The Base

Matthew was turned away from the group, focusing intently on a connecting alleyway. His face was dark and serious, a stark contrast to his usual easy-going mannerism. He almost looked like an entirely different man. Umbra had gotten used to Matthew's radical shifts in personality, and he knew when Matthew meant business.

Umbra pushed Victor towards Aunora, trusting her to take care of their child.  

Creeping behind Matthew, Umbra let a hand fall across his back. It was a small, but comforting gesture, telling Matthew to let himself relax. Umbra didn't like Victor seeing Matthew so grim.

"Look, on the ground," Matthew whispered, his German accent heavy.

Umbra followed his line of sight, his fae eyes cutting through the low light better than Matthew's could. Brownish-red stains splattered the concrete before them, and Umbra's heart sped up. This was becoming much too real.

"Someone was dragged through here," Matthew hissed, sounding sickened.

"How do you know what that even looks like?" Aunora cut in, her hand firmly on Victor's chest, keeping him away from the morbid sight. Seraph was huddled beside Victor, and Victor held his arm.

A flicker of shock passed through Matthew's eyes, and he shook it away. "I-I-" he faltered for a moment, but quickly found his voice again, "I watch a lot of NCIS. It looks just like it does in the movies." Matthew put on an uncertain smile, meeting his children's eyes. Victor or Seraph didn't return his smile. Umbra couldn't blame them, as Matthew still had his hands wrapped around his gun.

"Right," Aunora murmured, eyeing Matthew with suspicion, "So are you thinking this is our guy? An alleyway blood stain could mean anything. There's a crap-ton of crime in this side of the city."

Umbra knelt down, touching his fingers to the stains and bringing them to his nose. "Smells like human blood," he said, "So it can't hurt to investigate. It's the only lead we have right now."

Umbra took a smart step in front of Matthew, putting himself in the head of the group. His team fell into line behind him, and Umbra felt his pride swell when Victor's small hands clutched the back of his shirt. He may have occasionally failed to protect his son, but Victor still looked to him for security. And this time, Umbra didn't plan to disappoint.

As bloody stains twisted farther and farther down the alleyway, Umbra's concern started to grow. He had no idea what they were walking into. For all he knew, they could be falling right into a sick trap.

Umbra paused, runes shining at his feet. The long, sturdy pole of his war scythe appeared in his hand, its touch calming him. Whatever was possibly waiting for them, Umbra was going to fight it.

Finally, the trail stopped abruptly at a dead end. The alley opened up into a somewhat less cramped space, and a rickety door was the only important feature that met Umbra's eyes. Above the door, the faded image of a sun was painted into the concrete wall.

"Is that it?" Aunora asked, breaking the silence, "I was kinda expecting a little more."

Matthew trudged by Umbra, testing the door. Surprisingly, it was unlocked, and Matthew peered into the darkness that hung behind it.

"It's..." Matthew paused, squinting, "Just stairs. This place is literally an underground guild, it seems."

Umbra watched over his shoulder, confirming Matthew's remarks. Indeed, blood-stained stone steps sunk down into shadows, and not even Umbra's night vision could cut through it.

"Are we going down there?" Seraph asked, shifting his weight.

Umbra sighed, leaning on his war scythe. "I'm not sure if it's a good idea for all of us to go in there at one time. This is enemy territory, and I don't want our backs to be completely exposed. Someone could come in behind us and ambush us."

Aunora crossed her arms. "So what do we do?"

Umbra glanced down, taking in the image of Victor clinging to his side. "Victor and I will man the door and make sure no one gets in. It's the safest option."

Victor's face fell. "What?" he said, voice hoarse.

"Victor, dear, this is too dangerous for you," Umbra murmured slowly, setting a hand on his shoulder, "I haven't been protecting you like I should be here recently. Your safety is my primary responsibility, and I have to make sure nothing happens to you."

"But, Dad-"

Umbra squeezed Victor's shoulder. "Dear, it's for the best."

Matthew blinked. "Umbra, are you sure about this?"

"Quite. Record everything you see on your cell phone. We'll keep in touch. I'll alert you if I see anything," Umbra said curtly, wrapping his arms around Matthew, "Good luck."

Umbra let his shoulders slump as Matthew, Aunora, Esper, and Seraph started their descent down the stairs, disappearing into the unknown. There was an ache in his chest, wishing he could be at Matthew's side, fighting with him. But Victor needed him, he had no choice.

Umbra heard a small whimper, and he glanced down. Victor was sitting on the ground, arms crossed. Victor's cheeks were flushed dark red, and he was muttering to himself.

"Sweetie, what's wrong? Did you really want to go in there and risk your life?" Umbra asked, kneeling down before his master.

"I just...You, like, called me out in front of everyone! I'm so embarrassed, how can I even look Seraph in the eyes after my Dad made me sit out an important mission?" Victor cried.

Umbra reached forward, touching his cheek. "We've had a lot of close calls, and I don't want you to get hurt, or worse. You're my master, and I must protect you."

"I told you not to call me that," Victor growled, shying away from his touch.

Umbra swallowed, the tattoo on his back tingling. "Yes, I'm sorry about that," he mumbled.

"I-" Victor gritted his teeth, "Don't do that either! It's weird!"

Umbra bit his tongue, turning away from his master. "I love you, so, so much," he whispered.

"I know," Victor said lowly, running a hand down his face.

"I'm doing what's best for you, dear."

Victor cut his eyes to the side. "Whatever."

Author's Note- it must be weird having your dad be your slave