Memories: Blood-Bonded

Sunset was a time Raizel always enjoyed. Today, he was especially looking forward to it. Frankenstein had promised to serve him a new tea blend he'd obtained from a far off land, somewhere Raizel had only read about in books. His companion was always knew how to spark his interest, to give him a taste of the outside world.

Raizel was about to sit down to read when he felt his companion cry out in agony. His head jerked around toward the feeling, his heart racing.

Moments later, a massive wave of dark energy rushed past him... Frankenstein's dark energy. Not only that, but he sensed a horrifying surge of malevolent intentions, as if the gates of hell had just sprung open.

No… no! This couldn't be happening! Frankenstein was only supposed to be sparring with Gejutel... How could that have ended up like this?!

Raizel summoned his energy, leaping out the window into the night. Following the sensation of Frankenstein's dark energy, he appeared at the site within moments. And it seemed he wasn't the only one who had noticed the strange disturbance, because the Lord had appeared next to him.

"Geez, it's noisy," the Lord said, looking around at the assembled nobles. He glanced around. "Oh, you see? Even Raizel left the house. You see how noisy you all were?"

Raizel had barely noticed who else was around. He had eyes only for Frankenstein.

"Oh, my… he's in a bad state," the Lord commented. "Why didn't you all handle this before it got out of hand?"

Raizel bit his lip. Frankenstein was… lost. Even the faintest whispers of his mind seemed to have disappeared into that dark, gaping abyss.

In his place was… a monster. Sinister black and purple energies swirled around a demonic body, complete with claws, razor sharp teeth, and blank white eyes. Toxic black blood dripped from its wounds.

Three family leaders were attempting to contain the demon, and even they were struggling. The demon was swift and strong, and its body gave off wave after wave of eerie, dark energy. Its black, dual bladed spear crackled angrily with every blow it struck.

And all the while, the demon howled and howled… as if it were in pain.

"What to do with him…?" the Lord pondered.

Raizel glanced at the Lord.

"That human is mine."

The Lord glanced back at him and nodded.

"Of course, Raizel. You took him in… You should decide what to do with him."

"Lord, let me deal with him…!" Urokai butted in.

Lord glanced at the family leader.

"Stand down, Urokai Agavine," the Lord said, his voice hard. "Raizel has decided. It is not your place to interfere."

Raizel wasn't listening. Frankenstein had finally noticed his presence.

Just for a moment, the demon stopped dead. His gaping maw of jagged teeth hung open, as if he'd just been smacked. Right then, he knew… Frankenstein was still in there, somewhere. Even in this state, some part of Frankenstein knew his Master.

Raizel stepped forward to face the demon.

"All of you… please stand down. I will face him myself."

The three family leaders immediately stopped fighting and retreated. The demon roared, turning his vacant eyes on this new threat. A massive wave of dark energy surged forward, forcing Raizel to raise his power to defend himself. Even with all his power… he was still shaken by the blast.

"Frankenstein was this powerful? Wow, what a man!" Lord exclaimed.

Though he wouldn't have used those same words, Raizel had to agree… He'd never imagined his companion had quite this much power stored away inside him… Frankenstein had been suppressing this much evil energy? He'd held this power back for all these years?

Raizel would need more power of his own.

So when Frankenstein launched another wave of dark energy at him, Raizel didn't block it. He allowed it to graze his cheek, slicing into the tender flesh. A trickle of blood rolled down his jaw.

Raizel touched his fingers to his blood, then held out his hand, willing a blood field to form around him. A fine, red mist permeated the air. This would be enough to weaken Frankenstein.

But it looked like the possessed Frankenstein was getting upset that his target wasn't fighting back. He raised his dark weapon, leaping at him with a howl.

I won't fight you.

Raizel reached out to grab the weapon as it fell, stopping it cold. Frankenstein growled in frustration, trying to yank it out of his grip. Holding the dark spear like this, even Raizel could feel how ravenous this weapon was… but he wasn't about to let those evil spirits take his companion.

Frankenstein was bleeding from a gash in his lip… tainted blood was dribbling down his chin. Still holding the dark spear with one hand, Raizel reached out with his free hand to dip his fingers in Frankenstein's blood.

The demon twitched at his touch, momentarily ceasing its struggle.

"It's all right…" Raizel whispered, touching his bloody fingers to his own lips. "It's not your fault."

He just wanted to see those warm, brilliant blue eyes again… Though Frankenstein's blood stung his mouth, Raizel gladly let it trickle down his throat, burning his flesh as it did so.

"Frankenstein…" he breathed. "Wake up."

The demon screamed, the sound of a thousand people howling all at once… And the darkness retreated from Frankenstein's body. Raizel caught a glimpse of bright blue eyes before his companion collapsed at his feet.

Raizel stared at his companion's bruised and bloody body lying sprawled in the dirt, his heart pounding in his chest. If he'd come a moment later, he might have lost his companion…

"Are you all right, Sir?!" came Urokai's voice. "I can't believe that mutant human had the nerve to attack you!"

Raizel ignored him, leaning down by Frankenstein's side. He'd awoken Frankenstein, but he had to be sure… He had to be sure his companion wasn't lost. Carefully, he turned his companion so that he was face up, then brushed his fingers against Frankenstein's forehead.

Frankenstein… Say my name.

Frankenstein's face twitched under his fingers.

Raizel…

Letting out a small sigh of relief, Raizel stood up. He finally noticed Ragar and Gejutel standing by the Lord. It looked like both of them had refused to do battle with Frankenstein.

"Ragar, Gejutel…" Raizel said quietly. "Please take Frankenstein back to the mansion and care for him. I will return when my work is done here."

"Yes, Sir," they replied instantly. Both bowed respectfully before walking over to Frankenstein's unconscious body.

"Something else you need to do, Raizel?" the Lord asked curiously.

He nodded. Although Frankenstein was unconscious, Raizel could still sense an immense amount of pain… and grief.

Something wasn't right…

He watched as Ragar picked up Frankenstein's limp body off the ground, putting him over his shoulder and flying off with Gejutel. But… the grief and pain remained even after Frankenstein was gone.

Raizel looked down at the spot where Frankenstein had fallen, spotting something glinting in the dirt. This was the source, this silver pendant. He picked it up, wondering how something so small could have caused Frankenstein so much pain…

Raizel sensed something else, too…

He turned to face the crowd of gathered family leaders. One of them in particular was still surrounded by a cloud of murderous intentions.

"Urokai Agavine…" Raizel said softly. "Is this your doing?"

"Sir!" Urokai said indignantly. "That human is dangerous. He attacked you! You should have let us family leaders handle him…!"

"I will ask you again," Raizel said, holding out the pendant. "Did you do this?"

"I had to do something, Sir! I knew he'd lose himself one day, and you saw what happened. That thing can't even be called a human anymore! He's a monster who hurt you!"

Raizel silently processed that. Urokai's worry he could understand… but his actions he could not forgive.

"I see… and his death was your answer?" Raizel said coldly.

Urokai's mouth opened, but nothing came out.

"Then I also have my answer."

Raizel turned his back on the gathered crowd to face the Lord.

"Lord, I will return home now," he said with a bow. "Thank you for your assistance and consideration."

"Not at all, Raizel. Give my regards to Frankenstein when he wakes up."

Raizel leaped into the air, arriving back at his mansion in minutes. It didn't take long for him to find the room where Frankenstein lay unconscious, both family leaders standing by his bedside.

"Sir," Ragar said, nodding his head. "He's unconscious, but I have tended his wounds. It appears he will live, assuming his mind is still intact…"

Subtle waves of worry were coming from Ragar and Gejutel. Somehow, it made him feel better to know he wasn't the only one who cared if Frankenstein lived or died.

"I have heard him," Raizel said quietly, his eyes on Frankenstein's battered face. "His mind remains as it has been."

"Sir… I must apologize," Gejutel said sadly. "We should have stopped the situation before this happened. But we didn't know Frankenstein would react so strongly to that pendant…"

Raizel glanced at the silver pendant still clutched in his fist. He supposed he should hide it, just in case it caused Frankenstein to lose control again. It would be better if he could talk to Frankenstein about it, but... perhaps now wasn't the right time.

"It isn't your fault, Gejutel."

"But… what if this happens again?" Ragar said, sounding concerned.

If he was being honest, Raizel had already been considering how he could help Frankenstein. But… he was certain Frankenstein would never agree to it. He would still try, of course.

"If this happens again, I will handle it," Raizel said calmly, so as to not alarm Ragar and Gejutel.

Raizel lowered himself into the chair by Frankenstein's bed.

"If you please… I wish to be alone. Thank you for helping Frankenstein."

"Of course, Sir," Ragar said. Both family leaders bowed to him and left.

Once the mansion was silent yet again, he reached out to touch Frankenstein's hand. His hand was warm… Raizel took that to be a good thing.

Raizel closed his eyes, carefully delving into Frankenstein's mind. His consciousness was shaken but still intact. Then, to his surprise, he felt Frankenstein's fading consciousness press questioningly against his.

That's right… It's just me. I'm here. Rest, Frankenstein. I will be here when you awake.

He sensed an intense feeling of relief emanating from his companion's mind before the contact withdrew. After that, Frankenstein seemed to truly fall asleep, his mind going dormant.

Raizel's eyes glanced over all the wounds that covered his companion's body. He wanted to heal them, but… he was already shaken from using so much of his power earlier to awaken Frankenstein. And his companion didn't appear to be in any immediate danger...

The best thing he could do now was recover a little himself. Then he could come back and heal his companion. Raizel stood up, leaving Frankenstein to his rest.


The next day, Frankenstein was still resting. Raizel had been checking on him periodically, and he appeared to be recovering quickly after the awakening.

He could still taste Frankenstein's blood on his lips, burning like acid. Raizel could only imagine how his body had been altered to exist in such a state... All the pain he must have inflicted on himself.

It was strange... he'd always imagined Frankenstein would taste much sweeter, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Not that he'd often thought of taking Frankenstein's blood, of course. That would be greedy.

The sunset was warming his face when he felt two familiar nobles approaching his mansion. Within minutes, they were standing in the doorway to his study.

"Sir?"

Raizel turned and nodded to his visitors.

"Ragar... Gejutel... Have you come to check on Frankenstein?"

"And you, Sir," Ragar added. "Is there anything you need? Frankenstein normally takes care of your home and meals for you, doesn't he? We'd be happy to assist you until he wakes up."

"I'm fine, thank you," Raizel said simply. "If you wish to see Frankenstein, he is still asleep downstairs... although I believe he will wake up soon."

"If you're sure you're all right..." Gejutel said slowly. "We'll check on him and then come to serve tea, Sir."

Raizel nodded, and both family leaders left.

And... they never came back.

That didn't bode well. Almost immediately, Raizel realized what must have happened when he sensed that Frankenstein had finally woken up... Well, he supposed it had only been a matter of time until the truth had come out.

Still, he wished Frankenstein hadn't found out so soon... That information would only upset him.

And sure enough, a little while later, he sensed his companion bounding up the stairs to his room. Frankenstein burst into the study, pale and panting. Some of his bandages had come loose, hanging off his limbs in bloody tatters.

"Raizel," Frankenstein said, his voice strained.

Frankenstein… Are you well?

"Never mind about me… How could you waste your power on me like that, Raizel?"

Frankenstein looked traumatized, like being saved was the worst thing that had ever happened to him.

I see you've been talking with Ragar and Gejutel…

"Yes... And you should have just let them kill me," Frankenstein moaned. "I never wanted to hurt you... ever. You're all I have left."

Raizel gazed at his loyal companion, marveling for a moment at the workings of fate. Surely it couldn't be a coincidence that someone so selfless and compassionate had been thrust into his life.

Frankenstein. You should have been a King among humans.

His companion blinked bemusedly.

"What?"

Look at the lengths you are willing to go to if it means protecting your people. Look at what you accomplished and the power you gained. You should have had glory and prestige and honor. And yet… you say you have nothing left. Nothing but me… and your endless suffering.

Frankenstein's face softened.

"I… Raizel, I don't care about undeserved glory or my own suffering. Right now, you're all I care about."

Raizel didn't often let his emotions get the better of him. But right now, he felt his heart breaking for this human standing here in front of him.

You see? You only prove my point. How often do you sacrifice yourself, Frankenstein? You would die just to save me a bit of time?

"A bit of life," Frankenstein corrected him sadly. "Why should you waste your life on someone like me? There is nothing left for me back in the human world… The people I once aided would kill me if they could. You'd be doing them a favor…"

"Frankenstein…" he said out loud, interrupting all those words he didn't wish to hear.

"Yes?" his companion said uncertainly.

"If I could save you by sacrificing my life... I would," he said gently. "That was my choice."

"But...!"

"And I can no longer stand idly by and watch you suffer."

Raizel held his hand out to Frankenstein. The next few words he spoke would change his life… and he said them without a trace of hesitation or regret.

"If you ask it of me… I will save your soul."


Memories: Blood-bonded continued

Time stood still as Raizel held out his hand. The only indication of time moving forward was the night breeze rushing in through the open window.

Frankenstein's first instinct was to reach out and take the hand of salvation that had been offered to him… and never let go.

He was already halfway to grabbing that outstretched hand when he stopped himself.

"What do you mean, Raizel? You can… save me?"

"Yes," Raizel said softly. His crimson eyes were just as soft and warm as his voice. "If you wish it, I will form a contract with you. I will share with you my own soul. My mind will be your sanctuary."

"No!" Frankenstein protested. "You've done enough. If a contract means sharing this pain with you… I can't do that! It's too much."

"Frankenstein…" Raizel said, letting his arm drop by his side. "Aren't you the one who's trying to do too much?"

He looked down at himself, wincing slightly. Blood was still seeping though his tattered bandages. Raizel was right… His strength would give out one day. It could be tomorrow, or hundreds of years from now… but he wasn't invincible. Death would claim him eventually.

"That's why… you should have let them kill me," he said softly. "One day, these evil spirits will overtake me again. It's inevitable. Before that happens, I can use my life force to banish the dark spear and push those souls back down into hell. It's the best option."

"Not for you," Raizel replied. "And I don't believe you've earned such a fate."

"People don't always get what they deserve, Raizel," Frankenstein whispered. "I know that first hand."

"Frankenstein…"

"As you said, I've already accomplished what I set out to do. The mutant hoards and their creators have all been defeated. I came here to make sure the nobles were not corrupted…"

He paused, looking at Raizel's innocent, honest face.

"But after spending this time with you… I see that I don't need to worry. My people should be safe now."

He stared wistfully into those crimson eyes, wondering how he got so lucky as to spend the last ten years with a being as kind and generous as Raizel.

"The biggest threat left to humanity… is me," he said softly. "So just… let me end it."

But Raizel shook his head.

"Frankenstein… I know better than anyone that you are willing to do that. But I also know that isn't what your heart truly desires."

Frankenstein swallowed, too surprised to answer. Had Raizel really seen that far into his head?

"Tell me what it is you truly want."

There was no point in lying. Raizel would know.

"To stay by your side," he breathed. "That's all."

Finally, Raizel smiled, as if he'd just heard exactly what he'd been waiting to hear.

"Then ask."

"Ask?"

"Yes… Ask to stay by my side, just as you wish," Raizel said calmly. "I cannot force the decision on you. The choice must be yours."

Raizel stepped closer to him.

"One drop is all it takes. But it must be given willingly."

"But… what about what you want?" Frankenstein wondered out loud.

Now Raizel was close enough to reach out and touch him. Frankenstein closed his eyes as a cool hand swept across a deep gash on his cheek. Instantly, the wounds on his body healed, those bloody bandages vanishing into nothing.

"My decision to keep you was already made. Don't you remember?"

Frankenstein's heart pounded. Was Raizel talking about when they had first met? Raizel had already decided that this was what he wanted all those years ago?

"But… why?" he breathed. "You didn't know anything about me. You just knew that I was suffering because of this cursed weapon…"

Raizel shook his head.

"That's not true."

"What?"

"You were willing to share with me, a stranger, the only thing you had left."

Frankenstein bowed his head. The tea… Raizel was talking about the tea blend he'd brought from his home. They'd shared it together that day.

"I… I suppose I did. I didn't think much of it…"

"I know," Raizel said, gazing at him fondly. "You are very generous. Now, will you allow me to be generous as well? Allow me to save you."

Frankenstein still hesitated, averting his eyes from Raizel's. How could he do this? He couldn't pollute Raizel's mind with his evil. It wasn't right.

"Frankenstein?"

He looked up.

"Yes?"

"The tea is ready…"

"Oh…" He hadn't even realized Raizel had been making tea. Frankenstein went to the fireplace and took the kettle off the fire. "Of course. Just a moment…"

He heard Raizel settle himself at the table behind him, awaiting his tea like always. As if this was just another day… and the room wasn't full of tension that was about to snap.

Frankenstein prepared the tea as he always did, setting the kettle, two cups and saucers, teaspoons, and the sugar bowl on a tray. This ritual was… comforting.

He poured the tea, stirred in the exact amount of sugar that Raizel preferred. But just as he was about to hand it over to Raizel… he stopped.

"It only takes one drop?" he asked. "Given willingly?"

Raizel nodded.

"Yes. How I receive your blood doesn't matter. Only our will is important."

Frankenstein took a deep breath. He realized that despite all his protests… he wanted this. He wanted things to stay like this forever. There was nowhere else he'd rather be than by Raizel's side.

And if Raizel wanted it, too, then… Perhaps he still had a purpose in this world. He would tame this evil… and use it to protect his Master.

His mind made up, Frankenstein held the teacup in one hand, raising his free hand to his mouth.

"Then… this is my will."

Using the sharp edge of his eye tooth, Frankenstein tore open a scratch on his palm. Blood began seeping out… Frankenstein held his bleeding hand over the cup, allowing a single drop of his tainted blood to fall into the tea.

"If you'll still have me, then I swear to serve and protect you for as long as I may live… Master."

He bowed his head, offering Raizel the cup.

And, of course, Raizel reached out to take it from him.

"I will."

Raizel raised the cup to his lips and drank.

Instantly, a fine bloody mist permeated the air… Raizel's blood field. Frankenstein could feel his Master's presence all around him… and inside him.

"Frankenstein… this is my will. We will be bound together by blood until the end of days. Do you agree?"

Now Frankenstein understood what Raizel was trying to tell him. This noble presence was so powerful, even the voices in his head seemed far away… It was as if the only soul that existed within him was Raizel's.

A profound sense of peace settled over him. Frankenstein fell to his knees in front of Raizel, bowing his head reverently. He had no doubts anymore.

"Yes, Master."


My comments: Confession time… I really didn't like the scene where Rai and Frankenstein formed the contract in the manhwa. Why was Frankenstein being a creeper and sneaking his blood into Rai's tea? Why couldn't he just talk to Rai about making a contract? And he knew that making Rai unknowingly drink his blood wouldn't have been a contract anyway… so why do it? They're both adults, for crying out loud! Frankenstein could have just asked Rai like a frigging adult before trying to trick Rai into drinking his blood.

As far as Rai goes… Why do we never get a reason why he wanted a contract? We got pretty solid reasons why Frankenstein would be attached to Rai… but why was Rai so attached to Frankenstein? Rai mentions many times in the story that he fully trusts Frankenstein… but why does he trust Frankenstein so much? We never get a moment in the past where Frankenstein does something to instill such trust in Rai. All Frankenstein does is hang around Rai's house for ten years. That makes it seem like Rai would form a contract with anyone who hung around his house for a while, and that makes it seem like Frankenstein isn't special to Rai… but we know he is. I need an explanation, pretty please!

Ugh this manhwa really needed to spend more time fleshing out Rai and Frankenstein's relationship! They're our two central protagonists, they should have had a little more time devoted to cementing their past.

(Again, this is just my opinion! Ignore this if it annoys you.)