Saving Touma

Chapter 2.P - Tengu

The two carefully climbed up the wreaked stairs. Somehow, they knew that whatever had attacked the hut was no longer there. 

Something this violent wouldn't just disappear into silence. Then, they heard screaming from afar. It seemed like it had moved on to the southern part of the village. 

The two were now certain no danger was awaiting them in the hut. They rushed inside and began searching for their weapons, trying hard not to look at the two dead bodies lying on the floor. One was missing both legs, and the other had its insides pulled out.

When they found their katanas, they quickly ran outside and headed to the courtyard. They took four katanas, thinking Katsuo and their captain needed it. 

They didn't think for a second that they had already been killed. They knew their captain was tough. The guy was an elite soldier in the imperial army. But he needed a weapon to defeat that thing.

A few minutes earlier—

"What was that?" Ryo asked, looking to the east. Katsuo and the chief also flicked in the same direction.

Suddenly, a dark creature that appeared to have wings popped from a corner and passed between two houses. It didn't seem to notice them. 

But it was too fast only Ryo noticed the thing it was carrying in its mouth. He could have been mistaken, but his gut told him that was a human arm dangling with blood dripping down its fingers.

"Katsuo, come here, quick," Ryo hollered at the visibly shaken young man.

"Katsuo!" he repeated. Only then did Katsuo manage to snap out. He walked toward Ryo with trembling legs.

"Hide there. Now!" Ryo commanded. Katsuo ran toward the house his captain had pointed to and began knocking.

"Let me in. Please," he pleaded. The door quickly opened, and a young boy pulled him in. It was Genjiro's house.

Meanwhile, Ryo and Hozumi stood still, trying to wait for the thing to reveal itself.

"We need weapons, Hozumi-san. Do you have any?"

"Come with me."

The two left the courtyard to get weapons at Hozumi's house. Hozumi was able to nick a few items from the palace's armory when he was still serving. 

Three swords, one of them his and the other two from comrades he had lost. He was also able to take out a few daggers and a spear.

As they were rummaging through the dusty closet, they heard screaming from the north. Judging by its loudness, Ryo estimated that it came near their lodging. 

He instantly knew his team was in danger. Worried, he bolted outside with an old sword. It was much bigger than a katana, with a scabbard that exuded sophistication thanks to its elaborate engravings and embellishments.

When the two reached the courtyard, the dark object they had seen earlier was already attacking one of the adjacent homes. 

The air was filled with the sound of screaming and destruction—walls breaking to pieces, cooking implements flying around, and necks snapping. They could also hear the screams abruptly fizzling whenever life was snuffed out.