Banner stood in a corner of the aircraft as it headed to Beacon. Everyone kept their distance. Even Ozpin tried not to look. Closing his eyes and taking very deep breaths, Banner leaned against the wall. "I hate you," Banner told himself. Banner got HIS attention.
"Puny Banner don't know anger," Banner heard in the back of his head. The deep, savage voice made the hairs on his neck stand tall.
"I hate you. I hate you. I will always hate you!" Banner said aloud as he opened his bright green eyes. Veins popped up and turned green in his neck. He was about to roar, until he felt something around his waist. Ruby hugged Banner.
"It's going to be okay," Ruby said not letting up on Banner's waist. A single tear washed down Banner's face and dripped onto Ruby's head. All of Banner's anger turned into sorrow, calming him down.
Yang pulled her sister away, "He's fine now." Ruby and Yang took their seats on the other side of the aircraft.
Banner's eyes drooped. He failed to stay awake as he leaned against the wall.
"Guys…," Yang said getting her team's attention, "we need to talk."
"Banner's way more dangerous than we ever thought," Blake said nodding.
"Look who's talking, Faunus," Weiss growled at Blake.
"Weiss, Blake, now is not the time to act like children," Ruby snapped. Weiss and Blake both looked down in shame.
"She's right," Weiss said. "It was Atlas who caused all this," she said shaking her head. "I can't believe Winter allowed this." Weiss tried to hold back tears.
"And I'm sorry as well," Blake agreed. "I should have told you all of you sooner. I just thought you guys wouldn't accept me just like the rest of society doesn't."
"Blake," Yang said putting a hand on her shoulder. "You're one of our teammates. We will always have your back." Yang looked at Weiss, "Isn't that right, Weiss?"
Weiss looked into Blake's eyes, "She's right. I've acted like a child. You're my teammate, Blake. And I can't let my family's hate over the Faunus blind me. I'm sorry, Blake."
"Thank you," Blake said holding out her hand for Weiss to shake. Weiss slapped her hand away. "Weiss?" Blake asked in shock. Weiss pulled Blake toward her and hugged her fiercely.
"If there's anything you need to share," Weiss said to Blake, "just say it."
"Okay," Blake smiled hugging back.
"I'm glad you two are friends again," Yang nodded, "but we need to get back on topic. Banner is…,"
"Staying," Ruby interrupted.
"I know you and Banner are friends and all, but he needs to go," Weiss snorted.
"You don't know anything, Princess," Ruby barked back.
"Children," Glynda snapped from the passenger seat. "We're nearly at Beacon. I suggest you leave your squabbling until we arrive."
"She's right," Ozpin piped in. "Everything will be taken care of, girls. Get some rest."
"He's staying," Ruby growled, "he's one of us now." Weiss and Ruby glared at each other.
"Guys, please," Blake pleaded. "It's been a long night. Let's just get to Beacon."
After a while, Glynda looked over her shoulder to find team RWBY fast asleep. "Ozpin," she said hoarsely, "Miss Schnee has a point."
Ozpin sighed, "We'll talk about it at Beacon Tower."
"Damn it, OZPIN," Glynda snapped. "Open your eyes. We have a murder on this ship," she said waving her arm toward Banner who was secretly listening.
"We need to hear his side of the story," Ozpin said firmly.
"Ozpin…he killed all of the White Fang who were at the dock. Then fatalities from the building," Glynda said. She mourned for all the victim's families.
Ozpin was silent as he tried to accept the truth.
"Two thousand casualties and rising," Glynda said in horror swiping through her tablet.
When the ship landed, team RWBY was ordered to report back to their dorm and rest. Banner was expected to speak with Ozpin and Glynda.
Banner arrived at the top of beacon tower, he quickly took a seat facing them.
Ozpin cleared his throat, "I would like to say…"
"Don't," Banner said indicating Ozpin should stop talking. "You don't have to say it. I heard everything on the aircraft," Banner said glaring at both of them. Glynda and Ozpin looked at each other in shame.
"Then you know it's true," Glynda said standing her ground.
"Never said it wasn't," Banner quickly snapped back. "What I am saying is that Ironwood is to blame."
"We know," Ozpin said face palming. "We just can't prove it."
"It doesn't matter. He's being seen as a hero," Glynda said. She scanned multiple news channels through her tablet, each of them praising Ironwood for his bravery.
"Let me guess," Banner sighed. "Banner is a monster, Banner is dangerous, Banner…,"
"May not be to blame," Glynda said in astonishment.
"What?" Banner asked standing to his feet.
"Glynda, continue," Ozpin nodded, interested.
"Vale News Network," Glynda read. "It appears you may have a supporter, Banner," Glynda said giving him the tablet.
"Lisa Lavender?" Banner asked as he watched the news channel.
"What I see is a misunderstood man. One who is confused, scared and may just want to be left alone," Lisa said into the camera. "Banner, if you're listening," Lisa said, staring right at Banner through the screen. "You will accept this invitation and let me interview you. No weapons, no bias, and no anger, just you, the real you. In other news…," Lisa trailed off as banner gave the tablet to Glynda.
"What do you think?" Glynda asked as she accepted her tool.
"Where's the phone?" Banner asked.
Ozpin smiled as he filled with confidence. Ironwood would pay for his crimes and the Maidens would be found and...and Salem may be defeated. If anyone could, Banner could. But first, Ozpin had to have a chat with Blake Belladonna.
Neo quickly helped Roman get into a hospital bed, and rushed him into their base.
"Thank you, Neo," Roman grunted in pain as he gently touched his broken ribs.
"Roman, you did better than we expected," they heard from the shadows.
"Funny, when you should've helped," Roman growled as Cinder walked into the light.
"Come on, Roman. You know I had to do something important," Cinder smirked, patting him on the ribs.
"Not bad, old man," a teen voice said from Cinder's side.
"Like you could have done better, kid," Roman snorted at the gray haired teen.
"Mercury," Cinder said snapping her fingers, "that's no way to treat a patient."
"Awww, so we can't make fun of him?" a teen with green hair said coming out of nowhere.
"Could you not?" Roman asked her. "You're giving me a headache, Emerald."
"Good work, Roman. We found out who our huge green friend really is," Cinder grinned as she made her way toward a board with maps and pictures, all of which were related to Hulk.
"What about the Maidens?" Emerald asked.
"Forget the Maidens," Cinder yelled as her eyes glowed orange. "Now, we go after real power," Cinder said as she stabbed a glass shard through a picture of Hulk.
"In case you forgot," Roman said waving his cane, "Banner manhandled you, easily."
"True," Cinder nodded, "But that wasn't Banner, it was his counterpart. You two," Cinder said turning to face Mercury and Emerald. "Find who he cares for, and…," Cinder said lightly scratching her throat with a sharp piece of glass. "If nothing else, find him."
"We may not need to," Emerald said swiping through her scroll. "Here," she said giving it to Cinder.
"Breaking News," Lisa Lavender said from the scroll, "we have confirmation that Bruce Banner has accepted our invitation. Mr. Banner's interview will take place at three in the afternoon tomorrow."
"Wonderful," Cinder grinned evilly. "Neo, we have new plans."
Neo smiled as she popped her knuckles...and her neck.