M21 watched as Tao crawled along the carpet of the large hall. The rug must have been one of the few items Frankenstein had managed to salvage in the aftermath of the goat's desecration. Slowly, and with no expense spared at Frankenstein's dedication, the mansion was becoming livable once more. To M21's best recollection, the Noblesse's mansion looked much the same, though M21 had only ever been to Raizel and Frankenstein's home a handful of times back when he was…normal.
Beside him, Takeo sneakily clung to his hand. Frankenstein and Raizel seemed to subconsciously have Takeo adopt his usual long hairstyle. For now, a small hair tie was used to keep the long strands out of Takeo's face. Gone were the curious, innocent baby blue eyes of an infant. Now, M21 was beginning to recognize the cold, calculating gaze of a sniper. It was unnerving on an infant, and even Ashleen had taken notice of the change. Even Tao, still with his baby hair, was beginning to fill in. Despite the childish appearance, M21 was beginning to recognize his companion beneath his piercing black eyes.
It was one of the rare moments where it was just the three of them alone. M21 cautiously watched as Tao determinedly crawled forward, intent on exploring. Despite his rapidly developing mind, the young soon-to-be hacker always found a way to stumble into trouble, unable to resist the urge to stuff anything shiny into his mouth.
Takeo tugged on his arm. He looked up at him with imploring eyes.
M21 sighed. "I can't hold you." He had tried on several occasions, but his young body was not big enough, and Takeo was rapidly growing.
Takeo huffed and merely sat down, reluctantly letting M21's sleeve slip from his grasp. Ahead of them, Tao looked back in their direction before continuing with his exploration.
"All good?" Takeo asked, his words halting as his voice struggled with the new speech pattern. Takeo and Tao would often experiment with their speech barriers by constantly babbling to each other incoherently. It confused M21 and Frankenstein, but for whatever reason, the Noblesse was always smiling whenever he heard the children babble.
M21 hesitated before lowering himself down to sit beside Takeo. He would consider everything to be fine. They were back in Lukedonia, Muzaka's daughter was safe for now, and Raizel and Frankenstein were aware of the threats. Yet M21 could not forget the true might of the Nobles. He had heard stories from Frankenstein that three traitors were almost enough to overwhelm Raizel, and even Frankenstein was usually reluctant to admit his Master's weakness.
What could all of the traitors do if they felt threatened and decided to deal the final blow? Could Raizel and Frankenstein handle it? M21 wasn't foolish enough to think that they could be any help, even if they were in their normal bodies. Even Regis and Seira, full-blood Nobles, couldn't withstand the attacks of their senior members.
Uneasiness twisted M21's gut. They were in unfamiliar territory. While one threat had been neutralized, another revealed itself. This time, they could not offer aid to Frankenstein and Raizel. Not in this form yet. M21 didn't even know if he still had his werewolf heart. He suspected that Tao had some sort of power with how his nails were jet black, but aside from electrocuting the enemy when he was deprived of food, they were powerless.
A small hand tapping his cheek pulled him from his thoughts, and he looked to see Takeo staring at him. "All good?" he repeated.
M21 blinked. "I…" At Takeo's stern look, a gaze so unnatural on a toddler's face, M21 hesitated. "Maybe."
It was all he was willing to offer.
Takeo sighed and curled up on M21's lap. "Don't worry too much."
M21 ran his hands through Takeo's ponytail. "I'll try." Movement up ahead caught his attention, and he looked up at the same time Takeo straightened up.
"Tao!" Takeo shouted.
"Don't eat that!" M21 scrambled forward, dashing toward the curious infant. He was holding a bright ruby jewel suspiciously close to his mouth. The infant looked startled, blinking wide dark eyes before dropping the ruby with a disappointed whine.
"Pretty!"
"Not yummy," M21 scolded, doing his best to lift the infant. He sighed, looking down the halls. At any rate, Ashleen would find them soon. She was good for that sort of thing. It must be her werewolf nose sniffing them out.
"It's shiny!" Tao continued to protest. M21 just fixed him with a stern gaze, only to notice Takeo eyeing the jewel. When he noticed M21 staring, the sniper just pointed at his mouth. "Teeth hurt."
M21 grumbled, pocketing the jewel and settling in to remain the ever watchful guardian over his companions.
xXx
The drapes were pulled back, inviting the stinging, warn sun in as an unwelcome intruder. Edian flinched but did not look up, even as Alaine continued to pull the heavy drapes back. The vibrating song of the rods clinking together against the rings of the curtains caused her to bite at her lip, feeling the vibration assault her body.
"Sunlight is good for you, my lady," the servant said quietly, her red eyes glistening with hidden concern, a concern that had laid dormant for nearly a century. "It would be even better if you go outside."
Edian ignored her. Alaine was still new. She would learn like all the others that it was useless to express such concern. Edian had ignored all of the complaints, all of the grievances of her family with the news that her once proud clan was falling into shambles. It didn't matter if their once glorious and prestigious position was wasting away. They were still functioning, still ever present within the Lord's court. That was all that mattered.
Carried with the wisp of the wind, a familiar, chilly voice whispered in her ear.
"Pay no heed to their complaints. They should be grateful for your presence. Why, I think all of this is weighing heavily on your mind. I have something that can help ease the discomfort."
Her head was hurting now.
Alaine quietly approached her, hands clasped almost in a beseeching prayer. "Can I get you anything else?"
Her neck hurt with each movement, so she only parted her dry lips. "No."
That should have been it. Alaine would have sighed, disappointment clouding her features, and her presence would withdraw from the room quicker than before. But the door to her chambers opened, and another servant entered. Even Alaine looked up at the new presence. "My lady? You have a visitor."
She could feel Alaine's startled gaze on her, but Edian braced herself, a breathless whisper escaping her lips. "Oh."
"It's the Noblesse."
Edian blinked. That couldn't be right. The Noblesse would never visit her. She hadn't seen him in…well, the endless years stretched on until she reached the moment of a desecrated battle field and so much blood.
As the silence stretched on, the servant twitched anxiously, and Edian felt the annoying emotions threaten to overwhelm her. It was enough to cause her to sit up even as the servant spoke. "He's downstairs, asking for you."
Without intending to, Edian felt herself rise up from her seat with shaky hands. The verdict of the Noblesse weighed heavily on her. She withdrew into herself, hoping to conceal her presence, even as her tainted soul twisted within her damaged body.
No. She couldn't do this. She couldn't face him.
"T-tell him I am indisposed," she managed. "But provide him with anything he may need."
The servant hesitated for just a moment, and the taint of sorrow tasted like bitter copper on her mouth. But she was alone in the room once more, standing before an open window where the barren garden was. It hurt to breathe, and she focused on the amount of air she was intaking.
Her hand rested on the heavy, dark drapes, intending to pull them shut. The sunlight was hurting her eyes, and the dull hammering within her skull only increased with the persistent warmth.
"Edian."
Panic blossomed within her, and the curtain was nearly ripped from the wall as she turned. The Noblesse stood within the doorway, regarding her in her moment of weakness.
He looked just as she had remembered. Tall, slim, with dark hair cascading down a pale and flawless face. Though she couldn't remember a time when his eyes had ever glowed with a soft light and compassion within his gaze.
It was enough to break at her fragile composure.
Her grip on the chair was not enough to keep her knees from buckling. Thoughts were rushing through her head with such ferocity that her head was hurting.
"Sir Raizel." Her voice cracked, as if she was parched from thirst.
"May I enter?"
It took her a moment for her to realize that he was seeking permission to enter her chambers. After so many had entered and exited, it took her a moment to reflect and realize that she could turn him away if need be.
But no, she couldn't. He was the Noblesse.
She nodded. "Of course."
He entered the room and smiled. Not a small smile of practiced ease, but one that softened the corners of his eyes. She had never seen him smile before, though despite the sparkle in his eyes, it was tinged with sadness.
"It's been so long," he said, voice soft. "I am sorry."
She blinked. "Pardon?"
He rested his hand on the back of a chair, gaze tilted down for a moment and shadowing his eyes. "I neglected to reach out to you. It's been so long since we last spoke."
She felt breathless. "Oh." She looked away. "Don't…don't feel like you have to apologize." She looked up. "What brings you here?"
He smiled again, this time the sadness lifting somewhat. "I'm here on a sugar run."
She blinked again. "A…a what?"
"Well," he looked away, a pink tinge coloring his pale cheeks. "It's embarrassing, but our home was ransacked and our food…destroyed. I am here to ask for sugar. Also," he held out his hand with a beseeching gaze. "I would like to invite you over for tea."
She glanced at his hand then back to his open and honest gaze. "What?"
"Tea, Miss Edian. I would like to visit with you in my home."
xXx
Raizel forgot how cold Lukedonia often felt. It was a tropical island with warm weather, but the stone buildings drove out any chances for warmth. He found himself reflecting on if his home had ever felt cold. Perhaps Frankenstein's presence had gradually changed everything. He barely noticed the cold. The loneliness, of course, had remained ever present, but perhaps the chill within his bones had seeped out with the presence of another living being in his life and heart. Now, with four children scampering around the halls, there was warmth in every corner of the rooms. Loneliness no longer occupied the halls, and the walls were filled with warmth as if the sunlight was captured and sealed within.
Yes, he was certain that Frankenstein had a lot to do with making his house a home. Even now, sitting in one of the parlor rooms, he felt the companionship and warmth of a family.
But Edian's fortress was not just cold. It was desolate. The house of Drosia had certainly fallen. How had he not noticed it? As the Noblesse, matters of the court did not concern him. But she was once one of his frequent visitors. He should have expressed some concern when her visits dwindled.
Edian had yet to relax into the chair. She sat with a rigid spine, cloudy eyes flickering around at the slightest of movements. She was as small as a wraith, pale and almost sickly. Her hollow red eyes regarded him not with a spark of warmth or recognition.
He had only been doing what Frankenstein had instructed of him, which was to lead with the excuse of sugar. Of course, now he felt the intense need to keep Edian out of the stifling environment. The servants within her home had been subdued, nervous and skittish. On more than one occasion, he had detected malice within their souls. He had no doubt that Largus had his people infiltrate Edian's home, corrupting her sanctuary, and robbing her of both her freedom and dignity.
He could feel the curious presence of the children in the next room. Though Frankenstein had instructed Ashleen and the boys not to intrude, he had not insisted on them keeping their presence hidden. After all, Edian would have to be exposed to the children sooner than later.
Raizel set his teacup down. Edian's jittery eyes tracked his movements and clumsily placed her own cup down. Raizel tasted the sour note of despair in the air. He had heard stories of the elite Drosia family, guardians of the Lord's final resting place and the only Nobles permitted to remember and carry on the Lord's name. Despite the stories, Raizel had never seen Edian as the elite guardian he had heard of. He only saw the demur, polite Noble who would frequently visit him.
But now she was reduced to this. A mindless puppet with no control over her own movements. Largus had no need to target her. It wasn't like he was desperate for her loyalty. The combined might of Gradeus, Urokai, and Roctis should have been enough. So for what purpose did Largus have to poison Edian? Was it because of her loyalty to the Noblesse? Was it to harm Raizel? What need would he have for such cruelty if he thought that Raizel was dead?
"So sorry for the delay." Frankenstein's warm voice filtered through the stiff silence. A silver platter was balanced in his grasp while Tao was propped on his hip. He set the tray down with a smile. "The sugar you lent us has come in handy. I recommend the blackberry cookies. It's the perfect marriage of sweet and tart."
Raizel knew that Frankenstein's words had not registered with Edian. No, she was focused on the child in his arms. Tao played his part well, sucking on his fingers while dark eyes traced the familiar room with a lazy expression. Once his gaze landed on Edian, he gave her a smile, showing off his three new teeth.
Edian's eyes widened once she realized, yes, the baby was real, and Frnkenstein was holding it. Raizel was impressed with his bonded's ability to close off his emotions and keep his expression neutral, as if serving tea and cookies while an infant chewed on his hair was normal.
In fact, it had become normal. Raizel was more shocked to see Frankenstein without a child in his arms these days.
"You…" Edian started slowly, testing her words. "You have a…a baby."
Frankenstein blinked, an open display of surprise on his gaze before he looked at Tao and smiled. "Ah, yes. This is Tao, my son." As if on cue, Tao waved at a shocked Edian.
"Your son." Edian looked at Raizel as if he could shed some light on the situation before she looked back at the human. "I…I never pegged you as…well, as the family type."
"I have always wanted a family," Frankenstein said, shifting Tao into a more comfortable hold. Raizel's fingers twitched as he resisted the natural urge to stand up and help his bonded hold the child.
"In fact," Frankenstein continued. "I have always found it comforting to be in the presence of a large family."
Edian still looked shocked. "I…I see." She looked at Raizel. "And you, Sir Raizel? How are you taking…to-"
"I enjoy the family," Raizel said with a fond smile. "In fact, it was partially my fault that this happened."
"It…it was?"
"I have grown attached to the children." No longer able to resist, Raizel stood up and approached his bonded. Sensing his master's intent, Frankenstein was already prepared to pass Tao on to him. The boy easily slid into Raizel's embrace, and his heart grew lighter as he tenderly stared at the little one.
"I cannot imagine living without them," Raizel continued. His smile brightened when Tao placed a small hand on his cheek.
"Edian, are you alright?" Frankenstein's concerned tone grabbed everyone's attention. "You appear pale."
Edian placed a trembling hand on her brow. "Well…that might be because I am overwhelmed with this new event."
"No, no," Frankenstein insisted, approaching to kneel before her. "You look sickly." He carefully took her hand, fingers pressing against her wrist. "Oh dear," he muttered, rapidly standing up. "Remain seated, I will get my equipment."
"Equipment?" Raizel felt Edian's alarm. "For what?" But Frankenstein had already hurried out of the hall. Raizel took this as his cue to play his part.
"Frankenstein is an excellent doctor," he encouraged. "I trust his judgment and skills."
Further confusion overwhelmed her features. "Yes, but why is he so concerned?"
Raizel attempted to shrug even as he held an infant in his arms. "Perhaps his keen eye merely saw something that we both disregarded."
Before Edian could attempt to refute his statement, Frankenstein entered the room again, this time carrying a bag of his tools. "This shouldn't take long," Frankenstein assured. He kneeled beside her again, this time withdrawing his tools. Edian glanced once more at Raizel before she allowed Frankenstein to examine her.
It was all for show, really, as both Raizel and Frankenstein knew what was amiss, and none of these examination tools would be of any help to really inform Frankenstein of the drug within Edian's system. But Edian did not know that, and the entire display of concern would help them to plead their case for her well-being.
The entire spectacle took less than three minutes, and Frankenstein was sitting back with a tired sigh. The wariness displayed on his face was real, and Raizel wondered what Frankenstein had in fact uncovered even with his false show of examination.
"Edian, you are sick. Really sick." He stood up. "I have not seen this kind of sickness before, and I am very familiar with the functions of the Noble body."
Edian's eyes widened in alarm. "Sick? With what?"
"I do not think it is life-threatening," Frankenstein assured her. "But it does appear that the sickness, more of a parasite, has made itself at home within your body. I do have some concoctions that can help you flush it out of your system."
Edian's alarm grew, and she looked as if she wanted to claw at her skin to extract whatever 'parasite' had taken root within her body.
Frankenstein moved away. "While it is not contagious, I would like for you to remain here so that I may monitor your condition."
Her panicked gaze flickered over to Raizel before lingering on Tao. "Oh…I'm not so sure-"
"Edian," Raizel interjected. "Please."
Her eyes widened. "Sir Raizel-"
"We have plenty of rooms," he continued. "If you are sick, I wish to see you recover."
But the panic was still there. But if Raizel looked deeper, he saw something else.
Guilt. Shame. Regret. Fear.
"What a relief that you're alive."
"I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."
"Do not cry. I'm not worth it."
Oh.
Words Edian had not yet spoken until hundreds of years later echoed within his mind like a bell. Unresolved fear, regret, and shame that she had undoubtedly carried to her grave was still plaguing her heart and tormenting her soul.
Raizel silently handed Tao back to Frankenstein. With no further words traded between them, Frankenstein left with the child, the door shutting behind them.
Raizel knelt before her, tenderly taking her clammy hands into his own.
"Edian," he said, voice soft. He searched her gaze. "It's alright. There is nothing to forgive."
Tears splattered upon their joined hands as Edian trembled, her head bowed. Raizel rubbed her hand, exactly how he had seen Frankenstein do with the children whenever they were distressed.
"Edian, you do not need to carry this guilt with you any longer."
She pulled away, arms wrapped around herself. Raizel allowed her, still close but no longer touching her.
"I'm…I'm so sorry," she choked out, head still bowed, like a prisoner waiting for the condemnation of the guillotine. "I'm so sorry."
Raizel waited, listening as she tried to withhold her sobs. The surface of her fear and guilt was scratched but not uncovered. It still festered, corrupting her soul and weighing her heart down.
"It's my fault," she sobbed. "I…I gave him…the bloodstone." She finally looked up, eyes bloodshot and tears freely flowing. "I betrayed you." She breathed in, voice cracking, her final condemnation on herself falling upon her exposed heart. "Sir Raizel, your brother…the battle, everything was b-because of me." As if realizing what the weight of her words had done, her body sagged, shoulders no longer able to hold her weight, and head bowed once more.
The storm of her despair suffocated him, yet Raizel bore the onslaught, watching as the tears continued to fall, the sobs continue to wrack through, and the trembling tear apart at her body. Finally, he gently tilted her chin up, forcing her gaze to meet his.
"It was not your fault," he repeated.
But Edian shook her head. "No, I gave the bloodstone-"
"Edian, my brother fooled us all."
She blinked, shocked.
"It was my brother I trusted. My other half, the one who swore to protect me not out of duty, but because of our blood." He tilted his head. "Why did you give him the bloodstone?"
She trembled, closing her eyes to contain herself. "For your freedom."
Raizel brought his other hand to rest on her frail shoulder. It was not quite an embrace, though he knew that one would do her good. He poured out his sincerity into his gaze and his words. "Thank you for freeing me from his deceit. I was blinded by the false concept of 'family' my brother had fed me my entire life. But I am saddened that you have lived with this for so long. I should have sought you out sooner. And worst of all, my brother pushed his own guilt and sins upon you." He bowed his head. "I am sorry."
Edian's sobs began anew, and her hands found their way into his grasp. Years of built up lies, guilt, and sorrow brimmed to the surface, and he could hear Edian's aching soul cry out from the relief and pain from the exposure. And so, he waited, witnessing the death and rebirth of a fledgling soul within this Noblewoman, and his anger against Largus festered once more.
xXx
"How is she?"
Frankenstein glanced back down the hall where Edian was now sleeping. Finding a spare bedroom for her was no challenge in the large mansion. Everything had already been prepared for her extended stay. If she had noticed, she didn't make a comment. The exhaustion was painted clearly across her face. Frankenstein had never seen a Noble collapse into a bed the way she had.
He didn't know what had occurred between Edian and his Master to warrant tears and sorrow, and he did not ask.
"She is settled," Frankenstein answered his Master. "I wish I could say more, but that is the extent of my analysis. I would feel better if she slept through the entire morning. She's exhausted, both physically and mentally."
His Master did not sigh, but he did warily lean against the wall. "What are your predictions with the drug?"
"A sample of her blood would have been helpful to determine its effects," Frankenstein admitted. "But I know that would have been alarming for her, and I don't want to make this anymore stressful. I do not know what kind of drug Largus was using, and I cannot study its effects without the physical object." He sighed, weariness clouding his features. "At this point, and I hate to admit it, we will have to wait and monitor her recovery." His worry deepened. "She would be going cold-turkey, which could have, no it most certainly will, have drastic effects on her body and mind."
Raizel frowned. "What should we look out for?"
"Everything. Physical ailments such as nausea, bleeding, sickness. I don't even know if this will impact her memory, fine motor, or even her powers."
Raizel placed a hand on Frankenstein's shoulder, feeling the overwhelming swirl of thoughts and worries within his bonded's mind flood through their connection.
Frankenstein let out a shuddering breath. "Right. The point is that we will be here to help her recover and eliminate Largus' hold on her."
"She's strong," Raizel admitted. "Perhaps her body and mind had grown accustomed to the constant exposure of the drug, which is how she was able to break free to save me during the siege."
Frankenstein frowned, trying to recall what his Master meant, before his eyes widened in realization. "Master," Frankenstein chided. "Do not underestimate the power of love and loyalty. She had been imprisoned for so long. The joy of seeing you alive and the despair at your imminent danger must have been enough to give her the strength to break free."
Pure confusion reflected on the Noblesse's face, and Frankenstein smiled. "Master, is it a shock that someone does care for you?"
"Well, you and the children have been a rare blessing." His Master's awkward statement was finished with a slight glance away. "It is…nice."
Frankenstein sighed. "Speaking of the children, Takeo will be sleeping with me tonight. I fear he is having recurring nightmares."
Raizel nodded. "I will take Tao."
Concern shot through Frankenstein. "Oh? Has Tao been having nightmares?"
"There is no harm in having Tao stay with me as a precaution. M21 has Ashleen. It is only fair that Tao has someone."
Frankenstein clamped down on his amusement, but based on the glance his Master gave him, he was not quick enough.
A/N:
Hey everyone!
So wow…Raizel's making some big steps in terms of communication, physical touch, and emotions. Yay!
If anyone is wondering if there will be some RaiXEdian, I will have to say that that is a soft 'no' from me. If there is, it will be one-sided because I firmly believe that Edian had feelings for Rai, but they were unreciprocated. Raizel is just finding out what it means to love a family, and he's got a lot of things going on (time-traveling children, establishing a family, helping Frankenstein, protecting everyone, etc.) This is new territory for him, and if you hadn't already seen it in previous chapters, Raizel's exploring what it means to act on his stronger, dormant emotions. Besides, I believe that Edian has a lot of stuff she needs to work on before romantic relationships even become a thing for her, and I think focusing on that would detract from the original plot (I swear I have a plot and an end in sight). But that isn't to say I won't play around with Edian's attraction for him! I mean…it's Rai.