Don't have much to say other than to say thanks for being patient and the artist of Jaenapkun is to thank for the art piece that's attached to this chapter.
Be sure to check it out on my DeviantArt account as soon as your done reading this chapter.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Age of Remnant Chapter 6: Thankfully, that didn't take long
James Ironwood sat within his office in Atlas and waited patiently in his seat.
He had received a call not too long ago of a group of Atlas Enforcers encountering two uniquely armored and skilled men who took down a group of thugs down in Mantle.
At first, he was confused as to why this needed to be brought up to him as it seemed like something the local law enforcement of Mantle would handle.
But then came in images of the two flying "invaders" the defense systems picked up on.
And with it, a clear image of the duo that the Enforcers had "apprehended".
"Son of a bitch." Were Ironwood's first words upon seeing them, not believing his luck.
It was them. They were finally found!
And he was going to see just who and what they were really all about.
So here he was, awaiting their arrival with his eyes set firmly upon the doors adjacent to his desk.
Now, some would assume this to be a bit of obsessive or strange behavior in simply sitting there so still and unmoving just to meet some new people.
But when it came to people of significant interest, Ironwood had the tendency of going to his office and sat there, playing out any and all possible scenarios in how a meeting would play out.
Some would call him paranoid but he preferred the term prepared.
The General was deep in thought when his doors swung open.
He didn't visibly respond though his eyes widened slightly at being jolted out of his thoughts.
Still, he kept his composure as he slowly stood up from his seat and watched as several specialists escorted in the two that had been brought to him.
He opened his mouth to greet them yet one beat him to the punch.
"So… you're not looking menacingly cliche at all." Said the one in the brightly colored red and gold armor. "What do you think, bird person?"
"Normally, I'd say you're looking too much into it but…" "Birdperson" shrugged. "Yeah, does have a cliche vibe to him. Let me guess, General Ironwood, yeah?"
The specialists around these two instantly felt incensed by the blatant disrespect and casual addressment of their superior officer. They all opened their mouths to protest and berate the pair before Ironwood raised a calming hand for them to keep silent.
"If one deals with the company that I keep to myself, these two are the least of whom you'd find to be disrespectful." James said in a calm fashion, making most of the Specialists stand down yet some still held glares directed at the two strangely garbed men.
"I take it you know of me." The General stated more than asked.
"Not hard to discern that really." The Armored one said with a shrug as he thumbed at the Atlas Huntsmen and Huntresses present. "Heard much from the grapevine since we came here and… well…"
James' lip twitched upwards as he walked down the single step in his office to stand before the pair with an analytical eye looking them over.
"You know it costs extra to stare." The Armored one remarked, hands on his hips. "I know how devilishly handsome I can be but I do have a woman that tolerates me for more than three hours a day so by all accounts, I'm taken."
The man beside this chatty fellow rolled his eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh.
"Tony… for the love of-"
"Stark." James Ironwood finished the name with a sharp glint in his eyes. "Tony Stark, yes?"
"I'm sorry but how do you know my name? I didn't tell that to your enforcers when we were brought in."
Ironwood didn't answer him as he looked at "birdperson".
"And you must be… Lieutenant Sam Wilson." James declared, setting Wilson on edge. "Iron Man and Falcon, correct?"
"You… you know us." The latter of the two warily said.
The military man nodded. "I do, as I do your friends. Captain Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker. They're your team, yes?"
Tony and Sam's eyes widened, sharing a look before turning back to Ironwood.
"Where are they?" Sam asked straight away.
"Over at Beacon Academy located at Vale." James answered assuredly. "And before you ask, they're safe and sound. My colleague and friend, Headmaster Ozpin spoke with me on this matter and informed me of two others that they were looking for. I guess we can consider ourselves fortunate in encountering one another that much sooner after I had learned of your circumstances."
"Uh-huh." Tony said, slightly unconvinced.
The General cleared his throat a bit as he turned round to get back to being behind his desk.
"Now then, if either of you are in need of something, I would be happy in providing you-"
"Alright, let me just stop ya right there." Sam interrupted, hand raised.
James looked back at them quizzically. "Yes?"
"Let's just rewind this a bit." Falcon rolled his hands around one another. "You know who we are?"
Ironwood nodded.
"You've met our friends?"
"Headmaster Ozpin has." James corrected. "He's a good friend of mine and they are over at Beacon Academy in Vale."
"Don't know what that is," Wilson bluntly stated. "But so long as they're alive and well."
"They are and then some." Ironwood said.
"What does that mean?" Stark inquired.
"They have recently done a great service, a boon of sorts for Ozpin and really myself as well in saving the life of someone very important to us." The General looked between the pair. "And it appears the urge to help others in need is not relegated to just a select few in this team that you are a part of. I read the reports of your quick actions in apprehending those bombers. You have my thanks."
"Oh sure, sure." Tony waved off casually. "All in a day's work."
"And yet you didn't do squat." Falcon said to the Iron Avenger. "Don't take credit if you didn't take part."
"Hey, these babies were primed and ready and fired quite effectively thank you very much." Stark rebuked childishly, holding up his hands with the glowing circles whining with power briefly.
"But first."
Tony then rounded on James with a far more stern and unreadable expression, slightly surprising the man in the change in attitude.
"You say you know our teammates but how do we not know you're just pulling our leg here?"
Wilson appeared to share this sentiment and the pair of Avengers now stared at the General in an almost challenging fashion.
Something the Specialists who were still in the room noticed and did not take too kindly to such actions.
Luckily, Ironwood took it in stride as he raised his hand again to make sure they didn't do anything drastic.
Wordlessly, James pressed on one of his hands atop his desk which lit up upon his touch and a moment later, a holo-image was displayed for Sam and Tony to see.
Both of their eyes widened slightly and a feeling of tension they didn't know that they had lessened when they saw an image of all five of their teammates that fell in with them apparently alive and well.
"Does this assuage some of your concerns?" They heard the General ask.
Sam relented, sighing with a smile worming its way onto his face. "Sorry if we don't seem all that trusting so suddenly. We've had our fair share of backstabbing among other things in similar actions."
Ironwood snorted upon hearing that, a mirthful look being seen. "And I wouldn't blame you. Such things must be often earned than given."
"Easy to preach it rather than enacting and following through with it." Stark murmured.
"Ok, so you know our friends."
"Know of." James corrected slightly. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting them just yet."
The general nodded his head at the Specialists in the room and hesitantly, they all exited a moment later to leave the three of them alone.
"So they're over with a friend of yours." Tony said. "What kind of friend we talkin' here?"
"A fellow headmaster, for starters."
"Right, you said that already."
"And someone who, like myself, is committed to fighting for and keeping the peace on Remnant." Ironwood said in complete seriousness as he sat himself back down behind his desk.
"Oh? So you're that kind of guy."
"Yes, Mr. Stark, I'm that kind of guy and from what Ozpin has given me as a description of your group, you all are of a similar mindset."
"Is this a recruitment ad or something?" Wilson abruptly asked, chortling slightly.
"Pardon?"
"Come on." Sam said, rolling his head about slightly. "You're telling me that you didn't plan that whole bit with us all being protectors of the world or shit like that."
"It is pretty on the nose." Tony airily remarked, tapping his finger on his chin.
Ironwood had a brow raised until, surprisingly, he found himself laughing slightly.
"You know, Ozpin relayed a message from me from the apparent leader of the team-"
"I'm sorry, leader?" Stark cut him off, somewhat petulantly. "I should have you know I am the leader of the Avengers. I just let Steve lead us cause he's good PR."
"Sure, Stark, keep telling yourself that. It'll help you sleep better at night."
"I happen to sleep wonderfully at-"
*Knock Knock*
The three men paused in their conversation, all eyes now on the door that slowly opened and in walked-
"General Ironwood, I'm sorry for barging in and-Oh, I didn't know you were in a meeting."
"Councilmen Aris." The General greeted cordially. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Said councilman was a human male of around the age close to Sam's who wore a rather strange but fashionable set of clothing.
Tanned-cream colored waistcoat and trousers with golden stitching and occasional blue designs. Knee high black combat boots with golden bands. Blue cravat vest underneath with varying gold designs into the cloth.
"Just that Professors Polendina and Heimerdinger wished to see you." Aris said, pointing behind him, turning his attention to the Avengers in the room. "And who might the two of you be?"
"Sam Wilson." Falcon said, stepping down to the Councilor and offering his hands to shake which he took.
"Tony Stark."
"Aris."
"Just Aris?" Stark remarked.
The newly arrived man only smiled pleasantly. "Just Aris. And sorry for barging into this meeting you were having with General Ironwood."
"It's alright." James said. "This seems rather important for you to come from their lab, Aris."
'Lab?' Tony immediately perked up at the mention of one of his favorite environments in the world.
"Well I believe that it's something worth seeing." Aris said with a wide grin. "They've made an incredible breakthrough that you have to see for yourself."
James nodded, grunting slightly to himself as he had just sat down in his chair less than a few seconds ago.
"If you'll excuse me gentlemen." Ironwood said, getting up to join the counselor before looking back at the two. "My specialists can take you to some available guest quarters until we can find one more accommodating for you."
"Appreciate it." Sam said before Tony was able to make any comments.
As soon as the General and Councilman left the room, Stark immediately looked over at Wilson.
"The moment I see them taking us to some cells, I'm high tailing out of here."
"Quite the exaggeration there but wouldn't quite put it past them." Sam murmured, rolling his shoulders with his wingsuit humming momentarily as he put it on standby.
A second later, in walked one of the specialists that had escorted them here with his arms behind his back.
This Specialist was a tall man with short shaved gray hair, deathly pale skin and light blue eyes. He had several tattoos, including a third eye tattoo along the center of his forehead and chin.
He wore what appeared to be a Specialist uniform that consisted of a white double-breasted, partially unbuttoned coat with a broad tail, navy blue accents, collar and shoulder flaps, a red sash running diagonally over his left shoulder meeting a second red sash around his waist under a large blue belt, and navy blue fingerless gloves that go up to his brachium. Navy blue pants were tucked into a pair of navy blue thigh-high boots with steel toe and heel plating, a small pouch on the sides and knee pad detailing.
The last notable piece of clothing was the beaded necklaces around his neck and beaded bracelets around his right arm alongside two silver bands, one small, one large on his left forearm.
"General Ironwood has instructed me in taking you to your guest rooms." The man said in a crisp and professional manner. "If you would follow me."
"And your name would be…"
"Vine Zeki." The monk-like man said with a slight bow of his head.
"Oooomm-Grk." Tony grunted a small laugh at the elbow Sam delivered into his side, confusing the Specialist.
"Don't mind the man child." Wilson dryly said. "Lead the way, Vine."
The specialist nodded and escorted the two Avengers to the guest quarters.
They soon arrived at two separate doors and when both men opened them, they saw they both had relatively plain but spacious enough rooms for themselves.
"So not a cell." Tony commented, looking around at the room with a nod of approval. "Beats a cave any given day, that's for sure."
"Thanks for this." Sam earnestly said, nodding at Vine who inclined his head in return.
"General Ironwood will come back to you both soon enough." Zeki assured. "If need be, there are scrolls in your rooms that can assist you if you require anything."
"Appreciate it." Wilson said.
Lying on his bed, Tony quickly pulled up his phone and began scrolling through several things. Before long, he gave a written order to Friday to check up on something for him.
Meanwhile…
"It's astonishing, Ironwood." Aris chattered excitedly as the two drew closer to the main laboratory of Atlas Academy. "I believe our resident geniuses have found a way to stabilize the core to keep Aura flowing at a consistent rate."
"No drawbacks? None of the usual sputters and sparks I've seen before?"
Aris shook his head, a wide grin ever present on his face.
"So how'd they do it?" James inquired, interest now growing quite rapidly.
"Best have it saved for them to explain it for you." The Counselor said, rubbing his hands together as both men were now at the entrance to the lab.
The doors were open so they walked right in and immediately spotted two individuals in the center of the lab with them both on either side of a table.
"I believe if we can have a means in which to circulate the flow of the aura, it will be stable for the most part."
"That's if we opt for a centralized core. There's the advent of splitting them up in order to handle more distribution to specific body parts."
"Those are modifications. The real test is making sure the flow is consistent. Otherwise the core would overload itself."
"I see you both are still at work despite being promised a presentation." Ironwood announced himself, shaking his head in amusement at the duo of brilliant scientists who finally realized he had arrived.
"Ah, General Ironwood, just in time for the show my boy." Professor Heimerdinger proclaimed excitedly, removing the goggles he had on. "Pietro and I were just about done here with our first test drive. Suffice to say, a major leap forward has been achieved today."
"I can imagine." James stepped towards the table, standing by Heimerdinger while Aris stood next to Polendina who had also removed his goggles. "I heard both of your manic babble from the hallway."
"It's hard to contain ourselves, General." Pietro Polendina said in a kindly yet giddy voice. "We've been trying to get this done but to have it happen-"
"How did you succeed in this endeavor?" James cut through the excitement and the question only seemed to stem more passion from the two geniuses.
"Why it was simple really, something we should have started with in hindsight." Heimerdinger said in a self-deprecating manner.
He held up his hand and it glowed slightly.
"Now, I understand that I'm not the best in terms of utilizing Aura." The Canine-based Faunus remarked, waving his hand about. "But what we were trying to do is create an artificial being with Aura. And that is not something that can be done with machines and technology."
"Aura, as you already know, is the manifestation of one's soul." Pietro said, picking up for Heimerdinger. "So if we are to give an artificial being a soul-"
"It was to come from someone who has the ability to do so." Ironwood finished, understanding dawning upon his face.
"Suffice to say, such a thing is unheard of or at least heavily rare of being unrecorded." Polendina commented, looking back down at the glowing green orb in the center of the table.
"And I take it that one of you gentlemen was the one to graciously "donate" their aura in this matter." Aris stated more than asked.
Pietro chuckled sheepishly, holding his hand out to the floating sphere that flickered in his direction.
Moments later, the orb vanished.
Both scientists let out a synchronized sigh of annoyance.
"We still have some kinks to work through, sir." The shorter of the two remarked.
"Can clearly see that." Ironwood said in good humor. "Still, this is quite the leap forward gentlemen. Very impressive, both of you."
Heimerdinger and Polendina resumed speaking animatedly to the General and Counselor on their breakthrough.
Through this entire interaction and demonstration, one playboy philanthropist observed it all via the visual and audio feeds his AI had managed to tap into.
"Tony…"
The Iron Avenger looked up from his phone to see Sam giving him a particular look.
"Yes?"
"You got that look on your face."
Stark gave off an innocent, quizzical expression. "What look?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
"No, I don't. Please be specific."
"That look."
"What look?" Tony asked again.
"The look that you got something you know you're not supposed to know."
"Oh… Well, most information is meant to be known eventually."
"That's not how it works."
"Doesn't it? You're not about keeping sensitive information from the public now, are you Mr. Wilson?"
Sam grunted now, turning in his bed with his back facing the Iron Avenger.
"I'm going to bed."
"Oh come on now, you can't just leave me high and dry like that, Sammy."
"Good night Tony."
"Samuel Wilson, AKA the Falcon AKA Birdpers-"
"Good night!"
The billionaire exhaled a sigh as he leaned back on his bed, continually watching the proceedings on his phone with a litany of mental notes being jotted down.
-Scene Cut-
James Ironwood had returned to his office, having gotten a full presentation of the progress Pietro and Heimerdinger had made in their project.
He was greatly pleased to say the least and anticipated further advancements in due time. Pietro believed they would have their first "model" up and running by the start of the school year.
It's understandable on the slow progress, given such territory they're traveling into has never been attempted before.
Extensive amounts of research, calculations and theory have been discussed time and time again with them only getting a small foothold.
James didn't know if he may be really frustrated about this if there was a sense of urgency looming over them. Perhaps it would be present if the attempt on Amber's life was successful, making him push on this project a whole lot farther.
To not think but know that Salem was making her moves was concerning to say the least.
Ironwood can't deny the blessing Ozpin had when these Avengers had stepped in to save the Fall Maiden.
For once, they actually have the advantage of knowing what is to come. Or at least an idea of it.
And speaking of which…
"Ah, James. Good day." Came the voice of his friend and leader in the fight against Salem.
The Headmaster of Beacon was displayed before him via a holo-screen link.
"Ozpin." The General said with a nod of his head.
"This is a rather sudden call. Is there anything you wish to inform me with?"
"I do. I found them." He said straight away.
Oz cocked his head to the side. "Found who?"
"Tony Stark and Sam Wilson."
The spectacled man on the other end blinked, mouth opening up slightly in clear surprise.
"Truly? How did this come about?"
"They quite literally fell into my lap by being brought right to me."
"Really? How?"
"Remember the odd appearances in our borders?" James rhetorically asked. "That was them. Followed by a few days later of them apparently capturing a number of criminal bombers in Mantle. And right now they're staying in Atlas."
Ozpin let loose a sigh of relief with a following nod. "I'll be sure to inform them. They'll no doubt want to meet up with each other again."
"It'll be a wait, given how long the trip will be either way."
"Yes, their patience will be tested, given how anxious they are for their reunion." The Silver haired headmaster nodded. "However, at the very least, they'll be glad to know that in the end all of them are alive and well."
"I take it you're already preparing to tell them."
"Better now than later. After All, a week's travel would be tedious. Save for Mr. Maximoff."
"Right. I shall prepare for their arrival."
-Scene Cut-
The next day was relatively simple with how it began.
Tony and Sam woke up around the same time and were quick to wonder where they could get some grub.
Walking out from their room, Tony was the one who took the lead in guiding the two to where they would be able to have breakfast thanks to Friday's input in downloading the layout of the academy they resided within at this time.
The pair soon found themselves in the cafeteria and grabbed some food by a certainly confused cafeteria lady being that she had never seen the two before.
Being in the mess hall was relatively odd for the two Avengers to some degree. For Sam, the last time he was in such a place was during his time in the army. For Tony, it was either when he was just a kid at grade school or when he went to MIT.
"So are we supposed to go to gym after this? Physics? Chemistry? Or is recess in session and we're the ones who got punished accordingly?"
Sam rolled his eyes as he drank some coffee. "We'll probably need to find Ironwood or at the very least one of the instructors to see what could be done next."
"Or" Iron Man held up a finger. "We could… Friday."
"The present school year is coming to an end, Boss. The professors are holding finals at this time. This is the last two weeks." His trusted AI informed the two.
"There, ya see?" Tony said. "And an academy huh? Feels like a blend of MIT and military school."
"Never thought I'd see such a thing."
"So the kids are away."
"Focusing on their tests and projects."
"Wonder where Jayce and Viktor are."
"Think they come here?"
"Of course they do." Tony said with a roll of his eyes. "Friday confirmed it for me last night."
"You know, you really need to stop hacking into everything that you come across."
"And miss the chance at uncovering a possible HYDRA revelation? No thank you."
The lieutenant rolled his eyes as they continued on with their breakfast. Much as he wanted to deny it, Wilson did internally admit that Tony had a good point. After all, he himself with Steve and Natasha uncovered HYDRA within SHIELD.
Best not to take chances anymore.
So the two ate in relative silence for a time until they heard chatter coming from one of the hallways that led into the cafeteria.
Straining their ears slightly, the Avengers heard what appeared to be three individuals in deep discussion with one another.
Of the three, two sounded young and distinctly familiar to both Tony and Sam and they had now turned their heads in the direction of where the sound of them talking were coming from.
"...t's plausible…"
"...ghly unlikely… you're asking…"
"...fessor, but what if it can wo…"
"...he end it's only a matter of speculation."
In walked Professor Heimerdinger with two young gentlemen.
Gentlemen that Sam and Tony had met not too long ago.
"But Professor, Jayce and I are close to a breakthrough, we know it." Said an accented voice. "Just please, can you not assist-"
"In something I myself do not understand?" The smaller statured Faunus. "I'm sorry, but I may not be of any use at this time. I already have much on my plate I need to clear before I can be remotely free for such consultations."
"But…" Jayce appeared conflicted.
"Besides," Heimerdinger's tone became a tad more softer now. "Do you two not wish to achieve this for yourselves?"
Before either of his two pupils were able to produce an answer, Jayce caught something out of the corner of his eye.
He looked over to see that not only were they not alone.
And not only were they not the only occupants in the cafeteria, Jayce, and a moment later Viktor, saw that they were individuals both students had met less than several days ago.
"Mr. Stark? Mr. Wilson?" Jayce said aloud in clear surprise.
"Oh hey you two." Tony casually waved at them. "Fancy meeting you here."
"How is it that you are here?" Viktor inquired, stammering a moment later. "Not to be rude or anything."
Tony gestured to him to quiet down with a small grin on his face. "Easy there, kid. We were invited-"
"After being brought in." Sam corrected.
"You're not in trouble, are you?" Jayce warily asked.
"Quite the opposite." Tony stated.
"Would be possible if Stark here starts it."
"Oh ye of little faith."
"Ahem." Everyone turned to see Heimerdinger lowering his fist from his mouth with a bemused smile. "It appears you've made some new friends, my young students."
Jayce and Viktor reddened slightly in embarrassment upon realizing how they had effectively forgotten that their mentor was standing right behind them.
"Oh, apologies Professor." Viktor sheepishly said, Jayce murmuring a quick 'sorry' of his own. "We forget our manners. This is Tony Stark and Sam Wilson. We met them both not too long ago in Mantle."
"A pleasure in meeting you." The small professor said, stepping forward with his hand offered toward the two men who shook it in greeting. "I take it you know my two proteges here."
"Yeah, we met in Mantle." Sam revealed. "We were new to the area, explorin' the whole place and all."
The Faunus professor squinted his eyes slightly at the Avengers, scrutinizing them.
"Say… I had heard news recently of some terrible goings on down in Mantle about a bombing that had taken place." Heimerdinger said offhandedly. "Yet there was also news of two individuals with some extraordinary capabilities and technology that quickly apprehended the bombers."
Rather than verbally answering him, Stark held his right hand up and began fiddling with his watch. In mere moments, it began to reconfigure and expand to cover not just his entire hand but the rest of his arm in hotrod red armor. And at his palm, the repulsor formed to finalize the transformation
Sam rolled his shoulders and his wingsuit unfurled on his shoulder and back, his thrusters flaring whilst his wings came out.
The three Atlas natives jumped back in astonishment, eyes wide at the suits the two men wore.
"Extraordinary." Heimerdinger whispered, walking over to the Avengers to examine them closer. "I haven't seen technology on this level. Collapsing weapons are one thing but-"
"You managed to make it full fitting body armor with wiring and a shrinking capacity." Viktor said, hobbling slightly towards Sam.
"It collapses and folds in on itself." Jayce said in equal awe.
"Dear god, these are your people, Tony." Sam guffawed slightly, quite literally seeing a glowing aura of tech nerds from these three.
"Damn right." Tony said, wide grin in place as his armor retracted. "It feels so good to be with likeminded people." He then focused more towards the Atlesians. "So you boys know your science then? Know a kid who you two would get along with grandly."
"He has technology like you two?" Jayce inquired eagerly.
"Better, a mind to match." Tony said, tapping his temple.
"Sounds like someone I would like to meet." Heimerdinger commented.
"You may be able to soon enough if you're lucky." Sam shrugged. "They're on their way over from Vale."
"Marvelous." The short Professor said aloud in a cheerful voice. "I can't wait to meet him."
Tony hummed to himself, a thought crossing his mind.
"So gentlemen, I take it you have some free time since you're here, no?"
"We do." Viktor confirmed. "Jayce and I just finished some of our exams and have some time to ourselves."
"Great. Then we can pick up on our previous conversations from when we last met." Tony clapped his hands together. "Sam and I are still new here, so we'll take every chance we can get to learn more about Atlas and Mantle."
"Only if you tell us how your technology works." Jayce excitedly asked.
"Call it an exchange program." Stark said, gesturing to the table he and Sam were sitting at.
"Wait, what about your project you talked about back down at From Coal to Dust?" Wilson asked, looking at the two teens.
"It's the part in which we were asking Heimerdinger for some advice." Said the gauntly teen.
"And in which I told the boys that this is something outside my field." Heimerdinger quickly retorted. "This is something that they themselves must pursue."
"And what is it that you are trying to achieve?" Stark asked with genuine interest.
"You can say it's a passion project of ours." Jayce proclaimed.
"We wish to achieve the impossible."
It was rather vague, but it may have drawn Stark's intrigue.
They expected a moment of disbelief, dismissal or even a laugh from the genius billionaire but what they got was a manic gleam of approval.
"The impossible you say?" Tony had a wide grin now in place, Sam smirking to himself as he sensed his comrades excitement. "Well boys, you couldn't have spoken to a better person. See, the impossible is something I work to specialize in. Maybe while you two look after my tech, I'll take a look after what you've got so far. A fresh perspective may spot some holes. Since your professor doesn't have time for consultation, I'm willing to lend a hand."
"You sure that's a good idea Tony?"
"Hey, neither of them scream Justin Hammer, so what's there to worry about?"
"It's not that. It's what's going to blow up once you start working on something."
Stark gaped in mock offense. "Since when has anything I have worked on blown up?"
"Before Jarvis dropped the first three letters of his name, he showed us how you made your first suit. Lot of cars and fires-"
"Dum-E was just overreacting." Tony petulantly countered. "He worries too much."
Jayce, Viktor and Heimerdinger could only watch on in bemusement at the two bickering with one another before the conversation between all five of them resumed.
It was mostly small talk, a story here and there and more delving into scientific know-how that Sam checked out several times as he himself stated that he was a soldier.
As it went on, the conversation steered into a rather more… serious topic.
One that Heimerdinger wasn't suspecting or most of the group for that matter.
"I hear you are having problems with a project again." Stark casually remarked.
"Eavesdropping again, Mr. Stark." Viktor stated, not questioned.
"Hard not to earlier."
"Eavesdropping?" Heimerdinger looked around in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that it appears you and I work in a similar field of expertise." Stark said, now completely serious. "And I want to help you so you won't make any mistakes like I did."
The Faunus professor now frowned at the rather sudden shift in Stark's mood which was just easygoing and flippant.
The air around the group had now changed drastically as Heimerdinger and Tony locked eyes with the former gazing at him with great trepidation.
"What mistakes would you even be referring to, Mr. Stark?" He cautiously asked.
"Artificial life and Intelligence is a dangerous game to be played with, Professor." Iron Man stated in a grim tone. "Let's just say one mistake is enough to change your whole perspective on how you can do things adequately without having a slip up that can haunt you for the rest of your life."
The Faunus professor stiffened when hearing this but hid it well.
A coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.
Sam was frowning at Tony's brazen offer whilst Jayce and Viktor could only look back and forth between Stark and Heimerdinger in open bewilderment.
"Tony…" Came Wilson's warning.
"I'm just extending an offer of help." Stark plainly said, holding both hands up. "I've seen the ups in what Heimerdinger and his friends have worked on… and I've also seen the drastic downs that come with that territory."
To say the Atlesian Professor was startled would be an understatement.
'How does he know of this?' Thought the small Faunus professor. 'It's a tight lipped project. No one outside of the core associates knows of it.'
Heimerdinger looked deeply into Stark's eyes, searching for any signs of deception or trickery yet he found none. His offer was genuine and coming from a place of experience.
Something Heimerdinger himself can admit to not having as much of considering the project he and Pietro were undertaking.
'I'll need to inform Ironwood and the others.' Thought the Atlesian professor before speaking. "We shall see, Mr. Stark. We shall see."
-Scene Cut-
-One Week Later-
Slowly, a lone bullhead descended from on high down to its designated landing platform, one of many in the Atlas Academy.
Standing on the ramp that leads into the academy were three individuals.
James Ironwood, Tony Stark and Sam Wilson.
They watched as the bullhead lowered itself onto the platform, touching down after a few more seconds of waiting.
Moments later, seven individuals came walking out as five of them smiled at Tony and Sam.
"Thought we'd find you in a glacier again." Stark greeted straight away, approaching the star spangled Avenger.
"Or desert cave on your end." Steve Rogers retorted in kind, the two grasping each other's hands with Tony patting the super soldier's shoulder.
Steve turned to Sam, the two soldiers grinning at each other before going in for a quick hug as the Avengers all exchanged greetings of their own.
"Couldn't stay out of trouble for long, could we?" Clint sarcastically asked.
"Yeah, well what're you gonna do?"
As this went on, the Atlesian general met with two of his compatriots on their war against Salem.
"Qrow. Glynda."
"Hello, Jimbo." Qrow groused out, one eye half shut, flask in hand.
"James." Goodwitch greeted far more respectfully.
Ironwood resisted the urge to scowl at Branwens behavior so he was silently thankful for Glynda in being here.
His attention was then drawn towards the man who was the apparent leader of this group of enhanced individuals who walked over to him.
"You must be General Ironwood." Rogers said, offering his hand which James grasped right away.
"That I am." The well-trimmed and uniformed man said. "Good to meet you, Captain Rogers. James Ironwood. I welcome you and your fellow Avengers to Atlas."
"Glad to be here." Steve nodded. "I'd say thanks for finding our friends but I figure they fell into your lap from what I understand."
James' lip twitched upwards, finding a sense of kinship with this man. Sort of like how Sam was.
The General was quick to see the two were career soldiers like himself and have put themselves on the line of duty before.
Maybe these people can truly be helpful in more than just what they had already learned of them.
"Please, do come in." Ironwood said, gesturing toward Atlas Academy. "I know that getting here is an ordeal in itself."
"Appreciate the gesture, General." Steve respectfully said.
-Scene Cut-
"How nice of them to give us our own meeting room." Tony casually commented, seated at the center chair of the rectangular table that occupied the room. "Friday, any devices we need to know about?"
"Why would they spy on us, Mr. Stark?" Peter asked in confusion.
The billionaire genius let out a disgruntled sigh, looking up at the ceiling before smirking slightly at the teen hero.
"You got a lot to learn, kid. Trust me, there's always a reason to be spying on someone."
"Like we did with you when we recruited you." Clint cheerfully said, patting the teen on the back.
"What?"
"Clint…" Steve said in a light admonishing tone.
"Hey, it was Tony's fault really."
"I wasn't spying." Stark quickly corrected. "I was scouting."
"That's just another word for spying." Wanda rebuked.
"See? Wanda gets it."
"Guys…" Rogers rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Seriously."
"Alright everyone, settle down." Tony jokingly chided the group. "Old man Rogers' blood pressure is acting up again."
"We're in unfamiliar territory, quite literally so. I, for one, am not going to let my guard down with someone peeping in on us." Sam spoke up. "So… Friday?"
"No sign of any planted devices, Mr. Wilson." Responded Tony's suit AI.
"Alright then, free speech reigns." Stark declared, sitting up slightly. "So, who wants to go first? Clint? Pietro? Have anything to contribute, kid? What about you Cap? You're the star-spangled man with a plan for a reason."
"Trying to find the means to get home to Earth from another world isn't in my portfolio." Rogers dryly said.
"But waking up seventy years in the future from ice is in there." Tony said, undeterred by this. "Technically counts as time travel."
"That's… that's not how time travel works."
"But seriously," Wanda now spoke up. "What're we gonna do? How are we supposed to get home?"
"We could try jumping in another black pool." Pietro suggested with a shrug. "That's what got us here in the first place."
"Yeah, no." Sam deadpanned. "Did a bit of reading up on the world waiting on you guys and apparently jumping into those things are a death sentence. We were… well, a one in a million chance. That or they operate differently on our planet."
"So skinny dipping is a no go?" Tony remarked, letting out a "disappointed" sigh. "And rid the world the chance at seeing Iron Man in all his glory."
"Oh the misery." Clint blandly said, lightly flicking a piece of paper from his hand right at the well-trimmed hero's forehead.
"But what are we gonna do?" Pietro asked, more emphatically. "We're stranded here and we got no way of contacting the others back home."
"Do we?" Wanda murmured, turning to Stark who shrugged.
"Got nothing." Tony revealed. "Been trying for the past few days and all I get is static."
"We even found a small Grimm pool that we went out to locate and," Sam threw his hands up. "Nothing except more chompers."
"Chompers?" Barton snorted. "You know Walking Dead ain't so relevant anymore."
Sam rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean, bird eyes."
"You tell me, birdperson."
"Guys." Steve said, smirking in amusement. "Come on, let's focus here."
"You don't need to worry yourself too much, Cap." Tony said dismissively. "Us geniuses have it handled."
"I don't think two will be enough for this instance." Clint muttered, patting Peter's back.
"There has to be something that we can use." Pietro grunted out.
"Use? Use what?" Stark asked.
"I don't know, something." Was his vague response. "There's humans here and some of the technology is kinda like home…"
"It does have a lot of similarities." Wanda muttered. "I know Thor is one matter but how are there humans on other planets?"
"The universe is lazy, let's just chalk it up to that for now." Stark said, rolling his eyes.
"Then what about Salem?" Wanda asked, deadly serious now.
Peter, Steve, Clint and Pietro shifted about whilst Sam and Tony were at a momentary loss.
"Salem?" Sam parroted. "What, like… like the witch trials or something?"
"Are we gonna burn a witch?" Tony gasped. "Did one of you turn into a newt and we didn't know about it?"
"No Python, it's something else." Barton quipped. "Apparently she's some immortal fruitcake that's been terrorizing this planet for centuries."
"She's the Grimm queen." Peter added in.
"Wait, those rabies infected freaks?" Wilson asked.
"Well now, looks like she's also into Dungeons and Dragons."
"Tony, this is serious."
"Come on Cap, you may be a spry old timer but I saw your character sheet before we wound up here."
"Tony."
"Alright, alright." Tony threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender, expression shifting into that of a more serious one. "So, this Salem chick. She's the one in charge of the Grimm."
"And she's after these four women called Maidens." Wanda informed. "Women with great magical powers."
"So we're dealing with more magic then, huh?" Sam groaned slightly. "Ain't there some way to reach out to Thor? I don't think Wanda counts."
"I don't even know what my powers are." Wanda admitted with a shrug.
"Ok, ok." Tony made the letter T with his hands. "Let's just back up a bit and start from the beginning from all our sides and then compare notes, 'kay?"
The Avengers all voiced their agreements and began taking turns in speaking on where they had wound up, what they had gone through and what they had learned as a whole.
Remnant and its four kingdoms.
There being two categories of people being humans and Faunus.
Menagerie, an apparent separate country composed solely of Faunus because of the actions in the Great War.
The Grimm and their ruler, Salem.
The Four Maidens.
Ozpin, the other heads of the schools and a select number of trusted individuals being the only ones who were aware of the true threat of Salem whilst the world remains ignorant to her existence.
Dust.
Aura.
Semblances.
The Academies.
All of it was put on the table with next to nothing being left out until the Avengers figured they had covered all their bases.
Aside from that, there was also catching up with what happened during their time of separation.
Speaking of…
"With all that out of the way, I'll need to introduce Peter to a few people." Tony said, standing up from his seat and placing a hand on the teens shoulder.
"Huh?"
"You're gonna love it here, kid. It's Candyland." An excited smirk was visible for all to see on the former playboy. "Met a couple of young bucks in a similar vein to you. Think you guys will get along greatly."
It was at this that Peter was basically dragged out of the room in an odd comedic way, given how enthusiastic Tony was all of a sudden.
The other Avengers stared at the two as Tony pulled Parker out of the room, talking up a storm on what he had seen here and what the two of them can learn before they head home.
"Um… What do we do now?" Pietro asked, turning to Steve who had his arms crossed in contemplation.
"Honestly?" Rogers shook his head. "I really don't know. All we can do is take it one step at a time really."
Clint shrugged. "Guess so. Yo Sam?"
"Hmmm?"
"Know where the cafeteria is around here? I'm hankerin' for a bite."
"Cafeteria is down the hall on the left." Sam said. "You can't miss it. And Steve?"
Cap turned to his "wingman" who had a small grin.
"Got some people that I think you'd get along with to meet as well."
Quirking a brow at his friend's behavior, he asked who and Sam gestured him to follow.
"They're specialists like us Avengers. Just… not as cool."
-Scene Cut-
Within a dank, dark office, a man sat alone as he went over a number of documents. All the while he was having a video call from an associate of his.
"Just make sure that our shipment is delivered and stored." The man ordered. "I don't need all of Atlas cracking down on us. We've stepped on their toes recently as is."
He is a tall, thin, pale skinned middle-aged man with combed dark hair with gray streaks and temples. His right eye was blue while his left one was discolored, with an orange iris and black sclera. Said side of his face was heavily scarred and he lacked an eyelid on his right eye. As for his attire, he wore a red and black three-piece suit.
"Of course, sir. I'll be sure to remind the others." Was all the man said before ending the call.
Not a moment later did another call come in, eliciting a groan from the scarred crime boss.
Without even looking up from his documents, he answered the call with a new screen coming on of a man in a dapper suit, cane and bowler hat.
"Silco old chum." The ginger-haired man on the other end greeted grandiosity. "So good to see you again."
Silco inclined his head up upon hearing his name and recognizing the voice of the man who had called him.
"Torchwick?" Silco drawled lazily. "To what do I owe the "pleasure"?"
Roman Torchwick.
Whilst many would call Silco the crime boss of Mantle and Atlas, Vale was the domain of the cane wielding, top hat wearing career mob boss.
Roman, like Silco, began their empires at a young age and had spent years building up their repertoire, finances and influence to where they stand now.
And naturally, as the world or destiny perhaps seems to go, the two crossed on many occasions and had worked with one another a number of times.
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?"
"This "old friend" is rather busy at this time, dealing with a migraine of shipment being brought in without Atlas Specialists or those blasted Firelights coming down upon me."
"Ah, the usual sort." Roman nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, yes, I see."
"What do you want, Roman?" Silco asked with an annoyed look. "I just told you I'm busy so if you called here to waste my time-"
"Straight to the point, as per usual." Torchwick cut him off. "I like to see how some things never change. Always liked that about you."
"Torchwick…"
"Do you remember the time I sent you that needed shipment or… chemicals? For your mad scientist?" Silco slowly nodded. "Well it's my turn to cash in my check. I'd like to ask a favor."
"I'm listening."
"I'd like to borrow her again."
The Atlas crime boss inhaled sharply, staring intently at Torchwick who dropped a great deal of his joking demeanor.
"For what purpose?" He cautiously asked.
"Got a big gig comin' up that's gonna require some extra muscle." Roman said, no sign of jokes or gaffs. "And I may need her for a prolonged time."
"And why would you need her for more than one operation?" Silco was now glaring at the cane wielding criminal.
"Call it a gut feeling." Torchwick stated. "And you know my gut-"
"Is usually never wrong." Silco muttered out, leaning back into his chair with a deep frown being visible for Roman to see.
The two gazed at one another for a number of seconds with neither side breaking until the Atlas crime lord relented.
"Fine, she can go to Vale." He then held up one finger. "In return-"
"I'll look after your cargo for the duration of the loan." Roman said, straightening out his jacket. "I'm a man of word and principles, Silco."
Silent for a few moments, Silco gave a nod in accepting the deal. It'll save some problems moving his product from Solitas to Vale.
"Good." A smile soon graced Roman's face. "Neo will be happy to be with her friend again."
"How is it that Jinx can stand your silent assassin?" Silco asked absentmindedly.
"Oh, that's the beauty of it, Silco. They just get one another, you know what I mean? That and she's like me in understanding her completely."
Silco exhaled an exasperated sigh.
"Come now, they're the future of our work, no? It's best that they have this friendship. Less bloodshed between our empires."
The blue-orange eyed crime lord simply scoffed before cutting off the connection and went back to reviewing his documents.
Loathed as he was to part from his top enforcer, Silco found himself hard pressed in denying Roman as he found himself glad that she would be going to not only stir up chaos but be with someone she appeared to genuinely care for outside himself.
"What am I going to do with you Jinx?" The crime lord quietly asked himself.
He didn't know if loaning Jinx over will cause some issues on his operation here in Solitas. There obviously wouldn't be any at all, outside of the norm.
But those thoughts changed after a recent string of events these past days.
Two unique fighters appeared from nowhere and began disturbing a number of jobs his men were supposed to complete. One in a suit of armor and another in a wingsuit rounded up his people and got them imprisoned.
It'll be a while to get them out of jail, either by pulling strings or having Jinx help break them out before she goes to Vale for the unforeseeable future.
And with these two newcomers, the crime lord will need to rework a number of his plans. More so if they so happen to begin working alongside the Enforcers and Specialists.
He'll need to find out more about these two and plan accordingly sooner than later.
So much to do in so little time.
-Scene Cut-
"We should ask them outright."
"And have them join your little army, Jimbo?"
"We can't have them running around Remnant doing whatever they please."
"If it means stickin' to the Queen piece, let 'em have at it."
"This isn't a game, Branwen."
"Do I look like I'm treating it like one?"
"You're acting like it."
"And you still haven't gotten that stick out of your ass."
"Will you two just please behave like grown men -instead of children- for at least five minutes."
Qrow and James turned their heads in the direction of the clearly irritated Glynda Goodwitch who was glaring at both men in annoyance.
Currently, the three grownups occupied Ironwoods office and on a screen upon the wall was headmaster Ozpin on his end in Beacon Academy.
The group were called in for a meeting by Oz after the Avengers had been reunited and were now discussing their next move.
Now that all seven of them were together, James had asked the rather difficult question of what exactly they should do with them.
Being a military man, Ironwood outright suggested they be recruited and brought into the fold under them in the fight against Salem. It was clear that having people like these otherworldly enhanced individuals was a proven advantage given what just two of them had learned by simply stumbling upon one of Salem's pieces.
Glynda was not adverse to the idea though she was still unsure as she was still trying to wrap her mind around the idea that these people were from another world.
Qrow on the other hand seemed surprisingly open to them joining yet was adamantly against Ironwoods proposal that was laced as a means of having them under his watch.
Thus leading to their current spat the Ozpin had simply stood back from his end and watched.
"Glynda, you really think handing over these army killers to Jimbo here is a good idea?"
"What I'm suggesting is someone who can keep watch over them and provide for them the means in which to operate out of-"
"While having them under your thumb." Qrow scathingly interrupted.
"If neither of you will shut your mouths, you are both being thrown out the window." Glynda threatened, riding crop in hand.
Rather than addressing the threat, Qrow and Ironwood simply glared at one another with sparks being visible to see
Glynda and Ozpin would never know when this will ever end. They have grown both used to and became quite tired of witnessing this time and time again.
The Headmaster of Beacon cleared his throat, garnering the attention of the trio in Atlas as he took a sip of his hot cocoa.
Coffee was somehow not available at this time *cough* Oobleck *cough* but thankfully, Ozpin always has hot chocolate on standby as his alternative.
"I understand that there are many concerns and worries in regards to our new… "friends". But I do believe we must consider all our options before we make a decision."
"Oz, you seriously can't consider Jimbo's half assed idea of coercing-"
"Stop making such foolhardy suggestions." Ironwood practically shouted.
"One more time, gentlemen." Glynda growled and both men clamped their mouths shut upon seeing her clothes shifting about and light flashing of her aura flaring up around her.
The General turned directly to his fellow Headmaster.
"What would you have us do, Ozpin?" James asked. "I'm not going to lie and tell you that they should go about and do as they please."
"I understand your concerns, my friend, but this is a situation that requires good thought and a delicate hand." Oz said. "If we force ourselves upon them, the reaction we get may not be what we desire."
"They are not individuals who would bow or abide by others so willingly." Glynda spoke up. "All of them are individualistic yet choose to work together. Their leader, Captain Rogers… he seems like a man who would need a good reason to follow or at the very least work with someone like us."
"Been lookin' at him a lot, Goodwitch?" Qrow couldn't help but tease. "I mean, I don't swing for the other team but even I can admit he's a looker."
"Hush you." She snapped, throwing out her riding crop at Qrow.
He quirked his brow at the action, not feeling anything when his eyes widened at the sight of his flask flying into her hands.
"Glynda…" Branwen held out a hand in an almost pleading motion. "Please…"
A moment later, the contents of his flask were dumped onto the floor.
"Nooooooo~~" Qrow dived forward in a desperate attempt to save his liquor but he was too late.
"...Couldn't you have just done that in the trash can, Glynda? I just had the floor cleaned earlier."
James stared down at the comically weeping Huntsman clawing at the ground in hopes of trying to get what he can.
"On second thought, you should have done that sooner if this is what I got to see." Ironwood snidely said.
Qrow only glared up at the General until they heard several heavy taps from Ozpin's cane as they saw that he was now getting a bit annoyed by their rambling.
"Can we please get back to the matter at hand?" He irritably said. "Now, what are your thoughts on how we can gain favor with the Avengers?"
The group was silent for a time as they all contemplated on just how to approach Earth's Mightiest Heroes to ask for their aid against Salem without coming across as desperate.
"The Avengers… are not ones who can be bullied, deceived or coerced into assisting us." Glynda stated after a few seconds of silence. "We need to have something that we can give in return for their duration here on Remnant and cooperation."
"And what can we give them that they can't take?" Qrow rhetorically asked.
Ozpin's head tilted upwards, something that Ironwood saw.
"Do you have something in mind, Oz?"
"Perhaps…" The Beacon Headmaster hummed to himself as he wracked his brain for an idea. "They appear to be self-reliant but we extend an olive branch for them. A place that they can stay in comfort at the very least whilst they operate here on Remnant. For the unforeseeable future, until they find the means of returning home, we can offer them roles in our Academies. A means of keeping an eye on them during such times if it means so much for you, James."
"Are you certain that these people can function as instructors?" Glynda raised a skeptical brow.
"Which is why I leave their "interview" in your hands, Ms. Goodwitch." Ozpin said in complete confidence. "If anyone can sniff out the educator in someone it would be you, my friend."
Glynda simply nodded and already began thinking of how she would approach this task bestowed upon her.
"Hold on, time out." They all turned to Branwen who had his arms crossed.
"I can maybe see that as an option with the adults, but Parker clearly ain't one in case you forgot he's still a kid." Commented Qrow.
"Then he may be a student in the upcoming school year." Oz said offhandedly.
"He's only fifteen." Glynda pointed out, frowning at the Beacon Headmaster.
"A fifteen year old who appears to be able to stop a bus with his bare hands." Oz retorted. "I have recently received a video from a T. Stark displaying some of Parker's abilities."
"He sent you a video?" Ironwood said with a raised brow. "When was this?"
"Not too long ago. It appears that Mr. Stark is one who has also considered having Parker be a part of the academy."
James grunted out in aggravation, something that the others easily picked up on.
"Alright, what is it this time?" Qrow asked, eyes staring at the General in a half-lidded gaze.
"Recently… one of my scientists and professors in Atlas came to me with some startling news." Ironwood began, walking over to his desk. "He spoke of Stark speaking with him and two of his students and it appears that this man has learned of the secret project Polendina and Heimerdinger have been working on."
Glynda and Ozpin blinked in surprise whilst Qrow looked between them all in confusion.
"Wazzat?" Branwen turned to Glynda. "What's he talking about?"
"My two best minds here are working on creating a being that has artificially created Aura." James revealed to the Huntsmen. "Basically, we're creating an android with a soul."
Qrow's eye twitched, his brain momentarily short circuiting.
"What the hell do you people do while I'm gone?"
Glynda shook her head, ignoring Branwen's comment. "James, are you certain of this?"
"He offered to help them, if you want any more confirmation that he hacked into Atlas' security footage and databases and found out about the project." Ironwood sternly said.
"But he offered to help them." Oz pointed out. "Why?"
James contemplated this question for a second as he recalled the conversation he had with Heimerdinger. "From what was implied, Stark has experience in the field. He practically warned Heimerdinger of the dangers of traversing through it without precautions. Councilman Aris told me a similar story when he spoke with Stark. Whatever this experience is, it appears Stark is adamant about assisting us on this project."
"Then all the more power to him." Oz endorsed. "Think of this as another means of keeping him close and having an eye on the gentlemen."
Opposed to the idea as he was, James simply accepted this in silence as all four of them stood quietly for a moment until the Beacon Headmaster spoke again.
"I shall approach them with our offer once I arrive in Atlas."
"You're coming here?" Glynda said in surprise. "What about Beacon?"
"Oh, I think Beacon can survive two weeks without me, yes? And it's easier for all of us since you are in one spot. Would seem selfish for you all to travel back here to me, no?"
"You mean I gotta stay here for more than a day?" Qrow bemoaned aloud, form slouching over dramatically.
"Trust me, I don't like this as much as you do." Ironwood snipped.
"You're one of the first people some of their members had met and they appear to, somehow, have some degree of trust with you." Glynda pointed out. "At the very least they can have someone they know a bit more than just us three."
Qrow groaned childishly. "Fine. But don't even think about ordering me around like one of your soldiers, Jimbo."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"If you two are finished." Glynda gritted out, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. "We have much work to do."
"Yes, practicing our proposal." Ozpin said lightheartedly. "I shall see you three again soon enough."
-Scene Cut-
-One Week Later-
The Avengers were gathered in the cafeteria of Atlas Academy, the seven superheroes enjoying a nice lunch with one another.
They had a simple kind of conversation, talking about what more they had learned whilst being here and what passes as forms of entertainment.
"You have got to be shitting me." Sam said aloud. "Spruce Willis? No fucking way that's real, no way."
"Oh he's real." Pulling up his phone- er scroll, Peter showed the image of the one actor of this world who was a spitting image of Bruce Willis back home.
"What kind of cosmic universal coincidental bullshit is that?" Wilson asked in utter disbelief. "He even looks like a younger version of him."
"If there is a God, he got really, really lazy." Tony remarked, also having a slight bug eyed look at the earth actor's doppelganger.
"Makes you wonder if there is a version of us here." Wanda murmured, intrigued by such striking similarities.
"Wait, so, does that mean we're in another reality? Or are we on another planet?" Peter asked, looking between the Avengers. "Cause if it's another reality, that's way cooler than another planet. That means the Multiverse is real!"
Several shrugs were all that was received.
"Boy bands, food that's similar." Pietro listed off. "Maybe we are in another universe."
"Or maybe we aren't though the whole Grimm pool crap is a lot like a wormhole situation." Tony said, rubbing his chin.
"Think that can be a means of us getting home?" Steve asked, seeing Tony shake his head.
"It's all theoretical." Stark plainly admitted. "If Thor were here or maybe if we had a means of contacting his people and get an idea of their rainbow bridge. If we were to try and get word out to him… or anyone out there… a certain issue needs to be resolved."
"Being what?" Clint asked.
"Better communications." Tony soon explained. "Remnant only have the CCT towers in order to communicate around the world. Yet they do not have any satellites, given their technology is limited to Dust. If it leaves the atmosphere, it all swiftly burns out and becomes useless. If any or all of the towers go down, then a massive amount of problems ensue throughout the globe."
"And I bet you have a plan to fix that." Rogers knowingly said.
"I do. Been scrounging up every satellite design back home to make something appropriate that won't rely on Dust to get it to orbit and make it function. If needed… I may have to do something drastic to make it happen."
"And when do you plan on presenting this?"
"Soon-ish. Need to study more and figure out compromises as this world doesn't have all of the same resources and materials back on Earth."
"This place does feel a bit strange in that regard." Barton muttered. "They have some forms of advanced technology but then they seem a few decades behind us."
"Seems like all their focus went into how big a weapon their enhanced can do." Pietro noted.
"Like an anime." Peter added on, making the speedster giddy now.
"Yeah, exactly like an anime!"
"Boys." Wanda said in amusement.
Steve ignored their banter, gazing at Tony intently.
"You don't want to leave just yet, do you?"
"Hmm? What makes you say that? You do realize I have Pepper waiting for me at home right? She's gonna give me an earful when I get home."
Rogers didn't respond, instead keeping his gaze steady on Tony with Iron Avenger shifting about in his seat.
"Can you not give me that look?"
Cap remained vigilant.
"Capsicle, I'm serious, I will freeze you again."
Rogers was undeterred.
Stark groaned aloud. "Ok, Ok, Yes, I don't wanna leave here just yet. This place needs a serious tune up from top to bottom and I know how to do it. Is that such a hard thing to believe I wanna help?"
Captain America only smirked, shaking his head.
"I don't blame you." Steve said. "You're like your father in that regard. Except you can actually get it done."
"Well there's a ringing endorsement if ever there was one." Stark said in a faux uncaring tone but the appreciation was easy to see in his eyes.
"Well now, it's good to see you are all doing well."
The seven Avengers turned to see none other than the Beacon Headmaster standing by their table with Glynda Goodwitch and James Ironwood in tow.
"Ozpin, Glynda." Steve greeted respectfully. "General."
"I hope we weren't interrupting anything." Glynda politely spoke up.
"Not really." Sam said with a shrug. "Just comparing notes is all."
"And realizing that whatever God there might be is a bit of a hack." Clint added. "Guy opted for just copying and pasting most everything."
The three Remantians shared a look of curiosity, knowing there was something else going on but put it aside for the time being.
"So you here with an offer or something?" Tony spoke up, gesturing to the three of them. "You're all lined up in a taking turns on what to say manner."
Ozpin actually couldn't help but snort at the man's concise and accurate observation, James' eyes narrowed at Tony's comments and Glynda remained neutral.
"You would be correct in that regard." Goodwitch stated. "We are here to offer and also ask for your help."
The seven Avengers exchanged looks with each other before turning back to the three in front of them.
"And that would be…" Clint rolled his wrist in a silent gesture of 'go on'.
"You need help and honestly, so do we." Ozpin freely admitted. "Perhaps we can work something out that can be mutually beneficial for the two of our parties."
The Avengers didn't respond right away until Steve spoke up.
"We're listening."
AN
Alright then, been a slight while with this story but hey, life keeps ya busy like that.
Jeb, Bullet and I have all been in deep discussion on further formation of plot beats and story arcs to come so been a slight while away from this story.
We've been talking in great detail about everything that there is to consider and what's to come as a whole in this story in order to deliver something special.
And speaking of special, Bullet has been delivering on getting some fantastic art pieces for this story, one of which you will see on my DeviantArt account after this chapter goes up.
So other than that, hope you guys are ready for what more there is to come.
We still got some time before we reach volume 1 and in between that time there are some awesome moments to come.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.