The Transport

Morning had crept upon the team sooner than it felt it should have, the sun not even risen yet.

Bleary, Victor hugged his jacket tighter around his chest, the cold having turned more severe on top of the skyscraper that was Alcorith Horizons. He kept his eyes locked on the floor, unwilling to peer over the fence that was the only barrier between him and the open air.

On a raised platform, a helicopter had landed, the spinning blades whipping Victor’s hair across his face. His throat tightened, the sounds of the motor almost too loud for him to handle.

“So, uh,” Aunora muttered, her ponytail flailing wildly by her back, “Why don't we just teleport? I don't think I've ever even seen one of these things before.”

Infinity was standing at the foot of the platform, a backpack thrown over his shoulders. He had discarded his formal, professional clothing in favor of a pair of fatigues and combat boots, a long black jacket wrapped around his torso. “Raging Hail is no-teleport zone. Any teleportation spells will immediately be disrupted within the vicinity. The only way in and out is by air. It's for safety reasons.”

Seraph stood by Victor’s side, eyebrows knitted. “So this machine flies?” he murmured, more thoughtful than questioning, “I myself can fly, so I am curious how it feels to be a rider.”

“Doesn't feel good,” Victor mumbled, prodding into Seraph’s mind.

“I think it should be fascinating. Humans have made such fascinating inventions.”

“If you guys are ready, we need to leave as soon as possible. They're expecting us,” Infinity said, taking a step forward.

Umbra tugged his fingers through his hair, biting at his lip as he wrapped his arms around Victor and Seraph. “Have a safe trip, okay, dears? I love you, and please be careful.”

Aunora leaned over, taking Umbra aside. “Hey, look after Esper for me, alright?”

Umbra smiled, tilting his head reassuringly. “Don't worry. I've got a full manicure and pedicure scheduled for today, and I plan to talk with him over dinner. He’s in good hands. In turn, I'm trusting you with…” he faltered, “...everyone else.”

Aunora felt her eyes slip down, watching the ground, “Right.”

“You'll be fine. I packed you a small guide in your bag that should help with handling the kids. Just, uh, make sure they bathe. Also, he won't ask you or anything, but try to brush Seraph’s hair after he takes a bath. He likes it. And Victor sleeps better if you hold his hand.”

Umbra clasped his hands together, catching Matthew’s eyes. He reached out a hand, beckoning him over. Matthew stood stiff, face tight with a discerning tension. Umbra’s shoulders fell.

“Ah...see you soon, then, Matt.”

----

Victor’s stomach lurched as the helicopter rose from the platform and into the air, the unpleasant yet infuriatingly familiar feeling still causing him anxiety. Seraph had settled next to him, suddenly looking somewhat green.

Victor fumbled through his pocket, bringing out the cellphone Umbra had bought him to replace the one he had lost. He skimmed through his contacts- they were steadily growing, the Muerte’s home phone now a regular appearance. He brought the phone to his ear as it rung.

“Hello?” It was Morena. He and Morena had a rough start, her misguided attempts at saving her husband putting Victor in peril. But after countless rounds of her fervent apologies, she and Victor had reconciled.

“Can I please talk to Mr. Salvador?”

“Oh, yeah, hold on, kiddo,” Morena murmured, her voice growing distant as she moved away from the phone, “Sal, baby! It's Victor, he wants to talk!”

“Victor!” Salvador exclaimed, his cheery demeanor threatening to become contagious, “I was just about to call you! I wanted to know whether you liked chocolate cake or vanilla cake more, since I wanted us to bake together when you came over this weekend. And do you like Coke? Morena says you do, but it's complicated? I was kinda wondering what that meant-"

“Uh, um, Mr. Salvador, I don't think I can go. We got called on a mission. I'm sorry.”

“I understand, buddy! You're a working man. Have a good time, okay?”

“I, um...I actually wanted some advice. Mr. Infinity needs me for my necromancy...He wants me to solve some murder. I'm scared. I don't know if I can do it.”

“You're going to be fine, Victor,” Salvador said, slowing down as his voice took on a serious edge, “I promise. You're a talented kid. If you're worried about your spells, try to reach out and connect to Death’s power. He may not be alive in the traditional sense, but his essence is still here, and he grants us power.”

Victor flinched as an electric tingle ran down his spine. “Right.”

“Once you totally ace this mission, I'm gonna throw you a big party. It'll be a blast.”

“Vic, you're gonna be fine!” Morena shouted in the background.

Victor’s cheeks grew hot as he slumped into the helicopter seat.

He wished he could believe in himself as much as they did.

Author's Note- the "its complicated" is referring to arc 8, as she drugged victor with coke lol

aaand victors list of dads continues to grow lol