chapter 5:
The wolves finale got a hold of Frankenstein.
"Hey what's going on?" Kentas asked.
"M-21 has been missing for a week. We hacked into the union and they don't have him. We checked everywhere and there's no sign of him. Takeo said he would meet with you and eat cheeseburgers and train. I thought you might know places to check we don't ."
"Yea I think I do, I'll head there now." Kentas said. Remembering a place M-21 said He go when he wanted peace and quiet.
"I'm going with you." Muzaka said.
"Muzaka…" Frankenstein said with a pause. He wanted to tell Muzaka this was all his fault. Scream at him to blame him for the pain in his adoptive sons life. Frankenstein knew that it was wrong. He's not to blame anymore then M-21. It was Crombel and Frankenstein would make sure he paid. With that thought the only thing he could say to Muzaka was, "Thank you."
"Well contact you when we find out something." Muzaka said.
When they hung up Kentas and Muzaka got ready to leave.
Garda said, " I'm going with you."
"You don't have too, Garda aren't you sick of following this old fool around" Muzaka said with a smirk.
"You may be old, and a bit of a fool. I guess So am I cause I'm not sick of you yet. Let's go!" she said walking by him.
Muzaka and Kentas looked at each other, Kentas shook his head. Then the three of them left leaving Lunark in charge.
Frankenstein slammed down the receiver. Tao jumped and looked at Frankenstein.
Frankenstein squeezed Tao shoulder gave him a sad smile and left. Tao was at a lost. Every one was so stressed. M-21 wouldn't leave us, would he? Tao thought. Him and Takeo haven't slept or ate. Regis has been moping around hanging out in front of M-21 bed room door. Karias been blaming himself for not bring him home after his fight with Rael. Tao pleaded to himself, " come home soon M-21 we need you."
Frankenstein went to check on his master. When he got there he was a little taken back. His master and Seira we're staring out the window. They both have been doing this since M-21 hade left. It was heart warming to see his master trying to comfort Seira. It was also sad at the same time to know just how worried they are that they would keep watch for the wayward werewolf to return home.
Frankenstein ask if they needed anything. When they said no he headed towards his lab. When he seen the examination table. Thoughts flooded he's mind all the times M-21 had put him self in harm's way to protect others. The two D-5 members volunteering for experiments so M-21 wouldn't be alone. The 4 Rk members plotting to get him when they trained. He chuckled at the thought of M-21 wanting to punch him Just once and Takeo wanted to do the same but only with his guns. The look when he asked them what they said was priceless, like two children caught by their parent being mischievous. He missed his first son the house was not the same without him.
Raizel was watching Seira. She looked at him and said, "if M-21 would just come back I would make him all the cheeses burgers he would ever want." Tears ran down her face as she gave a sad little giggle.
Raizel patted her on the shoulder. "He would like that." Raizel answered. It's been to quite with M-21 gone. He got use to feeling his aura. Takeo aura was like a cool breeze, Tao's aura was like a ball of energy, but M-21 aura was like a storm. A tornado of emotions and thoughts. Emotions of hate, anger, sadness and love. Constantly changing, always present. Even when he slept his aura hummed in the back ground. He tried a few times to send out his aura to seek M-21 but he had no luck. Without M-21 the house was just to quite.
Raizel left to go see Frankenstein. Seira watch him leave. She could feel his pain. Seira turned back to the window. Her thoughts once again turned to M-21. She remember how he fought to protect Regis. Even though Regis was a jerk to him. She could see his smirk, his beautiful silver eyes. Seira was not sure when she stopped seeing him as a child and started seeing him as a man. When he came home she going to tell him exactly how she feels. How much he means to her. No matter what happens she will be there waiting. After all nobles and werewolves live a long time.
Raizel walked into the lab and seen Frankenstein with his head on the table.
"Frankenstein," Raizel said in a soft voice.
Frankenstein head came off the table like some one shot him. "Master is every thing ok?"
Raizel stared at the ground. Confused look on his face. It was the look of some one who wanted to say something but didn't know how. Frankenstein got up and went to his master. As soon as he was close enough Raizel though his arms around Frankenstein neck and hugged him. Frankenstein was a little surprised but he wrapped his arms around him and tightly squeezed. "Master, what's wrong?" he asked.
Frankenstein could feel Raizel tremble so he led him to a chair in the lab. As he sat Raizel said, "I..I don't know. I can't protect anyone. I know that I'm not as strong as I was. I feel…"
Frankenstein kneeling in front of him said, "Helpless," Frankenstein realized this was a new emotion for his master. After all a being as powerful as him probably never even had an idea of what helpless was. So he continued, " that's how the boys feel. Why they want to be stronger. That's why Tao and Takeo risked their lives on a pack with my crazy lover. That's why M-21 trains till he can't move. They want to protect you. They feel their not strong enough. You are not alone any more master. You are the Noblesse but where does it say you need to do your job alone. They just want to help you if you let them. They don't want to loses you. You are one of the first, first to accept them, the first to make them feel wanted. If it weren't for you, I would have left M-21 at that union base we went to trying to get Crombel. I thought that boy would be nothing but trouble. I was right of course. M-21 Should be named trouble for as many times as he caused us to worry, but I wouldn't want it any other way. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Raizel nods, chuckling Frankenstein added, " I also wanted to thank you. You gave me a chance to know how it would be to be a father. I'll go make you some tea." Raizel nodded again blushing. All Frankenstein could do was smile.
The three werewolves were in a clearing. Kentas was checking the places closer to furthest away from the direction they were heading. Finale they got to the last spot. He thought for Sure he'd be there it was the place he said he go to be alone. Kentas let out a growl. It was Garda who spoke next, "You once said that M-21 would do things instinctually."
"That's correct." Kentas said remembering when the boy told him he used to transform and lose himself.
"Then why don't you call for him my Lord? By age he's still a pup he should involuntarily answer you." Garda put a hand on Muzaka arm.
"Its worth a shot my Lord." Kentas added.
With a nod Muzaka put his hands around his mouth and called. It was the sound a parent would uses to call a pup. It was a howl with a wavy tone. They waited only a minute when they heard a high-pitched whining sound. Followed by a whimper. They took off in that direction. The repeated the action several times until the came to the out crop of rocks. There huddled in a ball was M-21.
Muzaka rushed over to find blood seeping from the make shift bandage on M-21 side. Muzaka dropped to his knees. He picked up the boy. M-21 was extremely pale and when he brushed the hair from his eyes He could feel the heat coming off his skin. Werewolves are natural warmer but this was to hot even for a werewolf.
"Hey, M-21 can you here me?" Muzaka said.
M-21 open his eyes slowly. His silver eyes glowed. There was a slight rumble of a growl then he shut his eyes.
Garda gave her cloke to Muzaka. He proceeded to wrap M-21 as he lifted him into his arms he couldn't believe how light he was.
"Lets hurry." Garda said.
The they moved as fast as they could hoping that everything is going to be ok.
They where half way to Frankenstein house. Muzaka had to stop. M-21 was shaking in in arms. Kneeling he holds M-21 tight as the boy violently shook.
Muzaka brain raced. He didn't know what to do. He never before scene this, Ashleen in all the time they spent together she never even got a cold. The wound on the boys side was nothing it should have healed. Did he have some type of silver in it. Muzaka remembered the silver weapons human use to fight his people. That's the only time he seen a wound not heal.
When M-21 stopped Shaking. He opened his eyes and looked at Muzaka. M-21 whispered "I…I remember."
Confusion laced Muzaka voice, "what do you remember?"
A tear ran down the boys check as he whispered, "everything."
Then M-21 closed his eyes.
Muzaka scooped him up. And hurried on their way.
Raizel was at the window. When all of a sudden he opened it and grabbed Seira and told her, "watch out." Moving her against the wall. He sent a call out to Frankenstein threw their bond.
Frankenstein was almost there when he heard, "Thump…thump…thump."
Frankenstein ran the rest of the way to the room. When he got there three werewolves were standing. He could see the look of fear on Muzaka face as he clutched on to M-21.
Frankenstein took a step forward and Muzaka took a step back.
"Muzaka, let Frankenstein help him." Raizel said.
Muzaka nodded. Instead of taken the boy.( which Is what Frankenstein wanted to do.) Frankenstein let Muzaka hold him as he inspected the situation.
"M-21 can you hear me." Frankenstein said as he looked at the wound on his side.
"B…Boss, I'm sorry." M-21 said.
"You have nothing to be sorry for."
M-21 went to speak but was stopped when Frankenstein said, " you are here now that's all that matters."
"Muzaka can you take him to the lab?" Frankenstein asked.
Muzaka nodded. As they were heading to the lab. They ran into they others. Tao ran up to them, "M-21!."
Before he could say anything else Frankenstein said, " Tao go to the lab to help me take care of M-21. Takeo, Karias and Regis we have guest their with master can you three stay with them for me."
The boys all ran off.
When they got to the lab Tao had already gotten the it ready.
Frankenstein asked Muzaka to put M-21 on the table. He reluctantly did. Frankenstein explained everything. He was doing. Frankenstein cleaned the wound. It wasn't bad at all the fact it wasn't healed up was worrisome. He hooked him up to an Iv to give fluids. Then told Tao to start a complete scan.
"The scan will take about an hour. So why don't you tell me what happened?" Frankenstein said as he stared at M-21.
Muzaka started from having to call him, Finding him semi conscience and the violent shaking him saying that he remembered everything. Then ending up there.
Frankenstein sat quietly in thought. Now he knows why Muzaka is being so protective of M-21. When he called him as a father would his pup and M-21 answered any doubt Muzaka had about M-21 was gone. That was his kid now and he will protect him with his life.
"You should get some rest. I'll let you know when the scans complete." Frankenstein said not taken his eyes off M-21.
"I um…if you don't mind could I stay just a little longer." Muzaka asked.
Frankenstein sighed and dragged a chair beside the table for Muzaka. "I'll be in the next room. If anything happens just call." Frankenstein said as he turn to leave. Muzaka just nodded.
Tao was leaving too. When he heard Muzaka ask to stay. Tao glared at Muzaka. Eyes narrowed. Suspicion written all over his face.
Frankenstein sighed again, "Tao go pull all the last scans we did on M-21. Send them to my tablet."
"But Boss…"
"Go Tao now…pleases." Frankenstein said. Stopping the argument before it started.
"Yes Boss." Tao said as he left the room glaring at Muzaka on the way out. Tao didn't want to leave that sneaky old wolf alone with M-21. He didn't care if that was M's father. He couldn't understand why Boss would allow it. Tao growled and went to do what he was told.
"Don't touch him it will interfere with the scan." Frankenstein said as he left the room.
Takeo was going to sneak a peek at M-21. He was so mad at that stupid fool. Takeo would tell M his problems and he would listen. Then he help him figure it out. There wasn't much M didn't know about Takeo, but when M-21 gets a problem he runs. Does he not trust him. Why won't he share his pain with them. Takeo knows M-21 has had it worst than any of them. But he never imagined all this. That M actually was half werewolf, or he had a father. He knows that M is blaming himself. That's just the type of guy he is. How can he make him understand that to him He was his brother. Takeo would take all of M pain if he could. He remembered when he found out his sister was fake. The pain was unbearable. M was the one who pushed him forward, he was the one who kept him from going off the deep end. With time the pain slowly eased up. That was when Takeo realized that the sister he lost was replaced by two brothers. He'll make that dumbass realize that he can count on him to support and help him Just like he has done for him. When Takeo got off the elevator. He seen Tao pacing in the hall mumbling to himself. Takeo ran over to him.
"What's wrong is M-21 ok?"
"Boss said he should be fine now." Takeo huffed.
Takeo let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
"Then why are You trying to ware a hole in the floor?" Takeo grabbed Tao by the shoulder to stop him.
"Boss let that ass Muzaka alone with M. I don't know why he would do that. I don't trust him." Tao said.
Takeo sighed, " of course boss would leave him with M he is his Father."
"I don't care who the hell he is." Tao said pouting.
"Why are you getting so upset? He not going to do anything. He be stupid to do something with Boss and sir Raizel here."
"But…what if he tries to take M away from us. What if he wants him to go back to the werewolf territory." Tao said in a panicked voice.
"Calm down. M-21 will only do what he wants to. If he leaves it will be his choice. As his friend you should be there for him no matter what. I doubt Muzaka would make him leave. He knows how much Sir Raizel and Frankenstein care about M-21." Takeo hugged Tao.
Tao was sobbing, " when…he was...gone I got so scared. I don't want any….of us to leave we're family."
Takeo smiled and lead Tao back upstairs.
Muzaka stared at the boy on the tables. He could hear M-21 grumbling in his sleep. Every time the boy would twitch or he could hear growl it was like someone stabbing him in the heart. He wanted to reach out and stroke the boys head but he remembered what Frankenstein said and stopped. Muzaka let out a small growl. M-21 responded with a whining sound. He was impressed that the boy instinctually knew what to do. How to respond to the sounds that wolf use to communicate. M-21 breathing even out and he seemed to settle down some. He wondered what the poor boy was thinking about to cause such pain. Guilt flooded Muzaka again. The fact this child suffered so much cause of him. He didn't know how long he sat there staring at M-21. The silver hair so like his own and the silver eyes so like his too. He also seen differences in the boys face. Muzaka wondered if that was the traits of the boys mother.
"The scans done. I want to check these findings. If you would mind why don't you go talk to Master for a bit. I'll come up when I'm done." Frankenstein said startling Muzaka.
Muzaka wanted to argue. He wanted to tell him no and stay with the boy, but he knew he was pushing things with the crazy human. Frankenstein was at the verge flipping out. He never thought he would see the day were Frankenstein would care about any one but Raizel. Muzaka nodded and got up to leave he looked back at Frankenstein who was running he fingers threw the boys hair. Muzaka sadly smirked. A slight feeling of jealousy crept into his heart as he left.
Frankenstein was looking at the scans. He was relieved that M-21 healing ability was going back up. The fact that M-21 memoirs came back all at once must have been a shock to his system. How many years of memories did they erase fifteen or sixteen years. He seems to be physically fine now, but he wondered how he was mentally.
"Boss where am I?" M-21 whispered.
"You're home. It's ok now." Frankenstein said rubbing the boys head. "Do you want to tell me what you were thinking? Running off like that making everyone worry. And even fighting with Rael."
M-21 looked away. "I don't know. I just couldn't take Rael attitude any more he's such a prick. I wasn't planning on being gone so long. I don't know what happed."
"Do you remember telling Muzaka you got your memory back?"
M-21 nodded. Still looking away. A shamed by the memories.
"M-21 you did nothing wrong. You were a child. It might be to soon but if you ever need to talk I'll listen. How's your resent memories? Do you remember what you were told before you left?"
M-21 nodded, how can he forget the pain off it all. " I remember, But some of my memories are a little fuzzy."
Frankenstein smiled at him. "you'll be fine As long as you don't have big gaps in your memories." Frankenstein said as he helped M-21 sit up. He adjusted the bed then leaned him back. He was reading the scans when he heard a soft voice.
"I tried really I did." Tear ran down M-21 face. Frankenstein sat on the bed. He didn't know how to eases his pain. He'll do what he can to help. He was a little shocked that the boy was opening himself up so soon.
"I would bite and kick the scientist, so they always want to use me for the experiments. But it didn't help. They always moved to the next while I healed. I knew I healed faster so I got used more then the others. I still had to watch as one by one each of the other children died. They were werewolves like me. Why did I survive and they die?" M-21 said staring at his hands.
"Because you are strong of heart. You don't know how to give up. It was also because your father is the strongest werewolf. He is a Legend among his people."
"The only thing that me and that man have in common is we both betrayed are friends." M-21 snickered.
"Stop! You betrayed no one. You did the best you could. You always do. Muzaka...well, really I can't be to mad at him I think I know now how he felt. Oh I'm still pissed at him about master. Not the action it's self. I would have lost my mind too. If anything happed to you when you were taken by the werewolves I would have wanted to kill them all. Then master would have had to stop me, but don't tell they I said that."
M-21 eyes widen in shock. Frankenstein smiled then added, "the lost of a child is the worst pain in the world for a parent. I didn't realize it till I meet you boys. I Know that feeling that's between a parent and a child now, so I think I understand"
"There's something else I remember. Crombel he…he. Oh never mind. I was drugged up a lot when he came so it could be nothing."
Frankenstein frowned. "You know you can tell me anything. I won't judge. Maybe together we can figure out what the memories mean."
M-21 nodded he took a breath and started telling his next set of unsettling memories. " when I was young Crombel would pull me aside. He would take me to his office sit me on his lap and talk to me. Tell me I was one of his greatest creations. Then when I was older strapped to the tables and all drugged up he do things like stroke my head or kiss my forehead. Like he was some kind of sadistic doting father." The thought made M-21 want to get sick. The thought of the murdering scientist touching him gave him gooses bumps.
Frankenstein thought he couldn't have wanted to kill Crombel more. How dare that sick bastard touch his son. He'll kill him with his own bare hands. Frankenstein sighed, "May be in his sick way he was trying to make you think of him as your father."
"Well it didn't work. It made me just hate him more."
Frankenstein put his hand on M-21 head. He never seen him look this young before. M-21 with his tuff and hard as nail shield to keep people out. Now looked dejected and vulnerable.
"So are you going to make me leave?"
Frankenstein was shocked. " What!...why would I make you leave?"
"Well, since I'm not a modified human. And I guess I have a father. I thought you might make me go with him. Me and the guys thought when all this stuff with the unions was done, you would makes us leave."
"You mean to tell me You, Takeo and Tao thought I would get rid of you. Well you are wrong this is your home. We are family and I would never make you go with that wolf."
M-21 smiled "Do you know why we call you boss?"
"Cause I am." Frankenstein chuckled.
"No, cause we thought we were to old to call you Dad." M-21 smiled.
Frankenstein grabbed at his chest. A warm feeling was there and a tear ran down his check. "The others have been worried. I'm going to tell them your awake. So get ready for some visitors."
Frankenstein was leaving the room and looked back at M-21. He had to remind himself the boy was home and safe. He didn't realize how fragile his family was until one was missing. It was like a house of cards remove even one and the rest tumbles down.
Frankenstein enters the living room and seen Raizel and his family there but no wolves.
"Where are the wolves?" Frankenstein asked .
"Kentas went back to the territory to help Lunark and I had Garda take Muzaka out for a walk. He was fidgeting." Raizel chuckled.
"Boss can we go see M?" Tao said with a pleading look in his eyes.
Frankenstein face turned a little red when he remembered what M-21 told him about the word Boss.
"Yes, But not to many of you at a time. M-21 resent memories are a little fuzzy so if he acts like he don't understand or can't remember don't push him, ok."
They ran from the room. Takeo stopped in the doorway turned to Frankenstein and said, "thanks Boss, thanks for always taking care of us." He bowed and followed after the others.
Raizel was still sitting there. He had a smile on his face. Raizel thought the blush on Frankenstein face was priceless.
"You figured out what Boss meant to the boys or did M-21 tell you." Raizel went back to sipping his tea.
"Master, you knew?"
"There is not much that goes on around here I don't know." Raizel chuckled.
Frankenstein blushed. Then the corners of his mouth turned up in to a smile. "You could have told me I told you about the Raizel knights." Frankenstein now chuckled at the blush on his master's face.
"M-21 really ok." Raizel said.
"Physically yes, it was a shock to his system. An overload you could say, all those memories all at once."
Raizel nodded.
"So Muzaka was worried?" Frankenstein asked.
"Yes, he was very worried. I thought some air would do him good."
Frankenstein got quite and started to rub his forehead.
"Frankenstein are you ok?"
"Yes, I'll be ok." Frankenstein didn't know if that was true. He didn't want to worry his Master.
"I could sense that the Muzaka and M-21 have bonded."
"Yes master, but I think the wolves call it imprinting."
"Is that why your so worried?"
Raizel had the look of con fern on his face.
"Master…I'm just a little concerned for M-21 well being."
"You Are such a bad liar Frankenstein. I don't understand why everyone is so upset over this. Tao was crying to Takeo thinking Muzaka will force M-21 to leave. Regis and Karius are just glad he's back but their scared what's going to happen next. Muzaka is scared that the boy will want nothing to do with him. Or his enemies will go after him like Ashleen. You are scarred that he won't need you any more. The only ones that are not stressing about this is Seira, She just wants to be with M-21. And Takeo who is just mad that he ran instead of coming to him for support like he did when he was upset about his sister."
Frankenstein eyes went wide. Is this how it is for his master. Picking up on everyone's pains and fears. Maybe that was another reason master locked himself away.
Reading the scientist mind Raizel added, "Frankenstein it's not that bad I might pick up on people's pain and fear, but I can feel all the happiness and love in this house too. It makes me happy. Thank you Frankenstein for this wonderful family you have made for me."
Raizel pulled Frankenstein into a hug. Frankenstein let the warmth of is master relax him. He could feel his master's love for him and everyone in his family through the bond they shared.
The group of worried people went into the lab. Tao seen M-21 sitting up staring at his hands.
"M!" yelled Tao as he through his arm around M-21 neck.
"Ouch! Easy weirdo get off me."
"Oh sorry M." Tao said kissing him on his cheek.
M-21 growled and Tao backed off.
"Tao back off Boss said he needs to take it easy. So how you feeling?" Takeo asked.
"Ok I guess. Still trying to sort out all the new information in my head."
"I should have brought you back to the house. I'm so sorry." Karias said.
"I wouldn't have gone with you so don't worry about it."
Karias chuckled, "You sure did kick Rael ass. You should have seen his face when I got on to him for fighting the werewolf lords son."
M-21 smirked.
Regis said, "I wish I could have seen that. Did you tell the lord?"
"Yep and she was mad." Kairais said.
They all talked for a bite and Karius and Regis left. Shortly after Tao left.
Takeo looked at M-21. He seen that M was deep in thought and said, " You need to stop blaming yourself for all the problems in this world."
M-21 looked at him. He was going to open his mouth, but Takeo cut him off.
"I thought you knew, but I guess I need to just come out and tell you. M I can't take your pain, but I can help you bare it. You are my brother no matter what. You were there for me when I needed support and I will always be there for you. I would like you to tell me your memories so I can help you carry the burden."
"Takeo, thank you" M-21 whispered.
They talked for a few more minutes then he left. He was alone with his thoughts when Seira came in.
"I'm sorry…sorry for Rael."
"It's not your fault that guys a jerk. Don't worry about it."
Seira sat on the bed. "No M-21 this is my fault all of it you see… I told Rael that I hade feelings for you."
"Seira pleases…I'm not worth your attention. People who get closes to me die. I can't bare it if anything happened to you."
M-21 could feel her power spike. It made him back up.
"M-21 who do you think I am. I am Seira J. Loyard, clan leader of the Loyard clan. A noble who can protect myself and others. If I die it will be because of me. Because I messed up somewhere and my powers failed me."
M-21 eye went wide. What is with everyone to day he thought. The fact M-21 was speechless didn't stop her she just continued.
"And I Seira J. Loyard am in love with M-21 son of werewolf Lord Muzaka and Frankenstein. Protected of the Noblesse. Part of Cadis Etrama Di Raizel's clan. If you don't feel the same then I will wait until you do."
Where did this girl get all the confidence He thought. Seira face was tinged pink. M-21 laughed. Seira went to get up and he pulled her to him. Placed his forehead to hers and whispered, "what are you going to do to make me feel the same?"
His voice sent a shiver down her spine. She smiled and leans in and grabbed his lips with hers. It started as a light kiss. M-21was at first shocked, but then he kissed back the desire and hunger they felt for Each other getting hotter. They kissed until they were out of breath and felt dizzy. He pulled her to his chest. This girl loved him and not once did she mention his looks. It was him she loved. All of him even the wolf. She accepted him, his pain, his crazy life. He didn't have to hide from her. She embraced him. He whispered, "ok you win." M-21 chuckled.
"I knew I would," She smiled. Then she slapped him. And with tears in her eyes she yelled, "don't you ever run off like that again. I was so scared, every one was. You mean a lot to us.
"Ok, sorry…shhh. I promise I won't . I didn't mean to be gone this long." M-21 whispered rubbing her back.
She wiped here eyes. And smiled. "Good just so you know that that is not acceptable."
She kissed him again then got up. "I'm going to make dinner I'll talk to Frankenstein and see if you can come up."
M-21 nodded as he watched her leave.