A/N: Hello again. This chapter is one of my favourites.

There is some emotional turmoil in here too but don't worry, sometimes people go through some tough times before they can move on. A couple of bad words too but nothing serious.

As you are seeing by now, the characters are getting ready not only with their personal issues but also for the clash with the Union. I want to develop their path to growth and they are so interesting.

There is a small flashback during a fight scene but I didn't didvide it with horizondal lines. I hope it's not confusing.

Thank you to everybody who read, faved, followed and commented. As usual it's a pretty big chapter and I hope you enjoy. I do not own the Nobleese.

Chapter 24: The legacy of blood and spirit

…Werewolf territory….

Sometimes he wondered how the kid was so strong. His capacity to learn quickly and to evolve was something to be astonished by. It was actually more his tenacity to never give up he reasoned some seconds later. And here he was, five weeks after he arrived. He was training with Kentas, just like he did every day after he had done his chores and his hunt.

Muzaka couldn't help but have a sense of pride as he was watching the two of them.

Kentas brought down his best punch but the other sneaked quickly behind him. "Hi" Bart said as his voice dripped with a teasing tone. You could hear the smile in his voice.

Kentas raised a foot to hit him and it did…but then Bart got hold of it.

'What?' was Kentas' only thought as he was lifted and thrown almost 20 meters away.

He landed on his feet though and raised his eyes to watch the eager opponent that was slowly coming to his place. A wide smile plastered on his face.

Weird what some time in between the werewolves would do to someone. He still remembered the doubtful Bart that was questioning his decisions.

On the other hand Bart took this opportunity to remember something that Muzaka told him some weeks ago, during a one on one training session:

'He was trying to get up for the tenth or twelfth time that day. Muzaka was ruthless. Training with him was almost as bad as training with Frankenstein. Almost being the key word.

But in a weird way Bart was grateful for it. He was worrying after their conversation on the hill that they would tone down the training by a lot. He didn't need any patronizing in his life right now.

"Get up kid. How much longer are you going to sit there?"

"Huh, I'm coming alright!" he said. He wiped his hands but he knew that the session was far from over. Right now he was controlling his emotions very well. But for how long?

"Don't think that we are finished pup! Or are you perhaps surrendering?"

"Oh please! As if I would! You have to remember Muzaka…" he then disappeared from the older werewolf's sight only to appear at his left with an energy charged claw.

That was fast thought Muzaka who barely avoided it in time. The kid was doing well.

"…I was trained by Frankenstein himself. You don't scare me" the youngling finished and Muzaka then saw it… in Bart's eyes. That playfulness. But then it was gone again.

"No wonder young one" he took a serious stance. The boy was ready to face him on another level. After meditation and training of emotions he was now ready but something was missing "You remind me of him. Way too stubborn and holding grudges strongly"

Bart did not react from the outside but Muzaka could see his words had affected the boy.

"But you see Bart…" he got his footing ready "…contrary to you, he is enjoying it when fighting"

Oh yes, he was going to enjoy it. He started running towards Kentas although he knew that his friend wouldn't stay still for long. He was right.

Kentas hit first with a mighty open palm on his chest that sent him back but not enough to knock him down. He rubbed the slightly sore spot and raised his eyes that were already looking like a hungry werewolf's. Hungry for more excitement. He couldn't contain himself anymore and turned fully in his werewolf form.

Kentas smiled and did the same. The guy was not afraid of his other self anymore. He was glad now that he knew he had more control over it.

They collided hard, without any intention to harm too much though. This was what it truly meant to be training like an actual werewolf.

"Now careful Bart. Don't enjoy it too much or you might start turning into Franknstein" said Kentas in a playful tone.

"Heh! Why are you scared perhaps?" Bart answered accordingly.

"Hardly"

They both retreated back and each took their stance. Today they had agreed no special technics. And Bart intended to make it so. The restrictions were to enhance his self-control. And he felt better honing that skill first and foremost.

"Don't worry Kentas, I hear you" he smirked "but that doesn't mean that I cannot have a little bit of fun"

It was kind of weird. He was feeling calm and sure.

Korea…Seoul…Frankenstein's house…at the same time…

Frankenstein was cursing again.

This was not a good day.

Another failed attempt to locate Stumae. Plus he was worrying that maybe he was pushing Tao and Takeo way too much lately. With one guard less, the weight of the shifts had been divided in the two of them, although he often was helping them too. Plus, they lately had accepted some more energy of his Dark Spear, something that made the said spear not very pleased to say at the least.

One good thing was that his Master was happy. He long ago decided to explore the city of Seoul and walk alongside the humans. The world of humans still fascinated him. At some point Takeo told him that the countryside was something else too and the eagerness to visit that too grew too. But sometimes Frankenstein would see that stare pass his features if only for a minute and then he would as regally as ever, hide it.

…South Korea…Seoul…Two months after Raizel's return…

"Look what I found boss. The intricate satellite web that the Union or better say Stumae is using is finally open to us"

"Tao you are a genius"

"Huh I know. Top of my class"

"Now don't brag too much kid. Can they see you?"

"No, but I can hack whenever I want and they cannot stop me"

"For now just spy on them. Any luck with the data base?"

"No. I think Sara was right. There is nothing that I can connect with that has even the slightest info about any experiments of any year. That guy is a paranoid"

They were currently in the second month since they had found Raizel and the winter was as cold as it can be. The Union was mostly keeping a distance and a very defensive stance, in an almost alarming way; like they were expecting of something to happen in order for them to move. And Frankenstein was worrying now more than ever. Especially since a couple of days ago Raizel had departed to visit the Lord of Nobles in Lucedonia. And he asked of Frankenstein to stay here to keep an eye on the family. After he heard his Master say these exact things he couldn't disobey even if he wanted to.

But to be this much away from his Master so soon after his return left a bad taste in Frankenstein's mouth. From what he understood, his Master would stay there for some time and…it was weird that he wouldn't be with him. Apparently trying to establish the balance of Lucedonia, caused by a human, was not an easy task and his Master wanted to help Raskreia as much as he could. A month. Could he stay in place for that long?

'Frankenstein, don't be afraid. As you see I will be traveling with Sir Karias. Lucedonia needs my help and as the Nobleese, I will see to it. Please take care of our family'

His face as he said those words was so full of love and trust to him that he couldn't deny his orders.

'Yes, my Master'

And then of course was the energy of the Dark Spear. Even though now Tao and Takeo were sharing a good share of it, the voices were not less annoying than before. His head sometimes was killing him.

{How dare you give this energy to the likes of them!}

{First you save her and then you give more power to those pathetic used experiments! Curse on you Frankenstein!}

{May you never find peace! Your master has left you Frankenstein~ What will happen to you without him by your side?}

{Hehehehe did he abandon you?}

Frankenstein rolled his eyes. He knew the deeper reason why the voices were so bitter. Because as their influence on him was getting thinner, albeit not much, his bond with his Master was getting stronger. And thus he knew that his Master would soon be back.

Werewolf territory…Three months after Bart's arrival…

At this time nothing was sure, because nothing was the same anymore. That was what he was feeling at least. Waking up as a failed experiment, a remnant of crazy science attempt to create the better, being a low life agent of Union, getting adopted by the Noblesse, fighting against the very people that destroyed his life, finding a family.

And now he was at the land of the werewolves for the past three months.

Winter was hard and from what Kentas told him, winters in this land were longer and colder than the rest of the world. Something to do with the location. Bart thought it typical. While Lukedonia was an island, isolated, the werewolves were located on a mountain. He had a vague idea where it was but he couldn't exactly pinpoint the location. While the rain and the temperature were not forgiving to anyone, the werewolves were usually only wearing a simple coat or simple clothes. No jackets, furry coats or isothermal clothes.

Bart had the role of the scouter today. It was a night hunt. It was usually deer or wild boars. He kneeled slightly to the ground and saw the tracks. At the same time he smelled the air and with a low growl he gave the signal. It was time to move.

They usually hunted in packs of three or four although it was not uncommon for someone to hunt alone from time to time nor was it looked down upon.

The team moved quickly and soon after the ambush, they hit their mark. Three werewolves were returning from the hunt having caught five wild boars. The hunt was successful.

As they were returning to the base, Kentas, Bart and Lunark, Bart was silently thinking what his next step would be. Up until now he had managed to perform well in the stamina, concentration, execution of special moves and cooperation with the pack and leader. Kentas was an excellent teacher and sparring partner. Muzaka and Lunark would sometimes join too. Muzaka always wiped the floor with him, but Bart didn't complain. He was always eager for their sparring sessions.

Suddenly a foot came to kick him in his face but he blocked it easily "What was that for?" asked Bart with no particular anger or surprise in his voice.

"Huh" Kentas adjusted the two boars he had over his shoulders "Wanted to see your reflexes. Also you looked way too lost in your thoughts. I thought I'd check on you."

"Huh…Is that so? I was wondering what my next step would be."

"Regarding your training? Honestly I don't know."

"How? What were your steps when you were growing up?"

"We never had a guy like you here you know. You are not young in the mind albeit young in the years…I mean werewolf years."

Bart sighed. Lunark was walking in front of them. She actually was wondering that too. That guy was way too different from anything they saw. After the initial big fight he had with Kentas, he took it upon himself to get past his limits being strict with himself and listening to every advice anyone had to offer.

He was working hard either alone or with others, trying to find the best he could do for the team; Even though sometimes he would come forth to take the reins in the heat of a hunt. All the while he would radiate a growing confidence that was maturing alongside him. Muzaka once confessed to her that while the kid reminded him of his younger self when trying to succeed, he clearly was reminding him of Frankenstein when he was trying to surpass others in a fight. But minus the psychotic behavior. The stiff pup was getting more confidence in his abilities and his control over them.

Truth be told, the difference could be seen even in the smallest thing. Back when he first came here he would have deflected Kentas' kick with much more strained aura and stance while now he was relaxed, like he knew he got this.

"Now don't fret Bart" she said "I'm sure Muzaka will be happy to indulge you in another sparring session"

"Where is Musaka by the way? I haven't seen him in three weeks" said Bart

Kentas explained that he was having his own demons to fight. Plus he was never one to sit in one place for long.

And also for the last five days there was a meeting in Lucedonia and he was asked to attend. But since Kentas had no way of knowing if Muzaka did in fact attend he choose not to mention it. The fact that there was a meeting was known to them through regular updates of the Nobles.

"You seem kind of weird lately too Bart, or is it my idea?"

"Actually I was wondering what is happening back at home. It's been so long. And I left so abruptly…"

"Hmm… Well we get regular updates from the Nobles. Several attacks of androids in various places of the earth but nothing public. They were dealt with easily, and by some of your…family too"

"I guess I'm overthinking things But still…I want to know that they are okay…"

"Do you feel ready to leave youngling?" that voice came suddenly from their left. The three stopped and turned their heads. Muzaka was leaning on a tree. The shadows of the leaves were allowing only his gaze to shine through the darkness. For a moment he looked scary; to all of them.

"I…I didn't say that" said Bart and for the first time in two months he sounded unsure.

As soon as Muzaka emerged from the shadows his smile shone under the light of the almost full moon and he took one boar from Kentas shoulders.

"Let's get back before the people start eating each other. Bart we will talk about it another time, I promise."

Frankenstein was cursing again. This was not a good day. Another failed attempt to locate Stumae. Plus he was worrying that maybe he was pushing Tao and Takeo way too much lately. With one guard less the weight of the shifts had been divided in the two of them, although he often was helping them too. Plus, they lately had accepted some more energy of his Dark Spear, something that made the said spear not very pleased to say at the least.

One good thing was that his Master was happy. He had just returned from Lukedonia but he said that what was discussed there was to be revealed in a couple of days. He had stayed for almost four weeks there. Apparently the balance of the island had to be restored and the Lord of Nobles had to be helped by him.

After they ate, a young werewolf took the first shift of the night. Muzaka went for a walk alone but soon he found Bart standing in his way. The second did not delay to reveal the reason he was there.

"You were in Lukedonia, correct?" said Bart with a sure tone that indicated that he was confident in his statement and asking was just a formality.

Muzaka seemed amused as he raised an eyebrow at him "And how would you know that?"

"You smell of Nobles. But more importantly I sensed sir Raizel's smell. I live with him you know…" everything else was implied.

"Ah. Of course" answered Muzaka with a smile and continued walking. Bart walked next to him.

"So? What happened? You met him right? Is he alright?"

"Of course he is. He is the Noblesse after all."

Bart sighed. Muzaka was playing hard to take info from. And he looked like he enjoyed it.

"Bart he actually had the same reaction with you when he saw me" he said in a happy tone.

That made Bart do a double take. Muzaka recognized how his revelation affected the other "He seems to care for you. Honestly, for a long time, he used to show that kind of affection for a small portion of people. He cares about every one, it's in his nature, but especially for this small lot of you…It seems like a family like yours were all he needed"

"Huh…I guess for all of us he was what we needed. This family was what we needed after all" Bart said with his stare in the distance looking at the leaves of trees dancing in the cold winds command. For a couple of minutes he seemed to forget that he wanted to know more about the meeting.

"Bart" Muzaka started again with a serious tone that broke Bart from the wanderings of his mind "The Union is trying to distract us to gain more time, for what? We don't know, but we suspect it has to do with the genetic material they surely have taken from Raizel, the Lord of the Nobles and me. The attacks are becoming more frequent which means they are desperate. Desperation though can lead someone to do terrible things"

Bart was listening with great concentration. It looked like Muzaka was was trying to find the right words.

"We have all seen what the Union can do if they gather enough strength in theirs hands. And this time…we wanted to be sure that we wouldn't have casualties" he said with a grave heaviness in his voice.

"Go on" said Bart who was waiting to listen to his next words. To Muzaka's ears he sounded like Frankenstein that moment.

"Right now everyone, including Raizel, were pleased to know that many werewolves are getting stronger day by day, counting you too. But our tribe has taken an immense hit. We are strong but we are few. If we are to defend against the Union, it could be risky. On the other hand the current Nobles, even though are many , they are mostly young…"

He sighed "Bart, we need to intensify your training"

Bart squirted his eyes at the troubled tone of Muzaka. How bad could it be?

"Are you trying to scare me or tell me that I am not fit for it yet?"

"Try to understand me Bart. You are not…" he sighed again and turned to the younger werewolf who seemed to be getting more anxious by the second "Listen kid, you are an exceptional case that we never dealt with before. You are young in years but not in spirit. You are strong in fighting but it can consume you. If I let you in the next and final step of a werewolf's training…I don't know what is going to happen"

Bart sighed too. It was true that a few months could not compare of a lifetime of training a werewolf could have…But, as Muzaka had said, he was an exceptional case.

"You taught me a lot in these months. All of you were more than welcome to me. I learned to work better both alone and as part of a team. I am less anxious about so many things. But I know that there is still something missing."

They were now approaching the hollowed hills that made the werewolves' homes. Even though they didn't look it from the outside, they were quite cozy. Except the beds.

Bart knew that Muzaka had probably talked about his with Raizel.

"Muzaka. You have seen me in my best and in my worst. You have seen me grow. Based on your long experience, what do you believe?"

Muzaka came into a halt. The winter's cold air was embracing them both but they didn't mind. The older took a look of the younger "I believe that you are indeed ready. And that's what scares me the most."

Frankenstein was starting to see the different readings on the monitors these past few days. Could it be that she finally would wake up? He had some talking to do with her. Perhaps…hurt…

"Frankenstein" Raizel was next to him looking at the tank.

"Yes my Master?" he asked as he turned and bowed slightly.

"She is trying to connect"

Frankenstein was unprepared for that "Master?"

"She is of the Agvain clan after all. She is trying to sense aura by sending small signs of her"

"Huh…like a morse code" said Frankenstein in dismay.

A few moments passed with nothing else happening but Raizel staring at the limp form in the big tank. Eventually he spoke "She goes by instinct. But she is neither strong nor experienced enough"

He left looking skeptical "Frankenstein, when she wakes up send her to me"

Even though the order was absolute, and would be obeyed, the human couldn't beat the weird sense that got him and the urge to ask "Why?"

"Because she will want to do so."

Two days after their talk, Muzaka and Bart took the small passage to the upper regions of the tallest mountain in the place. It was the end of February, and the cold had conquered everything. Everything was snowed and the snow was falling in thin flakes that afternoon. It was to be full moon that night.

Muzaka had informed Bart of the upcoming journey. He advised him to wear the warmer clothes he had, because even the strongest werewolf could not take the mountain's fury lightly.

They were approaching steadily as Muzaka started talking"Our species originally had five different tribes. All living in different places of the earth. But at some point, in the years of my grandfather, in order for the war between us to stop, they decided to unite all in the place where the oldest of the tribes resided; here. Here is the place where the first tribe resided"

Bart was listening without commenting. A weird place for history lessons but he listened anyway. He was partly curious.

"In fact, I too am of that tribe" he said with a small smile "You can mostly tell by my appearance"

The soil was starting to become rockier but their pace was steady.

"Even though that tribe used to be of the wiser side hahaha"

"Used to?"

"After so many years…well you know. Not many of us were left. Other tribes had different characteristics…We were getting fewer…the last ones…were two…The other tribes are equally strong and fast, all capable of giving exceptional leaders. But we were born here. This place….is a very special and sacred place for all the clans; for all the werewolves"

"Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?" asked Bart in a genuine curiosity. Muzaka's speech was all over the place.

"I am telling you all this because you need to know" he said as he stopped and looked at Bart while the maniacal winds were blowing on their faces and hair.

"The history of the werewolves?" asked Bart

"The history of your family"

"What?" said Bart in doubt. He wanted to ask more but Muzaka turned his back and continued hiking.

"Come, the snow is falling thicker now"

In the past, Bart would have demanded explanations right then and there, but he continued patiently and silently. The time to have answers would come soon. Muzaka might try to play mysterious but the youngling had learned that the guy could keep himself from talking only for that long.

The dark was as thick as the snow but their vision was excellent. Soon the moon came out. The wind had chased the clouds away. The snow was again falling thin, dancing to the movements of the wind, coming from the west.

Half an hour later they were close. Bart would stare at the top. The moon made everything brighter in the dark but it had yet to light the top of the mountain.

Muzaka stopped and stared at the hill too and then at the moon. The silver light of the moon made him look younger and calmer than Bart had ever seen him before.

"You have seen it by now. You can feel it right? The power of the moon. It eases us from our tortures and lightens our hearts"

Bart turned to the moon. True, it was like that. But how hadn't he noticed before? He had seen many full moons before. Why now?

"You boy, are from the same tribe as I" said Muzaka suddenly but he didn't stop at that "You can receive deeper connection to the moon and to our roots better than the others and much faster. This mountain is the first place where the werewolves were born before they spread around the world. This is where your ancestors came from"

Bart could only hear. Everything he listened to…felt right. He had seen the similarities of his and Muzaka's . The ferocity, the similar color of hair…

"Is that what you meant before?"

Muzaka turned to the top again. The moonlight would light that area soon.

"This is the place where we can truly connect with the spirit of Fenrir. Not many can do it outside of battle. I believe that you are truly my kin. Go there. And see that you conquer the final step of your path to become enarmoned with yourself"

The top was now bathed in light. And Bart felt that it was radiating something to him; something familiar and yet unknown.

"Go Bartholomew. I will await for you here"

"You…" Bart wanted to say something but stopped himself. He understood.

He climbed up and the steeper the ground was becoming the more he was using his hands. Slowly, without fast jumps or power boost, he climbed like a human…to find himself through his other ancestry.

He reached it. He touched the light and then he saw the different colors, the spirits; it was like he was watching a scene unravel in front of him.

He could see with different eyes. He received the air differently, he felt the other presences around him and over in the caves differently too. It was not just a connection with his ancestors; it was a connection to everything that made the world of the werewolves.

Suddenly he felt older, heavier with feeling and power. He could hear the whisper of the wind welcoming him and the mountain roaring with joy.

It was beautiful.

He felt too overwhelmed. Suddenly he couldn't breathe that well. His lungs were starting to struggle. He didn't know what was happening. Was it all too much?

It was like everything was happening at once and he could not bring it in order.

Several meters lower, Muzaka was feeling the distress coming from the peak. It was the heavy legacy of their blood. The oldest tribe of the werewolves was not dead yet. The wisdom could still exist.

At the same time Bart felt everything that had happened the last few months and years. Everything that were bothering him came to mind all at once.

"Experiment"

"Your name

Family

Savior

Who are you?

Am I alone?

Death

Death

Hurt

Frankestein

Raizel

M-24

Anthony

Half-breed

M-21

We need to leave

Tao…Takeo…brothers

She…truth

Feel

Lie

Help

You are a half breed

Forget them

I

Know

You

The history of your family

Muzaka

Experiments

Bartholomew

Youngling

A bloody scream was heard. It was his. Roaring to the night he felt at that moment his determination shatter the clasps of his doubt.

"No more!" he shouted to the winds.

The dancing of the thoughts in his mind had stopped and so did the distant figures.

Everything was blurry but he felt weirdly clear headed. He wanted to shout everything to the winds.

"I am Bartholomew of the Southern Tribe of humans! Part Human, part werewolf. I belong to the Noblesse's family and I serve him first and foremost out of my own free will! I will honor both sides of my blood but…I will follow my own path in this life by trying to do the best for everyone. I am Bartholomew! Hear me! No matter the past…I don't care about it anymore. I am sure of myself, I have accepted my human nature and I ask your acceptance of me as I now have accepted that I am part werewolf…part…of you."

He shed a tear and smiled. He was finally starting to accept himself and love both of his natures. Because afterall he was just him. Bartholomew, part of the Nobleese's family.

Then out of the wind, a figure seemed to have manifested. A wolf, big, and strong was approaching him. His eyes were light yellow and his fur dark, looking like black midnight sky in the shine of moonlight, was dancing constantly like it was flaming. Bart was calm and brought forth his arm to caress its head. But the beast opened its mouth ready to bite the hand. Bart was looking at it with serenity and as it closed its mouth aroundhis hand, biting it, the spirit looked at him.

Bart was smiling still at it.

If Muzaka could see him right then he would be reminded of Raizel's small loving smiles that he rarely gave when he was content.

The wolf let the hand go and Bart approached it, got down to one knee and hugged it.

"Fenrir" he said. He knew somehow.

He was alright.

When he opened his eyes again he was greeted by Muzaka. He was lying down the snow, on the place where he had left Muzaka.

"Muzaka…I am…"

"You are lower with me. You came down in a haze and passed right in front of me" he said with a smile.

Bart would ask why he looked so proud and happy but he felt like he had lost all of his energy. Talking more than necessary seemed too much for him now. Strangely enough his hand did noy hurt.

Muzaka took something out of his pocket. Dried meat.

Bart accepted happily. He looked at his hand as he did so. Not even a scratch, just a light warmness. Thankfully he had energy to chew the meat.

"How do you feel?"

"Lighter"

"Huh?"

"On the inside"

At that Muzaka smiled "As soon as you are ready to go, tell me"

He advised him not to worry as the winds had calmed down now, the snow had stopped.

Muzaka sat next to the lying down Bart.

"This is the best place one can be while watching the moon" he said.

Whether he was referring to that specific area or their current location, Bart didn't know.

Tao was on his computer. Something felt off. The last couple of months have been awkward. His and Takeo's newfound abilities through the gaining of more energy from the Dark Spear were put to the test almost immediately.

In the outskirts of South Korea hybrids of metal and flesh were making an appearance. They fought them and destroyed them. But the last two weeks those things were starting to become smarter and stronger…Tao was wondering if the Union having sir Raizel's blood played any role but he never voiced his thoughts on the matter.

But other than some hits here and there, the Union was mostly dormant. Of course Tao knew now when they were going to attack or make a move since he had found a way to infiltrate into their system some time ago.

Actually, lately what really concerned Tao was his brother Takeo. The guy became very quiet lately. At first Tao thought it might be because of Dark Spear's bigger presence inside him but now…he was thinking that maybe it was something else. Takeo was always the more serious of the bunch but not that quiet.

So as soon as Takeo came to report his afternoon shift he asked him "So, anything bothering your mind lately?"

"Not really" said Takeo as he started storing his pistols away.

"What is it?" asked Tao acting as if he didn't hear the answer.

"I told you, nothing"

"Oh, come on…You really are not fooli-…"

"OH SHUT THE FUCK UP TAO! WHAT DO YOU CARE?!" Takeo had risen off of bed and was facing Tao looking like a maniac. His hair was not in the usual pristine condition and locks of hair were all over the place. His face looked angry as his voice sounded.

"What do I care?! Are you kidding me? Takeo, what is it? What happened?" Tao had already closed his laptop. This was serious. Takeo rarely lost his cool like that. And it was always for a very serious reason.

"I can't take it anymore!" he said angrily. His hands were going inside his hair looking as if he was trying to rip it apart. He turned away from Tao.

"Is it the Spear?" asked Tao in all seriousness "Maybe we should tell Frankenstein"

"No!" he faced Tao again "Fuck that! I am through with fucking scientists! I don't want anything anymore!" he sat on the edge of the bed, looking down.

Tao knew Takeo's nerves had broken. It was obvious by now. He was saying things in a way that conveyed the need to burst out everything that was eating him from the inside. So he just went a little closer and sat next to him, listening intently.

Takeo was breathing deeply trying to calm himself down, facing the wall "I can't feel…" he said after a while "Our house is so damn depressing now that the kids are not here, and Bart is not here and we don't even know if he is well or not and Frankenstein is locked up in his office most of the time and Sara is probably never going to wake up and…and..I think there is something wrong with me…I think I am broken…Tao"

At his name Tao put a hand on his shoulder "I'm here buddy"

"I fail to connect with others. I tried but…I couldn't feel anything. Like I am not human anymore"

"You think that, it's because of the Spear?"

"No, I had this feeling before that. I want to have…someone… you know…But my fears are confirmed as each day passes…They messed us up Tao…" he said while he started silently crying.

"You were always a good soul deep down. I don't see why you think you are broken…True there aren't many people that you would have a lot in common with us but that doesn't mean that you cannot feel"

Tao also knew about Takeo trying to find someone in a dating app. "Did the thing in the app not help?"

"Nah…I tried talking to so many different people; nothing"

"Is it in our blood? Are we cursed?" Takeo was wondering out loud.

"Now you are just sounding like Bart. They changed our bodies silly; not our souls" Tao tried to lighten the mood but he knew that he was failing.

"They had psychological drugs. You remember that, right?"

"Pff! I'd rather not. But those affected you for as long as they could keep them in you system"

"I have this need to do so many more than fight, but I just can't…I really miss the days when we could all just be us; a family. You know the kids palying games, me and Bart doing the dishes, you spending way too much of Frankenstein'w money on electronics…"

"Yeah…thankfully sir Raizel came back from Lucedonia. At least Frankenstein is less cranky"

Takeo laughed a little. Thank God they had sir Raizel.

"I think I am just at my wits' end" admitted Takeo after 5 minutes of complete silence between the two.

"I know buddy…I know. I am sorry I don't talk to you that much lately…I keep forgetting to live in the world outside of computers sometimes"

Takeo sighed "I am good. I understand" he rose from his seat and turned to Tao "Thank you brother" he said with a faint, tired smile. He was exhausted.

"I got you Takeo. Don't worry"

"I will go down to the lab to see if Frankenstein needs any help. To take my mind off a little bit."

"Sounds good".

Frankenstein was in the big computer room trying to snoop around the Union. Still what he was looking for was not there. Conrad did not have anything, regarding the experiments he did, on a computer. Some old files they have found were useless. There some pretty interesting things regarding human, Noble and werewolf anatomy but nothing that he himself didn't already know.

He signed and took his eyes away from the screen for a while. Taking his glasses off, he rubbed his eyes with his left hand. Damn Stumae's paranoia. How he would have loved to know where he was hiding. By now he understood why Sara's existence was not documented anywhere or why she was kept in a simple storage without any electric kind of lock. The man didn't trust anything that could go wrong. How ironic for a man that had intertwined flesh and machine together. Now that can go wrong in so many ways.

But Frankenstein guessed that life was full of ironies. Like him for example; disliking a person but treating her back to health; if she ever came back to health.

Footsteps where echoing. Someone was walking down the stairs.

"Hello Frankenstein" said Takeo with a small smile.

"Takeo. What brings you here?" he noticed that his face looked kind of disturbed "Any troubling side effects from the Dark Spear?'

"No, not really, but maybe could run some test…again?"

Again. Takeo had lately come down the lab a couple of times and asked Frankenstein to conduct many tests about his physiology. But Frankenstein knew, even though he waited from Takeo to admit it out loud. He had trouble connecting emotionally to others. He felt like there was something wrong with him. Frankenstein was sad that he didn't have the answers himself.

"Takeo, I am not going to waste your time. There is nothing wrong with you. Physically you are in tip top condition. All of your systems run perfectly well"

"I…see"

"And regarding phycology…You have experienced firsthand the depths of my…psyche. I don't believe I am the best person for you to take advice from. Hmm…talk to my Master Takeo. He is, in my opinion, the best person for you to talk to"

Raizel felt the presence before he heard it. Takeo was always light on foot. The knock was expected. As soon as Raizel accepted Takeo in his quarters, the young human looked at him directly in the eyes, his stare indicating his calling of help.

"Before anything else, allow me to say this Takeo. I assure you; neither you nor your blood is by any means cursed" Raizel said with the kindest tone and warmenst expression he could have shown. He had known for some time heaviness that Takeo was caring and the desperation when he was looking at other people.

A tear slipped and the shadow of a smile appeared as the initial burden was lifted up.

Tiring as it was his duty of checking up on her, it was to be done. A small rise in the tank's temperature was usual. It was happening at least twice a week. It was a sign that she was trying to wake up. Frankenstein was not sure if he was happy with that.

'Oh well, who am I to defy my Master's wishes? After all, I've been wrong before' he absently thought and decided to close the issue once and for all.

The settings on the panel were adjusted but the temperature was rising. Slowly mind you but it was something that was not an issue before. His Master's words that he said earlier this day, came to his mind. Could it be? He had to act fast.

He started draining the tank and arranging it to open. This was going to be an interesting night.

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To be continued...

a/n: The time has passed and our characters are getting through with a lot. It's good to talk to someone that cares when things are getting too much. Takeo had to.

The next chapter is currently worked on and will have some revelations.

Thank you all again for being here. If you want to give some feedback please comment.

As always updates are not on anyparticular schedule so follow the story in order not to miss any!

At some point I will revisit some previous chapters for some editing.

AND...

have a nice day~