Reanimated as Death's Bane

Hank's ability

Later that night, Pete stayed up, unable to fathom the thought of his baby sister being married, and worse, she was going to be a mother.

He wanted to stop it but what could he do?

Then another thought worried him, Dave, his OG. He had left him, just to arrive at this mess. He was starting to regret his decision; there was nothing better coming here.

Maybe if he went to rescue him, he could actually have a fight and gauge his new strength. Based on his experience with Hank he was slacking.

So he decided to practice, first thing in the morning.

Before sunrise, he was up, he made his way to the grass clearing in front of the house and pulled the two short swords out of the orb.

“I shouldn't have fallen too behind with these.” He muttered, flexing the blades in his grip.

He got in a fighting stance, his legs spread apart, then swung at the air. He staggered slightly at the impact point.

While trying to regain his balance, an abrupt laugh caught his attention.

“Haa! I actually thought you had skill.” Hank mocked Pete stepping off the balcony.

‘Is this fucker laughing at me?’ Pete frowned. He had it, that was enough of this guy.

“Come any closer and I'll chop your head off.” Pete threatened pointing his blade towards Hank.

But the guy kept on walking, like he didn't give a shit. It seemed foolish, who did he think he was?

But that didn't matter, Pete had already made his decision, this would be best for them and maybe his sister would understand if he framed it otherwise.

He launched at Hank furiously, keeping both blades behind him, then with a low growl, he swung hard.

The hit connected smoothly on Hank's neck and a clang was heard before he dropped. It was confusing to Pete that his skin wasn't bruised but Hank lay on the floor unmoving.

A satisfied smile crept across his lips,

‘Now that this stupid roach is dead, I can finally spend time with my family, mom will be happier than ever, and little sis, she'll have to live with it. I have to clean up this mess fast.’

As he grabbed Hank's legs to pull him away.

Hank twitched violently, putting on a sarcastic act.

“Argh, no, help me, somebody please help, hahahaha!”

“You're even dumber than I thought, now let me show you how to use a sword.”

In a swift motion, he kicked himself off the ground, then grabbed Pete's sword midair, landing firmly behind him. This unexpected outcome dazed Pete.

“Come on, where are the balls you had earlier? Give me a fight.” Hank requested.

Pete snapped out of his daze. He locked eyes with Hank, and after reconsidering his actions, he wanted to run off. What kind of monster was this guy?

“Alright then, I'll make my move. Hank didn't launch at Pete, instead, he freestyled some moves, swinging the sword back and forth like a dancer.

Then he struck the air.

Pete raised his brow, confused, ‘What was that?’

until a large chunk of his hair fell off neatly.

He jumped back.

'Did he just attack me through the air, but it doesn't make sense. If he has a telekinetic ability, how did he survive my attack?’ The more he thought about it, he understood he had made a grave mistake.

“Don't tell me you're scared, kid,” Hank said, smirking as he noticed Pete's reaction.

Pete came up with an idea hoping to dissolve the situation. If anything, he had to learn from this guy, and provoking him already was a bad approach.

“Man, I know I offended you, but trust me, I didn't mean it. I was in a bad mood, and when you laughed at me, it added to my frustration.”

Hank was unmoved by this speech, still pointing the sword at Pete, but he didn't give up pleading.

“You know we're going to be… in-laws soon, this isn't…” Pete mumbled his voice heavy with defeat, but he was cut off.

“Hahahahah! What did you say? So you knew. And you tried to kill me you're an idiot! Hahahaha!” Hank clutched his stomach as he laughed. This relieved Pete as the sword was no longer pointed at him.

“Listen, I have no grudge against you, kid, but I'll tell you this, you're pathetic, and the next time you attack me, I won't be so merciful. Be careful.” Hank said in a carefree tone and tossed the sword towards Pete who instinctively sidestepped.

The statement stung Pete hard because there was some truth in it, so he called out to Hank.

“Wait… I want you to teach me.”

“Teach me how to fight.” Pete pleaded.

Hank paused, then looked over his shoulder at Pete. Without saying a word, he pulled the door open and entered the house.

‘I wasn't expecting him to agree anyway.’

He picked up the other sword and continued his swings till he reached a hundred and that left him exhausted.

After placing the swords in the orb he noticed a pair of eyes looking his way from the window of the house opposite him, a little boy, no more than six.

When Pete locked eyes with him, the boy waved, and instantly he was pulled away from behind.

“I wonder what that's about.” Pete wondered, being sweaty and exhausted he went to clean himself up.

“Big brother Pete, I'm off to work,” Marilyn said as she walked elegantly in a royal blue gown across the dining room.

“Hunny, remember you have an appointment too, don't be late,” she added.

“Yeah yeah, I know," Hank responded with a kiss as she leaned in.

This act was unusual and strange to Pete, but he knew better than to act rashly, especially with Hank around, so he cleared his throat.

“Ehhemm, I'm still here you know, two adults can't be kissing in front of a minor,” Pete said sternly, taking a bite of chicken drum.

“What's wrong with that?” Marilyn giggled, tucking her hair behind her ears.

Pete eyed her from the side ‘Everything is wrong with that you dumb fuck, and that psychopath tried to kill me earlier.’ He smirked lazily but didn't share his thoughts, instead…

“I'm sure two grown ups know where to find a room and satisfy themselves.”

Pete said. Sarcastically targeting Marilyn.

They both laughed at his joke, understanding its true meaning.

“At least we're both humans.” Hank added, laughing harder, then left the dining hall.

‘What did he mean by that? Does he know about Bauer? Or could it be he knows I'm an anomaly?

Pete was confused by this because as much as he knew he wasn't completely human, he knew there were no visible signs or flaws.

'I have to be careful around that guy, I don't think I can shut him up if he tries to blackmail me.' With this, he left the dining room.

Marilyn was already out so there was one person he could talk to.

He found his mom sitting quietly on the balcony, admiring the clouds, so he pulled a chair closer and joined her.

“Pico,” Claudia called.

That name melted Pete's heart, it brought a smile to his face.

It was something he longed to hear, the name that reminded him he had family, the familiar name that made him feel the warmth of a mother's love.

“Yes, Mama.” His voice trembled slightly with joy as he responded.

“Whatever you try to do, don't let anyone decide a future that you don't want for yourself. Always follow your heart. And don't rush in making decisions.” Claudia advised still looking at the clouds.

Her guidance and never ending care were something he forever cherished, and now, the long lost moments were replaying themselves.

With a graceful smile, Pete responded. “Yes, Mama.”

But something strange caught his attention.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure staring at them from the same window earlier, a different boy, his figure was slightly obscured by the curtain, but he seemed like a teenager.

It seemed strange to him why the kid hid, so having someone familiar by his side, he asked about them.

"Mom… do you know anything about the neighbors?

She smiled at him before responding. They played around from time to time, but they've been quiet lately.

When Pete turned back to look at the boy, he wasn't there anymore he had disappeared like a ghost.

Marilyn soon returned with Hank and Pete welcomed them, but just as he shut the door, there was a knock on the door.