Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 6

The Terror

Victor couldn't breathe.

He sank to his knees, hands over his face. His dull nails dug into his forehead, sweat soaked hair slipping between his fingers. He couldn't hear, the blood roaring in his drowned out everything except his frantic heaves for air.

Cold fire circled around him, the blaze burning higher and higher. He couldn't stop it. His lower back throbbed as magic poured from his body, feeding the inferno. The spirit fire left no smoke, but the ice-cold air was almost unbearable. Victor’s breath came out in short, choppy clouds.

“Crap…” Umbra whispered, letting his sword dissolve into sparks. Behind him, the last criminal collapsed on the floor, his torso carved by Umbra's blade. The fight as over. But Umbra's job was far from over.

“Hey, Miss,” Umbra said quickly, staring at the woman who laid against the wall, “You need to get out of here, now. It's not safe.”

She didn't respond, eyes glued to Victor’s trembling form.

Shaking his head, Umbra skirted around the flames, keeping his movements slow and steady, as not to startle his son. He grabbed Matthew around the shoulders, trying not to grimace as felt hot blood run between his fingers. He pulled him to the adjacent wall, away from the chaos.

“Hang in there, Matt,” Umbra whispered, touching his cheek.

Matthew forced a smile, but his face was pale. “It's just a gunshot wound, Umbry. I'll be fine. Go and help Vic.”

Umbra pressed his lips to Matthew's forehead, lingering on his warm skin. He was terrified. Terrified for Victor, and terrified for Matthew. He refused to look at the massive bloodstain on Matthew's coat.

Standing up, Umbra took slow, fluid steps in Victor’s direction. Victor peeked through his fingers, a low, miserable cry in his throat.

“Victor…”

“I'm sorry!” Victor sobbed, voice cracking, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry-”

“Victor,” Umbra repeated, “Look at me, please.”

“I didn't m-mean to!” Victor’s voice was disoriented, “Don't be mad at me, please…”

Umbra crouched in front of Victor, ignoring the fire that burned around him. Victor held his head, teeth grit and expression tight. Every time the fire peaked, Victor flinched as if someone had punched him in the gut.

He had to calm Victor down, now.

“Victor, you're going to be okay. I need you to try to take a deep breath through your nose. Can you do that?”

“It hurts,” Victor shouted, “It hurts, Dad!”

Umbra placed his hands on Victor’s shoulders, gently massaging them. “I know it does, sweetie. Can you squeeze my hand?” Clearly he wasn't in any state to do breathing exercises. When that failed, simple physical tasks were the next thing Umbra's training had drilled into his skull.

Victor nodded weakly, and brought his tiny hand to Umbra's. His fingers were cold as they wrapped around Umbra's hand. Victor twitched, and blue sparks flashed on his skin.

Umbra let out an involuntary gasp as the cold sensation morphed into a painful burn. He instantly regretted it.

“I-I-” Victor jerked away from Umbra, face dropping in horror, “I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to burn you!” He slammed his back against the wall, raising his head in a feeble attempt to breathe. His eyes were wild, darting back and forth like a feral animal.

Umbra rubbed the scorched flesh. “Victor, it's okay,” he struggled to keep his voice even, “Please, don't blame yourself.”

Victor bawled in agony, visible shivers devastating his scrawny frame. He tore at his hair, the fire only growing larger.

Umbra was at a loss. Victor was completely breaking down. He couldn't calm him. Meekly, he extended a hand, but Victor shied away, eyes showing nothing but pure terror.

“I think I've seen enough,” a voice murmured.

The woman against the wall stood, blood still soaking through shirt. He staggered to the center of the room, clapping her hands. Blue magic pulsed around her, and Victor’s flames began to flicker. As if it had been smothered, the fire started to die, leaving only black burn marks on the marble floor. Victor’s eyes rolled to the back of his skull, and he slumped forward, hitting the floor in a quivering pile.

The woman knelt by Victor, stroking his hair. “That was impressive, kiddo.”

Author's Note- sorry for the delay!!!!! question of the chapter: whats your favorite arc, and why?