OPENING
A skinny Steve Rogers was kneeling on the streets of Brooklyn from the 40's, as he was surrounded by bullies.
They see you as small and helpless
The bullies then disappeared, as he saw a shadowed silhouette of his muscular self in front of him.
They see you as just a child
The skinny Steve Rogers then stood up, as his surroundings transitioned to the modern Brooklyn. He then transitioned himself from skinny to the present Steve Rogers, before he ran towards an enemy while wielding his iconic vibranium shield.
Surprised when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild
THE AVENGERS:
ASSEMBLE ON REMNANT
Prepare for your greatest moments
A young Natasha Romanoff was surrounded by numerous shadowed Black Widows, as she stared at Dreykov who was standing in front of the Widows.
Prepare for your finest hour
Sam Wilson stared back at his partner's grave before flying away while Clint Barton wore his purple shades and calmly sighed, before firing an arrow at his target's head from a tall building.
The dream that you've always dreamed is suddenly about to flower
A horde of Grimm and Ultron Sentries were shown, as Ultron fired a laser blast before transitioning to Roman Torchwick, Crossbones, and Aldrich Killian were then shown while their goons were behind them.
We are lightning
Cinder was then shown in front while Mercury, Emerald, Mysterio, and Taskmaster were behind her.
Straying from the thunder
The Avengers – Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon, and Hawkeye – and Team RWBY were surrounded by a horde of Grimm, Ultron Sentries, and EXTREMIS Soldiers.
Miracles of ancient wonder
The two teams then dodged from Ultron's deadly laser beam, before rushing towards him and the horde.
This will be the day we've waited for
Jaune was staring at the statues of the original six Avengers.
This will be the day we open up the door
Pyrrha then placed her hand at Jaune's shoulder, as Team JNPR and other heroes – Peter Parker / Spider-Man, Shang-Chi, Harley Keener, Loki, Kate Bishop / Hawkeye, and Scott Lang / Ant-Man – were all shown. All of them had an Avenger logo implanted on their combat gears.
I don't wanna hear your absolution
Hope you're ready for a revolution
Ozpin, Glynda, Wong, and Black Panther were in the balcony of an airship.
Welcome to a world of new solutions
Welcome to a world of bloody evolution
Steve, Natasha, Sam, and Clint were then shown with their hero symbols along with Team RWBY's.
In time, your heart will open minds
A story will be told
All of the main and side heroes from both franchises were then shown, before ending with Ruby spinning her scythe and Steve throwing his shield.
And victory is in a simple soul
CHAPTER 9: THE SECRETIVE PLOT
In the White Fang headquarters the next morning, Blake was standing on the balcony to enjoy the view and breathe some fresh air. It has been two days since she last saw Ilia, so she was beginning to worry for her friend. Her and Adam were the only people she could call 'friends' in the 'peaceful' organization.
She doesn't have any regrets about choosing the White Fang over her own family because of them. She would have a guilty conscience if it weren't for them, so she has the right to worry about one of her friends' safety even if she is capable enough to take down numerous Huntsmen.
Suddenly, she heard a White Fang member barge inside downstairs while Adam was training with his swordsmanship skill. She made her way downstairs quietly in order to not disturb Adam in case the news wasn't that urgent. Besides, she is one curious cat. She can't help, but to listen to conversation within her reach.
"Adam, this is urgent!" The same White Fang member who brought news to his leader about the Avengers was panicking about the news he had received. "Ms. Amitola has been missing ever since her encounter with the archer, Hawkeye. She is nowhere to be found. We don't know if she is dead or alive."
Blake flinched after hearing the unknown fate of her friend, 'Ilia…'
Adam lifted his sword in pure anger before slicing seven mannequins at once, "She was bested by a mere archer? Either he was that good or Ilia wasn't as skilled as I thought she was."
He then unsheathed Wilt and Bush before receiving some fresh air in the balcony nearby.
"Oh well, there's nothing we could do if she is missing. It is pointless to send a search party for one person whom we are unaware of whether she's alive or dead. If she is alive, then she is captured by those measly humans. If she is dead, then she is buried six feet underground somewhere where no faunus would ever find her, or the humans will commit some wicked experiment on her corpse. Who knows?"
Blake couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her own friend wouldn't want to send a search party who is essentially one of the skilled members of the White Fang. She then realized that Adam sent Ilia to redeem her failure to face one of the Avengers.
She hasn't heard much about the anonymous group of Huntsmen, only that they are much more skilled in team coordination and abilities than regular Huntsmen to the point they are regarded as comic book superheroes that humans created in the past. She isn't really into comic books, only romantic or tragedy novels. [1]
Anyway, she doesn't understand why Adam would send Ilia on a dangerous mission if he knew how strong the Avengers are… unless he underestimated them. She is planning to have a conversation with Adam after he is finished with his current conversation.
"Then what should we do, sir?" The White Fang member asked worriedly due to the consequences of losing one of their kind that was implanted by their high leader.
He doesn't want to face her fury just because he told Adam about the Avengers who are responsible for the presumed death of Ilia Amitola and the capture of Jackal.
"I don't think Ma'am Sienna would give us a second chance for losing two valuable members."
Adam scoffed, "She will have to for I am the only one who brings justice to our kind. The only thing we could do for Ilia is to avenge her by fighting those so-called 'superheroes'. As a bonus, we could find and free Jackal if we have the time. I still have some words for him."
"Very well, sir." The White Fang member was attempting to calm his rapidly beating heart.
He was too nervous about experiencing Sienna's fury, especially that he might be taking the blame instead of Adam due to his higher status and importance to the organization compared to him. He shook the negativity off his mind before relaying the next news.
"I have some good news, sir. The party that you sent to Atlas has captured the important target. It wasn't easy as they had to time it correctly in order to avoid the Atlesian guards, but they got the job done."
Blake raised her cat ears with curiosity. She hasn't heard about this mission from Adam yet… or was he even planning to inform her about it? She is beginning to wonder what the secret missions that he hasn't told her about yet. And most importantly, she is curious about who the target is.
If it was an important person, then she doesn't really care much as their nobility disgusts her. But if it was an innocent child or family member, then she has issues about it regarding whether they are humans or not.
She can't allow anyone to tarnish the White Fang of being a peaceful organization rather than a violent one as many humans believe they are.
"Is that so? Finally, some good news! What about the other important target? The chip?" Adam was proud that one of the parties he sent to Atlas accomplished their mission unlike Jackal and his men.
He gave them two difficult tasks to retrieve from the most heavily fortified country in all of Remnant, so he was in disbelief that they managed to succeed. The first target was merely a trophy or a bargaining tool, but he is much more anticipating about the second target which was much more important.
If he has two of them, then it's basically a jackpot for the White Fang. It's like hitting two children with one stone.
"Have they succeeded as well?"
The White Fang member smiled before nodding in confirmation, "Yes, sir. They have indeed captured the chip."
'The chip?' Blake questioned the second target. She wondered if Adam ordered the party over Atlas to steal an important chip from the Atlesian Military. If it was important, she is curious about its capabilities considering it came from the Atlesian Military themselves.
"That is very good. Tell them that I will depart soon to meet with both targets. You may be dismissed now." Adam ordered the member to leave before resuming his training regimen while the said member departed from his training room quietly.
Once the new mannequins arrived automatically, he proceeded to slice them off easily until he stopped his blade which was near Blake's neck.
"B-Blake!?"
Blake raised her eyebrow with disappointment, "Adam. We need to talk."
Adam sighed before sheathing his weapon again, "You've heard everything, didn't you? Look, Blake… there's nothing I can do to save I-"
"Save it. You were the one who sent her on an impossible mission, but that isn't the topic I want to discuss with you." Blake hid her anger about Adam being unable to send a search party for Ilia whether she is alive or dead.
She'll try to find her friend by herself. The topic she wanted to discuss with Adam is about the secret mission. She has suspicions that it involves human kidnapping as she is aware of how much hatred Adam holds for humans unlike her.
"What I wanted to discuss with you is the secret mission in Atlas. Why have I never heard of this?"
"My love, it isn't what you think it is." Adam was sweating profusely with a tease as Blake isn't aware about the brutal side of him.
He doesn't want her to think that he enjoys bringing immense pain towards humans or imprisoning some of them. He doesn't want her to know about the important kidnapped target, so he'll have to try to make an excuse.
"The target is a traitor to the White Fang. They… were providing information to the Atlesian Military. They are important due to the fact we've been trying to track them for quite a while."
Blake found it hard to believe the explanation, but she couldn't deny whether it was true or not as there have been cases where former members of the White Fang became traitors, providing information to humans in order to save their skin, fur, or scale.
She is slightly relieved that Adam hasn't been kidnapping humans, regarding their importance or not, as that'll destroy the philosophy that the White Fang follows.
"Then tell me about the second target… what is the 'chip'?"
"Oh that." Adam was thinking of a different explanation in order to avoid Blake investigating the chip. He cannot afford her to find out about the secret project that he has been planning for the sake of faunuskind.
He then made a brilliant explanation, hoping that Blake believes it.
"It is because the said traitor was given a mission to retrieve the chip from the Atlesian Military as they have… a particular set of skills. They have been holding the chip for ages. The chip holds the secrets to… military plans they have been formulating… in order to avoid meeting with them during our protests."
"Mhm…" Blake is unsure whether to believe the explanation or not, but it sounds reasonable. She turned away from him before heading back upstairs with a disappointed expression. She is still disappointed that Adam wouldn't send a search party for Ilia. She'll be on the balcony to calm her mind.
Meanwhile, Adam is rethinking his decision about whether to send a search party for Ilia Amitola in order to cheer Blake, but he decides that it is pointless to send a party to search for a dead ally.
Besides, he was meant to execute her if she failed with her mission anyway. He would prefer if she had been killed by the weak archer in order to avoid his hands covered in blood. He is aware how skilled Ilia was in the White Fang, but he could always find someone to replace her.
He then decided to leave the compound for his trip to Atlas. He had to leave early, otherwise, Blake might suspect him even more. He can't afford to lose her, especially when he has feelings for her.
He also needed her for the planned train heist next week. He called his minions to prepare the Bullhead as soon as possible. He turned his attention to the first floor where Blake was before departing for Atlas.
Beacon Academy
In Ozpin's Office, Ilia was currently sleeping on the couch while Clint was watching over her for the entire night without any sleep.
When the morning arrived, he called Ozpin to his room for discussion about the former White Fang member. He doesn't know what to do with the chameleon faunus after he manages to convince her to leave the terrorist organization, so he needs to seek advice from the headmaster of Beacon Academy.
He wondered if it's possible to enroll Ilia to Beacon given her background, but considering Professor Ozpin is kind enough to allow anyone with unknown backgrounds attend the school, it won't really be a problem.
A few minutes later, Ozpin entered his office where he was surprised to find an unknown chameleon faunus sleeping on his newly arrived couch. He was wearing his usual formal outfit while wielding his weapon, The Long Memory, on his left hand while a cup of tea on the other.
"Mr. Barton, surprise to see you here with a faunus." Ozpin then took a sip of his tea before walking towards the sleeping faunus. He slightly recognized her, but he couldn't recall where he had seen her. "May I ask who she is?"
"Her name is Ilia Amitola. She is, or was, a former member of the White Fang." Clint informed Ozpin about her name, much to the headmaster's surprise that there's a terrorist in his office.
He then took a seat while stretching his arms.
"I met her a couple of days ago to steal some Dust, probably for her boss. She then ambushed me in the streets of Vale, scaring a couple of civilians. I managed to convince her to leave the White Fang as it turns out that she was sent to execute me for her past failure. If she failed, she would've been killed by her leader."
"That is a terrible trade." Ozpin stared at the faunus who he could tell had suffered since childhood due to her species. He then stared at the one who managed to convince a terrorist to leave the infamous terrorist organization. "So, why have you brought her here?"
"I don't know. I don't know what I should do with her, apart from trying to hide the fact that she's alive in order to prevent the White Fang from executing her. After that, I have no idea." Clint answered genuinely. He doesn't know what he should do with Ilia.
If anything, she should be adopted by a loving family because she is still a minor after all. He yawned before he stared at Ilia who remained sleeping peacefully. It must've been the first time she has enjoyed a good night's sleep.
"Anyway, do you have any ideas?"
"I have one in mind. Why don't you adopt her?" Ozpin answered bluntly before sipping tea.
Clint almost fell off from his seat from the unexpected suggestion, "That was unexpected, professor. Why should I adopt her? I already have kids, you know."
"Yeah, but she also needs a parent. I don't think she'll trust anyone to take her in other than you. You're the one who brought her back to the light, Mr. Barton. She is your responsibility now. She is… your daughter." Ozpin gave an explanation as to why the Bow Hero needed to be the adoptive father of Ilia Amitola.
He then sat behind his desk while staring at Clint Barton who remained frozen.
"She needs you now. Besides, I can't enroll her to Beacon without permission from her parents. So… will you take her in as one of your own? And your children would probably be glad to have a new sibling, even if it's not by blood."
"Hmm… cannot say that I agree with your decisions, but I am indeed responsible for her wellbeing now." Clint thought about the suggestion before sighing. He doesn't know if he could take care of her, but he does feel a familial connection with her. He treated her like a daughter when they first met.
If he accepts adopting her, he isn't sure whether Ilia would accept him as her father nor would she agree to it.
"Let's see what she has to say first then I'll decide whether or not I should adopt her."
"Very well then. She is beginning to wake up after all." Ozpin pointed out that the chameleon faunus is beginning to awaken from her sleep.
Ilia yawned before opening her eyes. She found herself embarrassed when Mr. Barton and an unknown familiar man were staring at her. She got up politely while rubbing her arms in awkwardness.
"Uh… good morning?"
"Good morning, kid. How was your night?" Clint asked sincerely. He could see that Ilia received a good night's sleep, so he is glad that she didn't suffer from any nightmares. He could tell that she probably didn't have a proper sleep after her parents' death or joining the White Fang.
Ilia nodded before staring at the unknown man, "It was… peaceful."
"Ilia, this is Professor Ozpin. You may know him as the headmaster of Beacon Academy." Clint introduced the headmaster to the chameleon faunus.
Ozpin lowered his head respectfully, "Ms. Amitola. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Same as me, professor." Ilia said shyly.
"Ilia, me and Mr. Barton discussed something important about you. I won't waste any time, so I'll simply inform you." Ozpin then drank his tea before continuing his conversation with the former faunus terrorist. "As you may know, you officially became an orphan after you left the White Fang organization. Is it alright with you if Mr. Barton would adopt you as his daughter?"
"Huh? What?" Ilia stared at the headmaster in confusion before turning her attention to Clint Barton who was simply waiting for her decision.
She hasn't thought about getting another parents because she was focused on changing the views about faunus during her time in the White Fang, but considering she is now an orphan and a defect, she might have to find a new guardian to watch over legally.
She decided to accept her role as Mr. Barton's daughter as she would've refused if someone wanted to adopt her whether they are humans or faunus immediately. She doesn't trust anyone with the exception of Clint Barton and Blake Belladonna.
She sighed before accepting the suggestion, "I'm fine with it, as long as it's Mr. Barton."
Ozpin chuckled before turning his attention to Clint, "Well, Mr. Barton? She has decided. What is your decision now?"
Clint thought about adopting the chameleon faunus while staring right through her eyes before sighing, "My wife is going to question me once I return home. Fine, I'll accept. It seems you're going to be my daughter now, kid."
Ilia let out a brief smile before lowering her head, "Please take care of me, Mr. Barton."
"That settled it then. I'll take care of the adoption papers for you, Mr. Barton. I'll then focus on enrolling Ms. Amitola in Beacon Academy." Ozpin reassures Barton that he'll take care of everything before staring at Ilia, wondering if she'll want to train as a Huntress. "Is it alright with you, Ms. Amitola? In the next semester, you're going to be trained as a Huntress. You can refuse if you want."
Ilia shook her head, "No, it's fine. I don't know what I'll do in my life anyway, so training as a Huntress is my goal for now."
"Then that settles it." Ozpin then took out numerous papers he had to sign from the desk's drawers for today. He took another sip of his tea until it was unfortunately empty. "Shall we announce the fantastic news to Captain Rogers and the rest of the Avengers."
Ilia perked up after hearing about the Avengers, "Avengers? They're all here?"
"Yeah, all of us are here. We're going to be teaching children next semester, so expect me to be your teacher." Clint answered while patting his new adoptive daughter in the back, which made Ilia release a smile, before turning back his attention to Professor Ozpin. "I suggest we keep this under wraps, headmaster. I don't want Natasha to tease me for having a daughter in this world already."
"Very well then. It's your decision. You may be dismissed now. I have a discussion with Ms. Goodwitch about our new friend." Ozpin said before working on his paperwork.
As Clint and Ilia exited the headmaster's office, they were passed by Glynda Goodwitch with Amber the Fall Maiden. They have something to discuss with the headmaster, more importantly Shang-Chi. They have no idea what they will have to do with him considering he's one of the stranded people from Earth.
While Amber trusted him completely, Glynda was still wary of the martial artist due to his background. She doesn't know if she should trust someone from a terrorist organization which has been existing since centuries ago.
Then again, she is currently trusting a former espionage killer, Black Widow, in order to be one of the paragons who inspire hope to the people of the world. Still she can't afford to let her guard now, knowing that the seemingly regretful man could show his true colors.
It wouldn't be the first time she trusted someone whom she thought was sweet and innocent.
Glynda knocked on the door, "Oz, may we come in?"
Ozpin chuckled at her formality, "You know that you're always welcome in my office, Glynda. Same with you as well, Amber."
"Morning, professor." Amber greeted the headmaster shyly. She still is slightly guilty for leaving the school unannounced a year ago due to her fear of putting people in harm's way when people with the likes of Salem are going after her special gift.
She should've left a note or something in the headmaster's door, but she was too focused on worrying about others rather than the people worrying about her.
"We passed by Mr. Barton and a… faunus on the way here." Glynda then took a seat, along with Amber. She found the faunus oddly familiar, so she's curious about her identity and whether or not she is a threat. "They seem to come from your office. Were you guys having a discussion?"
"Yeah, it was about the chameleon faunus herself. Her name is Ilia Amitola." Ozpin told his closest friend about the faunus' identity while Amber was listening quietly. "She is the former member of the White Fang."
Glynda, along with Amber, widened her eyes from the unexpected news, "The White Fang? You mean she's a defect?"
Ozpin nodded, "It appears to be so. After some discussion, she'll be adopted by Mr. Barton, considering that she wouldn't commit any crime after turning a new leaf. She is still a minor after all. In the next school year, which will be two months from now, she'll be attending Beacon Academy."
"You're already enrolling her, Oz? That's risky. We don't even know if she turned a new leaf! There's a slight chance the White Fang sent her in order to spy on our school campus!" Glynda told the professor about the possibilities that the chameleon faunus may be a spy.
She was in disbelief that he would trust someone already, even if they're children. She shrugged it off that Ozpin told the Avengers everything about the truth of Remnant, except for Salem, because they were indeed to be trusted.
"I don't believe that. Mr. Barton doesn't believe that. He's the same person who gave Natasha Romanoff a chance to become a better person, which he does the same to Ms. Amitola." Ozpin defended the faunus' past actions, as she has been forgiven by one of the mightiest superheroes and himself. "She has changed, Glynda, which is quite rare amongst the faunus community who joined the White Fang."
Glynda sighed while rubbing her eyes due to how trusting Ozpin is, "I hope you're making the right decision, professor."
"But please keep it under wraps. Mr. Barton wishes for it." Ozpin then took a glance at Amber before proceeding to the next topic, "So, what brings you here the two of you? It's obvious that it isn't about Ms. Amitola."
"Well, I wanted to discuss Shang-Chi with you." Glynda answered which made Amber raise her now that the topic is focused on the skilled martial artist. "What should we do about him, Oz? If he stays here, the students will have several questions about him. It was understandable that the Avengers get to stay here because the students will assume they're Huntsmen, but Shang is not."
"You're not going to kick him out of Beacon while keeping an eye on him, are you, professor?" Amber asked curiously, as he wants Shang-Chi to stay in Beacon in order to have a comfortable life.
"Of course not. I have already thought about your worries beforehand last night." Ozpin then showed the job papers to Glynda and Amber, which surprised both of them. "That is right. He'll become a teacher. A combat teacher to be precise, along with Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. He is quite skilled in that area."
"But isn't it too soon?" Glynda questioned in disbelief. She couldn't believe that enrolling a former terrorist and hiring the son of a terrorist so soon.
She would've thought that he might be cautious around them after one thousand years of experience, but it seems he already trusts them, possibly due to the influence of the Avengers. She isn't sure, but it's a possibility,
"I know that you're wary of him, Glynda. But if the Avengers AND Amber says he's alright, then there's nothing to worry about." Ozpin reassured her friend. He understands that trusting people immediately isn't the best course of actions, but sometimes it is.
When he was the King of Vale in his last incarnation, he assembled the council of each kingdom in order to prevent his incompetent descendants from causing any problems. He also assembled his inner circle with his most trusted people which consists of several individuals whose stated goals are keeping the people of Remnant safe from unseen threats to peace, but of course, the Avengers are currently doing their roles for now. [2]
"Is there anything else, Glynda? If not, then you may be dismissed. I have an important discussion with Amber, along with Mr. Rogers, who is on his way."
Glynda blushed slightly from the mention of the captain's name before standing up, "See you later, Oz."
Once Glynda exited the office, Amber raised her head to see the headmaster properly, "Hi again, Professor Ozpin."
"Amber, I see you have slept well." Ozpin greeted her again with a smile. He doesn't hold any grudge towards Amber who ran away from his school unannounced because he understood that she doesn't want anyone to be hurt due to people pursuing her power.
Sometimes, he regretted granting the first Maidens the elemental magic abilities when he was an old hermit. He was foolish to think that the Four Maidens will bring light to the world, but it instead attracted Salem.
He should've kept his magic to himself, but it cannot be undone now.
"We'll wait for Captain Rogers before we begin the discussion."
"Captain Rogers. Was he the guy wearing a blue military-like uniform that carries a circular shield?" Amber asked the headmaster about the hero's description, as she vividly remembered about him last night, but she was merely focusing on Shang-Chi's tragic backstory.
Ozpin nodded, "Indeed. As you may know already, he came from another world like Shang-Chi. He is the leader of a band of superheroes who protect the world from physical threats. They are the Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The Avengers."
"Avengers… I think I've heard about them before, but I thought it was simply just a bunch of Huntsmen as usual." Amber was quite surprised that the Avengers were more important than she initially thought.
Before she could ask any more about the Avengers, Steve Rogers entered the office while wearing his combat suit already in the early morning. He had a planned meeting with the headmaster, but he hadn't expected Glynda and the little girl to be in the office.
"Good morning. My apologies for being late. I had a friendly spar with Nat." Steve Rogers apologizes for his late arrival before turning his attention to Amber, who he now knows is the Fall Maiden. He offers a friendly handshake with her. "Greetings, young lady. I'm Steve Rogers."
Amber formed a smile before accepting the handshake, "Amber."
Ozpin stood up from his desk before walking towards the both of them with Long Memory, "Now that you are here, let's start with the important discussion."
Gym
Currently, Ilia Amitola was standing outside of the gym door while watching a friendly spar between Black Widow and Hawkeye.
She noticed that Natasha Romanoff is much more skilled in hand-to-hand combat compared to her newly adoptive father, meaning that if she was sent to assassinate her, then she wouldn't last a chance considering she was having a hard time fighting Clint Barton who was getting slow for his age.
She doesn't know what she wants to do now. Since joining the White Fang, she was always looking forward to stealing Dust from several shops and capturing some humans who were sent to kill the White Fang unsuccessfully.
But now that she has once again lived by the law before her parents' death, she doesn't know what she wants now. She doesn't know how to act like an ordinary teenager due to her hellish experience.
She doesn't know if she made the right choice of leaving the White Fang because it was like a second family to her, but then again, she would've been executed due to her failure.
"Hey, are you new here?" Scott, in his casual clothing, asked the chameleon faunus curiously while listening to music from his phone with a headset in low volume.
He doesn't know why, but he has never seen her around Beacon. There may be a lot of students in Beacon, but he could when someone is definitely out of place.
Ilia nodded in confirmation, "Yeah. I just arrived. I'm just… watching both of them having a spar."
Scott chuckled, "Oh yeah, Black Widow and Hawkeye. They are badasses. I'm quite a fan of the Avengers, which is ironic because I'm practically a member… or an honorary member. I'm not sure which one it is."
"You're an Avenger? I've never seen you before." Ilia watched a couple of the leaked videos about the Avengers on the way to gym, but he has never seen this particular stranger. She thought there were only four members - Captain Rogers, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Falcon.
"Oh no. I'm with them. I'm Scott. Ant-Man." Scott introduced himself, but Ilia isn't familiar with his name nor his codename, which bumped him out because he thought he'll be famous by now.
He shrugged it off before explaining his other codename that was given by the villagers from Hollow Town.
"What about the Vanishing Bandit or Vanisher? Have you heard about those names?"
"Hmm… I think so, I've heard about some kind of vigilante who can disa…" Ilia realizes that Scott was the same person as the Vanishing Bandit.
She only heard the story about how he overthrew the corrupted mayor from Hollow Town with the help of the resistance, so she couldn't believe that she actually met with one of the heroes.
"You were quite a hero in Hollow Town… like him."
Scott stared at the direction that Ilia pointed with her eyes, "Hawkeye? Well, it makes sense. He roamed around the City of Vale as a vigilante who stopped crime a couple of days ago."
Ilia flinched due to remembering her adoptive father fighting her and her 'friends' for stealing Dust before shrugging it off, "That's not what I admire about him. It's because he saved me… from myself."
"Huh? What are you…?" Scott decided to stay quiet after noticing that her face was disturbed, suggesting it must've been pretty awful or horrible if she is grateful that the bow hero saved her from herself.
He turned his attention to Hawkeye who was on the ground recently after losing to Black Widow in the friendly spar.
"Well, I better get going now. I'm going to have… some training-ish… as well."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Scott. My name's Ilia." Ilia introduced herself to Scott.
"Well then, Ilia. I hope you are alright now." Scott then departed from the gym. He took a glance at Ilia, who continued to stare at Hawkeye with sadness in her eyes yet there's also a glint of happiness within it.
He speculated that she might have a tragic past, but Clint Barton saved her from it. He was curious about her, so he'll ask the bow hero later. For now, he's going to listen to some music from Earth.
"~You're my fantasy. Sweet fantasy. Sweet, sweet fantasy~" [3]
After the odd hero leaves, Ilia continues to ponder in her thoughts. She wondered if she should inform the heroes about the secret hideouts of the White Fang.
The terrorist organization would certainly suffer a heavy loss when they are compromised by their former ally. She doesn't know if it's actually possible for humans and faunus to live together in harmony as Mr. Barton said, but it doesn't mean she should allow for the organization to continue operating in the shadows.
Once she opened her eyes and heart, she wanted to correct her wrongdoings she had committed such as the kidnapping of humans and… executing them despite some of them being innocent. Her late parents would've been heavily disappointed in her as they didn't want her to become a killer.
Their species may be discriminated against by humans, but it doesn't mean they should become animals as it would've proven their beliefs that they exist as an enemy to humanity. She should've thought about her previous actions, but now, she couldn't take it all back.She has become the thing that humans feared. She was reckless, stupid, and young.
Unexpectedly, someone spoke to her while she was caught in her thoughts.
"Ilia, are you alright?" Clint asked worriedly while wiping the sweat that was everywhere in his body with a towel, which snapped her back to reality.
He could tell that something in her mind is disturbing her judging by her facial expression. It was the same expression that made him miss his shots on his best friend back when he was tasked to eliminate her.
"You look troubled."
"There's something I should tell you." Ilia answered while rubbing both of her arms nervously. She doesn't know whether she'll make the right choice by informing him about all the hideouts for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Blake might despise her because she betrayed the White Fang without knowing the full story. Secondly, Adam might know she is alive because nobody knows the hideouts' locations, it's unlikely that Jackal, who is currently in the custody of VPD, would be willing to give the information even if he was tortured to the brink of death.
But in order to stop the White Fang whom she thought was her family, she has to tell the heroes.
Back in Ozpin's Office, Steve Rogers has been informed everything about Amber who is one of the Four Maidens. He never thought one of the Maidens would be so young, presumably almost the same age as the spider kid who he fought during the superhero civil war.
He is quite disturbed by the fact her power was almost stolen by an unknown assailant, meaning there is a third option of transferring Maiden's powers to one another with force. From what Amber described, it seems the assailant uses some kind of Grimm to forcibly transfer her powers before Shang-Chi intercepts them.
He now completely understands how valuable and important the Maidens are to Remnant, but they're also a curse as anyone who discovers their abilities will definitely seek them to inherit such power. It is something the Red Skull would've done so if he were here in Remnant.
"I'm glad you're alright, kid." Steve expressed his relief that the young woman was alright. He might not know her personally, but her death would've been in his conscience if it weren't for Shang-Chi. He was internally grateful to Shang-Chi for rescuing her. "It must've been terrifying, hiding and running away from your assailants because of your abilities."
"Yes, it was. But I didn't care as long as innocent people weren't hurt because of my abilities." Amber reassured the captain that she didn't care about whether she was terrified or not. "And I… cannot believe your feats on Earth, Captain Rogers. You became the first ever super soldier and fought in a war similar to the Great War for three years then woke up nearly seven decades later after comatose in the ice. Since then, you've been fighting unbelievable enemies with the Avengers. You and your team are so… cool. No wonder why Shaun was eager to meet with you."
Steve chuckled, "I don't really deserve the honor and gratitude. I just do what needs to be done, which is saving anyone from dangerous threats."
"And there it is again. Your humbleness, Captain Rogers." Ozpin realized that the Star-Spangled Man doesn't care about his achievements that saved the entire world four times as he didn't do it alone, only that the people are safe from harm by protecting them from villains or 'bullies' in his case. "Anyway, another reason we're having this discussion is much more important. I want you to train Amber during the summer vacation, captain."
"I beg your pardon?" Steve asked the headmaster to repeat his words in case he heard it wrong. If he heard it correctly, it was a heavy request but an understandable one considering Amber is one of the Four Maidens after all, an important asset in the world of Remnant.
"Professor Ozpin? I don't need a trainer. I am capable of defending myself. I've been running and hiding for a year, remember?" Amber doesn't need the feel to be trained by a professional hero as she is capable of defending herself.
She doesn't need to learn any more tricks. Besides, she doesn't want Captain Rogers to feel pressured due to the amount of work he'll have to commit because of her.
"Oh? Then might remind you about the other day's incident?" Ozpin pointed out, which made Amber flinch about the day she nearly lost her maiden abilities and probably lost her life as well considering the power is part of her. "You may have done well against them for a while according to Shang-Chi, but if it weren't for him, then, the power of the Fall Maiden could've fallen to the enemy's hand already. You should reconsider improving your combat with the help of an experienced combatant like Captain Steve Rogers. If that's alright with you, captain."
Steve shook his head, "I don't mind. I always train those that need it anyway. And he's right, Amber. You need to have more combat experience, and not just relying on your old one. If something like that incident happens again, then there might be no one to save you. So please, would you reconsider?"
Amber thought about the offer deeply before accepting or declining it. She then agreed to herself that she lacked the experience no matter how impressive she taught herself for the past year.
She needed a real tutor in order to fight stronger enemies like the ones who attacked her. It makes her realize that she is hilariously behind in terms of actual combat. She sighed in acceptance.
"Okay, I'll accept. I need to become stronger in order to fight my enemies easily and protect the innocents."
Steve chuckled while giving her a pat on the back, "Spoken like a true hero, kid."
Unexpectedly, Ozpin received a call from his scroll. It was his friend from the Kingdom of Atlas, General James Ironwood.
Like every person of Atlas, he has pride in their strength and technological advancement as proven when their kingdom is floating in the sky, unbeknownst to the real reason on how it was floating. He may be prideful and arrogant, but Ozpin treats him like a close friend, hence why he was invited to his inner circle and told the truth about himself and the Mother of Grimm.
Ozpin wondered why his friend is calling him in such an early morning, and the fact that he is the one that mostly does the calling instead of the other way around. He accepted the call before walking towards the balcony.
"James? I'm surprised that you're the one that is calling me first." Ozpin expressed his surprise to his friend over the scroll. "What's the problem?"
"It's urgent, Oz. Me and some my men are on our way to Beacon for an important mission in Vale. I figure I'll stop by in order to fill you in." Ironwood said in a shaky and worried tone over the scroll, which Ozpin picks up on.
Ozpin wondered what is the issue that made Ironwood broke his seriousness briefly, "I understand. It must be very urgent. Let me know once you are here."
"Was that General Ironwood, professor?" Amber asked curiously.
"Yes, it was." Ozpin answered before taking a sip of his tea. "It seems that a problem from Atlas must've arisen if he is coming to Vale urgently. I hope it isn't as bad as I thought it would be."
"Forgive me, but who is General Ironwood?" Steve asked curiously. He hasn't got to the part about the important figures on Remnant yet.
By his rank, it seems that he is a well-known soldier from the Kingdom of Atlas and one that Professor Ozpin trusted, meaning he probably knows about the Relics and Maidens.
"He sounds important."
"Indeed, he is." Ozpin responded before sitting back down in his office with a sigh. "He is the Headmaster of Atlas Academy as well as the general of the Atlesian Military and a holder of two seats on the Atlesian Council. He is also one of the few people I trust, hence why he is part of my inner circle and is aware of the hidden secrets about Remnant, such as the Relics and Maidens."
"If someone important is coming here, then it must be really urgent." Steve said, wondering why a busy and important person would come to Vale other than the urgency that happened in Atlas.
He couldn't help, but felt it may be involving someone's life or a dangerous weapon. He has the sense to help those that are in need, but he isn't sure whether General Ironwood would trust them or not, considering that they appeared in this world unannounced which is partially true.
Unexpectedly, Clint barges into the office along with Ilia. He lowered his head as an apology for the disrespectful and rudeness he just displayed. The information from Ilia was far too important for some formality because it'll definitely reduce the dangerous threat from the infamous terrorist organization.
He walked towards Professor Ozpin while Ilia remained near the door shyly, staring at the blonde man who seemed to be the one that Hawkeye was talking about. A man who doesn't discriminate against any race or species and is basically the embodiment of courage and honor, which she definitely sees in him despite seeing him for the first time.
"My apologies to barge in, headmaster. But Ilia just told me about every secret hideout of the White Fang around the world. The biggest one yet is in Vale." Clint gave the important information to Professor Ozpin, which surprised both him and Captain Rogers.
"Don't tell me… the reason why James is urgent is because of the White Fang. This is far more important than I thought." Ozpin didn't share his enthusiasm about all the hideouts of the terrorist organization.
He is more worried about what the White Fang did to make his friend worried, as James doesn't really have any time to pursue the terrorist organization due to his priorities in Kingdom of Atlas.
"It looks like we'll have to take the big fish first… if the information is accurate as you say, Ms. Amitola."
Ilia nodded in confirmation, "It is, Professor Ozpin. I've been there occasionally for a mission."
Steve raised his eyebrow in suspicion, "What do you mean 'for a mission'?"
Amber whispered to Steve, "She is a former member of the White Fang."
Steve was surprised by the sudden notion. He stared closely at Ilia who lowered her head in shame, marking her silence as a 'yes'. He then turned his attention to Barton who reassured him that Ilia isn't an enemy anymore, which he could tell judging by the regret in her eyes.
He could tell that the young woman must've suffered a lot, considering the amount of discrimination against her kind has received. He stood up and walked towards her while Amber was still cautious around her.
When he stood in front of her, Ilia remained silent while glancing at her adoptive father who reassured her with a nod.
Steve then placed his hand on her shoulder, "You must've been through a lot. Whatever crimes you have committed during your time in the White Fang is forgiven. You did the right thing by coming back to the right side."
Ilia wasn't expecting the comforting words from Captain Rogers. His soothing tone was genuine compared to Adam who said something similar to her when she first joined the White Fang. "How could you forgive me like that? I've… done things I shouldn't have done…"
"Because everyone deserves a second chance… and forgiveness, young miss. It is one of the benefits of being a human, or in your case, a faunus." Steve answered while giving a heartwarming smile, which made the chameleon faunus' heart flutter from admiration. "Everybody makes mistakes. We aren't perfect. We weren't born to be perfect. You mustn't dwell on it. The only thing you can do is to forgive yourself and become a better person from learning from your mistakes. Each member of the Avengers have made a lot of mistakes in the past, including me, but we become a better person because of it. A great philosopher and prophet once said, you must forgive someone seventy six times seven. You were only forgiven once by my assumption, am I wrong?" [4]
Ilia was in complete disbelief at the man's words. He knew that she had committed heinous crimes when she was working for the White Fang, yet he forgave her after choosing the other side. His soothing, reassuring, calming voice washed her body and mind peacefully which reminded her of her parents who were always there for her.
She thought that Clint Barton was exaggerating when he was describing a human who doesn't discriminate and always brings hope and courage to anyone who listens and follows him, yet it was all true. She realized that Captain Steve Rogers isn't just an ordinary human like the rest, he is the physical embodiment of truth, justice, courage, and valor.
That is something everyone should have, even the faunuskind. She was about to burst into tears before she wiped some of them off.
Ilia gave a joyous smile, "Thanks for your kind words, Captain Rogers."
Steve nodded, "My pleasure."
"Sooo… you left the White Fang because you changed… What made you change?" Amber asked. She has been curious about the ex-terrorist's change of heart since the beginning.
She has dealt with the nefarious White Fang during her lone adventure, so she was quite surprised one of their members defected when the purpose of that terrorist organization is to be safe from humans and bring chaos around in order for the faunus to become the superior species than humans.
She is curious to know why Ilia left the organization, believing that she didn't want to be evil in the first place.
"Well, for one thing…" Ilia was interrupted when she heard a couple of familiar loud whirring sounds of a rotor blade.
She widened her eyes after realizing the familiar vehicle. It was an Atlesian Bullhead. She looked outside the balcony to see a couple of them landing near the campus.
"Are those… vehicles from the Kingdom of Atlas?"
"Indeed, they are. They arrived sooner than I thought." Ozpin answered. "Our conversation will continue later. Right now, I have a meeting with an old friend. You may all be dismissed, except for Agent Barton and Captain Rogers."
"Why?" Clint asked curiously. He needed to keep an eye on Ilia in case anyone will mess with her or a member of the White Fang pursue her. He has yet to hide her tracks properly after all.
Ozpin smirked before standing up from his desk, "Well, I need to introduce the Avengers to him of course."
CHAPTER 9 ENDED
[1] If I recall correctly, Blake occasionally reads novels about romance back in Volume 1. I haven't watched RWBY in a while so forgive me, and I will gladly continue to do so because I'm disappointed with the series. I only make fanfic about the show in order to "try" and improve it, but I'll never be on the same level as Monty Oum.
[2] Was it ever confirmed that Ozpin is King of Vale? It would make sense as a theory because of his reincarnation ability, but I'm not sure if it was confirmed he was one. I'm just incorporating the idea of him being a king here.
[3] This song is "Fantasy" by Mariah Carrey. Scott was actually listening to a different song, but after rewatching Free Guy, I decided to add this song instead. It's honestly a good song, especially when Jodie Comer covered the song.
[4] A reference to the Bible. A verse in Matthew 18: 21-22, Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times'. Considering that Steve is a Catholic, he would certainly know this verse.