Avengers: Age of Remnant

by free man writer

There's always a story to be told. A story of heroism overcoming the most daunting of odds and challenges. A tale we've seen before and one that needs to be told to its end. The beginning of a new tale. A new age. An Age where Remnants paved the way for heroes. Reboot of Avenging Remnant, co-written/created with Jebest4781 and BulletStormX.

18. School Days

Let's get to it folks, no time to waste.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Age Of Remnant Chapter 18: School Days

Last night certainly wasn't what Peter Parker had expected.

After a much-needed patrol to satiate a growing sense of restlessness in the New Yorker, the last thing he expected was to encounter quite possibly the most eccentric girl he had ever met. Though… maybe second eccentric as Penny is likely to keep the top spot until she learns to mellow out… maybe.

His partner's excitement for virtually anything and everything new was quite a sight to see.

Perhaps, if he gets lucky again, Penny could meet the blue-haired girl named Jinx.

"Peter,"

"Huh?"

The sound of his name made him turn to see Yang giving him a pointed look.

"You alright there?" She asked, seated across from him. "Look like you were spacin' out for a second."

"Something on your mind?" Caitlin Kiramman asked, seated beside him.

He along with his team and teams RWBY and JNPR were currently in the cafeteria, having a lunch break before their next class.

Jaune was idly flipping through a comic he and Ruby were discussing, a curious Pyrrha peeking over the blond's shoulder. Nora was describing the wonders of pancakes to an enraptured Penny with Ren sitting beside his childhood friend, silently drinking tea. Blake was reading a book and Weiss had her own textbook out with some notes scribbled into it.

"Oh, sorry just," Peter made a gesture to his head. "Thinkin' about stuff is all."

"Like…?" Yang drew out that one word.

He wanted to talk about last night but instead, he shrugged, opting for a different answer.

"Just thinkin' about home is all. My Aunt will likely wanna hear all about what I've been up to since coming here. Haven't called her in two weeks. Don't want her to worry too much."

A lie yes but undoubtedly, he knows that his Aunt must be throwing plates by this point to whomever is the unfortunate recipient of her nervous rage. He remembered the one day that he hadn't called her all day long after his uncle had passed and she looked ready to fall apart.

God knows what she's going through right now.

"Your aunt?" Vi spoke up with a raised brow. "You live with your aunt?"

Parker squirmed a bit, now slightly regretting this choice for an answer.

"Y-Yeah, my mom and dad died when I was really young so my Uncle and Aunt took me in and I've been with them since."

There was a small awkward pause between this group with Yang coughing into her hand.

"So~ what do you guys think Professor Rogers and his team are gonna make us do this time?"

"Probably kick our ass' again." Vi remarked with a grumbling huff.

Her bluenette partner gave her a sly smile. "What's the matter, oh tough and gruff team leader? Not used to getting knocked on your ass?"

"My whole life has been about getting knocked on my ass" The pinkette rebuked with a deadpan. "But the way our teachers do it sure as shit makes all the other ones pretty lackluster now. Cuz the scathing criticism just adds to it."

Peter rolled his eyes. "It's not scathing and you know it. You just hate how Cap always finds a way to knock you down in five seconds flat."

"He sure as hell doesn't hold back." Yang grumbled, blowing a small strand of hair out of her face.

"They do it to everyone." Caitlin reminded. "It's not like we're the only ones suffering. Haven't you been paying attention to the chatter after those classes?"

"They're not us, therefore, I care much less." Vi flatly said, making her teammate and friends shake their heads in amusement. "I just can't understand the soreness after every class we have. Ain't our aura supposed to heal us up?"

"Well, we do deplete it after every class." Pyrrha now chimed in, having caught wind of the conversation.

"Yeah, but I still feel it." Vi shot back.

"Guess they're just that effective at kicking us to the curb." Peter commented.

"It's not all bad." Jaune spoke up now. "I mean, I don't know about you but I've been feeling pretty good about what they're teaching us… whenever they don't make us eat dirt."

His redhead partner patted his shoulder sympathetically.

"I think they're awesome." Ruby abruptly declared, pointing her finger up to the ceiling. "Mr. Barton has shown me trick shots I never thought possible. And Captain Rogers' shield is the greatest frisbee in the world."

"They do make for a unique set of teachers." Blake idly commented, not looking up from her books.

"And Mr. Wilson displays a great degree of wisdom." Weiss noted.

"How would you know that?" Yang inquired with an inquisitive glance.

"He spoke to me on our first day last week." Schnee casually said. "It was… eye-opening and much needed."

"What's this?" Vi said in a wry tone. "Ice Queen is being humble and modest? Stop the fucking presses."

Weiss' cheeks heated up slightly upon hearing the nickname used to describe her.

"Ice queen?!" She parroted in an affronted manner. "I am no such thing!"

Yang began guffawing, slapping her hand on Vi's shoulder and shaking it as she laughed.

"Oh my God, that is perfect!" The boisterous blond happily proclaimed, the Pinkette gaining a wide grin whilst the others couldn't help but snicker and chuckle under their breaths.

"I hate you all." Weiss darkly said, a menacing aura radiating from her body that seemed to affect absolutely no one.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a bell, signifying the end of lunch.

"Looks like it's time to go." Caitlin said, standing from her seat, followed by the rest of the group.

"What class do we have next?" Yang inquired.

"Ms. Goodwitch's combat class." Blake answered.

"Sweet!" The Ravenette's partner declared, slamming her fists together. "Been hoping for a good brawl."

"Yeah, we still got the Avengers' class later today." Vi pointed out. "Would you rather be worn out from one or the other?"

Yang scoffed dismissively. "After all the lessons we've already had with them, Ms. Goodwitch's classes are a warmup by this point. A good way to limber up."

"Depends on who's chosen to fight today for the sparring sessions." Pyrrha reminded.

"Wonder who it's gonna be." Jaune idly commented.

Thirty minutes later…

Jaune panted heavily, hastily raising his shield at the last second, teeth clenched tightly as his arm shook at the impact of the weapon that impacted his ancestral heirloom. His opponent displayed a cocky, self-assured grin as he saw the blond's expression.

"That it, Jauney boy?" Cardin Winchester taunted, resting his black mace on his shoulder.

The young Arc conveyed defiance, his eyes fierce despite the trepidation he felt.

His opponent saw this and made a small 'tch' of annoyance.

"Alright, if you wanna play like that." Winchester declared, tightening the grip on his mace.

The brunette prepared for another attack until he was halted in his tracks.

"That's enough, Mr. Winchester." A sharp female voice spoke up.

Cardin faltered in his stance before grunting irritably and lowered his weapon.

Jaune was breathing heavily, slouched over, resting his hands on his knees. He bit his lip, unseen by all as he felt a wave of frustration wash over him.

Off to the side, on the other side of a partially open door leading out of the auditorium in which the class was taking place, Steve Rogers silently observed all this with a contemplative frown.

At the same time, the rest of Jaune's team and friends were making comments of their own after the end of the sparring match.

"What is his problem?" Peter said, his tone tinged with anger. "Cardin is going way too hard on him."

"He does it with everyone." Say Vi, eyes narrowed in disgust. "Winchester is trying to place his dominance on several students."

Blake glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. "Speaking from experience?"

The pink-haired teen grunted. "Plenty when growing up."

Blake nodded in turn. "Intimidation can go only so far. Someone backed into the corner will lash out at some point."

"Perhaps that is what Jaune needs to do." Weiss coolly commented. "A good whack across that unruly brute."

"My, my, where is this coming from?" Caitlin remarked.

"Caitlin, please, you should know my stance on people like Winchester." Schnee fired back with an eye roll.

"I think we should break his legs." Nora declared, eyeing Cardin who seemed to shiver despite not knowing why.

"Let's try to do something within the boundaries of the school policies, Nora." Ren calmly said, placing a hand on her back.

Pyrrha said nothing during all this, only keeping her eyes on her team leader and partner, not seeing his face but sensing the frustration he was exuding. She was in deep thought, mulling over the fight and Jaune's current predicament.

When she helped unlock his Aura, she was able to pick up on just how much her friend had. A scratch healed before her very eyes in a matter of seconds and even now, despite appearing to be tired seconds ago, he was standing more upright with a slight indication that he was breathing heavily.

Of all her new friends she had made since coming to Beacon, Pyrrha easily realized that Jaune was the most inexperienced out of all of them. He was learning well enough but she could tell how far behind he was. The main thing that put him above most others was his tactical mind which he sometimes showed off without realizing it.

Her fists clenched slightly, shooting an annoyed look at the smug Cardin who had his nose upturned, looking down on Jaune.

All the while, as Glynda lists off how the fight went, Jaune was assessing it in his own mind.

'He puts a bit too much into his backswing.' He briefly thought. 'And him being… cocky(?) can leave him open if he thinks he has the upper hand.' The blond shook his head. 'Course he's got that. He's better than me at everything… how can I keep up with my friends if I can't even keep up with this jackass?'

"-Why you need to remember the importance of handling and understanding how to utilize your aura in regards to combat." Glynda had been speaking all this time, with Jaune only now picking up on her lesson.

The buxom Beacon Professor stepped forward, holding up her hand with two fingers.

"Your Aura is like wood. Meant to handle pressure and prolonged usage when handled correctly." She lowered one finger. "When struck with shock, depending on how much aura one has, their reserves can be depleted quite substantially. Mr. Arc here though can be lacking in certain departments, displays a greater degree of a rarity where his aura can handle stress and impact."

Jaune perked up only to go a bit rigid when Glynda faced him.

"Mr. Arc, it has been two weeks since the start of school. I understand that this is only the beginning but you must understand that you have much improvement needed and your aura reserves can only take you so far as you have already noticed."

The young Arc could only nod, slightly despondent while Glynda turned to lecture Cardin next.

He released a small sigh, shaking his head at what felt like the hundredth failure he had experienced since the school year began only to be broken out of his thoughts by a rough shove from Cardin who had walked by him.

"Oops." The taller teen condescendingly said. "Sorry, didn't see ya there."

Jaune didn't really have it in him at this moment to make a retort of any kind. He just hung his head, berating himself once more for losing, especially in front of his team and friends.

This was witnessed by Steve Rogers who shook his head, a wave of unpleasant nostalgia washing over him at the sight of that small interaction.

'How many times did that happen?' He mentally asked himself with a humorless smile.

"Bullies." Steve muttered to himself, walking away from the class as the bell came on. "Even on other planets, they're still the same. Looks like it's universal."

-Scene Cut-

The Avengers watched as the first-year students of Beacon filed into their class, all walking to stand in what was the gymnasium.

Unlike all the other classes of Beacon, the class helmed by Earths/Remnants Mightiest Heroes was one that constantly changed depending upon the lesson the Avengers had planned for that day.

Today would be a mixture of lesson of sorts.

The Avengers understood the need for a semblance of structure but Sam once said they needed to play to their strengths.

So for today's lesson…

"Being a leader," Steve began once the class had all settled in. "Is more complicated and more nuanced than one might assume it to be."

Most of the class glanced at each other, the team leaders getting most of the attention.

"There are times where it appears straightforward and a simple concept to understand but that's just scratching the surface." Steve started to pace about. "Yes, the responsibility to lead is a heavy burden. One must stand at the head of their team and be steadfast and ready, to know what to do in any situation and to be decisive and responsive."

"But that's only a barebones look at it." Clint now spoke up, casually leaning against the wall. "Yes, you've probably heard about the requirements and expectations but that's just one aspect you guys are looking at and you are. You need to understand when to look at the bigger picture but also the details. A fine line to constantly have balance over."

"Don't expect things to go smoothly." Sam stepped forward, standing right by Steve. "Being on a team where you're only just getting to know each other is gonna have a lot of growing pains. You can all be friendly and get along with each other all you want but when the chips are down in battle or a mission, you really need to know how to operate together."

"But how are we supposed to do that?" Asked a random student.

"Trials and tribulations." Wanda answered with a shrug. "Sometimes you can get lucky. Sometimes, you can have things click into place. Apologies, Ruby, but there is a certain amount of luck in landing your sister Yang with you on your team. Right there is already a huge boon of familiarity, two people who know each other intimately and likely know the tendencies each one possesses that can come into play during a fight. Other times, you're gonna have to just figure it out as you go."

"But what about those who weren't meant to lead?" Jaune now asked in a slightly low voice with Cap glancing right at him.

The boy winced, turning away.

"Even if one leader falls, is incapacitated or not present, others may rise to the occasion." Sam plainly said. "But there's something else you guys need to remember and this is for the teammates. All of you have a duty of your own to uphold."

The teens were all giving him inquisitive expressions as he elaborated.

"Your job is to always have the back of your team leader but also when to keep them in check. Don't forget that a team is only as good as the pieces all in it working together."

It was then that Pietro had the closing statement to their opening lecture.

"You need to get into this mindset," The speedster held up one hand with four fingers up. "You may be teams of four," He then angled it to make a straight line with his arm. "But your objective is to learn to operate as one. Leader, followers, all of you. That's what your objective should be if you wanna improve team dynamic. Cuz it will also help with yourselves later on down the line."

The other Avengers were staring at Pietro, completely thrown off by rather sage wisdom.

"Um… er, yeah, what he said." Wilson remarked, thumbing to him.

Steve 'hmphed' in amusement. "We'll be focusing on some…" He rolled his hands several times. "Team building ideas and lessons. Overviews of progress amongst all of you and we'll speak with each of you individually or together. We have some recorded footage of your time during the initiation for all of you to observe and review, looking at how you've all started and begun forming new bases' and ideas on where your teamwork can go from there."

"Got the scroll tablets back here for you guys to take." Barton said, pointing at a table with said tablets.

As the students walked over to get the tablets that had the names of their teams, the Avengers turned to their fastest team member.

He looked at them all with a quizzical look.

"What? Somethin' on my face?"

"Where'd that come from?" Clint asked in bewilderment.

The older Maximoff caught on to what the archer was talking about and deadpanned at his teammates.

"What? I can have my moments." Pietro defensively said. "Besides, I got it from Xiaolin Showdown."

"Ri~~~ght." Wanda had a flat look. "Of course you did."

"Oh please, Wanda, you're more obsessed with those crap romcoms and sitcoms than I am with cartoons."

"Least it is more useful than that sappy stuff." Clint mused in agreement.

Wanda gaped in a faux affronted manner, giving a mean mug look at her now smug twin brother. She huffed, crossed her arms and turned away.

Rogers chuckled at this, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder and lightly shaking her.

"Come on," He encouraged. "Let's do our job. No need to sulk, Wanda."

"I'm not sulking." She childishly countered.

"Keep that up and all that sulking will give you wrinkles."

"I will fling you away, Pietro."

"Oh, there's one right now." He said, poking the side of her head.

Wanda rounded on him just as he dashed off.

"I'll skin him alive."

"Just be sure to put him back together." Sam idly said, patting her head with her grumpy look now being directed at him.

"You, however, I can reach."

"Uh-huh." Was all Sam said as he walked away.

To emphasize this, Wanda flicked her hand and sent the Falcon flying. And he landed on his feet.

"Wanda, did you forget that I-OI!" Now he was suspended upside down from an ankle.

"Alright you two, not in front of the kids." Steve interjected. "Come on now."

Several minutes later…

Steve stood in front of the leaders of teams RWBY, JNPR and PPBK, an intense and analytical gaze on the trio. They stood with a rigid posture, one seemingly prompted from nowhere that just sorta happened as soon as Professor/Captain Rogers listed off their names.

It was hard to explain but it's just… that felt like a natural response.

Their rigidness came to an end when Rogers smirked slightly, shaking his head in amusement and gesturing his hand in a downward manner.

"Relax you three, this isn't the army." He kindly said. "I just said your names, that's all. We're picking up where we left off last time."

Jaune immediately slouched in relief, giving a sheepish expression, one Ruby matched whilst Vi grumbled to herself.

"Oh, er… yeah, right." The younger blond said with a small amount of embarrassment. "Sorry about that, Captain Rogers."

Steve simply gestured again, a silent message of 'it's alright'. He then crossed his arms, humming to himself, giving each student a look in the eyes before addressing them.

"So, how have all of you been?"

Whatever the question or statement the three of them were expecting, it was clear that this one was one they hadn't even thought of.

"Uh… what?" Vi dumbly said in response.

"I just wanna know how you are all doing since we last spoke." Steve plainly said. "You've only been team leaders for a short while so I just wanna have a gauge as to how you are all getting accustomed to being placed in such a position. I remember seeing some of the reactions you all had when your names were called upon to lead your respective teams. So just talk, tell me, anything that comes to mind, just let it out."

There was a pause as the three of them exchanged glances, all conveying uncertainty about who should go first until Ruby took the first step.

"Honestly?" Steve turned to her with a patient look as she formed her thoughts. "It's a bit weird of my sister having to somewhat follow me… even though we haven't gone out on any missions or field assignments quite yet."

"She seems rather supportive." Cap noted, recalling how much the older sister cheered for the young Rose when she had been selected to lead.

"A bit too much." Ruby flatly muttered.

"It can't all be that bad." Vi commented. "She's just giving you some encouragement and self-esteem."

"I don't know if bone-crushing and smothering hugs count." Jaune remarked.

"I mean, Yang doesn't really do anything bad… wait, that came out wrong." Ruby stammered. "I'm not having any problems… well, not since Weiss and I had a talk and-"

"And what was it that you and her talked about?" Steve asked but he already had a fairly good idea of what likely went down.

Sam did tell him how Weiss spoke to him about Ruby being her leader.

A resolute expression came upon the scythe-wielders face as she stared at Rogers.

"I made a promise that I wouldn't let her down." She declared. "And that she would support me in any way she can."

Steve smiled approvingly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "That's exactly what you need to start with. Putting that faith in your team because when you do, they will put their faith back with you."

Ruby seemed to preen at his praise, stars in her eyes making both Jaune and Vi chuckle at her expression.

"Now, what about the both of you." Steve said, turning to the blond and pinkette.

The pair shared a look, silently debating one another on who should talk first.

"I mean," And it went to Jaune, the blond rubbing the back of his head. "I haven't had any problems for the most part. Pyrrha's been really supportive and Ren and Nora follow the lead for the most part. I don't think we have any issues. Well… not yet at least. I hope."

"Same for me," Vi said with a shrug, her expression becoming flat. "Penny is waaaaaay too excitable." She chuckled. "But, she always does this cute little salute. And Caitlin… well, she shows her support in her own way. Parker's alright too."

"That's fine, it's alright that there isn't anything." Steve quickly said, detecting a sense of hesitation from the duo. "You are all still in the early stages of your formative years as a team. There's no need to rush into trouble or anything like that." He snorted. "I think it's not controversial to tell you that these things will happen but you don't need to go seeking it out. They will come to you in time. Whatever obstacles as a team and the leaders of said team will help shape and mold you into wiser and stronger fighters but that depends upon the reactions and responses you will have to those moments."

Vi gazed upon the man with an intense look of contemplation, a far-off look in her eyes and her ears ringing with memories.

"For now, Jaune, Ruby, you go speak with your teams, the other teachers or other students. This is a freeform class. Maybe practice moves or team dynamics." Steve then turned to the Pinkette. "As for you Vi, come with me."

"Oh," She blinked upon being singled out. "Uh, er, sure, Teach, lead the way."

Rogers nodded and he led her over to someone of a similar fighting style to Blanc.

"Ms. Yang," Steve called out to the younger blond, garnering her attention. "A word if you would."

"Sure Cap, what's- Hey Vi."

"Sup."

Steve stood between the two girls, giving them both a pointed look.

"Now, I believe that the two of you can have a good idea why I wanted to speak with the two of you together."

A few feet away from them…

"Sorry if I haven't gotten around to asking but are you doing well?"

Blake blinked at the question from the archer of the Avengers.

"Uh… yeah, I guess?" She answered with uncertainty. "Why?"

Barton stared at her, his expression conveying a silent question of "Are you really asking me that?".

Blake registered this and looked away from his piercing gaze.

"I'm fine, honest." She forced out, hearing the man hum.

"And your team? Your friends?"

Blake turned back to him, a quizzical brow raised. "Yeah? They're all fine, I guess. I mean, Ruby and Weiss had a little tension but it seems to be alright now. Yang is Yang."

"Are you getting along with them?" Clint casually said, noticing her fidget out of the corner of his eye.

"Ruby is nice enough," A pleased smile appeared on Blake's face. "I never would have thought she would enjoy reading as much as I do. Sure, she likes the stories of heroes and all that simple stuff but it's nice to have someone to enjoy books with. Weiss even joins in every now and then. Yang… isn't someone who's a reading type of girl."

She heard him snort at that and was also unable to hold back a small giggle.

"But she's fun to be around, I can say that much." Blake remarked, looking over at Yang, seeing her with Vi and her eyes then trailed over to Ruby followed by Weiss. "They all are."

"And any other friends?"

"Yeah, JNPR and PPBK." Blake answered right away. "We've spent time with them almost every day, now that I think about it."

"So things are good." Hawkeye surmised more than asked.

"I… I guess so." She responded with uncertainty.

"You guess?"

Blake's expression then scrunched. "I don't know, why do you keep asking?"

The Avenger didn't respond at first, idly humming to himself as his keen eyes gazed upon all the students.

"Have you ever bothered contacting your parents?" He abruptly asked, getting the ravenette to jerk back violently.

"I-you-what?!" She stammered out.

"Just wanna know is all." Barton plainly said, now turning to face her. "You left in more ways than one, ya know. Your responsibilities, your home, your family. The only things you kept are the clothes on your back and a handful of other things, am I right?"

Blake couldn't find the words to answer the man, still stuttering, opening and closing her mouth.

"Look, I'm not trying to guilt you or anything. Believe me, you choosing to reach out and basically turn on what you knew was a big step. It must've been hard for you to do all that." Said Clint. "To drop everything and try to move on from that life and more. All because of a few little instances."

"How can you know?" Belladonna managed out, finding her voice at last.

"A friend of mine was like you, Blake." Clint knowingly said. "She was in a dark place when I found her and I knew that the right call was to hold out my hand, not hold up my arrow."

The secret Cat Faunus didn't respond for a few moments, her bow concealing her cat ears subconsciously twitching.

"I still don't know if I did the right thing. Or if anything I did was right." Blake quietly said. "Even with me abandoning them, things still happened. The White Fang is still causing havoc wherever they go. I mean… it's selfish but I thought they would at least slow down or-"

"You should realize that even when you're gone, things still keep going on without you being a part of it. Some 'wheels' keep on turning without someone being there to keep pushing or turning. Once the ball is rolling, it keeps on going."

"I see you're focusing on the wrong topic right now." Spoke a female voice and Blake looked up to see Wanda and Pietro standing close by.

"Wrong topic?" Belladonna parroted, the former of the twins going up to stand in front of her.

"Yes," Wanda resolutely said. "I know that you think that the White Fang is your main problem but you're neglecting an issue that will harm you far more than you realize." Blake conveyed clear bewilderment as to what Wanda could possibly be referring to until the silver-haired twin piped up.

"We've met your parents, Blake." Pietro stated, making the young girl have a sharp intake of breath with her eyes widening and trembling. "We were over at Menagerie recently and well-."

"It's easy to assume that you likely keep up to date with how things are there, no?" Clint rhetorically asked when he saw her expression. "No? Seriously?"

"I-I've-I-I-I'm-" Blake stammered and stuttered nonstop, trying to find her voice. "Wh-what happened?"

"Ya know, Grimm, mining, new possibilities for economic growth." Pietro casually listed off, only further confusing and concerning the cat Faunus.

"What? What happened?!" Belladonna almost exclaimed, barely restraining herself.

The three Avengers did a quick rundown of the events that had transpired on Menagerie though they focused more on their meeting with Blake's parents. She felt a creeping sense of guilt and shame as her mind went to her parents, what they were going through and how she…

How she abandoned them.

"Why…" Blake murmured defensively, making the Avengers look at her inquisitively when she raised her head to reveal tears peeking out of the corners of her eyes. "Why'd you have to go and ask me that?"

Wanda put on a more sympathetic expression, going over to gently place her hands on the Faunus' shoulders and giving her an assuring smile.

"We didn't do this to upset you, believe me." She softly said, using her telekinesis to pull out her handkerchief from her pocket into her hands. Wanda wiped the tears away from Blake's eyes and made the young girl look her in the eyes. "We do this because this is something that you must eventually confront."

"Why?" The ravenette reflexively asked and she immediately cringed at her response.

She felt incredibly stupid in asking such a thing. A sentiment that the Avengers easily picked up on.

"Well for starters, they're your parents, right?" Pietro remarked. "They obviously miss you. And you miss them."

Blake sighs, hanging her head. "Well, yeah, of course I miss them."

"So~" Pietro encouraged, rolling his wrists.

The young teen didn't reply at first, hugging herself. "I wanna see them again but… how can I? After everything I did, I left them. I ran. I left them thinking I was doing the right thing but," She sighed, turning away from them. "You know how that turned out."

"I get that. We all do. You're in a dilemma and you did it to yourself but who hasn't done that to themselves?" Barton stated. "These are just the consequences that you have to live by. I know how much you believed in the White Fang and leaving them was likely just as hard, no? I mean, you joined and left your parents cuz you believed in what it represented. But that was a spur-of-the-moment, young people-type thing. Don't give me that look, I have five kids, I know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Five?" The twins said, making the archer give them a raised brow.

"What, you thought I would forget you two?"

Pietro and Wanda both reacted in a small, affronted manner.

"Oi, what's that supposed to mean?" The speedster barked out.

Clint left them hanging as he turned back to Blake, ignoring the squawk of indignation that came from Pietro. He could hear the 'hmph' Wanda made, making the Faunus' slightly depressed mood crack, a small smile appearing due to the behavior of the twins.

"Look, Blake," He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know that you feel a sense of responsibility to the White Fang, I do. You committed a lot of time to them only to leave and even though you know they were wrong-"

"I still feel like I betrayed them." Blake found herself blurting these words out, much to her shock. She didn't even realize the thought came to her subconsciously but when speaking to Professor Barton he… maybe it was that fatherly presence he had that made it so easy to talk with him.

"To them, that's what they'll say to you." Clint softly said. "But they betrayed what the White Fang was supposed to be. You got caught up in it and now you feel like there is a debt to be paid to set things right, for yourself and for them. Blake, you gotta hear this now. You owe them nothing."

That was not what she was expecting to hear. "Excuse me?"

"You may think you need them. They, who are supposed to be your apparent inheritance, given your parents started the group." Blake jolted in surprise. "Yeah, we know about that, we did our research. And they are no longer what they're intended to be. In reality, they need you."

"Why?"

"The daughter of their founders can weigh a lot of sway at times when coming down to it. You're someone of big significance that things can sway in a certain direction if you do the right pulls and pushes. Others think otherwise believing you won't really run the organization the right way when you decide to take it over one day in the future. You could prove them wrong. You can prove them right. Or you can let it all go and move on as it's not your responsibility anymore. However, sometimes people need to be reminded that you don't always have to follow what destiny has written for you since you can make your own fate. We can't know what we are doing, we just do things we feel are right and pretend that we don't."

The Faunus couldn't properly process what Clint told her as it felt a bit much but she understood the gist of it all. She bit her lip, looking away with uncertainty.

"But that's not what's important at the end of the day." Barton said, regaining her attention.

She looked up at him, a quizzical look on her face that silently asked for what it was that he meant.

"Your mom and dad don't know where you are." Wanda now spoke up, picking up on what Clint was referring to. "When we saw them, they may act like everything is fine but in the back of their minds…"

"They're worried sick." Pietro surmises, those words making her bow droop slightly. "They can try to hide it all they want but I saw how many times your mom looked at that picture she has of you as a kid with all three of ya. I mean, I know that's how our parents were like whenever Wanda and I made them worry."

Blake stared at the twins, at a loss for words as she felt guilt creeping up on her.

It was always something she grappled with, having run away from home to join the White Fang but she quashed that feeling in the belief of what she was doing.

Now though? Being confronted by this made her feel horrendous. She left her parents without even saying goodbye and she hadn't even thought about ever going back to them. Because…

"Would they even forgive me?" She nervously asked.

"Depends on what you exactly did when you were away." The speedster bluntly said, earning an irked look from his sister and causing Blake's head to droop in misery.

"Pietro…" Wanda tiredly said.

"What? I'm just stating-"

Clint shook his head, ignoring the twins arguing with each other and turned back to Blake, making her look squarely into his eyes.

"Blake, they'll be upset with you, they might shout or make ya feel horrible…" Belladonna had a comedic face of depression as each word impacted her heart. "But they will hug you and likely cry as soon as they're done. Your parents love you, so yes they will forgive you."

She couldn't properly find her voice for a few seconds.

"Are you sure?" Her voice croaked out.

"Take it from me, yeah, I would." Clint assured with a small smile. "But seriously, Blake, you should get in touch with your family, even if it's not for long. At least let them know you're alive and well to settle their nerves and worries. It would make them happy to at least talk, even if you're still getting a handle on things here."

"I don't know if I can." Blake admitted dejectedly.

"That's fine," Clint responded straight away. "You don't need to do it right away. Do it when you feel fine contacting them. Just know, they'll pick up as soon as you reach out."

Blake nodded, quietly thinking about everything that had been told to her. There was a lot to digest and to figure out her next course of action. Not just the short term, but the ones she may be forced to confront in the future.

"One last piece of advice, Blake." The ravenette Faunus perks a little and looks back up at Barton. "People always hold onto old identities and faces long after they have served their purpose, but you'll need to learn to throw them away eventually. Natasha showed me she can do it and became better for it."

"Natasha…" Blake repeated. "She's-"

"My best friend." Clint said. "Hope you can meet her soon. You remind me of her."

"Right." The Faunus softly said, her mind deep in thought.

She kept replaying everything they had told her, the main focus of her thoughts being that of her parents and…

Blake blinked upon feeling a wetness coming down her cheeks, reaching up to wipe fresh tears away from her face.

"Oh my." Wanda came over to her side. "Are you alright?"

Blake stared at her wet fingertips, shaking slightly as she wiped her tears away.

"Sorry," She shakily said. "I just… talking about all this-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Clint gently said, wrapping his arms around her in a hug, the cat Faunus instinctively hugging him back. "You're not alone."

'Gods, I don't even the last time I did something like this.' Were her thoughts as she clung onto the archer and softly wept, a feeling of great stress and burden alleviating from her body.

-Scene Cut-

"So," Sam Wilson was giving Weiss a knowing gaze. "I take it things are better now with your team leader, no?"

"A small margin, yes." She bluntly says.

"Really? Just that?" Weiss coughed into her hand making Wilson 'hmph' in amusement. "Progress, even if it's so much."

"Things aren't that bad." She defensively said, her cheeks puffing slightly at the smirk the Avenger shot her way. "They're not!"

He held his hands up placatingly yet his smirk remained. "Hey, I'm not saying anything."

"You don't have to." Weiss childishly said, making him chuckle and she stomped her foot like an upset five-year-old would.

"Well, you're not making it any easier for yourself if you're acting like that." Wilson casually stated, his smirk widening at the face Weiss made, looking like she was about to retort but managed to reign herself in before she did so.

She instead resorted to crossing her arms, closing her eyes and looking away with her nose upturned to the air.

Falcon shook his head. "OK, let's start over. How have things been with your team? And you don't even have to say it's good and all. Just… what's something that has happened recently that comes to mind? Just the first thing off the top of your head, go."

Weiss opened one eye, staring at the aviator suspiciously but saw that he was serious.

"We're making steady progress in working things out. It's not perfect, but it's slower than anticipated."

"That's great, but I'm asking for something specific."

"Like what?"

"Like off the top of your head." Sam said again. "Don't think, just pick a memory."

The Schnee heiress opened and closed her mouth a few times, crossing her arms again when she gained an uncertain expression.

"Well… there was one thing that really made me change my views on one of my teammates." She saw him gesture to her to continue. She now actually hesitated for a moment, her cheeks getting a bit of color. "Um… well… you see… my teammate Blake…"

Sam quirked a brow at her, waiting for more as she kept on stalling.

"I… she… I didn't… I wished I never discovered her… tastes in literature. Specific literature to be precise."

"Is there something wrong with the material she-"

"Yes! No! Maybe! I just…" Weiss made a number of hand gestures. "I just thought of all people, Blake would have a more refined taste, not that smut that she reads."

Upon realizing what she said, her face became crimson and Sam's eyes widened considerably before he released a small 'pfft" and burst out laughing. Steam rose from her face, Sam's laughter attracting some of the attention of the others in the gymnasium.

Yang was nearby, going over to the pair, looking between them both.

"Uh, is everything ok here, professor?"

"Yeah, yeah, just give us a bit more time." Sam managed out through his laughter.

The blond bombshell glanced over at Weiss, giving her a questioning look with the white-haired teen turning away, face red and her hair shading her eyes. Bewildered, Yang nonetheless acquiesced to Sam's request and left the pair.

"Alright, alright, sorry." He said after finally getting himself under control. "Ok, not what I was expecting to hear but," Sam snorted. "How did that make you fee- God I can't even finish that sentence."

"You're not making for a good example, Professor." Weiss grumpily said.

"You know what I mean." Sam said, undeterred. "Come on, just share what you feel. It's about getting to know your team and yourself."

"I'd rather not do a deep dive into this, Professor Wilson." She deadpanned.

"You sure about that? It can be a good bonding experience."

"How in Remnant could that possibly be a good bonding experience?" Schnee comically argued. "One of my teammates is a pervert! My team leader is a child and her sister is a walking boob!"

Sam guffawed, making Weiss grind her teeth together.

"I take offense to that." Yang butts in.

Weiss responded by placing her hand on the blond's face and shoving her away.

"Ya can't say your team ain't interesting."

"They're buffoons." Weiss murmured, rubbing the sides of her head.

"Oh come off it." Wilson retorted. "You can act like you don't like them all you want but they're not as bad as you like to think they are. Have you considered what they might think about you?"

"They're not prone to hiding it." Weiss said with half-lidded eyes.

"And?"

"Yang has taken to calling me Ice Queen."

"Which you are." Yang came back in again.

"Will you leave me alone?!" Weiss shouted, eyes becoming white and teeth becoming shark-like.

Her teammate opted for the opposite response, jokingly shivering. "Sheesh, such a frigid, ice-cold-"

The buxom blonde was silenced when the heiress practically pounced on her.

Sam watched the pair, entertained by their "interaction" as they were now pulling on each other's faces.

"And here I thought my sister was bad when she was their age." He muttered to himself.

"At least I have boobs, you small-hilled Ice Queen!" Yang yelled, pulling on Weiss's ponytail and cheek.

"You are a boob!" Weiss shot back, stretching out both Yang's cheeks as the pair continued their little squabble.

"Alright, I'll leave you both to it." Sam casually said, walking away from the pair who continued their little "fight". "Don't break anything while you're at it."

The next session began. One involving a local celebrity.

"Ya know, I've heard a lot about you, Pyrrha Nikos."

The redhead Amazon stared at Sam with a curious expression.

"Invincible Girl, most talented Huntress of this age, Pumpkin Pete's cereal endorsed celebrity."

That last bit disarmed the redhead, making her giggle slightly in the manner in which Sam said her brand deal with the cereal company.

"So, while I can't speak for myself, I can only imagine the surprise of the people who knew you that you went and transferred from Argus over to Beacon Academy of all places." Wilson said. "Long way from home. With your prestige and reputation, you could've gone well back in your neck of the woods, being a multi-time champion and all. So why come here of all places?"

"You've read my application."

"Not really. Just heard things through the grapevine. But I'd rather hear it from you."

Pyrrha was silent for a few moments, staring intently at the bird-themed Avenger, recalling a conversation she had with Weiss recently.

The three teams were having lunch together again at that time, discussing their lessons and such. Weiss had said that Professor Wilson held valuable insight that surprised her and that being forthcoming made her see a certain problem of hers in a new light.

So maybe, he can help her like he did Weiss.

"It's often hard to escape from one's shadow, especially your own." Pyrrha said in a low voice. "And I thought that Beacon was my chance to create a new shadow… wait, that-"

"No, no, I got it, don't worry." Sam quickly interjected. "Kinda like that, actually. But still, I notice that of all the teams we've seen, you seem to push yourself more so than others."

"What do you mean?"

"I know we thrash you guys during our combat lessons," Wilson remarked, a sweat drop forming behind Pyrrha's head at the callous way he said that, making her feel incompetent. "And yeah, everyone usually gives up but you're some of the few that really guns for us."

Pyrrha felt strangely self-conscious about this, rubbing her arm a bit.

"Is that a bad thing?" She nervously asked.

Sam shook his head. "Nothing like that, just something I pick up on. But my main question is this. Has there been a reason why you push yourself too hard?"

Pyrrha blinks. "I don't follow."

"Trying to always seem to be on top or untouchable as such examples. Was it a personal trauma of yours, perhaps?"

Pyrrha's eyes widened a bit at that, having a small frown of thought. She mulled it over in her mind for a few seconds.

"No, it was never that." She answered. "It was-I was just-well," Nikos released a small sigh, her hands fidgeting against each other. "I don't know. It's just… growing up, when I tapped into my Semblance and started to practice, so many people started praising me, telling me how I was a prodigy and all. That I was meant for greatness."

"So it's praise that drives you?" He asked rather than concluded, wanting to hear her own answer.

She pondered on it and shook her head.

"No… I…" She looked at her hands and clenched them tightly. "I wanted to be a Huntress since I was a kid. I saw who and what they do and when I discovered my Semblance, I promised that I would become a great Huntress and protect and save those who needed it."

Sam hummed at that, sensing her earnestness. "Sound a bit like Cap there."

"Captain Rogers?"

"Yeah, he says things similar to that." Sam mused. "But I'm curious. Girl like you is a prodigy, yeah. You got talent but you're refined. Honed. You don't get that in a classroom with a bunch of other kids. You had a teacher I take it."

She blinked, surprised and slightly amazed by his foresight, nodding a moment later.

"My master," Pyrrha placed a hand on her sash. "She's the one who pushed me to be the best that I can be."

"So you're trying to live up to her expectations." He states.

She shook her head. "No, not that at all. Master Tina never really liked all the fame I got since she saw how it affected me."

"Yet you kept doing what you could to win."

Pyrrha nervously laughed. "I mean… I guess I am still competitive at the end of the day."

"You don't need to win all the time, you know. It's not always gonna feel like it's the end of the world with the matches and tournaments you take part in."

"Old habits are hard to part from. I just… don't know how to."

"You'll learn. Life teaches you one way or the other." Sam assured. "How are things with your team?"

At that, Pyrrha held a more pleased and genuine smile. "Quite good. Jaune, Ren and Nora are wonderful to be around. Teams RWBY and PPBK as well."

"So you're in good company." Sam surmised in a satisfied nod. "But I am curious. You can't deny your talent and skill. Any issues with working with the team you're in?"

Pyrrha glanced over at where her team leader was, seeing him speak to Steve with the Captain appearing to approve of something he said, clapping a hand on his shoulder.

Sam gazed at who she was looking at and then back at her, noticing a small smile appearing on her face.

"I think he's doing a wonderful job. Even if he doubts himself, I believe Jaune can do great things."

Sam studied her expression, squinting at her for a moment and then slowly grinned.

"Well now," He conversationally said. "Maybe there is a way to break your old habits involving a certain team leader you fall under."

She glanced back at him. "How?"

Sam made a humorous hum, jokingly stroking his chin grand sweeps.

"Just that you can make some new habits here." Wilson said. "Ya know, eating lunch together, walking together, studying together, holding hands with a certain blond, blue-eyed sword wielder who clearly needs some confidence lessons but seems to have caught a certain someone's eye."

Pyrrha soon began to realize what he was insinuating and before her mind could rebuke him, her heart answered for her instead.

"...Isn't that going a bit too forward?"

"Oh, so you don't have a crush on him?"

She released a small 'eep', pulling her shield out and hiding her face behind it.

"It's-that's not-I don't know-Professor!" Pyrrha whined out, anime crocodile tears streaming down her face like waterfalls. "Must we discuss such a thing?!"

"Sorry. It's been a slow day and I need my humor." Sam said with a face-splitting grin. "Besides, now we know you developed your first school crush. Cool, right?"

Pyrrha only blushed harder, her face turning as red as her hair as she hid behind her shield again, trying to now deny such wild accusations.

-Scene Cut-

Classes had ended for the day with everyone going about doing whatever it was they needed or wanted to.

And for the twins, they fell under the category of both at this time. And that was going to see Amber.

"You know you two don't always have to see me." Amber said but the Fall Maiden smiled all the same, having grown to appreciate and look forward to whenever the Maximoffs came by to see her.

"If we didn't come and see you, then you'd be more prone to miss us." Pietro remarked, seated to her right while Wanda was on her left. "Besides, I know the feeling when you have to lay in bed all day when you wanna just get up and run."

"That's just you, Pietro." Wanda pointed out.

"But she still hates being in bed all day."

"He's not wrong." Amber stated. "But I have been getting out of bed more often. Newt's treatment is getting me better day by day. Whatever Grimm infection or injuries I got from those people will fade soon. I'll be back to normal in a few weeks."

"Just make sure you don't do anything drastic or dramatic the week after I discharge you." Said a man who walked in with a notepad. "I know how some people can act, Amber."

"I know, Doctor, I promise."

"Newt." Wanda kindly greeted.

"Wanda, Pietro." Newt Featherington greeted in return. "Right on schedule."

"Schedule?" Quicksilver parroted. "What, is this her daily visit?"

"It's the usual time, yes." Newt casually answered, checking the time and nodding. "Yes towards the evening as per the norm now."

"Didn't realize we made it so often." The twelve-second younger twin commented.

"At least I know to expect company." Featherington said with a small smile. "I always believe company incentivizes faster recovery and Amber's is doing well. She was able to walk much more easily today but the pain and pressure remain. That damnable arrow did a number on her back."

"How bad is it now?" Pietro asked.

Newt rubbed his chin, his mind going over the latest results of her diagnosis. "Most of it has been removed, if not all. It's just the lingering effects that remain. I know it is still there but just how much it affects her is difficult to discern."

"I know it may sound foolish but is there anything we can do to help?" Wanda asked and Newt smiled at her.

"The two of you have done enough."

"Saving my life is an adequate enough of a deed." Amber spoke up with a tinge of amusement in her eyes.

"I think it's more than adequate." Pietro commented, propping an elbow up on Amber's bed with a roguish, intentionally faux-arrogant grin. "I believe a means of compensation is in order once you're better."

"Pietro." Wanda deadpanned.

"What? What's wrong with askin' a lady on a nice evening stroll?"

Amber's eyes widened slightly, her mind quickly realizing just what the silver-haired Avenger was proposing.

"I… um…" She felt her cheeks begin to heat up, looking away from the speedster momentarily. This was certainly not what she was expecting and she was having a bit of trouble trying to discern whether or not Pietro was playing around with her. "I don't know what to say."

"How's about yes?" Quicksilver suggested, now appearing more serious.

This got the Fall Maiden to turn to him with her mouth slightly open.

"Are you… is this a date you're asking for?" Amber stammered out.

"Would you say yes if it was?" Pietro countered, a hopeful tinge in his tone.

Wanda wanted to roll her eyes at her twin's antics yet she saw that he didn't appear to be jesting. He actually seemed interested and intent on taking Amber out on a date.

Surprised by this, Wanda was about to say something to her brother's offer when he beat her to the punch.

"How's about making it a double date?" Her speedy brother tacked on. "Wanda and Newt can come with us."

"What now?" The former said with the latter halting in his work to turn to them.

"Pardon?"

"What?" Pietro said defensively. "Why not? I mean, it can be fun for all of us."

"Are you really trying to set up a double date right now?" Wanda queried.

"I thought that a standard one-on-one is the go too." Newt remarked.

"Why do the things standard way?" Pietro stated. "Can go for something different. Besides, I'm thinkin' ahead here. If anything goes wrong with Amber's health, Newt's right there to help out."

"And why would I be there?"

"To get out more often." Pietro shot back at his sister. "Can't stay inside reading dusty old books all day and watch crap tv shows."

"That's not all I do, Pietro." Wanda flatly said.

"No, but it is a majority of your time." Her brother countered. "Come on sis, give it a try."

"You're not just forcing-"

"Why not?" Newt abruptly spoke up, making Wanda and Amber now look at the weaponsmith and doctor in surprise.

"What?" Both ladies said.

Featherington appeared sheepish, rubbing his hair with an awkward smile.

"See, Pietro talking about you appearing not to get out often reminds me of a similar conversation I had with Professor Port recently." Newt admitted. "He told me I get rather swept up in my work and um…" He coughed into his hand. "I… haven't left Beacon in two months."

"It's the school semester." Wanda reminded.

"We're only a few weeks in." Quicksilver quickly said. "Jeez, it's not just Amber that needs to go out."

Newt cleared his throat, looking away while scratching his cheek. Wanda stared at the man in bewilderment and strangely found a smile creeping up on him before sighing dramatically.

"Well, since it seems you both need it."

Amber actually had an incredulous look of disbelief from the younger twins' response.

"You really are twins." She said in bemusement.

"Don't need to be a mind reader for that." Pietro cheekily said, tapping the side of his head.

Newt huffed, a smirk in place as he shook his head.

"Well, if that's all well and handled with the two of you keeping Amber company, if you will excuse me, I actually have to meet with Professors Rogers and Wilson." Newt stated. "They wished for my assistance in regards to their equipment."

The twins and Maiden bid the man farewell as he exited the medical bay, quickly grabbing a briefcase he had set up by the door. The professor made his way to his classroom where he found Steve and Sam already waiting for him.

"Gentlemen," He greeted, getting their attention. "I hope I didn't keep you."

"Nah, don't worry about it." The latter offhandedly said. "How's Amber?"

"Pietro and Wanda are keeping her company." Featherington revealed. "She is in good hands."

Steve smiles slightly at this, knowing how much the twins have taken a liking to Amber and Clint simply told the veteran that they've grown attached to her by this point. At first, it was a sort of personal obligation as they had been the ones who saved her life but now, it was obvious that both of them valued Amber as a friend.

It was good to see them like this.

Newt soon set his briefcase on a nearby table and flicked a switch he was close to. The sound of gadgets and other machinery sprung to life while he opened his briefcase, folding out many smaller compartments with all sorts of tools. "So then, shall we get started?"

Sam chortled at the man, looking over the briefcase. "Ah man, this reminds me of Toy Story. Betcha Tony would love to have his own version of this."

"Wouldn't put it past him." Steve commented.

Newt all the while prepared his tools. "So gentlemen, I've been going over the specificity of what it is you seek and it has been making my mind buzz with possibilities and ideas. For you, Steve, frankly that shield of yours defies so many laws of physics and Semblances, that it's somehow difficult to find the means in which to improve upon what you already have. Frankly, at best, tertiary devices and gadgets better suit your needs."

Steve only shrugged, expecting the response.

"But you Sam, on the other hand," Newt shot the aviator a wide grin. "Your suit is quite the marvel, Mr. Wilson.-"

"Oh my, using my last name." Sam joked.

"-Is exactly the type of challenge I've been looking for." Featherington excitedly stated. "Clint's equipment was easy to work with. Dust-infused arrows are simple enough as is though Barton's creativity is astounding. But with your suit, I am looking for what can be implemented on the edge of your wings or perhaps even projectiles that can come from them. You already have weaponry that can be upgraded but it's with your wings that I believe we can make magic happen."

"What do you have in mind, Newt?"

"Oh, a great many deal of ideas." The spectacled man excitedly said.

It was an hour of theories, suggestions, wild thoughts and all but progressive enough as Newt never let an idea just leave his mouth to never be uttered again. He wrote everything down, even had blueprints as to what could be done with seemingly no shortage of ideas.

"Jesus, and I thought Tony was excitable." Sam commented, he and Steve having left Newt's classroom once he felt satisfied with his tangent of ideas. "Kinda afraid to leave them in a room together. God knows what madness they'll create."

"Hopefully nothing bad." Rogers wryly said, a knowing gaze directed at his friend with a dark snort coming out from Wilson.

"What do you make of those upperclassmen he mentioned?" Sam abruptly asked, making Steve hum in thought.

The Avengers had taught primarily the first years and have had only a literal handful of classes dealing with the second years.

One of the most prominent teams they took note of was team CFVY who held a great amount of potential.

They had seen them in action and were genuinely a well-balanced team but for some like the Avengers, especially those with discerning abilities like Steve, Sam and Clint, they could tell there was a lot of work that was still needed.

"Curious about those "star prospects" Newt mentioned." Steve remarked. "I think Glynda actually talked about them at some point. Just don't remember when."

"Wonder why there's only two." Sam noted. "Goes against the whole team thing, don't it?"

"Guess we'll find out soon… enough…" Steve had trailed off, his gaze landing on a sight that made his entire body go stiff and he now held a hard look in his eyes.

Sam easily saw this and glanced over at what caught his friend's attention and a moment later, he too shared in Rogers' gaze.

In the hallway Steve and Sam had been walking down stood five students, four of which surrounded the fifth in a manner that clearly displayed less-than-friendly intentions.

"I can't believe they still allow you freaks in here." The apparent head honcho of the crowd of four said with a derisive sneer, getting far too close to the loner who stood trapped by the team. "I mean, what's this school coming to if animals like you are just allowed to roam around without any leashes?"

"P-please…" Between the four boys was a young teen girl with large, pronounced rabbit ears.

She was hugging herself protectively, almost looking as though she were trying to make herself smaller. The girl was Velvet Scarlatina, a member of team CFVY and a second year in Beacon.

The boys around her were Team CRDL and their leader soon did something that made the blood of Steve Rogers boil.

Cardin Winchester reached out to grab one of Velvets ears and she cried out.

"Where's your friends now, huh? Bet they ditch ya every chance they get."

It was time to intervene. Faster than one could blink, Captain America was already standing behind the team leader with his presence not yet noticed.

But it's about to be.

"Mr. Winchester." Steve slowly said, his voice holding such authority that the brown-haired teen froze on the spot with the rest of his team.

The boys all turned to the Super Soldier holding looks of trepidation and nervousness which quickly evolved into fear from the deadly gaze Captain America held.

"Would you mind explaining to me just what it was you were doing to Ms. Scarlatina's ears just now that doesn't involve anything but the truth."

The boys all paled, which worsened upon seeing Sam Wilson walk slowly up to stand by Steve with a look that made them shudder.

"Having fun, boys?" Wilson said in a voice that made team CRDL's blood run cold.

Sam ignored them, instead focusing on Velvet.

"Are you alright, Ms. Scarlatina?" Falcon softly asked and though she was a bit nervous, there was a clear grateful look in her eyes.

She slowly nodded and Sam gestured for her to come over which she did, now standing behind the Avenger while Steve kept his gaze locked onto Cardin's, the teen sweating profusely.

The look was making the brown-haired teen feel a pressure he had never felt before and it was starting to overwhelm him. "Winchester, you're coming with me."

"The rest of you…" Sam looked them over with his eyes narrowing. "Go back to your dorms and wait. Once Mr. Winchester hears your punishment, he'll be a good little team leader and tell you all with no details spared."

There was an audible gulp heard by the rest of Cardin's team, their eyes looking over to the fleeting sight of their team leader as he was being taken away by Professor Rogers. They resigned themselves to their fates, leaving the hallway while Sam opted to escort Velvet back to her dorm.

Steve had led Cardin into a separate classroom and said nothing, instead having his intense gaze bore into the young Huntsman-in-training. The teen squirmed at the sight, constantly trying to look anywhere but at Rogers, finding the super soldier's eyes to be too much to handle.

"You have five minutes to explain yourself and if you omit anything, that's an expulsion." Was all Steve said after a prolonged period of silence, Cardin's already pale face turning ghostly white before the boy began to spill everything.

As it turned out, this has been going on since nearly the beginning of the semester. And what's worse, this was done away from the eyes of the faculty. As such, no one was able to punish Cardin Winchester accordingly.

That was until now.

Cardin was having after school detention alongside his teammates for the foreseeable future. Quite possibly the entire semester. Now, while the rest of CRDL hadn't done such acts, they were basically onboard on what their team leader was enacting. As such, they were sharing Cardin's fate.

"If I see or hear of any other infractions," Steve spoke as though he was a military drill sergeant talking down to a new recruit. "That's an immediate suspension. If it gets worse? Well, kiss your Huntsmen aspirations goodbye. Do you understand?"

Cardin nervously nodded, getting dismissed by Steve a moment later.

He's gonna be needing to keep a closer eye on this one. Even with such a harsh punishment, Rogers was well aware of the negative consequences this would have as this would likely embitter the boy's even further.

Steve can try to stamp it out or mitigate as much as he could but at the end of the day, the consequences of their actions lie solely on their choices.

"That was rather noble of you."

The Avenger from Brooklyn blinked upon hearing the familiar female voice and turned to see Glynda Goodwitch standing in the doorway to the class.

"Glynda." Steve said in pleasant surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Followed you after seeing Mr. Winchester's actions against Ms. Scarlatina." She elaborated. "You seem to have missed me, though it's not hard to see how or why."

"Ah," Steve coughed into his hand. "Was more focused on taking care of this issue than anything else."

"Understandable." Goodwitch said with a small nod. "And as I said, Noble."

"Noble?" Steve snorted to himself. "Not sure if doing the right thing should be considered noble."

"An unfortunate commonality of this world is the lack of such actions." The good Captain's fellow blond stated with a tired sigh. "I would have hoped not to have seen such displays in Beacon this year. And from a first year doing it to an upperclassmen, no less."

"Bullies don't care where they are. If they see someone they can target and harass, what's to stop them?"

Glynda's eyes narrowed slightly with intrigue, taking note of the tone Steve had when he said bullies. "You seem to have a particular issue with these actions."

Steve released a hollow yet reminiscent laugh. "Yeah, well, when being on the receiving end for a good chunk of your life, kinda hard not to."

That was certainly a surprise for the Beacon Professor. "Really? You?"

"I was a scrawny kid. Was like that for most of my life before I joined the service."

"Yes, well, it clearly did you wonders." Glynda commented, giving him a once over until realizing what she just did. "Oh," A small coloring around her cheeks appeared. "Gods, I am so sorry, Steve, I didn't mean-"

Rogers laughed, waving it off. "Don't worry, I know what you meant. You're not the first and certainly will not be the last in doing that."

He can still recall the time leading up to the Christmas party last year. He was out at a mall helping Tony out who was portraying Santa for the kids while he ended up as one of his helpers.

Lord, there were so many mothers… so many were trying to drag him away… for certain reasons. Not a great experience.

Hoping to steer the conversation back to the previous topic, Glynda focused back on Steve's prior comments.

"So was it your youth that shaped such convictions?"

Steve bobbed his head from side to side.

"Let's just say that I don't like bullies." A fond yet bittersweet memory played through his mind as he said this. "I don't care where they're from. I fought for my people but those very same people had those who would pick on scrawny guys who never ran away from a fight."

Glynda skewed her eyes, an intrigued smile making its way onto her face.

"I sense that there is perhaps more to this story."

"A lot more." Rogers admitted straight away, glancing at her for a second when he felt a bit bold. "Maybe we can talk about it? Like some coffee? Depending on if Oobleck hasn't drank it all."

The spectacled teacher covered her mouth with her hand as she let out a giggle. "Oh we have a surplus of coffee here, Steve. Ozpin and Oobleck use it the most than any of us. Besides, the faculty has secret stashes in case of shortages."

Steve laughed, gesturing to the exit from the classroom. "Lead the way."

AN

Ok, back at it again and while this one took a while, this was a fun chapter to write, why?

Easy. This was all about character progression, my favorite kind of writing.

Lots that we can do in these chapters as this won't be the last of them. Can't wait to get into the next chapter and then the chapter after that and the arc that follows afterward.

Sorry that this story always takes so long to update but it's cuz that we have been going in-depth in terms of the planning stages of this story. It's sort of far more detail-oriented, specifically in characters as we are so focused on developing them as a whole so it's why the gaps between chapters are so big.

But, I don't wanna bore you with that so I'll just say thanks for always being patient and thanks for reading.

Till next time.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.