"Is this really necessary?"

Raizel's question caused Frankenstein to grin. Buttering a piece of toast, he responded, "Interesting how you are now asking this after sitting down, having tea, for ten minutes."

"Your actions seem a bit excessive." Raizel sipped his tea as he stared at his bonded.

Frankenstein shrugged as he glanced around the marble mausoleum. Also known as the family crypt. "Perhaps. But Muzaka was starting to ask questions again and I was forced to take drastic measures."

"But to dedicate an entire mausoleum to the nonexistent wives?"

"If that is what it takes," Frankenstein answered. He bit into his toast, ignoring his Master's sigh.

Raizel set his teacup down on the tray table. "Frankenstein, I have not noticed these mausoleums around. Will this not attract attention?"

"Then we will start a trend," he answered. "Technically we are ahead of our times, but I figured we might as well dedicate something of significant importance to your friends."

Raizel glanced upward where the stone faces of Sui and Yuna stared down at them. A smile pulled at his lips. The likeness of the stonework nearly took his breath away. It was as if Sui and Yuna were standing before them. Sui's regal and dignified gaze complimented the sweet and benevolent appearance of Yuna. Where Sui was serene, Yuna shone. It was as if his friends had traveled back in time with them.

His heart yearned for the companions he had left behind. He wondered about those final moments, what his highschool friends had felt before time itself was altered. Had he said a proper goodbye before rushing off to battle? When was the last time they had gone shopping, or played games at the PC Bang?

For something that had yet to occur, his past life felt like a distant memory, a dream that faded away with all of the important details.

"I reckon we can spend a few more minutes here before we look suspicious," Frankenstein commented. He placed a few custards on a silver plate and set them before the Noblesse. The shipments of sugar and spices, he was pleased to note, were a great success thanks to his recent raids of pirate ships.

Raizel accepted the plate as he recalled the reason for the visit into the family mausoleum. After a month of planning, Frankenstien had suggested that they spend some time to, as he had stated to Muzaka 'reflect on the pleasant memories of their beloved wives.' In reality, it was to steal some quiet moments away from the suspicious looks of the werewolf lord. Muzaka was beginning to ask questions again, and Frankenstien had quickly picked up a talented sculptor. Within a month, a mausoleum was dedicated to the deceased wives.

Raizel could not bring himself to feel the slightest bit of shame for deceiving his friend and everyone else with the mausoleum. First of all, the shame dwindled away significantly with the presence of the sweet custards and cream that Frankenstein had prepared. It was the perfect picnic for visiting the dead.

Finishing the custards, Raizel sipped his tea. "We have something to discuss."

"Yes?"

Raizel set his teacup down with a 'clink.' "Do you really think that I would stand by while my wife was trapped in a burning building?"

"The point of the story was to have Muzaka believe that you had a wife at all, hence the existence of the children and the absence of the mothers."

"But to stand by as she burned?"

"You were overcome with shock."

"Because my son flew through the window." Raizel was picking up his teacup again. His eyes were not narrowed, but Frankenstein could feel the annoyance through the bond.

He could not help it; he chuckled. Raizel stared at him in surprise. "I apologize, Master, but I think this entire ordeal is amusing. If you ever do find yourself in this situation, I would hope that you would do more than stand by as your wife burned to death."

"Hm." Raizel sipped his tea. "What is equally disturbing is that Muzaka actually believes that we did nothing while they perished."

The silence between them was comforting and reminded Frankenstein of the moments they spent in the mansion when it was just the two of them. The quiet times in the mansion were usually broken by the soft clatter of teacups and dishes, or the voices of a visiting Noble every fifty years. But those small occurrences were never enough to coax his Master away from the window.

The quiet times at the mansion would be nonexistent in the wake of three young children. The halls would be filled with the delighted laughter of three rambunctious boys running through the rooms. Frankenstein could envision the garden lighting up with the presence of the children playing amidst the trees and bushes. Frankenstein wondered if such drastics changes would be enough to move his Master away from that window and step into life once more.

It was a thought that plagued Frankenstein. On top of everything else he had to worry about, the safety and health of the boys, the impending future, Ashleen's death and the betrayal of the Nobles, the well-being of his Master always made itself known. Whenever they were to arrive back in Lukedonia, he wondered if his Master would return to that window and merely watch the boys play in the yard or listen to their delighted laughter.

Such was the ever present thought and worry, and it was an issue he was uncertain how to change.

"Upon our return to Lukedonia," Frankenstein stated. "The Lord will want an explanation as to why we suddenly left. Sir, it is up to you whether or not we tell him about the children."

Raizel nodded in response. His eyes narrowed in slight concentration as he mulled over the possibilities of telling the Lord about the boys. It could not be helped. Even if the Lord was one not to pry (too much) it would only be a matter of time, possibly a few years, before the Lord came seeking answers.

"If he is informed about the children," Frankenstein continued, "I trust that he will respect your wishes and keep their existence a secret from the others. That being said," he set his teacup down. "Rayga already knows of the children, but I am not worried about him spreading rumors. The other matter is Edian. Depending on what I can gather on her situation with Largus, it might be best to remove her from that environment entirely."

Raizel's eyes flashed as he looked at his bonded questiongly.

"Master, depending on the severity of the situation," Frankenstein started. "It might be best to invite Edian to the mansion; first for a checkup so I can examine her blood and health, and second to limit Largus' visits." He paused. "We could keep the existence of the boys from her a secret during her checkups, but if she is to stay with us, then it could be problematic."

Raizel seemed to focus on his teacup for a moment. "Is that the only solution?"

"It is what I could think of that would allow us to monitor her and prevent Largus from interfering," he answered. "Largus would not dare to impose on you. We do not know how frequent Largus visits Edian, and it is the lack of knowledge that concerns me."

Raizel nodded. "Largus was known to visit Edian before. Asking her to refuse his visits would raise suspicions. And what of Largus himself? Can we assume that he is already working with Ignes?"

Frankenstein's heart hardened and his eyes narrowed. Oh how it would be so deliciously enjoyable to run her through with Dark Spear again, just to hear her screams as vengeance bore down upon her for all that she had done to M21, Seira and Regis.

"Frankenstein."

Raizel's voice held a hint of warning, a lifeline to pull him back from those dark thoughts. Only now did Frankenstein realize that the inner thoughts within his head were echoes of Dark Spear's hatred.

Staring down, he forced himself to think of the children, but his mind roared with images of what had been done to M21. Seeping hatred filled his body at the thought. Inwardly, he was surprised at the strong emotions. Dark Spear had been quiet, occasionally whispering from the shadows, but never aggressively voicing their blood-lust.

It will not happen. Not again.

Right, he had more important things to worry about. He could not let his emotions override his logic, or he would lose the fight.

Carefully picking up his teacup, he stared down at the liquid. He could feel his Master's soft gaze on him, a shield and anchor in this moment.

Frankenstein collected his thoughts. "I am unsure about Ignes. I do not know if she is working with Largus yet, but considering her nature and tendencies, it is safe to assume that she has already visited the human world and started her experiments. Before making any more assumptions, I will continue to look into it." He hesitated, his thoughts arriving at one point he had yet to discuss with his Master. Slowly, he raised his gaze and fixed his Master with a firm stare. "At that point, I think that we should take the matter to the Lord. We should allow him to deal with the issue, and if so, sentence anyone else into Eternal Sleep."

Raizel met Frankenstein's stare. "That is not the duty of the Lord."

"But it has been done before," Frankenstein persisted. "Master, if you use your power to execute judgement on the Family Leaders and any of their followers, you would place yourself in the exact same position that forced Tao, Takeo and M21 to make this sacrifice. If the Lord were to deal with this issue, we would not have to put you at risk."

Contrary to the outburst of his bonded, Raizel calmly replied, "the Lord has been known to carry out judgements, but that was in matters of the court. In regards to defending the Noble name and the balance of power, it is my responsibility to eliminate any threat."

Frankenstein forced his body to relax so as to avoid clenching his fist and exposing his outward frustration. But the bond was a beacon for his true feelings, exposing how he felt to his Master.

To his surprise, his Master had retreated from that thread of the bond, allowing Frankenstein this moment of privacy. To feel what he wanted, to stew and hate for as much as he wanted with no further consequence.

He breathed out, and with it, released the tension within him. "I suspected as much."

"But Frankenstein, you are forgetting," and here, the Noblesse stood. "I have returned to the peek of my power. I am in no danger of dying anymore than I was the day before I fought Muzaka. Should the need arise and I need to protect my family, I will exact my judgement on those who refuse to change their treacherous ways."

xXx

Muzaka was not one who would so much as express any hint of vulnerability or fatigue. As Lord of the Werewolves, it was essential that he maintain a strong appearance, a representation of the werewolves strength.

However, today of all days, he was tired.

Strictly speaking, he was not physically tired, but rather mentally. His brain hurt from the emotional whiplash he had just witnessed today, as well as the verbal attacks and glares he was receiving from more than half of the female populace in the mansion. On top of that, he was still attempting to come to terms with the idea that Raizel, of all people, began a family.

Oh, and Frankenstein started a family as well.

Gosh, his brain hurt!

It was an effort to climb the stairs of the monastery to the room he shared with his daughter. His feet dragged along the floor before he finally entered the sanctuary that was their room. The bed had never looked more comforting. Slumping into the prickly bed, he cuddled into the stiff pillow with a groan.

"And what could you have been doing that would warrant such fatigue?"

With great reluctance, because the pillow was so enticing with its promise of a nap, Muzaka turned his head to face Ashleen. The young girl was frowning, though with her child-like features, it looked more like a pout. With one hand on her hip, she stared down at him in disappointment.

"You disappeared," she huffed. "Again. You go out early in the morning without a word to me, and then you show up right when dinner is ready."

Despite his tiredness, Muzaka smiled. "Ah, I know." He forced himself to sit up. "I've been working on some things."

Ashleen's face softened ever so slightly to reveal her own weariness. Her portrayal of annoyance cracked to reveal her relief at seeing him again. She shuffled closer to the bed before sitting on the edge. "Did you visit your friend again?"

Muzaka smiled. "Yeah, I did."

She looked up at him with curiosity. "How is he?"

Muzaka hesitated. "I think he is fine. I don't know. I've found that it's been difficult to read him lately." It was strange. Usually he could pick up on Raizel's emotions and intentions just by looking at him. Had his children really changed him that much?

Glancing at Ashleen, he wondered if he too had changed because of his daughter. He certainly thought a lot about her, considering how his actions could affect her and what he should do that would ensure a bright future for her. He never considered, as a parent, that he would have to put his own personal issues to the side and bring this small helpless child to the forefront of his mind. Everything he did as a person affected her, and for him, Ashleen was all that mattered.

Perhaps that is what Raizel felt as well when he looked at his own son.

He had recalled when the statues of Raizel and Frankenstein's wives were presented. Muzaka had watched as Raizel, in awe, had caressed one of the statues, his fingers lightly touching her stone cheeks before drifting to her hair as if he could feel her locks again. The Noblesse had looked at Frankenstein with wide eyes, as if he could barely believe what he was seeing. "It's Sui. It really is Sui?" At that point, Frankenstein had ushered Raizel away and into the mansion, and Muzaka could only wonder if the Noblesse was attempting to compose himself after being met with a lifelike statue of his deceased lover.

Muzaka had to admit, the statues were brilliantly created, and he had to wonder just who these women were to catch the hearts of such elusive, sometimes oblivious, men?

Guilt for his friend came back in full force. He had never talked to Raizel about Erin. After overcoming the shock that Raizel had a wife, he realized that his own thoughts and disbelief were hypocritical. If Muzaka would not tell anyone about Erin, then Raizel had no obligation to tell him about Sui.

"So," Ashleen drawled, swinging her feet. "When will I get to meet him?" She looked up with such bright eyes, anticipation lurking beneath her emerald depths.

"Soon," he chuckled, ruffling her hair, unintentionally messing up her braid.

She pulled back with a huff. "You said that the last time," she fussed, attempting to fix her braid. "Does this friend of yours even exist?"

"And what would be the point of making him up?" Muzaka exclaimed, amused that she would think he would do such a thing.

Ashleen hummed, tapping her chin. "Well, I've never met any of your friends before, even though we've been traveling a lot. I'm starting to wonder if you have any friends. Speaking of which," she fixed him with a curious gaze. "We've been staying here for a long time." At his curious gaze, she elaborated. "We don't usually stay in one place for too long."

Muzaka tilted his head. "But I thought you liked it here."

Ashleen's face lit up, and she eagerly jumped from the bed. "I do! The people here are nice and the town is so pretty!" She lowered her arms. "We don't have to run anymore?" She looked at him with such hope, as if she couldn't believe that their times running, sleeping in the dirt, and hunting for food, were over.

Muzaka's heart hurt at the hesitant hope in his daughter's eyes. He was hoping that she would never ask him why they had to move around so much. He had wanted to spare her from the truth that they were moving around for her safety because if the werewolves, his own people and family, found out about her existence, her life was forfeit.

Just as her mother's.

Perhaps, he realized, that is why Raizel was in hiding, because as the Noblesse, his children were not safe. Perhaps he wanted to give his son a normal life before the life of a Noble suffocated him and denied him any happiness.

That familiar ache pierced through the void of his heart where Erin used to reside. He wondered how Raizel felt about the void, and how he coped.

As Ashleen excitedly prattled on about what she did in the market, he mused with a smile, that Raizel might cope with the grief just as he did.

xXx

Tao's milky smile only widened as Raizel tickled his chin with the cloth. Smiling, Raizel attempted to wipe at the leftover milk on Tao's chin even as the baby wiggled out of reach.

"You are a messy eater," Raizel admonished, finally cleaning away the last remains of milk.

Tao's response was a protested squeak. Not for the first time, Raizel wondered how much Tao could understand and just how much he was processing.

Sitting on the couch, Raizel cradled Tao and loosened parts of the blanket to allow him more freedom to move. Tao seemed to realize that his hands were now free and eagerly waved them around before latching on to Raizel's hand with a triumphant squeal.

Raizel carefully fingered Tao's small hands. Examining the baby's nails, he frowned. With curiosity, he gently touched the baby's hands, noting the odd discoloration on the nails. The cuticle area was dark, as if he was bruised. But Raizel could sense no pain from Tao, and the discoloration was on all ten of his fingers, beginning from the cuticle as if it was growing from the skin.

His concern grew, and Raizel examined Tao's hands. Carefully pulling back the blanket Tao was swaddled in, he observed Tao's toes where he saw the same discoloration.

Raizel sighed. Tao merely cooed, smiling up at the Noblesse as if Raizel's presence brought the baby great joy. Tickling Tao's chin, Raizel grinned. "You are complicating matters, little one."

Tao merely garbled.

Rapid Italian speech leaked through the doors, and Raizel looked up just as Frankenstein stepped into the nursery with an exasperated expression. In his hands was the pink frilly outfit the boys were often forced to wear. Holding it up, Frankenstein sighed, keeping his voice quiet so as to not wake up the children. "They won't let up."

Raizel tilted his head. "Who?"

"The nursemaids," Frankenstein stated, dropping the outfit on a chair without a second thought. "They insist that Tao is too young to be wearing grown-up boy clothes."

Raizel blinked. "But I think he looks good in blue." He stood up. "Besides, we have another issue." Carrying Tao to Frankenstein, he gently displayed Tao's hand to his bonded. Frowning, Frankenstein observed Tao's hand with growing worry.

"You are right, this is an issue," Frankenstein stated. Tao giggled as Frankenstein continued to observe Tao's fingers.

"What should we do?" Raizel asked. He knew that black nails were not normal for a baby. So far, none of the children were exhibiting signs of displaying their power, despite the fact that Raizel could sense the werewolf energy within M21 and fragments of Dark Spear in Tao and Takeo. Tao's black nails could only be a sign of his developing powers.

"We should monitor the boys whenever they are with the staff," Frankenstein answered. "If there is any sign of their powers manifesting, we are to interfere. As for Tao," he mulled over his thoughts, "we should come up with an explanation. Most likely, the nursemaids will believe that he has contracted some sort of disease." He trailed off as he glanced at the frilly pink outfit he had left on the chair, and he smiled.

"Or," Frankenstein continued. "They might believe that Tao has fallen victim to the trolls."

Raizel blinked, recalling the tals the maids believed about the creatures living beneath the small bridge. "But there are no trolls."

"Yes, but they don't believe that," Frankenstein answered. "Do not worry sir, I will think of something."

Raizel's pensive face did not change at that reassurance. However, he trusted his bonded and would wait for the reveal of Frankenstein's methods.

Tao seemed oblivious to the concern his parents were displaying. His cooing transitioned into babble, as if he suddenly had a plethora of information to share with Raizel. His cooing only seemed to grow as Raizel approached Tao's crib.

"You are supposed to be sleeping," Raizel admonished as he placed Tao in the crib. He glanced over to the crib Takeo was slumbering in. Takeo had rolled over on his belly, his mouth open as he breathed deeply. M21 had vanished beneath the blankets and pillows he was buried under in Frankenstein's bed. However, Raizel could make out the small lump beneath the blankets that was M21's small form.

Tao kicked his feet up in protest as he was put down, wide eyes glaring up at the Noblesse.

"I'll stay with him, Master," Frankenstein stated.

Raizel shook his head. "I do not mind."

"I know," he stated. "But Muzaka is looking for you."

Raizel blinked and looked away from the pensive baby. "Why?"

"I do not know, but he seemed apprehensive." Frankenstien hesitated. "He might be willing to tell you about Ashleen. Or the issue with the werewolves." He smiled. "Or maybe he just wants to talk."

Raizel could remember a time when Muzaka would just climb through his window to lounge on his couch, talking about anything or nothing. Those were simpler times. "Alright." With one last look at Tao, he left the room.

He found Muzaka outside, standing before the mausoleum where the statues of Sui and Yuna were. The werewolf lord gazed up at the statues, his expression thoughtful. His eyes were unusually soft, the apprehension gone from his features. Sensing the Noblesse's presence, Muzaka turned with a smile. "Raizel."

Raizel joined Muzaka, standing in silence for a moment.

"She's beautiful," Muzaka commented, his eyes focused on Sui's statue.

Raizel nodded, grinning for a small moment. Sui was beautiful and talented. He could remember the moments when she was the loudest voice of reason within the group, often arguing with Shinwoo and pointing out his foolish antics. Raizel was unaware of her popularity as a singer, but he valued their friendship and her company.

Their meeting would be long in coming, but Raizel looked forward to the day when he was reunited with his friends once again.

"I never took you for the type to settle down and have a family," Muzaka commented. "Honestly, you never struck me as the outgoing type, the one to open yourself up to anyone, much less to a woman." He glanced at the Noblesse. "You've changed, Raizel, and I am sorry that I was not there for you."

Raizel hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "I was happy." He gazed up at the statues of his two friends. "I enjoyed spending time with them. Being with them was when I was at my best. I miss that. I miss the conversations and the company. But the memories comfort me. They remind me that I lived once, and that I had something of value."

Muzaka stared at him before glancing away. "Yeah. But that makes the loss all the more painful."

"It is not all that bad," Raizel commented. "I lost something, but I was given more in advance. I have my bonded and three children living in my home. Their presence comforts me."

Muzaka chuckled. "I never thought that you would say that. I've always thought you were...and I never came out and said it, but I thought you were a really lonely person." He gazed upward. "But I suppose that was always understood. It is interesting how much everything has changed."

Raizel hesitated before deciding to impulsively speak his thoughts. "I think that you have changed, Muzaka." His words resonated a sense of truth not just for Muzaka, but for himself. The first time he had met Ashleen, he had sensed a change in Muzaka, and had even said so once before that fateful day. His friend had found something to care for, something that he treasured and protected. Ashleen had created, or perhaps she had unearthed, a light in Muzaka, a light that shone through the werewolf lord's spirit and reflected his newfound happiness.

Raizel had searched and he had observed, and he found that there was that light within Muzaka right now.

"I do not know what brought about that change," Raizel continued, "but I think that you are a better person because of it."

Muzaka hesitated, and they stayed silent. The wind blew through the air, whispering within the stones and touching their hair with its cold touch. The comforting silence invited conversation and reflection, a moment for truths to be revealed.

"Her name was Erin."

Raizel's gaze focused on Muzaka as the werewolf continued speaking. "She gave me something, something of great importance." He looked up. "I could not tell you about her because...I suppose you could say that it was for selfish reasons. I wanted her for myself. I also knew of the danger should anyone find out about her. But as my friend, I should have said something to you."

"Muzaka, you do not owe me anything," Raizel spoke up. "I do not hold it against you that you kept your lover from me." He smiled. "I am glad that you had that experience."

Muzaka smiled back. "Perhaps sometime I will tell you about her. About everything."

Raizel nodded, his soft smile encouraging as he turned to leave. "Perhaps inside. It is rather chilly."

"Just keep those nursemaids away from me," Muzaka chuckled as he followed the Noblesse. "They see me as a threat. You know, those nursemaids are rather interested in you…" he trailed off, a topic of their conversation repeating over in his head, alerting to something he had missed.

He frowned, his thought process rapidly catching up. "Raizel! I never told you who Erin was to me. How did you know she was my lover?"

The Noblesse paused, his back to Muzaka for a moment. Turning to regard him, Raizel smiled. "I am the Noblesse, Muzaka. I know all things." With a simple tilt of his head, he turned and walked away.

A/N: So...yeah, long delay. Sorry about that. But let it be known that...ah, never mind. I'm not making any promises about an updating schedule.

But we finally get to meet Ashleen! Yay!

A note about Tao's nails. I personally believe that his fingernails were black because of the experiments he underwent for the DA-5 because of the black whips emerging from his fingers.