Chapter 20 - Sparks

"Okay let watch the future" zen said sounding shocked and amused about something

"Okay but what wrong with you?" Ruby asked

"It just your future I'm thinking about" zen said

Ruby nodded

"Let's see what missions we do" yang said excited

The sun rises over Atlas Academy while Team RWBY snores in their beds.

Penny: Salutations!

Team RWBY are startled awake by Penny shouting her greeting in the middle of their dorm room.

Penny: (in a sing-song voice) Good morning, Team RWBY!

Yang: Ugh, Penny. What time is it even?

Penny: Time to be Huntresses, of course!

"Why did you have to wake us up?" Yang asked

"To be huntresses" penny said

"What time is it anyway?" Blake asked

Zen shrugged not knowing and thinking about

theories about the future

Penny strikes a pose, holding up two fingers by her head and winking. Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang groan, while Ruby Rose excitedly gets to her feet.

Ruby: Yahoo!

Jaune Arc walks into a briefing room with a coffee mug and heads over to where Team RWBY, the Ace Operatives and his teammates are sitting. He takes a seat and cheerfully prepares to sip his steaming hot coffee, only to notice Marrow Amin staring and wagging his tail. Jaune frowns and hands the mug to Marrow.

"Must be nice to have that much energy in the morning" yang said

"Well I'm finally a huntress so I'm really excited" ruby said excited

"My coffee" jaune said

"Poor jaune" ruby said

Jaune: (sighs) Sure, take it.

Marrow drinks the coffee, while Jaune hangs his head.

Clover: Eyes up, Huntsmen. Time to get used to the new normal in Atlas.

Sometime later, Ruby and Qrow Branwen are riding in a truck that is being driven by an Atlesian Knight-200. Qrow has fallen asleep, so Ruby looks annoyed and elbows him awake.

Ruby looked at Qrow

"What?" Qrow asked

"Don't fall asleep on the mission" ruby said

"Hey I'm tired in need some sleep kiddo" Qrow said

Clover: 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 from the sky toward a Manticore outside the Schnee Dust Company Mine #2. Weiss severs its tail, and Ruby cuts it in half. Weiss then levitates a group of Beowolves into the air to allow Ruby to more easily kill them, then turns her attention to a group of Sabyrs. Weiss forms a replica of her Arma Gigas' sword out of ice and uses a glyph to swing it, instantly slaying the Sabyrs. With the Grimm in the area killed, Ruby gives a thumbs up to three Mantas as they fly overhead.

"Kicking the Grimm ass" ruby said

"Yeah and looking amazing while doing it" Weiss said

Clover: 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 Valkyrie follows Lie Ren along the top of Mantle's outer wall, playing with his braid. Ren hears growling below and stops to look, causing Nora to bump into him. The two of them look down at the Sabyrs approaching the wall and draw their weapons.

"So the going to be gaps in mantle defenses that let Grimm in more easily" ruby said

"Yeah but at least we can stop them from coming in" Weiss said

"Yeah but what happens if there to many?" Yang asked

Inside of the abandoned Dust mine, Yang, Blake and Marrow fight Beowolves. After they kill a few of the Grimm, Marrow turns to Blake and Yang.

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 turn red upon spotting another Beowolf that comes running toward her. She uses the recoil from her weapons to launch herself at it and punches it in the head. She then rapidly attaches several explosives to its abdomen and slides between its legs to get behind it. Blake tosses her sickle to Yang, who stabs it into the Beowolf's chest and fires Ember Celica to launch the Beowolf into the air. Blake tugs on her ribbon to throw the Beowolf toward two more Beowolves closer to the mine entrance, at which point Yang's explosives go off, killing all three. Marrow watches the whole event and turns back to Blake and Yang, who give him disapproving looks.

"Well he just got prove wrong" yang said smirking

"Well I think you should sometimes pair up with the other two because you really don't interact with them that much" zen said

"We do interact with others" yang said

"Really from what I seen I can tell you the exact time all of you have talk or interact in anyway" zen said

"Prove it" yang said

"Okay for Weiss and ruby it's 56:07 for Weiss and Blake it's 14:07  and for you and Weiss it's 19:29 minutes and for ruby and blake it 8:82 while you of course have the most interact with ruby because you grow up together" zen said

"What is my and Blake's?" Yang asked

"Well it 1:13:41" zen said

"Woe ruby and Blake really don't interact" Nora said

"Yeah it really odd" ren said

Team rwby was shocked with the gaps between them for interacts

"Maybe we should interact with each other more" yang said

"Yep anyway let's watch the future" zen said

Marrow: Really, really good stuff! Yeah, keep it up.

Jaune stands on a crosswalk somewhere in Mantle, holding up a small stop sign, while five small children cross the street.

Jaune: Single file line, you know the drill.

Clover: But there's still plenty to do in Mantle itself.

"Look at jaune protecting them children" yang said

"Yeah well he definitely getting a lot of attention" zen said

"W-What do you mean?" Zen said

Zen just smirked

A group of five young women stand on the sidewalk nearby, watching Jaune and giggling excitedly. Four of them strike poses, grinning at him. One of the four winks, while another holds out her hand, gesturing for him. The fifth looks away shyly. Meanwhile, a blonde woman in a red coat has approached Jaune with a large casserole.

Jaune: (awkwardly) Oh, another casserole. That's too kind.

The blonde woman repeatedly attempts to hand the casserole to the reluctant Jaune before forcibly shoving it into his arms, blushing and striking a pose. Meanwhile, a small blonde child in a red coat looks back at her and then sticks their tongue out in disgust and continues walking.

"Damn jaune the nickname sticks now lady killer" yang said

"Why are they doing this?" Jaune said

"Well you are a huntsman and quiet handsome don't make it weird" zen said

"R-really" jaune said embarrassed

"I don't think that kid like you now" ruby said

Clover: I think you'll find everyone appreciates having a Huntsman around.

Across the street, Nora watches Jaune.

Nora: It's totally the haircut.

Sometime in the later hours, a Sabyr runs into an alleyway in Mantle. It stops and turns around to face Yang and Ruby, who are chasing it. The two exchange a look with a smile and then charge into the alley.

"Hell no it isn't not" zen said

"Yeah some sister bonding chasing and killing Grimm" yang said

"Yeah" ruby said

Clover: You're of course free to enjoy your time off as you see fit. Whatever helps you take the edge off.

In a huge training room, Weiss summons her Arma Gigas while Winter Schnee watches her. Weiss looks back at her sister with a smile and then looks upset when Winter looks away disapprovingly.

Ironwood: You might not hear Oz anymore, Oscar, but that doesn't mean we can't try to jog him loose.

Ironwood and Oscar enter the training room.

Weiss looks down after seeing her sister disapprove fo it

"Wow really show some damn emotions like being proud or something" zen said

"Why should I do that?" winter asked

"One it bad on someone Self esteem and two you're acting like your father there" zen said

Winter looked pissed after zen said that

"I'm nothing like my father" winter said glaringly at zen

"Whatever you say and trust me act proud and sometimes disapprove of it that will make the person more determinate to push themselves" zen said

"How can you be sure?" Winter asked agreeing calming down

"I'm a god that has seen a shit ton of universe what do you think?" Zen asked

Oscar: What did you have in mind?

Ironwood turns to Oscar in a battle-ready pose, and Oscar draws his cane and gets into a battle pose. The two then charge each other.

Clover: The Huntsmen around you can be an invaluable resource. If you're willing to pay attention.

In the training room, Jaune slides back after blocking a hit with his shield. He then scales a stack of blocks and begins jumping from stack to stack. Vine Zeki uses an Aura arm to punch one of the stacks just as Jaune lands on it, causing the latter to fall with a scream. Vine catches him with the arm and places him on top of another stack of blocks.

"That might get ozpin out but it just a chance" Oscar said

"Yeah but I don't think I can trust him" ironwood said

"Don't start because you lied about penny along with going behind his back to be security   for the vytal festival and thanks to you bringing that small army it made it harder for everyone" zen said

"That is true but I was trying to help" ironwood said

"Yes but ozpin did have his reasons to hide it but he shouldn't have keep it a secret for so long because you lose trust in them" zen said

"What about miss rose and the group?" winter asked

"Well they had a good reason ironwood was giving up hope and was desperate and they didn't know if they could of trusted him" zen said

"You were doing a really good job" Nora said

"Yeah but I think he has advice for me"jaune said

Vine: Have you ever thought about extending your Aura?

Clover: But make no mistake, school's over. You get to choose what type of Huntsman or Huntress you are.

Ren leaps from a wall of blocks behind Elm Ederne and fires his weapon's blades, wrapping the cables around her right arm. He yanks on the cables, causing her to stumble a little, but she stomps on the floor, using her Semblance to root herself in place. She jerks on the cables, turns and puts her left arm out, causing Ren to slam into it and tumble across the floor. He pushes himself to his feet and looks at her with a determined expression.

Ren: Again.

"That a really good idea and I can recover my aura quickly" jaune said

Ren looked at the screen determined

"Come on renny you can beat her" Nora said

Ren smiled at Nora

Harriet Bree runs in circles with her Semblance, while Ruby dashes alongside her with her own Semblance, with Weiss using her glyphs to help Ruby. For a while, Harriet is ahead of Ruby, but Ruby catches up and then passes her. Marrow, Elm and Vine watch from nearby.

Another morning comes, and Penny greets Team RWBY in their dorm room at sunrise. Weiss tiredly walks across the room while brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush. Blake begins heading out of the room but then looks back to see Yang standing in one spot in a sleepy daze, so she grabs Yang's arm and pulls her out of the room. While this goes on, Ruby excitedly drops down from her bunk and talks to Penny.

"Ha who faster now" ruby said

"Ruby I'm just my glyphs to help you" Weiss said

"Shhh let me have is" ruby said

"It must be taking a lot out of us" Blake said

"Yeah or ruby taking all of our energy for herself" yang said

"Yeah can you give us some of your energy" Weiss asked

"I wish I could but I can't" ruby said smiling

Ruby: Penny, Penny! So yesterday, Weiss and I were like (grunts) and they were like (screams)

In the briefing room, Jaune walks over to Marrow with two coffee mugs and hands him one. He then sits next to Marrow, and the two clink their mugs together.

Clover: So, what's it gonna be?

"At least she happy about everything" yang said

"Seems like jaune learned and brought two coffees mug this time" Weiss said

"Yeah I can have coffee in the morning" jaune said

Team RWBY sits together in the briefing room, with Weiss, Blake and Yang growing more and more tired while Ruby continues to be excited. Eventually, only Ruby is left awake, sitting still with a smile on her face. Weiss is leaned against Ruby's left shoulder, while Yang is leaned against her right shoulder, and Blake lays across Yang's lap, with Yang's hand on her arm.

Sometime later in the training room, Flynt Coal blasts down a block wall with his Semblance, while Jaune blocks the blast with his shield and Hard-Light Dust. Neon Katt skates by, with Nora chasing her.

"We all fall asleep  and she doesn't even seems affected in the slightest" yang said

"You guys really need to have more energy" ruby and Nora said at the same time

"Sorry we don't have energy like you two"everyone said

Neon: Never miss a beat, never miss a beat. Excuse me!

Neon turns and pulls her bottom eyelid down, sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry at Nora. She then turns and weaves around block pillars, laughing, while Nora smashes through the pillars with Magnhild. The blocks disintegrate when they are damaged.

Neon: Come on, lightning bolt, aren't you supposed to be fast?

"I see why you find her annoying" Nora said

"Yeah she is really annoying but I do need more practice for my anger and patience" yang said thinking she be someone good for that

Neon skates away into a room-like area. Ren has taken cover behind a block pillar, occasionally leaning out to fire at Ivori, who blocks the bullets with his whip.

Neon: Wow, your boyfriend's actually holding his own!

Neon comes back to where Ren is from the room-like area and leaps over him. As he raises his guns to fire at Ivori, she hits the guns with her nunchaku, using Ice Dust to encase the guns and Ren's hands in ice.

Nora blushed and looked at neon on the screen annoyed

"He a good fighter" ren said

"Yeah but you can beat him Ren" Nora said

Neon: Where's all that energy when he's around you?

She points at Nora while she talks, then skates away. Just as Ivori raises his whip to attack Ren, Nora fires a grenade, which hits him in the torso, knocking him down. Nora then hops onto Manghild and uses it to fly after Neon, growling angrily. The two speed past Oscar and Kobalt and turn the corner.

Neon: Wee

"I'm going to get her and punch her so hard in the face she won't think straight"Nora said

"Nora calm down" ren said

"Fine but she annoying" Nora said 

Oscar attempts to attack Kobalt with his cane. However, Kobalt catches the cane, takes it from him and tosses it away. He then grabs Oscar's head and lifts him up. Oscar kicks him in the chest and flips away. Ironwood, who is watching the spar from an observation room, nods.

Flynt is slammed into a wall by an unknown assailant, and someone flings Kobalt from behind a wall on the other side of the room. Neon skates into the room-like area, laughing. When she comes to a stop, she sees Jaune standing in one of the doorways. She turns and sees Ren standing in another doorway and then Oscar standing in another. She turns to the fourth and final doorway, which has 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?

"Yeah got her trapped and now it my turn" nora said

"Well done you guys for beating them" ruby said

"Thank you" ren said along with jaune and Oscar

While Nora was looking at the screen waiting to see neon get punched by her

Nora leaps over a wall and slams her hammer down on Neon's face. Shortly after, Neon talks to JNR and Oscar with a black eye, which soon heals.

Neon: Wow! That was amazing! You guys have really improved since the Vytal Tournament. And that cute farm boy had a few surprises for us, too.

She winks at Oscar with a cat-like smile, and Oscar blushes with a shy chuckle.

Jaune: Well, you really had us on our toes. Thought you had us there for a second, whew!

"Yeah finally" Nora said

Oscar blushed at what neon said

"Farm boy getting lady's now" yang said teasing Oscar

Oscar just blushed at what yang said

"No" Oscar  said

Neon: Oh c'mon, it was way more than a second!

Flynt blows 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 grins as a giant imaginary six layer BLT sandwich drops onto Kobalt, who removes the toothpick, causing the sandwich to disappear, leaving a lettuce leaf on his head. He takes a small step away from Nora.

Jaune, Nora and Ren's Scrolls buzz. They withdraw their Scrolls to see the words "Incoming Mission" on their screens.

"Nooo my sandwich" Nora said

"Seems like we can't eat with them" jaune said

"Sadly but duty calls" ren said

Jaune: Ah, man. We'd love to, but um...

Ren: Duty calls. Maybe some other time?

Nora frowns at the message.

Flynt: No worries! The next time you're free, just let us know.

Flynt throws up a peace sign, and Jaune awkwardly copies him, earning an amused laugh from Flynt.

Jaune: Yeah, next time.

Team FNKI walk away.

Neon: Hey Ivori, if you're gonna go get froyo, can I have a bite?

Flynt: Aw, come on!

"Really jaune"yang said laughing along with the others

"I'm just trying to be cool okay" jaune said

"Please being a huntsman is cool enough after all you are getting a lot of woman going after you" yang said

"Yeahs yeah" jaune said

Ren hops down from the blocks he was sitting on, and Nora rises up from behind him with a sheepish grin.

Nora: There's still time for sandwiches, right?

Ren sighs, and Jaune smiles.

A truck drives along a long, straight road in the middle of the tundra.

Ruby: Not that I'm bored, but why can't we just use an airship to take these supplies to Amity?

"No sandwiches" Nora said sadly

"Yeah why can't we use airships for the transport?" ruby asked

"Well it cost a lot of dust to get it there" zen said

"Yes because of how heavy the components for the construction" penny said

Ruby and Penny Polendina are sitting in the front seat, while an AK-200 drives. Ruby stares ahead sleepily.

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 begins to come closer to nodding off to sleep.

Ruby: It just makes for long... very long... supply runs.

"Finally she getting tired" yang said

"Because it so boring there" ruby said

"Well the tundra is scenic" penny said happily

"Totally" ruby said

Penny: At least the tundra is scenic.

Penny smiles and looks out the window. In the distance, a pair of penguins watch the truck, squawking.

Ruby: (unimpressed) Totally.

Ruby begins falling asleep, soon leaning over to Penny's shoulder.

Penny: Ruby!

Ruby is startled awake.

"Thank you penny for keeping me awake" Ruby said

"No problem" penny said

Penny: I just wanted to say how excited I am to be working with you in a professional capacity. As friends!

Penny grins excitedly.

Ruby: (laughs) 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. General Ironwood says I don't have time for friends.

"Yes it is really exciting to work with you" penny said excited

"What you're not letting penny have any friends?" Ruby asked

"Don't make me look like a bad guy because of this but I need her at mantle to protect the people there" ironwood said

"But you never took penny feeling into account" ruby said

"You're right but at least she has you and your group to be her friends" ironwood said

"Yeah I'm really happy" penny said happily

"She acts a lot like a puppy when ever she happy or made friends" yang said

"Yes but it is adorable" Weiss said

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 speaks up from the back of the truck.

Qrow: Everything going alright up there?

Ruby: Just fine, Uncle Qrow!

"That is normal?" Penny asked

"Yes it normal penny" ruby said

"Yay" penny said

"Huh seems like my bad luck hasn't kick in yet" Qrow said

"Well it has but not in a life threatening way" zen said

"Huh?" Qrow asked confused

Ruby gives a thumbs up. In the back, Qrow is playing a card game with Clover Ebi, who sets several cards down on the supply crate they are using as a table.

Clover: I win again. Maybe we should call it quits?

Qrow: Shut up and deal.

Clover laughs, then gathers up the cards and shuffles them.

Clover: Your niece sure is one of a kind, huh?

Qrow: They all are. Been through a lot together.

"I see what you mean" Qrow said

"Wow Ruby he really likes to compliment you" yang said

"Yeah" ruby said awkwardly

"At least uncle Qrow is sayings for us" yang said

"You know it firecraker" Qrow said

"Even though he more favourable to ruby" yang said

"Hey I have to after all you are your father favourite" Qrow said

"What I don't have favourites" tai said

"Please every parent have their favourites" zen said

"I'm fine with it" ruby said

Clover: It's a good thing they had someone to look up to and get them through it. Not everyone is so lucky.

Clover begins dealing the cards.

Qrow: I don't know about all that. Thanks, by the way. For looking out for 'em. You and your team.

Clover: What good is saving the world without another generation waiting in the wings? Hopefully they'll leave Remnant better than we left it for them.

Qrow: Once upon a time, I'd have drank to that.

"Seems like you two are getting along more" ruby said

"Yeah he seems like a nice guy" Qrow said

"Yep but i don't do that anymore" Qrow said

Clover: You shouldn't do that, you know.

Qrow: Don't worry, I-I gave that up.

Clover: I meant deflect a compliment. Those kids wouldn't be where they are without you. You've had more of an effect on them than you realize.

Qrow smiles and rubs the side of his head.

Ruby: Uh, Uncle Qrow.

"Yeah you always deflect compliments or ignore them" ruby said with yang nodding her head agreeing with ruby

"Damn fine i deflect and ignore compliments" Qrow said

"Great trouble what is it Grimm?" Weiss asked

"Watch" zen said

"Fine"Weiss said

Qrow and Clover get up and head to the front of the truck.

Qrow: What's going on? Grimm?

Clover: No. Worse. You two with me. Penny, stay put and keep an eye on our six. We may need an element of surprise.

Penny: Affirmative. I will plan for six possible outcomes.

The three look at Penny, who smiles confidently.

"What can be worse than Grimm?" Ruby asked confused

"I have no idea but it seems like we'll see" Weiss said

"Penny that isn't what clover meant" zen said

"What did he mean?" Penny asked confused

"He saying watch our back and if anything happens help us" zen said

"I'm sure i would of thought of that as one of the possible outcomes" penny said 

Robyn Hill and Fiona Thyme are standing in the middle of the road in front of a sheet metal barricade built in front of a small canyon

Robyn: Alright ladies, time to show them our teeth.

The truck comes to a stop, and Clover, Ruby and Qrow exit.

Clover: Robyn! Well, if it isn't Mantle's home town hero. Is there a reason you're blocking an official military transport?

"It them the happy huntresses?" Ruby asked

"Yep and they are stopping you getting to amity" yang said

"Yeah but they are good looking and cute especially Robyn and Fiona" zen said

"Hmm she look better in a mini skirt"qrow said

"You are disgusting uncle Qrow" ruby said

"Yeah please keep them thoughts to yourself" yang said

"Fine" Qrow said

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.

Clover starts to walk away.

Robyn: (sighs) I was hoping you'd play it straight with me. What's Ironwood doing with Amity at the old SDC mine?

"It does seem like a good idea to tell her because she going to keep interfering with the transport" Qrow said

"It seems that why but I can't trust her" ironwood said

Zen just sighed

"Yeah and she going to stop at nothing to try and find out what you're hiding" zen said

Clover stops and turns back to Robyn.

Clover: 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.

"I thought that be obvious after her talking about amity being there" yang said

"Yeah but we do need the resources to launch amity but all the citizens are in danger because of it" ruby said

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.

Robyn walks forward and extends her hand with a smile.

Clover: I'm going to have to pass on that.

She frowns, then smiles again as she turns her attention to Ruby and Qrow.

"She definitely isn't going to stop" ruby said

"Yeah and it seems like she going to ask us now" Qrow said

Robyn: How 'bout you, pipsqueak? Five o' clock shadow? 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.

"Did she call me pipsqueak" ruby said

"Yeah but you are a pipsqueak and she called me five o'clock shadow and that is accurate" Qrow said

"Hey my voice is getting slightly deeper and I only let you call me pipsqueak" Ruby said annoyed

"Seems like we have something in common with her nickname calling" Qrow said

"Yeah" yang said

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.

Robyn: Now where's the fun in that?

Clover tenses his hand, and Ruby and Qrow put their hands on their weapons. Suddenly, Penny flies out from the back of the truck and lands on top of it, her swords levitating around her.

"It seems like she was ambushing us" Qrow said

"Yeah but good thing we have penny" ruby said

"Don't worry I will make sure they don't sneak up to you" penny said

Penny: Robyn Hill. I would like to politely ask that you call off the Huntresses approaching the rear of the truck.

Clover, Qrow and Ruby look back at what appears to be absolutely nothing behind the truck.

Robyn: (laughs) Alright. Joanna, May!

Two people fade into view behind the truck.

Robyn: (looking up at Penny) The Protector of Mantle, huh?

"Yeah good thing we had their  penny because we didn't see a thing" ruby said

"Yeah must be a semblance at work" Qrow said

Penny: Let us through, please.

Everyone remains tense for a moment, ready for a fight. Robyn sighs, and Fiona opens the gate on the barricade. Penny comes down from the truck, and she, Ruby, Qrow and Clover start walking to enter the truck. Clover stops and looks back.

Clover: Robyn. Good luck at the election.

They enter the truck and drive through the canyon.

Qrow: That was a close one.

Clover: You're telling me.

"Seems like the only reason we got through is thanks to penny" ruby said

"Yep being the protecter of mantle can have it perks" zen said

"Let's hope she wins the election" Weiss said

Robyn's Happy Huntresses gather around her as she watches the truck drive away.

Fiona: What now?

Robyn: I want to know why Amity Colosseum is suddenly so important. Whatever it takes.

"Yay so it seems like we need to deal with her now" yang said

In the training room, Weiss and Winter have their Arma Gigas and Beowolf summons battle each other. The two summons wrestle to overpower each other, and the Gigas kicks the Beowolf away. The Beowolf leaps out of the way as the Gigas tries to slam its sword down upon it. The Beowolf then leaps onto the Gigas and grabs hold. Weiss and Winter concentrate on the battle. Finally, the Beowolf charges toward the Arma Gigas and slashes 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.

"Aww some sister bonding" yang said

"It seems so and that was close to a compliment" Weiss said smirking

"Well I didn't intend it that way" winter said

Winter: I didn't intend it that way.

Weiss: We all make mistakes, I guess.

Winter: (laughs) You've grown up a bit, haven't you? You're not 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.

"See this is how you should act some times it better that way" zen said

"It seems like it does help" winter said

"Yeah and we don't need father" Weiss said

"Yes and I'm happy about that but mother and Whitley" winter said remember what zen said about Whitley

Winter places 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 walks away and sits on a block.

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.

"Seems like that not a opinion than" ironwood said

"I would be honoured but you hear the future me i can't with how is it" Weiss said

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: Come with me. There's something I want to show you.

"You're talking about us aren't you" ruby said

"Yes and we don't now if ironwood is actually telling the truth about everything" Weiss said

"Well I can say he is keeping a secret from you but it not actually bad so don't worry" zen said

"What are you going to show me?" Weiss asked

"It seems like I'm showing you the winter maiden" winter said

Winter and Weiss walk down a highly monitored hallway in a hospital. They pass 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 are guarding a door on the far end of the hall.

Winter leads Weiss into an observation area overlooking a patient's room with a one-way window. There is a small kitchen and a machine with a pair of pods inside. One wall near the bed has a few different hanging on it, and there is an easel with a painting on it next to the bed. Winter enters a moment later.

Winter: Good afternoon, feeling better today?

Fria: Good morning.

Winter: Would you care for some tea?

"Is that the winter maiden?" Ruby asked

"Yes and you can see what I mean by she old" zen said

"So does that mean your going to be the next winter maiden?" Weiss asked

"Yes" winter said simply

Fria: I do like hot tea on a cold day. Reminds me of home.

Winter prepares a tray with tea in the kitchen and carries it over to the bed.

Fria: Is it cold outside?

Winter: Yes, dear.

She sits in a chair next to the bed, and the two of them drink tea together.

Weiss: That's the Winter Maiden.

Winter has gone to the observation room and is standing next to Weiss.

Winter: She could pass any day now. Until that happens, I'm the only person Fria's allowed to see.

"So in other words you where picked and groom to be the winter maiden" Weiss said

"There no point in saying anything winter since you're going to say it in the future" zen said

"Okay" winter said

Weiss gets a look of realization.

Weiss: Ironwood's chosen you to be the next... W-When she dies. 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.

"You can't choose your own destiny most of the time" zen said

"What do you mean?" Winter asked

"The future have already been set in stone and you can't change it and the maiden powers on there own pick good hosts and how can you be sure she will only think of you does she have family and how can you be sure cinder doesn't get in there to get the powers?"zen asked

"Well of that happened I would fight cinder and no she doesn't have any family" winter said

Weiss: I guess we've both had to do a little bit of that. Carving out our own way.

Winter: I suppose we have.

Winter's Scroll beeps. She opens it to see a message from Ironwood. The top of her Scroll's screen says "This message comes from a contact who has marked all communications with you as CLASSIFIED". The message she just received from Ironwood was sent at 18:05 and says "Check the news". The message is followed by a link to a video of a live news broadcast on the Atlas Broadcast Network, which Winter opens.

Winter: Speaking of the family name.

"What on the news?" Ruby asked

"It has to do with there father" zen said

"Great let's see what he does" Weiss said

In the video, Jacques steps up to a podium in front of the Schnee manor. Weiss walks over to watch with Winter.

Weiss: What is he doing?

As Jacques speaks, a news ticker at the bottom of the screen scrolls by. It says:

"Missing Journalist Found Slain In Her Midtown Apartment"

"Perimeter Wall Damaged Last Month - Resources and Funding Are Stalled"

"Surface Level Grimm Attacks Increasing - Mantle Protection Agency Advises Staying Indoors"

"Weather Special - How to Keep You and Your Family Safe From Hypothermia and Frostbite"

"Seems like another death happened and more Grimm are coming" yang said

"Yeah we need to help them more" ruby said

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.

People in a Mantle bar watch the broadcast on a hologram TV screen, and miners in a Dust mine watch it on a Scroll.

Jacques: 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.

Drinking Buddy walks along a sidewalk to a building with a Closed sign. He attempts to open the door, but it is locked.

"Yeah it really been affecting when we are the richest family on remanent" Weiss said scowling

"Why is it closed?" Yang asked

"That not good that there main source of money" Winter said

Jacques: Effective immediately, I am forced to shut down all nonessential SDC operations.

The building has a Schnee Dust Company sign above it. The Closed sign taped to the window says:

"CLOSED

Until further notice, all operations will be suspended.

SDC"

Drinking Buddy turns and looks at a hologram screen across the street, which is broadcasting Jacques' announcement. He walks over and watches with a small crowd that has gathered.

"He closed them down it going to be chaos and there going to be a lot of negative emotions" Weiss said

"He a idiot if he thinks this will help him win the vote" winter said

Jacques: 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?

News anchors eagerly hold their microphones up to Jacques, talking over each other and asking questions. He puts his hand up and turns away, and the broadcast ends. The citizens in Mantle begin shouting angrily.

Weiss and Winter's eyes widen.

Winter: I think... I think Father may have just provided the spark that's going to set this kingdom on fire.

"He really threading there jobs along with saying he going to fix ironwood mess when he making it worse" Weiss said

"Yeah and made our job at lot harder than before" yang said

"This is why everyone hates him" Blake said

Drinking Buddy turns and walks away from the TV. He picks up a trash can and throws it at the screen, shattering the glass. The crowd begins shouting even louder. Atlas soldiers become nervous and run away, while citizens tip over a car.

"They pissed and rightly so how can we stop this?" Yang asked

"We hope Robyn wins the election and gets there jobs back and help them" ruby said

"Yeah we also have to look out for more Grimm coming" Blake said

"Well that was the end of the episode so until next time" zen said