Chapter 40
Responsibility
I'm so sorry you've had to wait so long. I've been homeless for a few months, but should be moving into an apartment in the next week or two. The chapter didn't get as far as I'd hoped because you deserve a post. Still, it's a long one. The next chapter should be the contract. I'll be annoyed if it doesn't work out that way. Also, I changed things up. Urokai, having had so many memories removed and still addled, doesn't remember, or hadn't yet learned the complete plot against the Noblesse. His only concern was Frankenstein's moral threat to Raizel. Thank you to the lovely ~Neisha for looking over the chapter.
Please read the note at the end of the chapter.
"Frankenstein, Wake Up."
The commanding voice echoed through the darkness shocking Frankenstein into awareness.
Master? That was Master's voice. I'm certain of it. Does he need tea?
Frankenstein opened his eyes and recognized the ceiling. How? The last thing I remember...Master! He came for me!
"Master!" Frankenstein called out and sprung up into a sitting position much quicker than he'd expected. That was too much power. What happened to my refined reflexes? And, ow! My wounds haven't completely healed.
Movement to his right attracted his attention. Master? To his disappointment, and relief, Ragar and Gejutel were in his recovery room.
"It's about time you woke up," the old noble admonished. "Though you do heal fast for a human."
"Master, is he alright? Did I hurt him?"
Both Gejutel and Ragar froze. It happened only for the barest moment, but Frankenstein knew what their reaction meant. It was Ragar who spoke up, unusual when Gejutel could answer.
"You did not hurt Sir Raizel. He only received the barest scratch."
When Gejutel didn't object to Ragar's statement, Frankenstein took it as truth and relaxed. Ragar would lie if the Lord insisted, but Gejutel probably didn't even know how to lie. That didn't mean Gejutel couldn't be a manipulative asshole.
"Thank goodness he wasn't hurt."
Frankenstein sighed, truly thankful he hadn't harmed Sir Raizel. Then, those two boneheads had to go and put on a sad expression! What is their problem? I'd better check on Master if I want to know the truth!
Frankenstein flicked back his covers, which ended up on the floor. This is not normal. That prompted him to reduce the amount of energy he sent to his limbs when he drew his legs over the side of the bed. Only then did he notice the damage to the walls.
I do not have time for speculation right now. Master could be in trouble.
Master's condition loomed too large to worry about fixing the walls or even tidying the bed. Not only did he worry about his Master, but the odd increase in his strength put him on edge. Simply rising from the bed consumed all of his attention. He took time straightening his clothing hoping it would distract the two clan leaders from any signs of difficulty.
"Thank you, Ragar, Gejutel. Waiting for me to awaken was unnecessary, but appreciated. If you will excuse me, I must check on Sir Raizel." Frankenstein gave them both a cursory nod and hurried away.
First, check his wounds, dress appropriately for his duties, then make tea. He could hardly go to Sir Raizel poorly dressed and empty-handed. As Frankenstein cleaned up, he tried to remember everything that had happened. Master's will had permeated his mind and body, washed through every cell of his being. Of course, he hadn't recognized what had happened until he'd seen Master. Their fingers had touched inside of his mind and the emotion in Sir Raizel's eyes left Frankenstein feeling hollowed out. Such crimson sadness he'd only seen once. That time, the topic had been the brother, and he'd never gotten a name. This time, the determined set of Sir Raizel's jaw had given him new impetus and he drew on every ounce of power he had to drive off the mad souls.
Frankenstein had only had enough strength because Sir Raizel's reaching arm emphasized what felt like an order, "Come to me." But, it had been more than an order, so much more...a personal desire, something beyond duty.
Frankenstein trusted his instincts as well as his mind, most of the time. It helped that Sir Raizel had all but encompassed his entire being. Battles for survival had also honed his instincts and intuition to a razor sharp edge. He could no more ignore them than he could ignore his Master's failing health.
Master believes in my strength and he wants me by his side. He has to if he willingly subjected himself to the stench of Dark Spear's hatred and rage.
Questions and potentialities kept his mind racing. After tossing a comb into his dresser drawer, Frankenstein hurried to make Master's tea. He had to see Master for himself so he'd better get busy.
The halls seemed far too long, the red carpet stretching out forever. Frankenstein was already close to running when he heard utensils clinking in the kitchen. Who would dare! Once again, his control slipped and he found himself running.
That slight distraction violently fell away when he discovered none other than Urokai Agvain preparing to make tea...in his kitchen!
Raging power exploded from Frankenstein. Precious porcelain dishes rattled on the counter and serving cart. Immediately, Dark Spear's power withdrew. Too easy! Frankenstein briefly glanced at his hands. No injury. When he turned a glare on Urokai, the clan leader lifted a delicate tea pot in front of his face.
"The Lord had me guide Sir Raizel home!"
"Your services are no longer needed and I will not allow you to poison my Master with that swill you call tea!"
Urokai peeked around the teapot. "It's not swill and the Lord ordered me to stay!"
"Too bad. He's not my lord! Get. Out!" Frankenstein grabbed a poker from the fireplace and pointed it at Urokai.
"You would destroy Sir Raizel's kitchen!? And after I got him to eat his vegetables!"
"Lies! I'll destroy you! Get out of MY kitchen!"
"No! And I'm not lying!"
That did it. First trying to poison his Master, and now lying? Sir Raizel would never betray him like that! Frankenstein knew he could kill Urokai and save the teapot. Timing and a surgical strike were paramount. He could do this!
"Just try to take this teapot," Urokai said and moved to put the serving cart between them, a cart brimming with delicate dishes and a pot of hot coals. "I told Sir Raizel I'd never burned a house down from cooking. Are you going to burn down his home?"
"You aredead, Urokai Agvain!" That rat bastard had the gall to accuse him of carelessness!
In the process of dodging a hot poker, Urokai bumped the cart. The sugar bowl crashed to the ground, shattering all over the stone floor. Frankenstein calculated a second strike, but halted when something became glaringly obvious. No sugar. Not even a grain littered the floor.
"Urokai, what happened to the sugar?"
"That's how I got Sir Raizel to eat his vegetables!"
"How dare you! Are you trying to kill him?! Give me that tea pot!"
"No!"
"Urokai, Frankenstein is my butler and tea is his responsibility."
Frankenstein froze, decided to keep the poker, and spun around to face Sir Raizel.
"Master! Are you well?"
"I am fine. Tea."
Frankenstein couldn't be certain whether or not Sir Raizel merely said that for his benefit. Master's complexion looked worse than he'd ever seen. However, the request for tea energized him. It also reminded him that he'd been awakened only a scant few minutes ago. If that had been his Master awakening him, perhaps the poor Noblesse didn't want to suffer Urokai's rotten tea!
"Right away, Master!"
Frankenstein spun back around, tossed the poker onto the hearth, and glowered at Urokai. Urokai's eyes flicked to Raizel, who stared back and nodded. Ever so gently, Urokai placed the teapot onto the cart and edged his way toward Sir Raizel.
Wait! I can't allow this!
"Master, Urokai is part of the organization that betrayed me and created Dark Spear!"
"Was," Raizel corrected. "We will discuss it over tea."
Frankenstein could only watch as Urokai led his precious Master away. His heart beat hard against his chest, the need to shield Sir Raizel nearly overwhelming him. He couldn't insult his Master though. What else could he do, but watch? Right! The quicker he made the tea, the quicker he could get to his Master.
Waiting for the water to heat tested Frankenstein's patience. He put the soiled dishes into a tub of water to soak and refilled the cart. Waiting for the tea leaves to soak to perfection pushed him to the edge. On top of that, elegance demanded silence from the dishes on the cart. Hence, more time pushing it carefully to Sir Raizel's room. By the time he arrived at his destination, his skin was trying to crawl off his body to go protect his Master.
A spring couldn't be more tightly wound. Despite his overwhelming worry, Frankenstein paused and cleared his throat before entering the room. Urokai jumped up from the couch. From his chair, Sir Raizel glanced over and nodded at Frankenstein.
Perhaps it is because of Urokai's presence that Master has acknowledged me?
Whatever the reason, it wasn't a good excuse to keep Master waiting. Frankenstein completely ignored Urokai and focused on making a superb cup of tea. Urokai could damn well get his own! Just to make sure Urokai got the message, Frankenstein stood off to his Master's right after making the magnificent cup of impeccable tea. Why yes, Frankenstein did have the right to be proud of his efforts.
"Frankenstein."
"Yes, Master?"
"Sit."
Sir Raizel waved at the couch. Urokai had sat in the center, leaving open the space closest to his Master's chair. Frankenstein would rather feed Urokai to Dark Spear than sit next to him, but Master had spoken and he would comply.
Master elegantly sipped his tea, closing his eyes as though the drink were heaven in a cup. It gave Frankenstein a swelling sense of pride. However, when Master opened his eyes and set down the cup, the stare he set upon Frankenstein sent the poor man into a spiral.
Sir Raizel sighed then lifted a closed hand. When he opened it, a small white, almost opalescent ball sat in the center of his palm. He held it out to Frankenstein.
What is it? Frankenstein pondered as he took it and rolled it around in his hand.
"This is something Lagus gave to Urokai to help him with his sadness. It provided a direct link to Urokai's mind. Poisonous thoughts and false memories were impressed upon him. He is not the only one. Perhaps you would like to study it."
Frankenstein glanced at the clan leader, who blushed and turned away. Only now did he realize that Urokai's eye shouldn't be whole. And yet, it appeared completely uninjured.
"Is this why Urokai is here?"
Sir Raizel hesitated, but Urokai saved him the embarrassment.
"The Lord said that Sir Raizel needed a guide home. Since you were unavailable, he told me to take your place. He also said I was to stay and learn about humans from you and about elegance from Sir Raizel. That doesn't mean I like you!" Urokai said. He crossed his arms and tipped his nose up in the air to emphasize his displeasure.
Sir Raizel nodded in agreement.
"Oh really," Frankenstein drawled. This was too good to be true! Urokai had been served to him on a silver platter!
"Frankenstein, Urokai is still suffering from the removal of the poison and its effects. Could you help him recover?"
The scientific doctor inside of Frankenstein immediately came to the forefront of his mind and began searching for the most effective approach to the problem. He catalogued the tools he had at hand and decided he would probably need to collect supplies from his science base located quite some distance from the island.
"Well?" Urokai asked.
"What?"
"Can you help or not!?" Urokai asked.
"I'm a doctor and a scientist! Of course I can help!" Frankenstein retorted. "The question is are you worth it!"
A sigh from the other side alerted Frankenstein to his own inelegance.
"My apologies, Master. I will educate him about humans and manners."
"I wish for you to help him with the broken and fragmented memories first. They pain him most," Sir Raizel replied and nodded once to emphasize his firm decision.
Had it been anyone else, Frankenstein would have argued, but the fact Master chose to take an active role elated him to the point of euphoria! Imagine, his Master had prioritized! That didn't mean Frankenstein wouldn't prefer to let the brat suffer. He simply couldn't, not after Master had climbed so far out of his shell.
"Yes, Master! I do have a minimum of medical equipment here, but I might need to make a trip to my last base of operations once I have examined-"
An abrupt cough interrupted him. Before Master could cover his mouth, blood spilled over his lips. Apparently, Sir Raizel had also been caught by surprise and the intensity of the cough caused a spasm that tipped him forward just as his hand pressed against his lips.
"Master!"
A smaller cough sent more blood spilling over Sir Raizel's fingers.
"Sir Raizel!"
The mess disappeared, but the Noblesse's face became even paler than before. Fear shot through Frankenstein. The vitality his Master had shown when ordering his servant to see to Urokai's needs had vanished and the support boards fell out from under Frankenstein's feet. What could have happened?
"Master, did I cause this?"
"No, Frankenstein. This has nothing to do with you."
"If not me or Frankenstein, then who!" Urokai asked too loudly for Frankenstein's taste. His Master was fragile! Loud noise couldn't be healthy.
Sir Raizel's mouth opened slightly, then closed. Frankenstein wanted to cry, or scream! Wouldn't anyone tell him what was wrong so he could heal his Master!?
"I would like to be alone for awhile." Sir Raizel rose from his chair and went to his window.
That hurt even more. Why wouldn't his Master allow him to help? Even if this wasn't a true rejection, for him, it was the last straw! Frankenstein was going to get to the bottom of it no matter what he had to do. Right now!
Driven by desperation and pain, Frankenstein flew down the halls and out the door. The lord had to have the answers. Too often that creature had tried to persuade Sir Raizel to move into the palace. He had to know everything there was to know about Master.
"Frankenstein! What are you doing!?"
The sound of Urokai's voice startled Frankenstein, but he didn't slow down for a second. Damn that Urokai to hell! Maybe some information would get rid of him.
"I'm going to make that old codger on the throne tell me what the hell is wrong with my Master! Get lost!"
"I wanna know, too!"
"You are a security risk I'm not willing to take. Go away."
"I've known Sir Raizel a lot longer than you. I deserve to know!"
"If the lord didn't tell you, he doesn't trust you."
"I bet he does now!"
"I'll see that for myself," Frankenstein replied.
At the palace, Frankenstein refused to take time for polite niceties, flying over walls and literally running on them inside in order to avoid foot traffic. If the lord truly cared about Sir Raizel, this wouldn't be necessary. Propriety could take a flying leap off a cliff.
It was from the ceiling that he dropped and kicked open the thirty foot high doors to the throne room. The few nobles before the lord immediately pitched a rather loud fit, which trickled down to a murmured rumble of displeasure when the lord dismissed them. Frankenstein didn't even bother with his usual haughty attitude when the lord treated him with such magnanimity. This wasn't a fight. Not yet, anyway.
"What is so important that you must cause such a commotion, Frankenstein? Did Sir Raizel send you?"
"Sir Raizel is ill."
"Ah. So, why are you here?"
"I can't help him if I don't know anything about his condition."
"What would you like to know, Frankenstein?" the lord asked, steepling his fingers.
"Everything. I can't do anything if I don't know every last detail."
The lord sat back on his throne. "And you, Urokai?"
"He needs to leave," Frankenstein sneered.
"I want to help, too! And if I'm supposed to learn from this...human, I should know whatever he knows!"
"The hell!? Get out of here," Frankenstein hissed.
"It's alright, Frankenstein. He poses no threat. Raizel has removed the connection between Urokai and Lagus."
The lord's tone of voice was placating and kind rather than condescending. It was a good thing, too. Frankenstein was out of patience.
"What. Is. Wrong. With Master!?" Frankenstein grit out.
A breeze wafted over Frankenstein and light spilled over him from the open door. Someone had entered. Not now!
"Ah, Azrael! Did you find them?"
"They have already left the island. Roctis and a troupe of Central Order Knights are searching the most likely paths they would take."
The powerful presence creeping up behind Frankenstein made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Frankenstein's lips thinned and he turned around to glare at the intruder. He froze at the likeness of his Master. But, no. The hair was wavy, the cheeks and physique thinner, and the skin color much better than Sir Raizel's.
Is this the brother? But… What happened?
Was this noble more powerful than his Master? He'd only felt the subtle saturation of power through the manor and the wisps when Sir Raizel healed him. Otherwise, it was simply a quiet background hum. This power almost stung.
"Frankenstein, meet Azrael, Raizel's brother!"
"Is it his fault?" Frankenstein ground out as his eyes and body followed the strange phantom that silently slipped by him.
"No, no, it isn't," the lord said and waved a hand for Azrael to join him on the dais.
"Is what my fault?" Azrael asked, regally taking each step to the throne, as though he'd done it a thousand times before. He turned to face Frankenstein and Urokai.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Azrael."
"If he is my Master's brother, he should be worried about it. He should give me information that will allow me to heal his own brother."
"Now, see here, Frankenstein. Azrael has carried unwarranted guilt on his conscience long enough. He doesn't need any help from you."
"He's not my problem yet. And if he can't be of use, I don't care who he is, unless I need to kill him or keep him breathing!" Frankenstein pointed at Azrael. "I'll take care of you after I know my Master is safe and well."
The lord sighed and flapped a hand at Frankenstein, who wanted to chop it off.
"Calm down, calm down. Hm, how much do you want to know?"
"I've told you already. Everything. If I am to treat him, heal him, I need to know everything about him."
"That is a tall order, Frankenstein. Let's see. Hm."
"What is his ancestry? Does this illness run in his family? How was he born/created? Does an illness of this kind affect any other of the nobles, and if so, who, and when may I examine them? That's a start."
"I am Raizel's only family," a somber Azrael answered. "This illness is specific to Raizel and only Raizel."
When Azrael failed to continue, the Lord cleared his throat. "In the last incarnation of the Noblesse, there was either an anomaly due to the previous life stresses or because of interference."
The Lord's eyes narrowed. "I believe it was a machination of enemies, but have no proof. Anyway!" They lord clapped his hands. "We ended up with, not one, but two Noblesse! A delight to be sure. However, there were consequences. You must understand, Raizel's power is contained and directed by his mighty soul. When necessary, it is his blood and will that give it form. However, each use damages his body and depletes his life force.
"What about Azrael? Does he have issues as well?"
"Of course! He believes Raizel's illness is his fault and it leads him to take desperate measures to save Raizel! This last one was a doozy! He almost killed his own brother! And others, of course."
Frankenstein hadn't forgotten what his Master had revealed to him about Azrael and couldn't help the anger welling up with Dark Spear's desire to eat the brother. He fought to swallow it down. If he wanted to find any piece of information that would help his Master, keeping a level head was imperative.
First, Azrael didn't share any signs of Master's fatigue or loneliness. How could Azrael look so similar, but appear so healthy? Finding out why could make a world of difference.
"Azrael, what differences do you see between yourself and my Master."
"Well, he's too kind and lets criminals get away with too much. He keeps their secrets hoping they'll see the error of their ways and leave the wrong path. You do know that he can hear the thoughts of the entire world if he wants? His mind gets lost and he can't keep things straight. I, on the other hand, judge and execute in a timely manner."
Frankenstein sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't think opinions on someone's mental and emotional properties will help me heal him."
"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, Frankenstein!" the Lord interrupted. "The physical manifestation of the Noblesse is a reflection, and the complete embodiment, of his or her soul. Even for humans, emotions can be damaging. How much more so our poor Raizel?"
Frankenstein tried to ignore the comparisons. Yes, the lord was correct, but humans and nobles were two very different creatures. Frankenstein wasn't certain bleeding from the mouth was a problem of emotions. In fact, he was downright sceptical.
"So, he was damaged when he was...did you say incarnated?" Frankenstein asked.
"Yes! The world can't do without a Noblesse! Think of the utter chaos and destruction that would occur! Having two would seem to be an improvement, but alas, splitting the Noblesse in half has created its own problems."
This complication was giving Frankenstein a headache.
"Wouldn't hearing the minds of the greedy damage his, what, soul? Thereby damaging his body?"
"That's where I believe dividing the Noblesse in half made a difference. Azrael here, doesn't have any problem with it. He understands and sympathizes, but he only allows his feelings to go too far when it concerns Raizel. Otherwise, he does his duty and it doesn't affect him. Raizel, on the other hand, will do his duty, and it injures him. He has too much empathy."
"Whereas, Azrael doesn't have enough," Frankenstein muttered to himself. "It's an imbalance." He looked at Azrael. "If it's true, you might be able to help, but I won't know until I run tests on you and Master."
"What if Sir Raizel and Azrael shared blood?" Urokai asked.
Frankenstein wanted to punch Urokai for interrupting, but it was a good question.
"We have. I've tried everything I know."
"I told you it wouldn't work," the Lord chastised.
"How much did you share?" Frankenstein asked.
"Oh, just a drop. Maybe we cancel each other out?"
"I won't know anything until I examine you. And I don't mean just once. I need to run tests; many tests for as long as it takes. And my Master must comply."
"I would be unable to convince him."
"Wipe that look off your face, Azrael," the Lord ordered, then turned to Frankenstein. "He will do it if I order him, but it might help if you informed him that it would help Azrael as well, because it will."
The last bit sounded reasonable and he could manage it. As for the rest? That information didn't feel right. Did the nobles really know everything there was to know about their own kind? Most of what they had said sounded more like myths than actual science. Of course, Dark Spear proved that there was more to the world than most of his contemporaries could currently explain, which was why they stole his journals and made the atrocity he carried with him every moment of every day.
If these nobles didn't truly understand what was going on and how to fix it, Frankenstein would find the answers himself, even if it took a thousand years. Somehow, he doubted his Master had that much time.
"So, the one thing we know for certain is that expending power injures Master's body and drains his life force, yes?"
Both the Lord and Azrael appeared confused, but nodded.
"That means I did not cause Sir Raizel's condition. However, I did cause him injury."
"Incorrect," the Lord said and waved a finger at Frankenstein. "He could have allowed any one of those present to kill you. He made a choice and that makes him responsible for his injuries."
"Splitting hairs. As you said, my Master is too kind." So, he truly was responsible for this instance.
"Not just you, Frankenstein. He took that poison from me and healed my eye."
Frankenstein did not feel sympathetic when Urokai's eyes watered and his lower lip began trembling. Nope. Not at all.
"Frankenstein."
Azrael's voice was deeper than the lord's and Frankenstein hadn't expected the intimate tone.
"Myths have their origins in reality. Nobles are merely myths to humanity at this time. But you should know, I spent the past seven thousand years struggling in silent darkness against the ghost of Lagus' treachery. And then one day, Raizel spoke to me, and spoke again and again. Do you know what my brother found so incredibly important that it ended his silence?"
Frankenstein didn't like how much this Not-Master was talking. It felt blasphemous to his Master. He also didn't like anyone getting inside his head! Why would he ask a question when it was obvious he knew the answer? Master would never do this.
"Are we playing a game?"
"You, Frankenstein. All he has talked about was you, this exceptional human with a sharp intellect, a just heart, and an injured soul. He trusted you. He trusted you to know when to stop using your weapon."
Not-Master scowled. "And look what happened!"
The shout echoed, vibrating the walls and floor.
"Azrael. He is only human."
"Fine! But this is my brother and he should know!"
The Lord rolled his fingers. "Be gentle. I thought Raizel taught you more elegance than this."
Azrael took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When they opened, Frankenstein received the full force of his glare.
"Do you have any idea how much power it took to push past all those souls to get to you? He said you knew when to quit, when your weapon was becoming dangerous. You didn't stop. You failed! Why are you here instead of comforting him? He needs you. You could get these answers anytime!"
Now this guy was just pissing him off! He knew he'd failed and planned to make it right. And wasn't Azrael the one who had done so much damage to begin with?
"No, yes, because he sent me away, and I've waited too long for answers. And you have no right to point fingers!"
"I know that, but he could have died! For thousands of years he has not used enough power to expel me from body!" Azrael took a deep breath. "Even as weak as my brother is, he could kill you with a word. But, no. He cares for you. He saved you at his own peril because you mean so much to him. I won't disagree with his choice, but show me you are worthy of such high regard."
A tiny wimper caught Frankenstein's attention and he glanced over at Urokai. A tear dribbled down Urokai's cheek. He felt like slapping some sense into the noble. Except...it would make him a hypocrite. Maybe he should slap himself.
On some level, he knew that Sir Raizel cared enough to heal him. Then again, injury was inelegant and an embarrassment. Motivations were unclear. But now, after Master literally touched his soul? He wouldn't mind joining Urokai, except now wasn't the time.
Master spent a significant portion of his life to save me. When he drew me out of Dark Spear, his will encompassed me entirely. He wanted me, not for duty, but for himself.
The thought of Sir Raizel having a desire and actually acting on it thrilled Frankenstein. However, as the object of his Master's desire? Frankenstein was hesitant to explore the turbulent mixture of feelings swelling in his chest. He didn't have time to get side-tracked either. This was trivial compared to the purpose of his visit to the lord. Urokai needed to stop. They weren't babies.
"First, I don't have to prove anything to anyone other than my Master. What I need is as much information as possible."
"Now, now. You are teaching Urokai what it is to be human," the lord pointed out.
Frankenstein turned to stare at Urokai. His nose was red and his cheeks were wet with tears. Well, if the lord was serious and Sir Raizel was going along with it, he'd play along. However, the lord would experience the best of malicious compliance.
"A human should never give someone fealty just because the other is more powerful or more wealthy. Loyalty must be earned. I'm not bowing to him," Frankenstein said, pointing to the lord, "-because one, he isn't keeping track of his own subjects. And two, my Master shouldn't have been left alone for so long. It doesn't help that there are secrets kept that could help me heal my Master. And stop whatever it is you're doing! It's embarrassing."
"All this time I've known Sir Raizel and he chose you!" Urokai wailed.
"Urokai, I would have executed you and Roctis for what you've done, but my brother chose to heal you instead."
"See, Urokai!" the lord chimed in. "Sir Raizel cares for you as well! He didn't want to execute you and he should have!"
The lord's grin looked ridiculous considering the topic. Frankenstein decided that the lord could be exceptionally pathetic.
"Is there anything else that you can tell me, even if you think it might not help?"
"Raizel thinks you're pretty," Azrael said with such a serious tone that Frankenstein had difficulty believing what he'd heard.
"What?"
Slowly, as though speaking to a child, Azrael repeated himself.
Frankenstein didn't want to think about the butterflies in his chest, so he focused on the many ways he would enjoy pulling Azrael to pieces, until he remembered why he was dealing with these two.
Master's power injures him. So, his body is not strong enough to withstand it? My power merely exhausts me. Dark Spear though...it is made of souls and Master's soul is driving his power. Dark Spear's souls eat away my flesh. Admittedly, it can also make me a bit crazy. However, Dark Spear is why I've lived the lifetimes I have. Master couldn't need more souls for his body to live, could he? A vampire of souls? That can't be it. Tests. I need tests. I refuse to compare Master to those mutants.
"Frankenstein," the lord called.
"Yes?"
"Have you made a contract with Raizel yet?"
What does that have to do with anything!?
"No. You would know if I had."
"Why ever not!?"
"Why would I? See, Urokai. This is exactly what I was talking about. Humans make contracts, give their souls to gain power, and the next thing you know, we have raging mutants running around destroying entire villages. These nobles have gone rogue and aren't watching over those they contract. Just like the lord isn't watching over his people. And no one is stopping them, which is his job." He pointed at the lord.
"It's not always about gaining power," Urokai huffed.
"Humans are short-lived creatures and too cute to lose in a mere few decades. Don't you agree, Azrael?" the lord asked.
Azrael's confounded stare unsettled Frankenstein.
"Do you really believe my brother would allow such a thing?"
Actually, no. Imagining his Master trading power for greed was impossible, which was probably why he'd never even considered his Master when lashing out at nobles about contracts and mutants. So, no. In fact, his Master probably would never think to make a contract because he had no desires at all. Well, except the crispy, crunchy biscuits that were his favorite with tea. Oh, and the window. Considering the tea and biscuits, the window had become less of an issue. And, if it were true that Master could kill him with a word, Frankenstein knew Master would never allow him to seek power and status for the sake of abusing others. If anything, this is what made serving Master so rewarding. Also, finding out what Master liked was a constant exercise of his skills. Master's expression of delight with a new type of sweet was too cute!
Somewhere along the way, he'd come to trust Sir Raizel more than he had ever trusted anyone else. How hadn't he realized this before? At first, he'd trusted that the noble who'd saved him from the lord had no interest in harming him. And gradually, over time, he'd learned that the Noblesse didn't want control over anyone or anything. There was nothing except the window. Sad, but true.
Frankenstein could have felt guilty for changing the Noblesse, for giving him a desire for a human, but it was just the opposite. He was proud of giving his Master the idea that it was okay to want something, to ask for it, and to obtain it.
Frankenstein hadn't created a monster. His Master hadn't really changed. So, no. His Master would never even think to control anyone, which also meant that Master probably only rarely remembered that such things as contracts even existed.
"I asked you a question."
The stern tone of Azrael's voice lit a fire inside of Frankenstein. He kept his eyes on Azrael, but spoke to Urokai. "Pay attention, Urokai."
"I do not answer to you," Frankenstein replied to Azrael.
"I want to know why you hesitate? Do you believe my brother is not good enough for you?"
Frankenstein knew that, if anything, he wasn't good enough for Sir Raizel, but he wasn't going to give Azrael the pleasure of answering.
"If you are done giving me information, I will take my leave."
"So soon, Frankenstein? And I was having such fun," the lord complained.
Okay, this conversation was over!
"I'm not here to entertain you. Let's leave, Urokai." Not that Frankenstein wanted to babysit.
"Urokai," the lord interrupted. "I need to send correspondence to Raizel. Stay and deliver it for me."
"Can't Azrael bring it?" Urokai asked.
"No. It's not time for Azrael to return to Raizel just yet."
The lord's smile was as fake as a painted clown, but Frankenstein didn't care. Azrael might have had a legitimate grievance with him, but this was not the time to pick a fight. Sir Raizel needed help. He turned and left, smirking at those standing outside the doors. The supreme annoyance on their faces was a balm to Frankenstein's prickly edges. He'd had all he could take of stuffy nobles.
Once outside the confines of the fortress, alone and breathing clean air, Frankenstein could finally begin putting pieces together into something he could tackle.
Initial information says that Master's use of power damages the body that holds his life. And, he loses his actual life force! What if it isn't the power itself? What if it's something in the conduit, in the blood? Could it simply be that Master's body is deficient in some nutrient that nobles need? Is his power simply too great for his body and soul to properly control? Like Dark Spear? This is why I need tests. Azrael will provide an excellent comparison. Also, with Agvain around, I can use him as another comparison. I could probably get Gejutel and Ragar in for testing as well.
Master was all that was good and kind in the world. He would never hurt anyone that didn't deserve it. Frankensein could hardly believe that it was Master's job to judge and execute anyone powerful enough to abuse it through greed.
Poor Master. So that's what a Noblesse's position entails. Not so pretty as one might expect from the term 'Noblesse' or the job description of protecting the nobles. He protects the nobles by killing those who get out of line. That's why he chose to take out Azrael. Perhaps Azrael was an object lesson to the other nobles to show them that he would do his duty no matter who it was. How could my Master survive such a thing? Perhaps he didn't. His illness, is the lord's implication correct? The pain Master feels from doing his duty is what is killing him? He's dying from a broken heart? Surely not. Of course it could contribute to his illness, but the core cause has to be something else.
Why would Frankenstein even want to tempt such a creature with a contract? He could see why his Master lived alone. Attachments could be fatal to anyone who stayed near the Noblesse. No one was perfect and everyone eventually screwed up somewhere along the way. His poor Master lived alone for ages in order to save the nobles from himself!
No wonder he's so sad and lonely. Even when others visit, he can't allow himself to become attached. But, he hasn't pushed me away. He seems to actually enjoy it when I sit with him and tell him about my spars, finds, or theories. Does he believe I have a human's lifespan and won't be around long enough for him to form a deep attachment?
Azrael's voice echoed in his mind and warmth filled Frankenstein's cheeks. So what if Master thinks I'm pretty. It's not like he would want me to kiss him. Why would Azrael say that anyway? Is there something I'm missing? How could this have anything to do with healing Master? Could sitting with Master improve his health?
Master wants me beside him. He does not want anything else from me. He doesn't want me to fight or influence anyone for him. He simply wants me to stay beside him.
Tea.
Frankenstein chuckled. The desires of the mighty Noblesse were so simple. If there were anyone worthy to call 'Lord', it was Sir Raizel. And not because of his power or his title. No, it was because of his pure soul. Literally, in some ways.
Frankenstein stopped when the mansion came into view. He was close enough to just barely see the outline of his Master in the window.
Master. All this time that I've been trying to get stronger, seeking to make the nobles pay for their crimes, you've been spending your life trying to save me and protect those nobles. Always healing and watching over me, and now, nearly killing yourself to save me from Dark Spear. Why?
I abhor contracts. If it weren't for mutants and all the history behind them, I would make a contract with Master. He deserves everything I can give him. Everything. It's just the principle of the thing. Is there no other way I can balance the scales? Maybe a vow? Would it be a burden to him if I were to dedicate my entire life and being to him? It's not something he would ever ask of me. No, he would never ask. Well, I suppose he doesn't need to know. It can be my secret.
That settled it then. Life wouldn't change, but just knowing that he could repay his Master in some way lifted a weight from Frankenstein's shoulders. Now all he needed was a symbol of his dedication.
Asking for help, even for someone else, is something I've never done before and I realize that there are people going homeless and without food, possibly even some of my readers, which is why I feel awkward doing it. I would still be on the streets if not for the help of a friend and her family. Now I'm asking for help for someone else. The person who introduced me to fanfiction 18 years ago, and who is an amazing fanfic author, was just diagnosed with papillary carcinoma in December and had surgery in January. With the diagnosis coming so late in the year, insurance isn't going to cover the surgery or the radiation treatments next month. This will be tough for them to manage financially and they have started a gofundme page. I'm trying to help them spread the word. If you could help by donating or sharing the link with friends, I'd be ever so grateful. Just remove the spaces from the link. Fuck cancer!
www . go fund me f / fund- for- cancerrelated- medical- bills