As Above, So Below.

Snow continues to fall from the night sky over Mantle, collecting on roads, sidewalks and rooftops. Pietro Polendina and Maria Calavera stand outside Pietro's clinic with the door open, allowing civilians to take shelter inside.

"What's going on? Is the heat off in Atlas too?" A woman asked.

"They wouldn't just turn the heat off...Would they?" A man asked

Pietro and Maria look at each other before looking up at the City of Atlas, the underside of which is still lit up cyan and purple.

Inside the dining room of the Schnee Manor, the Atlas councilmen continue to talk to Ironwood.

"General, since the day you were appointed Headmaster, there have been Atlesians who are skeptical of one man holding two Council seats" The Councilwoman Camilla said.

"Yes, which is exactly why we have checks and balances" Ironwood said.

"We're supposed to, but lately you've been running roughshod all over them, making unilateral decisions without us" Coucilman Sleet said.

Ironwood looked at him "Councilman, I never intended-".

Sleet cut him of "What people intend and what they do aren't always the same, General".

A butler walks into the room, stops at Jacques' side, and whispers to him Hm? What? For how long?" The butler whispers again. Jacques' eyes widen "My authorization? Check it again!".

The butler hurries out of the room, and Councilman Sleet looks at Jacques "Councilman Schnee?".

Jacques tenses. As he speaks, he adjusts his tie and gestures awkwardly "Um... Yes, I, uh… agree with everything, everything that was, uh, just said. No, uh, no further questions".

He quiets down, collecting himself, and Sleet, Camilla and Robyn Hill stare at him for a moment. Robyn then turns to Ironwood "I'm not quite done yet. You're afraid of something, General. Aren't you?".

"I think that's pretty obvious, Miss Hill. I'm trying to prevent Atlas from becoming another Beacon, another Haven" Ironwood said.

"Yet, you don't trust your own Council to help you? Operating in secret? These are the actions of somebody who's hiding something" While Robyn speaks, Jacques does not appear to be paying close attention. Instead, he clasps his hands in front of his face, then puts his left hand to his face.

Ironwood narrowed his eyes "I'm not hiding anything".

"Let's put it to the test then" Robyn stands up, and Jacques lowers his hand from his face and watches as she approaches Ironwood "You're all aware of my Semblance. Let's settle it here and now, General Ironwood" She stands next to Ironwood and holds her hand out to him. He looks at her hand, then at the councilmen "Here and now".

He looks at her hand again, but before he can do anything, the double doors on the other end of the room noisily swing open.

"Wait!" Everyone looks toward the door, and Robyn gains a slightly annoyed expression. Weiss is standing in the doorway, holding the doors open "You've got the wrong man on trial" She walks into the room and stops next to Jacques "I know who's been framing Ironwood, who rigged the election. And my father does, too. He's been working with him".

Jacques looks nervous, and Weiss sets the Scroll that her mother gave her on the table and taps the screen, causing it to project a hologram screen into the air. The screen depicts a paused video of Jacques and Watts in Jacques' office.

"Is that... Arthur Watts?" Camilla asked in shock.

Sleet stands up "That's impossible! Dr. Watts died in the Paladin Incident years ago".

Jacques was getting more nervous "Wha- W-w-what is this?".

Ironwood got a dangerous look as he stands up "Play it".

Weiss taps the play button on the Scroll, and the floating screen begins playing the video. As it plays, Jacques becomes more and more nervous, fidgeting with his hands and then his mustache, sweat quickly appearing on his brow.

"That bastard is costing me more money every day with this embargo. I'd lay off every employee in Mantle if I wasn't trying to get their damn votes for this Council seat!"Jacques said in the video

Watts "What if I said you could have your cake and eat it, too?".

Jacques "What did you have in mind?".

Watts "James Ironwood never recognized my genius. After everything I gave him, he still disgraced me. I simply wish to return the favor".

Sleet watches the video in stunned silence and sits back down. Ironwood begins walking across the room toward Jacques.

Jacques "What's in it for me?"

Watts "A seat on the council. All I need is your login credentials for the Atlas network".

Winter narrows her eyes and subtly shakes her head disapprovingly.

Watts "You promise to make Ironwood's life a waking nightmare, and I will guarantee you victory at the polls by giving the voters down in Mantle a little… "digital push", if you will".

Robyn watches with widened eyes, then grips a nearby chair and narrows her eyes angrily.

Jacques "I always knew you were a good scientist, Arthur... but I never knew you were such a good salesman".

Ironwood comes to a stop near Weiss "Enough".

"That, that is- I-" Jacques quickly stands and moves next to his chair, putting his hands up stammering "I can explain that. That… isn't real".

"Jacques, take your seat" Steel ordered angrily.

There is a brief pause before Jacques frantically runs for the double doors behind him. He swings the doors open, only to receive a punch in the face which sent him to the floor. He looks up, a black eye already forming, as Jack walked in to the room, having waited outside just in case Jacques would try to make a run for it.

"You've had this coming for a long time you greedy asshole!" Jack said as he grabbed Jacques by his tie and lifted him in to the air "And no amount of money is going to let you weasel out of this one".

Jacques looked at his daughter "Weiss…".

"Jacques Schnee, you're under arrest" Weiss withdraws her Scroll and displays her Huntress license to him with a very serious expression. A few moments pass, and she looks over her shoulder at Ironwood "Can I do that?".

Meanwhile, Hana was getting super bored by Whitley's endless prattling on how great he is. She had no idea how Weiss could've survived living with him for as long as she did. She then felt her scroll buzz.

"And that's how I plan my future. So, did I live up to your expectations?" Whitley.

"You far exceeded them. I am terribly sorry, but duty calls" Hana said as she slowly backed away.

"To bad, I was enjoying our time together" Whitley said.

Hana gave a forced smile before she hurried to leave and met up with Fareeha "I think I lost nearly all my brain cells listening to that kid".

"At least you survived. Come on, we are needed in the dining room. Something has come up" Fareeha said.

"Can't be any worse than what I had to go through" Hana said as she followed Fareeha.

In the dining room, Jacques is sitting in a chair on the side of the room, a black eye clear on his face, with Winter, Ironwood, the councilmen, Robyn, Jack and Clover standing around him. Team RWBY, Team GHLF and Penny are standing together at the end of the room. Clover receives contact on his communicator and puts his fingers to it, listening.

"I knew you'd stoop low to get what you wanted, Jacques. But this?" Ironwood said is disgust. Clover glances at Ironwood and then walks out of the room, continuing to listen to his communicator.

"This is all a great leap, James" Jacques said.

"No, it's quite simple really, 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" Everyone but Jacques looks at Penny, who looks away sadly. Ruby places her hand on Penny's shoulder. Ironwood looks at Jacques again "All while stealing an election" He moves closer to Jacques, who becomes nervous "And once you became a Councilman, your newly granted clearance gave him a..." He slams his hands onto the chair's arms "Backdoor into Atlas' secure network. But you probably hadn't even considered that, had you?".

"The people that died that night, their blood is on your hands" Robyn said in anger.

"Jacques Schnee must be tried, not only for treason, but as an accessory to murder" Sleet declared.

Jacques tried to defend himself "These are outrageous accusations! I only intended to win the election. I had nothing to do-".

"Only?!" Enraged, Robyn grabs the nearest chair and slams it into the wall. Everyone were silent while Jack put a hand on Robyn's shoulder to calm her down, she took a deep breath and gently removed his hand, showing she was calm now.

"What else will he be able to do with the access Jacques' given him?" Camilla asked.

"With enough time… whatever he wants" Ironwood said.

Jacques, Camilla, Sleet and Ironwood's Scrolls all buzz and ping, with Jacques' Scroll lighting up the pocket of his coat. The sudden noise and sensation causes Jacques to jump in fright. Ironwood, Camilla and Sleet withdraw their Scrolls. Camilla deploys her Scroll's screen, which displays an emergency alert, and Sleet answers a call on his.

"Wait… wait, what? What do you mean the heat has gone off?" Sleet demanded.

Weiss gasps and puts her hand to her lips. Blake looks worried, and Yang looks somewhat angry. Genji got wide eyes behind his mask "What is happening?!".

"You have to believe me, I-I-I didn't know he was planning this" Jacques said.

Winter slams her hands down on the arm of Jacques' chair, and he flinches away from her "You are going to shut your mouth and get the heating grid up and running again".

"I… I've been informed that we can't get into the system. It's… it's been blocked off" Jacques said.

Ironwood has been staring at the alert on his Scroll's screen. He lowers his Scroll and turns away, while Robyn walks over to a window and places her hand on it, looking outside.

"Without heat down there... people are going to die" Sleet said.

"I fear the cold isn't our biggest problem at the moment" Genji said, his tone showing clear worry "The people down there must be more angry than ever. At this rate a grimm attack is inevitable".

Penny and Ruby look at each other worriedly. Ironwood has his hand to his jaw, covering his lips. Ruby walks over to him "General Ironwood? How bad is it?".

Ironwood types something into his Scroll and then scrolls through things, one being a screen that displays a shape similar to the Amity Communications Tower "He's using Jacques' credentials. We can follow that activity on the network. If he's found his way into the Amity system… No, the secret is safe. For now. But if he learns about Amity, she learns about Amity".

"Can you block his access?" Weiss asks

Ironwood swipes through pages "It's too late. He's already starting to lock us out".

"Can we trace him somehow? Find out where he's hiding?" Blake asked.

"He's going to be mobile. We need his access point. We need to get him out in the open" Ironwood answered.

"Okay, so let me get this straight" Everyone looks at Robyn. She holds up her hand and then does a finger gun gesture as she speaks "Yep, still here everyone" She resumes a serious expression and walks toward Ironwood "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?".

Ironwood looked surprised "You know?".

Genji glanced at Blake and Yang, both who did their best not to draw any attention to themselves. Genji hoped Roby would be kind enough to leave out how she learned about the tower, or things could get even more complicated than they already are.

Thankfully Robyn didn't seem like she would reveal how she knows and stands face to face with Ironwood "I used to think you were hiding something to protect yourself. But I can tell there's something much bigger going on here. Now I think it's to protect something else. Us… Atlas, maybe even all of Remnant. And you're afraid of what might happen if you tell the truth".

Ironwood frowns. The double doors on the other end of the room swing open, with Clover and Oscar on the other side "General, the Grimm are all over Mantle" They hurry across the room to stand near Ironwood "The air fleet's doing everything they can, but they can't easily target Grimm in the city without risking casualties".

"This... this is what I was afraid would happen" Ironwood puts his hand to his jaw and walks away.

"Sir, we need ground support now" Clover said.

"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-" Robyn began but Ironwood cut her of

"If I move the fleet, then Atlas is vulnerable" He all but shouts "I… I tried to keep the kingdom safe. And now we're losing everything".

Ironwood places his right hand on the wall and leans on that arm, covering his face with his left hand. Oscar approaches him, resting his hand on the Relic of Knowledge "General? Earlier, you asked for my advice".

"I wanted Ozpin's advice" Ironwood reminded.

"And his advice probably would've been to keep your secrets. When we first got here, you already knew that wasn't the right course. You had a new plan" Oscar said.

"It's time to give up on that plan" Ironwood straightens up, lowering his hand from his face "It's all falling apart".

"The panic you were worried about? It's already happening. The secrets you're keeping? They're about to be in the open anyway. It's time" Ironwood turns and looks at Oscar "Tell the truth".

"You're not alone" Ironwood looks over to see that Ruby has approached him with an encouraging smile "We can do this together".

Ironwood nods and smiles "Thank you. Oscar, I think it's time you get back to the Academy".

"I think you're right" Oscar rests his hand on the Relic again.

While Ironwood speaks, Winter brings out her Scroll and starts using it, heading over to him "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".

"I've called a transport" Winter said.

"What about Watts and Tyrian?" Yang asked.

"You leave them to me. Right now, you're needed down below" Ironwood said.

Ruby steps toward the others and poses with her hands on her hips, while Winter watches, smiling "Alright everybody, it's time to do our jobs. All of us".

"Time to show why we earned our titles as protectors!" Genji added.

"What they said. Let's make it happen, Huntsmen" Clover heads out of the room with the Teams, Penny, Oscar and Winter following him.

In the hallway, the group passes by a dark-haired waitress who had been serving the council earlier that night. As she watches them go, she narrows her dark green eyes and smirks. Genji paused for a split second as he felt something was not right, but he soon followed the rest.

Before they left, Genji called out "Ruby, Oscar!".

Both looked at him before Ruby asked "What is it Genji?".

"Ironwood is finally going to tell the truth. I think it's time we do the same. We have kept the secret far to long already. We can't keep demanding honesty and not show any ourselves" Genji said.

"You're right... I'll tell him. I'm the one who chose to keep it from him in the first place" Ruby said.

"Ruby, Genji! Transport's leaving" Marrow points out the door with his thumb, and Ruby waves her hands to him.

"I think you're needed elsewhere" Oscar starts heading to the dining room.

"You're sure?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah, I've got it" Oscar assured.

Genji miled and held out a hand "Good luck, Oscar".

Oscar smiled and shook Genji's hand "You too".

With that they finally parted ways. However as everyone were ready to bord the transports, Genji stopped. Something that did no go unnoticed by the others.

"Genji, let's go!" Fareeha said.

"I'm afraid I won't be joining you down there" Genji said.

His teammates looked confused and Lena spoke "What? Why?".

"I don't have time to explain everything. But I can sense that something isn't right. The grimm down there could be a distraction. I think I better stay up here and make sure that nothing happens while we are busy dealing with the grimm" Genji said.

"Genji, the people down there needs us now" Hana said.

"Yes, they do. Which is why I will be the only one to stay behind. I can track a potential intruder better than anyone else here. The rest of you need to head down to help Mantle" Genji said. Ruby walked up along with Blake, both having overheard the conversation.

"What you are sensing... is it dangerous?" Blake asked.

Genji sighs but nods "Yes. I think it could be even more dangerous than the grimm".

"Then you shouldn't go after it alone. You could get hurt... or worse" Ruby said.

"I must do this alone. As you already know, Mantle is going to need all the help it can get. We can't spare anyone else. No matter how dangerous the thing I sense is" Genji said.

Ruby didn't like it but sighed "Alright, I trust you Genji".

Genji smiled before giving Ruby a hug, which she didn't hesitate to return. Genji slowly pulled away and looked at Blake "Stay safe, my love".

"One for good luck?" Blake asked.

Genji removed his mask and they shared a kiss, once that was over Genji looked at his team "And as for all of you. Get down there and show everyone: The Cavalry is here!".

"Oh how I've missed those words!" Lena squealed.

Hana hurried to give Genji a hug "Good luck brother".

Genji hugs her back "You to, sis".

"You better not die on us, boss" Fareeha said.

"Yes Ma'am. Now get going!" Genji ordered.

Everyone nods and heads to Mantle. Genji watched the leave, hoping his hunch was wrong... but if it was true, then he was worried of what might come next.

In a hallway somewhere, the dark-haired waitress enters the passcode 1210 next to a door. The number pad beeps in confirmation, and the door slides open. She glances down the hall both ways and then enters, walking over to a glass wall with a view of the City of Atlas, where she stands with her hand on her hip. She hears a voice behind her, and a light turns on.

Huh. You're back early" Cinder is leaning against a wall. The waitress rolls her eyes, then turns to face Cinder, who takes a few steps forward "Tell me you found what we've been looking for".

The waitress strikes a sassy pose, bringing her index finger to her cheek in a feigned thinking gesture. As she does so, pink energy resembling clusters of glass shards moves up her body, dispelling the illusion and revealing her to be Neo. She flicks Roman Torchwick's hat atop her head and smirks at Cinder.

Meanwhile, back in Mantle, Doomfist spoke with someone on his scroll... That someone was revealed to be Sombra "No doubt about it boss. They are here for the Winter maiden".

"As I expected. There is no other reason why she would come here. You did good, Sombra" Doomfist said.

"Aww, thank you. So what now?" Sombra asked.

"Your work is done for now, standby in case Widowmaker needs you" Doomfist ordered as he stepped out of the allyway he was hiding in and hordes of grimm approached him "Right now, I have a pest problem to deal with".

Doomfist puts his scrolls away, drops his cloak and prepares his gauntlet.

.

Tell me what you think.