Memories: Muzaka (part 2)
Muzaka put down his teacup with immaculate control, raising his eyebrows as the teacup silently descended.
"Is that a threat, Raizel?" Gone in a flash was the boisterous lupine, replaced with a being of muscle and will. The cup landed without a ripple, despite the sudden ripple of tension in the sunlit parlor.
"A threat?" Raizel repeated softly. He let the word hang in the air, calculating before acknowledgement or refutation. Even the wind beyond the window knew to hold still for the answer. "No. It is not. You know what my position is, you know my duty... I cannot overlook this."
"Really? What of the mutants? Nobles seemed content to ignore them for decades." The tension broke, the moment exhaled. Muzaka picked his tea back up and drained it, as the threat of violence drained from the conversation.
Raizel lowered his head. If he had been made aware of such things, he would have handled it personally. Well before Frankenstein had felt the need to experiment on his own body. But no one had informed him of such terrible happenings in the human world. Thinking back on it, it was almost as if those events had been purposely hidden from him.
"If I had known what was happening, I would have stopped those foul creatures before so many innocent lives were lost."
"And no one told you what was happening?" Muzaka asked incredulously, holding his teacup out for more tea, and more information.
"No." Raizel paused a moment before filling the cup to the brim, while letting his empty answer hang.
Muzaka considered a moment, judging the odds of the response.
"You're telling me the truth, aren't you? Old friend, were those words from any but you, I would call them a damn liar." The wolf-king slugged back the tea as if were a stiff drink, shook his head and extended the cup again. "Perhaps you should consider venturing out more often, Raizel. You rely too heavily on others to bring you news of the world. At the very least, you should use that human of yours to keep track of things now. He seems capable, at least."
"I will certainly consider your advice," Raizel said solemnly. His eyes searched the lands visible from the window, his garden, his rambling estate, the distant rise of the land. Had his view become so narrowed that an unseen force had crept in? Did one of the bars on his golden cage conceal some true danger?
His companion certainly seemed to think so, at least... He recalled Frankenstein pleading with him to leave this place, to banish the family leaders from his home. He thought Frankenstein was merely worrying too much, but... was he right after all? Was there a storm brewing just beyond the horizon?
"Good to hear," Muzaka said, blind to Raizel's internal turmoil. "I'll do this favor for you, Raizel. I'll pass along your message to my people. I can see there are other elements in play, here."
"Thank you." Raizel said with genuine gratitude and another pour of tea. Peace was ensured.
True to his carefree nature, Muzaka soon grew tired of all the serious talk and began recounting the many sights he'd seen on his journeys. This was Raizel's favorite part of Muzaka's visits, listening to all his adventures, and misadventures. This came with one downside, however: his guest also drank all the tea and ate all the cookies, which made Raizel secretly glad that Frankenstein would be coming back this evening. Sweets that he wouldn't have to share.
A few hours later, after exhausting all of his most exciting stories, Muzaka stood up and stretched. "Well, thanks for the food, Raizel. And thank your companion, too. I don't like that attitude of his, but he does make good sweets, I'll give him that."
Raizel nodded, eyes flicking to the path his companion would soon appear on.
"I'm off to see your Lord. See if he has any other news to share with me. I'll drop by again soon, hm?"
"I look forward to it," Raizel replied sincerely.
Still lacking in manners, Muzaka made to leave out the window, but he paused, perching on the windowsill.
"Sweets or no, make sure to reign in your human. If he picks another fight with my people, things could get ugly. It sounds like he surprised my warriors yesterday. He might not be so lucky next time. Just some friendly advice."
Raizel felt his insides turn cold despite the warm spring air. He didn't want to accept the truth behind those words. Muzaka was right, and his warning might be a matter of survival. If Frankenstein lost control again, he could be killed before his Master could save him. Just like the day he lost control while sparring with Urokai... if he hadn't gotten there in time, Frankenstein might have been executed. Even someone as powerful as Frankenstein could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Like a pack of angry werewolves, for instance...
How would he live with himself if he let that happen?
"Yes. I will speak to him," Raizel said stiffly.
Muzaka nodded.
"Goodbye, then, Raizel. Until we meet again." With a quick mocking salute, his old friend disappeared out the window with a casual flex of his legs. With another, he had vanished into the setting sun, dust rising along the path and into the deep woods. A few panicked birds rose in distressed intervals, marking where the man had taken to the trees.
Raizel went back to his position by the window, looking out at the immaculate garden Frankenstein kept for him. From here, he could see the silvery white roses that Frankenstein had modified to reflect his Master's pure soul. He could also see the handmade chair his companion had crafted for him, so he could sit and enjoy the garden in comfort. He hadn't used it yet. His eyes could see a thousand minute imperfections in the grain, the asymmetry of the carving. And yet, these elements added to the sincerity of the effort, thus the impact of the gift.
His fingers tightened around the windowsill.
If only he'd been with Frankenstein yesterday... No one would say a word if the Noblesse passed judgment on wrongdoers. But Frankenstein's actions always seemed to be met with hostility... and violence. He didn't know what to do. He only knew he didn't want Frankenstein to suffer.
Perhaps all this could have been avoided if he'd simply gone to live with Frankenstein in the human world decades ago. But then… he would only be a burden to his companion. As the Noblesse, he was only entitled to three things in this life: authority, respect, and his land. He wasn't owed anything else. Not food, or clothes, or a bed to sleep in at night. Certainly not kindness. He was not entitled to friends, family, or companionship. He could only take what was given to him, and shape it as he had this estate.
Meeting Frankenstein was the first time he had ever wanted something for himself. Even then, he'd let the man reshape nearly everything else that was "his" by right.
But perhaps... bonding Frankenstein hadn't entirely been an act of kindness.
By taking Frankenstein as his companion, by pulling him into the world of the Noble rather than joining the human, he had only succeeded in trapping them both here. He had tied the both of them to his position. And if that was what his Master wanted, then Frankenstein would obey his will. He would do everything he could to help his Master fulfill his duty.
He had wanted to save Frankenstein's soul... but his actions had been shortsighted. Greedy.
A life of strife and struggle wasn't what he wanted for his companion... and yet, he had consigned them both to it. The wooden windowsill creaked under his fingers, and Raizel released it before it started to splinter. He turned from his familiar view, back to his seat on the divan. He sat down, heart heavy with his decision.
Well, it appeared there was only one solution. He needed to take responsibility, no matter how upset Frankenstein would be. He couldn't let this go on any longer, for both their sakes. Raizel flexed his hands, determined and worried.
Frankenstein smiled up at the afternoon sun. A good day, and better with every step along the path to the great Manor. The day suddenly seemed ten times brighter than it had just hours ago.
True, his head was aching from having his memories forcibly extracted, but he knew Master hadn't intended to cause him any pain. And on top of that, his conscience was now clear. He didn't have the blood of innocents on his hands after all. Frankenstein breathed a sigh of relief.
His gaze traveled up to the familiar window, but saw no expected silhouette. That was odd... but perhaps Master was still enjoying his sweets.
He should have had more trust in his Master. After all, Master had always placed his trust in him, even during times when he hadn't been in his right mind. Raizel hadn't even mentioned any punishment for breaking the seal on his powers without permission. His Master truly was a kind and gentle soul.
He'd have to make it up to Raizel later… Humming contentedly to himself, Frankenstein made his way deeper into the garden to pick a few beautiful blooms to decorate Master's table tonight. He paused briefly to gather a few sky blue roses… they would complement the white roses nicely.
A minute later, he was surrounded by trellises covered in silvery white roses. He made sure to pay special attention to these flowers. Whenever Raizel took his short strolls in the garden, he always came to see the silvery roses. Since Raizel seemed to like the white roses so much, Frankenstein had built him a chair to relax in the shade of the trellises. Raizel had yet to use it, but Frankenstein hadn't given up hope that he would. Master was coming out of his shell, a little more every day. He knew Master had been watching as he'd put the chair together. He was curious.
Frankenstein turned a corner to the arch where he'd set up the chair he'd made for his Master… only to find someone sitting in it.
Edian was calmly sitting in the chair, staring up at Raizel's study with a dour expression. Slender legs crossed, weight idle as she crushed a blade of grass between shoe and soil. Frankenstein immediately clenched his fists. Who did this woman think she was, intruding on Raizel's property without announcing herself, and helping herself to the garden?
"Excuse me?" Frankenstein growled. "That is my Master's chair."
Edian turned to look at him without saying a word. Frankenstein instantly recognized the unfocused look in her eyes... he'd seen that look on his own face often enough. But she slowly rose from the wooden chair.
Why was she here?
Frankenstein couldn't lie to himself, just seeing these family leaders made him angry. He'd been attempting to investigate them with little success. They were almost never at their respective estates. Where did they go? What were they doing? It frustrated him to no end.
Frankenstein wanted the family leader gone. Now. But… the last time family leaders had visited the mansion, he had embarrassed Raizel by acting like a raving lunatic. He had to control himself this time. This game would play out in subtle parlor moves, not in bloodshed in a garden.
"If you're here to see my Master, I'm afraid you'll have to wait," Frankenstein said with all the respect he could muster, which admittedly wasn't much. "He is already entertaining a guest."
Edian gave a little jerk of her head. A dismissal? Why wasn't she saying anything?
"Ma'am?" Frankenstein asked, stepping closer. "Is everything all right?"
Still no response.
Frankenstein thought quickly. Was she ill, or was she ignoring him? It wouldn't surprise him if the family leader didn't even consider him worth talking to, but he had a strange feeling that wasn't the case. He saw her tilt her head up toward the window of Raizel's study. Was she out here to pine for what she couldn't have?
Perhaps a peace offering would loosen her tongue. He plucked a single sky blue rose from the bundle in his arms.
"A flower for the lovely lady?" he said, offering her the flower with a flourish.
She made no move to take the flower from him. Her eyes glanced over the rose the same way she would look at dirt on her boots. Then, still with that unfocused look on her face, she opened her mouth to speak.
"Your days... are numbered. Leave here... while you still can." A very detached voice, as if someone else were speaking through her. Frankenstein knew that feeling fairly well, too.
"Are you going to kill me if I don't?" Frankenstein asked flatly. "Haven't you family leaders already tried that?"
Yet again, Edian simply stared at him.
"I hate to disappoint you, but I won't be leaving my Master." He stalked forward, tucking the blue rose back into the bundle. "But if you haven't got any legitimate business here, then I suggest you take your leave. I don't appreciate you spying on my Master."
The family leader didn't respond. Instead, she simply turned on the spot and wandered off through the roses, eventually disappearing into the forest. Frankenstein frowned, watching her go. The birds unsettled again, primed for flight.
Something had certainly been off about the family leader. Had others like Ragus and Gradeus threatened her? He knew for a fact that their souls were rotten, but Edain's soul was still an ordinary if unpalatable gray. She was not so corrupted. She clearly didn't like him staying by Raizel's side, but her spirit didn't appear so blackened as to concern him.
Did Edian know something? Surely she wouldn't want any harm to befall Raizel... But he seriously doubted she would consider cooperating with him, so there was no point dwelling on it now. He had work to do for someone whose happiness mattered infinitely more.
Frankenstein swept her traces from his Masters chair, and her from his mind. Then he finished collecting a bundle of Master's favorite roses, choosing only the most perfect blooms, cut to similar perfection. He took them back inside, leaving them in the kitchen so he could take them to the study when it was time for Master's evening tea. Presentation was everything.
There were still several hours until Master would want his evening tea, and there had been a new medicine he had been working on... This thought gave him pause. After this incident, he would now need to find a new village to trade with, somewhere no one knew his face.
His mind already buzzing with ideas, Frankenstein descended into his basement laboratory.
A few hours later, despite his anxiety, he had still managed to lose track of time. Working on his new medicine had consumed too much of his focus, and now he was running late with Master's tea. The sun had almost completely set. He desperately needed a better time piece in his laboratory.
He wheeled his cart of tea and sweets into Raizel's study, trying not to show his haste. The light from the fire was the only light in the room. He hoped Master wouldn't be too upset... The young noble seemed to be absently gazing at the stars, as he usually was when his companion would leave his side.
"Master? Forgive my lateness. I have your evening tea."
No response. Master simply continued his fervent stare at the night sky. Frankenstein frowned. The tea would get cold at this rate. The flowers would not be seen at peak freshness.
"Raizel?" He swallowed, taking another step onto the plush carpet as his shadow danced to the firelight as rapidly as his heart fluttered inside.
Raizel's eyes shifted, turned around to face him with something hard behind the Nobles eyes that clutched deep knots in Frankenstein's core. His lips finally parted. "My apologies... I was distracted. Forgive me."
"Not at all, Master. Would you like to have tea by the fire?" Frankenstein spent a minutiae of willpower to still the tremors within, such would be unseemly. Instead, a smooth hand extended to pull his Masters favorite chair towards the crackling fire without a squeak across the floor.
His Master responded by taking a seat in the large armchair. The ancient thing creaked in gentle complaint, even at Raizel's slight weight. Relieved, Frankenstein brought the tray to the tea table by the fireplace. He poured the tea, taking comfort in their ritual. It had been an awkward encounter with the werewolf lord earlier, but Master had stood by him and hadn't even hinted at any punishment. Hopefully. this would all be forgotten in time...
"Frankenstein."
He looked up into his Master's crimson eyes. The fire made it seem as though they had a life of their own, flames dancing in those ruby depths.
"Yes?"
"Kneel."
His heart nearly stopped. But… he thought Raizel had forgiven him…! Had Raizel changed his mind and decided to punish him after all? His hands shaking, Frankenstein did as he was commanded and knelt down in front of Master's chair. The carpet suddenly felt threadbare and unforgiving.
"I'm sorry, Master," he whispered to the nobles knees.
"Sorry?" Raizel said softly. "Why?"
"I still cannot control myself, and I disobeyed your order. I will do better. I promise. I will give you no more reasons to doubt me." Frankenstein felt his fingers twitching, then his toes as he refused to further betray his role with disgraceful tremors.
It was utterly miserable, thinking that he was still such a disappointment... Serving Raizel was all he had left, but it seemed he couldn't even do that right. He snarled and drove away guests, offended other nobles by demanding to spar with them, and caused trouble with the lord of werewolves... and worst of all, he broke his promises to his Master.
Just as he sensed the evil in his mind beginning to stir, he felt Raizel's cool hand on his head.
Raizel hated this. The fear radiated from the tousled hair below him, flowing from every pore. He hated the thought that he inspired fear in his beloved companion. He had only wanted to request that Frankenstein try and keep himself out of unnecessary confrontations… this wasn't what he wanted.
Despite Frankenstein's misbehavior, he had absolutely no desire to punish the man. And yet Frankenstein was still fretting over what his punishment would be.
Raizel knew that as the Noblesse, he had to be firm, yet fair. He had made his decree... Frankenstein was not to use his power without permission. His commands were to be obeyed without question.
"Doubt you?"
At this moment, he couldn't care less if Frankenstein had disobeyed him. He knew it had been completely unintentional on Frankenstein's part. Besides, it was partially his fault for not helping Frankenstein learn better control over his thoughts and emotions.
And Frankenstein thought his Master doubted him? That was nearly as awful as thinking his companion feared him, but he couldn't blame Frankenstein for feeling that way. After all, hadn't he been the one to seal most of his companion's powers to prevent him from doing anything foolish? Had that act been seen as a betrayal, more than protection? Had this poor soul felt his hand as a leash about the throat?
He set his features, determined. Raizel had no desire to doubt Frankenstein, not anymore. He had to wash away these concerns and soothe the trembling man in front of him.
"No… Frankenstein, I do not doubt you," Raizel said firmly. A hand extended to gently touch the man, shadows merging in the firelight.
"It's all right," Frankenstein said sadly, his shoulders sagging at the touch. "I know you must be disappointed in me. But I... I never meant to disobey your order, Master. If I could go back to that moment, I would do everything within my power to stop myself from reacting the way I did..."
"Frankenstein," Raizel interrupted. "Please... listen to me." His companion immediately fell silent, bowing his head respectfully. "If anyone is at fault for your inability to control yourself... it would be me. I should have taken more care with helping you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions."
"No, Master!" Frankenstein said, sounding stunned. "You have helped me immensely. You bring me peace whenever you're with me. It's my fault that I still lack control."
"Well. Whatever the case may be, you only disobeyed my order because you lack proper control. So... we must do something about this, hm?"
Frankenstein flicked his gaze upwards, before reasserting his control and his downcast gaze. "I... yes. Of course." His paused, once again bowing his head down lower. "I disobeyed your order, so I will accept any punishment you deem fit."
Raizel lifted his chin to regard the stars. At least they remained implacable in this sea of shifting emotion. Again, this nonsense about punishment... Raizel closed his eyes, brushing up against his companion's mind. He could feel Frankenstein's hesitation, clearly worried about what sort of punishment might be awaiting him. But... he also felt a hidden fear. Frankenstein was terrified that he would be separated from his Master.
Raizel nearly pulled away in shock. How could Frankenstein think that his Master would ever abandon him? The tension surged from the base of Frankenstein's spine, about to form words on his servants lips. He had apparently been silent for too long.
"Please, Master... say something."
Those words startled him. He wasn't sure he'd ever heard Frankenstein sound so sad, so desperate. So beaten.
In response, Raizel allowed his own emotions come into contact with Frankenstein's, letting his sincere apology and regret flow freely… He leaned forward, slipping his fingers under Frankenstein's chin and tilting his face toward his own. Those sapphire eyes searched his own, clearly confused about what was going on...
Tomorrow morning, after tea... We will practice stabilizing your thoughts and emotions. We will practice daily until you have improved. I trust you will find this to be an acceptable alternative to any punishment?
Frankenstein's face relaxed, his worried gaze softening back to the familiar warmth Raizel was used to. "Yes, Master. Of course. I will put forth my best effort to rise to your expectations."
Raizel nodded.
Yes. I'm certain you will. He let the thought linger, a psychic caress as the wind shifted the fire. A log fell, consumed.
Frankenstein nodded, clearly waiting for permission to stand. Raizel was about to grant permission, but then he paused, briefly biting his lip. He needed to address this while he still had Frankenstein's undivided attention... He knew Frankenstein wouldn't like it, but he felt he had no choice.
He didn't want Frankenstein getting caught up in unnecessary confrontations like this anymore. A small scuffle could easily turn into something much bigger if Frankenstein antagonized the wrong people. Especially with the malevolent souls in Frankenstein's head feeding off his anger, spurring him to fight harder. He would be devoured faster than that log.
Before we have our tea, I have one more order for you.
"Of course. Anything."
I... do not wish for you to fight anymore.
"Master?"
Frankenstein… I know you could not control yourself at the time, but I should have been the one to pass judgment on those werewolves. It should not have fallen to you to punish them. It is not your duty. Such things will only cause you more suffering.
Frankenstein looked stunned. Apparently, this was not at all where he'd expected the conversation to go.
"Master... What are you saying?"
I only have one wish: For you to stay by my side forevermore. I think I know you well enough to know that even if you had managed to keep your mind, you still would have taken it upon yourself to punish those wrongdoers. You would have attempted to shoulder my responsibility yet again.
Frankenstein gave a guilty squirm. The carpet refused to open up and consume him any further than the plush fabric already had.
"Yes. You're right. Does that upset you, Master?"
It does… but not in the way you imagine. I do not want you to fight for me anymore, to spare me of my duty. I should not have let you take on any of my responsibilities. This burden was not meant for you. So I ask that you do not continue down this path, and call for me if such instances arise in the future.
Frankenstein immediately shook his head.
"I can't promise that, Master."
Why is that?
"Because I swore my life to you. I promised to protect you, to ensure that you would live a long, happy life. I won't go back on my word."
You also promised to serve me and obey my will.
"I know. And I certainly don't intend to undermine your position, but you must know that serving you is my whole life," Frankenstein said softly. "If this truly upsets you... perhaps we could reach a compromise?"
And what would that be?
"It clearly bothers you when I engage in battle without your knowledge... Give me your orders, Master. I will fight only in your name, and only at your command. If I can aid you, then my pain is meaningless. Please… let me help you."
Raizel felt his heart fluttering in his chest. How could someone who had suffered so much still have so much left to give?
You know I do not need help... And your pain is not meaningless to me.
"But using your powers draws from your lifespan, Master! Even if I had managed to keep my mind, I don't know if I would have called for you... not if it meant you would need to use up your energy. If I can spare your life, I would do anything... you know that."
Yes, he certainly did... Frankenstein would do anything for his Master, even if it meant lying, suffering, and humiliating himself. Frankenstein obviously took great pride in looking after his Master. Caring for his Master was his reason for living... And he was certainly skilled and powerful enough to hold his own in battle. His companion's strength was even enough to defeat a family leader if necessary. Would he be the one to cage the beautiful man kneeling at his feet?
Perhaps... if he gave just a little... He could limit the amount of fights Frankenstein got into. Just this once, they would strike a compromise.
If you will promise that you will only engage opponents on my order…
"And only in your name," Frankenstein promised. "I will only carry out your will. If you order me to stand down, I will obey your wishes."
Then… I will trust you to act in my name. You will carry out my justice at my command.
Frankenstein's face brightened considerably.
"Thank you, Master! I will not disappoint you."
Raizel nodded his approval, and his companion got to his feet.
I would like to have tea now.
"Of course. Let me get you a fresh cup, this one has gotten cold..." He watched as Frankenstein happily served the tea, basking in the warmth of their shared consciousness... His companion seemed content, pleased that he would be remaining by his Master's side. That was all Raizel needed to know.
"Is there anything else you require, Master?" Frankenstein asked.
No, thank you. This is pleasant.
He gestured at the empty armchair next to him.
Please... sit with me.
"Certainly."
Frankenstein seated himself in the chair next to him, pouring himself his own cup of tea. The younger chair had yet to inherit the elder squeak of protest.
"Master? May I ask you something?"
Of course.
"Do you... not like the chair I made for you? The one in the garden?"
Raizel smiled. It had been fascinating watching Frankenstein building the seat for him. He had never held a tool before in his life, and it appeared as though Frankenstein hadn't much practice either. But he'd still constructed a beautiful seat for him among the roses. That was to be expected, of course. Frankenstein could do anything he put his mind to.
There is no tea table. I would like to have tea in the garden.
Frankenstein laughed softly.
"Ah, I should have known... Forgive me for making you wait, Master. I will make a tea table to go with your chair as soon as possible."
Thank you.
They passed the rest of the evening in warm, comfortable silence, watching the fire burn down low. Raizel listened curiously to Frankenstein brainstorming his next experiment while also working his way through the plate of sweets his companion had lovingly made for him.
It was hours later when the fire finally burned itself out and the room was thrown into true darkness. His poor companion must have been mentally exhausted by the day's events. In a very rare occurrence, Frankenstein had actually fallen asleep in his chair, his long blond hair falling in his face.
Raizel wasn't impeded by the darkness that filled the room. He didn't need a fire to listen to Frankenstein's breathing, or to see the starlight glinting off his golden hair.
Raizel found his heart warmed by the sight of it.
The last time he had watched Frankenstein sleep was the day he had awoken Frankenstein from his possession. He had diligently kept watch over his injured companion while he was unconscious, fretting over Frankenstein's weakened state... Now his companion was sleeping peacefully, confident in the knowledge that his bond with his Master would protect him from harm.
Raizel knew his duty was to protect the innocent, to keep the peace between peoples, and to guard the meaning of nobility. He knew that as innately as he knew his own name. And while he knew his companion could be a threat if he wanted to... he was also a human himself. Someone to be protected. He trusted that Frankenstein would never intentionally be a threat to innocent humans. His companion had even been willing to die in order to end the possible threat that he posed to the world.
He couldn't let that happen. Frankenstein did not deserve such a cruel fate. Besides... at this point, he wasn't sure he could harm Frankenstein even if he wanted to.
The room was getting colder now that the fire had gone out. Humans needed to keep their body temperature up... Should he wake Frankenstein so he could return to his bedroom? But then he would be disturbing Frankenstein's peaceful rest. Perhaps there was another way. Raizel stood up. Since all the bedding was in the bedrooms, he conjured a soft blanket out of thin air, letting it fall and carefully cover Frankenstein. There. Now Frankenstein could keep sleeping peacefully.
Was it all right for them to stay together like this until morning?
Despite his worry, he still couldn't bear to wake the sleeping man. It was a rare sight to see Frankenstein looking so... serene. Not gritting his teeth in pain, not clenching his fists as he struggled to stay in control of himself... just resting normally, like any ordinary human would do.
Raizel leaned forward. He couldn't see the man's face, and he wanted to. Was his face as relaxed as his body? It wouldn't hurt to check, would it? He reached out to brush Frankenstein's hair from his cheek... but then stopped. He shouldn't. That might wake him.
Instead, he sat back down in his chair, taking comfort in his companion's presence. This scenario pleased him more than he thought it would... Though it was true that he didn't want to disturb Frankenstein while he slept, that wasn't the entire truth as to why he felt so content in this moment.
Truthfully, he simply wanted them to stay together. He wanted Frankenstein to be by his side, always. Whenever Frankenstein would leave the mansion on his own, it made him anxious. There were times when Raizel wanted to request that his companion not leave Lukedonia, not ever. Something could happen to him, and as it turned out, those fears weren't entirely unfounded.
He couldn't go that far, of course... he couldn't be that selfish. He couldn't put his own desires before his companion's needs, and an energetic soul like Frankenstein needed some freedom to spread his wings.
At least right now, Frankenstein would not be leaving his side.
I will always be watching over you, my companion… I will not allow any evil to overtake you. I hope you will rest easy here with me for the rest of our days.
Feeling quite warm despite the chill in the air, Raizel let Frankenstein sleep until the sunrise woke him the next day
My Comments: Soooo... I have a co-writer for this chapter lol. Most of the chapter is mine, but CM (my editor) felt it needed a little something more. I wrote all the dialogue, and the bones of the chapter. He's responsible for part of the set dressing in the first two sections, and some of the fluffy prose. He's a better writer than I am, and one day I'll steal his brain. I hope this chapter doesn't contradict anything I wrote prior to this... err...
I won't lie... Muzaka is my least favorite out of the main cast of characters. I didn't like his late introduction and how he was (in my opinion) weirdly integrated into the plot. I also didn't like how he disrupts the status quo between Rai and Frankenstein. Rai and Frankie have already been established as BFFs who do everything together, and then the story comes along and tries to retcon that by having Muzaka as Rai's actual best friend and I'm like... no. You don't get to do that now, when we're already over halfway through the story! Also, there's the fact that Muzaka just comes off as... a fucking idiot? Like... he was just betrayed by humans who killed his daughter, and then decides to trust an obviously shady Crombell out of the blue? What?! You won't cooperate with Rai and Frankie, but Crombell is cool with you? Maybe Crombell says something to him that I'm forgetting, but still... you'd think Muzaka would be a little more suspicious when Crombell literally starts using Muzaka for his research!
Also, hooray! School's out for summer! I got that Master's degree, and I made it through my first year as a high school science teacher! None of my students would believe that prim and proper Mrs. Science Teacher writes fanfics for fun. Or maybe they would, since I barely seem much older than them. So... this is our secret, understand? ;)
P.S. Thanks to everyone who has left a review! I am working on more chapters, hope I don't disappoint!
