A/N: Hello again! Yes, this is another chapter! It has been some time but life happens...I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you to all that read and fave and follow this story.

I do not own the "Noblesse" only this story and my OCs.

Chapter 22: Freedom is an intricate thing

Regis came home and immediately went to see Raizel. Bowing respectively to him he expressed his happiness regarding his return and safety. Raizel could not help but smile, amused of the fact that Regis was looking more and more like his grandfather especially in his manners.

Takeo offered to take the night shift around the area of the school and Frankenstein would make sure that the night would not bring any further surprises at his home. Eventually everyone went to bed. Except of course of Frankenstein.

The next day came around without much fuss. A couple of people did rise early but Frankenstein had already made breakfast. Naturally everyone was not sitting on the table until Raizel came.

That created the opportunity for Regis to finally have a friendly chat with Bart. As soon as Bart came out of his room he was greeted with the uptight form of Regis waiting him in the hall. Under another circumstance the young Noble would have thought it very uncouth but, even though he would not admit it out loud, he was way too happy to be reunited with his friends.

Bart was surprised to see him all of a sudden "Regis?"

"I learned that you finally acquired your name. I was delighted by the news" he said with a stern face.

Bart half smiled "Well, not exactly but I'm happy you cared" he had a feeling this was going to go off soon.

The young Noble scoffed "Please, it's not that I cared" he tried to hide the small blush but damn it…it was getting more and more difficult "I just thought it very degrading to refer to you by a code name. It neither suits my ancestry nor your self-importance as a human being" he said with as much as formality as he could.

Tao passed them both briefly and just said "Oh Regis just say you are happy to see us again and cut the formal crap" with every bit of informality a friend would have.

And just like that Tao vanished in the computer room.

Regis felt embarrassed but finally sighed loudly. He looked at Bart with tired eyes; Bart was still half-smiling "Even if you found your name don't make the mistake to think I have a different opinion about you. You and the whole bunch are still as uncouth as ever" he finally said with a smile.

"Oh Regis, I think your time away from me has made you lose your form. Is that the best you can do?" Bart retorted while having a sinister smile "And for your information, just because you helped us in a dire situation, it doesn't change that I still think you are the most uptight snobbish young Noble I ever met"

Before Regis got a chance to answer the voice of Frankenstein could be heard from the kitchen. It was time for breakfast.

Frakenstein saw the two of them approaching. If the smile on both their faces were any indication he would think that they were both happy to see each other again.

Breakfast started. Everyone ate in silence. Some with more dignity than others but none dared to break the peaceful silence. Frankenstein thought that maybe that was because Tao was absent. He informed him that he would be taking his breakfast while working. He allowed it but only for today.

The next hour found Regis and Bart training downstairs, Takeo and Tao in the computer room, Garda and Kentas were training in the smaller training room and Raizel, Muzaka and Frankenstein were gathered in the living room, with Frankenstein just finishing the tea for his Master.

"Today the young Landegre will return to Lukedonia. I have been in constant communication with them. We have to organize our next move"

That was the truth but Muzaka wanted to ask more about what happened. After all he was in front of that scene. But more importantly…

"Frankenstein, what are we dealing with? Please tell me you have more information about the enemy"

Frankenstein sighed deeply "The enemy is a man known as Conrad Stumae. He used to work in the Union as a scientist, but apparently now he has taken control of it and he is the Union. From what he told me, in the brief minutes I had the displeasure of talking to him, even though I don't know if it is all true, he was the reason for the public being ignorant about the truth of the existence of werewolves and Nobles. I don't know how he did it or how he manipulated the media but I guess that the Union's ways are still sufficient"

Raizel was skeptical "What about the revelation of the Nobles' existence by Raskreia herself?"

"The world believes that it was a ploy from Crombel in order to spread fear and doubt in the hearts of the public while trying to take over the world with advanced military equipment and lies"

Muzaka raised an eyebrow. Who would have thought that this would be believable?

Frankenstein sighed "Even though I have to admit that he seems like a very logical man, in the end he is no different than any other Union scum I ever faced. Sara was just one of his projects and I don't know if he has any more that match her level"

True, she didn't mention any other project under Conrad but neither did she say anything about her involvement in his Master's abduction. But now that he was thinking with a cooler head…he was starting to wonder.

"She was used I guess…in order for you three to stay alive she was able to transfer her energy in a very unique and generous way…Conrad apparently had her believe that he was keeping her family…Sometimes he was manipulating her like that, some others through drugs in order to subdue her" he added while he remembered the message about the dossage she needed while sleeping.

"Did he actually have her family?" asked Muzaka.

"I don't know but I find it highly unlikely. Apparently, from what I could tell and from what Bart managed to learn, she believes that all of their tribe has perished since Conrad never gave her evidence that he actually had them in the first place"

"Frankenstein how did she know where we were?" asked Raizel without breaking eye contact with Frankenstein as he was listening to him for the last five minutes.

"My Master, I think she had a vague idea…but when she realized that the one I was looking for was you, she rushed to pay the debt"

'Tell Frankenstein that I paid my debt'

He explained to them how he had found her, her initial condition, the deal they made and the difficulty of maintaining energy control and a healthy body.

"Wait, she put you to sleep?" asked Muzaka in wonder but deep inside he wanted to laugh.

"I was tired! And I was constantly looking for my Master! I was furious…I knew he was alive but at the same time I could not feel him. I was sick of second guessing myself all the time…I thought I was going insane…" he realized he was starting to raise his voice and took a deep breath.

He slowly continued " She was…a bit of a help I suppose, but I trusted her and that was a mistake…besides now it's pointless to think like that. Her health is in dire condition"

"Why would that be the case?" asked Muzaka again who seemed to have taken a liking to the girl. After all she was the one who made sure he stayed alive. Controlled or not he found her interesting.

Frankenstein looked at his Master, and after the confirming nod he proceeded. Raizel of course had recognized the nature of Sara. Frankenstein was curious if he had also detected from which bloodline she was coming from.

So Frankenstein explained the South Tribe and its purpose of harboring rejected half breeds and their descendants, the M-series and all the abhorrent things the Union did to those people.

Muzaka's expression was slowly forming to that of disgust.

"Many of them were having their organs replaced by organs from supernatural beings. Eyes, hearts, lungs…Bart has the heart of a werewolf…plus he is a Halfling"

"Huh that explains a lot" Muzaka simply said. The youngling was getting more and more interesting.

At that Raizel turned to Muzaka "My friend, I would suggest that you return to your territory tonight or early in the morning. Right now we need to regroup and gather all our forces to wipe away the threat"

Muzaka was startled by the sudden suggestion but he guessed the conversation had to end as one of the young humans – Tao was it? – had just come to inform Frankenstein about something that needed his assistance. 'Raizel must have felt the young one coming with a serious intent. I guess I should refer from asking more question until later'.

"I guess you are right old friend. Until we know who exactly our enemy is, we need to use tactical approach" he rose from his seat and decided to join Kentas and Garda.

…Lukedonia…the throne room…

The silence was filled with so much emotion. Never before had the Nobles experienced so much relief. Their Lord had come back to them. Thanks to Frankenstein and his company, they were able to feel her royal presence. It was like the universe had found its balance again.

Karias couldn't have been happier. He was trying so much not to hug her when he first saw her but as a Noble Leader he had to be composed. He figured that it would bring her in a very awkward position. As soon as they landed though, before Ludis came to welcome them, Raskreia turned to him and very quietly said "I must have worried you too much, haven't I?"

Karias did not expect that. He pulled a half step back and replied "No my Lord, do not look that apologizing, we were happily searching for you. You deserve it…" he raised his eyes to her and added "…sister".

She turned her back to him "You never change" said dismissively with a hint of a smile in her voice.

Now in the throne room all the Leaders were respectfully bowing in front of her as she was talking her rightful place on the throne.

"I understand that my absence must have shaken the balance of Lukedonia. I humbly apologize and I really thank you for staying loyal. The Noblesse's family as well as the werewolves and of course the Clan leaders of the Loyard, Blerster and Kertia clans have all played a big role regarding my rescue and for that I am forever grateful"

Claudia that was standing next to Karias whispered to him "Try not to cry".

"Mhmm" he agreed as he was trying to keep his tears in check.

The Lord of Nobles was far from done though "Now I must inform you that the enemy has return and even if they have a different form and a different name they are one and the same as the previous one in heart. Gejuntel will be in constant communication with the Noblesse and we will be having our relations with the werewolves fixed. We need to assist in order to defeat the enemy once and for all. In two days we will have another meeting"

And with a wave of her hand she dismissed them. Gejuntel went with her to better inform her as the rest of the Clan leaders and the most younger generation were leaving the throne room.

Inside the hallways the silence was often a sad one. Hallways always looked like they should have been more lively but something had robbed them of it.

She was lucky that he didn't instantly disappear as soon as he exited the throne room "Rael"

Her voice was like music to his ears but his face was hidden and his expression was stoic. He merely turned to her and bowed.

Seira slowly approached him and stopped. It was so weird how Rael had transformed in the last year or so. Seira was struggling to see behind the mask. Had he become that good in disguising himself?

"What can I do for you miss Seira?" he asked after a few seconds passed and he didn't receive anything else than her beautiful stare at him.

Seira, ever so serious and measured answered to him "I wanted to thank you for helping me during the battlefield"

Seira was thanking him? Again? He felt so delighted in the inside but then again he couldn't be too showing with his feelings. His big brother left him in charge of the whole Kertia clan. How could he lead if his feelings…

"I would have done nothing less. Always know that you can count on me." He bowed as she did the same. An indication that the conversation was over. He disappeared and Seira kept walking in the lifeless hallway.

…The Tradio Clan Mansion…Front garden…

It was like he was walking through Eden. If he could suppose what it would look like then this was it. Claudia was tremendously good with nature and gardening the rarest and most beautiful plants.

The Tradio garden was legendary before the betrayal of the clans. After her father and the 4/5 of the clan had abandoned Lukedonia the garden looked like a bombarded field. Karias was so happy his clever little Claudia gave it life again.

"What are you doing outside? Come in!" she told him from the inside.

"My dear Claudia, how could you deny the beauty of this garden? Please let us drink our tea in the most magnificent and romantic place of all Lukedonia~" he said in one of his theatrical manners.

Claudia shook her head. She was glad he was back. She was glad his heart was beginning to mend itself.

…South Korea…18:00pm…Seoul…

Frankenstein was headed to his Master's room bearing a tray with his night tea.

As he got inside he noticed his Master was in deep thinking. Without saying a word he left the tray on the table and choose not to disturb him and leave the room.

"Frankenstein, I need some information"

"Of course Master" he stood in front of him waiting.

"How are they?"

"Mostly okay. The scars on the outside have already healed. The scars on the inside...well we are in a good way I suppose. They are strong my Master...And we all together are going to prevail"

Raizel did not answer to that. It looked like he was thinking something different regarding Frankenstein's comment but choose not to say anything on the matter.

"And how is she?"

Or course he would ask. He was such a caring soul. Earlier he spent an hour talking about what had happened with her and Bart in detail. Raizel always wanted to know how the three were coping with everything. He felt he had lost so much during his absence.

"I am afraid she is not well my Master. She drained herself when she shared her energy with the three of you and Bart's attack didn't help"

Frankenstein had her currently in stasis in one of the tanks. She was basically in life support but against the odds she was still alive. As alive as she could be anyway. Even her injuries were still there being healed very slowly. If Frankenstein was honest with himself he would have admitted that she was a lost cause.

Raizel looked skeptical "Did the Agvain blood not help at all?"

"I don't…she was unstable before my Master. Please don't feel bad for her state. She is not like that because of you"

"She gave me enough energy…" he was wondering how much he got left. He had no delucions though; he would not last forever…But he definitely felt better than before…He recalled that she was the energy source that he had felt when he was captured by the scientists of the Union.

"My Master?" asked Frankenstein. His Master was having this sceptical look again on his face.

"Frankenstein, I wish to watch the school but this time from afar. I don't want to disturb the lives of the children again"

"I will see to it" with a bow he left his Master's presence.

The machine beeped. The test was a failure. Her health kept declining. It was now late. After dinner Frankenstein announced that he would be in the lab for at least a couple of hours. Tao was searching day and night for the Union but nothing had come out of it.

It was almost impossible to get out of the house too because Tao had the brilliant idea to report that they all had to quarantine themselves for the next two weeks. Talking about inconvenience. Thankfully Regis knew how to buy things from the convenience store so that afternoon he became their errant boy.

After he examined another sample of blood he started cleaning after himself when he felt Bart before he heard him. He thought he knew the reason he had come down there.

But he was wrong.

"I want to go with the werewolves"

Talking about a punch in the gut.

"What? Going there? What for?" he asked but he already knew the answer. Still he couldn't hide the slight panic in his voice.

"I need to know more about me! I am apparently half werewolf and I do feel like they will teach me things about my nature that I…don't know yet" he finished his sentence rather hesitatingly.

"I don't know Bart" he said as he was disposing the now already finished product of another test "How can you go away when it has been only a day since we found Master?" he washed his hands on the lab basin "I mean how do you think my Master will feel if you tell him that you want to leave his home, your home, so soon after he came back?"

His voice was quite condescending by now if not a little irritated too.

"He has already approved it" said Bart with a steady voice.

Frankenstein stopped in the middle of drying his hands and stood still.

Bart quickly added "But he said his term was that I was to leave this early, only if you approved of it too. If not, I will stay here"

Frankenstein raised his eyebrow "And what of Muzaka?"

Bart couldn't hide the slight smile that was almost invisible "He agreed" he said but the tone of his voice indicated 'It was easy to convince him'.

"I…see. So it comes down to me to decide whether you leave or not" he said in conclusion.

"Yes" Bart was standing there with his hands behind his back. The whole scene reminded of Frankenstein of a time long gone when he was serving at an army, he couldn't remember where, - a private asking from a commanding officer permission of something. Was he really that scary and imposing? 'Well, what do you think really?'

"Try to understand Bart, this has nothing to do with some supposed feud between me and Muzaka or me and the werewolves. I just feel that…leaving for the werewolf kingdom so soon after the rescue, all of a sudden…I think I have the right to…worry"

Bart sighed in defeat, already prepared for rejection "I understand Franken-"

"I am not finished!"

Bart looked at his feet awkwardly "Sorry"

Frankenstein shook his head. Bart was young after all 'You were young too once, right Frankenstein?'

His Master…he had already approved of it. His everlasting wisdom was not to be doubted by him. Even if it…bothered him.

"Make sure to inform Tao and Takeo before you leave. It would be rude of you to leave like a thief in the middle of the night. Can't pull a 'Sara' on them now" he said stoically and swiftly returned to his work.

Bart didn't know what to say. He was sure that Frankenstein would not have allowed him to leave. With a smile on his face he thanked him and assured him that he would leave after dinner and after he was done with his chores for the day.

"Alright. Just, take care Bart. If that moron does not treat you well, just tell him to fuck off and come back home"

"I will keep your advice to my heart"

The werewolves had gathered in the living room as did the rest residents of the house. Bart was the last to come. He hugged his brothers bowed respectfully to Raizel and he stood awkwardly in front of Frankenstein "See you soon" he said and gave his hand which Franeknstein shook without saying anything other than "Be careful"

He went next to Kentas. Frankenstein wondered when he asked them to go with.

"Thank you all for everything" said Kentas and bowed. Garda and Muzaka did the same.

"You acquired some manners Muzaka?" asked Frankenstein with a spiteful tone. Muzaka looked at him squirting his eyes. But then he saw another expression on Frankenstein. The kind that said 'Take care of him or die'.

They left through the door. Regis followed them too. He had to return to his homeland too.

Tao sighed heavily "Well, there he goes….How long is he going to stay? Did he tell you, Boss?"

Frankenstein's eyes were still looking at the door "No".

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.TO BE CONTINUED

So there it is! Bart is leaving and in the next chapter we are going to see what is he and the werewolves up to. So how did you find this chapter? Don't forget to follow the story and check for updates!

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AND...have a nice day~