Memories: Muzaka (part 1)

Frankenstein had done something horrible.

He just couldn't remember what it was.

But how long would it be... until Raizel saw the flashes in his mind?

He swallowed hard, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow as he rose from his gardening. The garden stood tall around him, immaculate and utterly without need of his ministrations. Trellises heavy with roses led deep into a labyrinth of shrubbery and herbs as tangled as his mind. The work gave him focus, and an excuse to ensure he was out of eyeshot until he had found a stream of consciousness that made sense. The sweat on his brow had nothing to do with the menial work. It had everything to do with the jarring gaps in his memory of the day before.

Though Master was in his usual spot in his study, Frankenstein still felt as though he could sense those accusing ruby eyes on the back of his neck, despite the fact that he was still hidden between rows of towering roses.

He crouched back down low, digging his fingers into the dirt as he closed his eyes and searched for the trailing threads of his memory. The darkness in his mind wasn't making it easy... He pulled a stray weed out of the ground with particular ferocity. If only he could rip the malevolent souls from his head so easily... they were being particularly loud today. Unfortunately, that was only amplifying his anxiety.

He needed to focus... There must be something he could recall!

The village... He had gone there for supplies, to get Master's favorite tea leaves... But then there was the scent of fear, the splashes of shining crimson blood against an ordinary dirt road. He was sure he'd felt the familiar beating of the dark spear in his hand, the screams of minds without bodies… then the morning light on his face. His shirt covered in blood. His trail covered in blood, too...

What had he done? Had someone attacked him… or had he attacked them first? He wouldn't have harmed defenseless humans... would he?

He'd gone back to the town to question the villagers, but they had fled in terror at the sight of him... not a good sign. He had even caught words like "monster" and "devil" being thrown his way as the people had barricaded themselves in their homes. In the end, he'd gotten no answers... except for the blood in the road. So he hadn't imagined that...

Disgusted and ashamed of himself, Frankenstein pulled his hands from the soil and scraped what he could from under his nails. Was there blood caked below them? Would Raiziel smell it?

It had been ages since the spirits locked in his mind had managed to gain the upper hand on him and steal away his memories... not since the day Urokai had taunted him with the death of his apprentice. He couldn't stand the thought of what his Master would think. What he might do. Surely whatever happened in the gap of time, the seal binding his powers had been broken.

Master had to know what he'd done… right? Surely he knew that his servant had disobeyed his order and broken the seal on his powers without permission. But… he hadn't said a word about it.

Frankenstein couldn't understand why. Was he simply awaiting an explanation... Or was he waiting until he'd decided on an appropriate punishment?

If he told Master the truth, that he couldn't remember what he'd done… would he understand? Would he be lenient with his punishment?

He'd thought about confessing what had happened, but… what if Raizel dismissed him? What if that was his punishment… to be separated from his Master? He couldn't bear the thought of it… This was his home now. There was nothing left for him in the human world but fear and hatred. The only way he would willingly leave this place now was if his Master came with him.

Perhaps he wouldn't be dismissed… He knew Master was not cruel enough to kill him, and prying his powers from him was impossible without causing his death as well. Perhaps Raizel would simply confine him to the mansion… lock him away in the basement, like the savage he was.

In some ways, that would be even worse than being dismissed. How would he defend his Master if he was trapped in the mansion? But at least he would stay with his Master, in that case.

Raizel wouldn't consider breaking their bond over this… would he? Was that even possible? He didn't want to leave his Master's side, and he certainly didn't want their bond to be severed. Just the idea of it was torture.

Perhaps he deserved it… He was a disappointment, yet again…

Always, always a disappointment! Disgusting monster! You don't deserve your wretched life!

"Shut up!" he growled.

The wind picked up, rustling the branches of the bushes he was hiding in. A white rose petal blew through the leaves, landing on the back of his hand. He snatched it up, clutching it tightly.

No... Raizel wouldn't do that to him. He was allowing the spirits too much leeway, letting them influence his thoughts. If he let them steal his control from him again, it would only cause Master even more trouble.

He needed to confess before he made things worse for himself. He would already have to endure knowing that he'd disappointed his Master once. He didn't want to be an even bigger disappointment than he already was.

Rising from his hiding place, Frankenstein looked up at the sun, which was hovering directly overhead. Master would be expecting afternoon tea soon. He needed to clean himself up, and consider how he would go about confessing what he'd done.

He prayed that the price he would pay for his misbehavior wouldn't be too steep.

Raizel was anxious.

What was Frankenstein so worried about? Why was he hiding in the bushes like a frightened little bird? He knew his Master enjoyed watching him work in the garden, but this was hardly satisfying.

He had known Frankenstein had broken the seal the instant it had happened. But… he'd also sensed his companion's anger, a feeling so similar to the day Urokai had caused Frankenstein to lose control.

Something had deeply upset him.

Raizel didn't wish to cause his companion any undue stress... Having Frankenstein revisit such upsetting memories would surely cause him pain. So, he had decided to let his companion's transgression slide, choosing to prioritize Frankenstein's health.

Besides, he trusted his companion completely. Frankenstein wouldn't lash out like that for no reason… and he had been trying exceptionally hard to behave himself lately.

Raizel knew better than anyone that Frankenstein loved a good fight, and enjoyed honing his skill in battle. (He was also aware that Frankenstein worked so hard so he could protect his Master, a fact that both pleased him and worried him.) But ever since his powers had been sealed, Frankenstein had always asked permission before heading out to spar.

However, he was concerned about what could have happened to upset Frankenstein so badly… but if Frankenstein didn't want to talk about it, forcibly removing the memories from his mind would do more harm than good. Still, that didn't change the fact that he sincerely wished to know, if only so he could offer his companion some comfort.

But Frankenstein was clearly anxious about it... Had he made the wrong choice in not addressing his companion's behavior? Perhaps if he gently prodded Frankenstein for information, his companion would open up to him. Having Frankenstein so on edge was making him anxious as well.

Did Frankenstein believe his Master would punish him? Was that why he was so anxious?

Raizel felt his spirits drop. He turned away from the window, going to seat himself on his plush divan. He didn't want Frankenstein to fear coming to him with any difficulties he might face. As Frankenstein's Master, he wished for nothing more than openness and honesty between them.

Perhaps he should go out to the garden right now and speak to him...

Suddenly, his body twitched involuntarily, sensing the subtlest shift in air pressure rippling the hair on the back of his neck. Then someone spoke, a voice he hadn't heard in decades. He lifted his head, and sure enough…

"Raizel."

Sitting on his window sill was a tall, muscular man with a long mane of gray hair. He flashed a cheerful smile, giving Raizel a glimpse of his sharp teeth.

"Muzaka."

"Ah, so you do remember me!" the werewolf lord exclaimed. "I was worried you might have forgotten me since it's been a few decades… How have you been?"

Raizel stared at him. He wasn't even sure where to begin… it felt as though it had been centuries since he'd last seen Muzaka, though it had really only been about sixty years. So much had changed since then, and he certainly hadn't been expecting to see his old friend at this very moment, though Muzaka did have a bad habit of dropping by completely unannounced.

"Still not talking much, huh?" Muzaka mused to himself. "Well, it looks as if you've at least got some decent help now... Did the Lord send someone to do your garden? Looks pretty good."

He wondered how to explain. He supposed Muzaka must have been on another one of his journeys to have missed the news that the Noblesse now had a blood-bonded companion. Surely Lord would have let the news slip if Muzaka had visited him recently.

"Hmm… You know, there's something different about you."

Muzaka paced forward and peered at his face. Raizel stared back bemusedly.

"Ah, don't make me guess," Muzaka complained.

Raizel still said nothing. He had no idea what Muzaka could possibly be referring to.

"Not even a hint?"

After another moment of silence, Muzaka resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't be getting an answer to his question and he gave up. Seconds later, the werewolf lord had reclined on his couch, which creaked under his weight.

"That's better... It took hours to get here, you know," Muzaka sighed in relief.

Raizel wondered where he could have come from this time. What had occupied his old friend for so long? He wished Muzaka would take his duty a bit more seriously... But Muzaka was looking around the room as though he expected to see someone else there.

"So... no wife yet?" he asked amiably.

"Wife?" Raizel repeated, startled into speech. "I... no. I do not have a wife."

Muzaka let out a hearty chuckle.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I just thought that perhaps you had found yourself a spouse by now."

Raizel adamantly shook his head. Marriage was the last thing on his mind these days, especially since he had a vague notion that Lord wished for him to marry his daughter. The two of them still didn't exactly get along well.

"I don't suppose you've started going out more often, have you?"

Raizel shook his head.

"I wonder what's different about you, then..." he said, stretching out on the couch. "Well, in any case... I'd love to catch up more, but that will have to wait until later. Maduke was badgering me to visit you all night. Honestly, he's become a real pain..."

Raizel tilted his head curiously. What could the werewolf clan want from the Noblesse?

"Curious, hm? Well, I heard some interesting news from my clan when I got back yesterday. They were all so upset, they insisted I come speak to you about it… Apparently, a few of my warriors were out in the human world the other day when they ran into… a devil."

Raizel frowned. Another monster? Hopefully the Lord would send a few other family leaders to handle it… He didn't want Frankenstein getting hurt again. Watching Frankenstein recovering from his last battle with a monster had been quite the uncomfortable experience.

"Supposedly, this devil appears human," Muzaka continued lazily. "Has blue eyes and blonde hair. Made a deal with Lucifer himself, if you believe that kind of human babbling. Anyway, I figured I'd ask if you'd heard anything about this monster? This… devil? Don't you nobles keep track of this sort of thing?"

No… It couldn't be…

"This devil apparently drove my warriors off. Left some strange wounds, too... They still haven't healed. You really don't know anything?"

Raizel could feel his facial muscles contracting in irritation. He'd doubted Frankenstein before… and it had turned out that he'd made some false assumptions based on what others had told him.

"It seems like you know what I'm talking about. It would really help me out if you could tell me what you know. Then I can get Maduke off my back and return to... well, I can get out of here."

Raizel noticed that Muzaka's expression had momentarily changed as he'd mentioned returning to... something. What was Muzaka so eager to return to? He wasn't normally in such a hurry.

He stared at the werewolf lord currently lounging on his couch, considering what he could say to appease his old friend.

In some ways, the Lord of werewolves was his complete opposite. While he had been raised to show complete adherence to his role as the Noblesse, Muzaka took a much more lackadaisical approach to ruling his people. He never strayed from his mansion except to carry out his sacred duty, while Muzaka could never be found in the same place for very long.

Raizel wondered if Muzaka felt as if he had a home anywhere on this earth. As for himself, this place had only really felt like home once he'd had someone to share it with. He wasn't about to give that up.

Clearly, the werewolves had done something to upset Frankenstein. He knew better than anyone that his companion was not perfect, that he sometimes faltered in his attempts to keep himself in check. There had to be an explanation. It would be better if he called Frankenstein to him to hear his side of the story.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

Muzaka looked around, easing himself off the couch.

"There's someone else here? Why didn't you say you had guests already?"

"Master?" came Frankenstein's voice. "I have your afternoon tea."

The door opened and Frankenstein entered, pushing his usual cart of tea and fresh sweets. He stopped abruptly at the sight of his guest.

"Oh… I didn't realize we were expecting a guest."

Frankenstein nodded his head in greeting.

"I am Frankenstein."

A grin spread across Muzaka's face.

"Well, well… it looks like the devil found a new home."

"Excuse me?"

Muzaka turned back to him.

"He just called you 'Master.' So, I take it this guy is the one taking care of things around here now?" Muzaka said to him. He could tell Muzaka was a bit confused as to why he had tried to conceal Frankenstein's presence.

Raizel felt his fingers twitch. He would not allow Muzaka to take out any of his frustration on Frankenstein. They didn't even know the truth of the matter yet.

"Yes, he is. Frankenstein is my companion. He is bonded to me."

Muzaka relaxed a bit, though he still seemed a bit confused.

"I see," he said quietly. "Well… I'm sure you have your reasons."

"I do," Raizel said firmly. "I would ask that you keep that in mind when you speak to him."

Muzaka nodded.

"Of course."

The lord of werewolves turned his attention back to Frankenstein.

"I am Muzaka. Good to meet you."

"The Lord of werewolves, correct? A pleasure, I'm sure."

"You know of me?" Muzaka said, surprised.

"Certainly," Frankenstein said smoothly. "I knew of you long before you knew of me, I'd wager."

"I see..."

"Apologies, if you could excuse me for a moment," Frankenstein interrupted with a brisk bow. "I must fetch another cup for tea."

"Hold on a moment."

Muzaka stepped forward.

"Muzaka," Raizel warned his guest, but Frankenstein shook his head.

"It's all right, Master... I take it the Lord of werewolves has something to say to me? I would hate to appear rude."

"Good, good. I know Raizel can't abide rudeness," Muzaka said. He smiled, though his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Well..." Frankenstein said coolly. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Muzaka scratched his scruffy chin.

"Funny story, really... A few decades ago, some of my people had been claiming that they were hunted and subdued by an unidentified devil. And just recently, a few of my warriors were chased out of a human town by that very same devil. What say you to that, devil-man?"

Raizel could sense the anger rising in his companion. He hadn't exactly gotten angry before he'd bonded himself to Frankenstein, but he was much more familiar with that feeling now… And remembering his past sins was not about to calm his companion.

"I would say that, yes, I did indeed hunt your people in the past. Only for a little bit of blood, I assure you. Surely they suffered no lasting damage?"

"Oh?" Muzaka said, quirking an eyebrow. "I suppose I should just overlook those transgressions in that case? Why would you do that, anyway?"

"You may recall some years ago when humans were under assault by mutants? Neither nobles or werewolves could be bothered to lift a finger to help stem the slaughter, so I assumed a bit of blood was the least they could offer to help forward my cause."

"Your cause?"

"Yes... their blood was used to strengthen my abilities, which enabled me to defend my people." Frankenstein paused, seemingly to reign himself in. "Why? Does the idea that a human is strong enough to challenge your warriors bother you?"

"It bothers me when my people are attacked, yes," Muzaka shot back. "No matter who is doing the attacking."

"I don't know anything about that," Frankenstein growled, clenching his fist.

"Don't know anything?" Muzaka bristled, clearly starting to become angry himself. "After my people described you perfectly? You will still claim innocence?"

"I claim nothing. I only said I don't know anything about these attacks," his companion said, his restraint obviously being pushed to the limit.

Raizel momentarily brushed against Frankenstein's mind. That was the truth, but also not the truth... there was a ragged darkness where those memories should have been.

"Do you think I'm some kind of fool? I know you had something to do with it! You are the only one alive, aside from a noble, capable of challenging my people..."

"I don't recall attacking your warriors. If I did, there must have been a reason."

"How could you not recall something that happened yesterday?!"

"Muzaka," Raizel interrupted before the situation could spiral out of control. "We can easily ascertain the truth of these claims."

The werewolf glanced at him.

"How so?"

"Frankenstein belongs to me. I will examine his memories, and if he has committed an offense against your people, I will pass judgment on his actions."

After a tense moment, Muzaka relaxed his shoulders and stepped back.

"Very well. If that is the case... I will accept your judgment, Raizel."

Raizel approached his companion.

Frankenstein had never been afraid of him... but right now, there was fear in his heart. He was terrified of something that could possibly come to pass...

"Frankenstein, if you would, please allow me to access your memories."

"I honestly don't remember anything, Master," Frankenstein insisted anxiously. "I would show you if I could..."

"I know," Raizel said gently. "Remember as much as you can. I will retrieve your memories when you can remember nothing more."

His companion still seemed hesitant, but he bowed his head in acceptance.

"Yes, Sir."

Raizel closed his eyes and allowed his consciousness to meld together with his companion's.

He saw Frankenstein's memory, through his eyes… He saw the village, a perfectly ordinary village. He watched Frankenstein examining what seemed to be a sick human, tipping some medicine down the man's throat. His companion had been calm and content, until three newcomers had landed in the middle of the assortment of huts.

Werewolves... Three werewolves had come to the village. At this point, Raizel had to use some of his power to pry those memories from the depths of his companion's mind, wrenching them away from the malevolent souls clinging to them. He normally wouldn't have done so, as the process was clearly hurting his companion... but he needed to see them, to clear Frankenstein of any wrongdoing.

Finally, he was able to pull the memories free of the spirits' grasp.

He saw Frankenstein look up from his work as the three werewolves had entered the village. He felt his companion's indignation as he watched the werewolves immediately begin taking offerings from the villagers. The people were obviously poor... Some of the villagers had gathered to plead for their supplies to be returned.

What followed then was a flash of claws and a terrified scream... and blood splattering the ground.

That was all Frankenstein could clearly recall, as his mind had been assaulted by the evil spirits possessing him at that point. His memories went dark, his heart filled with anger and pain. Raizel saw glimpses of Frankenstein mindlessly throwing himself at the intruders, dark energy spilling from his hands as he chased them from the village.

Raizel let go of the memories, allowing them to sink back into the depths of Frankenstein's consciousness... There was nothing more to be seen, and watching Frankenstein suffer was always uncomfortable, even in a memory.

Frankenstein shivered ever so slightly, clearly shaken by what he'd seen... But then his companion looked up at him, obviously looking for his Master's reaction. Now all of Frankenstein's worry and fear made perfect sense… He worried he had done something terrible, and feared his Master would despise him for it.

This wasn't his fault… Why could he not see that?

He poured a rather strong dose of calming energy into Frankenstein's mind, feeling satisfied when he saw those broad shoulders relaxing.

Frankenstein, please be at ease. You are not to blame.

He wanted to touch that worried face, but felt as though that might not be appropriate in front of a guest. He settled for putting a hand on Frankenstein's shoulder and squeezing it gently.

"I... I'm sorry, Master. I had intended to tell you..."

So, Frankenstein had been meaning to tell him, but of course, Muzaka had beaten him to it. That thought offered him some comfort.

"Well?" Muzaka demanded. He never had much patience.

"Frankenstein is not at fault," Raizel said calmly.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. He sought no quarrel with your people. He had gone to the village to trade his services as a physician in exchange for tea leaves and other commodities…"

He paused, glancing at Frankenstein. His companion had gone there for him… to get his favorite tea blend.

"And then?"

"He was treating a sick man when three of your warriors came to take things that did not belong to them, things that were not being willingly offered to them… and they inflicted injuries on humans who protested this injustice."

Raizel bowed his head. Underneath all that anger, Frankenstein truly was a compassionate, merciful soul… Though the villagers had fled in terror when he had returned to gather information about what had happened, he had still left medicine for the humans he had been unable to treat.

"And I'm supposed to believe he doesn't remember what happened after that?"

"That is correct," Raizel said firmly. "Frankenstein suffers from a unique condition that affects his memory at times. But even if that were not the case, I could not condemn his actions… not when innocents were being harmed in front of him."

His mind was set. Frankenstein was not to blame for this. Though his companion was guilty of many misdeeds, this was not another sin that needed to weigh on his conscience.

"Given the evidence, I have reached my decision. For the crimes of theft and injury of the innocent… I have deemed the punishment dispensed by my companion to be just and fair."

A frosty silence met this proclamation. Muzaka turned from him, gazing momentarily out of the open window.

"Well… if this is true, then I suppose I have much to discuss with my people, don't I?"

Raizel didn't reply. The silence dragged on until Frankenstein spoke.

"Master?" he said tentatively. "Shall I serve you and your guest tea now?"

He responded by taking his usual seat in his favorite arm chair. Frankenstein relaxed and came to pour his tea for him, stirring in the exact amount of sugar that he preferred.

"Is there anything else you require, Master?"

"No, thank you. Please rest for now," he said firmly. "Recalling those memories has taxed your strength. I will see you this evening."

Frankenstein nodded sheepishly, taking his cart and leaving the study.

Muzaka still hadn't stopped staring out the window, seemingly deep in thought. It was several minutes before he finally spoke.

"Things have certainly been changing lately… don't you agree, Raizel?" he mused out loud. "I thought I knew you, but here you are… the infamous mad scientist as your companion."

He must have looked upset at that, because Muzaka grinned at him.

"Oh, don't give me that face," Muzaka laughed. "I wasn't judging you. In fact… I would say I understand it quite well. There's just… something about humans, isn't there?"

Raizel tilted his head. Was Muzaka saying what he thought he was? Had he met a human companion of his own?

"I suppose that change doesn't exactly surprise me. What's surprising is that I thought I could trust my people to maintain order while I was gone. It seems I was mistaken."

He sighed, leaning up against the window sill.

"To be honest, I had a feeling this would be the case. Some of my people think they deserve to have dominion over humans, so they're taking whatever they want… I can't be everywhere at once."

He shook his head. It was no secret that Muzaka wasn't thrilled about being forced to remain in his position as lord of the werewolves... but there was no one more qualified that Raizel could think of to replace him.

"It's that Maduke," he growled. "He's riling everyone up, convincing my warriors to challenge the old customs we have lived by for centuries. But killing him would cause more problems than it solved. Honestly, I'd rather not deal with this. But it seems I have no choice. That's why I really came here, Raizel. I need your advice."

Raizel hesitated. Giving advice wasn't exactly a specialty of his. And besides, Lord was traditionally considered the ruler of the nobles. Many of the younger nobles weren't even aware that the Noblesse existed… So, what could he say?

"Come have tea."

Muzaka blinked.

"What? That's it?"

"Yes. Frankenstein makes wonderful tea and sweets. It will help you gather your thoughts."

Muzaka rolled his eyes, but consented to come sit next to him. Raizel poured him tea and presented him with a plate of sweets. Several cookies disappeared down Muzaka's throat in a single wolfish chomp. Raizel might have insisted on better table manners, but he knew from past experience that would be a futile request.

"Heh… you're right," Muzaka admitted. "These are good. He makes these for you every day?"

"Most days, yes."

"And those roses… He must have grown those for you as well."

"Yes."

"Well… it's good to see you doing so well. I worried you might be going mad, cooped up in this place alone. Good to see I was wrong."

He nodded.

"How did that come to pass?" Muzaka wondered out loud. "I can't see you going out and meeting humans willingly."

Raizel lowered his gaze. He wasn't sure he felt comfortable relaying the events that had led to Frankenstein agreeing to form the bond between them.

"Frankenstein... came to me," he said slowly. "He had suffered greatly in the past. He needed me."

"Hm... that's what it is."

He frowned.

"You've found someone you needed, too," Muzaka explained. "You finally found someone to connect with, someone you understand... and someone who understands you. It's written all over your face."

His old friend nodded decisively.

"Good for you, Raizel. Now I won't have to worry about you so much..."

Raizel gripped his teacup as the truth washed over him. Muzaka was right. Frankenstein truly was someone he connected with, someone who understood loneliness and isolation, pain and suffering, despair and loss... and yet remained true to his own soul. His companion was certainly someone whose presence he took great comfort in.

And this important soul was out in the world, needlessly putting himself in harm's way. He hadn't known what had caused Frankenstein to break the seal on his powers yesterday... But now that he did, how terrible would it have been if Frankenstein had been lost, without his Master to pull him from the darkness?

He never should have allowed Frankenstein to fight in his place... Had he gotten it into his head that it was his duty to take on his Master's responsibilities? It wasn't Frankenstein's duty to correct the behavior of supernatural beings... it was his own. He should have been by his companion's side, protecting innocent human lives.

Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if werewolves hadn't been trying to take advantage of humans in the first place...

"Muzaka... may I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course."

"Please inform your people that abuse of humans is intolerable behavior. We must strive to be better. And if I hear of such incidents occurring again... I will be forced to take action."

My Comments: Damn, this was hard for me to get to a point where I didn't hate it (and I still kind of don't like it, but I didn't want to linger here forever). I have a lot more stuff mostly ready for future chapters... okay, I just skipped to writing the chapters about the dance... but I got stuck on this flashback for ages. But I felt like I had to show it to establish one of the main conflicts of this season, which is naturally the eventual big fight with Rai and Muzaka, and how it carries over to the present storyline.

The structure of the original plot got a little weird after Muzaka wakes up. We see Muzaka wake up and go berserk, and it seems like that will be the next big conflict of the plot... but it's not. Muzaka disappears and the plot pivots to Rai confronting Ragus and his gang instead, and Muzaka is just in the background not really doing anything. That part of the story is almost like two separate plot lines mashed together? I picked a difficult season to rewrite lol. I'm doing my best to incorporate both sides of the conspiracy and how it all came together, soooo... wish me luck!

As a side note, the stance the nobles take about protecting humans kind of confuses me... I don't understand their conditions for getting involved in human affairs. Sometimes they get involved, like in the short story Rai's Adventure when Rai takes out that soul-sucking monster to protect humans... and sometimes the nobles adamantly insist that they not get involved in human affairs. Do they only take action when supernatural threats are involved? Is that their condition? We'll say it is for clarity's sake. That's why Rai is mad about werewolves attacking humans, and why Lord was ashamed that nobles let mutants terrorize humans and didn't stop it.