Reanimated as Death's Bane

An attack?

“Are you expecting anyone?” Pete asked generally.

“Let me handle that," Hank said, stepping up and swinging the door open. Before them were two boys, a teenager and a child, the ones Pete had seen earlier.

They both had a striking resemblance but the older one was clearly bigger.

“My parents said they have a surprise for the neighborhood, and they want you to come join us.” The older one said.

“Ohh, little Timmy, is that so? Alright, give us a minute.” Hank assured them as he closed the door.

‘I wonder what those guys are up to, they've been distant for a while, now they have a surprise for the hood?’

It sounded weird, but Hank waved it away, he didn't have to pass the message since everyone heard what the boy said.

“So what do you think, Mom? Should we go” Hank questioned

“When did you start calling her mom? I don't remember having a brother.” Pete chimed in

“Relax, Pico, it's a family thing.” she said, grabbing his arm.

“I think we should check it out, they did say it's for the neighbors right. We can't ignore them.” Marilyn added and Claudia nodded in agreement.

With that, they went to their various rooms to prepare.

Pete stared at his wardrobe and realized he had no decent clothes for a party, aside from the two pairs of training gear Sir Crayon had left him, he had nothing.

He sighed, then grabbed a white vest. It was a better fit than the black one. As he put it on, a knock came on his door.

“Hey kid, open up.” Hank spoke from the other side.

Pete was skeptical at first, but reasoned there was no harm in letting the guy in, besides, he could force his way in if he wanted.

“I figured out you didn't come with luggage, so this might be useful.”

Hank handed over a neatly folded pack of clothes.

Pete eyed him warily, then back at the clothes, then thanked Hank, who was already out of sight.

From the pile, he selected a red jacket with matching pants, then joined the group in the living room.

Hank led the way to the neighbor's house, and with a ring of the doorbell, they were ushered in by a fairly young woman with strikingly strong facial features. She was quite muscular but still had her female features.

Inside was more decorated and wider spaced than Pete's home because the furniture was placed apart.

“Ahh, you're early.” a bulky man said cheerfully, walking out from one of the rooms .

“Welcome, please wait for us while we make some arrangements, the other neighbors may arrive soon,” the man said, smiling, then he gestured to his wife to come into the room.

The young six year old boy peeped at the guests from the opposite corner, then he slowly came out from the shadow smiling at Pete. Then his brother followed behind with a smile.

But then Pete felt a prickle on his neck. Something was wrong.

His mother nudged him, turning her gaze to the kids.

‘Why? Can't he talk to me first?’

After a few more nudges Pete gave in and walked towards the boys.

At that same instant, Hank winked at Marilyn. He traced his way to the bathroom, and she followed. Since the housing layout was similar, it was easy.

“What was that for?” Marilyn asked.

“Are you telling me you didn't notice? You didn't see the lies in their eyes? Something is wrong, and I'm not staying to find out what.” Hank stated.

“I had my suspicions too but what made you conclude so quickly?” Marilyn asked

“How far does Jake live? Why isn't he here by now? You know, all that guy mostly does is sleep around, so something like this should excite him.” Hank stated.

Marilyn saw sense in Hank's theory, but could the neighbors have against them? They decided to head back to the living room and keep their guard up.

In the dining room, Pete was discussing with the other kids.

“So why aren't you at the academy yet?” Pete asked the older one.

“Ohh, next year I'll be sixteen, then I can go. I'm happy I can spend time with my family. What about you?” The boy smiled sheepishly.

“I think you…”

Arghhh

Just then a loud groan caught Pete's attention.

It was from the living room. Hank.

He lay on the floor, while the man from earlier stood above him. As Marilyn rushed over to help him, the bulky woman from before drove her knee sharply into her guts. Causing her to stumble.

Pete's eyes widened in shock.

‘How could he take a sword hit and walk unscathed? But fell over from this guy's attack, that guy had to be a beast then, but why are they attacking them?” Instinctively, he reached for the orb, but he felt his hands locked by a firm grip. It was the boy.

A punch was delivered to Pete's face which sent his jaw sideways. Pete angrily swung his arm to return the gesture, with his new strength he was fast, but the boy was faster, he…