Volume 4, Chapter 6; Conviction

Their ride towards the Schnee Manor was less than pleasant. All were piled into a somewhat ample limousine, leaving much to be desired. Cole, having been positioned between Clover and James was beset by potentials and surprise incidents that could erupt in their onset. Though, every so often, he would cast his inquiring eyes to Yang or Nora. Dejected in their own musings; each glance would offer him little respite.

At their advent, he was to be reassured at the car door swinging ajar. Virtually scrambling from his position, Cole stared upon the marvel that was to be the mansion. Caught with jaw agape, Winter elevated his chin with her index finger; much to his appreciation.

"This is where you… lived?"

She blinked at Cole's near apparent question, before expressing what could only be determined as a small laugh. Startling even himself, she recomposed herself prior to speaking. "Yes. There are… memories… here I would have buried."

The Atlas Specialist was to tense at the abrupt feeling at her hand, nearly swiping it away if not for spying the individual clutching it. Once suitably perceiving his facial expression, did Winter relax into the grip and offer her own.

Leaving the General to indicate their arrival at ringing the doorbell, both double doors rasped open to reveal a newly labeled Whitley Schnee. Weiss had aptly informed them of the populace lingering in the Schnee residence for better practice. His greeting was harmonized by a sickly fake kindness in his eyes. "Good evening, everyone."

"Where's Klein?"

The desperateness in Weiss's voice rapt both he and Winter's care forth. The very same leaving their brother to grace them with a somewhat dramatic pose and equally sarcastic smile. "What an interesting way to say 'Hello, dear brother, how have you been?' At his sister's lack in reaction, he crossed his arms duly after. "I'm afraid you won't find him here. He was let go. I can't imagine wh-…"

"Sir Whitley."

That certainly ascertained his thought, as well as the other occupants at the doorway. Cole's temper had begun to rise, yet he was far from unleashing it against the boy. Nearing Weiss in his venture, he set a hand atop her shoulder in an attempted turn of comfort. "…we would appreciate you inviting us in already. We are here to celebrate your father's victory after all."

Both Schnee sisters sported indebted smiles in his courtesy, before his request was answered in the form of action. Sauntering from the group, Whitley's leave garnered them entry to the largest foyer Cole had laid eyes on. Scattered around the space were groups of formally dressed guests of other reasons. Waiters roamed the room with trays of wine glasses and hors d'oeuvres.

Each of them were faunus.

Putting aside his ever-increasing indignation, he trailed James to a side chamber; with Clover, Penny and Winter mirroring him soon after. The remnants of their group were to remain outside, leaving Cole to cast a glance out and rest on a certain silver-eyed girl. Both sharing a smile of encouragement to the other.

"General Ironwood, please… have a seat."

Him. The mustached weasel of a father dwelled on the other side of the room at the head of an incredibly elongated dining room table. Swatting his arms open to welcome, the businessman appeared excessively pleased at their entrance. At either side were councilmen that James had informed him of.

'Sleet and Camilla… they were already here…'

However, an unexpected attendance was made not by the acting government, but by a person who Cole had never anticipated to step foot in the Schnee residence. "Robyn…" he murmured, earning her attention. While the two did share tolerant smirks, it did little to ease his anxiety. Obtaining a nod from James, the guests took their seats. Cole between Robyn and Clover who shouldered the General's left, while Winter and Penny elected his right.

Even with their addition to the table, a sizable gape lay between them and Jacques.

"Councilman Sleet. Councilwoman Camilla."

Following James's ingress, Robyn perked at his lack in greeting. "Councilwoman Hill would have had a nice ring to it. Though I suppose I should just be grateful I got invite -…" The Huntress leader having been cut off when a swift elbow wedged into her rib. She would accept a careful look from the faunus beside her, silencing her complaints for the moment.

"Miss Hill…" Jacques began, chuckling in his petulant manner. "That vigor of yours is precisely why we're grateful to have you with us tonight."

"What is she doing here?"

Cole had shut his eyes at his superior's rather jagged question, as had the woman specified upon. Jacques, in spite of this, remained jubilant and speedily answered. "What we're all doing here, James, addressing the concerns of our Kingdom, which means we have much to discuss."

"Indeed." James sounded tentative to speak, but there would be no hiding here. "I was hoping we could start by-…"

"Are we safe here, by the way?" The staggering comment made by the Schnee father was directed to Penny, leaving the girl upset at such a remark. "I do recall some confusion regarding her involvement with that horrific massacre."

The creaking of the wolf faunus's metallic fingers against the table signaled, before Clover set his hand atop the appendage. Once the two had made suitable eye-contact, the Ace Operative made a measured nod. Lamentably, Cole recomposed himself for James to answer.

"As the official report stated, that footage was doctored." The man having grown defensive in his answering. "Penny is completely under my control." A soft gasp made by Cole alarmed Robyn of the reaction, with Penny rising restlessness in her seat. The automaton's head positioned downward, before Winter laid a hand in the girl's lap for some shape of support.

"Which is concerning… I think."

James narrowed his gaze at the businessman's comment, straining his posture duly thereafter. "Concerning?"

"Let's talk about exactly what it is you control." At Cole's disbelief, Jacques's interest then focused on the faunus himself. "For example… Mister Lupine. Is it?"

His jaw set, before finally permitting the man with an answer. "You know who I am, Jacques."

"Mm. Of course." The sickeningly pleased look did not sit well in the Atlesian's stomach. "…but, may I direct you to… this." Fittingly after, a hologram screen emanated from the midpoint of the table. Upon said screen displayed Cole in the middle of Mantle's main streets with arms outstretched and seeming in the midst of a vocalization. A red aura stemmed about his person in the appalling method his semblance operated.

'Dammit… this is what he wanted to show…'

"If I could direct your attentions to this. Several nights ago, a Mister Lupine defended many Mantle civilians from a tragic Grimm attack. But… I am more curious to how he did so. If I may speak plainly, I am even less comfortable being in the same room as he than Miss Polendina."

Cole, having grit his teeth during the time the image was portrayed, shook at the man's proclamation. This was exactly what he had dreaded would occur. "I am fully able to handle myse-…"

"And now the people have termed him the 'Hero of Mantle'…" An incredulous look was shot in the direction of the woman beside Cole, troubling him ever greater. "…it appears you have some competition, Miss Hill." Before she could claim the opening and speak, Jacques intervened. "But I am more concerned whether we should be worried this Hero is instead a 'Monster of Mantle' and be careful ourselves. What with your former occupancy as a…what was it? Terrorist?"

All eyes were upon the faunus as he festered in his seat, swallowing the lump that persisted in his throat. What could he say? The footage clearly showed him in the midst of his semblance. He did not know either of the councilmen and Jacques knew this fact. He had no method of defending himself.

"Cole…" The very same faunus looked to his superior at his call, viewing the man as he molded what he could consider a smirk. "…besides his past, besides his mistakes, has fought for Mantle and Atlas for all his life. His interests have only been for this kingdom. That image you see is his semblance. A cursed thing. But he took it unto him to draw the Grimm towards him…"

"…to protect the people."

"The fact of the matter is, you've operated with a fair amount of autonomy for the past few years, James. But we need now is for you to work with us."

James cleared his throat, arranging to clarify for Councilman Sleet. "Sir, I have-…"

The meeting had seemingly been progressing for hours and turning about in circles in on itself. Every comment either James, Penny or Cole deemed to preserve against, Jacques would interfere and proclaim his own exaggerated concern. The other councilmen were blind to the charade the Schnee father was parading them around in. To make matters worse, Winter's temper appeared to working in contradiction of her; as each report garnered her tapping finger.

"It's obvious that no kingdom intends to declare war on Atlas. We had no involvement in the incident at Haven, we have proof our drones weren't acting on orders at Beacon. At this point, the closure of Atlas borders is only serving to hurt our relations with the rest of the world."

Councilwoman Camilla was correct in her assessment, but she did not fully grasp the extend of the situation. Cole exchanged a glance to James, as the two shared similar thoughts. They could not stake the information on Salem so early.

"The rest of the world?"

The faunus molded a sigh as Robyn perked up abruptly. "It's hurting us. The people of Atlas are suffering, and they want to know why."

"Quite right, Miss Hill." Ironwood's solemn expression altered to one of pure ire in Jacques's transition. "And I'm afraid there's more than just your choices that have brought harm to our citizens as of late. Have your forces found any additional evidence as to who is slaughtering innocent civilians down in Mantle?"

Cole tensed at the notion, earning Robyn's eye at such. Clover, on the other hand, moved to speak. "That is an ongoing investigation, the details of which are classified, I'm afraid."

Again and again. The circle of arguments persisted to nearly burst from their seams. The Lupine son's cranium had already begun to throb, leaving him to recline in the seat he resided in. He was sure Jacques was pleased in his proper discomfort, mirroring that of James at the other table end. Clover's own patience was beginning to wane, sharing his former partner's indignation of the state.

It was until a swift belligerent bang against the table, one that nearly shook its entirety, did Cole virtually spring from his chair. Winter had seemingly had enough of her father's exasperating connotation and rightfully stood at attention.

"You can't just buy trust like everything else; you have to earn it!"

A hushed word of praise was articulated from the opposite side the counter, common amongst Cole, Robyn and Clover. However, Jacques acted more than delighted at his daughter's outburst. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

At her gasp, the businessman persevered. "General, if I may be blunt, you have spent what little trust this Council had left in you. The hacker who turned Atlas drones against us was never captured, whoever's been murdering your critics is still at large. How are we supposed to give you our trust, when you've given us nothing as of late?"

"That's not what-…"

"Winter." The Atlas Specialist ceased her agonizing at the General's word, clenching her fists at his order. "That's enough." Summarily, the woman parted from her seat in the direction of the doorway. Cole exuded a dejected impression at her leave, respiring once either party had resumed their paused discussion.

Another series of hours loomed over the faunus's head; alternating from inclined against the table or lounged in exasperation. His mind seared with each claim tossed in the General's way. He only yearned for someone to end this troubled lot. Robyn would infrequently lob her own perspective into the mix, but that only proved to add kindling to the flame. Cole only desired James would be able to attain his status as not only Headmaster, but General, in the end. Their only hope laid in his efforts and those that followed him.

Sometime later Winter, and a recently absent Penny, had reverted to the chamber with each Councilman still berating James on his 'unilateral decisions.' Cole's care, however, would not be upon his superior, but of the faunus butler incoming and muttering to Jacques in a hushed tone. Darkened brows furrowed in interest as the businessman lurched at attention, rounding on the faunus, before properly realigning himself.

"Councilman Schnee?"

At Sleet's questioning, the Schnee father went rigid; adjusting his tie and gesturing awkwardly. "I… um…" A throat clearing fostered increasing suspicion. "Yes, I, uh… agree with everything, everything that was, uh, just said. No, uh, no further questions."

As he quitted down, all eyes remained on the Schnee father for a moment. "I'm not quite done yet." It would be Robyn's chance to voice, earning the annoyance of those seated beside her. This was not the time to be talking anyway. Perhaps this was a sign to depart, but she seized it, nonetheless. "You're afraid of something, General. Aren't you?"

"I think that's pretty obvious, Miss Hill." It gave the impression James was through beating around the subject, clasping his hands together at the table's edge. "I'm trying to prevent Atlas from becoming another Beacon, another Haven."

While the two spoke, another glance towards Jacques showed he was paying little attention. Instead, he had raised his hands in front of his face, then gingerly rubbed at the skin of said surface.

"Yet, you don't trust your own Council to help you? Operating in secret? You don't have to do these things. I believe it would better Mantle if we worked together."

Even in the face of the woman whose semblance could enact the truth from her chosen target, James did not recoil. "I'm not hiding anything. I came to clear my name. But all I see are accusations towards me and my colleagues."

"Then let's put this to the test."

With her withdrawal, Robyn voiced her ensuing deed. "You're all aware of my Semblance. Let's settle it here and now, General Ironwood."

Cole moved to halt the Huntress leader's advance, leaving her to grip the faunus's shoulder on her direction. A smile of reassurance worked its way onto her lips, freezing him in his place. Did she mean further on this action? Was she actually trying to help them?

With hand outstretched, James looked to the open fingers of the woman unreceptively. To the collective, it appeared he showed no signs in indulging Robyn more. "Here and now." One final regard of her hand was fashioned, but before any additional reacting could be appealed, the double doors on the room's other end noisily swung open.

"Wait!"

'That voice…' All eyes lingered to the respective doorway, revealing the abrupt intruder's identity. Weiss's exasperated physique was to be currently holding the doors ajar. "You've got the wrong man on trial."

Stalking into the chamber, the former heiress stopped herself beside her father. "I know who's been framing Ironwood, who rigged the election. And my father does, too. He's been working with him."

The mustached man in question began to sweat at an uncontrollable rate, viewing as his daughter set her scroll on the table and tapped its screen. The display depicted that of a paused video between that of Jacques and…

"Arthur Watts…"

Cole's dreadful tone was overheard by all ears in the vicinity, leaving Sleet to bound from his seat. "That's impossible! Dr. Watts died in the Paladin Incident years ago."

"Wha-…W-W-What is this?"

At the trembling behest of the Schnee household's owner, James duly rose from his seat. "Play it." At each second that the video presented, more members of the room grew either horrified or livid in their resentment concerning Jacques. It revealed all the secrets regarding his victory in the pols and the framing of Penny the night prior.

Clover clearly recognized the swelling fury radiating from his once partner, reaching to clutch hold Cole's shoulder. At the Ace Operative's presence, a lengthy sigh was made to calm his mind. "It all makes sense…"

"Enough."

With the tape's finality, an expectant and resounding look was made in Jacques's direction. Stammering as he did, the once confident man shuddered in his seat. "That, that is… I…" He hastily rose and moved beside the furniture, lifting both hands in a manner of defense. "I-I can explain that. Th-That… isn't real."

"Jacques…" In sluggish mediation, the Schnee father looked to his fellow councilman. "Take. Your. Seat."

There was a brief pause before the lanky businessman frantically dashed for the double doors his daughter had arrived from. Swinging both open, he was forced to stumble backwards at the sight of an Arma Gigas summon. He sputtered, turning on the girl in the process. "Weiss…"

"Jacques Schnee… you're under arrest." Cole embellished himself with a smile, observing with pride in the girl. Recalling back to the days of Beacon when he was tasked in surveying Weiss and her team. The haughty girl who had cast any help away from her. Growth had been kind to the Schnee daughter in formation of self-confidence.

'Her friends would be proud…'

How he agreed with the Headmaster's connotation, shaking his head at the undeniable fact. A glance in Winter's direction earned him a similar reaction. They both shared equally proud expressions in the middle child's development.

Further satisfaction was rendered when Weiss cast a glance over her shoulder at James a few steps back. "Can I do that?"

"I knew you'd stoop low to get what you wanted, Jacques. But this?"

The space's occupants had rearranged themselves consequently to the recent events. Jacques, having been ousted in his riotous claim for power, was situated in his seat beset by the windows. Surrounding him were those of the councilmen, James, Robyn, and Clover. All loathing the idea of being adjacent such an individual. It was only recent had team RWBY entered at the General's request.

Acquiring Cole's notice, the Ace Operative would accept a sudden contact on his communicator. Heeding its contents, he squinted idly to James and then to Cole himself. An act that triggered the faunus's brow to furrow inquiringly as he made leave of the room.

"This is all a great leap, James."

No, it's quite simple really…" Smugly talking down to the once snobbish businessman, James seemed quite satisfied in the proceedings. "Now that I know Arthur Watts is alive. Working with a madman like Tyrian Callows, it would be easy for someone like him to coordinate an unthinkably heinous act like the one in that warehouse. Watts designed Mantle's entire security network. He used that access to hack the surveillance system and frame someone else for the job."

It appeared all eyes would emphasis on the female automaton, allotting her to dejectedly cast her senses elsewhere. Cole's eyes sank at the fact; as did Robyn with both having been present. To bestow someone so innocent in not only one ordeal, but two.

"All while stealing an election…" The General drew towards Jacques as the man trembled in his shell, bringing down his hands upon the arms of the chair. "And once you became a Councilman, your newly granted clearance gave him a backdoor into Atlas' secure network. But you probably hadn't even considered that, had you?

Each claim tossed towards the Schnee father incensed Cole further as he seethed in place. Facial features twitching in each pathetic attempt made to defend himself. Mantle, his home, had been costed for all this man's doings. All for a seat on Atlas's council. Even after Robyn's animated own demonstration of anger, Cole resorted in staying put. He knew full well if he was to relent to his wrath, that drastic choices were to be made.

'It's for the best if I'm not involved….'

The thought constrained his mind even until his and everyone else's scrolls began to ring active. Even the accused's device was to be alerted; concerning the faunus ever more. He, James and the two councilmen withdrew their scrolls in due time, with Sleet being the first to respond.

"Wait…" Cole's heart plummeted as the news offered itself, feeling his breath begin to quicken. "…wait, what? What do you mean the heat has gone off?" Amber was stricken wide in a bellowing fury with his fingers curving into the material of the table he leaned against. Even Robyn had cast her courtesy to him; flinching at the sight she beheld.

"You have to believe me, I-I-I didn't know he was-…!"

Winter, having been the first leading to arbitrate her father's reports, was cut short at another's. The metal of his fingers found their way around Jacques's throat, thoroughly stealing him from his original position. Gasps and gestures to mediate were all shared amongst the populace as Cole hoisted the man into the air.

"You… YOU…! YOU'VE LEFT THEM TO DIE!"

Sputtering and clawing at the steel digits that tautened about his neck, Jacques was powerless to traffic the faunus in his endeavor. "Do you… have any IDEA what you've just DONE!" A fury he had once knew boiled forth in his core and threatened to burst forth. More and more the five steel claws dug deeper into the skin until a reddened coloration would risk staining them.

"Cole!"

Snapped back to reality, the amber discs engrossed on James's stalwart form. "Let. Him. Go." Submitting that of a measured nod to the faunus, the General was fixated on the intent of bettering the situation before it descended further. 'He is right…' Jacques was let free to plummet into his armchair once more; coughing and sputtering in a frantic attempt to soothe his battered windpipe.

"Animal! How dare you lay a finger on-…!"

He would not be given the option to finish said account as the knuckles of Cole's non-artificial limb struck his nose. Recoiling into his seat, the Schnee writhed in his own wounding. "Y-You… You broke my nose!"

Sure enough, a stem of blood could be spotted from his nostrils with him holding his sleeve to the source. Idly flexing the area of impact, Cole coolly retorted in kind. "I didn't break your nose, you fool. We both would've known it…" A glance in Winter's course produced him an appreciative smirk, before stalking to resume his post at the table's edge nearest Robyn.

James had been busy absorbed in the alert on his own scroll's display, fetching his hand to conceal his lips. "Without heat down there…" Sleet looked to his fellow council members, drearily muttering. "…people are going to die."

Irritation had shifted to that of angst, thinking to the countless lives this thoughtless act could have costed them. Cole's prayers were found in the shape of Ruby's sudden poise spurring her to near James. "General Ironwood? How bad is it?"

Grossing the faunus's concentration, his superior typed some manner of code into his device, scrolling through a number of screens. "He's using Jacques' credentials. We can follow that activity on the network. If he's found his way into the Amity system…" Cole took relative notice in how Robyn had perked her head up at the mention. "No… the secret is safe. For now. But if he learns about Amity, she learns about Amity."

The same man began pacing about the huntresses, with Weiss voicing a question of her own. "Can you block his access?"

Another swipe past some style of programming that brought him to the same result of 'Access Denied'. "It's too late." James never once raised his devotion from his scroll, continuing on. "He's already starting to lock us out."

Blake moved beside her Schnee teammate, perpetually under the watch of Cole's observant eye. "Can we trace him somehow? Find out where he's hiding?"

At the enquiring tone of the faunus girl's sudden vocalization, James swiftly shook his head to dissuade her. "He's going to be mobile. We need his access point. We need to get him out in the-…"

"Okay, so let me get this straight."

James paused his gesture, and he, Cole and all other eyes remaining in the vicinity panned to the Huntress leader. Sporting a lackadaisical expression and finishing said gesture with a pointed index finger. "Yep, still here everyone."

Still altogether flabbergasted in the woman's abrupt speech, Robyn kept up in her dialogue. "How do a disgraced scientist and disappeared serial killer find each other, General? Why would they target you? And why are you working so hard to hide the Amity Communications Tower from them?"

'Shit… she knows?'

"You know?"

Both Cole and James shared similar guises of misunderstanding at the disbelief that was Robyn's knowledge on the Amity project. How could she have known? Who could have told her? It certainly was not himself as in the few meetings he had managed with the woman, they had only spoken on Mantle's betterment.

Only when Cole looked about the room for a sign of those responsible did his focus subject upon a certain blonde amongst her peers. 'No…'

"I used to think you were hiding something to protect yourself." Robyn played tenacious in unending her declaration to the General; not that he gave the impression he was equipped to voice himself. "But I can tell there's something bigger going on here. With Cole's assistance in Mantle and vouching for you. I think its to protect something else. Us… Atlas, maybe even all of Remnant. And you're afraid of what might happen if you tell the truth."

James molded that of a frown; but before he could articulate a response, Clover reentered the space. "General, the Grimm are all over Mantle. The air fleet's doing everything they can, but they can't easily target Grimm in the city without risking casualties."

"This…" The faunus watched in horror as the man he had esteemed began to retreat and grasped at his jawline. "This is what I was afraid would happen…" Disregarding all other bodies remaining in the room, Cole marched from his place and neared the General. His brow knitted at what he was to be granted sight in; seeing how James began to fall beneath the weight of what was occurring.

"Sir. We need ground support now." Clover declared, intent on salvaging what he could before Robyn could interrupt him.

"What we need is to start evacuating Mantle. If it's completely overrun, it's not going to be safe anywhere. Use the fleet to get-..."

"If I move the fleet, then Atlas is vulnerable!" Nearly rounding on Cole, James's hysteric assertion rocked all bodies of the room. His chest rising in falling in feverish trepidation, before returning to his prior grave conduct. "I… I tried to keep the kingdom safe. And now we're losing everything…"

The General upheld against the wall, shielding his undoubtedly dreading expression from watchful eyes. Cole, however, persisted in removing what distance remained between the two. "James…" He cooed, resting his hand atop the nearest shoulder to himself. "…look at me."

Just after some manner of time did James shift his face enough for the faunus to spot a single blue iris. He virtually felt tears begin to bloom in his own eyes, sniffling away the sparkling sensations. "It's time, James. Time to show the world what we can do…" Cole's augmented fingers curled into James's own flesh, steadily turning him to face the faunus. "The panic that we attempted to prevent, it's time to deal with it. Our way. Our people's way. Use the hope you incited in me all those years ago… and inspire our people to do what's right."

Sluggishly, James's eyes enlarged at the sight of his tear-stained prodigy. At the words that spurned so much steadfastness into his own existence. Neither perceived the third entity approach, seizing Cole's unoccupied hand in her own. He knew whom was to blame.

"You're not alone."

Ruby's assured voice met them, triggering Cole's grip to impulsively tighten around hers. The two exchanged heartfelt grins; ones he had missed so. She was right.

'She always is…'

Having formerly shut his eyes, James parted his lashes to reveal the glossy sapphires once more. No longer plagued with doubt but engulfed in a newfound hope. "Thank you…" Then with that same fresh sureness, the General looked to his fellow peers. "Miss Hill, Councilman Sleet, Councilwoman Camilla, there are some things you need to know about. Let's figure out how we can help Mantle… together."

Winter drew near to the trio, clasping her Scroll with 'Transport Authorized' displayed at the top its screen. "With your… permission, General. I've called a transport."

"What about Watts and Tyrian?"

At Yang's abrupt enquiring, an unidentified fire bellowed in James's eyes. A fire that nearly instigated Cole to embrace the man further. "You leave them to me. Right now, you're needed down below." How delighted the faunus was to witness him in a new light. The General he had pledged to respect with the upmost authority.

Parting from Cole's clutches, Ruby stepped towards her team with hands already posed on her hips. "Alright everybody, it's time to do our jobs. All of us." Their attention layered upon the automaton girl still situated in the room's corners, garnering an earnest smile.

"What she said. Let's make it happen, Huntsmen." Clover's announcement spurned the lot of them to depart from the chamber, with Winter following close behind. One final glimpse behind him solidified Cole's confidence in James's verdict. The stalwart gaze he knew so well in the man. This, before he stirred to trail the cluster diverging for Mantle.

The assembly of guests of the festivities were evacuated from the premises, followed by their host kicking and screaming at his present predicament. At the sound of the double doors shutting behind Jacques's arrest, Cole looked to the company of huntsmen relocating to their transport. As like her colleagues, Ruby was to depart but adopted in hastening over to the faunus's position. "Cole?"

Lowering himself her suitable level, or rather so that he did not need to crane down, her companion canted his head as if requesting her to elaborate her inquiry. "I just wanted to say… thank you... and I'm sorry…"

Now Cole looked more perplexed than he had been prior, furrowing his darkened brow at the appreciation he was to be gifted. "I-… no problem?"

The crimsonette speedily shook her head as if displeased in his reaction. "No! Just… I know how hard this is. With what's happening with Mantle. And the General… and… you're still you. This really strong guy and with what's happened even with our teams…and Yang and I don't know… maybe I…"

"Ruby…" He hummed, softening his expression with her twist from him. How could he ever be exasperated with her? At her alarm, she sensed him reach to take hold her cheeks in his hands. Having already situated himself at a single knee, his thumbs creased the skin beneath her eyes. "Ruby. You have nothing to be sorry for…"

Through disbelieving eyes, she sniffled back a timid query. "Really…?"

Another lengthy respire trailed, before Cole nodded to approve. "Really."

There was a noteworthy increment of time before she moved to smile in a comforted serenity. "Okay." She provided no indecision when he brought her close and encircled his arms around her; his chin firmly secured in the crook of her shoulder.

"Ruby… ever since we left your home in Patch-… No. Ever since Beacon, you've been my guiding light." Drawing her away, he took in regard her puzzled expression. "Someone I could recognize as an indominable strength. You, Ruby, are what gave me strength all those times before. Along the road to where we are now…,"

"…you have no idea how special you truly are… you wonderful girl."

The marveled eyes of the crimsonette had been present since his beginning dialogue, taken aback by the words stirred. Shutting the same silver discs to smile, it appeared she would nearly erupt in tears because of them. Instead, she elected in throwing herself to the faunus once more. Having to indulge himself in a bracing step backwards, he caught the onrushing body.

To her delight, he rightfully spun her about within his hold. Every so often bringing her close for an additional embrace. She truly had been like a sister to him. In James and Marie's absence, Qrow had done what he could not. A genuine father-figure and family Cole had never bade to accept.

They loved him.

And he did them.

"Ruby! Cole! Transport's leaving. C'mon you two."

At Marrow's abrupt call, the two realized the position they were currently within. Setting his companion down, she stared up at him expectantly. "I'm… I have to tell James everything, Ruby. All about Salem. Everything. I had held back out of respect for you, but… now is the best time to do so."

Initially, she appeared apprehensive on the choice he had informed her of. Yet, at the look of certainty in his face, she decisively nodded to agree. "Okay. I think you're the best person to tell him anyway." As she turned towards the doorway, she cast a lasting glance behind her. "Good luck, Cole."

A self-assured nod of his head was what she was to obtain, flurrying out the door with assistance of her semblance. Both he and Marrow exchanged two-fingered salutes in support of the decision, before rotating back unto the meeting chambers. On his venture, Cole bypassed both Councilmen and Robyn in the adjoining hallway. Their dazed looks ever snowballing his own trepidation.

Subsequent his reception with the General, the truth poured from his lips. Their ventures since the train crash bordering Argus. The previous happenings between Salem and Ozpin. The actual truth behind Jinn and the lamp's sustaining powers. All the while, his countenance remained perpetually stagnant. As if in sheer disbelief of what he was to be hearing.

On the finality of speaking how their foe could not be killed, Cole took particular notice in how the man tensed in posture. Instinctively, the faunus reached to take hold his father-figure's hand in his own and squeezed.

'You're doing the right thing, Cole…'

The phrase was uttered countless times in the adolescent's mind. But, could either of them be sure anymore?

"So… she can't be killed. The lamp-… Jinn told you this?"

"It was… by force initially. Ozpin didn't want us to know…" A measured nod was what followed, reclining back into his seat. The General was quick to imitate the gesture before cupping his chin in thought.

"Why…?" The unexpected distressed tenor caught Cole off guard, watching James come close to tears himself. "Why would Oz keep this from us? From the people who trusted him?"

At the sound of his voice nearly growing hysterical, the faunus's ears flattened against his crown. Even within his mindscape, a certain modicum of grief could be felt from within.

Was this Ozpin's reservations?

"I… I think I know why." James's eyes widened only slightly, shifting his attention back to the faunus. "…telling you this…all of it… you would've lost hope in everything. Your spirit broken. Your hearts shattered… You would have given up."

"He… He still should have let those so close to him know…"

It pained him to witness the General in such a state; reclined with a weakness to his voice. Not at all akin to the formidable leader Cole had idolized so ardently. He clenched his teeth to the point where he feared they would shatter, turning from the man. "I know… but… now we know, James. We can fight. Just because the lamp said she couldn't be killed… doesn't mean she can't be stopped."

It was steady, but in time the General's eyes grew enlightened. It would seem he finally understood where Cole had been speaking from, as he nodded ever so hesitantly to agree. "You're… You're right. Right now, we're going to do what we can. Protect Mantle. And in doing so… protect Atlas. We keep moving forward."

Those words.

How many times had Cole heard those words uttered to him?

His mouth motivated on its own, parting his lips to speak unconsciously. "You make me proud, James. You are bringing the hope that Atlas was meant to inspire. A city in the sky is held to a higher standard."

Both men shuddered at the unknown feeling surging through both, with Cole refocusing on the scene around him. The ivy hues that had previously stained his eyes apparated to be replaced by their usual ambers. "What was…?"

"I… I don't know." Puzzled even before James had questioned the preceding, the faunus attempted to coerce with the other entity within his mindscape. "There's… nothing. He's not there…"

"Maybe… Maybe he's resting? I'm not exactly sure myself on Oz hopping bodies like you described. But… we need to get a move on things." Cole shakily nodded to settle, compelling his legs to flow blood throughout and rise from his seat.

"I'll go to Mantle and meet my team there. We'll handle the situation."

As soon as the faunus's backside was turned to the General, his hazy eyesight was directed backward. His superior had pushed his own chair away from the table to turn and look back at him. "Cole. Be truthful with me. Always. I will always be with you."

Having now fully faced James, a trivial smile wormed its way onto his lips. "I'll do that…" Having taken the steps towards the overarching doorway, the faunus momentarily halted and gained James's curiosity. "…dad."

At the descending motion of the man's jaw, Cole made leave of the chamber on the optimistic yet startling note. His swift departure was met wanting with no sign of Bulkhead transport to be available for himself. He presumed they had collectively left timelier with the other huntsmen before his exchange with James.

Cursing rather audibly, Cole was left to a singular option. Hastening onward through the courtyard gardens, he was fortunate enough to that the Schnee Manor was situated higher than other populaces of Altas and overlooked at a much greater altitude. A longing breath to calm his person was expressed, wrangling himself to a grander composure.

"Alright. Let's see what these things can do…"

The technology at his arm sparked to life, scrambling along the texture of his limb and climbing his physique's curvature. Amber shut out from the world, sensing the consistency of each nanite ascend his form and coagulate onto the other arm. Specifying their intent nearest his palms, discs were fashioned akin to his previous augmentations. The layering was thin, but substantial enough to provide suitable coverage.

His eyes sparked awake to the marvel of his nanotechnology now awake and active. Assurance brimmed in his person, commencing with the measured steps towards the cliff's edge. One after another, his velocity amplified into that of a sprint. 'I can feel it all. Every fiber. Every piece of technology…'

"…NOW!"

The faunus leaped from the safety of the precipice, feeling the multitude of air currents begin to batter his figure. At his instruction, energy vented from the palms of his hands and focused in adjustment with the discs having been shaped earlier. Cole could not help but grin audaciously as he soared through the air.

No matter how many times he had flown through the air, the joy in doing so never dissipated. The thrill of nature's innate sensations flooding him and fully engrossing him in the strength of her atmosphere. How invincible he felt.

Mantle's buildings came into view once he had passed the overhead of Atlas's city blocks, adjusting the regulation of each hand accordingly.

'Ebony. Leopold. Leona… everyone. Wait for me!'

"Now Leo!"

At his teammate's request, the Tidalus son descended from the sky at unprecedented speeds. The flakes of snow and wind currents whipping against his features as he brandished the twin-blades. An unconscious mental attribute clicked to life; in likeness to the fires that now licked the steel of his weaponry.

The gargantuan Grimm whined in agony as each tooth punctured its hide.

Flicking the trigger mechanism of Dragon's Lust, a barrel of dust-enhanced ammunition poured into the wound. Another bellowing cry shadowed the first, flailing the male from its physique.

Backflipping to land beside Ebony's awaiting form, he cracked a blustering smirk. "Sorry to make you wait, Princess. Perfection's got a timer."

She snorted back a laugh, easing to crack the bones in her neck looser. "Whatever makes you sleep easy, hot head."

"I would appreciate if the two of you timed your flirting to after we have vanquished the Grimm in the area!" Levitating gracefully to their position, Leona lofted a single brow as her team recoiled with equally shareable reddened cheeks. She promptly respired in an exhausted manner, shaking her head all the same. "I wish Cole was here..."

Ataraxia hovered around her person at the ready, before refocusing on the Grimm remaining before them. The chain having already tasted in the lifeblood of her enemy prior their engagement with the Megoliath.

"Alright. Let's finish it for good this time!" Altering Matrum Ursus into that of its bow form, unlatching one of the multitude of holsters littering her body. Plucked free from their home, a trio of arrows sung from her bowstring. The show of a semblance at work followed and took hold her ammunitions' path.

It was merely the shift in her gaze that stole them from an undesired landmark and thrust them into the nape of the Megoliath. The unnatural curve of their movements a testament to her abilities. An ear-splitting screech of the Grimm's shrill pain would be her answer.

Leopold was in motion just as the shieldmaiden had spoken, before promptly skidding along the pavement beneath his foe. Flicking awake the ignition trigger; his own semblance was let forth in an explosion that rocked the Megoliath against a nearby structure.

"C'mon, Sis! Finish him off!"

"I do not need you to tell me." Her impassive gaze illustrated little of her intent, yet the spiraling chain spoke fully. Urging the material onward, she sustained herself midair while Altraxia piercedthrough the hardened dermis of the Grimm.

Further and further it carved a path inward until it lastly broke free from its imprisonment. Erupting into a cloud of ash, all three centralized at a single point in the street afterward. Leopold, having already leisured into a lax stance beside them, was caught unaware at another unexpected arrival.

The air was pierced through by a horrid screech, leaving for a Nevermore to plummet unto the team. Having not predicted such, both females moved to intervene. Talons fully engrossed in rending the unwitting flesh.

Their shared alarm was to subside with a set of energy bolts striking the Nevermore's backside. Crumpling mid-air, the Grimm merely fell to ash before the trio of wide-eyed stares. Amidst the clearing of smoke, a familiar shape could be perceived. His faunus heritage vigilantly perked, while the nanites in his forearms readjusted.

"Cole!"

Ebony's labeling of their team leader was found truth, causing him to ultimately near them. "So, what did I miss?" His jovial disposition reflecting unto all of them; a relieving breath in their current predicament.

"Took you long enough, ass. Might've missed out on all the fun." The Tidalus son idly twirled one of his blades before relenting them to rest against his shoulders.

"Well..." Cole began, urging his arm to mold in the shape of a katar. "...we took longer than expected in Atlas. And I did get held up on the way here..."

Having quickly informed the remainder of team CELL with the current happenings at the Schnee Manor, their crowd of emotions was entertaining, to say the least. Leopold and Ebony shared similar guffawed cackles upon hearing of Cole's passionate attack on Jacques's Schnee, while Leona merely shielded her own mouth from a fit of giggles.

Their conversations would be put to an end as a loud ping noise filled the Mantle streets. A bright cyan glow cast its glow about the city and illuminated every monitor in view. The Wall being its strongest focal point. The holograms were specifically depicting Robyn Hill alone in a rather familiar-looking room.

"Wait… didn't you say she was with the General?"

Cole, having not taken his eyes from the screen, raised his hand to Ebony's enquiring to request she postpone. An action she took to heart, before mimicking him in observing the prompt. Robyn's typical lighthearted demeanor was all but naught; rather much more cultured and somber. 'Very unlike her…'

"Atlas, Mantle. I know you're scared. I'm here with General Ironwood, and we have a message for you…"

Cole was certain the other members of his team imparted equally wide-eyed stares in skepticism as their commander appeared onscreen beside the Huntress Leader. What alarmed them further was not merely his presence, but the hand that now held Robyn's and shined a familiar jade color.

"That's her semblance… let's her see if people are tellin' the truth."

Following Leopold's account, James was to finally speak up. "An ancient and terrible evil lies outside of our kingdom. It was responsible for the destruction of Beacon, the attack on Haven, and for the recent attacks on Mantle…" With every word that began to spill forth from the General, Cole's eyes widened ever further. His mouth stayed agape in total incredulity at what he was to hear. "…this powerful force goes by the name of Salem."

"The General… he is… confessing to the people of Mantle."

Cole nearly stumbled back if not for his teammate to steady him to an appropriate degree; Leopold nearly suffering the same fate as he did so. The two boys exchanged looks lacking in surety, but righted themselves, nonetheless.

This was what Cole proposed to James not so long ago. So, why was he so alarmed now that he was finally following through with said plan? Was it so unquestionable to the faunus for his father-figure to undertake such a task that it caused such apprehension?

"Arthur Watts and Tyrian Callows." The General's expression hardened on the screen, electing to the grip Robyn's hand tighter. "These men are the ones responsible for the recent murders in Mantle and for sabotaging the heating grid."

Ebony shifted closer to her team leader, canting her head to one side. "That'll probably clear a few things up. Get some of our people off his back."

"I only fear that this was the correct method…" Cole murmured quietly, earning the collective stare of his squad.

"But we cannot let ourselves give in to fear and panic. That is what she wants!" They two persist in clenching each other's hands, with the aura coating said appendages persisting in its green hue. A sign of confirmation in James's words. "Instead, we must unite, and fight back, together. Every single one of us!"

While the inspiring words of the General exuded in the young faunus's heart, it was not overwhelmed by the surging concern that loitered in his mind. Cole abruptly went to glance towards the rooftops overseeing their position, scanning the locations for an explicit being. This action not going unnoticed by the male still supporting his stance.

"What's got your head, Cole?"

Shaking his head as if dismissing any qualms the Tidalus son might partake in, Ebony was quick to interject. "He's looking for Cindy."

Caught in the act, the faunus was compelled to relent in his companions. A gradual nod would confirm their suspicions and earn him the conjoined ire of their stares. "I… Ozpin said something along the lines of… not to trust her." Ignoring the plain look Leopold shot in his direction, Cole continued. "She never answered me on important events or relayed her plans. She was always…"

'No… Winter… Fria…'

In the anarchy of Mantle's quandary, he never thought to retreat back in check of the Maiden. Or more specifically; the Winter Maiden. An assortment of deeds played out in his mind of what perchance could occur. It was always Cinder's goal to attain more power in the form of the Maidens. With the lack of information she had granted and entrusting in him. And if she was not to be seen in Mantle where he had always caught a glimpse her form then…

"What is it?"

Momentarily shutting his eyes, Cole made to respire in an exhaustive manner. "We have a new mission. The four of us." He rightfully loosened in stance to gaze at the trio of expectant stares, raising his augmented hand to further his point; gritting the ligaments into a fist. His expression no longer plagued in doubt and misplacement, but a lethal composure the three recognized. "We return to Atlas…"

"…and deal with a personal dilemma."