"He's the Noblesse."
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Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or Noblesse, obviously.
AN: I would recommend you refresh how the last chapter ended.
Chapter 5
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§ Back at Stark/Avengers tower §
They were all back at the tower, sitting in one of the lounges, enjoying warm beverages, after raiding Frankenstein's monolith of most of its contents, fitting it into the plane with a little help from Raizel. Said noble was quietly observing his surroundings, totally unphased of the shock of almost a thousand years of change, quietly observing the various pieces of technology and generally everything else. As for Frankenstein, he was already re-introducing himself to the land of science, having borrowed a StarkPad and begun his research. Tony was suitably impressed with the speed of how fast the other genius was catching up, said genius being already at a MiT graduate level in two hours.
"Now that we've got that out of the way, I'll rely on you, Tony. Clint, Natasha, you need to get back to SHIELD." the statement from the ancient genius garnered shocked looks from all those present. Natasha and Clint exchanged a wary glance.
"What exactly do you mean? Didn't you see us walk away with you just now? Do you really think Fury would let us back?" Clint replied incredulously. Frankenstein looked up from his reading.
"Didn't you hear? We're gonna collaborate. On the surface, nothing will change, all of us, except me, that is, will continue our lives and activities the way we were. But now the Avengers are an independant group from SHIELD not just on paper, but in reality. What we say here, plan here, is going to be top secret to everybody. Clint and Natasha are both gonna be our contacts with Fury. You may take on any missions you like from him, but everything he says is going to be told to everybody here. If we have something to tell him, you two will be our go-to contacts." Understanding dawned on the faces of the Avengers as they processed what was being said. Bruce wrinkled his forehead.
"I don't understand. It won't be much different than before, except now SHIELD nor the government won't have real authority over us. Of course, I suspect Nick isn't going to tell the government that. Why are you so poignantly requesting to be an outsider of the system? Won't it be beneficiary to stay in?" Frankenstein smiled slightly, as if he was prepared of being asked such a question, before his expression turned serious.
"Actually, there are a number of reasons for me to demand a cooperative relationship than a submissive one. First one being that we can't trust anyone but those that have proven that they're trustworthy. SHIELD and the government aren't acceptable as trustworthy. HYDRA has had their claws in SHIELD since it's inception. I doubt the debacle in Washington removed that particular pest. As for the government...well, after the Sokovian fiasco their calling for there to be placed a leash on all of us. Not to mention the influence of Hydra." Frankenstein paused, letting the information sink in. Tony reacted first, predictably.
"Put a leash on us? What do you mean?" Frankenstein sighed, as if exasperated by Tony's stupidity.
"Exactly what it says. The government, alongside the UN and at least a 100 other nations, is considering, no, has reached a decision to out us in check. They have determined that we may be an answer to intergalactic maniacs trying to take over the Earth, and genocidal robot overlords, but when we aren't saving their hides, we're a problem. Their proposal is to make us international foot soldiers, only fighting and only breathing when we're allowed to.
The problem is that they have a big group of the public supporting them. People who lost loved ones in the various disasters we were involved in solving are blaming us more than they're blaming the enemy. Though we may have saved the 99.9% of those that were in danger, we still failed that 0.1%. Though I may agree with that, and feel sorry for every single life lost for the rest of my immortal life, it doesn't change the fact that more lives will be lost if we comply. The-"
"How are you sure that it will be a bad idea?" Natasha cut in. There was a steely look in her eyes, and Frankenstein was reminded of why he respected the woman. He smiled a cut-throat smile, which reminded Natasha that this wasn't Steve but an ancient entity that may or not have millions of lives on his consciousness. Frankenstein went back to his StarkPad, letting his hands become busy
"As I was saying, the government will control us completely. We'll be under constant surveillance and a toe out of line will land us in jail, no matter if we saved anyone or not. The government will control the information we're fed, and completely control what we're to do under a global disaster. That means that if they nuke someplace again, which, let's be honest, is bound to happen, we're not allowed to intervene. Or jail. Not that I can't break out, but it will be too inconvenient. Not to mention the loss of public confidence and trust." Frankenstein paused, letting the rest of the team understand the situation.
"But won't they try something if we refuse? Won't they just blame us for all the deaths to be seen as doing something?" Bruce said in an anxious tone. Just then, the printer started up. Everybody looked from the printer to Frankenstein, who smile broadly, sending a shiver of anticipation down everyone's back. Tony exchanged a glance with Clint, who just motioned for the younger genius of the group to get a move on.
"What is this...oh." Tony let a slow smile of amazement spread over his face. Frankenstein finally let down the StarkPad, and looked everyone in the eye.
"Then they would have to deal with me, Frank Rogers, born on the 4th of July, 1970, Brooklyn. Harvard educated lawyer on international and American law. Not to mention the 20 other degrees I just got." Tony let out a hoot.
"I can't believe how quickly you just...acquired these! And they're rock solid, too! Not even I can tell that you just popped into existence! How did you do this, man!" A pause followed Tony's exclamation. Suddenly the Avengers felt a shiver down their spine as Frankenstein already broad smile got impossibly wide. Raizel just sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, and sent an irritated look towards Tony.
The next hour and half of self-praise from the ancient genius known as Frankenstein was enough to let them know. Thankfully, Raizel took pity on them at last.
"Frankenstein."
"-the best game of polo...yes, Master."
"Make me some tea."
"Yes, Master."
"Also, Frankenstein."
"Yes, Master?"
"Please speak to the young mister Stark in greater detail of your experience sometime, would you? He seems enraptured. But please speak with him alone, if you would."
"What a great idea, Master."
As Tony looked around in desperation, he was met with no empathy.
"Justice." muttered Thor.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and looked at Raizel with newfound respect, and a sliver of fear.
Raizel smiled. His tea was great.
AN: This will probably be the last chapter for a while. I'm traveling, see. Also, exams. Leave a review, please!