The Past

Just as soon as it happened, it was over.

Within minutes, the police arrived, followed by several ambulances. Officers swarmed the room, taking note of casualties and the scattered weapons on the floor. Umbra was immediately approached by one of the officers, as he was one of the few people left alive and standing.

Already pulling out his wallet, Umbra flashed his ID, a calm smile on his lips. “Good morning, Miss. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. But, as a licensed mercenary, I felt it was my responsibility to defend the public.” His chest was puffed out with smug confidence, as he recognized the woman as the very officer that had arrested him so many months ago for jaywalking.

Umbra saw her eye twitch, obviously recognizing the irony as well. “The police force thanks you for your contribution,” she said dryly, as if reading off a script.

“I cleared all the hostages from the area. I only received minor injures, but Matthew and that woman back there requires immediate attention,” Umbra turned his head, looking at Victor, who was sleeping against the wall, “And, if you can, a bottle of water and a blanket for my son. He's still shaken from the incident.”

Umbra grinned ear to ear, watching the officer squirm in his oppressive egomania. Despite almost being shot, this morning seemed to be going well.

----

“I'm sorry for burning you, Dad,” Victor mumbled weakly from Umbra’s lap.

“It's fine, Victor,” Umbra murmured, brushing through Victor’s hair with his fingers, “You didn't mean to.”

He was resting on a bench inside the bank, watching an emergency medic heal Matthew's shoulder. The healing magic worked instantaneously, closing the hole in his flesh and drying the blood that soaked the area. Color rushed back into Matthew's face as he stood up, flexing his newly-healed arm.

Matthew plopped down beside Victor, resting a hand on his back. “We have the worst luck, you know that, Umbra?”

Umbra snorted. “Oh, don't worry. I know.”

Victor struggled to sit, leaning heavily on Umbra’s arm. Umbra gently kissed him on the cheek, glancing up. He saw the dark haired woman walking away from the paramedics, rubbing her side. Pushing Victor onto Matthew's arm, Umbra rose to meet her.

“I'm afraid I didn't get the chance to properly thank you. I really appreciate you helping my son, I'm not sure what I would have done otherwise,” Umbra said, dipping his head in a bow.

The woman shook Umbra's hand firmly, the strength in her grip taking him off guard. “It's no problem. I know how it feels to be a kid growing up with crazy powers. We necromancers gotta help each other out, right?”

Umbra nodded in response, holding eye contact with her. He found that she was looking straight past him, gaze falling on Matthew. Her smile faded as she studied him, and Umbra whipped around, following her stare.

Matthew stroked Victor’s cheek, murmuring something inaudible to him. Victor’s head fell against his hand, and Matthew smiled, his entire face lighting up.

The woman’s mouth dropped open, spare locks of hair falling across her face. She pointed an accusing finger at Matthew, expression haunted.

“Jürgen?! Is that you?”

Matthew stiffened, glasses slipping down his nose.

Author's Note- i love doing dumb little call backs

and....ooh, that's a twist