"We need to move before that thing decides to return for another attack." Damon retracted his blade and deliberated for a while before deciding to conclude their search.
He intended to inquire with Marco to see if there were any means of dealing with the creature. Although, considering the possibility of another monster being in the house, he was anticipating Vincent would be the one to handle the task.
'I still don't know what that white figure was either or if it was the same creature…'
Henry coughed with a pained expression and said, "Alright, We should really take those with us though" He swayed for a moment, bracing a hand against a dusty support beam. His gaze, however, was fixed on the grisly pile near the foundation wall as he gestured with his chin.
Instinctively, Damon's turned his head, following Henry's gaze as his eyes lit up. He hadn't forgotten there purpose for entering the house in the first place.
'How convenient...' He laughed inwardly. With his back arched he made his way over to the pile, avoiding a few pipes over head. After a bout of searching, he found a considerable number of scattered pieces and Henry's fallen twin daggers. In total, there were five human spines and skulls but unexpectedly, among the pile were also bones suspected to be from various fish.
'I thought this creature only ate human cores… Wait why didn't it devour Mrs Watson…!?' As Damon pondered these questions, he heard Henry mutter a short chant behind him.
"Blessings bestowed of The Scarlet Visionary."
Damon watched curiously, observing as a golden sphere appeared around Henry's body for just an instant before vanishing.
Caw! CAH! Caw!
What followed was the unmistakable sound of a crow's call. It seemed to come from a distance way, yet the sharp sound rang loudly in both brother's ears. Amidst the call, Damon perceived that Henry's countenance had brightened as color returned to his face and his spiritual energy was restored.
'That's useful', Damon instantly recalled that Vincent had informed them recite the chant if they needed support. He was just about to inquire about Henry's condition when he suddenly thought of something. He immediately said with a smile, "Did you perhaps learn that during your nightly escapes?"
For a moment Henry looked over confused, then his eyes widened in astonishment."How did you h---.?"
"Our spiritual energy made contact when I found you," Damon explained, turning his back to begin carefully storing the scattered bones into his inventory. "It's natural for the stronger will to perceive fragments from the weaker one. Your mental defenses were… compromised."
The remark landed with a sting, but Henry, still feeling gratitude for the timely save, let it pass. Instead, he shifted his gaze on the hole in the floor above. "How did you scare it off? That wasn't a normal light spell was it…?
"It was the same basic spell Vincent used in the tunnels," Damon fell silent for few seconds as he turned around with an unreadable expression. "I was able to add a bit of my Intent to simulate a burning effect. It targeted the creatures gloomy intent directly, but I wasn't sure how effective it would be"
After a few words, he casually handed Henry the daggers before continuing, "You could have done the same. If it hadn't caught you by surprise, but I can't say I'd fare better in that situation either."
In fact Damon was exceedingly grateful that the creature had opted for a retreat when he arrived. Otherwise, he would have certainly suffered a similar lost.
["You judge yourself too harshly. Your strength is of a different kind. And his... his is a welcome beacon in the dark."]
'Is that a hint of interest I'm sensing master? I didn't think I would be replaced so soon' Damon thought jokingly.
["Hahaha. I have no interest in one so devoid of darkness. On the other hand your dear brother Vincent and your sister Cassie would make for quite good prospects. Hahaha"] With the sound of her laughter, Tomoe's voices quickly faded into silence.
'What? What do mean by tha--?' Interrupting his internal musing, Henry spoke.
"So I was just unlucky to be targeted first.?" While Henry said this, his furrowed brows relaxed. He wasn't even sure who to be frustrated with. With his mind shaken from Mrs Watson's death, it was only natural for the creature to make him its first target.
Staring at the blades of his daggers, his mind began to wonder until he felt Damon pat him on the back. "Enough mopping we need to leave" He said
Without saying another word, He bent his knees further and lept though the hole. As he struck the landing, he stood up just in time to catch a glimpse of someone watching from across the street, through the living room front window.
Damon averted his gaze hastily and withdrew his head.
"Why are we hiding?" Henry asked as he approached from behind, eying Damon strangely.
"Someone was watching from across the street you dolt, and we can't avoid briefing the policemen if we're seen by civilians" Damon grumbled.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves dreading on the ground reached both brother's ears.
'What timing', Channeling more spiritual energy to his eyes, Damon's stare pierced through the wooden walls of the house.
A four wheeled carriage drawn by a mechanical horse drove up the house with its windows open. Watching closely, Damon confirmed the Detective had returned as he exited the carriage with three other men in tow.
As if right on cue, the individual across the street opened their door and nervously rushed out to speak with the officers.
Damon snuck one last glance before he retracted his gaze as the man pointed to the window. Hearing the metal gate being opened, he gestured to Henry. They were going to sneak out through the back.
Henry nodded in agreement then sprang up and dashed towards the kitchen. Not far behind, Damon quickly grabbed the scarf rested on the armchair, his intuition told him it might come in handy later. With swoosh, the brother's leapt out the kitchen window at the back.
Moving away from the house through a back alley, Damon surveyed the surrounding, scrutinizing the now gray clouds in the sky.
Then suddenly, he froze.
He spied a larger shadow crouched on a street pole not far away.
It had a sharp, triangular nose, fur blacker than the tar, and white eyes with slitted black pupils that drank the light, giving it a spectral appearance.
It was a black cat.
It appeared to be observing Damon.