Summary: On the path to create a stronger Mantle a deal is struck. One of Atlas' most influential figures has fallen prey to Lelouch's grasp. With plans of reform underway, Lelouch makes his next move.
6 months after initial arrival.
A convoy of Atlesian armored trucks rolled through the streets of Mantle as night set in, groups of displeased citizens watched and threw various crude words, making hand gestures of disrespect at the group. One agitated member of the audience even threw a tomato at the window to the right side of the middle truck.
Within the passenger area of the central vehicle, the offending fruit hit the glass before exploding into bits that spattered and splashed all over.
Ignoring the roadside remarks, Lelouch focused his scroll displaying a video feed, a recording of the fall of Beacon, studying the actions of the woman within the video with intent.
Cinder Fall. The Fall maiden.
An obstacle he'd one day need to contend with, though magic like what she had was something he had yet to encounter or fully comprehend the significance of, given how its users were seemingly capable of immense feats and abilities. It would surely provide a unique challenge when the time would come for the inevitable clash.
Another fruit found itself hitting the window beside him, only adding to the growing mess, Team BRIR frowned, the red stain streaking the clean glass.
"Oh c'mon..." Ruda growled in dismay. "People always get hostile when you just drive into their neighborhoods..."
Bianca scoffed, crossing her legs while not removing her gaze from the crowds of disgruntled citizens. "To be fair, Atlas has a habit of never bringing good things whenever they come."
The sound of multiple splats indicated that the convoy must have drawn another few dozen angry protesters to stop and fling whatever waste they had nearby.
Lelouch kept his eyes on the feed, taking note of key events and players as they interacted and engaged one another during Beacon's fall, "You're not very much liked here, are you, Jacques Schnee?" He commented with a tone of mild surprise, setting aside his scroll and glancing at the man who sat in between Ivy and Roane, his expression not looking pleased in the slightest to find himself in the middle of Mantle.
Flinching from another barrage, the white-mustached man in the luxury, Atlesian suit coughed, not keen on the attention they were currently drawing with their presence. "I assure you the feeling is mutual, colonel." his nasally, snotty-sounding tone had Lelouch smiling behind his mask.
Ruda shifted in her seat, looking annoyed with the pompous rich man sitting across her, her arms folding and lips forming a snarl, her irritation clear.
"I'm only here on business. Now that it's done, the quicker we're out of this wretched place the better..." the businessman replied disdainfully.
Lelouch sat back in his seat as he gestured out to the outside. "Yes, Ironwood's border lockdown certainly hasn't helped matters, has it?"
His icy gaze met Lelouch's, his annoyance seething. "No... It most certainly hasn't," he said sharply. "Atlas has been nothing short of stifling and cruel to both those within Mantle's walls and its enterprises," the CEO huffed.
Chuckling through his voice filter, the officer shook his head slightly. "Ahh yes, the poor Schnee Dust Company... forced to uphold the trade embargoes. Such a horribly, unfair fate for you," he drawled mockingly.
Jacques' nostrils flared as his brows knitted together, gritting his teeth before making sure to settle his breath before continuing. "This is serious... do you have any idea how much money the general's actions have cost me?!" his loud protestation caused Bianca to roll her eyes, Lelouch hearing a faint "boohoo" escape her lips.
"Of course, I apologize for making little of a matter that is, no doubt, quite a weight on your shoulders." the sincerity in Lelouch's tone caught Jacques off guard as the young officer folded his hands across his lap. "Actually, part of why I chose to accompany you today was to discuss exactly that. In these troubling, chaotic times, it is all the more important to protect what we hold dear."
Frowning, Jacques did not respond, his ire beginning to soften and melt away, as Lelouch paused, taking a moment to gaze out the windows to see the still-gathering protestors and picketers, watching them with care. "...Which is why I ask that the Schnee family consider making an investment into Mantle."
An expression of shock painted his features.
"Wh-W-What?!" He exclaimed. "Invest? No! It is a terrible, reckless business proposal; I have the responsibility to my shareholders and the duties to my company, not Mantle's! It isn't my money that can solve any of their problems; the Atlesian military does more than enough, and I see no reason to..." he ranted and blustered, only stopping once he noted Lelouch's hand rising in the air, signaling for him to stop talking.
"Perhaps Mantle was the wrong word, maybe I should have been more specific and called it an investment into my ventures..." the leader clarified, meeting his glare without a hint of uncertainty.
"...What are you saying?" Jacques demanded, leaning forward, while Lelouch chuckled behind his helmet.
"The election for a seat on the Atlas council will soon approach. As it is, I've heard rumblings that you intend on pursuing that seat," The former emperor disclosed.
"P-Perhaps," Jacques brushed him off.
"I suggest you throw out those thoughts and put that money, and effort, elsewhere,"
Ruda grinned as Lelouch rested his gloved hands behind his head, the relaxed demeanor becoming the first indicator that there was more on the colonel's mind than simply a proposal. "How, dare-!"
Lelouch continued before Jacques could further begin, not batting an eye at the rich man's rising indignance.
"Bet on a winning horse, Mr. Schnee," his cryptic phrasing was not missed by the business mogul, his eyebrow perked curiously as the sounds of people on the outside gradually dissipated as the convoy's ride finally slowed, the vehicles approaching their destination: the Atlesian military Headquarters in Mantle.
"In all of Atlas, your resources outshine any other conglomerate, be it government or private; even without the backing of your company, you, yourself, are a figure of high regard. However, a woman like Robyn Hill, with her popularity and influence here in Mantle," he mentioned with some caution, carefully surveying the face of the other man for reactions as he was talking.
"A people's champion... A revolutionary of sorts, with a reputation that has been enhanced since the border closure. Her support has been growing by the day, and should her popularity increase anymore, who could say someone like you, the head of the very family known for its exploitation of Faunus, might lose in an election against her."
With that remark, Lelouch noticed Jacques stiffen ever so slightly, a scowl working its way up his face at the mere thought of Robyn Hill beating him in a popularity contest. He scoffed dismissively, the scoff barely hiding a growl that followed.
"The voting public does have certain proclivities towards revolutionaries and such," He surmised quietly.
Nodding, the colonel pushed forth, knowing he had the man's full attention. "Which is why, I am the most qualified for such an issue,"
"You, Colonel Lamperouge?"
"Yes. I can stand toe to toe and contend with Miss Hill in the election," He sounded assured as Jacques processed his claims.
"Such bold claims..." Jacques' cynical stare lingered on the officer. "Especially from a young man like yourself. While, despite having recently become the talk of the kingdom for bringing down Thornmane and his followers..." the mention had Roane glance at the masked man, Bianca's brows narrowing at the comment. "How can I know that this will all go smoothly in a few months," He pointed out.
Lelouch gestured to the smeared glass to the side of the SDC man. "I assure you this display by Mantle's people wasn't because I had something to do with the city's woes... their problem is the problem that you, the council, and General Ironwood have left them with and many others..."
"Regardless..." the head of the Schnee household leaned back in his seat. "As amusing as it would be for the boy-wonder of Atlas to represent Mantle, why should I even bother?"
"In helping me obtain the seat... I will repay the favor by turning around the Schnee's reputation and, of course, helping you repair your finances after this..."
Taking in a deep breath, a low, but audible groan escaped the Atlesian.
"...What kind of investment are you seeking." he relented.
Ivy glanced at her superior officer, wondering how much money would be required.
"Mantle is in a sorry state of affairs; one could even call it pathetic... its poverty is something that needs rectifying, having the city's people see me and, by extension, your company as saviors... rebuilding homes, schools, neighborhoods, businesses." Lelouch began, already visualizing the number crunching. "Filling up the abandoned factories and buildings... bringing in new jobs and opportunities..."
Jacques scoffed. "Sure, let's bring an end to the crime that's endemic to Mantle's culture, too!"
"You've read my mind," The young colonel smiled, a sly tone slipping through. "Reform and change should be paramount to all the works, after all..."
The SDC head's brows furrowed further, his complexion turning rather pale. "It's an impossible goal you want to chase after, no politician has ever attempted... it's..."
"I'm a man of miracles and can do the impossible," the confident statement, no, declaration caught Jacques in full surprise.
Crossing his arms the Schnee closed his eyes as if in silent contemplation. Having a colonel like Lelouch be indebted and tied to his family's future was enticing to him. Having someone in the general's good favor under his thumb was a bonus that he wouldn't give up. Especially as Ironwood's decisions these days were increasingly making Jacques wonder where exactly the general's allegiances lie...
But the money to be put into this project would be monumental, given the current conditions of Mantle. And the results? If accomplished, the profits and dividends it would return were enough to make his company and personal assets shine brightly in the night. The good fortune he'd gain from these deeds... the image he and the family would acquire, how could anyone ignore?
All of it would put him miles ahead of the competition, both at home and beyond, giving him a definite advantage.
Could Lelouch pull through on such grand promises?
If so, the risk could be more than justified.
"A tall order," The businessman murmured, opening his eyes and staring intently into the masked visage of Lelouch. "A high reward though..." he smiled, giving a thoughtful hum. "It does have a... rather large upside..."
Lelouch offered a hand, not wavering or backing down. "Then you accept?"
A tense, weighted moment passed as Jacques observed the man, having to decide how big to bet. "Your investments must pay off, I hope you realize..."
Reaching across, Jacques Schnee finally seized the hand of his masked collaborator.
"Oh, don't worry," Lelouch promised, grasping back, firmly holding the man's palm. "You'll see my end of the bargain fulfilled," the certainty, no, absolute confidence in Lelouch's voice that spoke through his helm had the rest of Team BRIR trading glances amongst themselves and the wealthy Atlesian, unsure, but intrigued on whether Lelouch truly believed or knew, that whatever it was he promised to do, he could carry out the task with no hiccups and full assurance.
Opening the door, Ivy slides out to allow Jacques the space to exit, the well-dressed businessman making his appearance on the tarmac of Mantle's base.
"Jacques." The colonel called after him, pausing the businessman and making him spin on a heel to glare questioningly at the masked officer. "Let's keep this meeting off record and between us, shall we?"
The man's features curled, a nasty little grin stretching across his face. "Hmph, don't worry Lamperouge," Jacques added with a disdainful grin. "We understand each other."
Dismissively, the businessman spun around, casually making his way to the Manta dropship that awaited to bring him back to the skies above.
Observing the receding form of their associate, Ruda groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of her nose and letting out a sharp huff. "Is this guy really our ally now..." she grunted out, closing her eyes.
"Slime ball, greedy, pretentious, pompous, and just all kinds of bastard," Bianca muttered.
Roane grimaced, shaking her head at the notion.
Ivy sighed and looked back at Lelouch, tilting her head slightly, "Are you sure about him, Lelouch? He's not very trustworthy; more likely, he'll stab us in the back or use this chance to his benefit." Her doubt in the rich man evident.
Lelouch chuckled, stepping out of the convoy and observing Jacques getting into the Manta. "He's also predictable." The group paused.
"And predictability can easily be controlled." he looked on, his voice strong.
The four women stared.
"A man like him wants power, riches, and respect... everything he can have... Everything anyone with an ounce of greed desires," He stated, his fingers taping the door lightly and stepping away to lean against the armored truck.
"A noose is now wrapped around him, the more he believes he'll be left to do his own selfish desires, the tighter it becomes," he said nonchalantly as Jacques took to the air, flying back to the safety and protection of Atlas, Lelouch watching on until the dot disappeared into the distance, a satisfied smile behind his mask, that neither member Team BRIR could see.
Another step, another stone, more to plan and to arrange. He wasn't short of challenges ahead, he knew, but right now he felt confident about their place and position. He would take steps as necessary, always adapting.
Author's Notes: RWBY's Timeline is a bit of a mess and there is a bunch of information that we don't have. I like to think Volumes 4-6 take place about 7 to 8 months.
When Lelouch awakes in Atlas, Weiss has just escaped her father's mansion. As Lelouch slowly ingrains himself in the Atlesian Military and rebuilds Mantle, Team RWBY and the others go through the events of volumes 4,5, and 6.
There might be one or two more chapters before the events of Volume 7 start, and things will start diverting further and further from the canon plot line.