Memories: Ashleen
The child in Raizel's study looked upwards. Her nearly phosphorescent amber eyes gazed unnervingly into his own. Raizel was the highest of all beings. His raw power had instilled the chill fear of death in creatures both mortal and immortal. He was the arbiter of all life and the final word of the law amongst the Nobles. The child continued to stare, as if he might do a trick. Raizel was utterly out of his element.
When was the last time he had interacted with a child? Did children often stare so intently? It had to have been hundreds of years ago since tiny muddy feet had...yes, those were not shoes. The small marks of debris leading from his front door all the way to his library were clearly left by little muddy feet. When Frankenstein regained his composure, he would likely have a seizure at the amount of dirt trailing through the house.
Raizel tried to smile into the force of the upcast eyes. That intense gaze didn't falter.
What now? What did people normally do with young ones? He couldn't even call on Frankenstein for assistance, as his butler was currently preoccupied making refreshments. The child still stared, inscrutable yet curious, clearly unimpressed with his attempt at a friendly smile. Muzaka patted the top of her hair fondly, causing the smallest perceptible addition to the dirt around his daughter's feet.
When Raizel had felt two visitors approaching his mansion, he hadn't expected his old friend to be visiting him with a child in tow. Frankenstein had seemed outright shocked to find Muzaka visiting them with a little girl, and he had immediately fled to make tea as soon as he'd shown Muzaka and his young guest into his library. Raizel might have thought that Frankenstein didn't want to entertain the child, but the anxious energy coming from his companion's mind told him that wasn't the case. His companion was just nervous. Raizel now understood why this might have been.
He wished Frankenstein would hurry with the tea. Navigating this unfamiliar territory was making him nervous, too. Finally, Raizel blinked and glanced to Muzaka, away from the infinite depths. Pride shone from the Werewolf Lord, pride and some form of unspoken expectation in the tilt of his head.
"Ashleen, say hello to Raizel," Muzaka prompted her.
"Hello," the girl piped up.
"Ah... hello," Raizel said hesitantly. "It is very nice to meet you. Please, make yourself at home..."
Before he could say another word, Ashleen was suddenly exploring his library, poking at the ancient tomes while running in between the towering bookshelves. His blink had somehow been sufficient time, or had signaled a merciful end to what he now realized might have been a staring contest.
"Heh, sorry about that," Muzaka chuckled. "She hasn't been to many places like this..."
Raizel simply tilted his head, awaiting the obvious explanation.
"Ah, don't give me that look," Muzaka said, scratching his head. "I know you've probably already put the pieces together, but... she's my daughter."
"Your daughter..." Raizel said slowly. Yes, he could see the resemblance. She had her father's eyes, his strong nose, and his mischievous grin. There was no doubt this girl was Muzaka's flesh and blood.
"Yes... that's my little girl," Muzaka beamed. "She's strong and smart, just like me. Spitting image of her mother, which is the better for the both of us. The best daughter anyone could hope for, fit as ten fiddles and sings better then a dozen of 'em already."
"She is half-human?" Raizel asked, watching Ashleen fly between the shelves. Her body moved like one raised amid the wolves, but the calculations were mortal. As was the scent of her blood just beneath the skin.
Muzaka nodded sadly. He nipped a nonexistent flaw from the edge of his thumb-claw.
"Yes. We lost her mother around ten years ago," he said, with a protective eye towards his child. "Sharing my blood is causing her to mature slowly. I've been doing my best to raise her on my own, and keep her safe. That means keeping her well hidden."
His old friend turned to look at him, a warm knowing glow in his gaze.
"And that means only letting her meet the most trusted of friends. I wanted you to meet her at this age at least once. Slow aging or not, they grow up fast."
"I am honored," Raizel said softly, understanding the implicit trust.
As he watched Ashleen exploring his space, the library seemed to take on a more homely atmosphere. The stacked books felt less like pillars of unsurmountable knowledge, and more like tacit invitations to ask questions and learn. The child danced amid them, opening and skimming volume after volume.
"Where did that butler of yours rush off to, by the way?" Muzaka asked, glancing behind him. "Not up to anything devious, I hope?"
Raizel frowned. "Devious? Why would you say that?"
"Well, he is known to be rather temperamental… And he's been gone a while. Maybe you want to check on him?"
Raizel nodded. Though he would let the implied insult pass, Frankenstein had indeed been gone for a while, and did seem to be quite the lightning rod of happenstance misfortune. Raizel gently touched his companion's mind, and smiled to himself. The dry rub of flour, the soft sweet savor of hot butter in the air. His companion was in the kitchen determinedly molding cookie dough into simple shapes, like stars and crescent moons.
"He is making fresh sweets. They are shaped like stars."
"Er… what for?" Muzaka glanced briefly at the sky, confused.
"I believe those are for Ashleen," Raizel guessed. "Frankenstein likes children."
"What, likes to eat them?" The Wolf caught his speeding daughter up in a swinging hug, gently pinching her arms as if checking for tenderness. The child somehow giggled while shrieking, contorting impossibly towards her escape. Through his grin, Raizel heard the single grain of genuine suspicion. The display was humorous, but also kept the child closer.
"Muzaka."
"Sorry, sorry… but do you really trust him?"
"Yes," Raizel said simply. His hands spread wide. "But you do not know him as I do, so I understand your feelings."
"They still say a lot of things about him out there in the human world, you know," Muzaka pointed out. "He still shows up now and then… Causes trouble."
"I would know if he caused trouble. He does not hide such things from me anymore."
Muzaka gave him a slightly incredulous look, but before he could say anything else, Ashleen contorted free of his embrace and interrupted.
"You have so many books!" Ashleen exclaimed, before fully landing on her feet. "Do you have any about animals?" The eyes were back, bright and seeking.
Raizel nodded. He knew just the book, and was relieved to have a solution. He drifted a few bookshelves over to a thick, leather-bound tome that Frankenstein had placed in the library just a few weeks ago.
"My companion wrote this. He has been all over the world in his search for knowledge," Raizel told her gently. "He saw a great many fantastical beasts. He recorded his findings in this book."
He placed the book on a table for her, savoring the feeling of the worn leather against his palms as he pressed his hands protectively over the volume. Raizel was certain Frankenstein wouldn't mind sharing his knowledge, but he didn't want any of Frankenstein's cherished possessions, artifacts of his many trials and labors, to be damaged.
"Please, be careful with this. It is the only one of its kind."
"Of course," the girl said cheerfully. She opened the book, looking in awe at the beautiful drawings Frankenstein had made of the animals he'd seen. "Wow! What's that?!"
Raizel glanced at the page, which featured a picture of an animal that somewhat resembled a horse, but much larger, and with a very long neck. During tea time, he had started reading the book, but sensing Frankenstein's embarrassment, he had stopped and asked for it to be placed in the library.
"I don't know," Raizel admitted with a furrowed brow. He hadn't yet managed to finish the volume. "My Father taught me the names of all within our realm, but he didn't trouble himself about the beings that dwell outside of it. You will need to ask Frankenstein."
"Heh, looks like you've got a soft spot for kids, too," Muzaka said with a grin. "Can't say I blame you. You've always been soft, Raizel."
Raizel lowered his head amid the motes of dust drifting from the disturbed volumes. Muzaka was probably right. He was soft-hearted. As the Noblesse, he supposed he should be a bit more stern and aloof, the way he remembered his Father being... but it simply wasn't in his nature.
Raizel closed his eyes, unable to stop the sudden rush of memories.
His Father… Despite having gone to his eternal rest over eight hundred years ago, Raizel could still clearly recall the previous Noblesse. He remembered the scent of leather and old wood he carried, and the cold, ivory pillar of his presence. Even taller beings seemed to look upward when they met. Even to his own children: Father had been polite, masterful, and utterly aloof. Majestic, even. Like a mountain, he was distant and unreachable.
Sometimes... he wondered if Father had cared for him at all. Father certainly hadn't disliked him, and had taken the time to meticulously train him on how to take over the duties of the Noblesse... but... it seemed like things such as parental love and affection hadn't been on the agenda.
Muzaka clearly felt affection for this child. Raizel found himself wondering what such a situation would feel like...
Just as he thought that, the door to the library opened behind as Frankenstein returned, pushing a cart with a full tea tray on it. His companion gave a strained smile as he put the tray next to Ashleen, but his worry seemed unfounded as the girl immediately took a cookie, squealed in delight, and took a bite. Frankenstein's shoulders visibly relaxed.
Raizel felt his fingers twitch. He wondered if he'd done the same thing to Frankenstein as his father had done to him. Had he inadvertently shaped Frankenstein to suit his own purposes? He had never intended to do such a thing...
"Master, would you like tea now?"
Raizel nodded and sat down at the table, awaiting his drink. Muzaka joined him, and only a stern look from Frankenstein stopped him from putting his feet up on the table. Frankenstein glanced over Ashleen's shoulder at the book she was reading as he served tea to their guests.
"Ah... this was from my time researching on the continent of Africa," Frankenstein said, tapping the page. "Such fascinating beasts they had there. Shall I tell you about them?"
"Yes!" Ashleen said eagerly. Raizel saw Frankenstein's gaze soften as he sat down next to the girl.
"Well, then... where should I begin?"
(A few hours later)
Strange thoughts were swirling in Raizel's head as the afternoon faded into the evening.
The child's energy finally faded as well, her eyes drooping and head lolling against her Fathers shoulder. As she slumped, the conversation quieted and shifted in intensity. Raizel watched as Frankenstein put his large tome back on the shelf, and then went to pick up the dirty dishes from tea. He had been so happy with the young one… Ashleen had delighted over his sweets and his stories about the fantastical animals he'd seen, and Frankenstein had seemed just as happy to have a captive audience to share his knowledge with.
All Frankenstein's interactions with the girl had been natural, normal... He had been nervous at first, but once the tension had been broken, Ashleen had clung to Frankenstein's arm as he'd recounted his past adventures in a far off land. Raizel tried to hide it, but he was quite interested in those stories, too.
Had he robbed his companion of the chance to have a normal life?
He reached out to touch Frankenstein's mind, curious what he was feeling. The familiar frenetic pulse of the scientist's intellect surged, but underneath that he found his companion feeling both content and contemplative. He was remembering Ashleen enjoying his cookies with an echo of pride, but that image began to blur with a memory of a male child with blond hair.
That… that couldn't be Frankenstein's child, could it?
He shook his head. No. The bone structure was entirely wrong. That was likely Frankenstein's apprentice. Still, it seemed as though Frankenstein dearly regretted the loss of his young ward, a child both impressionable and dear to him. The memories continued, both happy and sad... Memories of success and bitter failure... but always laced with an aching regret.
Did he want that? Did he want what Muzaka had?
Finally, the memories ceased as Frankenstein finished stacking the dirty dishes on the serving tray. He picked it up, glancing back at his Master.
"Master, I am going to clean up. Do you need anything before I go?"
Raizel shook his head, and Frankenstein bowed and left, leaving him alone with Muzaka and his sleeping child.
Was it truly so wonderful having a child? He wasn't sure... but he knew how it felt to feel responsible for the lives of others.
"Muzaka… might I ask you something?"
"Hm?" Muzaka said, tearing his eyes from Ashleen. "Something on your mind, Raizel?
"Your daughter… she is of two peoples. You have blurred the line between the mortal and immortal realms. Do you not fear what this means for you… for your people? For her future... her safety?"
Muzakas lip curled in indignity a moment, a hand raised to object before letting it drop. His face went slack, and he shrugged helplessly.
"...yes. Yes, I do."
Raizel was taken aback, yet leaned forward. He hadn't been expecting such honesty.
"Then why, my friend? Forgive me, but when you were away, I had never imagined something like this..."
Muzaka waved his hand, gently but firmly cutting him off. "No need, Raizel. Your question is one I asked myself many times. The answer is love."
Raizel paused, uncertain. This wasn't a tone often taken by Muzaka.
"Yes," Muzaka said, nodding in affirmation. "It's true. Ashleen wasn't the result of some brief encounter... I loved her mother dearly. And she was human."
He sighed softly, clearly trying not to wake his sleeping daughter.
"What was I to do about it? I couldn't stay away, Raizel. Her mind, heart, body, and soul... I wanted to devour it all. If I were to list all the things I loved about her, we would be here until winter came again. Her beauty put even the princess to shame. She was wise beyond her years, and sharp as a whip, too. And when she danced under the moon, ah... then nothing could keep me from going to her."
Muzakas eyes were nearly feverish in memory. He clenched a fully clawed fist, chin drooping.
"Then gone. Like a living summer, swept off and the whole world is colder for it. Save for her, my little Ash. Last ember of what made me something better than merely a King, she is. Something like that? It changes you, and more than for the better. She brought out my best. Even if her presence might be a bit of a threat to the way things are… well. Those ways aren't worth a damn if they can't hold up to love, now are they?"
A soft smile pierced with hard fangs as Muzaka trailed off, saying the final line in a murmur as much to himself as to his host.
"I know many of the others won't understand," he continued, shifting the child in his arms. "Had you asked me but two decades ago, I would have sung the praises of the traditions that had kept us stable for the ages before, and branded anything crossing them as a threat. Perhaps even moved against that threat."
Muzaka swallowed, stiffening slightly.
"But when I spoke to her, I thought... things could change. We could change. We could be more than our ancestors had been... We could be better."
Raizel felt something stir inside him, and he couldn't help but agree.
"You truly believe... we can change?"
Muzaka grinned at him.
"Haven't you changed, Raizel? And all because you met someone you couldn't do without?"
Raizel squirmed in his seat. It was true. He had been intending to spend his life alone, adhering strictly to his duty just as his father had done... but when Frankenstein had come into his life, he found he had absolutely no desire to turn him away. He had already broken with tradition by being the first Noblesse to bond a human to him... he couldn't turn back now.
"You are right," he said slowly. "Change is inevitable, and so we must rise to meet it. And I want you to know... All I may do to protect your daughter that I may do without endangering my own companion, I will extend to you."
Muzaka nodded, seemingly half lost in thought. There was a brief pause, as the Wolf King leaned forward and squeezed his shoulder with a force indicating that Muzaka was thinking about things more important than restraint.
"Thank you."
A short while later, Muzaka gathered up his daughter and bid him farewell. Raizel watched as the two of them left, quickly vanishing into the sunset.
Later, rolling his sore shoulder, Raizel considered again the memories he'd seen of Frankenstein's ward. Two memories interposed on each other in his mind: One laughing boy watching a silver foam boil to the top of an alembic, fingers black with ink and eyes bright with success. The other, the same boy. Crying, apologizing. Hands red with blood, eyes dark with fear and shame. Frankenstein in both memories uttered the same words, with utterly different tones. "It's done! Take it! TAKE IT!"
Raizel sharply withdrew, shaking his head. Such vivid memories often impressed themselves on him faster than he could withdraw. Sometimes, he truly disliked the violation of privacy that came with the blood-bond they shared. Yet, those burdens were his. Muzaka had made his choice as to where his priorities lay as a leader. Could Raizel truly say the same? Or was he just following in Fathers footsteps, much as his loyal servant now followed his Masters lead. Were all rulers servants to their precursor's legacy? What choices might they all have made, if they had been fully free?
What choices would Frankenstein had made for himself... if he had not bound himself to his Master's fate?
These questions couldn't wait. He needed to know… he needed to be sure.
Raizel didn't often come to Frankenstein's quarters. Once his companion had agreed to stay with him, the scientist had immediately made himself at home in the lowest rooms of the mansion: He had taken the servant's quarters for his bedroom and the dreary basement for his laboratory.
He wished Frankenstein had chosen a room closer to his own. Some part of him felt as if his companion was trying to create distance between them, even though he knew that wasn't the case. When Frankenstein had initially agreed to act as his butler, he had taken those responsibilities very seriously.
Finally, he reached the area where he knew Frankenstein would be.
Raizel looked around at the servants quarters, which had stood empty for so long, but were now inhabited by his companion. The rooms had been cleaned, the pantry was full of more food than he'd ever seen. Before, the lord's servants had only brought tea leaves on occasion, leaving them in the empty cabinets. But Frankenstein made such good food, and even better sweets.
These rooms even smelled like him now… Raizel felt almost like an intruder in his own home.
He peeked around the corner into his expansive kitchen. Decades ago, this place would have been nearly deserted, inhabited only by spiders and mice. Now every surface was perfectly polished, reflecting the light from the fireplace.
Frankenstein was standing at the opposite wall, his hands in a large stone basin filled with water. His companion appeared to be using it to wash the dirty dishes from tea.
"Frankenstein?"
His companion jumped, the sudsy dish he was holding slipping out of his hands.
"Master!" he said, alarmed. "What are you doing down here? I would bring you your tea, you need only to ask… I can hear you no matter where you call me from."
Raizel stepped closer, allowing his mind to come into contact with Frankenstein's. His companion welcomed him warmly, pleased to see him but obviously confused as to why he was here in the servant's quarters.
My apologies. I'm afraid I have not come for tea. I only wished to ask you something.
Frankenstein paused in his attempt to find the dish he had dropped, a slight frown on his handsome face. Raizel had never once come to the servant's quarters simply to ask a question before… not when they could speak easily enough through their mental bond.
"Yes, of course, Master… I will answer anything you ask of me."
What would you have done if we had not met?
Frankenstein frowned.
"If we had never met...?" He paused. "I suppose... I might have died fighting your people. And if I had managed to escape from Lukedonia, I would have likely subjected myself to further experimentation. I'm not sure about afterwards. But... why do you ask?"
Raizel twisted his fingers together. Frankenstein's response made him infinitely happier that the man had come to him, that he was able to save companion, but...
Then... Do you wish you had a family?
Frankenstein's face softened. No doubt he knew what this was about.
"I am here with you," he said gently. "That is all I need."
But if you could, if you had the opportunity… Would you sire children?
There was a tightening around his eyes and a tension in his smile that gave him away.
"Ah, well... It is more than likely that I am sterile," Frankenstein said, embarrassed. "I put my body under a great deal of stress when I was experimenting on myself. In addition, a significant portion of the energies harbored inside me resonate with death. I doubt that was good for my reproductive capabilities."
So, he couldn't even if he wanted to…
I'm sorry.
Frankenstein shook his head.
"No, it's all right. I knew that was likely to happen. I had never given much thought to marriage and settling down to start a family. All of that just seemed completely out of my reach. So sterilizing myself was never much of a concern. Besides…"
He sighed as he rinsed out the teacup he'd been washing, placing it on the drying rack. The kitchen felt cavernous and empty compared to the light and energy of the day.
"I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a father."
Raizel quickly withdrew from Frankenstein's mind. Whenever Frankenstein fell into bouts of grief, he always felt as though he was intruding on something private.
He had to disagree with Frankenstein's assessment of his parental abilities, though. Frankenstein was a kind and compassionate soul, and he'd only proven that today. His companion had been exceedingly gentle with Ashleen.
Frankenstein tilted his head, considering something.
"Although... Perhaps you might have children one day, Master?"
"My Father would have considered it my duty," Raizel said, uncertain. Father had only taken a wife because of his duty to continue their noble bloodline… but he wasn't certain he could do the same.
"Oh, forgive me… I didn't mean to imply..." Frankenstein said, quickly backpedaling.
"No, I am the one who broached the subject. But… I understand that having children requires a female partner, and there is no one for me."
"Don't say that, Master," Frankenstein said gently. "I'm sure there are a number of lovely nobles from other households who would be interested. I can inquire if you would like…"
"No, thank you," Raizel said curtly.
Frankenstein stared at him, and he realized he'd been a tad too sharp.
"I am happy with the life I have now," Raizel assured him in a softer voice. "I do not wish for more."
"But you do," Frankenstein said quietly. "Master, if you are lonely, I will do whatever I can to find you a family and friends."
Raizel felt his companion's sincerity in those words. Frankenstein would do anything to please his Master, to care for the pure soul who had saved him from himself. But he shouldn't be greedy. As pleasant as it might be to imagine a child in his home, a child that he might raise with Frankenstein helping him, he shouldn't want what he couldn't have.
"I am not lonely, not anymore."
"Are you sure? I would be more than happy to escort you out at times if you desire company… or I could arrange for guests to visit more often?"
"Frankenstein..."
Raizel stepped forward to where his companion was standing, looking worried. Frankenstein worried far too much. He worried about keeping the mansion perfectly spotless, he worried about the quality of his Master's food and drink, and he worried about his Master's safety.
And of course, he worried about his Master's happiness.
But there was no need for it. Raizel was happier than he'd ever been in his life. Still, he'd be lying if he said he didn't cherish Frankenstein's genuine care and affection.
He reached out, brushing his fingers against the man's cheek. After so many years, he knew exactly what pleased Frankenstein most. His companion would never ask for it, but he clearly enjoyed sharing his soul with his Master. He enjoyed feeling whole… and feeling as if he were a normal human once more.
Hoping to ease his mind, Raizel allowed his consciousness to blend with his companion's, soothing his worry and banishing any lingering darkness from his thoughts.
Instantly, Frankenstein relaxed, his concern fading. Those sapphire eyes locked onto his without reservation. Raizel felt himself relaxing as well… Underneath the darkness shrouding his mind and body, Frankenstein had a brilliant, intriguing soul. It was not pure, and it was not perfect… but somehow, that only made it all the more beautiful. It brought him nothing but pleasure to be bonded to such a soul.
You don't need to worry so much… I am happy. I never thought I would have a companion, and yet… here you are.
Frankenstein smiled reminiscently.
"Yes… here I am," his companion thought softly. "And this life with you is more than I could have hoped for. I have a peaceful home, a place to conduct my research... and I have you. This is all I need."
Raizel silently returned his affections and withdrew his hand.
I feel the same. I worry only that you have sacrificed too many of your own needs for my sake. I don't wish for you to give up anything more for me… and I see how content Muzaka is with his daughter. If that is also what you would like…
Frankenstein tilted his head, clearly wondering if he'd heard right.
"So, if I were to bring a human wife home with me, you would allow her to stay?"
As soon as those words left Frankenstein's mouth, Raizel felt his heart twist in his chest. But… why? Hadn't he just offered for Frankenstein to have whatever or whoever he wanted in his life?
Yes. There is more than enough room.
That seemed to surprise his companion.
"Thank you. You are much too kind," Frankenstein said sincerely. "But to most women, I am… undesirable. Aside from my sterility, my curse frightens most of my fellow humans. They don't understand my intentions. While I am here, I can be what I am, and focus on what is most important to me."
Frankenstein left his thought unfinished, but thanks to the softness in his gaze, Raizel knew exactly what his companion considered to be important.
Me?
Frankenstein chuckled, placing the last saucer out to dry.
"Yes, Master. You."
His breath suddenly seemed a little bit short, and he had to force himself to breathe normally, his connection to Frankenstein's mind slowly fading as he lost focus. He knew how important he was to Frankenstein, but he was the most important thing?
That made him feel a bit lightheaded.
"Master? You look a little bit pale…"
He wanted to say the same, that Frankenstein was the most important thing in the world to him… but he couldn't make the words come out.
How could he say such a thing, when he was required to put his duty before all else?
But… if he had been free to choose…
"I… I was wondering if you would continue to tutor me at chess today? I did promise myself that I would become your equal at the game, after all…"
"Oh…" Frankenstein said, clearly surprised by the sudden shift in topic. "Of course, Master. I would be happy to. Shall I meet you in the study?"
"Yes, please."
"I'll meet you there shortly, Master. I just need to change my shirt."
Raizel nodded and showed himself out of the servant's quarters.
Perhaps he didn't have to choose. Maybe he was fretting over nothing. Frankenstein had already chosen to bond himself to him for life. His companion wouldn't go back on his promise to stay by his side, to defend him and keep him safe. Frankenstein had even pleaded to be allowed to fight his battles for him.
Yes… they would always be together. There was no need to worry.
Raizel made his way back to his study, basking in the light feeling in his chest. This had to be what true joy and contentment felt like. Frankenstein might worry that his Master longed for more, but Raizel couldn't imagine how his life could be better.
Besides… he had been taught over and over not to be greedy, to not wish for more than he deserved. His position as the Noblesse should always be first in his mind. Although he might wish for a family of his own… He couldn't be selfish. He already had more he could have hoped for.
He closed his eyes, remembering Frankenstein relaxing at his touch, and saw the peace he'd imparted in those sapphire eyes.
He truly did have so much more than he could have imagined.
My Comments: Don't worry, Frankie. In the future, you'll have three kids and they'll drive you up the wall. I feel like it's unlikely Frankenstein would still be able to have his own kids after all the experimentation he did to himself. His DNA is probably so spliced up, it wouldn't work out. So me and Frankie have something in common lol. (I'm not really into the whole male pregnancy sub-genre, soooo... there won't be any of that lol).
As a teacher myself, I can only assume that Frankenstein actually really likes kids. Nobody decides to spend their days working at a high school if they don't like children, especially when you consider that teachers don't get paid a lot. If Frankie didn't like kids, he'd just hire somebody else to be the principal and run the school for him. (Plus, Frankie lost his shit when he thought his apprentice was dead… so he must have been pretty attached to that kid.) Makes sense that Frankie would like being a teacher though, he probably enjoys passing on his knowledge to a captive audience lol.
I took some liberties with Ashleen, but honestly I don't think it matters. Ashleen isn't really a character, she's a plot device. She needed to exist in the story in order to die and set off Muzaka and Rai's big fight. (The only scene I really remember with Ashleen is the one where Frankie is serving her tea.) That being said, I'm not crazy about how this chapter came together... but we have horny Rai in the next chapter, so there's that. And sorry this took so long!
