When the Past and Present Collide
Author's notes. Contains spoilers, of course.
A Noblesse based fanfiction. If you somehow haven't read this manhwa yet, you should definitely do that first! I'd say it's worth reading through at least once. Noblesse is definitely not owned by me!
Story Summary: The story combines both expanded flashbacks (which will be marked as Memories) of Rai and Frankenstein's past together, as well as a romance in the present story line that starts around the time Frankenstein shares the dark spear with Tao and Takio. So I guess around episode 335?
I wanted to explore the relationship and history between Rai and Frankenstein a little more, as well as make Rai a more interesting character while keeping to what's already been established about him. Rai talks a lot more in this story, as he does in most of the fanfictions I've read about him, but that's sort of a necessity to develop his character more. There are some family elements with Frankenstein/Rai and the other five members of the household as well.
Hopefully you enjoy it! I am open to constructive criticism and ideas. (I put some of my comments on the original story and what I changed after most of the chapters. Feel free to read them or not. It's just random thoughts from my ADHD brain.)
Also, this has an 'M' rating for mature sexual content later on. And sometimes I cuss. So there's that. (The romance is mostly sweetness and fluff and drama, I guess? Little bit of sexy later on, like I said. Because adults in romantic relationships tend to have sex with each other. I feel like that's pretty normal. I didn't intend for this to be smut or anything.)
Memories: The Beginning
Frankenstein woke up screaming.
He bolted off the couch, stumbling around in the unfamiliar room.
Where the hell was he?
Panting, he looked around the room, orienting himself… Right, he'd attempted to hide himself in this noble's mansion before passing out in one of the guest rooms.
Frankenstein clutched his head. There was a pounding in his skull that made him suspect that the screaming he'd heard had only been in his mind.
"Shut up," he growled. "All of you, shut up!"
The pain in his head faded a little… but only a little. Well, it was better than nothing. At least those evil spirits hadn't taken him over after he'd passed out while wounded like this.
Sighing, he looked around the room. It was just as opulent as all the other rooms he'd passed… and just as empty. It appeared the dark-haired noble he'd briefly encountered earlier was the only person living here.
Why the noble hadn't immediately tried to throw him out when he'd stumbled in here, he wasn't sure. Frankenstein hadn't been in any shape to resist. But the noble had taken one long look at him and just walked away.
Well, he supposed it didn't matter. If that noble didn't care, then he'd stay just long enough so that he could recover a little and then move on.
Still… It was a little odd. Why hadn't the noble cared that a human overflowing with evil energies was hanging around in his home? All the other nobles he'd met had either tried to kill him or capture him.
Frankenstein wandered out into the hall. This place was so expansive, it was hard to believe only one noble lived here. He could have set up so many experiments in all these unused rooms… He passed a dozen doors until he'd found one that was open.
A soft, sweet-smelling breeze rushed past his face.
Looking inside, he saw the slim, dark-haired noble from yesterday. He was standing with his back to the door, gazing steadily out of a large, open window.
He just seemed so lonely, standing there silently. It seemed as though he'd stood there for an eternity all by himself. It was a stray twinge of sympathy that made Frankenstein step into the room.
After stepping inside, Frankenstein stared at the dark-haired noble's back, waiting for the obvious reprisals… but none came. Whoever this noble was, he didn't appear threatened by his presence. That in and of itself was a refreshing change of pace.
Frankenstein wasn't entirely sure why he'd come here. Was it to thank the noble who had sheltered him for the night? To ask when he was going to be turned over to the Lord? Or was it just to be in the presence of this person who didn't seem to fear the dark energy harbored inside him?
As if on cue, the noble turned to face him. Frankenstein was once again struck by the utter perfection of his face. It was almost surreal. Even his blood red eyes seemed elegant and enchanting… if a little melancholy.
Can you hear me?
Frankenstein twitched. An unfamiliar but tranquil voice had just echoed in his mind. It only took him a second to figure out who was speaking.
He nodded.
"I hear you."
I prefer not to speak. I hope this doesn't bother you overly much.
Frankenstein laughed bitterly. There were already thirty thousand evil voices in his head. What was one more?
I cannot hear your thoughts. You must speak aloud.
"Why can't you hear me?" Frankenstein frowned. "I still have my own mind."
I imagine I could, given enough time. As it stands, it is too noisy.
"Right…" Frankenstein whispered. The evil entities inside him were too loud. "I'm sorry. I probably disgust you, don't I?"
The noble simply stared at him with those sad red eyes. If Frankenstein hadn't known any better, he would have thought the noble was feeling pity for him.
You carry much sorrow in you.
Frankenstein clenched his fists. Was it that obvious?
"Yes."
He almost flinched as the noble gave him another soul searching look.
Why?
Frankenstein wondered why this noble was asking… No one believed his reasons anyway. Everyone thought he'd taken on this evil power for his own greed. As if he'd wanted to suffer like this every day for the rest of his miserable life…
But why… did he feel like this noble might understand?
"There's evil in me… and I can't let it go," Frankenstein said stiffly. "It's too malevolent, too ravenous to be allowed back into the world. The moment I let go… many more of my people would die. I won't let that happen."
His host stared at him… and then nodded silently.
I see.
The noble's eyes wandered to the nearby cart. An empty tea kettle was sitting on it.
Would you care for tea?
Frankenstein blinked. Really? They were having tea now? As if they were friends? He thought about refusing, but this could quite possibly be the last chance he ever had to have a peaceful moment.
"All right… I'll put the kettle on. I have some tea leaves from my… well, that I haven't used yet."
The noble tilted his head curiously.
I would like that.
Frankenstein nodded. He reached into his tattered pants and pulled out a small, flat metal case that he'd stuffed with dried tea leaves. It was his last piece of comfort from his past. His last piece of home…
Suddenly, an unfamiliar energy erupted around his body… Frankenstein jumped back in alarm. But whatever it was didn't seem to be intent on harming him. Moments later, his old, ragged clothes had disappeared to be replaced with fresh, elegant new garments. A long, shining black ribbon hung around his neck.
Apologies if I startled you.
Frankenstein looked up.
"No… it's fine. Thank you."
The noble nodded.
A little while later, Frankenstein was seated around the small table with the dark haired noble. He poured the tea, soaking in what might be his last moment of normalcy.
Frankenstein handed the noble a cup first. Even at a time like this, he couldn't forget his manners. His host nodded gratefully and started to drink.
Frankenstein took a sip from his own cup, letting the drink warm him up. The peace it brought him almost silenced the spirits in his head. Almost, but not quite. Those evil souls were still there in the back of his mind… clawing, biting, scratching at his willpower. They wouldn't let this peace last for long…
To distract himself, Frankenstein looked up at the noble to see if he also was enjoying his unique tea blend. But… the noble was once again watching him.
And was it just his imagination, or did this young noble look scared?
No… scared wasn't quite the right word. Maybe… Worried? Concerned? But that was ridiculous. Why should a noble care about what happened to him?
"Is something wrong?" Frankenstein asked quietly. This was it. The noble would ask him to leave…
How long?
Frankenstein frowned.
"How long until what?"
Until…
"What do you think you're doing, human?" a hard voice interrupted.
Frankenstein jerked his head up. Great, he was busted. The two family leaders he'd fled from yesterday had found him already… Gejutel Landegre and Ragar Kertia were striding in through the door, and they did not look like they'd come for tea.
Then, to his surprise, they both turned and bowed to the dark haired noble.
"Pardon us, Sir," they said simultaneously. "We apologize for the intrusion, but the Lord has ordered us to bring that human before him."
Frankenstein grit his teeth. He was in no shape to run. And he didn't want the gentle, dark-haired noble to be caught up some messy brawl…
"No."
Frankenstein felt his jaw drop and he turned to stare at the young noble. Both family leaders looked equally surprised.
"No?" they echoed.
"He is my butler."
"Your what?"
"He takes care of me and the household," the young noble elaborated. "He serves tea, as you can see."
Both family leaders glanced at each other.
"Is this true, human?"
"I… yes," Frankenstein said, his mind still attempting to process this bizarre turn of events. "He required someone to manage his home since he lives here alone. I am… not opposed to it."
"It is as he says," the young noble said calmly.
Frankenstein wasn't convinced this ruse would work… Who was this noble that he could so easily defy the Lord's order?
But his worry was unfounded. The family leaders accepted his host's words without question.
"Very well. We will report back to the Lord that the human is staying with you, Sir," the Kertia family leader said respectfully.
Then, because today hadn't been surprising enough already, the Kertia family leader bowed slightly to Frankenstein as well.
"I may not approve of your methods, but I have to acknowledge you for obtaining such great power as a human," Ragar Kertia said lightly. "I hope we meet again under friendlier circumstances."
Those initial words angered Frankenstein, so much that he hadn't heard anything else. These family leaders thought they were all-knowing, and so they deserved to pass judgment on him… The evil souls in his head latched onto his anger, amplifying it to the nth degree.
"My methods…" Frankenstein whispered. He practically leaped to his feet, his hands shaking. "You know nothing of my methods. You arrogant…!"
Suddenly, he froze. Another, much calmer voice had spoken in his head, cutting off his angry words.
The tea is getting cold.
"Tea?" Frankenstein bit out, his mind fracturing as he attempted to focus on the tranquil voice. "What are you talking about…?"
Frankenstein gasped as the young noble's presence flared in his mind… And the evil spirits retreated. A spasm shook his body as his anger dissipated as quickly as it had come.
What had he been doing? Why was he standing?
"Sir," the Landegre family leader spoke up, eyeing Frankenstein suspiciously. "Are you sure you want to have this human as your butler? He is unstable. Dangerous."
"He is mine," the dark haired noble said, as if nothing had happened. "I have nothing to fear from him."
Though they didn't look happy about it, both family leaders nodded in acceptance of this proclamation.
"I made assumptions about you," the Keirta family leader said apologetically. "You are right. I do not know the truth. You will tell me more later."
Not wanting to appear any more uncivilized in front of his new Master than he already did, Frankenstein reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Fine."
"Sir, the Lord will still want to meet that human…" Gejutel reminded him.
"I will take him when he is better," his host said calmly. "It appears the two of you wounded him."
Awkwardly, the two family leaders bowed.
"Of course, Sir."
"Gejutel, Ragar… Good day."
At that clear dismissal, the family leaders turned and left.
After the family leaders had gone, Frankenstein lowered himself back onto the couch. The young noble didn't seem particularly perturbed by the events that had just unfolded. But Frankenstein couldn't stop himself from wondering…
"Why did you take my side?" he asked quietly.
His new Master turned those melancholy red eyes on him.
I enjoyed your tea.
"What?"
Your tea… It tastes of home.
Frankenstein bit down on the inside of his cheek. He had a feeling that was a much more loaded sentiment than what it appeared to be.
"I'm glad you think so."
A calm settled over the room, a warm breeze rushing in through the open window. Frankenstein was suddenly struck by the feeling that this was… right. This was where he was supposed to be.
Still, there was one more thing he needed to confirm.
"You really want me to stay here? Even knowing what I am?"
What you are isn't important.
"It isn't? Most of the other nobles seem to think it's very important," Frankenstein pointed out.
The noble seemed to meditate on that for a moment. He took another sip of tea.
You are… suffering. I felt it all day and all night. The screaming in your head.
Frankenstein relaxed a little. So it had just been in his head. At least he still had enough willpower to not scream aloud… for now.
The noble's eyes filled with sympathy, but he said nothing more on the matter.
So, to answer your question… Yes. I would like you to stay.
Frankenstein bowed his head. He certainly wasn't expecting this level of kindness from anyone, much less a noble. It wasn't wise to welcome monsters into your home… Why was he really doing this?
His host seemed to sense his confusion, and that tranquil voice echoed in his head once more.
I will not force you. The choice is yours.
"Mine?" he said, even more confused. He'd assumed he wasn't being given a choice. Frankenstein was no fool, he could not challenge a noble with this much authority. "But I thought…?"
Yes, yours. If you wish to leave, I will not stop you. Have no fear, no noble will touch you.
The noble bowed his head, turning his attention back to his tea.
Frankenstein frowned, staring at the noble's silky raven hair. There it was again… the feeling of loneliness that seemed to hang in the air.
Frankenstein wasn't the most powerful human alive for nothing. His mind was a powerful machine, capable of producing wonders unheard of… and he was starting to get a pretty good idea of what this young noble really wanted from him.
Why me? He wondered.
But strangely enough… he found he didn't mind.
Yes, this noble was the only one among them to earn his respect and his gratitude. He would return the favor. He would accept his role as a butler... and stay by this gentle noble's side.
"Then… I will stay, at least for now. I will serve you, and only you."
At his words, the noble raised his head. Those crimson eyes were glowing as his Master responded in his thoughts.
I am glad to hear it.
"Thank you for your generosity," Frankenstein added quietly. "And your hospitality."
The noble nodded.
What do I call you?
"My name is Frankenstein."
I am Cadis Etrama di Raizel.
Frankenstein grinned. These nobles and their long names…
"What a mouthful. May I call you Raizel?"
Frankenstein could have sworn he received a small smile in return.
As you wish.
For the first time in many years, Frankenstein relaxed. The spirits in his mind were quiet… and he was no longer being hunted. Pleased, Frankenstein picked up his cup, taking another calming drink.
His Master must have enjoyed the tea... his cup was already empty.
"Would you like more tea, Raizel?"
The noble immediately held out his cup.
Yes, please.
Frankenstein glanced at the tea tray and he refilled Raizel's cup. Something was missing…
"Do you like sweets?"
Sweets?
"Yes. This tea should be served with sweet biscuits or cookies. Provided you have a well-stocked pantry, I think I could bake something for you this evening."
His Master looked up at him, crimson eyes glowing once more.
I look forward to it.
My thoughts on Noblesse: I quite liked it overall. (Obviously, or I wouldn't be writing this!) However, there were definitely aspects of the story that could have been improved on or explored more. Personally, I would have preferred more character interactions, world building, and back story rather than some of the extended action sequences we got. This was a problem mostly in the later seasons when the action doesn't give the audience a chance to breathe. I'd say I loved it right up until the point where Muzaka got introduced; my enjoyment dipped down a little after that.
Frankenstein was easily my favorite character. He was also the character that was explored the most during the entire story line, sort of making him the main character by default. He was intelligent, powerful, compassionate, loyal, and sassy… all while being consumed by the powers of darkness. What a guy!
Rai was very lovable, but I wish he had been explored more as a character. At times, he seemed more like the personification of a virtue rather than an actual person with independent thoughts, feelings, and motivations. I really didn't like how he was written as being disinterested in everything around him. Indifference does not make for a compelling character (even if he actually wasn't, it was sure portrayed that way). Also, by the time the story gets past 300 episodes, he's more like a sad, abused puppy than anything. That's no fun! My poor baby!
