A Night Off

A Night Off is the fourth episode of The RWBYA Adventures.
==Plot==
Penny: SALUTATIONS! GOOD MORNING, TEAM RWBY!
[Penny's shouting immediately woke up everyone in the dorm room, including Alan who slept on the floor, and who was also rushed over to by Penny.]
Penny: Oh, and Alan, too!
Yang: [groggy] Ugh... Penny, what time is it?
Penny: [excitedly] Time to be huntresses, of course! [motions to Alan] And to be an unofficial huntsman.
[Weiss, Alan, Blake, and Yang all groaned, while Ruby quickly got to her feat, yelling excitedly. The six then met up in a briefing room with Qrow, Oscar, JNPR, and the Ace-Ops. Jaune sat down with a cup of coffee, going to take a sip, only to turn and see Marrow wagging his tail.]
Jaune: [sighs] Fine. Take it.
[Marrow excitedly took the drink, begrudgingly handed to him by Jaune.]
Clover: Eyes up, huntsmen. It's time to get used to the new normal in Atlas.
[Scenes played as Clover's voice was heard over them.]
Clover (voice): Your top priority is Amity Tower. That means protecting supply runs from Grimm and bandits. And protecting the site itself.
[Ruby and Weiss drop down onto a Manticore outside of the SDC mine. Weiss severes its tail, but it swipes Ruby away before she can attack it. It goes to pounce on her only to be blown up as a result of Humungousaur firing missiles at it. The three then prepare to fight a group of oncoming Sabyrs.]
Clover (voice): Your top priority is Amity Tower. That means protecting supply runs from Grimm and bandits. And protecting the site itself. Diverting all construction resources to Amity Tower means there are going to be gaps in Mantle's defenses against Grimm. They'll need help on the perimeter.
[Nora followed Ren and Alan along the top of Mantle's outer wall, playing with the former's braid. Ren heard growling below and stopped to look, causing Nora to bump into him. The two of them looked down at the Sabyrs approaching the wall and draw their weapons. Alan initiated a transformation, becoming Upgrade and merging With Nora's Magnihild. In a dust mine, Marrow's boomerang Fetch spun around and sliced through a Beowolf, followed by Alan as Czechmate using the weapon's trajectory to leap off of it and onto another Grimm, changing into Entropic Punch in the process, and slamming his colorful energy fist into the creature causing it to explode. Marrow caught his weapon then turned around to see Blake and Yang finish off two Grimm.]
Marrow: Hey, have you two ever thought about branching out a little? You always pair up, but I don't know if your styles really-
[Yang's eyes turned red upon spotting another Beowolf that came running toward her. She used the recoil from her weapons to launch herself at it and punched it in the head. She then rapidly attached several explosives to its abdomen and slid between its legs to get behind it. Blake tossed her sickle to Yang, who stabbed it into the Beowolf's chest and fired Ember Celica to launch the Beowolf into the air. Blake tugged on her ribbon to throw the Beowolf toward two more Beowolves closer to the mine entrance, at which point Yang's explosives went off, killing all three. Marrow watched the whole event and turns back to Blake and Yang, who give him disapproving looks. Entropic Punch scoffed with a smirk while looking at Marrow.]
Marrow: Really, really good stuff! Yeah, keep it up.
Clover (voice): I think you'll find everyone appreciates having a Huntsman around.
[A pair of Sabyrs run through Mantle, one chased by Ruby and Yang, and the other by Alan as Missile Toe.]
Clover (voice): You're of course free to enjoy your time off as you see fit. Whatever helps you take the edge off. The Huntsmen around you can be an invaluable resource. If you're willing to pay attention. But make no mistake, school's over. You get to choose what type of Huntsman or Huntress you are.
[Another morning came, and Penny greeted Team RWBY in their dorm room at sunrise, along with a dreary Bungee Sponge who fell from his self-suspension in the air upon Penny entering. Weiss tiredly walked across the room while brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush. Blake began heading out of the room but then looked back to see Yang standing in one spot in a sleepy daze, so she grabbed Yang's arm and pulled her out of the room. While this goes on, Ruby excitedly dropped down from her bunk and talked to Penny, while Alan sits up after having transformed back to human after falling. The scene shifted back to the briefing room, showing Clover looking at the mission board. Jaune and Marrow clink coffee mugs.]
Clover: So, what's it gonna be?
[Team RWBY sat together in the briefing room along with Alan, with the latter, Weiss, Blake and Yang growing more and more tired while Ruby continued to be excited. Eventually, only Ruby is left awake, sitting still with a smile on her face. Weiss leaned against Ruby's left shoulder, while Yang did so against her right shoulder, and Blake laid across Yang's lap, with Yang's hand on her arm. Alan mimicked Blake's position, though on Weiss' lap instead.]
----
[Sometime later in the training room, Flynt Coal blasted down a block wall with his Semblance, allowing him to create four clones of himself while using his trumpet-like weapon, while Jaune blocked the blast with his shield and Hard-Light Dust. Neon Katt skated by, with Nora chasing her.]
Neon: Never miss a beat, never miss a beat. Excuse me!
[Neon turned and pulled her bottom eyelid down, sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry at Nora. She then turned and weaved around block pillars, laughing, while Nora smashed through the pillars with Magnhild. The blocks disintegrated upon being damaged.]
Neon: Come on, lightning bolt, aren't you supposed to be fast?
[Neon skated away into a smaller area of the training room. Ren took cover behind a block pillar, occasionally leaning out to fire at Ivori, who blocked the bullets with his whip.]
Neon: Wow, your boyfriend's actually holding his own!
[Neon came back to where Ren was and lept over him. As he raised his guns to fire at Ivori, she hit the guns with her nunchaku, using Ice Dust to encase the guns and Ren's hands in ice.]
Neon: Where's all that energy when he's around you?
[She pointed at Nora while she talked, then skated away. Just as Ivori raised his whip to attack Ren, Nora fired a grenade, which hit him in the torso, knocking him down. Nora then hopped onto Manghild and used it to fly after Neon, growling angrily. The two sped past Oscar and Kobalt and turn the corner.]
Neon: Wee!
[Oscar attempted to attack Kobalt with his cane. However, Kobalt caught the cane, took it from him and tossed it away. He then grabbed Oscar's head and lifted him up. Oscar kicked him in the chest and flipped away. Ironwood, who watched the spar from an observation room, nodded with a slight smile. Flynt was then slammed into a wall by an unknown assailant, and someone flung Kobalt from behind a wall on the other side of the room. Neon skated into the center area, laughing. When she came to a stop, she saw Jaune standing in one of the doorways. She turned and saw Ren standing in another doorway and then Oscar standing in another. She turned to the fourth and final doorway, which had no one standing in her way. She gets ready to skate through, but suddenly she hears someone yelling and turns to look, surprised.]
Neon: Huh?
[Neon looked back to see Nora jumping over the wall trying to hit her with Magnhild. Neon dodged the hit, taunting Nora as she sped backwards.]
Neon: Never miss a beat, never miss a-
[Being backwards, Neon didn't notice Alan stepping in the way, taking on the form of the small, blue alien named The Worst. Neon subsequently tripped over him, and then he hit his Simplicitrix just before becoming a black and white blur, speeding around the training room as Fasttrack just before reaching Neon again.]
Neon: ...Beat?
[Fasttrack landed a hit on Neon, with enough force to not only knock her to the ground, but give her a black eye.]
Fasttrack: I think you missed a beat.
[Neon sat up with a slight groan.]
Neon: That... Was... [blinks and becomes excited, the black eye disappearing] AMAZING! You guys have really improved since the Vytal Tournament. And that cute farm boy had a few surprises for us, too. [winks at Oscar, prompting him to blush with a chuckle] OH! And don't forget about Mr. Aliens, over there!
Jaune: Well, you really had us on our toes. Thought you had us there for a second, whew!
Neon: Oh c'mon, it was way more than a second!
[Flynt blew saliva out of his trumpet.]
Flynt: You guys busy? Wanna grab some lunch?
Nora: Do we? I could eat a sandwich the size of Kobalt!
[Nora grinned as a giant imaginary six layer BLT sandwich dropped onto Kobalt, who removed the toothpick, causing the sandwich to disappear, leaving a lettuce leaf on his head. He took a small step away from Nora.]
Alan: ...I may have worked up an appetite.
[Alan's stomach growled at a comedically loud volume, surprising the others.]
Alan: ...Excuse me.
[Alan activated his device, transforming into a small, dark teal, toad-like alien.]
UPCHUCK!
[Upchuck shot his tongue out, grabbing hold of a few of the blocks in the room, and pulling them into his mouth, immediately swallowing.]
Upchuck: ...I'm still hungry.
[The scrolls of JNR, along with Upchuck's Simplicitrix, buzzed.]
Jaune: Ah, man. We'd love to, but um…
Ren: Duty calls. Maybe some other time?
[Nora frowned at the "Incoming Mission" message on her Scroll.]
Flynt: No worries! The next time you're free, just let us know.
[Flynt threw up a peace sign, and Jaune awkwardly copies him, earning an amused laugh from Flynt.]
Jaune: Yeah, next time.
[As Team FNKI walked off, Nora peaked over Ren's shoulder.]
Nora: ...There's still time for sandwiches, right?
[Ren sighed and shook his head, getting a disappointed reaction from Nora.]
----
[A large truck drove through the empty tundra.]
Ruby: ...Not that I'm bored, but...
[Ruby sat in the front seat of the truck alongside Penny and one of the Atlesian robots, the latter of which piloted the truck. Ruby's eyes seemed dreary.]
Ruby: Why can't we just use an airship to deliver the supplies to Amity?
Penny: The components for Amity Tower's construction are far too heavy. All that weight would require precious Dust we should be saving for the launch itself. And the Grimm that will come after.
Ruby: It just makes for long... very long... supply runs.
[Ruby blinked tiredly, and almost fell asleep onto Penny's shoulder.]
Penny: Ruby!
[Ruby jolted awake at this, looking at Penny.]
Penny: I just wanted to say how excited I am to be working with you in a professional capacity. As friends! [excitedly grins]
Ruby: [giggles] Me too, Penny.
Penny: Relationships are so interesting and varied!
Ruby: Speaking of friends… Have you been able to make any new ones? Since, you know…?
Penny: Now that I'm the official protector of Mantle, I don't really have a team anymore, I haven't seen Ceil Soleil in a long time. General Ironwood says I don't have time for friends.
Ruby: Oh, uh, how do you feel about that?
Penny: I feel like I wish I could do both the things I need to do and the things I want to do. Is that normal?
Ruby: That's about as normal as it gets, Penny.
Qrow: [from the back of the truck] Everything going alright up there?
Ruby: Just fine, Uncle Qrow!
[Ruby gave a thumbs up. In the back, Qrow played a card game with Clover Ebi, who sat several cards down on the supply crate they were using as a table.]
Clover: I win again. Maybe we should call it quits?
Qrow: Shut up and deal.
[Clover chuckles and begins shuffling. Ruby gives a sleepy smile before turning back to the front window, then placing her hand to her earpiece.]
Ruby: Alan. How's it looking out there?
Alan (voice): Like a bunch of barren ice and snow with a few penguins.
[Alan's voice was much more gruff than usual. The scene panned from the truck to show this was due to him using Diesel to run alongside the truck.]
Diesel: Like the last three times you asked.
Ruby (voice): I know, I know. But you heard the general's orders. Constant updates.
Diesel: I thought I made it clear I don't work for him.
Ruby (voice): Yeah, but... I guess the rest of us technically do.
[Diesel scoffed, then increased his speed, going further than the truck to scout ahead. As he got further, he titled his head in confusion.]
Diesel: ...That wasn't there yesterday.
Ruby (voice): What is it? What's wrong?
[Diesel slowed to a halt, just before a barricade that sat between two large boulders. Standing in front of it were two ladies with platinum blonde hair and layered clothing. The taller one had lilac eyes and ever so slightly tanned skin, and was Robyn Hill. The shorter one, Fiona Thyme, was a Sheep Faunus, her ears being that of her animal, and she had green eyes. Diesel stared at them suspiciously as the truck caught up.]
Clover: [sighs] You two, with me. Penny, you keep an eye on our six in case we need an element of surprise.
Penny: Affirmative! I will plan for six possible outcomes!
[The three of them looked at her concerned as she smiled confidently. They then joined Diesel on the outside of the truck.]
Clover: It's alright, Alan. You can stand down.
Diesel: I still don't work for you. [pauses before touching the Simplicitrix, becoming human again] ...But fine.
Clover: [turns his attention to Robyn] Robyn! Well, if it isn't Mantle's home town hero. Is there a reason you're blocking an official military transport?
Robyn: Clover, I'm so glad you're here. Maybe you can help me understand why this truck that's supposed to be taking construction materials to fix Mantle's outer wall, is on its way to the middle of nowhere? Are you lost?
Clover: [laughs] It's pretty easy to get turned around out here in the tundra, everything looks the same. Thanks for checking up on us though. We'll be on our way now. [begins walking away]
Robyn: [sighs] I was hoping you'd play it straight with me. What's Ironwood doing with Amity at the old SDC mine?
Clover: [turns back] Oh, that. Just giving her an annual checkup.
Robyn: The next Vytal Festival isn't anytime soon. Only automated drones and a few select Atlas scientists are allowed out here. And Amity's getting invaluable resources we need in Mantle to protect against Grimm. Seems like more than just a check-up.
Clover: You've been scoping it out.
Robyn: We can't fix the wall without the supplies on these trucks. I think Mantle deserves to know what they're being used for. It doesn't have to be difficult. Just tell me. [walks forward, putting her hand out]
Clover: I'm going to have to pass on that.
[Robyn frowned, only to smile again upon turning her attention to Ruby, Qrow, and Alan.]
Robyn: How 'bout you, pipsqueak? Five o' clock shadow? Lion mane?
[Alan lets out an offended gasp, grabbing hold of his ponytail and stroking it while cradling it near his cheek.]
Alan: [talking to the ponytail] Shh, she didn't mean it, baby, no no. [glares at Robyn]
Robyn: ...Riiiiight. Either of you want to tell me why Mantle's being put at risk for Ironwood's pet project?
Ruby: We're trying to help Mantle. We need--
Clover: That's enough Robyn. As a potential Councilwoman, you should probably focus on the election instead of harassing Huntsmen. Now, it's time to let us pass.
Robyn: I think you've misjudged the situation. One way or another, these supplies are going to get where they're supposed to go - Mantle.
Clover: Then I suggest you do that through the proper legal channels as a Councilwoman. If you get elected.
Robyn: [smiles] Now where's the fun in that?
[Clover tensed his hand, and Ruby and Qrow put their hands on their weapons. Alan readied the Simplicitrix. Suddenly, Penny flew out from the back of the truck and lands on top of it, her swords levitating around her.]
Penny: Robyn Hill. I would like to politely ask that you call off the Huntresses approaching the rear of the truck.
[Alan, Clover, Qrow and Ruby looked back at what appears to be absolutely nothing behind the truck.]
Robyn: [laughs] Alright. Joanna, May!
[Joanna Greenleaf, a dark-skinned woman with green hair, and May Marigold, a slightly tanned woman with blue hair done in a long ponytail, suddenly appear.]
Robyn: [looking up at Penny] The Protector of Mantle, huh?
Penny: Let us through, please.
[Everyone remained tense for a moment, ready for a fight. Robyn sighed, and Fiona opened the gate on the barricade. Penny came down from the truck, and she, Ruby, Qrow and Clover start walking to enter the truck. Clover stopped and looked back.]
Clover: Robyn. Good luck at the election.
[They entered the truck and drove through the canyon.]
Qrow (voice): That was a close one.
Clover: (voice) You're telling me.
[Alan waits for the truck to get a good distance away before starting to follow it.]
Robyn: So. You don't work for General Ironwood?
[Alan stopped, and turned back to face her.]
Alan: Not in any official capacity. I figured it'd be beneficial to not bother with formalities in case I need to cut my losses.
May: And Ironwood kept you around anyway?
Alan: That implies he'd be able to stop me getting involved regardless, which is laughable. In any case, I figure he keeps me around because Team RWBY trusts me, and he trusts them.
Joanna: And speaking of trust, do you trust that what he's doing is going to help Mantle, when it's hurting it right now?
Alan: ...I trust the sentiment of what he's doing. The principle. His execution of it could be a bit less, well, executiony, though.
Robyn: But you're sticking with it?
Alan: For as long as Team RWBY's going along with it, so will I. I trust them.
[A silence came over the group before Robyn approached, putting her hand on Alan's shoulder.]
Robyn: I just need to be sure that Mantle isn't being purposefully neglected. Can you at least give me that?
Alan: You have my word.
Robyn: Forgive me if that's not exactly enough.
Alan: If you weren't going to trust my answer, why ask at all?
[Robyn took her hand off his shoulder, but kept it outstretched. Alan looked at it with suspicion before grabbing it, surprised when a pale Aura shimmered over both hands.]
Robyn: I'm asking again. Is Mantle going to be okay?
Alan: [sighs] Ironwood's Amity project is going to help everyone. Including Mantle.
[The pale Aura turned green, prompting surprised looks from the Happy Huntresses. Robyn pulled her hand away inquisitively.]
Robyn: ...Hm. I suppose that'll do.
[Alan nodded with an awkward thumbs up as he headed through the gateway to follow the truck, only to stop and turn yet again.]
Alan: Oh! One more thing. Robyn, was it? ...This conversation never happened. I didn't tell you shit.
Robyn: Scared of something?
Alan: I'm kind of alone in this world. I gotta cut my losses where I can.
[Robyn gave an understanding nod, and Alan gave a casual salute before hitting the Simplicitrix's core, turning into Crashhopper and jumping high into the air, causing a plume of snow as he did. When the snow cleared, the Huntresses looked at Robyn.]
Fiona: What now?
Robyn: I want to know why Amity Colosseum is suddenly so important. Whatever it takes.
----
[In the training room, Weiss and Winter had their Arma Gigas and Beowolf summons battle each other. The two summons wrestled to overpower each other, and the Gigas kicked the Beowolf away. The Beowolf leapt out of the way as the Gigas tried to slam its sword down upon it. The Beowolf then leapt onto the Gigas and grabbed hold. Weiss and Winter concentrated on the battle. Finally, the Beowolf charged toward the Arma Gigas and slashed with its claws, beheading it. However, at the last second, the Arma Gigas had impaled the Beowolf with its sword, causing the fight to result in a tie.]
Winter: Your technique still has those maddening sloppy touches. But you've learned how to make them work for you. You've made them your own.
Weiss: [smiling] Wow, that was very close to a compliment.
Winter: I didn't intend it that way.
Weiss: We all make mistakes, I guess. [becomes annoyed upon hearing snoring] Speaking of which...
[Weiss turned her attention to Alan, who had fallen asleep atop some of the training equipment. Rolling her eyes, Weiss spun around Myrtenaster, focusing a black Glyph underneath Alan. The Glyph caused him to levitate away from the equipment. He slowly woke up and then yelled upon realizing the situation, only for Weiss to drop him, though he transformed in time to not get hurt. The Glyph went away, and Alan, as Goop, got himself up, recollecting himself.]
Goop: Do you mind?
Weiss: Sleeping on the job? How unprofessional.
Goop: How many times do I have to tell you people? I'm not-
Weiss: Not doing this professionally? I know.
[Weiss gave Goop a knowing and warm smile, catching Goop off guard. Goop became Alan again, scratching the back of his neck as a slight blush came over his face. Winter glances between the two and gives a slight laugh.]
Alan: Um.. Uh.. A-Anyway. [awkwardly sidesteps] W-Winter. What were you two t-talking about? Heh.
Winter: Just about how Weiss isn't the little girl clinging to the family name anymore.
Weiss: Since Beacon, I haven't really had a choice. Father's view of the world no longer matches with mine.
Winter: Whatever the case, I am glad to see you've moved on. Distancing myself from the Schnee name is the most beneficial thing I've ever done. We can move forward without him, together.
[Winter placed her hand on Weiss' shoulder.]
Winter: I know General Ironwood would have a place for you.
Weiss: I would be grateful to him if he did, but I'm not sure I could accept.
Winter: Really?
[Weiss walked away and sat on a block. Alan and Winter glanced at each other before following.]
Weiss: It's just… Our kingdom isn't supposed to be like this. Fearful, and withdrawn. We should be opening our borders to help the world, not closing them down.
Winter: We will, though. Once we've weathered the storm, we will. I know the General hasn't done everything perfectly, but he's doing what he things is right.
Weiss: Everybody thinks what they're doing is right, but usually, they're just looking out for themselves and their secrets.
Winter: Ironwood isn't keeping secrets. Not from me.
Weiss: Can you be sure?
[Winter was slightly taken aback by the comment. Alan walked over, sitting down beside her on the block, and comfortingly placing his hand on hers, causing her to smile lightly. Winter kneeled down to be eye level with them.]
Winter: Come with me. There's something I want to show you. Both of you.
[Winter, Weiss, and Alan walked down a highly monitored hallway in a hospital. They passed through a door with a guards posted on each side, then down a staircase and through another long hallway with many cameras; four AK-200s were guarding a door on the far end of the hall. Winter led the two into an observation area overlooking a patient's room with a one-way window. There was a small kitchen and a machine with a pair of pods inside. One wall near the bed had a few different hanging on it, and there was an easel with a painting on it next to the bed. Winter entered a moment later.]
Winter: Good afternoon, feeling better today?
Fria: Good morning.
Winter: Would you care for some tea?
Fria: I do like hot tea on a cold day. Reminds me of home.
[Winter prepared a tray with tea in the kitchen and carried it over to the bed.]
Fria: Is it cold outside?
Winter: Yes, dear.
[She sat in a chair next to the bed, and the two of them drank tea together.]
Weiss: That's the Winter Maiden.
[Alan glanced up at Weiss upon hearing her say that. Winter soon enters, standing beside Weiss as she looks through the window.]
Winter: She could pass any day now. Until that happens, I'm the only person Fria's allowed to see.
Weiss: Ironwood's chosen you to be the next… W-When she dies.
Alan: From what I understand about the Maiden Powers, they only go to women. Shouldn't you just be the only woman Fria's allowed to see?
Winter: No. If she has anyone in her final thoughts that isn't applicable to get the powers, whether already dead, too old, or a man, they'll transfer to someone random. We can't risk that.
Weiss: ...How long have you known?
Winter: Since Beacon fell.
Weiss: Doesn't it bother you? He practically groomed your entire military career.
Winter: It did at first, when the General first proposed it to me. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw it as a privilege, a chance to do some real good for Atlas. For Remnant.
Weiss: But your destiny was chosen for you, without your input.
Winter: Perhaps, but I'm choosing it now. I've made it my own. And I take great pride in it. That has nothing to do with Father, or the General… That belongs to me.
Weiss: I guess we've both had to do a little bit of that. Carving out our own way.
Winter: I suppose we have.
[Alan awkwardly twiddles his thumbs off to the side, trying not to ruin the sisterly bonding moment. Winter's scroll beeps, prompting her to check it. She uses the scroll's projection to show a news broadcast of Jacques Schnee.]
Winter: ...Speaking of the family name.
Weiss: [watches alongside Winter and Alan] What is he doing?
Jacques: If I'm elected Councilman, I've made it no secret I will be opposing General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that is crippling all of Atlas. It is my belief that these measures are not only reckless, but criminal. With no shipments allowed to enter or leave leave the kingdom, I know many are suffering. And my family has been weathering the same storm as many of you. Effective immediately, I am forced to shut down all nonessential SDC operations. If elected to office, I will make the changes necessary to fix what Ironwood has broken. I hope you ask yourself before the vote, can you trust anyone else to stop Ironwood? Will Robyn Hill be able to get your jobs back?
[Microphones of news broadcasters can be seen as the overlapping voices futilely ask Jacques questions, as he turns himself away from the crowd and the broadcast ends. Winter and Weiss widen their eyes, while Alan seems visibly disgusted.]
Winter: I think… I think Father may have just provided the spark that's going to set this kingdom on fire.
----
[In the Atlas Academy training room, Blake used her Semblance and jumped from pillar to pillar while Yang followed and attempted to catch her. Below Blake and Yang, Winter sent her Beowolf Summon to attack Weiss, who created black glyphs above, below, and to the left and right of it. Weiss then used the glyphs to throw the Beowolf Summon around, slamming it against the glyphs. She created a white glyph in front of her and used it to send the Summon back toward Winter, who created her own white glyph to stop it. However, Winter suddenly winced in pain and dropped to one knee. She then discovered that a small version of Weiss' Arma Gigas Summon snuck up to her and cut her ankle with its sword. The Arma Gigas strikes a pose with its sword on its shoulder, and Winter glared at Weiss, who gave a smug smirk in return and giggles. Behind Weiss, Jaune is used his shield to deflect a rubber ball, while Nora kept hitting it toward him with her hammer. Nora activated Magnhild's upgrade, charging herself up with electricity. She swung Magnhild around and sent the ball rocketing toward Jaune, who blocked it and slid backward several feet before dropping to one knee. The emblem on his shield glowed cyan while he blocks, and the ball eventually turned to ash. He then dodged an attack before throwing up his sword to combat Alan as Diamondhead, then blasted him away with his shield as well. Nearby, Oscar used his Scroll to keep track of Jaune's Aura, which had been reduced to approximately 65%. Jaune took a deep breath, his Aura glowing for a moment, and Oscar watched Jaune's Aura increase to approximately 95%.]
Oscar: Nice, your recovery is getting faster.
[Diamondhead and Nora walked over to Jaune, who gave a cheerful thumbs-up. Nora then gave him a heavy pat on the back, still using her Semblance, which knocked him onto the ground, reducing his Aura to approximately 64%. Ruby zoomed past with her Semblance, heading straight toward Ren who was meditating in front of a pillar. She split into three red blurs, which all went around Ren and the pillar, before merging into one blur and becoming Ruby again.]
Oscar: Have you always been able to do that?
[Ruby peeked out at him from behind the pillar and then walked over to him.]
Ruby: [panting] I don't know. I don't normally think it through that much.
Oscar: You guys are evolving and I still don't have my Semblance.
Diamondhead: I wouldn't worry about it too much. I don't have mine, either. ...Assuming I can even get one.
Oscar: ...You have the alien thing to make up for it, though?
Diamondhead: ...I suppose that's true.
[Ren continued meditating, deep in a state where he has blocked out everyone around him. There was a ringing sound, followed by the sound of the training room door opening, and Ren opened his eyes and looks toward the door.]
Ironwood: Clover wasn't kidding. You're really giving this your all.
[Oscar and Ren stood up, and Diamondhead became Alan again.]
Ruby: Well, we have to with the way things are going.
[Ironwood took out his Scroll, which projected a screen depicting the live election results. Currently, Jacques had 30% of the vote, while Robyn had 70%.]
Ironwood: They're not going well, are they?
Alan: There's no way Robyn's worse than Jacques Schnee, from what I understand.
Ironwood: Oh, I suppose so. Either way, this election doesn't bode well for our stability.
Ruby: It could be a chance to work with Robyn and get Mantle on your side.
Ironwood: [putting his Scroll away] The likelihood of that working--
Nora: She's right, you have to do something about Mantle. If you could get Robyn to trust you...
Jaune: I bet if you opened up to her she'd understand that you're being framed.
Ironwood: [sighs] Perhaps... but it will only work if she's open too.
[Nora started to say something, but Ren stepped forward and interrupted her, earning a look from both her and Jaune.]
Ren: I take it you're here for new mission assignments?
Clover: You could say that. The General and I want you to take the rest of the day to recuperate.
Blake: You're giving us a night off?
Ironwood: Ordering it. After tonight's election, we'll be waking up to a very different Atlas tomorrow. I need you rested and ready for whatever that may bring.
Alan: [clears his throat] Technically, I don't have to necessarily take the night off, right?
Ironwood: Technically, you don't have to be here at all, considering how vocal you've been about not working for me.
Alan: ....Well why didn't anyone tell me that?!
[Alan crosses his arms with a mocking pout as he leaves the room. Ironwood sighs and goes to continue, only to be interrupted by the sound of a loud bang, followed by Alan shouting.]
Alan: OW! MOTHERFUCKER!
[The others rushed out into the hallway, seeing Alan shaking his right foot in anger and pain.]
Clover: What happened?
Alan: I KICKED THE WALL OUT OF FRUSTRATION AND NOW IT FUCKING HURTS!
Blake: ...You didn't think that would happen?
Alan: I DIDN'T THINK IT'D HURT THAT BAD! ...FUCK!
[Seeing the awkward way the others were staring at him, Alan turned away, embarrassed.]
Alan: Wh-Whatever. I'll walk it off back to the dorm. [begins walking, and immaturely mutters to himself] Fucking wall. Who the fuck does that wall think it is? Thinking it can just hurt me with rebound. Bullshit. 'Oh, look at me! I'm a wall! I separate rooms and countries! You can see one of me from space!' Blahdey blah blah!
Ironwood: [stares dumbfounded] ...Who entrusted that child to the device on his wrist?
----
[Teams RWBY and JNPR, along with Oscar and Alan, reside in the dorm room. Alan, Ruby, and Yang lie in different beds, while Blake does up her makeup in a nearby chair. Weiss leans on the ladder between the bunk beds, while the other four stand near the doorway.]
Weiss: There's no way my father could've thought layoffs would do anything but hurt him. So why announce this the day before the election?
Yang: Just seems like a power play that backfired to me. Won't matter in a few hours though.
[Yang stood up, stretched, and walked over to Blake.]
Ruby: Where are you guys going?
[Blake adjusted her hair, and Yang rested her hand on Blake's back, leaned down, and adjusted her own hair while looking in the mirror.]
Blake: Team FNKI invited us out dancing. Yang and I thought it would be good to get our minds off the election.
Ruby: I thought you said Team FNKI was annoying.
Yang: [straightens back up to look at Ruby] That's the best part about dance clubs. [whispers, pointing to her ears] I can't hear you.
[Blake giggles as Nora looks to Ruby.]
Nora: Speaking of going places, you ready?
Weiss: I still can't believe you're going to that thing.
Nora: Just because Ironwood dislikes Robyn doesn't mean we all have to. From where I'm standing both of them seem to be trying their best to help Atlas. As to who's doing a better job…
Weiss: [sighs] But a victory party?
[Ruby walked past Weiss, shrugging, and stopped next to Nora.]
Ruby: Invite's still open if you want in. Penny's gonna be working security.
[On the other end of the room, Yang started laughing. Weiss turned to see Blake trying and failing to dance.]
Yang: Oh my gosh, no. You gotta do it like this.
[Blake stopped and watched as Yang begins dancing.]
Blake: That's what I'm doing!
[Blake held her hands out in exasperation, her cat ears folding over, and Yang laughed again. Weiss watched Blake and Yang with an unamused expression.]
Jaune: Well, Oscar and I are going to the movies, if anyone's interested.
[Weiss glanced over to Alan lying on the bed.]
Weiss: ...You got any plans?
Alan: Sleeping? Specifically in a bed since there's finally gonna be one free. I don't exactly have many other options, y'know, I'm kinda alone here, even with befriending you guys. Big things like dance clubs or victory parties aren't exactly my environme-
Weiss: [rolling her eyes as Alan talked before interrupting] Alan, you dolt, I'm trying to ask you on a date.
[The entire room got awkwardly quiet as Alan sat up, his face going through motions of realization.]
Alan: Oh. Ohhhh. OH! O-Ohhhh. Ohhh.... O-Okay. Sure. Yeah. Th-That works. [gets off the bed, shifting a bit awkwardly] I'm down.
Weiss: [smiles] Good. I'll arrange something for us then.
[Weiss took out her scroll as she headed into the hallway. Alan scratched the back of his head and noticed the others giving him knowing grins, with the exceptions of Oscar, who giggled some, Ren, who remained stoic, and Ruby, who seemed a bit confused.]
Alan: ...Don't blame me, I don't know when people are trying to ask me out. I've never been asked out.
Yang: Well, that just changed. [winks]
Alan: [rolls his eyes, notices Ruby's look] ...What?
Ruby: I thought I was Weiss' dolt.
Alan: [shrugs] Maybe this red and black dolt reminds her of another red and black dolt. In any case, [steps to the door, taking a deep, nervous breath] I have a date with royalty now.
----
Alan: ...So, this is the place?
[Alan and Weiss stood outside of a fanciful restaurant called The Beanstalk.]
Weiss: Yep. It's normally a nightmare for people to get in, but... Well, I suppose the Schnee name has some perks.
Alan: Even if you aren't the heiress anymore?
Weiss: You'd understand the perks of licenses, too, if you had one.
[Alan chuckled, then an indiscernible look came over his face.]
Weiss: What is it?
Alan: I'm... not used to this high end stuff. Or... dating stuff, really. I come from a small town, fancy restaurants weren't exactly abundant. And the last date... Well, the relationship, rather, didn't end well.
[Weiss rests a comforting hand on his shoulder, then interlocks her arm with his, giving a comforting smile.]
Weiss: I'll try to make up for that, then.
[Alan reciprocated the smile, and the two headed inside The Beanstalk. Behind them was a screen, projected onto a building called The Glass Unicorn, showing the current standings of the poll. Jacques Schnee is at 33%, while Robyn is ay 67%. Suddenly, the numbers change, to 34%, and 66% respectively. After being seated and given their food, the two laugh together.]
Alan: The dude sends a broadcast to the planet, right? And he's all "Arggh! You'll die or be mutated into having many limbs!"
Weiss: ...He said 'what"? [giggles in disbelief]
Alan: Something about more limbs means higher evolution or some shit. He was probably a huge fan of spiders.
[The two continued eating as Weiss began on her own story.]
Weiss: So, I'm off to the sidelines of the dance, when suddenly, everyone starts laughing and turns their attention... Because Jaune has just walked in wearing a dress.
Alan: [covers his mouth, almost coughing up his food from being caught off guard] I-I'm sorry?
Weiss: It was... certainly a sight to witness.
Alan: Where the hell did he even get it?
Weiss: He has seven sisters, I imagine one of them is responsible.
Alan: ...That poor soul.
[The two reached the end of their dinner, with Alan admiring Myrtenaster, notably having his right hand barren.]
Alan: Extremely elegant.
Weiss: I can't say I feel the same about... this.
[Alan looked across the table at Weiss, who bore the Simplicitrix on her own wrist, its shape changing to fit hers. Alan took her hand into his and began fiddling with the core.]
Alan: Hey! ...I designed this version myself.
Weiss: Really?
Alan: ...Okay, technically, I took the design from a video game, but the paint job was me.
Weiss: [rolls her eyes with a smile] You're just as insufferable as Ruby.
Alan: I'll take that as a compliment, Miss Schnee.
[Alan smirked, finishing up fiddling with the device, allowing him to remove it from her wrist and put it back on his own, but not before planting a kiss to her hand, prompting her to blush. Weiss paid for the dinner, and the two exited the building, but then froze in fear at the newscast on the projection on The Glass Unicorn.]
Newscaster: A surprise victory by SDC Mining Corporation's CEO, Jacques Schnee. Last-minute voter turnout produced a dark horse victory for the Dust industry leader.
[Alan's anger at the result became evident on his face, while Weiss' expression turned to worry and fear.]
Jacques: And as the newest member of the Council, I pledge to serve each and every citizen of Mantle and Atlas.
[Alan and Weiss reached hands towards each other, trying to comfort one another as their fingers interlocked, looking over the situation before them. Hearing a noise, the two of them looked up to see Penny flying past without so much as a wave. Alan and Weiss then looked at each other, their concern only increasing.]
==Major Events==
*Robyn Hill and the Happy Huntresses debut.
*Robyn's Truth Detection and May's Invisibility are used for the first time.
*Winter shows Alan and Weiss the location of Fria, the current Winter Maiden.
*Alan and Weiss go on their first date.
*Jacques Schnee is "elected" to the council.
*Entropic Punch, Missile Toe, Bungee Sponge, The Worst, Upchuck, Diesel, and Crashhopper debut.
===Simplicitrix Debuts===
*Entropic Punch
*Missile Toe
*Bungee Sponge
*The Worst
*Upchuck
*Diesel
*Crashhopper
==Characters==
*Alan Nomaly
*Ruby Rose
*Weiss Schnee
*Blake Belladonna
*Yang Xiao Long
*Jaune Arc
*Nora Valkyrie
*Lie Ren
*Qrow Branwen
*Oscar Pine
===Ironwood's Group===
*General Ironwood
*Penny Polendina
*Winter Schnee
*Fria (debut, cameo)
===Ace Operatives===
*Clover Ebi
*Marrow Amin
===Team FNKI===
*Flynt Coal
*Neon Katt
*Kobalt
*Ivori
===Happy Huntresses===
*Robyn Hill (debut)
*Fiona Thyme (debut)
*May Marigold (debut)
*Joanna Greenleaf (debut)
===Villains===
*Jacques Schnee
===Grimm===
*Manticore
*Sabyr
*Frosted Beowolf
==Aliens Used==
*Humungousaur (cameo)
*Upgrade (cameo)
*Czechmate (cameo)
*Entropic Punch (debut, cameo)
*Missile Toe (debut, cameo)
*Bungee Sponge (debut, cameo)
*The Worst (debut, cameo)
*Fasttrack
*Upchuck (debut, cameo)
*Diesel (debut)
*Crashhopper (debut, cameo)
*Goop
*Diamondhead
==Trivia==
*This episode combines the events of the RWBY Volume 7 episodes Sparks and A Night Off.
*Originally, Alan was going to go with Ruby, Nora, and Ren to Robyn's victory party (Wildmutt would've been used in this scene and would've fought Tyrian Callows). Another version of the story had Alan go with Blake, Yang, and Team FNKI to the dance club. Both were scrapped in favor of working on Ice Wall.
*The training scene with Team FNKI and Weiss explaining she was asking Alan on a date were planned long before the writing of the episode actually happened.
*Alan recounts the events of Alan 10, confirming a version of the events happened for this version of him, while Weiss recounts the events of the RWBY episode Dance Dance Infiltration.