"He's the Noblesse."

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Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or Noblesse, obviously. Duh.

AN: I would recommend you refresh how the last chapter ended.

Chapter 2

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"Ah, well. I was bleeding heavily, but somehow managed to drag myself into the forest. There, I found herbs to make a balm for my wound, and dressed it with the torn shirt I'd worn. Once I regained my health, I was set on vengeance. Not just on the controller but on all Nobles. But I knew I couldn't win. So I expanded my knowledge. I pioneered the sciences. I believe I constructed the first light-bulb." At this Tony's eyes went wide. Frankenstein ambled on.

" I experimented. A lot. I captured a few controllers, and sampled their blood, noting the difference in the DNA makeup. Then I moved on to the few dead bodies of low-level Nobles I could find. High-level Nobles often leave no trace of a body when they die. Their bodies turn into small particles, and is...gone. I never found why. Anyway, when I was around 65, I created a recipe on how to obtain a power like the High-Nobles. Specifically, the Clan Leaders'. You see, the Clan Leader were bearer of the Clan's Soul Weapons. They were created from the Soul of the first Clan Leaders, and the passed trough blood, gaining more and more strength as they passed down. My weapon had a similar recipe." Not quite, but they didn't need to know that Frankenstein had once killed millions of humans, and set civilization back eons, just so he could feed them to his power so he could avenge people he barely remembered.

"Anyhow, I succeeded in creating the weapon." To emphasize he conjured a small tendril of his Whip. Thor eyed it warily, probably sensing the true Darkness and power it held. "But I wasn't satisfied, so I continued to experiment to with it. The weapon came with not only the power of a High Noble, but also their longevity. Before I knew it, two thousand years had passed, and I didn't look a day over 25. Only then was I confident enough to approach the Nobles and challenge them." Once again, not quite. He had been on a blood filled rampage for the better of those years, insane and lost to his own condition, only learning to control the power in the latter part of those 2000 years. "By then, whispers of my name had reached the Noble. The Lord sent two Clan Leaders after me. He'd sent lower Nobles after me for years, but since they didn't return to him, he'd grown tired of me. I barely escaped with my life..." The Avengers looked slightly dazed.

"...and right in the Mansion of the Noblesse." Frankenstein sent a wry look towards the coffin housing his Master. Ignoring the slightly incredulous looks he was receiving in favor of continuing his story, the re-incarnated scientist went on.

"Of course, I didn't know that at the time, and I incorrectly assumed that he was a kid I could use as leverage to escape. Imagine my surprise that when my chasers, who were two Clan Leaders, caught me, that they order said "kid" around, but instead bowed and addressed him as "my Lord". I didn't know it then, but from then on, I was under his protection. Long story short, I became a Servant of the Noblesse, quite willingly, I must admit,and let go of my millennium old grudge." The Avengers looked disgruntled that he hadn't given them more details. Tony was about to demand an extended version of the story, but Fury cut in before he could voice his protest.

"That doesn't explain why you have been reincarnated, and why the...Noblesse is in a coma. Details would be appreciated, Rogers." A flash of annoyance went over Frankenstein's face, and a sliver of his aura crept over the room, making them all shiver.

"You forget your place, Nicolas Fury. I am, as I have told you, not Steve Rogers any longer, but a mixture of both him and Frankenstein. Since Frankenstein has considerably more power, not just physically but also mentally, I would like for you address me as such. As for your question, I will have to spare you the details. But approximately 840 years ago, by my calculations, there was a fight between the Werewolf Lord and my Master-"

"Werewolf?! Those things existed?!" Tony exclaimed before Frankenstein could continue. The latter sent an annoyed look towards the pseudo Iron Man, before continuing, his tone bearing the same tinge of annoyance as before, but more pronounced.

"Yes, they existed, but were more like a wilder and weaker version of the Nobles, even though their Lord was on par with the Noblesse. And they could transform whenever wanted, not just on full moons. Anyway, the Werewolf and the Noblesse were...friends of sorts. Though it was more like the mutt badgering my Master..." the last part was muttered, but everyone heard it anyway. Fury wondered the extent of the loyalty Frankenstein had for his "master".

"Anyway, Muzaka, that was his name, was on his visit to the Mansion. While he was there, his family was killed. When he returned, he went mad with grief. His daughter was only a child. For werewolves, it's extremely difficult to procreate. And children are highly valued. The fact that Muzaka had his child almost 200 000 years after his marriage had already established his over-protectiveness. And for a werewolf, family is everything. It was evident that the perpetrator of the crime knew that, because nobody was at the bloodied scene, and the perpetrator had made it look like a Noble had killed them. Thus, the Nobles had a mad Werewolf Lord at their hands." Frankenstein grimaced.

"My Master, knowing that he would be the only one able to take him on, interfered. He drove their battle away from everyone, and ordered that no one follow, including me. We never saw either of them again. " The blond paused, letting the Avengers soak it in.

"As for my death...well, as all civilizations, the Noble one had run it's course. Without the fear of the Noblesse holding some of the more...savage Clan leaders back, they ran rampant, enslaving, killing and...experimenting on humans. Long story short, the Noble Lord realized that his people were at the end any way he looked at it. A civil war occurred between the rogue Clan Leaders and those still loyal to the Lord, lasting 500 years. The Lord was losing, and he knew it. So he sought me out. Together we devised a plan to end the War. It was a suicide mission." Frankenstein paused again, remembering the dreadful pain of his death. The Avengers exchanged concerned looks.

"And it was successful. Now, the only Noble of any kind alive today is my Master." This was stated with a bitter tone so full of regret that several of the Avengers flinched. Fury looked like he wanted to ask more, but ultimately decided against it. An uncomfortable silence descended in the room. Natasha cleared her throat, looking unaffected by the awkwardness.

"Regarding your Master...is there a way to wake him?" She asked pointedly, not bothering to skirt around the issue. Frankenstein looked thoughtful, unaffected by Natasha's boldness.

"Yes, though it's probably highly destructive to our surroundings. We would have to bring him to a surveillance-free area, comparative to Manhattan in size-"

"And why," Fury interrupted, clearly annoyed, "should I allow you to wake him in the first place? For all we know he could decide to overthrow the government."

Frankenstein's aura once again descended in the room. His face was unreadable, though there was cold fury in his eyes. Fury felt beads of sweat forming on his back.

"As I said, Nicholas Fury, you don't have the right to order me. Never had. I chose to lead the Avengers, not because I felt grateful," Frankenstein sneered, "but because it was on of lesser evils. Now I have the chance of waking my true Master, and no self-important honcho is going to stop me. Be grateful I allow you to breathe, Fury, because I have killed for far less. " As if to emphasize this statement, the oppressing aura almost choked Fury. Frankenstein continued.

"I was merely telling you out of common courtesy, not out of any obligation to you, and certainly not SHIELD. You cannot stop me. It would be suicidal on your part and annoy me, plausibly causing an intergalactic incident where it would be the rest of all civilization against the American government. The Noblesse is the Guardian of All. And even if humans don't remember, the rest of the galaxies do. So do yourself a favor and shut. The. Fuck. Up. And back down." Frankenstein finished up in a cold, furious voice, almost snarling at the end of his rant. By now, Fury had developed a shake in his hands, and the rest of the Avengers looked on with various states of awe in their eyes. Even Natasha was looking slightly wide-eyed, though, surprisingly, Thor was the only one to stay unreadable.

"Did he just call him a honcho? And curse at him?" Tony asked in a faint voice full of reverential respect. Bruce and Clint nodded slowly. Tony's face broke into a grin.

"Oh, this is priceless. Friday, tell me you recorded this." the billionaire said gleefully.

"Incident recorded and filed in high security archives, sir." Friday's voice responded robotically over the intercom. Fury finally seemed the find to find his voice back and he spluttered.

"But-but what about the Avengers?! You're kind of needed in the world nowadays! And what're are we gonna tell the general populace about the fact that Captain America no longer exists? And how do we explain who you..and your...master are?" Frankenstein rolled his eyes. Honestly, politicians lost their head whenever they were faced with a power too far out of their reach.

"Either you can stage the death of Captain America. Tell them he was lost in some remote area or something on a mission, but this time you're certain he's dead because there was a big explosion. Or, we can tell them he's on an undercover mission for a couple of months, that will explain the change in my physique when I officially return. Of course, without the mask, I will be known as Steve Rogers still, as my features haven't changed that dramatically. My Master's...existence can be explained by saying that He's a friend of Thor's, only we're staying permanently. That would also save us from questions of our age and appearance. As for the Avengers...well, I have made it clear I don't want anything to do with following your orders like a lapdog anymore. I have no control of the rest of the members. They can either stay, or follow me. I don't have any right to interfere. The same option will be provided to Wanda and Vision." Fury still looked indignant, but grudgingly agreed that the course of action provided would be the best. Even though he more than likely would lose the Avengers today. The Avengers, for their part, looked thoughtful. Thor was the first to move.

"I will follow you, Frankenstein. Asgard hasn't forgotten the kindness of the Noblesse." the god declared. Tony smirked.

"Never liked these nut-jobs at SHIELD anyway. I'm following, and my tower is still free to use to all Avengers. And I bet you're going to use the flat I have for you there. Your Master lived in a Mansion, didn't he? Oh, I'm kinda 95% sure that Wanda and Vision will follow us. " Frankenstein offered him a rueful smile on return. Bruce snorted.

"I'm following you Frankenstein. SHIELD was never an option without you there." He said dryly. Every eye landed on Barton and Natasha. The duo were looking at each other intently, likely looking to see where the other was going. Then at once they turned. Clint voiced their decision.

"We're in. SHIELD isn't the same without Phil." was the short missive. A somber mood once again made place in the room as they remembered the likable agent. At last, Fury sighed, looking up with a weary expression. SHIELD was in deep shit now. He had one last thread to go on now.

"Congratulations, you Avengers are officially vigilantes. That status can of course be changed if you decided to join SHIELD again-" Frankenstein snorted, before once again rolling his eyes.

"Save it, Fury. Why don't I offer you something? The Avengers will work with the government as...consultants. You come to us with cases, and we decide which one that are worth doing. And we all keep our eyes open for any immediate disasters that can't be controlled without our intervention. Is that a deal?" The look in Frankenstein's eyes didn't allow for a denial. Fury grudgingly nodded. The look immediately disappeared.

"Captain America stays alive." was Fury's last input. Frankenstein shrugged, looking like he couldn't care less.

"Good, we're done here. Tony, could you please arrange a jet? We're to going to the Mexican desert." Waving a hand to levitate the coffin of his Master, Frankenstein jumped out bed.

"You're not gonna change?" Tony asked, not batting an eyelash at the display. Frankenstein snorted.

"I just want this over with." With that the Avengers walked out of the SHIELD HQ, not once looking back. Nick Fury growled in frustration and kicked a chair.

§ Mexican desert, 2 hours later §

Frankenstein was excited. Tony knew this because even though this...version of his friend was vastly different from the tense War general from three hours ago, he was still, to some degree, Steve Rogers. Sure, some, if not all of his mannerisms were different. Where Steve Rogers had the grace and gait of a trained soldier, Frankenstein had an elegance that Tony had seen some of the remaining high aristocracy of today's world only trying to imitate. The closest he could compare was Loki, but Tony was sure that even the Trickster wouldn't be able to match Frankenstein's elegance. Yet, the man still held himself in the manner of a seasoned warrior, always noting exits and escape routes anytime he entered a room. Tony wouldn't put it past him to have planned an escape route from the Avengers' ship if the occasion rose. Other than that, Frankenstein's eyes were very expressive, just as Steve's had been. Both Frankenstein and Cap had had perfect poker faces, but their eyes were the most expressive of them all, at least to his friends. That was one of the reasons every Avenger had followed Frankenstein, beside the fact that they were sick and tired of SHIELD and Fury breathing down their necks, trying to coerce (order) them into some save-the-world-shit-that-would-somehow-come-to-bite-them-in-the-ass.

And now, because Frankenstein had offered them an option to do that without listening to the Stupid As Shit World Council, (honestly, nuking New York? WTF?) they had all taken it. It wasn't because of blind trust, because Frankenstein probably had more secrets than all the of the world's agencies combined, being 20 000 years old after all. But he the Avengers were sure that he wouldn't betray them, mainly because Frankenstein had nothing to gather from that, beside technically still being their friend who they had fought with against armies of evil robots and aliens trying to destroy the world. Also, SHIELD had been infiltrated by HYDRA for over twenty years. Kind of made them untrustworthy.

Therefore, they were all here, in the surprisingly mild desert of Mexico. Tony was still grumpy for getting sand in his suite, though. Frankenstein was levitating the coffin containing possibly the most powerful in existence. Tony frowned. He was uncertain of the path of action Frankenstein was taking, but ultimately, like the rest of the team, had tentatively agreed to it. Still, Tony couldn't be certain if this was a good idea. But a couple of years in the superhero business had thought him to expect the unexpected. Frankenstein stopped, the coffin still levitating beside him. The rest of the team came to halt as well. They were standing a couple of hundred meters from the ship.

"You'll have to stay here. There's a good chance that the discharge will hurt you if you're too close." the Captain told them in a grave tone. The rest of the Avengers exchanged looks.

"Then why," Natasha said carefully,"did you bring us with you?" Frankenstein blinked, before shrugging.

"As a show of trust. I know that you all are very unsure of me, and my character. Not that I don't approve of that. I wouldn't trust me either. But the fact remains that I know and trust you. As I have repeatedly told you, I am, to some degree, still Steve Rogers. Besides, this will serve as a demonstration of my powers. You'll probably trust me more in a fight if you're sure that I can still handle myself. " Frankenstein smiled wryly. The Avengers blinked, not having expected that as an answer. The ancient being gave them all a searching look before nodding. Then he jumped a good 50 meters in the air, floating, before flying to what could be considered a safe distance, coffin in tow. There was a heartbeat of silence, before it sank in.

"No fair!" Barton complained. "What's with the fact that the one person named after a bird can't fly in this soup-group?" Hawk-eye grumbled. Tony gave him a thoroughly un-impressed look.

"Soup-group, Barton? Really, what are you, five?" the billionaire said in a scandalized tone. Barton grumbled.

"Shut up both of you. He's beginning. " Natasha cut them off with a glare.

Frankenstein had indeed begun the ritual. He'd let loose the tight control of his powers, casting a dark shadow over the desert. He took a deep breath.

Then he tugged at it.

It responded, and the desert was quickly enveloped in a blood red force-field.

The Avengers stared as a dome appeared in front of them. They stood just outside of the force-field, just like Frankenstein had calculated.

Then he began chanting.

It was an old Noble ritual song, generally used to call upon the Noblesse's protection. Frankenstein could feel it's effect on his Master's conscious already. With the skill of a lifetime, he began to push the power towards his Master.

The Avengers looked on with awe as the force-field slowly shrunk.

Then, something Frankenstein hadn't calculated showed up.

Noble weapons from the Loyal Clans began to show, swirling around the coffin. Only a lifetime of experience kept the ancient scientist focused enough to keep his chant going.

Then, an apparition appeared.

An apparition of the Lord, to be exact.

Frankenstein almost lost his concentration.

The Lord looked like he'd done right before they'd gone to battle for the last time. Long blond hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, Ragnarok hanging by his hip. His battle-robes were immaculate, and his eyes looked to be in deep sadness, though the steel was still there.

"Frankenstein...if you are seeing this, then my plan has borne fruit." a bitter smile twisted on the normally cheerful face.

"Truly, I wish that it hadn't come to be. But we Nobles have been...stagnant for too long. I see on the human cultures, and how long they have progressed from when they were just above animals. And I look at ourselves, and see nothing but a race of ever-young ancient relics, too set in our ways and too blinded by our own pride to see where we were headed. Truly, I can see why Cadis refused to interact with us." the Lord voiced wryly.

"As our race's fall is inevitably upon us, I have designed a gift to Cadis. It is...the full power of every Loyal clan Leader and my own, including our Soul weapons." Frankenstein let out a gasp, nearly breaking his chant.

"I know that Cadis is . Rabid as Muzaka may have been, he still saw Cadis as his friend. And you know Werewolves. Anyway, mutt that he may have been, Muzaka was powerful. I know that Cadis is severely weakened by the fight, hence the reason for you to not have found him. So, as a final ode to the Noblesse, the Loyal Nobles have decided to sacrifice their own power to Him. Our Soul Weapons and power will be bound to your soul upon our probable deaths. Human souls are capable of reincarnation, unlike us Nobles." another wry smile twisted at the Lord's lips, before a solemn expression took it's place.

"I will be watching over you and Cadis. Take care, and may the Stars be with you." with that, the apparition vanished, revealing Ragnarok in all its glory.

Frankenstein quickly got over his credulousness, before starting the final part of his ritual.

The force field was all but gone, leaving the pressure of the power to create a sandstorm. The Avengers, who had been quite confused to see a strange hologram appear, were left to defend themselves from the onslaught of sand.

Unfortunately for them, the impromptu storm only grew stronger as the Soul Weapons began to swirl in a circle around the coffin, with Ragnarok glowing brightly in the middle.

Finally, the Weapons turned into bright balls of energy, and shot towards Ragnarok. The sword glowed even more brightly, if possible, an turned into a giant ball of energy.

Frankenstein gritted his teeth. The ritual was at it's most powerful stage. He brought his force-field around the ball of energy that was the Soul Weapons, encasing it.

He lowered it towards the body of his Master carefully.

Finally, he let go of it, letting it sink in. A heartbeat followed, where nothing happened. The storm had stopped. There was absolute silence. Frankenstein held his breath. The Avengers looked confused, but apprehensive.

Then there was excluded a bright red light from the coffin. Everybody shielded their eyes.

When the light finally died, Frankenstein let out a breath. The coffin was open. He could feel his Master awakening. The familiar link was stronger than ever. Frankenstein approached the coffin hastily.

The Noblesse seemed to still be rising from his sleep.

Finally he opened his eyes. Blood red eyes stared into the star-filled sky, before Cadis Etrama di Raizel decided to stand up to survey his surroundings. He was met with an expanse of sand-filled landscape. He looked around, trying to make heads and tails of where he was, when he finally met familiar blue eyes.

AN: So? how was it?

Reviews are a muse for an inspired author.

iamAdisco