The Memories

Victor rubbed his arms against his chest, reclining against the headboard of Aunora’s bed. Seraph sat beside him, intently reading a book.

He shuffled in his position, tugging at the strings on his shirt. He felt trapped in his own mind, unable to communicate or even interact with his family.

Seraph persistently staying by his side had brought Victor great joy, even if he couldn't express it. He desperately wanted to let Seraph hug him, like he had tried many times before, but his skin crawled anytime anyone touched it. His strangled vocal cords hadn't helped either. Victor hoped Seraph wasn't angry with him.

Victor sighed. He hadn't seen Umbra in nearly a week. He missed his familiar dearly, but any thought of him only seemed to bring back the grisly memories of their encounter with Asher. The blood-stained images haunted Victor every time he closed his eyes.

Victor wrapped his arms around his stomach, grimacing as the loss of Umbra's eye materialised clearly in his mind. Seraph placed a hand on his shoulder, sending chills down his spine. He swallowed, tolerating Seraph’s innocent method of comfort.

I've gotta get over this, Victor thought, forcing bile back down his throat, I want my dad. I gotta see him.

Victor made a grunting noise, the best way he could communicate with Seraph. He gestured at the door, and Seraph nodded.

“Do you need me to come with you?” Seraph asked, putting down his book.

Shaking his head, Victor slipped out the door, his bare feet squishing into the shag carpet that covered the upstairs portion of his house. He grabbed the doorframe for support, his body still weak from his fainting spell.

He stumbled through the hall, blood pounding in his ears. He hated that he felt so scared. He shouldn't be afraid.

Victor hesitated in front of his and Umbra's bedroom door, unable to force himself to turn the knob. He was quaking like a leaf, teeth chattering.

“Esper, are you ready yet?”

Victor's veins turned to ice. That was Umbra. The familiar baritone settled the uneasiness in his stomach and gave Victor a new surge of energy. Slowly, he pushed open the door, peeking his head inside.

Victor let out a squeak.

Umbra was turned towards the adjoining half-bathroom, hair still wet and his lower half clad in a towel. His bandages were gone, revealing the gruesome aftermath of his fight. Thick, pinkish gashes stretched across his skin, surrounded by discolored bruises.

“Huh?” Umbra spun to face Victor, only to realize his mistake.

Umbra's right eye was exposed, the scarred, empty eye socket in Victor's plain view.

Victor choked, the violent scenes of battle flashing before his eyes. He was suddenly overwhelmed, senses distorted as if he was underwater. He stumbled back, legs like blocks of lead.

“Baby,” Umbra cried, “It's okay!”

Victor sprinted into the hall, covering his face. He slammed into Seraph, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

Seraph took him by the hand, “Victor, what is wrong?”

Victor struggled to catch his breath. He reached out to Seraph’s mind, finally allowing their thoughts to flow between them again. The memories were too much to handle, he had to share the burden.

Victor watched Seraph grimace in phantom pain as his frantic thoughts filled their telepathic bond.

“Victor, I had no idea…” Seraph blinked through a layer of tears. Cautiously, he touched Victor on the shoulder, finally drawing him into a hug. Victor didn't fight his embrace, and actually relaxed. A calming feeling radiating through his mind told him Seraph was utilizing his empathic powers.

As Seraph slowly led him back into Aunora’s room, Victor felt a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. No matter how much he wanted to see Umbra, he couldn't even see his father without panicking.

Author's Note- i hope this isnt feeling like its dragging on. theres about three chapters left. arc 7 is only gonna have about 24 aha

again, thanks so much for reading :)