Raizel had sensed the ominous energy in the town. At first, he had not noticed it. In fact, because of his wounded state, the foreign energy had escaped him entirely. But after a week's worth of rest, he was finally aware of its hidden presence.

His body was still sore, and in some areas where he moved, it stung. But still, he was able to walk around the house without feeling lightheaded. Apparently, Frankenstein was pleased that his wounds were healing up.

"I didn't even need to do anything," the doctor had said. "Mostly just cleaning the wound, but your body did the rest of it."

Raizel would have liked to point out that Frankenstein's help was valued, but he had been unsure how to describe his gratefulness. Instead, he had merely nodded, unsure how to convey his true feelings.

That was more than three days ago. Raizel had inquired what Frankenstein would have to do to a human patient in this situation. The explanation he had received was not pleasant, and Raizel knew Frankenstein was sparing him the details for his comfort. After that, Raizel was glad that the wounds were closing up so that he would not need what Frankenstein had called 'stitches.'

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Raizel cautiously lifted up his shirt. Frankenstein was still bandaging the area, but there was no bleeding and the pink scabs were still fragile. Raizel brushed his fingers against the bandages, the soft fabric tickling his skin. Letting his shirt fall back down, he glanced out the window and noted the warm afternoon sun.

Well, Frankenstein had dropped some hints about him getting outside.

This human was interesting to say the least. He was not like other humans he had come across. The multiple energies surrounding him were malicious, yet Frankenstein carried on as if the negative, possessive energy, was nonexistent. It was concerning for Raizel to sense the hungry presences that clung to the human, its aura full of hate. Raizel was used to the feeling of hate directed on him, but to have it attached to him? Following him night and day? It was a horrible thought, and he desired to know where the human found the strength to continue living beneath such a malicious weight.

These thoughts followed Raizel as he hovered at the back doorway. The green space was small yet colorful. He could smell the tender flowers that Frankenstein had placed around the area. Raizel's gaze drifted to the small part of the yard where Frankenstein was working. The human was kneeling in the dirt, his hair pulled back as he carefully picked at what appeared to be red berries.

Stepping outside, Raizel felt the warm sun on his face, and he closed his eyes in a moment of bliss. The sun on his skin pulled him into an instant state of calm and relaxation. His footsteps were quiet as he made his way towards Frankenstein. He noted the basket next to him, filled with the red berries, and Raizel cocked his head curiously.

"I was beginning to wonder when you would come out," Frankenstein stated. He looked up at Raizel with a small smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Alright." After a moment of hesitation, Raizel kneeled down in the grass to observe what Frankenstein was doing.

"Would you like to accompany me to the market today?" Frankenstein asked. "I have a cloak, and the concern over the intruder should have wound down. Keit is out on patrol, if I recall, so he will not be in the market to ask questions."

Raizel blinked, genuinely surprised. "What do you do in a market?"

"I buy things. Most of the time, people sell things for the benefit of the townspeople. There is a young lady, Karina, who sells herbal remedies with her mother. I offer my services to better her concoctions, and she sells them and pays me for my time." Frankenstein straightened up. "Normally I am in the market to purchase food, but I will need to stock up on medical supplies and herbs for tea."

Raizel blinked. "Oh."

Frankenstein continued to dig into the dirt, the soft, dark soil breaking away at his touch. Raizel found himself mesmerized by such a simple task. Without thinking, he touched the dark soil. He examined his finger where the mud tainted his pale skin. It was cold and wet to the touch with the dark grains crumbling away as he rubbed his fingers together.

"You don't get out much, do you?"

Frankenstein's voice was tinged with amusement, and Raizel glanced back at the human. He could only give a small nod in response. Was it so bad that he never went out? Sure, he had never seen the soil break away in an effort to grow anything, and the grass he was sitting on was both soft and prickly at the same time. The warm sun on his back cast such a spell on him that he desired to curl up beneath its gaze and rest his body.

Frankenstein was still smiling, as if he had found a hidden joke within Raizel's actions. A word appeared in Raizel's mind; adorable. He wondered if it came from Frankenstein.

"I think it would be wise to head out sooner," Frankenstein stated, rising up. "The crowds won't be so large." He withdrew a handkerchief and handed it to Raizel. "For your hand," he explained, gesturing to Raizel's dirtied fingers.

Raizel accepted the handkerchief, gaze thoughtful as he stared at the small green saplings nestled within the cold, wet embrace of the soil.

xXx

Frankenstein realized that it was probably best that Raizel not wander outside. Still, he could not stand the idea of keeping Raizel behind doors. It was like keeping a prisoner.

However, he now felt like a parent, keeping one eye out on Raizel while he bargained with merchants over various products. However, the Noble seemed content to remain by his side, only wandering off a few steps when something caught his eye.

Frankenstein lingered in the market longer than he needed to. He already had everything he needed, but it was endearing to watch the Noble observe the human world. He was a quiet individual, rarely speaking and only when spoken to. His questions were innocent and soft but still so rare. Not for the first time, Frankenstein wondered what family this Noble came from, and he wondered why no one had come searching for him.

"No one will search for me." The Noble's statement was soft, yet Frankenstein still heard it.

Frankenstein frowned and slammed down his mental sheilds, barely noticing the Noble's guilty grimace.

"Sorry," the Noble said softly. "I only saw fragments of your thoughts. Your mind is...very loud."

Well that wasn't good. Frankenstein was normally really good with guarding his mind against a Noble. At least this one had the decency to apologize. "What do you mean no one will come for you?"

"I am the only living member of my family," Raizel answered. "It might even be beneficial for the others if I remain missing."

Now that is a sad thought. Frankenstein furrowed his brow, glancing at the Noble walking beside him. "So you have no intention of returning to Lukedonia?"

Raizel shrugged. It was a small and stiff gesture, as if he had never performed the physical action before. "Perhaps."

"Then why stay here?"

"There is an energy in this town," Raizel answered. He looked at Frankenstein with inquisitive eyes. "Don't you sense it?"

It took everything within Frankenstein to keep walking and not stumble to a halt. The unknown energy he detected within the village was apparent to the Noble? If it was that strong, then it might be more harmful than he thought.

Keeping his voice clear, Frankenstein started, "the villagers worship a god called Kurmark. I had assumed that a Noble was behind the energy source and rumor."

Raizel did not frown, but the corners of his mouth tightened. "It is a different Noble energy I have only felt a few times."

"Is it harmful?"

"I do not know."

Frankenstein stared stiffly ahead. He kept track of the position of the sun, aware that the villagers will begin their prayers to Kurmark soon, and he did not want to participate in their events.

A flash of purple hair up ahead caught his attention, and Frankenstein swiftly and effortlessly changed his course of direction, guiding Raizel away with him. The Noble did not stumble, but he did stiffen beneath Frankenstein's touch. "Where are we going?"

"Home."

Raizel glanced down at the supplies Frankenstein was carrying in the bag. "You have everything you need?"

"I can do without the rest of the supplies."

The Noble's curiosity decided to make an appearance at the wrong time because he was glancing around. There was no suspicion in his gaze, but rather, the childlike innocence of confusion.

"It's not very polite to hide from Miss Lansia." A new, small voice piped up beside them.

Only then did Frankenstein stop walking, bringing the Noble to a stop right beside him. He smiled down at the small girl. "Yuni, if you are a good girl and keep quiet about this, there is a jar of jam and a fresh loaf of toast waiting for you in my kitchen."

Yuni smiled up at him, eyes twinkling. "And small cakes?"

"And small cakes."

"Okay!" Yuni beamed, but Frankenstein knew there was no risk of the young girl drawing unwanted attention to them. Her eyes focused on Raizel, and her smile grew brighter. "I'm Yuni!" She held out her small hand, standing on her tiptoes as if gaining a few more inches in height was necessary to conduct a greeting.

Raizel stared at Yuni's outstretched hand. Hesitatingly, he took her hand and gently shook it. "Cadis Etrama di Raizel."

Yuni's smile grew soft. "Are you here to collect the body? I am very sorry for your loss."

Something sharp and heavy flickered within Raizel's eyes. "Thank you." His voice was suddenly breathless and choked.

Frankenstein stepped forward. "Yuni, I was unaware that Keit was back from patrol."

Yuni's cheerful demeanor dimmed somewhat. "He's not. Three of his men went missing. He is still out looking for them." She shrugged. "It's happening a lot, but Lansia is not worried. She says to continue praying to Lord Kurmark."

"Nobles don't need prayers," Raizel started.

Alarm shot through Frankenstein, and he swiftly guided Yuni forward and away from the Noble. "Ah, yes...some cultures don't require that." He kept his tone light, shooting a look at Raizel who followed after them with confusion. "But I think I should fulfill my promise and offer you that jam and bread."

"And cake?" Yuni asked hopefully.

Frankenstein sighed. "And cake."

A/N: "I will be quick to update" I said. "I have an outline" I said.

Me: I am...sorry…?

Readers: Gearing up with the pitchforks (totally justifiable).