Memories: The Pendant
Raizel woke from his sleep, staring up at the canopy over his bed. He stretched, easing himself out from under the covers.
Frankenstein. I would like to wash, please.
He sensed Frankenstein's acknowledgment of his request, and minutes later, Frankenstein was knocking on his door.
"Master? May I come in?"
Yes.
His companion entered the room, carrying a pitcher of warm water and a washcloth. Red rose petals floated on the surface of the water.
"Good morning, Master," Frankenstein said warmly. "Did you sleep well?"
Raizel brushed gently against his companion's mind. Ever since he'd placed the seal on Frankenstein's powers, his companion had been more determined than ever to not disappoint him again. And Raizel, in turn, had been attempting to show in subtle little ways that he was not angry with him.
Though Raizel felt guilty admitting it, he missed the closeness they'd had years ago, before he'd sealed Frankenstein's powers. Before he had hurt his companion by insinuating that he'd murdered innocents. Raizel understood now that his companion had indeed been guilty of slaughtering others... but only those who had attacked his people. That was understandable.
I slept very well. Thank you.
Frankenstein smiled and poured the pitcher of warm water into the wash basin on his dresser.
"Do you need anything... else..."
His companion's speech stuttered to a halt. Raizel felt a sudden surge of shock and horror coming from Frankenstein's mind.
"This... necklace..."
Raizel immediately realized his mistake. The silver pendant that had caused Frankenstein to lose control of himself... He had left it on his dresser. He had forgotten about it since he hardly ever came in this room... The least he could have done was put the necklace in a drawer.
Frankenstein...
"Why is this here? I thought I'd lost it..." Frankenstein said, his voice tight with barely controlled emotions. He braced himself against the dresser, his hands shaking. "This... was his."
His? Raizel wondered. Who could that be? Someone important to Frankenstein?
I retrieved it for you. I kept it here... I could not discard something that clearly held so much value to you.
He heard his companion exhale slowly, his fingers closing around the pendant.
"I... Thank you, Master, but... Why didn't you tell me?"
I apologize. I did not mean to hide it from you. If I had known it meant that much to you, I would have returned it sooner. I only I feared it would cause you to lose control of yourself again.
Frankenstein seemed to appreciate that sentiment, but he was also partially lost in thought. Raizel saw flashes of a dimly lit laboratory, rows of bubbling vials, a child carrying a armful of scrolls, a pile of burning books...
Raizel couldn't help being curious... what did those visions mean? Who had that necklace belonged to? What sort of person could draw such an emotional reaction from his companion?
Frankenstein... why does this necklace upset you so? You nearly lost yourself because of it.
His companion took another deep breath to steady his emotions, turning the pendant around in his hands.
"It belonged to my apprentice," Frankenstein said after a long moment. "At the Union... They had placed him in my laboratory to spy on me, but... the child grew to see me as a father figure despite that. He wished to follow in my footsteps. So when I fled from that place, I gave him the location to some of my hidden tomes... things he could use to achieve his dreams."
He shuddered slightly, fingers tightening around the necklace.
"I thought... he had managed to get away. To make something of himself."
And... did he?
Frankenstein shook his head as if he could dislodge the memory from his mind.
"No... I was wrong... as it turns out. They killed him. He was only twelve."
Raizel felt yet another surge of pity and compassion for his companion. Frankenstein had suffered so much... lost so much... It was no wonder he was so protective of his Master.
He stepped closer to Frankenstein, unsure of how to go about this... It had been a long, long time since he'd offered anyone comfort like this. But... he reached out and put a hand on Frankenstein's shoulder.
Frankenstein hastily wiped at his face.
"I apologize... This was the reason you had to subdue me. I should have been able to control myself."
Raizel squeezed his shoulder.
You do not need to apologize for your grief.
"I do when it harms the people around me," Frankenstein said sadly. "Particularly you, Master."
Frankenstein... It wasn't your fault.
"But it was my fault... everything to do with that... is my fault..."
His hands were still shaking as he held that necklace. To his dismay, Raizel also sensed that Frankenstein was wondering if it would have been better if had died the day he had been lost to the dark spear.
I do not wish that you had died that day. How could I ever wish that?
Frankenstein looked up at him, frowning as if he'd heard wrong.
"I still don't know why you'd say that, Master... You lost part of your life because of me..."
I still have a long life ahead of me, Frankenstein. We will be together for many years to come. You do not need to punish yourself for what I decided.
Frankenstein lowered his gaze to the pendant resting in his palm.
"Then... what should I punish myself for?" he sighed. "For the thirty thousand souls who died because of my theories? For the inhumane experiments I performed? Or... for the death of this one child?"
Raizel didn't think he'd heard anything more ridiculous in his life... What human, alive or dead, had been punished more than his companion? Hadn't he bonded himself to Frankenstein to try and ease his ever present torment?
"The Lord should have punished me. I deserved it."
Raizel frowned. Now that was something he couldn't tolerate... The implication that someone else had authority over his companion. Even before they had made the contract, Raizel couldn't stand the idea of the Lord punishing Frankenstein.
Well, he'd clear this up right now... Raizel slipped his fingers under Frankenstein's chin, tilting his face up toward his own. Frankenstein looked back at him uncertainly.
"Yes?"
Sometimes... I think you forget your place here.
Those blue eyes widened in surprise, obviously worried he had somehow offended his Master.
"No, Master... Never..."
Allow me to remind you that I am the Noblesse. And you... you are mine. From the day you came into my home and willingly sought me out... you belonged to me. No one else has the right to punish you.
"Of course, Master... I would never question your authority."
Raizel nodded in acknowledgment and withdrew his fingers from Frankenstein's chin.
Then, as the Noblesse, and your Master... I have decided that you have been punished enough. Do you understand?
Since he was in Frankenstein's mind, he knew his companion wanted to argue with him... Frankenstein still believed he owed a blood price for those who had died because of his mistakes. Fortunately, his companion's loyalty far outweighed his desire to harm himself.
"I... Yes, Master."
I shall be very upset if you go against my wishes.
"I understand. I won't disappoint you again."
Thank you.
Frankenstein stood dutifully nearby as his Master washed his face.
He knew how forgiving his Master was, but sometimes he still had trouble believing it. Even knowing what he'd done... his Master still insisted that he not harm himself, just like he had ten years ago.
When he was done washing, Frankenstein offered his Master a fresh towel to dry himself with.
"Is there anything else you need, Master?" he asked, mostly to break the silence.
His Master shook his head, indicating that he wished to dress by himself.
"Very well. I will go prepare your morning meal..."
He turned to leave, but before he could make it to the door, he was struck by a sudden wave of nausea. Frankenstein put a hand over his mouth to stop himself from vomiting.
This presence… the presence of evil… corruption… rot… decay...
He'd felt something like this before... from the corrupted noble knights he'd slain. But they were all gone... Frankenstein had made sure of that.
So what was he feeling?
Frankenstein?
Raizel was looking at him, obviously concerned.
"Master… I… Something is wrong."
Wrong? What do you mean?
"I just... the air feels... like it used to when the corrupted knights were near..."
Raizel frowned.
Did you not dispose of them?
"I... yes, but... Master, I feel that presence."
Frankenstein hesitated, but decided to press ahead.
"Would you consider staying here while I investigate...?"
Raizel wasn't listening. He was looking around, as if he'd just heard something.
Frankenstein, it seems we will be having guests. Once you have collected yourself, could you please prepare tea for four? If you are still worried, you may investigate afterward.
Frankenstein forced a smile onto his face. Whatever he was feeling, he had an obligation to his Master. He would do anything for this beautiful soul who had shown him such compassion and understanding... even ignoring his own discomfort and unease.
"Yes, Master. Thank you. I will bring the tea to your study and then I will check the area."
Very well.
Frankenstein prepared the quickest cart of refreshments he'd ever made, more eager to ensure his Master's safety than anything. He'd drop off this cart, serve his Master tea, then search every nook and cranny until he found the source of that dark feeling...
He walked down the hall, pushing the cart as fast as he could without making a mess. But as he did, he couldn't help but notice this dead, decaying presence growing stronger... Frankenstein picked up the pace, anxious for his Master's safety...
Frankenstein entered the study, his gaze immediately falling on Raizel's three guests.
Ragus... Gradeus... Urokai.
Another wave of nausea rolled over him.
Them! It was them! That dark feeling was coming from those family leaders!
He'd never liked these family leaders, and he'd never trusted them around his Master, either. He'd always been suspicious of their actions and why they were constantly visiting Raizel, as if they were keeping tabs on him…
And now he had his proof.
Frankenstein? The tea?
He gaped at his Master. How... how could Raizel not know what was wrong? Why was he so calm?
But... then again... perhaps there was a perfectly good reason why Master was acting so normal.
Master might be a mind reader, and he might be able to sense people's intentions… but these family leaders were hundreds (or thousands) of years old. They'd had plenty of time to practice shutting down their thoughts and emotions so that Raizel couldn't sense them.
Frankenstein couldn't read minds, and he couldn't sense people's intentions, but... no one could hide their soul from him.
Thanks to the curse he carried, Frankenstein was all too familiar with evil spirits. The dark spear always wanted souls, after all… Most souls were a shade of boring grey, including his own. Raizel was the exception... he was purest soul Frankenstein had ever encountered. The three souls in front of him were decidedly not.
It hadn't been like this before… What had changed? Why were their souls completely rotten to the core? What had they done to blacken their spirits like this?
Frankenstein didn't know, and that just pissed him off.
The evil spirits in his head clawed their way out from behind the seal, tearing at his thoughts, feeding on his anger. He'd kill them all if he had to! He'd devour their disgusting, decaying souls! None of them would touch his Master!
Black blood dribbling from his mouth, Frankenstein threw himself between his Master and the three people in front of him.
"Get away from my Master!" he snarled, hands clenched into fists. "All of you! Your souls are rotten!"
"Frankenstein," Raizel said sharply from behind him. "Calm yourself."
Gradeus sneered at him.
"You might want to leash your dog, Sir."
Frankenstein spat a glob of black blood at him.
"Why, you little…!"
"Frankenstein! That's quite enough!" Raizel scolded him.
"Master," Frankenstein said desperately, turning to the pure soul behind him. "Can't you feel it? It's them! They are corrupt, just like the knights who created the mutants!"
"Please, calm yourself…" Raizel said gently, as if he were speaking to an insane person. "You are merely upset from earlier, I understand…"
"No!" he insisted, heedless of the toxic blood beginning to ooze down his neck. "No, Master… They mean to harm you! Please… you need to believe me!"
"Well… your servant is quite interesting, isn't he?" Ragus mused. "I wonder if the curse he carries has damaged his mind?"
Frankenstein knew he wasn't helping his case by ranting and raving like a lunatic, but he couldn't control himself at this point. His Master's safety was all that mattered.
"Raizel, please… please… You know what's in my mind. You know I'm not lying. Please…"
"Frankenstein…"
It broke his heart to see how Raizel doubted him… How these family leaders were trying to make his Master see him as a poor, crazy, curse-afflicted human…
"Master… You said you respected my thoughts," Frankenstein pleaded with him. "I know what I feel from them… their souls are corrupted. I can feel it."
"Oh, please…" Urokai sneered. "He's just spewing nonsense, Sir… I came here to apologize to him, but now I'm not sure I want to anymore…"
"You taunted me with the death of a child," Frankenstein spat back at him. "And then you tried to kill me! I don't want to hear your lies! What I want is for you to stay away from Raizel!"
Raizel was reaching out to comfort him… likely to lay a hand on his head and soothe the evil spirits attacking his mind. But comfort wasn't what he needed right now.
Fine, then… he'd humiliate himself if he had to. Whatever convinced his Master to trust him. Frankenstein dropped to his knees, bowing his head.
"Please, Master… I'm begging you," he said, choking down the toxic blood pooling in his mouth. "Please trust me. You know I only want to keep you safe. Please."
Raizel stared at him with those beautiful crimson eyes... Frankenstein silently pleaded with him. After what seemed like an eternity, Raizel opened his mouth to speak.
"Frankenstein... you are my bonded companion. You do not need to beg me."
Relief flooded through his body as Raizel looked up at his visitors.
"My apologies... I will not be able to entertain guests today."
"You can't be serious, Sir..."
"I am. My companion is distraught. And... I trust him," Raizel said softly. "If you please, I would like to be left alone. I will meet you all another time."
The three family leaders all looked at each other. Frankenstein felt the decaying energy spike uncomfortably, causing him to cough and sputter as he fought to stay in control of himself.
"As you order, Sir... We will drop by on you another time. Goodbye, Raizel."
With those final words, the family leaders turned and left. Frankenstein didn't miss Urokai scowling at him as he walked away.
The door to the study slammed shut, and the family leaders' footsteps faded into the distance.
Frankenstein realized he was still on his knees. But before he could move, Raizel put a hand on his head. He felt his Master slip into his consciousness, blending their thoughts together. Master's powerful presence easily pushed back the darkness in his mind.
Please be calm, Frankenstein... I know you are afraid. But you don't need to be. I won't leave you.
"Master..." he breathed. He knew that this was not some small gesture... Raizel had just made important visitors leave his house for the sake of his human companion.
Raizel had chosen him. Master had placed his comfort and ease over the family leaders he'd known for centuries.
"Thank you... thank you, Master."
He bowed his head. The pool of black blood in his mouth leaked from between his lips and spilled into his lap. Well, that was disgusting... But he didn't deserve to get up yet.
"I... I apologize for my behavior," he said quietly, doing his best to ignore the blood on his pants. "My actions reflected poorly on you, Master..."
A soft hand stroked his hair briefly.
Frankenstein... you have shown your devotion to me every day for the last thirty years. Would I truly be worthy of calling myself your Master if I could not say the same?
"Thank you," Frankenstein said humbly. "I... I don't deserve it. I'm sorry to be a disappointment."
You aren't.
Startled, Frankenstein looked up at his Master... who didn't look at all upset.
Would you please stand up? I would like some of your tea.
"Yes, of course," Frankenstein said, hastily getting to his feet. "Please sit down, Master... I'll be right over."
Master nodded and retreated to his favorite chair.
Frankenstein busied himself with the tea kettle, but he still couldn't help but feeling like he had disappointed his Master again... He should have been able to control himself. Raizel was just too kind to tell him. And after he'd tried so hard to not let his Master down again...
He sighed to himself. What was he going to do? Those family leaders weren't going to just let this go... and if he kept openly attacking them, even Raizel would likely stop defending him... Unless, of course, he could prove that they were up to something.
No matter what those family leaders were up to, no matter what he had to do to stop it... Frankenstein refused to let any harm befall his Master. Since his Master would not leave his home, that left Frankenstein with only one choice: he would prove their guilt. One way or another.
My Comments: So these memories are both supposed to be establishing Rai and Frankenstein's trust, love, and devotion to each other, as well as a secondary plot leading up to those six family leaders betraying Rai (the last memory will be the reunion after Rai wakes up). This is another scene that demonstrates how Rai literally chose Frankenstein over these family leaders (not that I blame him, Frankenstein is a cutie lol).
I'm really not sure how Rai, who is supposedly a mind reader and can sense other people's intentions, could not have known that those six family leaders were plotting to kill him. I mean, if he knew... why didn't he do anything about it? Does he really respect their free will that much to just sit there and let them plot his murder?
I'd always wondered if Rai had ever bothered to ask Frankenstein why he'd lost his mind during the match with Urokai. Wasn't he curious what had happened there?
And I figured that Frankenstein being able to sense corrupted souls might explain how he knew which of the noble knights were guilty of creating mutants and which knights were innocent.
