Disclaimer: I don't own the story or characters. So please don't sue me… I'm poor. T_T
A/N: This is sort of M-21/Yuna centered although pretty much everyone else makes an appearance at some point.
PART I
Frankenstein scanned the living room, making sure all was ready for his guests' arrival. As he went around the dining table, supervising the hors d'œuvre and drinks, he couldn't help smiling as he recalled the state his otherwise impeccably cleaned room used to be left in, every time his impending guests dropped by for a visit.
He wondered if past would repeat itself again that night, although he secretly hoped that the 5 year gap since their last visit, had at the very least taught them some table manners.
Frankenstein's eyes fell on the picture frame he had placed purposely on the table for the evening. In no time the empty room would be filled with the voices of the people smiling at him from the old picture.
He couldn't remember how exactly he had managed to get everyone to sit still enough time to be able to take it, but there it was, the whole "gang" immortalized in a Kodak print.
He had to admit that when Tao first approached him with the idea for the present reunion, he wasn't quite sure it would work out.
After all, everyone had pretty much gone their own way over the years, and safe for a few exceptions, didn't keep that much in touch with each other as a whole.
He knew he was in part to blame for it though. After the defeat of Dr. Crombel, when they could finally move on with their lives in peace, he had tried to keep the ties that bonded the group together intact, by organizing frequent rendezvous between them, but since moving back to Lukedonia with his Master 4 years ago, he had sort of lost contact with the "human" part of the world.
Sure he saw Seira and Regis all the time at Lukedonia, particularly now that Regis had finally gone through his coming-of-age ceremony and had taken over the Landegre clan's responsibilities, as per his grandfather Gejutel's wishes.
When paired up with his peers though, the new Landegre clan leader still had much to learn, and it wasn't that unusual to see Regis at the mansion seeking his Master's advice on how best to act in accordance with his newly acquired status. Regis still saw Cadis Etrama di Raizel as the epitome of class amongst the Nobles after all, and was quite keen on basking on any knowledge his chosen mentor would be willing to bestow on him, much to his Master's desperation.
As for the trio, Frankenstein still kept in touch with them from time to time, although they had chosen to remain in the human world.
After the Union was no longer a threat to them, Tao, Takeo and M-21 had eventually left Frankenstein's house, although still choosing to live together under the same roof in an apartment rented somewhere downtown.
Not long after moving out, Tao left his job as a security guard at school to open his own business (RK-4 Systems), specialized in information security technology. The business bloomed so quickly that in no time Takeo joined in on the project to help him out; which would have been a fate shared also by M-21, if the broodiest member of the trio had not chosen to disappear for a whole year around that time, without leaving word to anyone.
Frankenstein couldn't help remembering that period with a lingering trace of apprehension. M-21's absence had seriously caused a scare to everyone. Although he understood that the young man had to come to terms with the fact that, with Crombel's death, he would never be able to find his true identity or that of his comrades, his "journey of self-discovery", as Takeo later dubbed it in innocent jest, had ended up leaving his friends in a state of permanent worry.
Of course Frankenstein knew very well there had been another reason for M-21's sudden disappearance… This had also been one of the reasons why Frankenstein hadn't been too sure of the success of that reunion.
His eyes ended up resting on the faces of the kids displayed in the picture. He paused to correct his thoughts. He had to stop thinking of them as kids. They had to be what? 25-26 years old by now, and the 5 year gap between their last encounter was sure to have produced some major changes in them.
Suyi he was sure he'd be able to recognize easily enough. After all, the young starlet had continued in the media's spotlight and was now a renowned Korean actress with a recent breakthrough role in a major Hollywood blockbuster. As for Shinwoo and Ikhan, last he heard, their friendship was still a strong one.
They had ended up in the same college, Shinwoo majoring in sports and Ikhan in computer science. No surprise, Ikhan was soon after graduation recruited to work at Tao's company, while Shinwoo had been signed to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma's football team straight out of college.
For the past three years, Shinwoo had established himself as the team's top scorer (and reportedly top ladies' man) and had recently gained international attention, by leading the South Korean national football team to the quarter finals of the World Championship.
And while Lukedonia didn't get that many sports' related news, he knew from his contacts with the trio that Shinwoo's nose covered Band-Aid trademark style remained till this day unaltered, so much so, that eager sports' fans of the youth had started a somewhat annoying copy trend, much to the pleasure of the local Band-Aid companies, which were now chasing Shinwoo in hopes of luring him to advertising campaigns.
Frankenstein's eyes finally rested on Yuna's face. He couldn't help a sad smile from appearing on his lips as he looked at the happy face portrayed in the picture. Back when the picture was taken, he wasn't yet aware that that face was hiding a secret that would soon after end up causing the youngster so much distress.
For at the time, though he had for a while suspected of the brunette's feelings towards a certain someone, he hadn't realized at all the real scope of the situation, nor the least bit imagined that the two of them were actually an item.
How Yuna and M-21 had started dating each other, was still to that day a mystery for Frankenstein. That they had fallen in love with each other at some point in the distant past, that he account for… and with some detail.
It all started back when the kids were still in high school and the trio was still part of the school's security team.
It had never been his habit, in all his years as Yuran high school's Principal to meddle in his students lives, but truth be told, Yuna, Shinwoo, Suyi and Ikhan were notorious for getting themselves caught up in dangerous situations, in and out of school, and so he had taken upon himself to keep a close eye on the quartet's activities.
It was by accident, he guessed, that he came to realize Yuna's crush on the stoic security guard. Because at the time that was indeed all he thought it was: a crush, which she would soon grow tired of, just like the majority of the other female students that used to sigh their hearts out every time the security guard trio would walk past them on the school grounds.
Frankenstein had to admit, a part of him felt rather amused by the situation, more so because the trio, and particularly M-21, seemed completely oblivious to the whole drama. Perhaps that seemingly indifferent attitude of theirs actually ended up adding to their charm on the eyes of the female student population.
For months he'd kept quiet about the subject, choosing to pretend not to see how Yuna used to blush every time her eyes met M-21's or how her voice used to tremble in the slightest when they spoke to each other at school or during the quartet's frequent home visits.
It was only after the kids graduated from high school that he noticed a perceivable change in M-21. He became wearier of their safety and used to offer himself to escort them back home when they came to Frankenstein's house for a visit.
Although officially they had no more ties with the kids, except perhaps for Rai, they couldn't exactly let them out of their sight, seeing as Crombel was still a threat to all of them and seemed highly intent on using the kids as targets to destabilize the rest of the group.
Frankenstein's immediate thought was to get them out of South Korea for a while, at least until the others found a way to defeat Crombel. Using his connections as Principal, it wasn't that difficult to find scholarships for the quartet in renowned foreign universities.
Shinwoo and Ikhan were the first to leave; amazed of how on earth they had been lucky enough to get personally selected by Tokyo University in Japan for their famous scholarship program, considering they had not even applied for it in the first place.
Frankenstein sighed. He had to admit that given different circumstances he would had never moved a muscle to award a scholarship to a student who had spent the majority of his high school days sleeping in the classrooms, and to another who had spent every available minute with his eyes glued on his laptop, never mind if the kid turned out to be a computer genius in the end.
In relation to Suyi and Yuna, his mind didn't feel as guilty. Suyi's temporary relocation ended up being a mere formality, as the young star was already enrolled in a performative arts college in New York. He just had to pull a few strings to get her admission process to run its course a bit faster.
As for Yuna, the brightest student of her year at Yuran High, he had to admit that when he approached her one evening that the quartet had paid them yet another house call with news that Harvard College was offering her a full paid scholarship in Law, he had expected her to jump up and down with joy.
Which indeed she did… for about 30 seconds, until some sudden realization seemed to come over her, and all traces of happiness were gone from her face as quickly as they had first appeared.
"I-I can't accept it." She said quietly.
Frankenstein couldn't phantom the reasons behind her denial. He had been convinced it was what she had wanted for many years. "Are you certain? They are offering a full scholarship. That means that all tuitions and boarding expenses at campus will be taken cared off. It is a wonderful opportunity, Yuna. "
He had tried to sound convincing, although he really didn't feel it would be necessary. Anyone could tell it was a win-win situation.
He remembered how conflicted she had looked at the time. "It's just that… 4 years… It's such a long time to be away…"
"Oh…" Frankenstein remembered thinking to himself. "No doubt there is a boy somewhere in the mix here." Little did he know at the time, who the boy actually was.
His tone was soft and encouraging when he addressed her again. "It is indeed a life altering decision Yuna, and one you must not take lightly, but I'm sure that the people who you value important in your life will understand and support you whatever decision you take." He had been about to enter into a dissertation of the many qualities of Harvard's School of Law, when M-21 suddenly appeared behind them, coming from the entrance hall.
He had offered himself to run down to the local 7/11 to buy some extra snacks for the group that had already managed to go through the week's reserve stash, albeit the fact that it was only Wednesday.
Having already disclosed his intentions to the rest of the group in relation to his plans for the kids' future, Frankenstein figured M-21 knew exactly why he had pulled Yuna to the side of the kitchen away from everyone else, who were at the time in the living room playing War of Craft over the coffee table.
In retrospect though, Frankenstein now understood the sad look M-21 cast Yuna's way as he went past them and why he had seemed even more gloomy than usual since the Principal had first announced a few days before to the group his plans concerning the kids.
"How inelegant!" Regis had cried out as he caught sight of M-21. "Have you no manners? How long did you plan on leaving us starving?"
M-21 shot him a dry look. "Last time I checked kid, you were the one who was supposed to be controlling the snacks' supplies this week." He said between clenched teeth. The young Noble had a way of getting to his nerves fast.
"Who exactly are you calling "kid"?"
"Ajussi!" Shinwoo and Ikhan shouted in triumph, acknowledging their fellow team mate's return.
Yuna watched the group in the living room, biting her lower lip. "How long do I have to decide?" She asked.
Frankenstein smiled at her. "Don't worry. You still have a couple of months."
Of course soon after all Frankenstein's plans were put on hold as Dr. Crombel and his minions made their final attack on the group. It was a gruesome affair that ended up causing a major ruckus downtown in an unoccupied part of the old city (the chosen battlefield), with more than a couple of condemned buildings collapsing in rumbles.
Thankfully no civilian lives were lost and the kids had also been spared the involvement in the whole situation, although the same could not be said for the rest of the members of the group. All had sustained several injuries, including Rai, who had met in Dr. Crombel his match.
The fight had been a long one, but the Union had finally been destroyed, although for some days after the fighting was over, the fear was that it would be at the expense of some of the group members' lives. Regis and Tao in particular had suffered some severe blows and for a while the others were left to assume the worst.
The rode to full recovery had not been an easy one in both cases, but with the help of the rest of their friends, Regis and Tao had pull through.
With the threat hanging over them finally gone, Regis and Seira had not long after left for Lukedonia, although the official location given to the kids was a college in Germany, with a promise they would frequently return to visit them.
A couple of weeks after the Nobles left, it was time for the trio to move from under their guardian's roof and soon enough the peace and quiet that Frankenstein had forgotten to be possible within his home's walls, returned.
He was in fact enjoying a quiet tea time with his Master one late afternoon when Yuna dropped by on a surprise visit, carrying an unexpected piece of news.
"Are you sure that is what you really want?" He asked, an eyebrow raised.
She seemed quite resolute though. "Yes. I want to stay and study here." She said with a smile and looking quite relieved as well.
"Well Yuna, if that is your wish, I can only say that Harvard will be definitely losing an asset to their student body role".
Frankenstein didn't further pursue his attempts to convince her of what he sincerely felt was an ill choice. After all, with Crombel gone, there was no more threat over the kid's heads either. They could very well choose to study where they pleased, although the other three still latched onto their foreign scholarships with clenched teeth.
The surprising events that week didn't stop there though. The next day, he had trio over for dinner and while Tao, Takeo and a very confused Rai discussed the plans for Tao's new company over tea and coffee, Frankenstein found M-21 musing alone in the balcony, as he was known to, every time there was something clouding his mind.
"Is something bothering you tonight M-21?" Frankenstein tentatively asked, while he came to join his side, casually leaning against the balcony railing.
There was a full moon out that night and M-21's eyes were fixed on it.
"…Do you think I can lead a "normal" life?" The young man asked quietly.
Frankenstein was surprised by the unusual question. "Normal life? What exactly do you mean?"
M-21 turned to look at him for the first time since the older man had joined at the balcony. He seemed almost anxious to hear the answer. "You know… like a normal human."
"Oh…I see." Frankenstein remained silent for a few moments, while he adjusted his spectacles. "Well, the rhythm of your physical changes has stabilized for a while now. I don't detect anything unusual from your last health examinations and you are now fully capable of controlling your transformations. I don't see why you cannot lead a stable life."
A sad smile appeared on the younger man's lips. "A stable life, huh?... But never like that of a human, right?"
Frankenstein sighed. "You have the heart of a werewolf, M-21. I'm afraid you will never be fully human again". He glanced at Tao and Takeo inside the living room, avidly making plans for the future. "None of you will… But of course there are advantages. You are immune to most human illnesses after all, obviously stronger, and will most likely live longer than any human. To be honest I can't really be sure, but from my studies of the three of you so far, I'd reckon you are looking at a life expectancy similar to that of a Noble. Now that doesn't sound that bad, does it?" He added, hoping to lift the other man's spirits.
His words however seemed to have the opposite effect. When he turned to look back at M-21, the latter had his head bent down, eyes hidden behind his overgrown bangs. "Yeah…" M-21 said, voice barely louder than a whisper "…Not bad at all."
The next day, M-21 disappeared without a trace.
While Tao and Takeo were the first to notice the absence of their roommate, M-21 had been known as of late to spend a few days at a time away from their apartment, although he never got around to tell them where exactly he used to spend those nights, and the other two, afraid of imposing on their friend's privacy, had never dared to pry. So at first they didn't think much of his sudden disappearance.
It was only after three days of absence and multiple failed cellphone contact attempts that the two friends gave out the alarm to the rest of the group.
Chaos ensued.
None of the others were really convinced that anything bad had happened to him. M-21 was more than capable of taking care of himself after all, but nonetheless they searched for him everywhere they could think of, albeit without results.
After close inspection to his room though, Tao and Takeo noticed that his travel bag, along with a few clothes' items had gone missing, and a few days later, Tao received an apology e-mail from M-21 saying that he'd decided to take some time off to clear up his thoughts and wasn't really sure when he'd be back. The message ended with M-21's request for his friends to respect his decision and for them not to worry about him.
At first they had all agreed to keep the news from the kids, although Shinwoo, Ikhan and Suyi had their minds at the time pretty much consumed with their foreign scholarships and the preparations for their impending departures to even notice that Ajussi wasn't around anymore.
So it was with no small dose of surprise that a tearful Yuna showed up at Frankenstein's doorstep one afternoon, about a week after M-21 went missing, asking if he had any news of the younger man's whereabouts.
That was when Frankenstein came to realize the secret that the pair had been so carefully hiding from everyone else for the past year, and M-21 and Yuna's recent strange reactions when he engaged them in conversation started to make sense to the older man.
Against all odds, the crush that Frankenstein had deemed as a mere temporary fling on Yuna's part had somehow developed into genuine deep feelings, and somewhere along the line M-21 had answered back in much the same way.
Their romance hadn't been an easy one though, mostly due to M-21's resistance of the whole situation. On more than one occasion he'd tried to break away from her, either because he thought he was too old for her or too undeserving of her love.
It seemed that the couple had had a huge fight the morning of M-21's disappearance prompted by the young man's wish for Yuna to take up the scholarship she had been offered, which she ended up confessing to Frankenstein she had turned down only because she couldn't bear to stay away from M-21 for so long.
Apparently the young man couldn't bear himself to be the cause of her missing out on such an opportunity, and ended up blabbering out that either way they had no future together as it was. That they were a lot more different than she could ever thought possible and that she would be better off never having met him.
While Yuna told all this to Frankenstein, trying as best to suppress the tears that stung her eyes, the older man couldn't help but flashing back to the last conversation he had had with M-21 on the balcony, now fully aware of the origin of the other man's concern, and as much as he hated to see the young woman in pain, he understood M-21's decision to cut his ties with her.
And although Frankenstein wasn't aware of what exactly was M-21 thinking of accomplishing with his disappearance, the truth was that Yuna eventually seemed to conform herself with the breakup and indeed ended up leaving for the US, where she still remained till this day, now employed in a major Law firm.
Frankenstein sighed as he looked at the picture on top of the dinner table again. Yuna had called him a couple of days before saying that she wouldn't be able to make it to the reunion. Apparently she was retained in Japan due to a major case she was assisting on with the rest of the assigned lawyers' team. She promised to pass by his house to say hello to him and Rai the next time she was in South Korea though.
For a few moments Frankenstein mused with the thought that she was just giving an excuse to not show up at the reunion and thus not risk the chance of running into M-21. He even thought about telling her straight out that there was no chance of that happening as the young man was away from town on business.
As RK-4 Systems' field director M-21 was responsible for following up on the security systems implemented by the company directly with the clients and thus ended up traveling quite frequently throughout the country and abroad.
Frankenstein's thoughts were cut short by the sound of the front door bell ringing. As he approached he door, he could clearly hear loud voices and the sound of laughter on the other side. No doubt some of his guests had met up prior to coming to his house and had already started on the festivities.
He glanced backwards for a moment, as his Master came slowly out of the library, no doubt having sensed the others' presence, and opened the front door without further delay.
"SURPRISE!" Was the shout that greeted Frankenstein, nearly causing him to jump up in fright.
"Hey Principal Lee, remember us?" A young man that strikingly resembled Ikhan but was definitely much taller said.
"Ikhan, get out of the way. The rest of us would like to say Hi too." A blonde woman with Suyi's voice said. "Hi Principal, it's been a long time." She greeted, shaking his hand.
"Hey, hey, hey, make room for the Star, will you?" Said another young man with slightly red streaks of hair and a Band-Aid crossing the bridge of his nose. "The mighty Shinwoo has arrived." He laughed, until he took a got look at the man before him. "I'll be damned, Principal Lee. You don't look a day older since we last saw you."
A shallow coughing sound coming from the living room caught their attention. Shinwoo, Ikhan and Suyi exchanged quick glances before shouting in unison "RAI!" and quickly disappearing behind the entrance hall curve.
Slightly bewildered regarding what had just happened, Frankenstein still holding the front door's knob was about to close it when a familiar female voice was heard on the outside.
"Don't close it just yet. There is still one left… Hello Principal Lee" The young brunette woman greeted with a smile.
Frankenstein stared at her with genuine surprise. "Yuna!"
Hope you liked PART I. PART II (which is also the last part) will follow.
