"He's the Noblesse."
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Chapter 6
Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or Noblesse, obviously.
AN: I would recommend you refresh how the last chapter ended.
Erm...yeah.
Sorry for the long wait. I never thought I'd be one of those authors who updates once a year...
Look at me now...
§US Senate, 2 weeks later §
Frankenstein surveyed the room. As he had predicted, the Avengers had been the target of a tarnishing campaign by the government. Now they had been called to hearing in front of the Senate, led by Thaddeus Ross, an annoying bug of a man who Frankenstein may or may not have imagined slowly strangling to death. Of course, there was a legion of reporters present as well.
All in all, it was a perfect recipe for ruining Frankenstein's day. He suppressed the urge to destroy the building.
He was in normal clothes, that is to say, a suit that was probably worth an apartment, courtesy Tony and his own heightened standards. The reason for that being this being that Frankenstein was there as the 'official' spokesperson for the Avengers.
The Avengers present included him, Tony, Barton, Natasha and Thor. They had let Bruce, Wanda, and Vision, the latter two who had joined them in leaving SHIELD's iron hold after a talk, stay at the tower. Frankenstein had deemed it dangerous for all of them to be present at the hearing, especially since animosity for Banner, Wanda and Vision was high.
"Looks like this farce is to begin," Thor muttered. He was clothed in his usual armor, causing more whispers than there already were.
Ross had called the room to order. The Senator let his eyes roam the room, finally letting his gaze settle on the Avengers.
"This hearing has been called in order to, ah, investigate the recent activities of the group known as Avengers. Though they may have protected us from a lot of dangers in recent past, it has been concluded that they have at least partial responsibility for the destruction of several cities and the state of Sokovia. That is not to mention the amalgam of lives lost in these disasters. Therefore, the US government proposes-"
"Excuse me, Senator. We would like to disagree." Frankenstein interrupted the toady politician, calling the room's attention to himself. Several cameras flashed, and light mutterings broke out as the press wondering who the man was. Ross, who had been somewhat surprised to be interrupted by the unknown man, quickly gathered himself.
"Well, and who are you?" he said in a snooty tone most often heard in playground fights. Frankenstein smirked, and Ross felt a shiver of fear down his spine.
"You may now me as the Avengers spokesperson, Frank Rodgers. I am a professional lawyer and will hereby be representing the Avengers to the press and any outside sources. Though I disclaim having to deal with Mr. Stark's personal matters and statements." Frankenstein stated. The media started to furiously write down what he was saying, and the majority of cameras zoomed towards him.
"Rude," Tony muttered petulantly, while Natasha snorted.
Ross seemed to be perplexed before he hardened his expression.
"Is that so? I thought that the Captain was responsible for that, being the leader of the Avengers and all. But it seems like he hasn't deemed us worthy of his presence today." Ross said in a faux-pleasant tone, eyes glinting. Frankenstein looked unaffected.
"That is because he has prior engagements which are confidential for the time being. You may inquire SHIELD or the CIA about the details," he said monotonously. Ross was about to respond, but Frankenstein ambled on.
"That being said, I have reviewed the Accords that the Senate so kindly put forward. And excuse my language, but I have come to the conclusion that it is 600 pages of complete and utter bullshit." Gasps erupted, and even Tony eyed Frankenstein with an impressed expression. Ross sputtered out protests, which went largely unheard as Frankenstein plowed on.
"Firstly, let me begin with your claim that the Avengers have responsibility for the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of public property. No, they do not. Their enemies do. As simple as that. Will you blame a police officer who successfully saved a school bus with children from a terrorist for the casualties that occurred when he tried to do his job? Yes, every loss of life is a weight on our conscience, but you are forgetting something very important. Nobody is perfect, least of all the Avengers."
Frankenstein paused, letting it sink in.
"The Accords propose the Avengers become mascots for the US government, a proposition that leaves them little more than slaves who have to listen to every whim of the government. Because they need to be 'kept in check'. This is not only ridiculous, it's very stupid as well. Because it was the government who ordered the nuking of Manhattan. If Mr. Stark hadn't redirected the nuke by flying into a black hole, there would be no Avengers to talk about." Ross looked like he wished a black hole would swallow Frankenstein. Barton handed Tony some bills under the table. Natasha sent them a small glare, while Thor hid a snort. Frankenstein ignored it and continued,
"Not to mention the recent revelations of the HYDRA being present in the US government. Senator Stern could not have been alone, could he?"
Murmuring had once again erupted in the room, and many of those who had been on Ross' side seemed to reconsider his proposition. Ross seemed to finally get in a word.
"But about Ultron? And Loki? Isn't Thor the reason for his presence here on Earth? It all began with Thor, didn't it?" he practically snarled.
"You're wrong again, which seems to be a running theme here. This started eons ago, humans could understand language. Crown-Prince Thor has been an active force in stopping his adoptive brother's schemes. Not to mention the loss of Queen Frigga, Prince Thor's mother is also recent and a consequence of recent events. " Frankenstein paused. The people seemed to take in the recent information and mulled over.
"No planet in the 9 realms is safe from recent chaos. A large part of Asgard has been destroyed. Humans should be grateful for the existence of the Avengers. Without them, they would have probably been wiped out at this point. Many planets with more advanced technology and stronger races have already fallen," Thor interjected in a serious tone. Taking the cue, Tony played a slideshow which depicted the chaos and destruction across galaxies. Many gasped in horror, while others seemed close to tears.
"And that brings us to our final point. The Avengers are truly humanity's only hope to fight off the evil which is slowly eating the realms. If you are going to alienate them, you'll be doing humanity a disservice."
"Who is the one behind this? And why are they doing this?" a reporter asked. Frankenstein smiled humourlessly.
"The Mad Titan. An immortal titan hell-bent on courting Death. He's killing off races to impress the deity of Death. And his allies aren't few."
"How do we know you aren't lying?" Ross said as a desperate last attempt. Frankenstein eyed him.
"You don't. But if you doubt us, the one at loss will be you, not us."
With that, the Avengers stood up to leave, a trail of camera flashes following them.
Thaddeus Ross was all but forgotten.
At the tower, Raizel was lounging on a sofa-chair, somehow making it look elegant while he was watching the hearing.
Wanda and Vision sat on the couch beside him, alternating between watching Raizel and the TV.
"...not us." Frankenstein's voice rang in the room. Raizel barely held himself from rolling his eyes.
"His flair for dramatics is still the same as ever," the Noblesse commented in fondly. Wanda and Vision exchanged a look. Wasn't Raizel supposed to be teaching Wanda how to better control her powers?
"Wanda."
"Yes, Lord Raizel."
"More tea."
"...Yes, Lord Raizel, I'll be right-"
"Ah, you do not have to leave. Use your powers."
"M-my powers? To...make tea?"
"It is a good exercise."
"..."
"You are not at the level where I can teach you."
"...you can read thoughts?"
"Hearing is more appropriate of a verb to describe."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...my tea, Wanda."
"..."
AN: Short, I know. But I am in uni. and swamped.
Leave a review on your way out.
iamadisco