A/N: Hello again. It has been some time since I updated but things just happen like that. This is more of the continuation and aftermath of the rescue. As always thank you to all who read, follow and favouring the story.

I do not own the "Nobleese" i just own this story and my OCs.

Chapter 21: Fly Away

10 minutes before the explosion

Muzaka was standing in awe as Frankenstein shortly told Raizel that the young woman was a descendant of a rogue Noble and actually the key that help Frankenstein find them. And also the one that apparently betrayed them?

"So you are telling me that she is an enemy? But she freed us Frankenstein!" the werewolf almost yelled.

The Noblesse was not showing any reaction but everyone knew that he was attentively listening to Frankenstein's explanation. Nobody could read his serene face but if Frankenstein knew anything, it was that his Master was more worried than perplexed. Muzaka was almost sure that his old friend Raizel, had already figured it out.

"I still don't know why she did all this or what her actual motives were"

'Maybe she wanted…atonement?' thought the scientist briefly.

'She did' came his Master's voice inside his head.

Frankenstein looked at his Master. His Master must have known something. He was always right to judge someone's character by just observing them for a little time.

No matter what he himself thought, it was irrelevant. He would obey whatever his Master would ask from him. And Raizel knew that.

"Frankenstein, I believe that we should not abandon her"

"As you wish Master" his Master's decision was final.

At that moment something was felt in the air…The essence of anger and desperation.

Muzaka's sharp instinct was enamored first "That feels like a werewolf's rage" he looked at Kentas who nodded his head agreeing.

"Frankenstein, where exactly did that man go to?"

"West of the hill. You think…"

Before Frankenstein finished, Muzaka run to the place.

Frankenstein looked briefly at his Master and they both followed behind. Something was happening and even though he could feel Bart's aura he certainly could not feel anybody else's.

5 minutes before the explosion…Conrad's office…

"Did you extract all the files in time?"

Conrad never kept important information regarding his operations and projects in a computer; or any digital form. He was always a firm supporter of pen and paper or even the old fashioned typewriter. He was way too paranoid for anything else. But for the sake of things done smoothly he had provided the Lake Hill's computer with the basics and even that was in code, a code his trusted employees had to learn. But just to be sure…everything had to go.

"Yes sir. The Lake's files were extracted and destroyed even before project Red had arrived sir"

Conrad stroked his thick mustache and smiled. He looked pleased, even though this all endeavor had cost him one of the most valuable locations and the top three subjects. He was happy to anticipate what was going to happen next.

'But, first things first…' he thought.

"Get all the systems ready for elimination. Make sure the satellite is not looking at the place and ready the briefing to the governments about the tremors and destruction and what they should know and then what they should say to the public if asked"

"Yes sir. The destruction is waiting for your approval sir"

Conrad moved to a panel and typed a code that was necessary. Afterwards he pushed the enter key to the question that was asking for the last time about the final approval for the destruction.

The screen wrote: ELLIMINATION OF LAKE HILL IN 5 MINUTES

He stood there as the countdown had started, with his hands behind his back "Let's see if they manage to escape that"

"Ermm Boss?" said Tao through the intercom in a nervous voice.

Frankenstein was inside the helicopter and was trying to keep Sara alive…after he had to CPR her and inject some liquid adrenaline to her body he was doing everything he could in order to not fail his Master…and in order not to see Bart sad. He and the other werewolves were coming slowly to the chopper.

He saw them from afar and then he remembered the brief moment when Raizel told him to trust Muzaka to hold Bartolomew back and pull him together. He had a look on his face that assured Frankenstein not to worry. Seeing Bart walk beside them now…he could see why; the kid was looking more and more like an actual werewolf while with the others. Perhaps…

He didn't have time to dwell on it too much. He remembered Tao trying to get his attention.

"Tao, for your sake I hope it's worth it" his voice on edge.

"Things don't look good under the hill. There're explosions from the inside but…I get a signal that was just activated from the foundations"

"What does that mean?"

"It looks like there are attachments down there…They most probably activated them through their own satellite"

"And? Tao I'm a little busy-…"

"I think they are trying to destroy everything from the inside the hill. We have to leave. Everything will explode"

"Shit" he turned to Takeo, who was sitting at the co-pilot's seat "Tell Bart to start fucking run if he wants not to be blown to pieces!"

Takeo raised his eyebrows at the comment but he understood the situation they were in. He talked to Bart but he didn't answer; at least not immediately…

"We are coming" Bart sounded tired and his voice raspy.

"Run Bart"

After ten seconds Tao was getting the chopper ready and soon the propeller started turning.

Raizel was the first to realize "They are here" he said quietly but Frankenstein heard him. More like in his head through the bond than through his own ears.

And in a few moments the four remaining people got on board.

"Did you finally decide to join us?" asked Frankenstein with a clipped tone while making sure his Master was not bothered by thw werewolves. He was secretly happy that the Nobles decided to go on foot because the helicopter barely fit them all.

He arranged his Master by the window and insisted Bart sitting next to him and he basically didn't show any interest as to what the others would do as soon as the helicopter would rise to the sky.

And right on time at that, as a muffled sound was first heard from the inside of the hill. Before anyone got to ask the hill exploded from within in a spectacular way, and from the looks of it, that was just the start. The first explosion that found its way out blew a massive hole on the hill and the next one did the same to the other part.

The helicopter was not too close to the hill but they had to hurry as Tao's computer was showing him that an explosion was taking place right underneath the ground they were previously landed on. And a couple of seconds later a second explosion broke out of the ground. Small rocks and dust hit the helicopter but luckily Takeo's expert maneuvers were enough to avoid any big chunks of earth.

"Everyone hold tight! We are leaving this damn place!" shouted Takeo even though he wasn't sure everyone heard him. He just hoped for the best. Following Tao's directions away from the madness the helicopter was soon out of reach of the blasts' reach.

The sight left many in awe. The explosions looked like they were swallowing the whole area. To go this far, in order to kill them? Was he expecting they would attack? Had it been all a plan all along?

Frankenstein didn't know what to think and looked at his Master. He looked much more energetic than the last time he had seen him. How he missed him. He tried to contact him through their bond but then he saw his Master's eyes. They were turned towards Bart. And he looked at him too.

Of course. He was sitting right in the middle. Right in front of a bloody Sara that was a hair away from dying…Not that he was surprised. Bart was trying to look anywhere else but her and he was failing miserably.

Out of compassion Frankenstein practically ordered him to take Takeo's place in the cockpit in order for him to rest after that escape. Bart didn't show any resistance. As soon as Takeo came to the back he asked for his assistance regarding keeping Sara alive.

"Is there anything we can do Frankenstein?" asked Muzaka. His question surprised Frankenstein.

"No. Just stay back and don't bother us" he said while trying to stop the bleeding on her shoulder that had just reopened.

"It looks like they managed to escape sir"

Conrad was smiling "Well that's a shame. But then again it is Frankenstein's companions we are talking about. I wouldn't expect anything less than this.

South Korea…Seoul…

4 hours had passed since they set foot on Korea after the successful saving mission. As soon as they reached the ground, they secured the helicopter in its usual place and took the available cars in order to go home. The neighborhood was not a place to park a helicopter after all.

As they reached the back door of the house and Tao made sure nobody was watching them, everyone made way for Takeo holding Sara barely breathing, as he was headed down the lab. Frankenstein insisted for his Master to get out of the helicopter first, much to the others' inconvenience but he really didn't care. As soon as Raizel came out and saw his home he felt a wave of nostalgia and at the same time a shudder went through his spine. He hadn't felt like this in centuries.

As soon as he walked a few steps he ordered Frankenstein to help the girl he recently met and of course Frankenstein complied but not before he expressed his worry.

"But Master wouldn't you want me to help you get around-…"

"Do not worry Frankenstein" he said with an ethereal expression " I remember the house and I have learned how to open the door"

'Oh my god, did I just offend him?' he immediately thought.

He nervously tried to fix his mistake "I was not implying that you are not capable-.."

"Frankenstein…please go. I won't leave anytime soon" he said with a reassuring smile.

How could Frankenstein deny him anything?

At the same time the last ones to leave the cars were Tao and Bart. Bart was at a loss of what to do now that he had nothing to occupy his mind with. Tao was next to him, typing endlessly on his keyboard. Without breaking contact with the screen he spoke to Bart.

"Once, when I was drowning in sorrow, you told me not to wallow in self-pity. You told me that I was the most fascinating person that you knew and that nobody else could have stopped so many missiles in such a short time. You told me it was not my fault. That I did nothing wrong"

He paused at that and so did his hands. His eyes were looking in front of him but he knew that next to him, Bart had given him his full attention.

"So Bart let me tell you the same thing. What is done is done. Firstly we all trusted her not only you. So don't feel sorry for that. She tricked us all; or at least, I think she did" he shook his head. That part was not important right now "Secondly we helped free sir Raizel and he is fine so everything turned out as we wanted them, right?"

Who was he kidding? He knew why Bart was sulking.

"And before you say anything…she is alive. I was there when sir Raizel ordered Frankenstein to not let her die so don't worry. He will deliver. You did not kill her."

Bart took a deep breath and released a sigh "I discarded anything I was feeling about her except contempt. And I was sure I wouldn't mind if she died. But then…I…" he made sure Tao was looking at him "I don't think I want her dead" he finally said in a way that reminded Tao of a child.

"Heh no shit! I know Bart. Takeo and I knew about…you two. How you secretly felt. I mean I kinda knew before even you realized" he said in a joking manner trying to make the atmosphere less heavy. It didn't work that well.

"Tao, I have to be able to control myself better. My second nature is becoming a power to be reckoned. I don't want what I did to her, to happen to anyone else. Especially you guys"

"It won't Bart. You were just …I mean I don't know what happened but I assume you were confused?" he said unsure.

"I was furious actually. If I wasn't so caught up in finding info out of her, I would've noticed…"

"Noticed what?" asked Tao curiously.

"She was purposefully riling me up"

…Frankensten's lab…

Memories were a strange thing Frankenstein valued as he was looking at the body inside the tank. When Takeo had asked him back at the lake how was he so sure that Sara was certain to be dead, he couldn't help but remember and wonder.

Some weeks ago, after the robot infiltration of the school, he hadn't thought that things could be more complicated. He remembered a conversation he had with her at the time.

'If you had a secret what would you do?'

Frankenstein was just getting over a headache as he was heading down the laboratory. After such a headache Frankenstein could not comprehend what he have just heard "What?"

She shook her head "Nothing" she then took the time to look around the lab giving Frankenstein time to recollect himself "Well, you finally got to get your hands on me" she said in an easy going way.

"Trust me it was only because of emergency"

"Yeah" she responded while her eyes refused to look Frankenstein "I understand" she finally turned to him with a warm but at the same time worn smile on her face"

"Huh" said Frankenstein in mild surprise "I would have expected you were going to make a fuss about it"

Giving the distaste for scientists that she clearly had expressed in such passion, he was expecting her to rip the IVs from her hand and throw the surgical bed at him. Instead she looked resigned.

"What for? You know by now, right? You have seen into my blood, into my body"

The scientist's eyes grew as he realized what she was talking about "Yes, you are sick"

"More like I'm deteriorating, but thanks for softening it" she didn't sound upset, more like mildly annoyed.

"Sara-…"

"Did you tell them?" she sounded worried.

"I…told them you are very weak and exhausted" he answered professionally. It was a decent piece of truth. After all, the robot did do a number on her.

She smiled a little bit, grateful that Frankenstein had understood the situation she was in "Don't tell them, especially Bart. I promise that as soon as your Master is found I will leave here and won't come back"

"Sara, I can help you. I have seen and studied you a little bit. M- I mean Bart was like that too when he first came in and look at him now. I was able to help him. So let me help you too Sara"

She smiled and let a small huff as she was thinking how she should lay it to him "Frankenstein, it's not that I don't want your help. But Bart is different. He had a werewolf heart put in him. My abilities came to me violently before they sliced us up. I'm sure that it was because of your expertise that he was able to evolve and stabilize but I don't have a supernatural medium in my body to balance the power of my genetic heritance"

Frankenstein was listening to her as she was explaining all the aspects of her condition and while silently agreeing to what she said he could also see why she was rejecting the idea of getting help. She had long giving up on finding a way to stop it. The only way the other scientist had found was the long periods of sleep and that was just to preserve her.

"It shouldn't have been awakened in the first place, by emotion of all places. This condition I'm in is not going to get any better Frankenstein"

"You didn't want Bart to know the truth of your condition, that's why you were refusing so adamantly for me to do tests on you"

"Huh, you figured it out huh? Well, I still despise scientists but only the rotten kind and you look like you are not that kind Frankenstein"

Frankenstein wasn't sure how to answer to that, so he chose not to.

She had seen how trustful the three men were of him and how they were happy in this place. The man she knew from the past was stable and healthy.

"I don't want you to tell him anything. He has lost too many people I'm sure. It's in a way a good thing that he doesn't remember me…'cause then he won't hurt as much whe-…"

"Stop! Don't you dare say that! Bart cares for you!"

"And that is why I have to leave here as soon as possible! He shouldn't get attached to me any longer!" her eyes were full with tears that were threatening to fall. Frankenstein wasn't sure how long she could keep them. He then remembered Bart face as he told him not to worry about her.

"He is already attached" he said sadly.

"Then all the more for us to start searching for him"

"Up until we do find him, I will help you with any way I can. I will find a way to balance your condition"

She was looked like getting a little annoyed by now. She had already accepted her condition and what would possibly happen of her and now he came like that to give her hope? To a person that had accepted their fate? So cruel…

"Conrad couldn't do much more for so many decades how-…"

"Hahaha! Oh please? Little girl…I have been a scientist for much longer than that Conrad is alive! Do not underestimate me"

That last one sounded kind of threatening to her but she didn't say anything.

"Okay…Do what you want, but if I don't see any results by then, I will leave"

"Deal. Now lay down, I want to do some scans"

As the various tests were proceeding Frankenstein was thinking that all this time that she was going to be here he had to have her up close so he could not only monitor her but also checking up on her in case she does something…suspicious. A new piece of the puzzle was revealed but he could still feel that it wasn't the only one she was hiding.

"If you feel hungry, Takeo has kept some pancakes for you from this morning"

"How thoughtful"

"Say Sara, what do you think about working at the school?"

How ironic, he thought. He had wanted to keep an eye on her but apparently he was played for good. Things still didn't add up but what could he do? At least his Master was home. It was almost time for tea. After that exhausting surgery he had to perform, he was in need for his Master's company.

He moved towards the elevator. He would return in two hours to check on her.

So much had happened in the span of a day. Who would have thought? He had to ask Tao what he did with the school. Oh yes, the young Noble was to watch out for it.

As he rose to the house, he found his Master sitting on his usual place in the living room. At his right and left were…the werewolves and Takeo. Where were Tao and Bart?

Before he could ask, Raizel turned to him ever so slightly and said with an elegant voice "Tao and Bart are coming"

"I see. Well then in that case I shall prepare your tea Master"

He went to the kitchen. Right now it was the best he could do. His Master undoubtedly had questions. Frankenstein would answer everything only when his Master deemed it a good time to.

The quiet was excellent. At some point Takeo excused himself, saying that he had to clean his guns. What an obsession that kid had with his guns, thought Frankenstein briefly.

Of course he could feel Muzaka and the others stare and them trying to hold on not to bombard him with questions. He wondered for how long they would be able to hold on.

"So, Frankenstein…"

'Not for long apparently'

At that time Bart and Tao got inside. They wore their slippers and walked inside to see everyone sitting in the living room.

"Erm…we are going in our room" said Tao awkwardly while pushing Bart inside.

"Wait..." started Frankenstein but then saw the look on Tao's face that said 'Not a good time'. He sighed "Later I will make food. Come and eat"

"Okay boss, sure thing"

They disappeared inside.

Frankenstein served the tea to his master. He honestly didn't care that the werewolves were looking expectantly at him. After Raizel did drink and showed that he enjoyed it only then did his servant serve the remaining company.

Raizel spoke first "I understand that he found out his actual name" he didn't have to mention who he was talking about.

Frankenstein confirmed his suspicion.

"I am truly happy for him" said the Noblesse but then his eyes got saddened as he continued "but I sensed great distress in his mind and heart". Raizel was no fool, despite being confined for many centuries inside his own mansion; he knew when a person was internally conflicted from a single glance.

"It has to do with Sara and his past I suppose" answered Frankenstein, trying to hide his distaste for her but then again he knew he couldn't fool his Master.

"The youngling that came to our aid I presume. I felt great distress from her too the last time I saw her. And speaking of which, she said to tell you that her debt has been paid Frankenstein" he finished as got hold of his cup and elegantly brought it to his lips.

Frankenstein was not expecting to hear that. Was Sara still considering the supposed debt after betraying them? He would have asked her but she was completely unconscious in a tank down the lab.

"Master, what do you mean when you say 'the last time'…have you met that woman before?

Raizel slowly raised his head and looked outside the window. He looked like he was trying to analyze the wind and the loose leaves dancing around it. He was actually focusing on remembering what had happened back then, when the missiles hit. Back then he was sure he had met his end. The only thing he was regretting was leaving his beloved servant behind and alone again. Sometimes he thought that he really didn't think of how the people closest to him were feeling. He had done the same mistake in the past…Had he not learned from his mistakes?

As he was still looking outside he revealed to Frankenstein that after the explosion he blacked out and thought that that was it. But alas, after what felt like eternity in darkness, he felt another presence trying to get hold of him. Like a newborn baby he grasped on it and immediately he started searching for Frankenstein's presence but he couldn't find it. The energy sharing was shaky, nothing as smooth as Muzaka's sometime earlier. But it was enough to revitalize them. And after that it was like a constant dream that never ended.

"Lately I was able to try and connect with you but barely"

"It was enough Master" said Frankenstein "We had already a suspicion that the Union, I mean Conrad had done something with her that had drained her. Now I understand…He used her to keep you alive. Damn bastard was telling the truth"

"So Frankenstein, you didn't answer. What was all that paid debt about? Care to share some more details with us or do you just enjoy keeping us in the dark?" interfered Muzaka.

With a raised eyebrow and a resentful expression Frankenstein looked at him "I'm talking with my Master. This is between-…"

"This has to do with me too! I was fucking confined in these pods too! She did come to my aid too! So stop being such an uptight asshole and TELL US THE TRUTH!"

His fangs were showing and he was already up from where he was sitting. His eyes were livid as he was now shouting.

Frankenstein did not say anything but only looked at his Master after Muzaka's outburst and understood that maybe he had gotten too far. Raizel did not try to reason with the werewolf neither reprimand his servant. He was silently drinking his tea.

Garda and Kentas were silent too, sitting uncomfortably on the couch waiting for Muzaka's orders.

Frankenstein sighed "Alright. I guess you are not wrong this time. I will tell you the conditions of your capture and escape.

An hour after everyone decided to get together for late lunch as Frankenstein had called it.

Nothing too fancy, just some cup noodles. His Master's favorite. Everyone sat down and ate in silence.

After they were all done Tao requested to speak to Frankenstein about the info he was processing regarding Conrad's next move. They both went to the computer room. Takeo put himself to the task of showing their guests into the spare rooms in order for them to rest. It was late afternoon after all.

At first Muzaka denied but Takeo insisted that maybe they wanted to sleep and rest after what they had all been through.

"I will not rest until I find out what had happened to us while we were confined in there! I hate being the plaything of human scientists! I will have to talk to Frankenstein"

"Nothing will come up from you draining yourself right now" came the nonchalant voice of someone washing the dishes back in the kitchen. Bart was just finishing washing off the last dish and grabbing a towel to dry them.

As he was drying a dish he briefly looked at Muzaka and then focused his eyes to the task "While I can be the one that understands you the most right now…Leave it for tonight. Tao is our best bet right now. He and Frankenstein are more capable of finding a clue about their whereabouts than you are" he finished with a calm voice.

But then he remembered who he was talking to and quickly added "No offence".

Muzaka looked at Bart with great curiosity and with some kind of respect "What was your name again, youngling?"

"Bartholomew, Bart for sort if you want"

"No last name?" he pushed even though he knew the answer.

Bart looked at him curiously wondering what he was on about "No" he turned to put the dish in its place "She left without telling me" he admitted more to himself than Muzaka.

Takeo noticed that Bart did not look ticked as his name, or lack of, was mentioned. He wondered if he had finally come to peace with the situation. A couple of months ago he would look at you with a murderous intent.

"Hmm" the werewolf turned to Kentas and Garda "What do you two think?"

Garda just looked at him without even nodding but he could understand her wanting to lay low a little bit. Kentas admitted that he was a tad tired. Muzaka agreed to rest for tonight and Takeo gladly showed them the way.

Coming back he decided to help Bart but he was already finished.

"Sorry for not helping you" said Takeo.

"It's okay. I wanted to preoccupy my mind with something anyway"

"You were so cool back then"

Bart raised an eyebrow as he was taking his apron off "What are you talking about?"

"You know…Telling Muzaka himself to practically go to bed" as he was saying it he wanted to laugh out loud. He would have if he wasn't so drained mentally.

Bart merely scoffed "I just didn't see a point in pushing for answers at this time. Sometimes…when you push for answers too much, you might not expect what you will receive" he said lost in his thoughts for some seconds before recovering "Well, at least he didn't take offence to that. I just…I think I am tired too you know. I can't bring myself to care about how to talk properly; to Muzaka of all people"

Takeo nodded. He too was tired but how could he sleep? Maybe he would have a shower, or a long bath…yes that would help.

As Takeo left the kitchen, Bart felt a wave of dread filing him. His thoughts were all over the place and in order not to go crazy he chose to ignore them all. As if they didn't exist. He took a deep breath and picked up his feet. He got outside of a specific room in the house that he rarely if ever visited. He lightly knocked on the door and waited for the answer on the other side.

The answer was positive. He slowly turned the doorknob and got inside.

He was sitting right there, on the beautiful chair made especially for him. He introduced himself to Raizel properly. Raizel showed the slighted of smiles but Bart caught it. And now for the more challenging part.

He stood in front of him with determination "Excuse me for the time but I have taken a decision and as the Master of this house I think you should hear it first"

The man on the chair turned his deep red eyes on him "I would assume so, seeing you in deep thought all afternoon I have reasoned that you have finally put your thoughts in order?"

It never ceased to amaze Bart how insightful this man was "Not…quite but if there's one thing I know is that I have to use the freedom you gave me to make my own choices"

Raizel nodded "Yes, isn't that what freedom is all about? But why wanting to announce it to me?"

"Because I'm no fool. You are so much older and wiser. Thus I humbly ask for you to listen to me and tell me your own opinion" said Bart without hesitation.

Raizel was still looking at him, trying to read this person that had changed so much since he last saw him. It would seem like his knowing of his past, or a part of it, had changed him deeply. He looked more matured now and more confident about what he was going to do and say.

"Very well. Tell me Bartolomew, what have you decided?"

"I'm telling you, Boss! It's like they vanished completely. I cannot find a single signal and not to mention that it's already covered in the local news by some ridiculous story"

Frankenstein was in deep thought. Conrad Stumae had vanished off of the face of Earth and everything that had happened back at the underground lab had not been noticed by a single satellite. The Union apparently had still a lot of influence left. Haji insisted on staying on his post some more to try and locate them. But Tao thought it was a lost cause. They were two steps ahead of them. Something that irritated Tao a lot.

What they had managed to find was that the signal that destroyed the whole contraction came from a European server but the location would not be easy to find as it was protected well. Tao took that as a challenge. But even he needed some time.

Frankenstein held his shoulder "There is always tomorrow Tao. Today was a tiring day and I hate to see you collapse on the keyboard."

"But Boss…" he stopped right there when he took in the look Frankenstein was giving him. He…he was so tired that he couldn't even think of a name for that specific look so he would call it the 'Dad look'.

At that time somebody called Tao. It was Regis, he was asking if he should stay until tomorrow morning to guard the school or if he should come home.

'Oh shit' Tao thought 'We completely forgot about him'

"Sure come home. Sir Raizel is back"

"I know, I felt it you know. You understand that tomorrow I shall leave for Lukedonia. I felt the Lord's presence as well"

"Alright, come home for now though. We still have some cup noodles around"

.

.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

So there you have it! I do not claim that this is how people who have wounds are saved! This is fiction afterall and I'm not a medical expert.

So what do you think of it so far? The story is far from done yet. Fav+Follow because as you have witnessed...updates are not scheduled.

Thanks for dropping by...

AND...have a nice day~