Memories: Chess & Roses
A mere two days later, Frankenstein had already resumed caring for his Master.
Raizel wasn't convinced that his companion should be out of bed and working so soon, but Frankenstein was far too stubborn… He clearly hated the idea of not being able to fulfill his duties.
Well, he'd merely have to keep an eye on his companion… just in case.
That was easy enough to accomplish right now… Frankenstein was outside, tending the rose garden. He almost always gardened in the morning, when the air was cooler.
Strangely, there was someone else around, too.
There was another noble presence nearby. Based on what he was feeling, he thought it might be Edian. He hadn't seen her in a while... He wondered why she was hiding in the trees instead of coming to greet him. Perhaps she was just enjoying a morning walk through the forest... but most people didn't come near his mansion unless they planned to see him.
Well, he wouldn't force her to come in if she didn't want to.
Raizel turned his attention back to watching Frankenstein prune the roses, guilt rising in his heart. Frankenstein was clearly still in pain… his movements were slow and awkward. He had offered to heal his companion completely, but Frankenstein had adamantly refused.
Thankfully, Frankenstein was almost done with his work… he was busy cutting flawless blooms to bring inside.
A gift for his Master.
Raizel smiled gently as he watched. The garden had only gotten more spectacular in the last ten years… The roses Frankenstein was collecting were absolutely stunning. Now, instead of an entire garden of crimson roses, there was a rainbow of colors climbing the trellises.
He still didn't quite understand how had Frankenstein managed such a thing… How had he modified the roses to reflect such brilliant colors? Raizel was certain roses didn't normally come in such colors… There was everything from sky blue to blood red, from sunshine yellow to purple as dark at the midnight sky… and orange as fiery as a sunset.
These flowers were something Frankenstein had created in his laboratory. Raizel still had no clue how he'd done it, and he'd even been listening to his companion's thoughts as he'd worked on them.
Still… It was comforting and familiar to listen to Frankenstein's thoughts, even if he didn't understand them. His companion truly was a brilliant and imaginative man.
Raizel frowned as Frankenstein suddenly stopped and put a hand to his side, cringing as he nearly dropped the flowers he was carrying.
Before he knew it, Raizel found himself leaping from his window and drifting down to Frankenstein's side.
"Frankenstein… Are you all right?"
"Oh, Master!" he said, straightening up as best he could. "You didn't need to come out here for me…"
"No, I am responsible for you," Raizel said gently. "And you should not be overworking yourself right now… I'm sure the garden can wait for a few days while you rest."
"It's nothing, I'm all right…" Frankenstein promised him. "I'm almost finished out here. I'd only wanted to ask you which roses you would like in your study. Do any of these appeal to you?"
Raizel looked at the bundle of flowers in Frankenstein's arms. They were all so beautiful… how was he supposed to choose just one?
"They are all lovely," he admitted.
Frankenstein chuckled.
"No opinion at all? Shall I choose for you, then?"
"Don't you always?"
His companion looked mildly offended.
"I only pick the best for you, Master…"
"I know. I trust you."
"Well, I think I know just the one…"
Though he was clearly starting to feel the pain of his wounds, Frankenstein still smiled as he jostled the roses in his arms, apparently searching for one in particular… After a tense moment, Frankenstein pulled out a single white rose.
Blue eyes sparkling, Frankenstein held it out to his Master.
"This is the one," Frankenstein said confidently. "I put a great deal of effort into modifying these… I hope it is to your liking?"
Raizel reached out to take the bloom from him. The rose had seemed white from a distance... But upon closer inspection, the rose was such a pure white, it was almost silver… The petals shimmered as if they were made of moonlight.
"Why this one?" Raizel asked softly.
"Because it is a reflection of you, of course."
"How so?"
"You don't know?" Frankenstein asked, surprised.
He shook his head.
"To be honest… In all my years of being able to sense souls, I have never felt another with a soul such as yours, Raizel. Your spirit is just so pure. It is truly unique… and worth protecting."
Raizel bowed his head, turning away from Frankenstein while gazing steadily at the white rose in his hands.
Was that... how Frankenstein really thought of him…?
"As are you," he whispered.
"I'm sorry? I didn't quite catch that…"
"I said… the white roses will do nicely," Raizel said, raising his head. "Thank you, Frankenstein."
He was feeling a little funny again… His fingers tensed around the flower he was holding.
"Master? Are you all right? Do you not like the white roses…? I can get others…"
"No… I like the white roses very much. Please bring them to my study, and then get some rest… You are quite clearly tired from overwork."
"I'm fine, but are you…?"
"I… I feel a little off, but it's nothing to be concerned about, I'm sure."
Almost as soon as he'd said it, Raizel realized he'd made a mistake. Frankenstein's eyes widened in alarm, and dark energy began seeping from his skin… the beautiful flowers in his arms dissolved into ash.
Raizel frowned as he watched the dust float to the ground. He should have known better than to mention that he was feeling off to Frankenstein… that was simply asking to rouse the evil spirits possessing his companion.
"Raizel, are you all right? What's bothering you?" Frankenstein said anxiously. "I'm certain I could treat you if you tell me your symptoms…"
"Frankenstein…" Raizel said gently, hoping to ease his companion's worries. "It's nothing. I must just be tired from worrying about you, hm?"
"But…"
Raizel reached out and put his free hand to his companion's cheek, connecting to his mind. Frankenstein's worry immediately gnawed at him, but Raizel simply pushed it back with a quick rush of calming energy.
He didn't usually like to manipulate his companion's emotions just to suit his own whims… but sometimes it was the easiest way to stop the souls possessing Frankenstein from being able to harm him.
Frankenstein's mind calmed a little, his gaze softening. The dark energy retreated back into his body.
"Well… if you say so, Master… at least let me make you some tea after I bring the roses up to your study. That will help you relax."
"Of course," Raizel said. "But please, make enough for the both of us. You need to relax as well."
"Certainly, I'll be right up."
"Take your time… don't strain yourself, please…"
"I will be very careful," Frankenstein assured him.
Raizel nodded, and drifted back inside through the wide window of his study.
The white rose trembled in his hand.
He was grateful that the beautiful white rose had been spared from Frankenstein's toxic powers. He didn't normally do this himself, but he wanted to preserve this rose.
Raizel pulled out a slender vase from a cabinet, filling it with water from a pitcher. He carefully placed the rose in the vase, moving it to the center of the center of the table where it shimmered in the morning sun.
Once that was done, he went back to his usual position by the window. Frankenstein was perusing the silvery roses, picking out what he obviously considered to be the most perfect blooms.
This feeling inside him clearly had something to do with Frankenstein.
Perhaps he felt this way because of how much having a blood-bonded companion had changed his life… and changed him.
Looking back, it truly was amazing how much his life had changed since Frankenstein had come into his home… His days had used to be so empty and unchanging… now they were anything but.
He had even once considered his life to be nothing but adherence to his duty… His existence completely encompassed by his role as a Noblesse.
That was… until Frankenstein came.
When they'd met, he had sensed such pain and sorrow in the human… This man clearly needed someone to look after him. Raizel hadn't been intending to ask Frankenstein to stay with him, but… he didn't want this human to be taken away from him, either.
For once in his very long life, Raizel had felt the warmth of companionship.
In Frankenstein's tea, he'd had a taste of home.
At long last… he had a companion. A friend. Someone who was willing to stay by his side, even without a contract binding him. Someone who didn't fear him or what he represented... It was almost too good to be true.
But, if he was being honest… it was more than that. Frankenstein had been lonely, too…
Raizel had never been in this position before. He had never been a friend and companion to someone else. But considering his life now, the closeness he felt with Frankenstein... It was clear that he was as much of a companion to Frankenstein as Frankenstein was to him.
He hoped he was a good one… He hoped he brightened Frankenstein's days, the same way that his companion did for him.
Maybe that was it. This feeling had to be indicative of how strong their bond had grown.
Yes... that had to be it... right?
"Master?"
Startled, Raizel turned around. Frankenstein was standing in the doorway, holding an armful of the silvery moonlight roses.
"Apologies, I didn't meant to startle you."
"No, it's all right. I was simply lost in thought."
"Of course. I only wanted to bring the roses before making tea for us…"
Raizel nodded.
Frankenstein came into the room, placing the roses into a crystal vase and arranging them neatly. He filled the vase with water from the water pitcher. Raizel watched him do so, that funny feeling swirling in his chest.
"I will return with tea, Master," Frankenstein said, bowing swiftly to him. "Please call for me if you begin to feel ill."
After Frankenstein had gone, Raizel turned his attention to the bouquet of flowers. The blooms were so stunning, they almost didn't seem real… He supposed they technically weren't real flowers, having been artificially modified to appear this way.
But perhaps their artificial nature didn't matter. After all, Frankenstein himself was a modified creation, made by his own hands. Both his roses and his companion were artificial... but they were still beautiful.
He glanced out the window. It seemed Edian had left rather than come inside... he wondered what she wanted. Frankenstein hadn't seemed to react to her presence, like he had the last time Urokai, Ragus, and Gradeus had visited him.
It was odd, really... Frankenstein had been so insistent that the three of them should leave that day. It wasn't that he didn't trust Frankenstein, but he wondered if perhaps his companion's furious outburst had made it seem like he didn't want any company anymore.
"Master, I have tea..."
He looked up from the flowers. Frankenstein had returned, pushing a cart of tea and cookies.
"Please, sit... I made a tea blend to help you relax," he added, picking up the tray.
Falling back into their familiar routine, Raizel seated himself in his favorite armchair. Frankenstein brought the tray over to the table, pouring a cup for his Master and for himself.
Frankenstein awkwardly lowered himself onto the seat across from his Master.
Tentatively, Raizel reached out to brush against his companion's mind. He expected Frankenstein to be angry about his wounds, or irritated at the very least... but strangely, Frankenstein seemed to be feeling rather content.
Why? Why was he so content with his pain?
Frankenstein... Are you all right? If it would ease your pain, I can heal a few of your wounds...
"No, thank you," Frankenstein said, shaking his head. "I am gathering quite a bit of good data from watching my wounds heal..."
You are not experimenting on yourself anymore, are you?
"No, Master," Frankenstein said hastily. "I am only collecting data on my condition. That monster didn't hold back at all when facing me. Ragar tries to avoid giving me such deep wounds, so I hadn't much chance to see how my regenerative abilities have improved."
Raizel lowered his gaze to the teacup in his hand. He should not have let Frankenstein take on any of his burden... He didn't want his companion hurt because of him. Frankenstein had enough suffering in his life.
I should not have let you fight in my place... You are my responsibility, and I allowed you to be harmed.
"Master, please... I will heal soon enough, so you don't need to feel any guilt over my wounds. I promised to serve and protect you for as long as I may live. It is my honor to fight in your name."
That didn't make him feel much better... What would he do if his companion was gone? What good was honor if Frankenstein was lost in the process of obtaining it?
"You won't lose me."
Raizel looked up into those beautiful sapphire eyes. There was a reassuring warmth coming from his companion's mind, but...
I would like to believe that.
Frankenstein seemed to sense his unhappiness, and he sighed softly.
"Ah... perhaps... I might give you something? It will take your mind off things..."
He got up and went over to the cart, picking up a flat wooden box Raizel hadn't noticed. The box had intricate carvings on it... Raizel found his curiosity piqued. What was it?
"May I?" Frankenstein asked.
Raizel nodded, and Frankenstein placed the box in his lap.
"I bought this the last time I went to fetch tea leaves from the outside," Frankenstein explained. "I thought you might like some distraction?"
Curiously, Raizel opened the box. Inside, there was a wooden board with a black and white pattern pained on it... On top of that lay several carved stone figures. One set appeared to be carved out of black stone, the other out of a soft white stone. Raizel lifted one out of the box, running his fingers over the delicate carvings.
What are these?
"This is a chess set, Master. It is a game played by the nobility of the human world. The game requires planning and strategy as two opponents maneuver their pieces across the board in an attempt to capture the opposing side's King."
Ah... so it is a reenactment of a battle between kingdoms?
"In a way, yes. Each piece represents a member of a kingdom..."
Frankenstein pointed to the piece in Raizel's hand.
"For example, the piece you have there is the knight. Each different piece may make different movements across the board, so thinking about how you plan to capture your opponent's pieces is crucial."
I see... Then... You shall teach me to play?
"Of course, Master. That was my intention."
Frankenstein set up the board, Raizel noting the placement of the pieces. After setting up the game board, Raizel listened attentively as Frankenstein explained and demonstrated the rules of the game. It helped that he could hear Frankenstein's thoughts on chess, which gave him a much greater insight into how to play.
Thank you. I believe I understand how this game is played now.
"Well... are you ready to try a game, Master? Or would you like to rest?"
I will try. Although I fear I may be no match for you...
His companion grinned, a playful light in his eyes.
"I'll go easy on you. I promise."
Raizel couldn't help it, he smiled in return.
Then... You may begin.
In another estate in Lukedonia, five male nobles were gathered in a library, waiting for one last person to join them.
"Edian should be here soon..." Ragus said, looking out the window.
The door to the library creaked open, and Edian walked into the room, looking surprised at how many were gathered.
"Ah... I didn't realize you were entertaining so many guests."
All five men turned to face her. She bowed in greeting.
"We're all just worried about Raizel," Locktis said calmly. "Ragus said you bring news of him?"
"Yes..." Edian said slowly. "Ragus Tradio... I have gone to the Noblesse's estate to assess his well being, as you asked."
"Well? How is he? What is he doing?"
"Before I tell you... Might I ask why you want to know? Why do you not go see Raizel yourself?" Edian asked quietly.
"As I told you, we are concerned about the influence Frankenstein has over Raizel. And that mutant had Raizel turn us out the last time we visited his estate."
"Well, I'm not sure what you're looking to hear..." she said, peering around the room. "I saw Raizel in the garden with Frankenstein. It seems as though they are quite close..."
"Were they doing anything?"
"Frankenstein gave Raizel a rose. They spoke a bit, but I couldn't hear what they were saying... and then Raizel..." she paused, biting her tongue. "Then Raizel touched the human's cheek."
There were sour looks all around.
"I see... thank you, Edian."
"Forgive me for saying so, but... I'm not sure why this matters so much to you. Raizel has always been a private person... And if he is comfortable with his companion, then what can we do about it? Even if we disagree, it is his decision..."
"Yes, thank you," Ragus snapped. "That is all I wished to know."
"You aren't planning on fighting Frankenstein again, are you? You know that will only bring trouble... The Lord will declare you all traitors."
"I said, that will be all! You may go."
Edian scowled.
"I am not a servant for you to order around, Ragus. I will not be spying on Raizel again. You should let this issue drop."
She turned and swept out of the room.
"We may need to do something about her..." Gradeus said, sneering. "She'll go running to the Lord, like a little rat."
"Don't worry, I have a plan to deal with her, but about what she said concerning Raizel..."
"You don't think he... fancies that human?" Locktis said in a disbelieving tone.
"The Noblesse... in love with that mutant?" Urokai hissed. "How could anyone love that thing?"
"Well, no one has seen Raizel without his human in years," Zarga pointed out. "They are always together. Frankenstein accompanies him everywhere. If they truly do fancy each other, then separating them may be especially difficult."
"That's true... You know the Lord had Raizel hunt down a creature a few days ago? And who do you think Raizel took with him?"
"So he'd rather have that mutant defend him than any of us?" Urokai growled. "He thinks that human is better than us?"
"Still... that is just more proof that our actions are just. It appears the Noblesse is indeed going in the wrong direction," Locktis said. "He is losing sight of his priorities..."
"Yes. It was ludicrous enough when Raizel actually listened to that freak and turned us out of his home... It won't be long before he is putting that human before attending to his duties."
"Something must be done. Especially since it appears we won't be able to convince the Noblesse that our cause is just... not if he is siding with the humans."
"Yes... I thought just getting rid of Frankenstein would be enough, but... it looks like we may need to reassess our plan."
"You really think we can do it? Even if all of us confronted him at once, we would be unable to do a thing to the Noblesse..." Zarga pointed out. "And besides, if we try anything and fail, the Lord will declare us guilty of treason."
Ragus Tradio tapped his withered fingers on the table.
"There may be a way... if we plan this out very carefully. We can completely cover up our involvement. And without the Noblesse to pass judgment on us... We can enact our will on this world."
My Comments: So, if anyone was wondering how the whole "mind sharing" thing with Rai and Frankenstein works, this is how I imagined it in my intoxicated head. Basically, they always have a connection (soul sharing) which allows them to sense each other, but they aren't constantly hearing each other's thoughts. They only hear each other's thoughts and feel each other's feelings when there is a purposeful mental connection. (Either one can initiate the connection, but only Rai can block it out.) When their minds are connected, they only hear and feel whatever the other is actively thinking and feeling at that moment. (However, when Frankenstein is unconscious and not actively thinking anything, Rai is able to more easily search around his companion's mind. That's why he normally leaves Frankenstein alone when he's sleeping, so he doesn't invade Frankenstein's privacy. Rai is polite!)
Eh, I'll give Edian the benefit of the doubt. She wasn't developed enough for me to have much of an opinion about her. But it seemed like she did care about Rai, and she probably didn't want him dead like the other traitors. That's probably why Ragus needed to use his brain control pill. By the way, where the heck did he get that?
Edit: Thanks to guest reviewer hikari for helping me with the background info! I honestly couldn't remember how all those past events had gone down, and I was too lazy to look back through all those episodes to figure it out myself. Okay, so the traitors had conspired with the werewolves to get rid of both Muzaka and Rai at the same time. Got it! That's good, because that's what I was planning to imply in my story!
P.S. This was the chapter I was going to post last time! I had to rework it to fit with that chapter. And I... I can't believe 18 people have (presumably) read my mediocre story! Whoooaaa! I really did write this for myself, but I'm glad other readers like it, too!
