The Father

In alarm, Victor stood, twisting his neck to see the monitor. Umbra stumbled through the hallways, his back arched like an animal. His war scythe scrapped against the floor, leaving a bloody trail. He looked like a madman.

“No, no, no, this can't be happening. He's gonna kill me,” Pilate sobbed in a frenzy, violently rocking on his heels, “He's gonna kill me.”

Pilate groped for his phone, smashing his fingers over the screen. “Dad? Dad?” he asked, voice rising in pitch, “Please help me, I need you, I'm really scared. He-he's gonna kill me, I don't wanna die, please help me, please save me…” Victor strained to hear a garbled voice on the other end of the line. Pilate nodded in response, nose running. “Please hurry,” he said weakly, shoving his phone back into his pocket.

Pilate met eyes with Victor, his bottom lip trembling. “I-I am sorry, I gotta-I gotta hide…”

Victor groaned in distress, reaching for Pilate. He covered his face, sprinting out the door.

Alone, Victor hugged his chest, heart pounding. Dad's coming, Victor told himself, everything is gonna be okay now.

“Victor?” a hoarse voice asked.

Victor looked up, tears filling his eyes. Umbra stood at the doorway, shoulders heaving with exertion. Blood stained his face and shirt, but Victor had a feeling it wasn't his.

“Daddy!” Victor cried, throwing himself into Umbra's chest.

“I was so scared something had happened to you,” Umbra whispered, bringing his lips to Victor's forehead. Victor took in Umbra's distinct sweet smell, melting in his arms. He sniffled against his shirt, feeling himself tremble.

“I'm sorry I yelled at you, Dad,” Victor mumbled, pulling himself closer into the gentle curve of Umbra's torso.

“It's okay, dear. I'm not angry with you,” Umbra said gently, cupping Victor's face in his hands.

“I wanna go home,” Victor hid his head in the crook of Umbra's arm.

Umbra suddenly paused, raising his head. His eyes narrowed in hard focus. “There's something coming…” he trailed off, clenching his jaw, “This isn't good.”

Victor's heart skipped a beat, recalling Pilate’s phone call. “Dad, it's Asher-” he started to say, and Umbra's eyes widened.

“I can't let him see you,” Umbra rasped, frantically searching the room. He located a stack of computer boxes in front of them and pointed, “Get over there and hide.”

Victor tightened his grip on Umbra's arm, “But Dad, together we can-”

“Victor!” Umbra snarled, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, “I said hide! I don't have time to argue, this is serious!” With one solid thrust, he shoved Victor into the stack of boxes.

Victor whimpered, staring up at Umbra. Sweat dripped down Umbra’s face, and Victor could have sworn there were tears in his eyes. Hesitantly, he hid himself amongst the boxes, lowering his stomach to the floor.

“Don't move or make a noise until I give the clear, understand?” Umbra murmured, tossing a fearful look over his shoulder. He tugged off his shirt and vest, throwing it over Victor. “Put this over you, it'll disguise your scent from him.”

Victor nodded, burying himself under Umbra's clothes.

Umbra's expression tightened. “No matter what happens to me, do not come out.” Heavy footsteps echoed down the hall, and Umbra flinched.

Umbra forced a nervous smile, but his eyes were haunted. “Victor, I love you.”

Author's Note- and the climax begins :)