around invading, after getting ganked, and at least 3 times having not one but TWO darkmoon helpers coming after me.

I got gud.

I invade, being the grapist I am, I get told "Defeat host or 1 phantom" and that is important for later.

So I go and find the host at the Cleansing Chapel bonfire. He is alone, FINALLY! He waves, I thrust my sword in the air valiantly, and we begin our fight.

We trade hits, he's hitting me for at least a quarter of my hp.. while I'm struggling to do an 8th. I get 3 estus out of him, then 4. I have used 2 of my 6. Then it happens, the red eyes float from my body. I sigh in frustration, oh well I better go take care of him first I think.

As I rush headlong into the Darkbro who was spawning in at the chapel, the most unfortunate happens... Another red eye, another Darkbro... I groan in agony, it was going so well too.

I b-line from my current course towards the graveyard, while a Darkbro with a FUGS right on my heels, I manage to dodge every hit whilst maneuvering through the maggot puking horde. Once he clips me with the aoe stagger but I hold-fast, and push onward.

I spin my camera on a straight away where maggotpukers are just pulling themselves out of the ground, one Darkbro and the host are there... One piece of assistance unaccounted for..

I hit the bridge overlooking the valley and see the straggler, I guess he wanted to cut me off... I had other plans though. Coming prepared I let my cat ring do it's job as I leaped from the bridge, leaving the FUGSlut and the Haplesshost to fumble with their inventory.

I hit the ground as he kills a maggot monstrosity, he rolls and heals but I catch him mid sip. He rolls and goes for another but my Gotthard's found their mark and I got my full combo.

"Darkbro Defeated" I let out my contained breath for the first time in what seemed like an hour. I thought this must be it! But.. but no. The duty was yet to be complete, I guess the mad god will not take just any phantom. There was more work to be done.

I wasted much time basking in my premature thoughts of victory. The others had caught up. I ran down the valley towards the choke point and took a couple of hits at the remaining Darkbro, that big sword bastard.

I take him down to half with one smooth rolling attack, he retreats, I dodge a fireball from the host as it torches one of the wormy wretches.

My singed ally is yet to die though, it takes on last swing as I follow suit... A second of bated breath.... the sound of sliced flesh and blood spatter..... And I am pleased. The host is dead, the Crestfallen FUGSer just stands as I make quick work of his remaining health..

I fade out as I see that my task has been fulfilled.. shackle in hand.. I relieve the grandeur, the frenzy, the mad rush.... and I giggle with glee. "The day is mine, all mine." I think, as I add one more to the pile.