Memories: The Ceremony

Frankenstein hadn't been expecting a formal ceremony.

He couldn't help but be mildly suspicious as he accompanied his Master to the Lord's palace. Why was the Lord dragging Raizel out of his house like this? Lord had to know that Raizel wouldn't like that very much...

Frankenstein didn't have much time to worry about it, however. They were already standing at the entrance to the Lord's hall, waiting for the doors to open for them.

"If you are uncomfortable at any time, please let me know," Frankenstein said earnestly. Their bond was still so new... he worried he would make a mistake, or somehow make Raizel regret saving him.

Raizel's smile was a little too understanding.

I will. Thank you.

The magnificent doors to the throne room opened, and Frankenstein swept inside at Raizel's heels. An unusually large number of people were gathered in the throne room. All thirteen family leaders were lined up next to the throne, and representatives from the noble families lined the aisle runner.

It looked as though things were set up for a formal reception, too. There were tables, chairs, and a large amount of food and drink set around the room. A small group of nobles were seated in the back of the hall with instruments in their hands.

Raizel walked in as if he owned the place. Since his Master was maintaining a slight mental link between them, Frankenstein sensed a mild annoyance emanating from him. Raizel was clearly uncomfortable with large gatherings and being the center of attention.

The Lord was smiling as the two of them approached the throne. Frankenstein noticed that quite a few of the other faces in the room were definitely not smiling… The Agavine family leader in particular was glaring at him from across the room.

"Cadis Etrama di Raizel," the Lord said formally. "Frankenstein. I greet you."

Frankenstein bowed along with Raizel.

"We greet you, Lord," Raizel replied.

We… as if they were already one entity. Inseparable.

"Well, I know Raizel hates to stand on ceremony, so let's get this over with," Lord said happily. Some of the family leaders rolled their eyes.

The Lord stood up, stretching a hand over the crowd.

"Today, we gather to formally recognize Raizel's chosen bonded companion, Frankenstein," the Lord continued. He seemed immune to the unhappy faces among the crowd. "From this day forward, Frankenstein shall serve and protect the Noblesse and his home."

Raizel glanced at him. Frankenstein could have sworn there was a slight smile on his face.

"In return, Frankenstein shall share the power of the Noblesse and know his mind and will. Any transgressions against Frankenstein shall be counted as an act against Raizel and will be punished accordingly."

There were some unhappy murmurs among the crowd at this point. Frankenstein was beginning to wonder if the Lord had arranged this little ceremony just to piss people off.

"We welcome you, Frankenstein, to the house of the Noblesse. Hail!"

The family leaders all raised their hands in welcome.

"HAIL!" echoed loudly through the hall.

Frankenstein and Raizel bowed in response.

"All right, enough of this!" the Lord said loudly. "Everyone, mingle! This is a happy day!"

The Lord leaped down from his throne and strolled off to get a glass of wine. Soft music started to play from the back of the room. After a brief moment of confusion, all the other nobles broke formation and wandered off to find seats and refreshments.

Somewhat surprisingly, no one came to greet the Noblesse. Raizel and Frankenstein stood in the middle of an empty circle while all the other nobles maintained a respectful distance.

Since Frankenstein was still connected to his Master's mind, he couldn't help but notice that Raizel was feeling a strange combination of relief and disappointment.

"Master?"

Raizel turned to him, and Frankenstein felt his disappointment fading. His Master graced him with a gentle smile.

"May I get you something to drink?" Frankenstein asked. "Or would you prefer to sit down and listen to the music?"

Raizel shook his head.

"Thank you, but we must formally greet all the family leaders..." Raizel began, but someone interrupted him.

"Raizel?"

They both turned around. Lascrea was standing there stiffly, her eyes on Raizel. She looked quite lovely in a silver gown and her long, dark hair braided down her back.

"My father requests that I sit and have a drink with you," she said, bowing her head respectfully. "He estimates that this will take at least half an hour."

"Of course," Raizel said, inclining his head. "Please, excuse me, Frankenstein..."

"Certainly. Shall I get your drinks?"

"Yes..." Raizel began, but he was once again interrupted.

"That won't be necessary. Thank you," Lascrea said firmly.

Fortunately for the Lord's daughter, she missed the annoyed look Raizel gave her. However, he consented to politely offer her his arm.

"Please, allow me."

Lascrea grasped his arm and allowed Raizel to lead her to a nearby table where drinks were already waiting for them. Frankenstein flinched slightly at the coldness coming from his Master's mind. Thankfully, Raizel chose that moment to close their mental connection.

Frankenstein figured he'd better leave them alone. He wouldn't want to interfere with the Lord's plans to set his daughter up with Raizel. Besides, he was supposed to be introducing himself to the family leaders, though there were certainly a few he wouldn't mind avoiding...

"Frankenstein. There you are."

He spun around to find Ragar standing behind him. Ragar was one of the few nobles who always managed to sneak up on him. At least he'd removed his mask so Frankenstein could see that he was smiling.

"Ragar."

"Aren't you supposed to be introducing yourself to everyone?" Ragar pointed out casually.

Frankenstein shrugged.

"There's only one person here whose opinion I care about."

"And that's the way it should be," Ragar agreed. "But you're not going to make any friends if you avoid everyone but me and Gejutel. Some of the others are angry enough as it is."

"Heh," Frankenstein grinned. "I'm starting to think that was the Lord's plan."

"I'm getting the sense you don't particularly mind."

"No… I'd fight them all right now, if I could. I need the practice if I'm going to protect and serve the Master."

"On that note, I suppose I should offer you my congratulations. You have the honor of being by Raizel's side forevermore."

"Yes," Frankenstein agreed. "I can only hope I won't be a burden to him… He's already had to subdue me once…"

"That wasn't entirely your fault," Ragar said fairly. "You were provoked, and I'd say your control is starting to get better now that you are bonded to the Noblesse..."

"Yes… but he still wasted part of his life span on me," Frankenstein said bitterly.

"It was what he wanted," Ragar assured him. "Clearly. He decided to keep you alive and by his side."

They both glanced at Raizel, who was looking like he wasn't exactly having a good time on his forced date. Frankenstein watched as Raizel took another sip of wine, seemingly to avoid having to make conversation with Lascrea.

"You could rescue him," Ragar said after a moment.

"No. The Lord asked him to do this. I shouldn't interfere."

"Well, you are his blood-bonded companion," came another voice. "True, you're bound to obey direct orders, but other than that… you're allowed to make requests of him. You're his partner, not his slave."

Frankenstein flinched slightly as the Lord approached them. He still couldn't quite believe how easily his crimes had been forgiven...

"Relax," the Lord said, smiling. "Come on, as if I'd do anything to you now! That would upset Raizel."

"How can I help you, Lord?"

"Ragar, could you give us a moment?" the Lord said, glancing at the Kertia family leader.

"Of course, Lord," Ragar said with a bow. He stalked off and instantly disappeared in the crowd.

Once Ragar was out of earshot, Lord tilted his head toward Frankenstein.

"Not going to introduce yourself to anyone, hm?" Lord said.

"Ragar just asked me the same thing," Frankenstein sighed. "So I'll tell you what I told him... there's only one person whose opinion I care about, and he's sitting right over there."

"So you prefer to keep an eye on your Master?" Lord asked, sipping his wine.

"Yes? Why wouldn't I? Most of the others seem to avoid him if they can..."

"That's certainly true," Lord said. "I'm sure some would like to win his favor, but... well... sometimes it's hard for them to forget who he is."

Lord took another thoughtful sip of wine.

"He's not in your mind, is he?" the Lord asked suddenly.

"No, he's busy, uh… interacting with your daughter."

The Lord let out a laugh that he quickly stifled.

"That's one word for it!" he snickered. "You know, I've tried for hundreds of years to get Raizel to go out and meet some nice girls… But whenever he does, he acts like that. It's a little embarrassing, honestly."

Frankenstein had to agree. The scene in front of him was painfully awkward. Both Raizel and Lascrea were staring at each other, not saying a single word between them. They might have been mistaken for a pair of statues, except for when they moved to drink their wine.

"He doesn't go out much, so I think it's understandable that he's not comfortable with most people."

"That's true," the Lord conceded. "But then isn't it funny that Raizel meets you, and a mere ten years later, he's decided to keep you with him… forever."

"I… yes," Frankenstein said, tearing his gaze away from Raizel. "It seems like a lot of people aren't happy about that."

"Oh, they're definitely not happy," the Lord said cheerfully. "But only Raizel's decision matters. And he chose you. Why do you think that is?"

"You did tell me to offer, Lord," Frankenstein reminded him.

"Yes, but Raizel didn't have to agree. And yet, he did… quite eagerly, it seems."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing, really," the Lord said, shrugging. "Just that I've never seen Raizel so happy. You must be doing something right."

Frankenstein regarded the Lord, his mind churning suspiciously.

"Why do I feel like you had your own reasons for wanting us to form the contract?"

The Lord gave him a sly grin over the top of his wine glass.

"That's true. I might have had my own reasons," the Lord said mischievously. "Maybe I think you're the only one who can protect him. Maybe I thought Raizel needed someone to look after him. Or maybe I simply knew that Raizel is fond of you, and having a contract with you would please him."

"I'm sorry?"

"My word, you really are dense..." Lord said, rolling his eyes. "By the way..."

The Lord jabbed a finger at the nearly empty glass of wine in Raizel's hand.

"You do realize he has no tolerance for that stuff, don't you?"

"What?" Frankenstein said, sure he'd heard wrong.

"The wine. It's wine specifically made for nobles. It's much stronger than what humans drink. You didn't know?"

"No, Raizel usually drinks tea…!"

"Exactly," Lord confirmed. "He doesn't drink. That wine is going to go straight to his head."

"If you knew that, then why did you tell him to have a drink with your daughter?!" Frankenstein said, annoyed. "Are you trying to get him to make a fool of himself?"

"I didn't tell him to do that," Lord said, pretending to pout. "Honestly, who do you take me for? Lascrea must have thought it would take the edge off. She probably forgot that Raizel is a lightweight."

Frankenstein watched, mildly horrified, as Raizel downed the last of his drink. As the date seemingly came to an end, Raizel stood up and bowed to Lascrea. He was still steady on his feet for now, but who knew how long that would last?

"I think you should go and get him now," Lord said. "He probably wants to go home anyway."

Frankenstein didn't need telling twice. He rushed to his Master's side. Lascrea and Raizel both stared at him.

"Master…" he began, bowing to him respectfully. "Allow me to escort you home."

Raizel nodded, dark hair falling in his face.

"Yes… thank you," Raizel said slowly. He inclined his head to the Lord's daughter. "Good evening, Lascrea. Thank you for your company."

"Good evening, Raizel," she said coolly. "It was my pleasure."

Frankenstein gently nudged his Master toward the door. Thankfully, the crowd immediately parted for the Noblesse.

"Frankenstein?" Lord called out as he tried to follow his Master.

Frankenstein paused and glanced back at the Lord.

"Yes?"

"I've done all I can. It's out of my hands now," Lord said seriously. "So... make sure you take good care of Raizel."

What did that mean?

Frankenstein wanted to ask the Lord what he was talking about, but Raizel had already made it to the doors. Putting it out of his mind, Frankenstein hastily ran after his Master. If Raizel really was drunk, it was his job to make sure his Master didn't get into trouble.

Master silently left the palace, Frankenstein worriedly following. Raizel's gait was becoming a little unsteady.

"Master, are you all right?"

"Yes… I am fine."

Frankenstein gently tried to touch his Master's consciousness, but Raizel seemed to be blocking him out. That was strange… But perhaps Raizel was just embarrassed that he'd gotten tipsy.

"Then let's go home, Master."

Raizel nodded, and both figures took off into the night.

The night was beautiful… The air was crisp and cool, and the moon was shining brightly overhead. Moonlight glinted off Raizel's silver earring and raven hair. Fortunately, Raizel's mansion wasn't too far from the Lord's palace.

Frankenstein was about to breathe a sigh of relief that they'd made it back to the mansion without incident when Raizel soared right past the front door to his mansion.

"Master, where are you going…?"

Instead of heading inside, Raizel seemed to be heading for the rose garden. The Master wanted to go for an evening stroll? Frankenstein figured he'd better go too, just in case.

They touched down on the garden path. A soft breeze rustled past them, scattering loose petals across the stones.

"Master?"

"I just... wanted to see the roses," Raizel murmured vaguely.

"Of course… It is a nice night..."

Frankenstein dutifully followed close behind as Raizel began walking down the garden path. Maybe Raizel felt more comfortable doing so now that his inhibitions had been lowered a little thanks to the alcohol in his system…

Well, at least they were alone. If Raizel was going to act out, no one else would witness it.

As they walked, Frankenstein noticed that Raizel seemed to be getting a little wobbly on his feet. He began to worry Raizel might trip and fall as he wandered over to a particularly large red rose. His Master reached out to touch it, his elegant fingers feathering along the edges of the petals.

"Frankenstein?"

"Yes, Master?"

Raizel seemed to be agonizing over something. What could have him feeling so conflicted?

"Did you really… tend the roses just to please me?" he asked hesitantly.

Frankenstein was momentarily speechless. Master had come out here just for that? To confirm something he already knew to be true?

"Of course, Raizel… This was the least I could do. You deserve so much more."

Raizel turned to look at him. But as he did so, he seemed to lose his balance. Frankenstein instinctively lunged forward to catch him. Raizel collapsed against him.

"It's all right, Master… you're all right," Frankenstein said, pulling his Master upright against his broad chest. For someone so powerful, Raizel felt shockingly fragile in his arms.

"I… I apologize, I feel a little…"

It was becoming painfully apparent that Raizel couldn't handle his alcohol. The best thing he could do now was get his Master to bed so he could sleep it off.

"Master, why don't we…?"

But he paused as he felt Raizel's hands suddenly clutch at his shirt.

"Why?"

Frankenstein frowned.

"I'm sorry?"

"Why… did you want to stay… with me?" Raizel mumbled into his shoulder. "No one else… has ever wanted... to stay by my side."

Frankenstein's heart sank. Raizel must have been truly depressed all those centuries he'd been alone… The other nobles claimed to care for him, and yet none of them could be bothered to spare the time to visit him more than once every couple of decades.

"How could I leave you, Raizel?" Frankenstein said softly.

Raizel didn't respond, but Frankenstein felt that gentle grip tighten on his clothes.

Frankenstein carefully tried to disengage his Master from him, but it seemed like Raizel was having trouble standing.

"Come on… Let's go inside, Master. You can lie down for a moment… You'll feel better then."

Raizel nodded, but he couldn't seem to move his feet. Maybe he was afraid he'd trip and fall again, and Master would hate to look undignified in front of him.

Well, that left only one option...

"May I take you inside, Master?" Frankenstein asked gently. "You won't fall if I carry you."

There was a pause, but then…

"Yes. Please."

Kneeling down a little, Frankenstein reached his arms around his Master's back and thighs, gathering the slender noble up against his chest. His Master was surprisingly light and very compliant. As soon as he was in his arms, Raizel had completely relaxed and rested his head on his companion's shoulder.

Frankenstein swiftly made his way through Raizel's enormous mansion, doing his best to avoid disturbing his Master. He climbed the stairs, getting momentarily lost as he tried to remember which room Raizel liked to rest in on the rare occasion he actually slept.

Having finally found the right room, Frankenstein swept inside, heading straight for the bed. Carefully, as if his Master were made of glass, Frankenstein laid Raizel down, covering him with a thin blanket.

He pulled back, somewhat surprised to find that Raizel was still awake. Fuzzy red eyes were watching him closely.

"Are you all right, Master?" Frankenstein asked, concerned. "Do you need anything?"

Raizel seemed to consider that. Without saying a word, a pale hand reached out, searching for something…

"What is it?"

Raizel glanced down, seemingly spotting what he wanted.

A moment later, Frankenstein felt those slender fingers close around his wrist.

"Master?"

"Don't… leave."

Frankenstein's heart pounded in his chest. Raizel had given him a direct order... and he meant it. He could feel Raizel's will in those words. He couldn't say no. Frankenstein lowered himself onto the edge of the bed. That seemed to put Raizel at ease.

"Why would I leave, Raizel? Hm? Wasn't it your wish for us to be bound together until the end of days?"

His Master nodded, watching him as though he expected his companion to disappear right before his eyes. Though their minds weren't connected at the moment, Frankenstein still felt as though he could sense his Master's anxiety, his fear of being left alone again.

"I'm not going anywhere… I promised to serve and protect you for as long as I may live. I intend to keep that promise."

Those crimson eyes finally seemed to relax a little at those words. Frankenstein put his free hand over Raizel's cool fingers and squeezed them reassuringly.

Raizel had spent centuries upon centuries alone and isolated in this mansion with no way out. Attempting to leave the mansion and live among others would merely terrify the people around him. And so he'd been here all by himself… forgotten by the world.

Neglected. That would be a good word to describe Raizel's situation. He'd been hidden away and neglected by those who claimed to care for him.

Well, not anymore. Those days were over.

"Get some rest, all right?" Frankenstein said gently. "You're not alone here, Raizel. I'll still be here when you wake up."

Raizel's pale lips tilted up in a slight smile before his eyes finally drifted shut. Those strong fingers released their hold on his wrist. Frankenstein carefully placed his Master's arm back by his side.

As he stood up, it suddenly occurred to him that he'd never seen his Master sleep before. Raizel only seemed to sleep once every five years or so, but Frankenstein had never actually seen him do so.

His Master had a naturally youthful face, but he seemed even younger when he slept. Passed out like this, Raizel might have been a young man of no more than twenty.

Raizel really was… very beautiful.

Frankenstein suddenly realized he was staring. But… why was he staring?

It wasn't like he didn't know that Raizel was beautiful. Just like how he knew Raizel was kind and selfless… And how he was painfully aware of the fact that his Master had sacrificed part of his life to keep him alive.

Just like how he knew that he cared for this person more than anyone he'd ever known.

Frankenstein mentally slapped himself.

Stop staring! If you have time to stare, you can go make yourself useful somewhere else!

With a great amount of effort, Frankenstein forced himself to leave the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him. Once he was outside in the hallway, Frankenstein exhaled and leaned up against the wall.

What… was that?

It was true that he cared deeply for Raizel, but… Why was leaving his side so hard? It had been so tempting to kneel down by his Master's side, holding his hand, just to make sure Raizel didn't wake up alone. Or to crawl into bed with him and hold him, feeling his heartbeat...

Frankenstein shook his head, stubbornly putting a halt to that train of thought. He couldn't have romantic feelings for his Master… that was simply unacceptable. And inappropriate. And utterly ridiculous.

After all the sacrifices Raizel had made for him, Frankenstein knew he didn't deserve to have these thoughts about him. Besides… there was no way Raizel would possibly have any interest in a cursed, mutant human who coughed up toxic black blood.

And even if he did… Frankenstein knew it wouldn't be right. Raizel was lonely. He'd never had anyone stay by his side for so long. Frankenstein couldn't take advantage of his Master's loneliness like that.

No… it would be better if he just forgot about these feelings, or buried them deep in his heart, never to be brought up again. That would be best for both of them.

Frankenstein took a deep, calming breath.

And that was fine. Frankenstein was happy with the way things were. As long as he was by Raizel's side, he would be satisfied and his life would have meaning. When Raizel woke up in the morning, he would likely either not remember what he said or would pretend he didn't remember.

Yes... it would be better that way.

Frankenstein nodded to himself. He'd never think of his Master this way again. His mind made up, Frankenstein walked off down the hall, heading for his basement laboratory. If he was going to forget, work would be the perfect distraction.


My Comments: I'm definitely going for a more human portrayal of Rai in this fanfic. In the manwha, he's basically like a deity who is completely untouched and unperturbed by the mundane things happening around him. But a human would most certainly be depressed and lonely after spending centuries in isolation because other people feared them. Hopefully it's apparent in the flashbacks how Rai is becoming more relaxed and comfortable with Frankenstein. (I guess technically Urokai wanted to be with Rai, too, but screw that guy. He's a dick.)

I also feel like the previous Lord would totally do something like this haha. He seems bored stuck in his palace, plus he likes making excuses to get Rai out of the house. I debated for a while about whether or not it would be possible for Rai to get drunk, but in the end I decided that nobles have their own wine that is extra strong so it can affect them. And Rai does have a physical body... and he eats and drinks... so why couldn't he get drunk?

And I obviously made this ceremony up, but... I kinda feel like Frankenstein would be a somewhat prestigious figure even among the nobles, considering he's the only contractor of the most powerful noble alive. (This flashback would occur before the one about the seal. I tried to have the flashbacks located at thematically relevant places in the story, so... I dunno if that's working out the way I planned, but whatever! And I dunno what it is about this chapter, but I'm not totally happy with it... *internal screaming*)